The mountain sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1844-1853, 1850-06-27
WASHINGTON.
Ills. HONE AND HOUSEHOLD,

His HONE AND HOUSEHOLD,
Order, Method, EeOnomy, Pnnc'ualiiy.
From the Custis RecoUections ajf the life
and Character Of Washington.
Whenever Washington established a
home-whether temporary or fixed wheih-
or amid the log huts of Morrlstown or the
Valley Forge, the Presidential mansions
in New York or Philadelphia, or his own
beloved Mount Vernon-everyw where or
der, method. punctuality, economy reigned.
His household, whether civil or military,
was always upon liberal scale, and was
conducted with regard to economy and
usefulness.
The STEWARD. Francis. who kept the
tavern in New York where Washington
took leave Of his officers 1888, was the
first Steward 10 the President. Francls
was rare Wing in the Revolutionary day
and attached no little importance to his
person AMI character, from he circum stance
Of The memorable parting o! the conman-
der-in.chief with his old and dlong endeared
companions in arms having taken place at
Francis Tavern. in New York.
The Steward was man OF talent and
considerable taste III the line OF his profess
sion, but was at the same time ambitious,
fond Of display, and regardless of expense.
This produced continued difficulties be-
tween the President and certainly one of
the most devoutly attached to hlni of all
his household.
The expenses of the Presidential man.
sion were settled weekly; and, upon the
bills being presented, the President would
rate his Steward soundly upon his expen-
siveness, saying that while he wished TO
live coniormably to the high station, liber-
ally, nav handsomely, he abhored waste,
and extravaganza, and insisted that his
household should be conducted with due
regard to economy and usefulness.
Francis would promise anne ndment and
The next week the scene would be re-en-
acted in all its parts, the Steward retiring
in tears, and exclaiming. We'll, he may
discharge me; he may kill me. if he will;
bu, while he is President of the U. States.
and have the honor to be his Stward. his
establishment shall be supplied with the
very best of every thing that the whole
country can afford"
The story of the fish, related in another
part of the work. happened during Fran
els stewardship. Washington was re-
markably fond Of fish. 1t was the habit
for New England ladies' frequently to pre-
pare the Goldfish in very nice manner
and send it enveloped in cloths, 10
arrive quite warm at the Presidents Sat
ucday dinner. he always eating Goldfish or
that day in com pliment TO his New Eng
land reeollectons.
II happened that single shad was
caught in the Delaware in February anc
brough. 10 the Philadelphia market fol
sale. Francis pounced upon il with the
speed Of an osprey, regardless of price
but charmsd that he had secured dslica-
cy that, above all others, he knew woulC
be agreeable to the palate of his Chief.
When the fish was served, Washington
suspected a departure from his orders
touching provision TO be made for his table
and said TO Francis. who stood al his pos
al the sidebo lrd, 'sWhai fish is this" "a
shad, very fine shid," was the rep!y;'I
knew your Excellency was particularly
fond of this kind of fish and was so fortu
nate as to procure this one in Market
solitary one, and the first of the season.
1.-The price, sir; the prIce!" continued
Washington in stern commanding tone
"lhe price, sir!'' "Three, three. three
dollars" stammered out the conscience
stricken Steward. "Take it away" thun
dered the chief; "take ii away. Sir, II shal
never be said that my table sets such al
example of luxury and extravaganza. y
Poor Francis trembling,y obeyed, and the
hrst shad of the season was removed un
touched. to be speedily discussed by tile
gourmands of the servants hall.
The CHIEF CooK.-.Fhis celebrated ar
isie, as he would have been termed in
modern parlaEce, was named Hercules
iamlliarly termed Uncle Harkless. Train.
ed in the mysteries of his part from early
youth, and in the palmy days OF Virginia
when her thousand chimneys smoked TO
Indicate the generous hospitality thai
reigned throughout the whole length anc
breadth OF her wide domain. Uncle Hark.
less was al the period of the First Presi
dency, as highly accomplished proficient
in the colinary art as could be found in the
United States. He was dark brown
man, linle if any above the usual size, We,
possessed of such great muscular power
as to entitled him TO be compared with his
namesake Of fabulous history.
The Chief Cook gloried in the cleanli.
ness and nicely of his kitchen. Under his
iron discipline, wo to his underlings il
speck or spot could be discovered on the
soles or dressers, or if the utensils did no,