Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1886-02-13
4ANDMARK TORN DOWN.
THE HOUSE WHERE WASHING
TON WAS ENTERTAINED.

Do~bSou but EANo houses ana was Jlbe
Southern Limit of the CIty-What
Washington Wrote in his Diary.
The chimnies and basement walls are
al that IS left of the old building known
as Washington's headquarters, at State
and Barnard streets. These will be torn
down to-day, and the last vestige Of the
old landmark will have disappeared.
The building was a dilapidated two
story on a basement frame structure, hav-
ing all the characteristics of the last cen
fury. 1t was here that Gen. Washington
was quartered during his visit to savan-
nah in 1859. The building for a number
of years has been occupied as a boarding
house. A part Of the basement has been
used as cigar factory, and the rest as
gunsmith's shop. The Georgia Gazette
of May ID, 1859, gave detailed account OF
Washington's reception, and his enter
tainment during his visit 10 savannah.
The, Presidents suite arrived AT Furys-
burgh. S. C.. in coaches on the morning
of MAY u. Here they embarked, and
we're rOwed down the river by nine patriot
Captains, who were dressed in light blue
/silk jackets, black satin "breeches,"
z white silk stockings, and round hats with
black ribbon, bearing the words: Long
Live the President" in letters Of gold.
Ten miles above the President and his
escort were met by large number Of citi-
Eens in boots, and as the Presidents boat
passed the band played; HE Comes, the
Hero Comes" accompanied by several
voices. AS the procession Of boats APP
preached the city there was grand
demonstration on the bluff and among the
shipping in the river. The President was
received at the landing by a committee
and city officials and escorted TO the house
on, what up to two years ago was known
as st. James square, now Telfair Place.
The building was then probably one Of
the handsomest IN the city. At O'Clock
that afternoon banquet was given at
s'Brown's Coffee House," where Stod-
dard's lower range now stands. AT night
the city was Illuminated, alderman
Scheuber's house showing no less than
800 lights, arranged in beautiful SYM
metry, with fifteen lights contained in
the form of a w in 'front.'
Next day the President was dined by
the society OF the Cincinnati, which was
composed of officers of the American |
army. Alright great ball was given in
the silk tilature, established by Ogle- |
thorpe, where Cassel Row now stands, |
and the President was introduced to |
ninety-six of the most elegantly dressed |
ladies in the city, some OF whom displayed |
special emblems and devices on their |
Rpect to the occasion. After a |
few minuets we're moved and one coun-
try dance was led down, the President |
and his suite retired, about IL O'Clock. At
. O'Clock the supper room was opened.
After the repast dancing was continued /
until 3 O'Clock. The historical record
does not say whether the father of his
country tripped the light fantastic toe OF
not.
Saturday the President visited the old
Notifications, which were long ago level
ed 10 make room for streets and build
ings. A dinner was given under an ar
Dor, 200 citizens being present. The
Chatham Artillery fred a gun between
each toast. The last one, proposed by |
trOus Corps of Artillery" In the |
evening were fireworks. and the |
day Of festivities was closed with q
concert. The neXtday being sunday, the |
President attended divine service in
Christ Church, and 'so0n set out for Au-
gusta." 1t was short time after this
visit that Washington sent the Chatham
Artillery the two brass six-pOunder guns,
which the company yet preserve as sacred
relics of the revolution.
On taking his leave Of the Mayor and
committee Of citizens, Washington polite
" expressed his sense of the attention
shown him by the corporation and every
denomination Of people during his stay in
Savannah. In reply TO addresses by men,
hers OF the committee, he responded with
3 glowing speech. His concluding words
were: "Ihat the city of Savannah may
largely paTtake Of every public benefit
which our free and equal government can
dispense, and that the happiness OF its
vicinity may reply to the best wishes of
Its inhabitants, is my sincere prayer"
Washington kept diary during hts en-
tire trip.
The following account of his visit to Sa-
vannah is preserved in the historical re-
cords Of the CITY:
AT that place (Purysburgh; 18th of
May, was met by Messrs. Jones, Col,
Habersham, Mr.. John Houston, Genl. Nc
lntosh and Mr.. Clay, a c0mitee from the
city OF Savanna TO conduct me thither.
Boats were also ordered there by them for
my accommodation, anon which a hand
some Scared barge rowed by 7 American
Saptns attended. In my way down the
River lcalled upon Mrs. Green, the widow
OF the decd. denL Green at place called
Mulberry Gr0ve) and asked her how
she did. At this place q miles
from Purysburg) my horses and
carriages were landed. and had II miles
farther by land to Savanna. The wind
and tide being agnst. us, it was O'CLOCK
before We reached the city, where were
received under every demonstration that
could be given Of joy and respect. We
were seven hours making the passage
which Is often performed In 4 the COM
puted distance is % miles-Illums. at
night.
81 was conducted by the Mayor and
Wardens tovery good lodging which had
been provided for the occasion, and par
TOOK Of public dinner given by the citi-
zens at the coffee room. At PurysburRh
parted with Gen. Moutrie.
"Friday 18th.-Dined with members of
the Cincinnati at public dinner given
At the same place, and IN the evening
went 10 a dancing assembly at which
there Twas about 100 we'll dressed and
handsome ladies'.
saturday l4lh-A little after O'Clock.
ln company with Gen. Mcintosh, Gen.
Wayne. the Mayor and many otbers
(prlncipal gentlemen OF the cityl. / Wis
tied the city, and the attack and defense
OF II in.the year 1879. under the combined
forces OF France and the United States.
conducted by the Count de Estaing and
Gen. Lincoln To form an opinion OF the
attack at this distance OF Time, and the
change which has taken place in the an.
pearance Of the ground by the cutting
away OF the woods &c. is hardly 10 be
done with justice TO the subject; especial.
fsf M hoo "a nfssfss g.