Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1874-12-29
[For the Alexandria Gazette.
Of the Elder Booth

In ls43, | believe, was "Major Domo' of
the Marshall House of this city. The proprietor
being engaged in another business lett the
management of the hotel to me. On Mon
day morning gentleman and lady came to the
hotel aud asked if they could be accommodated
for week or more. told them | thought
could give them pleasant room looking out
on King street, but the lady preferred room
on the south side, nice, coozy little room
over Vansaut's sadlcry establishment. Mat.
tcrs were arranged, and the gentleman went
down with me to the Office and registered his
name j. Booth and wife. looked at the man,
nothing prepossessiDg ln disappearance, but the
gentleman stuck out all over. Can he | said
TO myself be the great tragedlan. 1t was so.
When the bell raug for dinner Booth and his
excellent lady-tor she was lady in every
sense of the word-came to the dining room,
modest aud unassuming. None Of the guests
or boarders knew who they were, and not a word
was spoken to any one by either Booth or his
amiable wife, aud they continued so up to the
Saturday following, when Mrs. Booth thought
her services we're required at home. the farm
owned by Booth some miles from Baltimore,
on tho Philadelphia road Booth accompanied
melancholy and depressed, and retired to his
room. saw no more of him until the follow
ing Sunday morning, dressed 10 white pants,
white vest, and &hite round jacket said he
wanted to hear some good minister preach the
GOSPEL as it is | recommended him to St.
Pauls Church, the Rev. DR.. Johuson then Of
hciating; pointed the place from the corner Of
the street. and he attended the church. When
he returned he pronounced the Doctor au cX-
cellent and eloquent dlvine-quite tribute
from such an elocutionist as Booth.
On the Monday following he came down to
the Office and said he knew mauy gentlemen in
this city 10 younger days-Dr. Carson, DR..
Washington, aud Sandy Moore, and others,
aud would be happy to see them. went to
the front door and saw DR.. Carson on the op
posi,e side of the street aud called him over.
The meeting was agreeable, bu, the Doctor was
obliged to leave, as the conveyance was then
waiting for him at Kiug AMI Washington
streets to carry him to his house, the late Jas.
Roachs, several miles from town. Soon after
the interview just mentioned DIR. Washington
came along. | told the old Doctor gentleman
in the house had expressed desire to sec him.
lle came 10, and a friendly greeting took place,
but the Doctor was then on visit to patient.
They separated, but they were old time friends.
| saw it, told Booth that Sandy Moore, then
Notary Public, would be there as soon as the
bank Told Potomac) closed. Iu few moments
Sandy was there, and the meeting between
Sandy and Booth was refreshing. 1t was in
the old Virginia gentleman style. Booth To-
vitcd Sandy up to his room and ordered up
bottle of best brandy, but Sandy would not
drink brandy, but delicate cocktail was iu-
variaby his order. The second bottle of brandy
was ordered up with many delicate cocktails "
In an incredible short time heard heavy
fall, thud as it we're. went up to see what
it was. Booth iDsensiblc on the floor and Sandy
dancing around in great gce. | called SER
want and we took Booth into small room.
We had fue cow-the COW had just come
home to her calf. The weather was extremely
hot July it was. [ ordered hot milk from
the COW aud administered it myself let him
be quiet short time and then ordered some
strong tea. He drank it and then slept prob
ably an hour. reused him up and started
him to the theatre. The corners Of the streets
were placardcd, Booth as Richard the Third
tonight" went to the theatre that night
and if ever Richard was truly delneated it was
that night. When he said Richard is himself
again, | saw it was so. Wonderful, but the
COW did it. Peace to his names. He was
gentleman in every sense of the word.
0Nr