The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1886-09-17
Miscell amepl1s.
Ancient Hotel Hospitality.

When Congress first met at Washington
there was but one hotel there and one in
Georgetown. Others were, however soon
erected, and fifty-eight years ago there were
half dozen. The favorite establishment
was the Indian Queen Hotel which occupied
the site of the present Metropolitan Hotel
and was designated by large swinging
sign upon which figured Pocahontas, painted
in glaring colors. The landlord, Jesse
Brown who used to come to the curbstone
to welcome the coming guests" was ma
tive of Havre de Grace who had served his
apprenticeship at tavern-keeping at Hagers-
town and in Alexandria. A glance at the
travellers as they alighted and were ushered
by him into the house would enable him
mentally to assign each one to a room, the
advantages of which he would describe ere
sending its destined occupant there under
the potage of q Colored servant. When the
next meal was ready the newly-arrved
guest was met at the door of the dining room
by MIR. Brown, wearing large white apron
who escorted him to seat and then went to
the head Of the table, where he carved and
helped the principal dish. The excellence of
this-tish or flesh or fowl-he would an.
nounce as he would invite those seated at the
table to send up their plates for what he
knew to be their favorite portions; and he
other parts of the table, which were carved
and helped by the guests who sat nearest
them. II have II delicious quarter of mutton
from the Valley of Virginia" Mr.. Brown
would announce in stentorian tone, Which
could be heard above the clatter of crockery
and the din of steel knives and forks. Let
me send you rare slice, Mr.. A" Colonel
| b., will you not have bone?" "NIrs. c.,
send up your plate for piece of the kidney"
Mrs. D., there is fat and tender mongrel
goose at the other end of the table" "Joe,
pass around the sweet potatoes" Colonel
| E., will you help to that chicken pie before
your"
The expense of living at the Indian Queen
was not great The price of board was one
dollar and seventy-five cents per day, ten
dollars per week, or thirty five dollars per
month Transient guests were charged fifty
cents for breakfast, the same for supper and
seventy-five cents for dinner. Brandy and
whisky were placed on the dinner table in
decanters, TO be drunk by the guests without
additional charge therefor. A bottle of real
old Madeira imported into Alexandria was
supplied for three dollars; sherry, brandy
and gin were one dollar and half per bot
tie, and Jamaica rum one dollar. At the bar
toddies were made with unadulterated liquor
and lump sugar, and the charge was twelve
and half cents drink.
On the Fourth of July, the 22d February,
and other holidays, Landlord Brown would
concoct foamng egg-nogg in a mammoth
punch-bowl once owned by Washington;
and the guests OF the house were all invited
to partake The tavern desk was behind the
bar, with rows of large bells hanging by cir
cular springs on the wall, each with bullet
shaped tongue, which continued to vibrate
for some minutes after being pulled, thus
showing to which room it belonged. The
barkeeper prepared the "drinks" called for,
saw that the bells were answered, received
and delivered letters and cards, and answered
questions by the score. He was supposed to
know everybody in Washington, where they
resided, and at what hour they could be seen.