Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1872-07-02
John r. .Crittcnden and old Kentucky
Customs.

John r. Crittentlen and old Kentucky
Customs.
Mrs. Coleman, Of Baltimore, has written
charming book about her father, John ). Crit
tcnden, one of the great and good men OF ken-
tuckv. This is a sketch of home and home
life:
Il re,collect row Of tall Lombardy poplars
all along the front of the house; they were
graud old trees, growing ever upward, having
neither fruit or flowers and giving no shade;
they were considered cumberers of the ground,
aud were cut down and replaced by iocusts, l
remember them with regret. Inc Tree mas
gone out of fashion, but whenever see one 1t
brings back misty recollectlons OF the past anu
of the old home-ite
Mr.. Crittendcn had real affection for his
trees, his locusts were topped from time to
time and watched over with great care. lie
had habit of talking to himself with anima-
ton. He came down generally before break
fast and walked in front of the house. Ii
alone, he talked aud gestlcuated earnestly, to
the amusement of the children, who were peep
ing at him through the window. Strangers,
guests IN the house, would sometimes catch
glimpse of him, and say, Why who Is Mr..
Crittenden talking to r They would be high.
" amused when the thing was explained, and
Join the children at their post OF observation.
The old corner tree, which was twisted and
gnaed and unsightly to every other eye was his
especial tavorite he would stand by it every
morning, tapping it with his cane, aud holding
with it, seemingly an animated conversation.
These seem trivial things to recall, but the
old Frankfort people will be gladly reminded of
them, and these simple facts will bring back
with them other memories of Mr.. Critten-
den; his cheerful good morning, his rea-
dy sympathy, his transformations hospitality,
aud all the nameless charms of manner,
which not even his political opponents
could resist Mr.. Crittenden was, in-
deed, hospitabe in grand old way,
not as many men are with their superfulty,
for, in his whole life, he never knew that
thing 1t was his custom to entertain the
Senators and members of the kentucky Leg
islature every winter, giving about three din
ncrs week, and thus entertaining, before the
session closed, every member more than once.
These dinners were Of the simplest character.
In early days 'old Bourbon figured largely at
the feast, but later, when times grew hard and
money scarce it was dispensed with. 4 big
fish aud saddle of venison we're the principal
dishes, and vegetables of old Kentucky growth
the ouly addition. In those days | am col.
hdent the French peas aud asparagus would
have been looked upon with suspicion. and
avoided | believe that merrler or wlttler
set of fellows were never assembled around
any table than those Kentucky lawyers and
politicians.
And this of Daniel Webster at Kentucky
barbecue is delicious.
.'Iu 1886 Mr. Webster visited the west and
came from Lexington to Frankfort to see Mr..
Critteudep. He was his guest for some days
at that time, and received from the yeomanrv
of Franklin county the usual compliment la
to distinguished visitors iu that locality, a
barbecue, or, as it was called at that time, IA
bergoo This was regarded as an unusually
great occasion, and extensive prepara tons were
made to do honor to Mr.. Webster, The men
were rallied from far and wide, and mighty
gathering was the result. The place honored
by custom for this Kentucky festivity was
of Mrs. 1nnis, the mother OF Mrs Crittenden.
\ romantic little stream called Benson, wound
about through the woods near the house, and
i'll the dense forest along its borders the Ken
lucky host assembled | cannot explain the
origin of the wood 'bergoo the feast differ
ed from barbecue, , in that it was more priml-
tive Immense iron pots were kept on maud
u some secluded spot, ready for such occasions
and each man was expected to bring his tin
cup and pewter spoon.
''Bergoos' were always the order of the day
when summer vegetables abOunded Ouly one
dish was prepared, but it was as savory as the
mess brought by Esau to his father, the blind
patriarch. All the birds and squirrels round
about were shot, prepared aud thrown inds.
crIlniuatey into the large pots; then all the
farms and gardens in the neighborhood were
put under contributions, and young corn, toma-
toes, peas, beans-in short, every vegetable
that could be found, was added. All this boil
cd away vigorously till the salutationS of the
day were over, family news told, and kindly
questions asked and answered. The business
OF the day (which was making speeches and
listening to them) concluded then all present
gathered around the steaming pots, cup aud
spoon in hand, to receive their portion. | don't
remember that ever tasted this famous broth,
but it perumed the woods, and | know that
every one asked for more.
There was no distinction Of persons on these
occasions, except that the orators of the day
and the visitors were first served; but tin cup
and pewter spoon were the only implements
Mr. Webster was accompanied by his wife and
daughter Julia, aftesward Mrs. Appleton, and
on the great day of the feast We drove out to
Mrs Inns'. After resting at the house we
walked over to the camping ground. Mr.
Webster was received with shouts that almost
rent the heavens He was welcomed in the
usual form and called upon for a speech, which
. he made in his inimitable style. "
BARGAINS IN HARDWARE and CUT
- LERI, at So King street, corner Of Royal.
The subscribers have on hand a large stock of
goods in their line, which were bought before
"a adv in nfx xuh Iph