Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1859-09-27
From the National Intelligencer, Sept %
THE REPUBLICAN COURT.

Observing in the New York journal of Com.
merce few days ago complimentary illusions
to the late George Washington Parke Gusts
of Arlington, we were reminded that we had
in our possession an unpublished contribution
from his pen in relation to the social habitudes
which prevailed at our Republican Court in
the days of the first president. AS these re-
miniscences may be deemed to have received
new interest since the death of their writer
has precuded the hope of any additional COM
municatiop such as our readers were annually
favored with on the 22d of February during
the life of Mr. Gusts, we have concluded no
longer to withhold from them the last contri-
button penned by the "child of Mount Yer
non"
The REPUBLICAN CoURr IN THE DAYS OF
THE FIRST PREsIDENT.-The Presidential
Mansion in Philadelphia 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 1777-78.
The situation was eligible, being in an airy
and pleasant part of the city, with a consider
able area of open space adjoining it, aud con
tguOus to the public buildings Considerable
additions and improvements were made to the
original building with view to the accommo-
1ation of the Presidents household still the
Doms were small, and the whole establish
Aent but indifierently fitted for the purposes
->4uired.
The equpage of the President were all pro-
vided for, the stabling for twelve horses being
extensive and commoaious, and the coach.
houses large and convenient
Washngton's unmitigated, untiring employ
ment and labor made it necessary that lie
should have some mode of public reception for
the many visitors who were continually seek
ing opportunities OF paying their respects and
presenting their letters of introduction; hence
the
PRESIDENTS LEvEE.
On Tuesdays, commencing at and ending
at O'Clock AT these receptions 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 attended the levee in full costume,
and often introduced persons of distinction
embraced the opportunity of the levee to pay
their respects to the Chief Magistrate. The
President was plainly but handsomely dressed,
his hair in full powder, and wearing dress
sword. He was attended by his principal
Secretay, Mr.. Lear, Major jackson, and the
other gentlemen of his family. He addressed
few words of courtesy to the visitors as they
were presented. The company then formed in
groups for conversation, and on the stroke of
o'clock retired, the levee being at an end.
THE DRAwING-RooM.
When Mrs. Washington received company
it was on Friday, commencing about and
ending about 10 o'clock. Two rooms were
thrown open. The furniture that was thought
handsome in those days would be considered
barely decent in modern times. The PRINCIPAL
ornament was glass chandelier in the largest
room, burning wax lights. The chair of the
lady of the President was plain armchair,
lined with green morocco leather
The ladies visiting the drawing-room were
always attended by gentlemen. 1t was not
~ n 10 nt
the drawing-room, but only those of tie age
when it is proper for ladies' to go into compa-
ny. Upon the ladies being introduced they
were seated, and the President, who always at
tended the drawingroom, passed round the
circle, paying his respects to each in success
sion, and it was common remark among the
chit-chat of the drawing-room that the Chief
was no inconsiderable judge OF female beauty,
since he was observed to tarry longer than
usual when paying his compliments to Miss
Sophia Chew, charming belle of Philadelphia
in that time.
Refreshments were handed round by SER
wants in livery, and about that period first ap-
peared the luxury, now so universal OF ice
cream. Introductions to eminent personages
and conversation formed the entertainments of
the drawing-room. Cards were altogether un-
known.
But the leading and most imposing feature
of the drawing.room was the men of mark, the
"Revolutonaries," both civil and military,
who were to be seen there. The old officers
delighted to pay their respects to the wife of
Washington, and to call up the "reminiscences
of the headquarters and ofthe "times that tried
mems souls" These glorious old chevaiers
were the greatest beaux of the age, and the re-
collection of their gallant achievements, to-
gether with their elegant manners, made them
acceptable to the ladies everywhere. They
formed the elite of the drawing-room. Gen.
Wayne the renowned "Mad Anthony" with
his aide-de-camp Lswis and DeButts, fire.
quently attended, with Mifflin, Walter Stew
art, Col. Hartley, and many others. Indeed
there was often to be met with at the mansion
of the first President an assemblage of intellect
and honor, public virtue, and private worth
exalted merit and illustrious services, such as
the world will never see again.
Among the foreign officers of distinction,
visitors of the drawing room, were the Vicom'
to de Noailes, of the French, and Major Beck
with, of the British armies.
There was no etiquette in the drawing ROOM
simplicity with dignity prevailed. There all
was afability, with the polite and elegant man
ners of that distinguished age. One privilege
alone existed. The seat next to the Pres
dents lady was always occupied by Mrs. Rob
ert Morris. This was no matter by arrange
ment, but was yielded to the excellent lady o.
common consent. In those infant days Of the
republic great mans merits were pretty gen
orally graduated by the estimation in which he
held 10 tha holnva1 cbiof Now n n