Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1884-04-09
A Dinner with Washington.

The dinner usually consisted of three
courses meat and vegetables, followed
by some kind of pastry, and last hickory
nuts and apples, of which Washington
was very fond. The meal lasted about
two hours. when the table was cleared
of, and the leaves taken out, so as TO
allow il to be shut up in a circle, when
Mrs. Washington presided, and from
her own silver tea service served the
guests with tea and coffee, which were
banded round by black servants. Sup
per was at nine, and the table remained
spread till eleven. IL consisted of three
or four light dishes, with fruit and wal
nuts. When the cloth was removed
each guest in turn was called upon for
toast, which was drank by all, followed
by conversation, toasts, and general
convivality. General Chastellux,
member of the French Academy, who
came out, with Rochambeau rs his aldo,
with the rank of Major General, trav-
eled over the country and published
an account of his travels. In this he
speaks of his visits to Washington, and
describes these entertainments as de-
lightful, and says that General Wash
ington toasted and conversed all the
WHILE and adds: "The nuts are served
half open, and the company are never
done eating and picking them" Wash
ington entertained a great deal. Not only
French officers but the leading states
men of the country visited him to con-
suit on the state of affairs. Baron
Steuben's headquarters were on the
Fiskhill side of the river, and he fire.
quently came over to drill the Life
Guard in military tactics, with view
OF making officers of them, should the
war continue. Their cncampment was
just back of headquarters.
On these occasions he was accustomed
to dino with Washington. Once several
guests were present, and among them
Robert Morris, who had come up to
consult with Washington about the
State finances. During the dinner he
spoke very bitterly of the bankrupt con-
diton of the Treasury, and his utter in
ability to replenish il, when Stcuben
said, why, are you not financier? Why
do you not create fundsP'
Il have done all | can" replied
Morris, land it is impossible for me to
do more.
WHAT said the baron; youremain
| fnancicr without iinancesp Then / do
not think you as honest man rs my
cook. He came To me one day at
Valley Forge, and said, Baron, l am
your cook, and you have nothing to
cook but piece of lean beef, which is
hung up by u string before the fire.
Your WAGNER can turn the string, and
do rs well as lean. You have promised
me ten dollars month; but ms you
have nothing to cook, / wish to be
discharged, and not longer be charge
able to you That is an honest fellow,
| Morris"
Morris did not join very heartily in
the laugh that followed.
Washington was accustomed to hold
lcvce every week, while the officers
took turns in giving evening parties:
and, not To mortify those who were too
poor to furnish expensive entertain
mcnts, it was resolved that they should
consist only of apples and nuts. There
was no dancing or amusement of any
kind except singing Every lady or
gentleman who could sing was called
upon for song. Once Mrs Knox broke
over the rule, and gave what ut that
time was considered grand ball,
which Washington opened with the beau
tiful Maria Golden, of Coldenham. She
and City Wynkoop and Sally Jansen,
the latter two living near old Paltz,
were great bellies in the sparscly settled
country, and the three wrote their names
on window-glass with diamond ring,
and there they remain to this day.
| :. z. Hc0dicU, IN Hdrpcr'S MUQdziRe.