Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-01-10
EIGHTY.TWO YEARS AGO.
How Congressmen NOughed il iu
WaShingtOn-A Private Letter Which
Gives q Misty View OF the Capital in
1902.

The following private letter written in the be-
ginning Of the present century. by one member
OF Congress to another, gives an interesting
picture of the condition of Washington city at
that time. From the contents it would appear
that there were scarcely any facilities here at
that time for obtaining home comforts for travel
or for getting necessary supplies. and that all
the city had to recommend it was the fact that
it was the seat OF government. Washington's
house. referred to as being the only boarding
house on Capitol Hill which had not failed is
now part of the Hllman house 1t will be seen
that the Seven Buildings, which stand at the
corner OF 18th street and Pennsylvania avenue
were land marks OF the day. and that the Exeeu-
tive Mansion was called simply the Presidents
house Samuel Latham Mitchell, the writer ofthe
letter, was born on Long Island in 1853. He was
professor OF chemistry and natural history in
Columbia College. New York. and a practicing
physician with large practice. He was Repre-
sentative in Congress from 1901 to 1904 a Sena-
tor from 1894 TO 1909. and again Representa-
tive from 1910 TO 1918. He died Sept 9Th. 1884,
John Smith. the recipient OF the letter, was a
general OF militia of New York. a member of
the state Legislature from 1854 to 1899 Repre-
sentative In Congress from 1879 to 1904 and
Senator from 1904 to 1878 He was appointed
D. S. marshal for New York in 1918. and died In
1916.
very much fear the project OF taking an House
at Washington VIII be attended with TOO many In.
convenences to be attempted during the ensuing
snort session which you know cannot exceed three
months
Here are the difficulties: IL we Get an house we
must buy Kitchen furniture, dining room appara-
tus. and Beds and bedding Tor our private Cham
oers. In addition TO all this. we must purchase
our pots and Kettles plates glasses, knives and
forks, carpets, Chairs & tables at New York and
send IL, them by Wafer to Alexandria And suppostng
al this done, what SHAH we do with our things at
staggered at the thought OF all these purchases and
preparations
Further, upon this plan we must purchase our
Potatoes, -four, Beef, Pork Salt-fsh. apples, Wine
DC &c at this Place and send them on also How
shall we manage all this?
What fare We shall have, / know not The Post
master General was here two days ago. He in
forms that there has not been house built on the
Capitol bill during The Recess: and but three lori
iour, ana those mere huts near the Presidents
house have been told that all the boarding
houses on the Hill except Washington's have
failed.
Wen I believe we must take our chance and
rough 1t as well as we can. II the Hill should not
suit US we can try the Seven buildings or even
georgetown upon pinch; The exercise will do US
service. We have lost Mr. Low from the Hill, he
has gone to England.
My information from Cadiz few days ago leads
to belief that the Spanish Captures OF American
ships will be put In atrain or settlement This will
be good for the Merchants and for the administra-
ton. Granger says that in connecticut there will
In twelve month or two be certainly a republican
house OF Assembly! What think you or Rodneys
success In Delaware? This is The second time that
that little state has been divided by the number OF
about Is or 10 votes. Steady Citizens
II agreeable to you we will travel on together
you may drop me a line OF The day you will be In
town. II your other friends are not 100 m portu-
nate with you l should be glad you would make
my house your habitation.
Yours truly Respectfully
SAM'L W. MITCHELL
To GenL John Smith,
Fire place Suffolk County