Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1874-11-03
ROSIN THE BOW !
IFron the Charlottesville Chronicle.

ROSIN THE BOW
lFrom the Charlottesville Chronicle.
In the enumeration of the distinguished men
of Virginia who have cxcelled in their pertor-
mances on the violin, we have seen no mention
of a family of fddlers perhaps better kuown
throughout the State than any musicians who
have been noticed in the public prints We
allude to the famous "ScOtts,' who for more
thao half century have been regular attend
ants at the most prominent watering places OF
Virginia, supplying the music 10 the ball rooms
aud directing the intricate figures OF the dance.
So great has been the notorlety OF these old
Virginia 6dders and so popular their charmed
instruments that for many years they have not
only figured conspicuously at private parties
and on wedding occasions 10 their immediate
ncighborhood, but have been sent for from all
parts of State TO WELD the bow on great public
occasions, when the pleasures of the dance con.
,st1uted feature of the entertainments. An
interesting chapter might be worked out from
their recollections of the gay scenes which they
have witnessed 10 the course of their protes-
sonal career, and many striking Incidents
doubtless be gathered from them ln regard 70
the prominent gentlemen and lades-the bellies
and beaux who constituted the beaumonde aud
moved 10 the circles Of the fashionable places
of summer resort in the days OF Auld Lang
Syne.'
An interview with one Of the "boys," now
seventy.one years of age, has furnished US with
some Information 10 regard to the family that
may possess not merely local interest, but be
perused with pleasure by many persons through
out Virginia, who are indebted for many OF the
most charming entertainments OF the past to
the Scots aod their hddles.
The Scott family, as is we'll known, are COL
10 h,,fr
have maintained through life character Tor
integrity that has never been assalled. Ming
ling in the best society, 10 the capacity OF mu-
slcans, their manners partook of the gentlllty
and dignity of the polite society with which
they were so constantly associated, and we hnd
them still respectful and polite in their demean-
or aud Intelligent in conversation. The mem-
bers OF the family associated as musicians were
Jesse Scott, the father and his three sons, Rob
ert, Thomas and James.
Jesse Scott was born IN the county OF Charles
City. He was of Iudian descent. His wife was
born on Pauunkey Island and was reported
to be the daughter of distinguished Ken
tuckian The father Of Jesse Was noted as
vioust, and transmitted his talents 10 that
Ine to his descendants even to the present
generation. His sou Jesse was the leader of the
orchestra until his death, which occurred in
Charlottesville in 1862. The second SOD,
Thomas Scott accompanied Hon. VIM. Z.
Rlves to Paris 10 the capacity OF valet. Wheo
that distinguished gentleman went as United
States Minister to France Thomas returned
with Mr.. Rives, having served him with such
fidelity aud so much to his satisfaction that be
was engaged for the same service by Mr.: Llr-
iugston and returned with him to Paris.
lie remained 10 France, and is supposed to
have died there, as nothing has been heard
of him for many years. The death OF
the father and the absence OF one OF the boys
broke up the famous band, but the remaining bro
theirs. Robt and JAS Scott, continue to frequent
an engagement. They still live in Charlottes-
vile, where they own considerable property
aud are much respected by their fellow cltl-
zeus. Around them are gathered large mum
Der of children and grandchildren, some OF
whom are being trained up 10 the way they
should 20, handling the bow with great tac,Il-
ty, and giving assurance or successful walk
''n the way their fathers trod.
10 the paluy days of the ''Scotts' they
we're engaged principally in the springs season
at the Old Sweet aud the Salt Sulphur, then
two of the most popular watering places 10 the
mountains of Virginia. Of late years they
have been at Rawley, Coyner's and the Mont
gumery White. They were often sent Tor to
play at the commencements OF colleges and
universities, frequently from other States
Their winters we're spent, principally, IN the
city of Richmond, where their services we're 10
nightly requisition in private families and at
the hotels. The surviving brothers have vivid
and pleasing rccolIcc;lonS Of the scenes and 10,
cidcuts through which thyy have passed, and
among the distinguished men who figured 10
the mazes of the dance and the whirl OF the
p1dv waltz IN the music of their enchanted
fidles, they casually mentionc tuc uames OF
such men as President Tyler, VIM. C. Preston,
Billiard Preston, and others.
What tale those old 6ddles of the SCOTS
could tell if they could speak How many
''sylph like" feet have twinkled TO their mu-
sic? How many soft eyes have spoken love to
eyes that spoke again, while their notes ravish-
ed the ear and thrilled the hearts of the tasclu-
ated devotees of fashion and society. How
many tender words have been whispered, as
the patrons OF the German whired around the
glazed floor "locked 10 each others arms and
pillowed cheek to cheek p How many sly
firtations have been carried oa in the corners,
aud how many little hands have been squeezed,
while Jesse and his boys supplied the music
Tor the promenade or directed the movements
of the Old Virginia reel? Perhaps many into
whose hands this paper may fall will recall
some such experience of days long gone by. Ii
so, let them breathe benedlctiou on the sur
viyors of the famous violin orchestra whose
praise has been ln all the bathrooms.
A gentleman was describing to Douglas Jer
rold the story of his courtship and marriage
how bis wife had been brought up IN con-
veut and was on the point OF taking the veil
when bis presence burst on her enraptured sight
L. ha. Ht,S ShD a .tAr-