The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1884-02-06
At Dinner with Washington.

OF course as the prospects of peace
frightened, the strict discipline OF the
army relaxed, and the intercourse of
the army with the people grew more in
innate, and hence the domestic life of
Washington and the officers became bet
ter known. Consequently many in
'cidents of a private, social character have
been handed down by tradition. 1t is
only few years since two men, one a
major In the artillery, and the other a
member of Washington's Life Guard, both
nearly hundred years old, died few
miles back of Newburg, one of whom has
grandchildren still living in the old home
stead. AS to Washington, the routine of
his life here furnished but little incident
His breakfast was very informal meal,
after which he ordered up his horse, and,
attended by an orderly or his negro SER
want Bill, rode over to the headquarters
of some of his generals. His lunch was
free to all of his officers, but the dinner,
at five, was very formal affair, and
every guest was expected to appear in
full dress If the guests had not all ar
rived at the precise hour, he waited five
minutes, to allow for the variation in the
watches, end then would sit down to the
table. The chaplain, if present, would
say grace; if not then Washington would
say it himself, he and all the guests
standing. If Hamilton was present, he
did the honors of the table; if not, then
one of the aides-de-camp
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 off,
and the leaves taken out so as to allow
ut 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 handed round
by black servants. Supper was at nine,
and the table remained spread till eleven.
1t consisted of three or four light dishes,
with fruit and walnuts. When the cloth
was removed, each guest in turn was
called on for toast, which was drank
by all, followed by conversation, toasts,
and general conviviality. General Cas-,
tellux, member of the French Academy,
who came out, with Rochambeau as his
aide, with the rank of major-general,
travelled over the country and published
an account OF his travels. In this he
speaks of his visits to Washington, and
describes those entertainments as delight
full, and says that " General Washington
toasted and conversed all the while" and
adds, The nuts are served half open,
and the company are never done eating
and picking them" Washington enter.
tanned great deal. Not only French
officers, but the leading statesmen of the
country visited him to consult on the
state of affairs. Baron Steuben's head.
quarters were on the Fishkill side of the
river, and he frequently came over to
drill the Life-Guard in military tactics,
with view of making officers of them,
should the war continue. Their encamp-
ment was just back of headquarters.
On these occasions, he was accustomed
to dine with Washington. Once several
quests were present, and among them
Robert Morris, who had come up to con-
suit with Washington about the state OF
the finances. During the dinner he spoke
very bitterly of the bankrupt condition
OF the Treasury, and his utter inability
to replenish it, when Steuben said "Why,
are you not fnancier? Why do you not
create funds p
have done all can" replied Nor
-ris, and it is impossible for me to do
more"
What j. said the Baron "you re-
main financier without finances g? Then
L do not think you as honest a man as nv
cook. lie came to me one day at Valley
Forge, and said, Baron, I am your cook,
and you have nothing to cook but piece
OF lean beef, which is hung up by string
before the fire. Your wagner can turn
the string and do as well as I can. You
have promised me ten dollars a month
but as you have nothing to cook. 1 wish,
to be discharged, and not longer be
ehaargeable to you That is an honest
fellow, Morris"
Morris did not join very heartily in the
laugh that followed
Washington was accustomed to hold a
levee every week, while the officers took
turns in giving evening parties; and, not
TO mortify those who were too poor to
furnish expensive entertainments, it was
reso lved that they should consist only of
apples and nuts. There was no dancing
or Amusement of any kind except sing.
ing. Every lady or gentleman who could
sing was called upon for a song. Once
Mrs. Knox broke over the rule. and gave
what, at that time was considered q