The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1896-11-29


surER's TAVERN IN 1901.
ened its waters. the finest Lyunhaven oysters
came UP from Norfolk, and every pungy that
arrived from the Eastern Shore brought It's
consignment of terrapin, to be sold at prices
that make the epicure of to-day wish that no
had been his own great-grandfather.
John Suffers larder was always well stocked,
and its preparation for the table was con-
fded to an old negro cook. who had learned
the art of cookery in a school that has
made Maryland cookery famous the world over.
His walters were slaves of himself or his neigh
bors, trained from childhood in the dining
room. and the air of mingled pride and defer
enco with which "Pompey'' or Caesar would
draw q cork for a distinguished guest like
Gen. Washington or MIR. Jefferson would
have been a revelation to Delmonico's best.
/. is said that n wealthy Spiniard on one occa-
sion was so impressed with tho graceful! SER
vie OF his sable attendant at one of Suffers
dinners that he insisted, to the terror of tho
poor darby. in purchasing him forthwith at
any price his host might name. declaring his
intention to ship him the next day as q pres.
ent to his royal master. Fortunately. Suter
had only hired him, so the slave escaped ex-
portation. and Suter was deliveJe ed from temp
tatian. The reputation of "SuJer's' was not
confined to its beds, its viands. and its SER
vice. One thing more was needed. aud in that
1t excelled. The host imported his whisky
direct from his native Scotland, his rum from
jamaica, and his brandy from the London
docks. AS for wines, Thomas Jefferson. who,
while Minister to France. visited the wine
| countries of Europe and made a selection for
his own cellar. is said TO hsve declared that
mo man on the Atlantic coast could bring out
n better bottle of Madeira or sherry than old
Suter,''-but he liked his own wines better.
The outward appearance of Suter's Tavern
was by NJ means equal to its internal excel
lence. In fact. it had no pretensions to style
externally. 1t was a long. low wooden build
ing. one story and attic. with a wide porch run
ming the whole front of the house, which com-
manded n fine view OF the Potomac winding
its way as far as Alexandria. The tavern faced
The "Bladensburgh road which led down q
few hundred feet to the ferry that piled be-
tween tho Maryland and Vireinia shores. and
over which passed all the North and South
travel. Tho accompanying illustration shows
the old building as 1t appeared in 1901. Since
then the porch has disappeared. the road has
neen cut down. AMI n story Of succeed brick
has been inserted under the original house
to connect it with grade.
THE MEETING AT SUFFERS.
The tall. martial figure in the picture, with
top boots. queue. and cooked hat, who has just
dismounted from his horse. whip in hand. Ia
doubtless Intended for Gen. Washington as he
appeared one morning in March. 1901. when
about to transact the business he has thus re-
corded in his diary for that year:
AT Georgetown, March IS. Left Bladens-
burgh at half after q, and breakfasted at George
Town about s.; where. having appointed the
Commissioners undo r the Residence law to meet
me. l found Mr.. Thomas johnson, ono of
them land who is Chief Justice of the State) in
waiting and soon after came in David Stuart
few miles out OF town was met by the prin-
cipal citizens OF, the place and escorted in by
them, ana dined at Suffers Tavern where I
also lodEed) at n public dinner given by the
Mayor and corporation previous to which I
examined tho Survey Of Mr.. ,lAndrewj Eli
colt, who had been sent on to lay out tho dis
trict of ten miles square for the Federal seat;
and also the works of Major L'Enfant, who
had been engaged to examine and mako a
d -augh5 OF the grds. In the vicinity OF George
Town and Carrollsburg on the eastern branch"
The Commissioners mentioned here had been
appointed under. the act OF Congress OF July
IS. 1900, providing for the establishment OF
tomuc. Thomas, johnson. Chief Justice Of
Maryland. was their Chairman. He had been
fs SSIispiSno"s and lfad shd !" NJ Msr sislS d 1sis. Of s ,se
first brigade of State troops he was selected
70 n it.. lie was the first c%onstitu-
office for three terms, when no declined n re-
election. He was II delegate to tho Federal
N-ciSiUHF ~ u''' ~ " wv WIN II InhL
Congress nominated George Washington TO DO
Commanier-in-Chief Of the Continental army.
uominse, and was his firm and fearless sup
porter under all circumstances. Washington
appreciated his attachment and adnilted him
to a familiar friendship enjoyed by very few.
subscribing himself IN his letters to him a.
Johnson was an earnest, energetic man. who
did everything with all his might. This trait
extended to his conversation. which was foroi.
while In m OF the Maryland troops, he
found IT necessary to consult the Commander In
Chief on military matters. and went TO New
out stonplng to change his travel'stained cos
lie, was halted at the door by a sentinel, who
had orders TO aimit no one TO. the presence OF
him. the sentinel sent for Major Humphreys,
one OF the aides. To him johnson repeated
Humphreys, somewhat Indignant, vent up to
the Generals room and reported that there
i MsS hlm m.H " "DEn | f'a not toIi y SoS,'t Mai SPo as sss-
~phreys.' said the General, sternly. that
you'd rs see no , GneS Ny WHO VI i 18th TIL am. MANI (" q. "W We'll
Johnson of Maryland and that he must SEQ
y" 9S dr :, o qu 1 { I Hn is said Idrv W rsshnntSI:
The ffa's great os Ie"m in INV Which %R Wa SRfs; ot%a' held
he twice offered him u place IN his Cabinet.
The second time he rendered MIN ,hg position
and an i in dang so 90 w Sssss' him iG sH. ! 6 I know %1
wishes Of old to bring you into the Administra-
ed tho appointment of Justice OF the Supreme
Court, which lie filled with ability several
Hill in Frederic county, Nd. full ot.years.wen
spent and honors well earned.
Daniel Carroll of Duddington.. the second
Commissioners. belonged TO the rich and dis
tinGuiahed Carroll family, being a cousin of
Charles Carroll of Carrollton, and n brother of
Archbishop Carroll. He owned . large estate,
Including the village of Carrollsburg, which
his father had laid out on the eastern branch
OF the Potomac, and 'Jenkins's HILL" upon
which the Capitol now stands. He was q mem. |