Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1904-02-18

Stringless spinnets and dumb harp
sichords stand mute records of the
days gone by, while empty chairs and
broken tables, like limping spirits, fill
the halls and rooms with shadows of
the past.
The front and portico Of the Car
lyle House remain to-day as they were
originally when they looked unob-
structedly across upon the ancient
market place of the town, and beyond
to the further side of that square,
where still survives the old City Hotel
built in 1852, and for some time Wash
ington's headquarters.
This same hotel, then known as
Wise's tavern, was built by Lord
airfax out OF the same lot of bricks
he imported from England in 17.1,
from which he also built Christ
Church, where Washington worship
ped, and the chapel to the same
church at PohiclI, few miles distant.
The Fairfax House, still surviving,
was bIilt between the market space
and Christ church.
The market space OF Alexandria Is
Intimately connected with the story
of Washington's life at Mt. Vernon. At
one time the place was known as Bell
haven, and in those days, according
TO Weerns, it boosted more of beauty
for the eye than charms for the pal
ate. He says:
Not that the neighborhood Of Bell
haven was a desert; on the contrary,
it was In many places garden spot
abounding with Injuries. But it's in
habita1ts, though wealthy, were not
wise. By the successful culture of
tobacco they had money. And having
filed their coach houses with gilt car
riages, and their dining rooms with
gilt glasses, they began to look down
non the poorer sort and to talk about
families.
OF course it would never do for
such great people TO run market carts!
Hence tho poor Bellhayenites, though
embosomed in plenty, were often in
danger Of gnawing their nails. And
unless they could cater a lamb from
some good-natured cracker, or a. leash
Of chickens from the Sunday negroes,
were obliged to sit down with long
faces to half-graced dinner Of salt
meat and journey cake.
This was the order Of the day,
A. D. SO, when Washington, just mar.
ried to the wealthy young widow Gus.
tbs, had settled at Mt. Vernon, nine
miles below Bellhayen. The unpleas
ant situation of the families at that
place soon reached his ears. To a
man Of his character. with too much
spirit to follow g bad example when
he had the power to set a good one
and too much wit to look for happi.
ness anywhere but in his own bosom.
could not long be questionable what
part he had to act.
"A market cart was instantly con.
structed, and regularly. three tines a
week, sent off to BelIhaven. filled with
nice roasters, kidney-covered lamb
and veal, green geese, fat ducks and
COOLERS, chickens by the basket. fresh
butter, new laid eggs, vegetables and
fruits OF all sorts. Country gentle.
men dining with their friends in town
very soon remarked the welcome
change Of diet. Bless us ALI, ex-
claimed they. what's the meaning Of
this? You invited us to family fare
and here you have given us a lord
mayors feast Yes, replied the
others. thank God for sending o. Col.
washington into our neighborhood.'
The cat was thus let out Of the bag,
TO the extreme modification OF soma
OF the Little Great Ones, that Col
washington should ever have run 4
market cart B