The Local news. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1861-1862, 1861-11-30


both sexes, and by their parents, and many
young ladies who were already out. They
were considered the most pleasant parties
ever given in Alexandria An English gen.
tleman Of high rank, went to one Of them
with some friends, and struck with admira-
ton at the scene presented, declared that
che had never seen before so many beautiful
girls collected in one room, or witnessed 80
much hearty, honest, unaffected happiness
and enjoyment"
But, this is not the "Society" to which
intended more particularly to refer, when l
took up my pen, to write this sheet of my
"reminiscences. What l thought of, was
the society of home-the intercourse of so.
cial life-the visits of friends and neighbors
the inequalities to strangers. Large and
fashionable parties, of course. to man of
my age, are great 6ores-but have no right
to object to them. because they are agreea.
BILE to young people-at least they say So
and l have had my day and pleasure at
them And, of these, every winter, in old
Alexandria. there were always enough.
In old Alexandria sociaLle dinner parties
were very frequent-not formal, long stu
died, and deliberately prepared entertain
ments-but, if not impromptu. they were
given, generally, after the invitation of a
day. At these, the lady of the house, with
few Of her lady friends, frequently the
wives of some of the gentlemen present, to
support her and grace the company always
presided. The old English custom of sitting
after the ladies had retired, to indulge in a
bottle or two of wine, and then to return to
the parlor for cup Of coffee, and to hear the
music of the piano, was universal. And
talking of wine-t may be added, that, at
that day, the very best wines-especially
Madeira, Port and Sherry were imported
here. and had in all their perfection. They
were generous, manly liquors. l think the
finest Port ever drank was used at the ia.
bic Of -; and he, in the language of
Sergeant Talfourd-"agree in one great
taste with some of the most distinguished
men of past day--if noble thirst should
be called by 20 finical a name-an attach
ment to Port, as sustaining, tranquilising
power. the true cement Of various labors,
and promoter of great thoughts"
1t was, however, at the sociable evening
parties, where the nearest neighbors, the
Fri dc nd ~ oI>o.
quantances, were called around the family
fireside--and where the wife and children
were supreme, for the moment, and as much
the favortes of the guests, as they were the
pride and joy of the host himself, that the
au'ce domum shone in its most attractive CO.
lors, Innocent mirth prevailed, and corrod
ing care, for the time, at least, was banished
and forgotten. 1t was then and there,
Around their hearths by night,
The gladstone looks of household love i
Met in the ruddy light!
There woman's voice flowed forth in song,
Or childhoods tale was told, tf-
Or lips moved tunefully along
Some glorious page of old"
Oh these happy homes " of the good old
own l knew and was intimate in many /!
Never, while memory holds her seat" can
forget the hours that l have passed with
hese families-the heads Of many of which
ire now laid quietly to rest under the green
urf of the burial grounds, and the then CAV
Ind young children, now come to be men and
women with households Of their own-and
title ones to sit around their hearths, who do
lot know the "Old Bachelor" and ask what
TRANCE old man he is, and how it is their
PARENTS bestow upon him their kindness and
aspect!
There is, and always has been, in Alexan.
ria as much social and domestic comfort and
appiness, as in any place ever visited and
great deal more than 10 many cities of lar
er proportions and pretensions. Not many
f her citizens have been overburthened with
iches-but few oery wealthy men have ever
esided here. But the community generally.
IS far as pecuniary matters were concerned.
ave been steady, solid men, living within
heir incomes, disdaning show or parade,
nd better content to be solvent and honest
'urghers, with moderate gains and small nro.