The Jeffersonian Democrat. [volume] (Chardon, Ohio) 1854-1865, 1859-10-28
from the National ln,eligencer
The Republican Court" Described by
the Late George Washington Parke
Custis,

Observing in the New York Journal Of
Commerce, q few days ago, some compli.
mentary illusions to the late Geo. Wash
ington Parke Curtis, Of Arlington, we
were reminded that we had in our posses
sion an unpublished contribution from his
pen, in relation TO the social habitudes
that prevailed at our Republican Court
10 the days Of the first President. As
these "reminiscences may be deemed to
have received a new interest since the
death OF their writer has precluded the
hope OF any additional communications
such as our readers were annually favored
with on the 92nd Of February during the
life OF Mr.. Curtis, we have concluded no
longer 10 withhold from them the last con.
!ribuiion penned by "the child OF Mount
Vernon"
THE REPUBLICAN, COURT IN THE DAYS OF
THE FIRST PRESIDENT.
The Presidential Mansion in Philadel-
7hia was the property of Robert Morris,
and had been the headquarters OF Sir
William Howe during the occupation OF
Philadelphia by the British army in I777-
7S. The situation was eligible, being in
an airy and pleasant part OF tbe city, with
considerable area or open space adjoin-
ing it, contiguous to the public buildings
Considerable additions and improvements
were made TO the original building with a
view TO its accommodation Of the Presi-
dents household still the rooms were
small, land the whole establishment but in /.
differently fitted for the purposes required.
The equipages Of the President were
well provided for, the stablng for twelve
horses being extensive and commodious,
and the coach houses large and conye.
nient.
Washington's unmiligated, untiring
employ and labor made it necessary
that he should have some mode Of public
reception for the many visitors who were
continually seeking opportunities of pay
ing their respects and presenting their
letters Of introduction /; hence the
PRESIDENTS LEvEE
on Tuesdays, commencing at three and
ending at four O'Clock. A: these recep.
} tons there was no shaking OF hands, the
Chief receiving his visitors as President
Of the United States and not as Gen
Washington. The foreign Ministers at
tended the levee in full costume; and offer
introduced persons Of distinction from
their respective countries. All strangers
Of any distinction embraced the opportu
nifty of the levee to pay their respects t,
q the Chief Magistrate. The President wa
plainly but handsomely dressed, his hal
n in full powder, and wearing dress sword
r He was attended by his principal secre
: tary, Mr. Lear, by Major Jackson, an
r the other gentlemen Of his family. II
1 addressed few words Of courtesy to ii
! visitors as they were presented. Th
company then form cd in groups for cor
versation, and on the stroke of four o'c.oc
> retired, the levee being at an end.
THE DRAWING ROOM.
When Mrs. Washington received com
+, pany it was on Friday commencing abou
seven and Gliding about ten O'Clock. Th
Z. rooms were thrown open. The furnilur
I that was thought handsome in those day
d would be considered barely decent i
h modern times. The principal ornamer
y was glass chandelier in the largest room
IS burning wax lights. The chair Of tn
~ lady Of the President was plain arm
= chair, lined with green morocco leather.
=, The ladies visiting the drawing room
~ were always attended by gentlemen.
was not the habit for very young girls
" be present at the drawing room, bu: on
o. those Of the age when it is proper
ID ladies 10 60 into company. Upon Il
Q. ladies being introduced they were seate
CO and the President, who always attend
st the drawing rooms. passed round the ci
mr. Gle, paying his respects to each in succe
;. ~ the cht-chat Of the drawing room tn
% the Chief WAS no inconsiderable judi
W OF female beauty. since he was observ,
% 10 larry longer than usual when payir
al his compliments 10 Miss Sophia Chew,
Is, charming belle of Philadelphia in th
i'd time.
" Refre shments were handed round
lis servants in livery, and about that peric
w first appeared the luxury. now SO unive
;. SAL, OF ice cream. Introductions TO EN-
-, nent personages and conversation form
"' the entertainment of the drawing ROOF
III Cards were altogether unknown.
ur But the leading and most imposing fe
10. lures Of the drawing--oom were the MI
ut of mark, the "Revolutionaries," bot
rco civil and military, who were to be SCI
no. there. The old officers delighted 10 p'
to their respects to the wife OF Washingto
.or and TO call up the "reminiscences of 4
ou headquarters and Of the "time that tri'
nd mems souls" These glorious old che
-, alters were the greatest beaux ofth ag
-, ,"' and the recollection Of their gala
ne achievements, together with their elega
manners, made them acceptable to q
ho ladies everywhere, They formed the ell
m Of the drawing room. General Wayn
od the renowned "Mad Anthony" with i
ill aides.de-camp, Lewis and Debutts, ir
nd quently attended, with Miffin, Walt
,gs Stewart, Colonel Hartley, and many OF
Il ers. Indeed, there was often to be m
he with, at the mansion Of the first Pre-
lat dent, an assemblage ofintellect and hone
ess public virtue and private worth, exalt'
cal merit and illustrious services, such
los S the world will never see again.
Io 10 Among the foreign officers. of distin
ba "a ton, visitors OF the drawing room, we
ali the Vicomte de Noailes, OF the Frenc
and Major Beckwllh, OF the British armi'