Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-04-27
IN PHILADELPHIA.
Some Interesting Facts About His Stay
In that City.

Some Interesting Facts About His Stay
In that City.
In September, 1889, Congress, after much
discussion, decided to establish the national
capital at Philadelphia for ten years, and after
that at some place suitably situated on the Po-
tomac. The legislature Of Pennsylvania voted
that a large and appropriate house on south
9th street be selected and purchased for Gen.
Washington, but when the President saw it he
politely declined the offer, owing to the large
expenditure Of money it would necessitate on
his own part in order properly to sustain it He
was finally provided with a house on High
street, one door from the southeast corner of
9Th street.
1t is related that while he lived in Philadel-
phia Washington gave formal receptions every
two weeks, generally on Tuesday afternoon,
with the understanding that they were given
by him as President Of the United States and
not as Gen. Washington, citizen.
HOW HE RECEIVED VISITORS.
Misplace for holding receptions was dining
room in the rear Of his house, about thirty feet
in length. 1t was his usual custom on receiv-
ing visitors to have them presented by his
secretary or some gentleman of his intimate
acquaintance. At O'Clock, generally, the
visitor was introduced into this dining-room,
all chairs and seats having been previously
removed. On entering the visitor was con-
Quoted to General Washington and his name
distinctly announced. He never shook hands,
even with his most intimate friends, but re-
ceived the guest with dignified bow. WASH
ington always presented manly figure, clad in
a black silk velvet coat, hair powdered. neatly
dressed and gathered together behind in large
silk bag.
As the visitors arrived they formed circle
around the room, and at 315 the door was
closed and the leyee Of the day ended. Wash
ington began on the right of the circle and
spoke to each visitor, calling each by name and
exchanging few words of greeting. When he
had completed his circuit he resumed his first
position and the visitors approaching him in
succession bowed and retired. By o'clock the
ceremony was over.
Mrs. Washington held her receptions. or
levees as they were then called, every Friday
evening, the general always being present.
HIS GRAVITY OF DEMEANoR.
Washington never made himself very familiar
with anyone, always maintaining a dignifed
and grave countenance. He generally wore
knee breeches and shoe buckles and long
sword. His mode of speaking was very slow
and deliberate, and he very seldom made use
OF Jocular expressions save those adapted to
his purposes. On a certain OCCASION at one of
Mrs. Washington's receptions, some young
bellies and aspiring matrOns tried very hard to
win his attention Familiarity, but it was to no
purpose; he maintained his customary gravity
of demeanor.
1t is related that Gouverneur Morris once
made wager that he could treat Gen. Wash
ington Familiarity, and, as the story goes while
at a dinner party given by Washington, Morris
went up to the general, and, patting him on the
shoulder, said: 'Old gentleman, do you be-
heve that3" Washington turned around and
silently stared him in the face with an express
sion OF dislike that utterly abashed his inter-
locutor.
IN THE DINING ROOM.
At meals Washington always sat half way
from the head to the foot of the table, with
Mrs. Warrington on his right, and if there were
ladies present they sat on either side Of her.
MIR. Lear, his private secretary, sat at the foot
OF the table and was expected at all times to be
courteous to all guests. Washington
always asked blessing before each meal, and
In the event of a clergyman being present his
services were cordially invoked. The dishes
were without covers and there was a small roll
of bread enclosed in a napkin on the side of
each plate. The President dined on one dish
only, and that of plain and simple kind He
did not approve of a variety of courses. He
took glass of wine, but never
more than one. and very often of it only a sip.
First to leave the table were the ladies. then
the general, who left his secretary to finish the
meal and look to the comfort and entertain
ment of the other guests. Upon the table were
placed as ornaments sundry alabaster statuettes
about two feet in height. and in the center
were five or SIX large silver or silver-plated
spoons.
THE COACH AND ITS coAcHMAS.
A very familiar object on the streets in Phil
adelphia during Washingtons sojourn here was
the Washington coach. 1t was presented to
him, it was said, by Louis XVI, king of France.
1t was cream-colored, globular in shape, very
roomy and ornamented in French style, with
cuplds supporting festoons and wreaths of
flowers, tastefully arranged along the panel
work, and was covered with glass. 1t was gen.
orally drawn by two fine Virginia horses some
times four, with long switch tails, and driven
by German IN q cooked hat, named Fritz,
who put on great airs"
Washington attended Christ church, and
every Sunday morning this coach could be seen
standing at the church gate waiting for its il
lustrlous owner. Crowds. eager to get a look
at the President as he emerged from worship.
waited patiently about.
THE GREAT DIFFERENCE SHOWN HIM.
1t was General Washington's habit to 90
every day about noon to the southeast corner
OF 4th and High streets to set his watch. at
what was then called Clark's standard. When
he arrived there, it was the custom for all the
porters. and whomsoever might be near at the
time OF his appearance instantly to take off
their hats and stand uncovered until he turned
away. He acknowledged this courtesy by
pleasant and kindly bow, lifting his hat in turn
For outdoor dress he wore q rich Spanish
cloak OF blue. faced with red silk velvet, and
thrown over his left shoulder.
Mt. VERNON OF OLD.
of General WASHINGTON