Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1869-10-12

REMINlsCENCES-TAIL &c In 1894
40. Broadwly, y. Y uow known as the Wash
ington Hotel, was one OF the most fashionable
hoardn houses N the metropolis. lt had been
erected some sixty or more years before, ty II
Peter Wurru, who sparcl neither pains nor
cxpensa to make II one o, the finest mansions ~
tins county He resided init blmsel! durl0g
hrict period, and IT, wall~ echoed to the nus
L. and mlr'h OF his wedding festivities, When he
married the beautiful daughter a Governor
James D. Lancsy.
The history of this Cd cdii,a is full Of thrill
ling Interest, but too long for our present pur-
poses The property changed hands several
times, Was the temporary home OF many dis
tingul>hcd mcu at tFerCnt cpOchs, the
,c-ne OF some very exciting and important
events, and lastly, at about the date as above
named, fell 10 the tcniC' mcycleS OF an enter
prsing party, who filed il with costly furniture
and decorations, and attracted to it, portals the
OyCrs Of e'eglacs whD had no, homes Of their
own to enjoy
Dc Joseph Pricstev, the philosopher, the
popular writer, the political martyr, found here
his Canaan, aud it was in the great banqueting
hail that a reception dinner was given him
which, from its lack of enthusiasm, wounded
more than it flattered him.
Chateaubriand, the nephcw OF MalcSherbes,
an illus,ricus exile from France, occupied a
room on the second floor for several weeks, and
it was here that he conceived "rhe Genius OF
Christianity" one Of the most Impressive and
beautiful displays OF his intelligence.
George Hammond, the British Minister, who
married one OF the famous Misses Allen, of
Philadelphia, boarded here at different times,
aud was a great iavorite among the guests. lie
was a tinc looking man, It ut and rosy faced,
and wore a full powdered Wig.
OueOt the most conspicuous characters how
ever who hOnOrcd the place was VI. dc Tallcy-
rand, the exied Bishop Of Au,un. When he
arrived in this country he brought a letter
from the Marquis OF L1nsdOwne tO President
Washington, commeudug him as one whose
information and merits were deserving ot the
highest consideration.
lie became citizen Of the United States,
and his certificate OF naturalization was for a
long time in Peale's Museum. But although
admired fer his abilities, he was hated Tor the
heartleSSnesS which he displayed in regard to
the sufcriugs OF his countrymen.
Once, on cold day in winter, Ee entered
the large drawing room on the southeast cor
ner Of No. |, wearing, as was not unusual at
that PERIOD buckskin pant2loons, and took a
position on the hearth, close to the fire. The
heat soon caused the leather TO ScOrch and
oyinead the restraint OF good breeding strug
Cling against provocation Of laughter. Tslcy-
raud's quick eye penetrated the mask, without
discovering its cause, uutil he seated himself,
when his sudden cry of pain compelled the
aides to fly from the apartment, to give vent
20 their merrimeut.
His personal appearance was remarkable.
tie was tall aud rather corpucnt, with singu-
larry small legs and deiormed feet His hair
was very light, he wore it long, and parted it
10 the middle. His complexion was sallOw,
anl his eyes piercing, expressive blue. His
manner was tranquil and watchful, and in some
respects extremely vulgar and rcpulSive.
\ lady in New York, at whose house he
often djnci, >aid, he would sometimes rest his
elbows On the table, supporting his face be-
tween his hands, and carry on u conver'atlon
with his mouth 50 iull that he could hardly
peak. lie usually cut all the meat on his
Plate into foe pieces, pierce one after another
with his fork until the proncs were tuIi, aud
then thrust them into his mouth. Closing his
teeth he would pull cut the fork leaving Its
freight within.