Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-07-07


LIFE AT WAsHINaToN's HEADQUAR-
TIERS AT Washington brought
his wife here, as did also Gen. Knox. Mrs.
Washington was fond of gardening, and
with the opening of Spring had little plot
of ground TO the east of the house spaded
up, in which she planted flowers. The
bricks which formed the border of the
walks were visible till within a few years.
Washington's life guard had their quarters
little TO the east of the house. Here, as
everywhere else, he was very methodical
in his habits. Tho breakfast, however,
was an informal affair. Amer it was finish
ed, Washington's horse was brought up,
ard he rode away to the headquarters of
some of his Generals. Every one was free
to come 10 lunch or not. But the dinner
was always very formal. The usual hour
was o'clock, and everyone was expected
TO appear in full dress. Washington, fthe
guests were not all present, allowed five
minutes for the variation in time pieces
then dinner was served, no matter how few
or many might be absent. Grace was said
by the chaplain, If he were present; rnot,
Washington performed the service stand
Ing. Hamilton, when he was present, did
the honors OF the table. If he were absent,
one Of the aides de camp took his place.
Ordinarily there were three courses first
meat and vegetables, then pastry, and last,
walnuts and apples, a dessert OF which
Washington was especially fond. There
was always an abundant supply of wine,
which was uniformly drank with some
toast or sentiment. The dinner lasted
about two hours. The table was then clear
cd of, and the leaves taken out to make IL
round. Mrs. Washington presided at this
with old-iashioned formality, and from her
own silver tea service, which she had
brought with her, served tea and coffee.
At nine O'Clock the supper table was
spread, and remained SO Till eleven. Three
or four light dishes, with fruit and wal
nuts, composed the entertainment. When
the cloth was removed, each in turn was
called upon for toast, which was drank
by all, and an hour of quiet conviviality
was passed. The Marquis de Chastellux,
member of the French Academy, who
came out as Major General with Rocham-
beau, published volume Of travels in
l7S7 in which he speaks in glowing terms
OF these entertainments. He was a guest
of Washington in this old building at two
different times, and seemed TO enjoy these
social meals very much, which he says
were very free and agreeable, General
w ashington toasting and conversing all
the time. The nuts are served
half open, and the company are never done
eating and picking them" Baron Steu-
ben, whose head quarters were on the 9TH
er side OF the river in the old Verplanck
ouse, was always welcome guest at the
dinner-table of Washington. On one occa-
sion Robert Morris aud other gentlemen
were present, and during the meal the
great financier Of the colonies complained
bitterly of the bankruptcy of the treasury.
"Why," said the Baron, 'are you not IT,
nancierf Why do you not create fundsH
81 have done all 1 can; it is not possible
for me TO do more," he replied. "What,
you remain tinancier without finances
''Yes." "Well, then, / do not think you
as honest a man as my cook. He came to
me one day at Valley Forge, and said,:
Baron, / am your cook, and you have
nothing 10 cook but piece OF lean beef
which Is hung up by string before the
fire, your negro wagner can turn the
string and do as well as l can. You have
promised me $40 month but as you have
nothing to cook, wish TO be discharged,
and not longer be chargeable to yOu.' That
is an honest fellow, Morris. ."-Gdld1y.