[Illustration: MAP _of_ GEORGE TOWN]

 _A PORTRAIT_

 _OF_

 _OLD GEORGE TOWN_

[Illustration: EARLY GEORGE TOWN]

 A Portrait of Old George Town

 BY

 GRACE DUNLOP ECKER

 [Illustration]

 _1951_

 THE DIETZ PRESS, INCORPORATED

 _Richmond, Virginia_

 COPYRIGHT, 1951 BY GRACE G. D. PETER

 SECOND EDITION Revised and Enlarged

 PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

 DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF MY FATHER AND MOTHER GEORGE THOMAS AND EMILY REDIN DUNLOP AND MY AUNT, ELLEN DUNLOP ALL THREE OF WHOM LIVED LONG, USEFUL AND UNSELFISH LIVES IN GEORGETOWN

GEORGE TOWN GHOSTS

_By_ WILLIAM TIPTON TABLOTT

 _The ghosts of Georgetown when they meet In haunted house or moonlit street With pride recall the functions gay When down the Philadelphia way The Federal City overnight Moved to its bare and swampy site, For Georgetown then a busy mart, A growing seaport from the start, Where a whole-hearted spirit reigned, Threw wide its doors, and entertained With wines and viands of the best-- The Federal City was its guest. _

 _In memory of the good old days, Whose ways to them were modern ways, Congenial ghosts across Rock Creek, With formal bows and steps antique, Rehearse a spectral minuet Where once in bright assemblies met-- Beruffled belles looked love to beaus In powdered wigs and faultless hose; Or merchant ghosts survey the skies And venture guesses weatherwise Regarding winds that will prevail To speed their ships about to sail. _

 _Still in the shaded hillside streets A trace of old-time welcome greets The passer-by who has a flare For scenes of old. No longer there A buoyant Georgetown stands alone, The Federal City having grown Until their boundaries overlap; So that, deleted from the map, Though once the Federal City's host, Georgetown itself is now a ghost. _

_Foreword_

It is not at all in my mind to write a history of Georgetown. Severalhave been written, but I do want, very, very much, to paint a portraitof this dear old town of my birth where my parents, my grandparents, great-grandfathers and one great-great-grandfather lived, and which Ilove so dearly. 

A portrait, partly of its physical features, its streets, its houses andgardens, some of which still exist in their pristine glory but, alas, many of which have gone the way of so-called progress. In place of thedignified houses of yore, of real architectural beauty, stand rows ofcheap dwellings or stores, erected mostly in the seventies and eightieswhen architecture was at its worst. In 1895 it was that the old names ofthe streets were taken away and from then on we've been just an adjunctof Washington. 

Not only of its physical side do I wish to tell, but I want to paint apicture of the kind of people who lived here, from the beginning upthrough the gay nineties--nearly one hundred and fifty years. Of thekind of things they did, their work, their play, their thoughts andtheir beliefs, for the character of the town, like human beings, wasformed largely by their beliefs, and these old Scotsmen--for they weregreatly in the majority--laid a great deal of stress on theirPresbyterian form of Christianity. Witness the oath that had to be takenby the Flour Inspector on February 24, 1772: "I, Thomas Brannan, dodeclare that I do believe that there is not any trnsubstantiation inthe Sacrament of the Lord's Supper or in the elements of bread andwine, at or after the consecration thereof by any person whatsoever. "

And yet, with this strong prejudice, they coöperated and lived onfriendly terms with the Roman Catholics who, very soon after the takingof this particular oath, founded their college and established theirconvent for teaching young girls. 

Dr. Balch counselled well when he besought his people: "Let us resolveto be social rather than fashionable, and generous instead ofextravagant. "

All down through the years and to this day I think that has been thehall-mark of the real Georgetonian. A great deal of fashion has come toGeorgetown, as in the early days of the bringing of the government whenWashington City was a waste and almost entirely one big mud puddle, andthe foreign ministers and many high in our government sought the comfortand dignity of this town, which was then far from young. 

Again in later years there has been an exodus across Rock Creek of menand women high in the government; in the diplomatic corps; in industry;in literature and the arts; lured hither by the quiet dignity of theold-time atmosphere. 

There are today living in Georgetown descendants of nearly every one ofthe original makers of the town, and all through these years the oldfriendships still persist and flourish. 

 * * * * *

It is impossible for me to express my thanks to all the people who havehelped me and made it possible to write this book. I want to mentionMrs. Gilbert Grosvenor; Miss Williams of the Peabody Room of theGeorgetown Branch of the Public Library; Miss McPherson and Mr. JohnBeverley Riggs of the Manuscript Division of the Library of Congress;Mr. Meredith Colket and Mr. O. W. Holmes of the National Archives; Dr. H. Paul Caemmerer, Secretary of the Commission of Fine Arts; MissPennybaker, of the Real Estate and Columbia Title Insurance Company; theMount Vernon Ladies' Association and Mr. C. C. Wall, Superintendent ofMount Vernon. Also the various people who did the typing and helpedsecure the photographs. 

And last but not least the friends of the old regime who have given tome freely of the history and traditions of their ancestors. They are toomany to name, but to each one I owe a real debt of gratitude. Especiallyto one, my life-long friend, am I indebted. Without her unceasinginterest and encouragement this Portrait might never have been done. 

GRACE GLASGOW DUNLOP ECKER. 

CONTENTS

 _Page_

 DEDICATION v

 GEORGE TOWN GHOSTS vii

 FOREWORD ix

 _Chapter_

 I. BEGINNINGS OF A TOWN 3

 II. THE ORIGINAL TOWN AND ITS PEOPLE 13

 III. THE TAVERNS, SHOPS, AND SCHOOLS 24

 IV. THE STREETS OF GEORGE TOWN AND SOME OF THE HAPPENINGS 40

 V. WASHINGTON AND L'ENFANT IN GEORGE TOWN 51

 VI. BELOW BRIDGE STREET 65

 VII. ALONG BRIDGE (M) STREET 80

 VIII. HIGH STREET, PROSPECT AVENUE, THE COLLEGE, THE CONVENT, AND THE THRELKELDS 104

 IX. ALONG FIRST STREET (N) FROM COX'S ROW TO HIGH STREET (WISCONSIN AVE. ) 125

 X. GAY (N) STREET--EAST TO ROCK CREEK 135

 XI. THE THREE PHILANTHROPISTS 161

 XII. THE SEMINARY, WASHINGTON (30TH) STREET AND DUMBARTON AVENUE 179

 XIII. THIRD STREET, BEALL (O) STREET, WEST (P) STREET 208

 XIV. STODDERT (Q) STREET 224

 XV. TUDOR PLACE AND CONGRESS (31ST) STREET 261

 XVI. EVERMAY, THE HEIGHTS AND OAK HILL 281

 BIBLIOGRAPHY 311

 INDEX 313

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

 Early George Town _Frontispiece_

 PAGE

 Rev. James McVean 6

 Henry Foxall 73

 Home of Henry Foxall 75

 Old Presbyterian Church 84

 General James Maccubbin Lingan } } Benjamin Stoddert } 88 } Uriah Forrest }

 William Marbury 94

 Philip Barton Key } } 96 Mrs. Philip Barton Key (Elizabeth Plater) }

 Home of Francis Scott Key 100

 Francis Scott Key 102

 Benjamin Stoddert's House 110

 Home of Dr. Charles Worthington 114

 John Threlkeld 122

 Colonel John Cox 124

 Old Dr. Riley's House 139

 3017 N Street. The House that Thomas Beall Built 145

 John Laird } } 147 James Dunlop, Senior }

 Major George Peter } } Judge James Dunlop } 152 } William Redin }

 Edward Magruder Linthicum 162

 William Wilson Corcoran 164

 George Peabody 175

 Miss Lydia English 184

 Dr. Grafton Tyler 188

 Home of Judge Henry Henley Chapman 193

 Old McKenney House 195

 St. John's Church 198

 Bodisco House 203

 Christ Church 211

 Washington Bowie 223

 The Sevier House (Built by Washington Bowie) 225

 The George T. Dunlop House 228

 Home of Francis Dodge 231

 Francis Dodge, Senior 233

 The Sons of Francis Dodge, 1878 238

 William A. Gordon 249

 Dumbarton House 255

 Tudor Place 260

 Thomas Peter 262

 Mrs. Thomas Peter (Martha Parke Custis) 264

 Lloyd Beall 278

 The Old Mackall House 285

 Home of Brooke Williams 290

 Madame Bodisco 294

 Mount Hope. The William Robinson House 296

 The Oaks (Now Dumbarton Oaks) } } 300 Montrose }

 William Hammond Dorsey 302

_A PORTRAIT_

_OF_

_OLD GEORGE TOWN_

Chapter I

_Beginnings of a Town_

There are many Georgetowns up and down the Atlantic seaboard in theoriginal thirteen colonies, and even one in Kentucky, much like theJamestowns and Charlestowns and Williamsburgs named for the sovereign ofthe time, but this George Town of which I write was in Maryland on thePotomac River, and because it was situated at the head of tidewater ofthat great river, it became important on account of the great amount oftobacco grown in that area and brought to this point to be carriedacross the seas. 

The earliest knowledge we have of this region, which has become TheCapital City of the great United States of America, concerns the Indianswho were living here when the white explorers came. 

The first of these we know of was the redoubtable Captain John Smith, who, in 1608, came up the Potomac River and made a map of his travels. He tells us in his _Historie of Virginie_ of "the mildness of the aire, the fertilitie of the soil, and the situation of the rivers to thenature and use of man as no place more convenient for pleasure, profitand man's sustenance. " He was referring to the confluence of the Potomacwith its Eastern Branch and the then good-sized Rock Creek. 

In 1634 another Englishman, Henry Fleete, sailed up the river as far asthe Little Falls, trading furs with the Indians. Thus he wrote of thesite of George Town:

 "Monday, the 25th of June, we set sail for the Town of Tohoga, where we came to anchor two leagues short of the falls: this place is without question the most pleasant in all this country and most convenient for habitation; the air temperate in summer and not violent in winter. The river aboundeth in all manner of fish, and for deer, buffalos, bears and turkeys, the woods do swarm with them and the soil is exceedingly fertile. "

Henry Fleete remained with the Indians about twelve years, whether ofhis own free will or as a captive is not quite certain, but evidentlythis writing of his was to good purpose, for, in the next decade, smallparties of Scots and Irish began settling on the Potomac at the mouth ofRock Creek. 

The Indians whom these white men found here belonged to the AlgonquinNation, which included many tribes. Thomas Jefferson says there wereprobably forty of these tribes between the Atlantic Ocean and thePotomac River. The tribe living within the limits of the presentDistrict of Columbia was the Nacotchankes or Anacostians, as the Britishcalled them, hence, the name given to the Eastern branch of the Potomac, where the largest village was situated, near what is now called Benning. West of Rock Creek was the village of Tohoga, on the site of what becameGeorge Town. 

The Indian families lived on cultivated farms of a few acres, eachstrung out along the river. From it came a large part of their food, and, of course, it was their best mode of communication by canoe. 

The most interesting activity of these Indians was the manufacture ofall manner of tools from the stones which they found in the surroundinghills. These cobblestones had been washed down by the river ages before. In later years they paved the streets of Georgetown, but these Indiansused them to form arrow-darts, knives, spear points, scrapers, anddrills of all sizes. Traces of these quarries were found as late as1900; the largest of them seems to have been on Piney Branch, where itis crossed by 16th Street. It is now obliterated. 

There was, also, in this region, soapstone, and from it and from clay, the Indians made pots and vessels for household use. 

Scientists think that other tribes came from far away to barter theirgoods for these implements, and so, over three hundred years ago, thisplace was a sort of metropolis for the Indians. 

It was, of course, by way of the river that the settlers came to thisregion after the grant of the Colony of Maryland to Lord Baltimore asLord Proprietor. This colony of Maryland differed from the othercolonies in the fact that all the land was the property of LordBaltimore, to give or sell as he pleased. Another difference was theestablishment of the Manorial System, by which the owner of one thousandacres or more became Lord of his Manor. (It was almost like the FeudalSystem. )

In 1703 a grant of 795 acres was made to Ninian Beall, beginning thus:

 "Charles, Absolute Lord and Proprietor of the Province of Maryland. .. . 

 Know yee that for and in consideration that Ninian Beall of Prince Georges County had due unto him 795 acres of land within our Province. .. . 

[Illustration: REV. JAMES McVEAN (See Chapter XI)]

 We do therefore grant unto him the said Ninian Beall all that tract or parcell of land called Rock of Dunbarton, lying in the said County, beginning at the Southwest corner Tree, of a tract of land taken for Robert Mason standing by Potomack River side at the mouth of Rock Creek. .. . 

 To have and to hold the same unto him the said Ninian Beall, his heirs and assignees forever to be holden of us and our heirs as of our manor of Calverton in free and Common Soccage by fealty only for all manner of services yielding and paying therefor yearly unto us and our heirs at our receipt at the City of St. Maries at the two most usual feasts in the year--at the feast of Annunciacion of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Michael the Archangell by even and equal porcions the rent of one pound eleven shillings and nine pence half penny sterling silver or gold. .. . 

 Given under our Greater Seal of Armes, this eighteenth day of November, one thousand seven hundred and three, witness our trusty and well beloved Colonel Henry Darnell, keeper of our said Greater Seale in our said Province of Maryland. "

Colonel Ninian Beall lived a long and interesting life. He had been bornin Largo, Fifes Shire, Scotland, in 1625. There he had been an officerin the Scottish-English Army, which fought for the Stuarts' Army againstCromwell; he was made a prisoner at the battle of Dunbar, September 3, 1650, and sentenced to five years servitude in the Barbadoes, WestIndies. Many gentlemen were so sentenced as political prisoners and sentout as industrial servants at that time. He was eventually sent toMaryland, where, after completing his term of servitude, he proved hisright to 50 acres of land and received many hundreds more for bringingout immigrants and settling there. 

He held many notable and honorable offices in the colony, and, in 1699, the General Assembly passed an Act of Gratitude for the distinguishedIndian services of Colonel Ninian Beall. 

As he was Commander in Chief of the Provincial Forces in Maryland, heprobably visited the garrison at the Falls and so knew this region longbefore he was granted this tract of the Rock of Dunbarton. He previouslyhad procured 225 acres on the east side of Rock Creek just opposite, called Beall's Levels. 

Ninian Beall died in 1717 at his home, Fifer Largo, near Upper Marlboro, Maryland. From a description of him in the Records of the ColumbiaHistorical Society:

 . .. "He had a complexion characteristic of his nationality, with an unusually heavy growth of long red hair, and was over six feet in height, powerful in brawn and muscle and phenomenal in physical endurance. "

He had twelve children, six sons and six daughters. In his will isrecorded:

 "I do give and bequeath unto my son George, my plantation and tract of land called the Rock of Dunbarton, lying and being at Rock Creek, containing four hundred and eight acres, with all the stock thereon, both cattle and hogs, them and their increase, unto my said son, George, and unto his heirs forever. 

 "I do also give and bequeath, unto my said son, George Beall, his choice of one of my feather beds, bolster and pillow and other furniture thereunto belonging, with two cows and calves and half my sheep from off this plantation I now live on, unto him and his heirs forever. "

This son, George, was the eighth child of Ninian Beall. He had a son, Thomas, who always styled himself Thomas Beall of George; of him weshall hear more later on. The family was not limited to these, for manyother Bealls, men and women, appear in the annals of George Town. 

George Gordon, the other of the two original proprietors of the landswhich became George Town, was also a Scotsman and had a share in amanufacture at Leith, near Edinburgh, so it is evident that, when hecame to this country, he had means which he invested in Prince GeorgesCounty and Frederick County, Maryland. He held the office of Sheriff ofFrederick County and was a judge of the first County Court. 

A deed to Gordon from James Smith, "planter, " is dated November 13, 1734. In it, George Gordon is described as "merchant. " The tractconveyed was one hundred acres, known as "Knaves' Disappointment, " apart of three hundred acres called his Rock Creek Plantation. Theconsideration was one hundred pounds sterling or about five hundreddollars. 

It is thought that the original Inspection House of George Gordon wasbuilt of logs not far from the mouth of Rock Creek, fronting on thePotomac, somewhere between 1734 and 1748. The main inspection house wasbuilt later on "the warehouse lot, " an acre close to the southwestintersection of Falls and Water Streets (M Street and Wisconsin Avenue). He resided nearby at the site of 3206 M. Street. Later on, in 1745, George Gordon bought an estate for a permanent home; it is thought tohave been near Holy Rood Cemetery or near the Industrial Home School onWisconsin Avenue. After the death of his wife, George Gordon left hisRock Creek Plantation, and went to live at "Woodyard" with Stephen West. 

The will of George Gordon is dated May 10, 1766. At the time of hisdeath he had a son, John, and a daughter, who had married Tobias Belt. To his son, John, "mariner, " who was in the East India service, hedevised the dwelling house at Rock Creek Plantation on Goose Creek andthe waterside lot in Georgetown numbered 75. 

In those days tobacco was, of course, the big crop, and an Englishwriter called it "the meat, drink, clothing, and money of thecolonists. " Regulations were very strict in regard to the exportation oftobacco. 

Inspection houses for tobacco such as that of George Gordon were alsocalled Rolling Houses, from the fact that the hogsheads of tobacco had ahole bored in each head and an axle run through from one end to another. To this axle a shaft was attached, and drawn by a horse or an ox, sorolled along over the rough roads of that time to their destinations. Here was the one place in Frederick County for inspection; here was anatural site for a town, and so came the demand for one. 

On June 8, 1751 the Assembly of the Province of Maryland appointedcommissioners to lay out a town here in the county of Frederick, whichhad been formed in 1748 from Prince Georges County. The first appointedwere: Captain Henry Wright Crabb, Masters John Needham, James Perrie, Samuel Magruder III, Josiah Beall, David Lynn. Appointed as theirsuccessors from time to time as vacancies occurred, were: Andrew Heugh, 1754; Robert Peter, 1757; John Murdock, 1766; Thomas Richardson, 1772;William Deakins, Jr. , 1772; Bernard O'Neill, 1782; Thomas Beall, ofGeorge, 1782; Benj. Stoddert, Samuel Davidson, 1785; John Peter, 1789, and Adam Steuart. The last named gave up his American citizenship andwent to Europe to live, as he was not in sympathy with the Revolution. His land was confiscated by the State of Maryland. The Surveyors andClerks of the Commissioners were:

 Alexander Beall, 1751-1757; Josiah Beall, 1757-1774; Robert Ferguson, 1774, and Daniel Reintzel, 1774-1782. 

Meetings were held in private houses through all the years until 1789, when, at last, George Town was incorporated. 

To return to the year 1752, when the first survey of ground for the townwas made, among the tracts surveyed were the following with their names:

 Conjurer's Disappointment (Deakins) Frogland (Thomas Beatty) Knave's Disappointment (George Gordon) Discovery (Robert Peter) Resurvey on Salop (John Threlkeld) Pretty Prospect (Benjamin Stoddert) Beall's Levels and Rock of Dumbarton (George Beall)

The survey was completed on February 28, 1752 and Beall's and Gordon'sland found "most convenient. " Each gentleman was offered two town lotsbesides the price of condemnation. George Gordon chose numbers 48 and52. George Beall had refused to recognize the proceedings of thecommissioners in any way, so he was notified that "if he did not makehis choice of lots within 10 days from February 28th, he could onlyblame himself for the consequences. " After reflecting for a week he sentthe following answer:

 If I must part with my property by force, I had better save a little than be totally demolished. Rather than none, I accept these lots, numbers 72 and 79, said to be Mr. Henderson's and Mr. Edmonston's. But I do hereby protest and declare that my acceptance of the said lots, which is by force, shall not debar me from future redress from the Commissions or others, if I can have the rights of a British subject. God save the King. 

 GEORGE BEALL. 

 March 7, 1752. 

Can't you see how difficult it was for the old gentleman (he must then, by the records, have been about sixty years of age or more) to cooperatewith the changes that were coming to ruin, as he thought, hiscomfortable and profitable plantation life?

Two hundred and eighty pounds were paid for the sixty acres of theoriginal town. The southern boundary was the river, the western aboutwhere the college now stands, the eastern a few feet west of the present30th Street, and the northern boundary was a few feet south of thepresent N Street. The only boundary stone still existing is the one thatwas No. 2 in the survey, the northeastern corner of the town, and is nowin the garden of number 3014 N. Street. There were eighty lots in theoriginal town. 

The name has been variously attributed to George II, the King thenreigning; to the two Georges from whom the land was taken, and to GeorgeWashington, which last is, of course, absurd, as he was then a young manof twenty, engaged in surveying the properties of Lord Fairfax. 

Chapter II

_The Original Town and Its People_

George Town flourished and became more and more a busy port. Itspopulation in 1800 was 2, 993; by 1810 it was 4, 948. Its wharves werethronged with vessels sailing across the seas laden with the "preciousweed" and with wheat brought in from plantations for the "flouringmills" in great Conestoga wagons painted red and blue drawn by six-horseteams adorned with gay harness and jingling bells. Also, there was athriving coastwise trade, up to old Salem and Newburyport where theclipper ships were built, and down to the West Indies. These shipsbrought back sugar, molasses, and rum, and from the old country cameclothing, and furniture, and all sorts of luxuries, for the thrivingmerchants were building comfortable homes and furnishing them inelegance and taste. 

General Edward Braddock, after a brilliant military career under PrinceWilliam of Orange, in Holland, had been made a major-general and put incharge of troops in Virginia against the French. He landed his troops inAlexandria, marched them up to where the ferry crossed to George Town, where they divided, part going through Virginia, and he, with theremainder, crossing the Potomac to George Town from whence he continuedon his fateful march to Fort Duquesne, where he met his terrible defeatand lost his life. 

He had come from Perthshire in old Scotland, so, of course, had receiveda warm welcome in this Scottish town. And thus he had written back toEngland to George Anne Bellamy, the gifted actress, in 1755: "For neverhave I attended a more complete banquet or met better dressed or bettermannered people than I met on my arrival in George Town, which is namedafter our gracious Majesty. " If only he had mentioned in whose house thebanquet was or the names of some of these agreeable people he met!

James Truslow Adams, in his fascinating book, _The Epic of America_, speaks over and over again of the culture of the pre-Revolutionary townsalong the Atlantic seaboard, and what a high point it had reached. Nobetter example could be found than this old town with its families whohad come from well-to-do circumstances, not, as was the case with somany settlers of the new country, in order to escape trouble. They camemostly from Scotland; witness the names as time goes on. Indeed, to suchan extent, that the little settlement had first of all been called NewScotland. 

One of the very first to establish himself in the business of exportingtobacco, was Robert Peter, who is often spoken of in old records as"George Town's pioneer business man, " and also as "The merchant princeand land owner. " As a young man of about twenty he had come fromCrossbasket near Glasgow, first to Bladensburg and thence to GeorgeTown, and in 1752 established himself in business, and in 1790 becameits first mayor. He represented the firm of John Glassford & Company ofNorth Britain, Glasgow, well known both in England and in Scotland. Somuch of the tobacco trade flowed into the Scottish city that the wealthymerchants there who dealt in it were known as the "Virginia Dons, " andto this day there is in the old port of Glasgow a Virginia Street. 

James Dunlop, a cousin of Robert Peter, also had come from his homeGarnkirke, near Glasgow, first to New York, then to George Town about1783 and established himself in this same lucrative exporting business. He did a great deal of business in Dumfries, Virginia, nearFredericksburg. 

These old letters give a picture of the times:

 George Town, December 15th, 1788. 

 Gentlemen:

 Your favors of the 11th July duly received by Mr. Dunlop with the black cloth, which I am afraid I shall soon have occasion for, my old friend Mr. Heugh being now in a very dangerous way indeed, etc. 

 GEORGE WALKER. 

Andrew Heugh had been one of the Commissioners in the laying off ofGeorge Town. He owned one of the very first lots on the water front andHigh Street. 

Here is another one of these letters:

 George Town, August 8, 1788. 

 Gentlemen:

 The quantity of tobacco planted this year in the neighborhood of this place is vastly larger than ever was known. John Campbell and J. Dunlop are very backward in buying with all cash, but as Colonel Deakins is again in cash the price still keeps at a guinea . .. From these causes I would not be forward in recommending speculation in the weed, especially as those of good information are holding off. 

 GEORGE WALKER. 

No less a person than General Washington himself wrote in 1791 thatGeorge Town ranked as the greatest tobacco market in Maryland, if not inthe Union. 

Duc de la Rochefoucault Liancourt, traveling in the United States in1795-'97, says that in 1791 tobacco exports from George Town were$314, 864. 00. They went even higher in 1792 and 1793, but in 1794 and thefollowing years decreased considerably, which was attributed to twocauses: a falling off in tobacco growing, and a diversion of the capitalof the merchants to speculation in lots in the Federal City. 

A prominent firm in this same business of exporting tobacco was that ofForrest, Stoddert, and Murdock, formed in 1783. Uriah Forrest was bornin St. Mary's County, Maryland, in 1756. He served with distinction inthe Revolution, was wounded in the Battle of Germantown and lost a legat the Battle of Brandywine. 

He was a delegate in the Continental Congress and served in the thirdCongress from March 4, 1793 to November 8, 1794, when he resigned. Hewas commissioned major-general in the Maryland Militia in 1795. 

After the war he went to London on business for the Government at hisown expense, but returned to enter business with his old friend, Benjamin Stoddert. 

Born in Charles County, Maryland, in 1751, Stoddert was of Scottishancestry, the son of Captain Thomas Stoddert who, while with theMaryland contingent, was killed in Braddock's defeat. Benjamin Stodderthad joined the Continental Army as a captain of cavalry and was inactive service until the Battle of Brandywine where, after holding therank of major, he was so severely wounded as to unfit him for activeservice. He had seriously considered settling in either Baltimore orAlexandria, urged by friends in each of these cities, but decided thatGeorge Town was a better venture. 

Colonel John Murdock was already living in George Town where his father, William Murdock, was in business. 

Francis Lowndes also had a large warehouse, and John Laird wasprosperous in this business, and as time went on, meant a great deal toGeorgetown. Colonel Deakins, Jr. , was prominent, for on his tomb wasinscribed: "George Town, by the blow, has lost her most illustriouspatron. " He was only fifty-six when he died in 1798. In his youth, hehad done surveying with George Washington. 

Henry Threlkeld was born in Cumberland County, England, in 1716, came toAmerica and bought an estate of 1, 000 acres known as Berleith, borderingon the Potomac. It ran northward, and the present sites of GeorgetownCollege and Convent are on part of this land. He seems to have continuedto farm his estate, and died in 1781. His only child, John, became veryprominent in all of the affairs of the town. 

Joseph Carlton, also in the tobacco business, who died in March, 1812, when only fifty-eight years old, had held the office of postmaster in1799. 

General James Maccubbin Lingan, a tobacco shipper, who was the firstcollector of the port . .. "1790 and before, " had had a very remarkablecareer in the Revolution. 

Colonel Charles Beatty owned a ferry which did a thriving businessbetween the Virginia shore and the foot of Frederick Street at WaterStreet. 

Ebenezer Dodge had come from Salem, Massachusetts, and built up asuccessful coastwise trade with the East Indies, his younger brother, Francis, coming in 1798, of whom I shall have a great deal to say inanother chapter. 

Peter Casanave was much in evidence in business deals. 

John M. Gannt was a prominent merchant; also, William King, whose nameis still known in business here. 

Among the lawyers were Philip Barton Key and Joseph Earle. 

Doctor Magruder is spoken of over and over again. He seems to have been"the doctor" at that time. Doctor Weems also had a good practice. 

From _The Virginia Gazette_ of January 14, 1775, is taken this note inregard to a project much in the minds of the business men of George Townat that time:

 At a meeting of the Trustees for opening the navigation of the Potomack River held in George Town December 1, 1774, Thomas Johnson, Jr. , Attorney at Law, Wm. Deakins, Adam Steuart, Thomas Johns, Thomas Richardson, merchants of George Town, appointed to hire slaves for cutting canals around the Falls of the River, etc. 

Of course, George Town, like every other town in the country at thattime, was peopled largely by negroes. Some owners hired out the onesthey themselves did not need, either for work of this kind or fordomestic service. A delightful story is told of how one of theshipowners sent a "likely" young negress back to Scotland on one of hisvessels, as a present to his mother. Many weeks later when the vesselreturned, on it was Chloe with a note thanking "my dear son" for hisgift, but saying, "I have had her scrubbed and scrubbed, but as it isimpossible to remove the dirt and stain, I am returning her. "

In 1788 Thomas Corcoran, who that year came to George Town fromBaltimore, intended to go on to Richmond, but instead stayed andestablished a business in leather, says: "There were then in harbor tensquare-rigged vessels, two of them being ships and a small brig fromAmsterdam taking in tobacco from a warehouse on Rock Creek. " The mouthof the creek at that time was a bay, wide and deep, and as late as 1751the tide ebbed and flowed as far up as the present P Street bridge. 

Near there stood the paper mill built about 1800 by Gustavus Scott andNicholas Lingan, and described in an old advertisement as being 120 feetlong, three stories high, the first story built of stone. Just beyondwas Parrott's Mill, called the George Town Wool and Cotton Manufactory. Parrott also had a Rope Walk on the northern outskirts of the Town. Alittle farther north of Parrott's Mill at the bend of Rock Creek wasLyon's Mill, said to have been built in 1780. 

Naturally all through these years during and after the Revolution therewas a great deal of unrest, and trade was much affected. 

The following is a copy of an authentic letter from the celebrated Dr. Franklin to a friend in England on the subject of the first campaignmade by the British forces in America and, although not written fromGeorgetown, it shows the state of mind of many people. 

 Dear Sir. I am to set out tomorrow for the camp and having heard of this opportunity can only write a line to say that I am well and hardy. 

 Tell our good friend--who sometimes has his doubts and despondencies about our firmness that America is determined and unanimous, a very few tories and place men excepted, who will probably soon export themselves. 

 Britain, at the expense of 3 millions has killed 150 yankees this campaign which is 20, 000 pounds a head, and at Bunker's Hill she gained one mile of ground, half of which she lost again by our taking post on plowed hill. During the same time 60, 000 children had been born in America. 

Also this letter, which James Dunlop received in New York shortly beforecoming to Georgetown, gives, I think, a very vivid picture of bothpolitical and economic thinking of the time:

 Glasgow

 January 31, 1783

 Mr. James Dunlop, Merchant, New York, c/o the Pacquet. 

 Dear Sir:

 This comes by the pacquet which will bring you the Preliminary Articles of Peace which were signed at Paris on 20th and we had the account here on the 27th at 8 in the morning which was very quick. We have not yet seen the Articles, but we have reason to believe upon the whole it is as reasonable as could well be expected unless we had made another campaign in the West Indies with the Troops from America and our present great superiority at sea. We had reason to expect everything would have gone to our liking, and considering the great quantity of West Indies and American produce now on hand perhaps you will think we, as well as our neighbours, would had no objections to another Campaign. 

 I have seen all your late letters, am sensible the news of Peace after the purchase you have lately made, will give you much uneasiness but the company are sensible you did it with a good intention and except the idea of peace, your reasons for the purchase were very good, however we thought that General Carletons declaration to you that Negotiations for Peace were open and that in the first place Britain declared the Independence of America, would have alarmed you or at least prevented you from exceeding the Company's limits so very much especially for so large a quantity. I suppose what made you so very sanguine that we should have another Campaign was the Rockingham party going out and Lord Shelbourne coming and on his first appearance declaring against American indenpendence, which speech deceived many here as well as with you. I am happy to inform you the Ruby arrived four days ago which brought us the 100 Hhds Tobacco without a farthing of Insurance which is very luckie and will help to make the loss on the tobacco fall season. We have not yet heard any account of the Favorite. We have done 16 on the Tobacco on her and don't intend to do any more. 

 If this Tobacco turned out good in quality and no great quantity comes home for six months I still flatter myself there will be no great loss upon the Sales. There has been no sale of any kind these five weeks past nor will not be till some time after we see the Articles of Peace which we now expect in three or four days, as they were to be laid before Parliment two days ago. I suppose in a short time after the receipt of this you will be going to visit our old friends in Virginia. It is very probable I may have the pleasure of seeing you there in a few months and as America has gotten her wishes I hope she will once more be a happy Country and we shall enjoy the blessings of Peace with our old Acquaintance and Brethern and I hope it will cement the friendship between the Mother and the Daughter to the mutual advantage of both Countrys. 

 I had the pleasure of seeing your Sisters all week--several nights at Mr. William Dunlop's. 

 Wishing you all the happiness and with compliments to all acquaintance I am, Dear Sir, Your most humble servant

 JAMES ANDERSON

Also in a letter from a young British Officer (also a Scotsman) who wasa military prisoner in a camp at Lancaster, Pennsylvania who was tryingto get to Petersburg, Virginia to see his father who was there onbusiness from Glasgow, there is this addition. 

 P. S. I have this moment received a letter from Phila. Informing me of a passport being procured for my going to Virginia. I shall set off immediately. Adieu. 

Can't you picture his excitement after many trials to at last get intouch with his father!

On March 18, 1783 Archibald Govan sends two letters enclosed to a friendin New York to forward to Virginia "by the safest, spediest conveyance. There is probally now a post direct from New York through theContinent. "

In these days ships approached George Town by way of the WesternChannel, as it was called, on the far side of Analostan Island, wherethe depth of the water was from twenty-seven to thirty-three feet--deepenough to admit the passage of an "Indiaman. "

George Washington Parke Custis, the owner of Arlington, was muchdisturbed when a causeway was built across from the island to theVirginia shore, and prophesied the filling of the channel and the end ofGeorge Town as a port. 

So up the creek to these mills for their produce, and up the great riverto its wharves, piled high with hogsheads of tobacco came these shipsand many more of which we have not the names:

The _Potomack Planter_, Captain James Buchanan, for London. 

The brig _Brothers_. 

The schooner _Betsey_, bringing rum, coffee, and chocolate. 

The ships _Ritson_ and _Felicity_. 

The sloops, _Lydia_ and _Betsey_, plying between George Town and NewYork. These ships from the North were laden with whale oil to be usedfor the lamps which, in 1810, were placed on the streets to "enable thecitizens to go safely to and from evening service. "

The _Columbia_ from Martinique, and the ship _Lydia_, Lemuel Toby, master, for London, which on September 6, 1792 had this advertisementin _The George Town Weekly Ledger_:

 Will sail in twelve or fifteen days: such as may be desirous of taking passage in said ship may depend on being genteelly accommodated. For further particulars apply to Col. Wm. Deakins, or the Captain on Board. 

Out beyond the northern limits of the Town, just opposite where MountAlto Hospital now stands, high on a hill which has been dug away, stoodin those days a tremendous oak tree which was used by the pilots comingup the river to guide them on their way. For a hundred years it stood, known as Sailors' Oak, but like so many other things, has had to go inthe interest of Progress. 

Chapter III

_The Taverns, Shops, and Schools_

With ships arriving and departing and the land travel passing from Northto South and back again, besides the country gentlemen coming to town tosell their crops and tend to other business, there was need for manytaverns, and plenty of them there were in George Town. 

According to Mr. O. W. Holmes of the National Archives who has recentlywritten a fine article on the Colonial Taverns of Georgetown for theColumbia Historical Society, which he read before the Society on January16, 1951, the earliest tavern of which there is record was kept byJoseph Belt who was granted a license by the newly created FrederickCounty Court in August, 1751 "to keep a Public House of Entertainment atthe Mouth of Rock Creek. "

Previously Thomas Odell had petitioned for such a "Lyssance" in 1747 toPrince George's County for one year--but we hear no more of him so arenot certain that he continued in business. But Joseph Belt did and inthe _Maryland Gazette_ (Annapolis) for March 19, 1752, is thisannouncement:

 Notice is hereby given that the Land appointed by Act of Assembly to be laid out into a town, by the name of Georgetown, adjacent to the warehouse at the Mouth of Rock Creek, in Frederick County, is accordingly laid out, and the lots will be sold the 4th Monday in March, being the 23 of the month at the House of Joseph Belt, living in the said Town in ten of the Clock before noon. 

 Per order of the Commissioner Alexander Beall, Cl. 

In 1760 Mr. Belt bought two of the most desirable lots in town at thesoutheast corner of Water Street (Wisconsin Ave. ) and Bridge (M) andapparently built on the southernmost one of them a tavern where realestate sales took place frequently--and again in the _Maryland Gazette_for September 19, 1771, is this insertion:

 Frederick County, Sept. 8, 1771

 The Subscriber continues to keep a House of Entertainment in George Town, at the Kings Arms, and as he is provided with Good Entertainment, Stabling, and Provender for Horses, would be obliged to all Gentlemen travelling and others for their customs and they may depend on kind usage, by their Most Humble Servant, JOSEPH BELT

So it is quite possible that it was still here and that GeneralBraddock's soldiers attracted by the name and sign stopped to slaketheir thirst before continuing their long march to the West. 

This Joseph Belt appears to have been the nephew of Col. Joseph Belt, the original patentee of Chevy Chase. He was a highly respectable manand well thought of. 

Another tavern of that period was kept by John Orme who in his petitionfor a license promised as did others of that period "to keep Tavern inGeorge Town, to keep good Rules and Orders and not suffer the loose anddisorderly persons to Tipple, Game, or Commit other disorders orirregularities within his aforesaid House. "

In the _Maryland Gazette_ in September in 1760 is a notice of horseraces to be held at George Town, the horses "to be Entered the Daybefore Running, with Messrs. Joseph Belt and John Orme in George Town. "

The same notice again in 1761. I wonder where the races took place. JohnOrme was the son of the Rev. John Orme, a Presbyterian minister whoserved as pastor at Upper Marlboro from 1720 until he died in 1758. 

His tavern was apparently on the northeast corner of the present MStreet and Wisconsin Avenue, where the Farmers and Mechanics Branch ofRiggs Bank now stands. 

In the _Maryland Gazette_ of September 29, 1768, Thomas Belt offers forsale "At the house of Mr. John Orme, in George Town . .. Part of a Tractof Land, called Chevy Chace, containing 200 and 300 acres about 5 milesfrom said Town. "

After the death of John Orme in 1772 his widow inserted a notice in thepaper--and added, "N. B. The Executrix will continue to keep Tavern forready money only. Lucy Orme. "

But they were not left in straightened circumstances, and the three Ormedaughters married very well. 

There is mention of a Cornelius Davies and also of John Wise keepingtavern for short periods. This may have been the same John Wise wholater opened a tavern in Alexandria which became the well-known Gadsby'sTavern. 

Also there was Christian Boncer, during the Revolution who like JohnOrme, before him, was likewise running a ferry over the Potomac. 

And then in October, 1779, John Beall is referred to as occupying thehome where Joseph Belt formerly kept tavern. 

In November 1782, Mr. Beall announced that he was moving "into the largeStone House near the Square, the best calculated house in town forentertaining Gentlemen, Travellers, and Others. "

And then Mr. Ignatius Simpson moved into the "House formerly occupied byMr. John Beall, " and the next year, 1783, the Commissioners recordmeeting at the "House of Mr. Ignatius Simpson. " And in 1784 Mr. Simpsonhad no license issued and the Commissioners met "at the House of Mr. John Suter. " It would seem that this same house had been a tavern eversince Joseph Belt built a house there. 

From then on Suter's Tavern became the best-known meeting place in townand even the birthplace of the District of Columbia for there was signedthe agreement with the proprietors of the land for the Federal City. 

Christian Hines says in his little book _Early Recollections ofWashington_ that Suter's Tavern was a one-story frame and stood on HighStreet, between Bridge and Water Streets, a little east of the canalbridge. Christian Hines as a youth of fifteen was an apprentice livingwith the Green family just across the street from this building, andalthough he wrote his Recollections when he was an old man, it is awell-known fact that old people remember happenings of their youthbetter than those of last month or last week. 

It was a rather small building, a story and a half high, according to anold print, and had a large Inn Yard at the side and back for theaccommodation of the coaches, wagons and steeds of its patrons. 

John Suter was a Scotsman who had been living out in Montgomery Countybut apparently from 1784 until his death in 1794 his tavern was a verybusy place. Here it was that General Washington stayed when he waspassing through. 

This notice shows John Suter's standing in the community:

 Georgetown, August 21, 1790

 All persons having claims against the Estate of John Cornne, deceased, are desired to bring them in legally attested. Those indebted to make speedy payment to

 John Suter, Administrator

From the _Times and Potowmack Packet_:

 Meeting at Mr. Suter's Tavern in George Town, 14 December, 1790, for erecting a New Warehouse contiguous to the Old Inspection on Col. Normand Bruce's property in George Town. 

 Edward Burgess Bernard O'Neill

 For Sale. On Monday the 3d of January next will be offered for sale at the House of Mr. John Suter in George Town that Lot or _Acre of Ground_ whereon the _Old_ Warehouse formerly stood. .. . A good title will be given agreeably to the last Will and Testament of Thomas Hamilton deceased of Prince Georges County. 

 December 11, 1790 Andrew Hamilton

Then there is this little item from the same paper:

 The subscriber has for sale, by the Box, a small supply of fresh Lisbon LEMONS, imported in the Potomack Planter. 

 Capt. James Buchanan George Town Sept. 7, 1790 John Suter

Fresh fruit was evidently an event. 

After Mr. John Suter's death, his son John Suter, Jr. , took over thetavern and ran it until he moved to the Union Tavern. 

It had been built in 1796 at a cost of $16, 000, according to a newspaperof the day advertising it for sale: "It is a handsome substantial brickbuilding of three stories, fronting 60 ft. On the most public street intown (Bridge Street), and running back 63 ft. On a wide and commodiousstreet (Washington). The house is admirably calculated for a tavern. "The advertisement tells the number and size of the rooms, cellars, passages and cross passages, and ends thus: "There are stablessufficient for the accommodation of 50 horses with commodious sheds forcarriages . .. And not twenty yards from the kitchen is a copious andnever failing spring of most excellent running water. " The main buildingdiffered but little from others, but north of this and running northupon Washington Street to the next street, was a wing, one or twostories high, and one room deep, the doors opening into a coveredcorridor supported by brick arches, beyond which was a large courtyardpaved with stone. The rooms along this corridor were occupied entirelyby gentlemen, many being planters from the lower river counties ofVirginia and Maryland. They came up on the old _Salem_, which madeweekly trips and stopped at all the river landings. On the opposite sideof the courtyard was a large building in which was a fine ballroom knownas Pompean Hall. This room must have been used for the following event:

 Birthnight Ball. The Ladies and Gentlemen of George Town and its vicinity are informed that there will be a Ball at the Union Tavern on Friday the 22nd instant (Feb. 22, 1799), in honor of Lieutenant-General George Washington. At request of the Managers. John Suter, Jr. 

In addition to this very historic ball, the George Town Assemblies usedto be held here. Mrs. William Thornton has recorded in her diary that onMonday, January 1st, 1810:

 A very crowded assembly at the presidents. We staid about two hours. President and Lady went to Georgetown Assembly. Chariot broke at night. 

These august guests at the assembly were, of course, James Madison andthe charming Dolly. 

When Mr. Suter opened the Union Tavern in March, 1799, Francis Kearnsput this notice in the paper:

 Sign of the Ship. The subscriber begs leave to inform his friends and the public that he has rented the tavern formerly occupied by Mr. Suter, called The Fountain Inn, where he has all kinds of liquors accounted necessary for travellers. Add to this a well of water not to be surpassed in Town. I am determined to spare no pains to render this situation agreeable and flatter myself from a desire to please that I shall meet with encouragement. I also will accomodate 6 or 8 gentlemen boarders on reasonable terms. A livery stable will be kept for a few horses. 

 June 31, 1800 Francis Kearns

Francis Kearns having taken over the Union Tavern from John Suter, Jr. 

Again, in 1802 this building changed hands, for in _The WashingtonFederalist_ is the announcement of reopening, and assurance of bestliquors, and begins: "Anchor Tavern and Oyster House (late the FountainInn), George Pitt, Proprietor of former Eagle Tavern. "

Then there was the City Tavern, kept by Charles McLaughlin. BenjaminLacy rented two brick houses from Charles Beatty on Water Street andcalled his The Sailors' Tavern. John Tennally had a tavern (from himcame the name of Tennally Town). Joseph Semmes's Tavern at the Sign ofthe Indian King, was very well known. It seems to have moved severaltimes. In advertisements for houses for rent or for sale, they seemedalways to be next door to or across the street from Semmes's Tavern orDr. Magruder's. 

From _The Museum_, January 1, 1802:

 The Subscriber begs leave to inform his friends and the public that he has removed from his late dwelling in the main street to that large and commodious three story new BRICK BUILDING, Sign of the Indian King, adjoining the Bank of Columbia, which he has fitted up at considerable expense for the accomodation of travellers. He embraces this opportunity of returning his grateful thanks to those gentlemen who have heretofore favored him with their custom and hopes by a faithful discharge of his duty to merit the countenance and support of the public. 

 George Town, Joseph Semmes

_The Museum_, 28th of January, 1802:

 To be sold at Union Tavern, The BRICK HOUSE formerly occupied as a Tavern by Mr. Semmes. 

 Philip Barton Key William Thornton

Do you suppose that Mr. Semmes had his tavern in this place for only onemonth?

Jane White advertises that she intends to continue her "house ofentertainment" (Mrs. White's Tavern) on a more enlarged plan, asks forsettlement of debts. Nov. 27, 1790. 

George Stevens announces he has removed to the place lately occupied byMr. William King, Merchant, of this place (the house where Col. WilliamDeakins has lived for many years past). 

There are still, to this day, William Kings in business in Georgetown. 

Mr. George Stevens also advertises:

 Any gentleman wanting to buy Ginseng may by giving a few days notice find a supply from said Stevens from One to Five Thousand weight. 

And this from the _Times and Potowmack Packet_, April 21, 1790:

 Charles Fierer & Co. 

 Gentlemen may have their Coats of Arms or other devices cut on Glass and fancy pieces executed by sending their orders. 

Also these items:

 Doctors Beatty and Martin have just received from Philadelphia and Baltimore: Opium, Mercury, Jolap, Ipecacoanha, Nitre, Glanker Salts, Gum Kino, Columbo root, assorted vials, carts, etc. Red and other Bark. 

 Dr. Magruder has lately received an elegant supply of most fashionable paper hangings--and his usual Assortment of Drugs and Medicines. 

He catered to various tastes of his patrons:

 Dr. Cozens has just opened a general assortment of Drugs and Medicines in the house formerly occupied by Mr. Andrew McDonald in Water Street, opposite to Mr. James King's Wharf, which he means to sell at a moderate price. He likewise offers his services to the public as a practitioner of physic, surgery and midwifery. Mrs. Cozens also informs the ladies that she practices Midwifery and from her experience and universal success she flatters herself she shall give satisfaction to all those who favor her with their commands. 

 Mr. Gardette, Dentist, respectfully informs the public that he is arrived in George Town, where he proposes staying two weeks or thereabouts. He has taken lodgings at Mr. Semmes' Tavern. 

Another poor soul who was in trouble inserted this advertisement:

 It is terrible to my feelings, but I am compelled to give notice that I intend petitioning the next General Assembly for an act of Insolvency in my favor. 

A few months later he advertised thus:

 Having taken the house in this place lately occupied by Mr. James Clagett, between the College and the River, a pleasant and healthy situation, I will take four or five boys as boarders at the usual rates, paid quarterly. 

So let us hope he got "on his feet" again. 

John Stevens, merchant, advertised himself thusly:

 My weights are good, my measures just, My friends I am too poor to trust. July 15, 1780. 

Apparently they had plenty of newspapers. In 1789 _The Times andPotowmack Packet_; in 1790 _The Weekly Ledger_ (an appropriate name forthis town of counting houses); in 1796 _The Sentinel of Liberty_, a morehigh-flown name; in 1801, _The Museum_, and a great many more as timewent on. 

The first bank was the old Bank of Columbia, organized in 1793. Then, there was the Union Bank. I have seen a great many of its checks, smaller than the ones of today and very simply printed. 

Business notes in those days were written on any scrap of paper, apparently. Many that I have seen had torn edges, but always the writingwas regular and even, if sometimes hard to read. Very often it lookedlike copperplate engraving. The English pound was used as late as 1796. 

Plenty of schools there seem to have been. One famous man (he wasWilliam Wirt, the author of _The British Spy_ and Attorney-General ofthe United States for twelve years under James Monroe and John QuincyAdams) was sent to George Town for his early training, and has writtenthus: "In 1779 I was sent to George Town, eight miles from Bladensburgto school, a classical academy kept by Mr. Rogers. I was placed atboarding with the family of Mr. Schoofield, a member of the Society ofFriends. .. . I passed one winter in George Town and remember seeing along line of wagons cross the river on the ice, attached to troops goingSouth. "

Thomas Kirk, an Irish gentleman, kept a school first on Washington(30th) Street, later at High (Wisconsin Avenue) and Cherry Streets. Reverend Addison Belt, of Princeton, had a school on Gay (N) Street, between Congress (31st) and Washington (30th) Streets. Christian Hinessays: "In 1798 I went to school to a man named Richmond who kept schoolin a small brick house attached to the house of Reverend David Wiley, graduate of Nassau Hall, who had come in 1802 from Northumberland on theSusquehanna. He was a better mathematical than classical teacher. He wasmayor, librarian, merchant, teacher, preacher and keeper of the postoffice at the same time. "

Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Wiley advertised their "Boarding School for YoungLadies at George Town in the Vicinity of Washington. " In the same yearE. Phillips had "A School for Young Ladies on the north side of BridgeStreet, nearly opposite the Printing Office. " There were severalteachers of French who advertised in the paper; Monsieur A. L. Jancerez, Monsieur Caille, "a French gentleman wishes to teach drawing, etc. " To supply all these schools was "John March, Stationer andBookseller, next door to Mr. Semmes's Tavern. "

And you see they could buy pretty baubles and delectable foods, forDinsmore and Francis advertise their "New Grocery, Wine and LiquorStore, nearly opposite Burnet and Rigden's, Watchmakers and Jewelers. "Another well-known merchant said his new line of spring clothing hadjust arrived. And John Dabney "had received and had for sale at hiscabinet and chair factory a large quantity of Windsor chairs. " Westalong Bridge Street, before 1790, William Eaton had "mahogany ware, chairs and tables, beds, etc. , finished and unfinished. " Anothercabinet-maker was Mr. Schultz. James Welsh, cabinet-maker from London, opened a shop in 1790 and advertised for an apprentice. And there was awell-known silversmith, for S. Kirk and Sons, of Baltimore, haveidentified a tea service as having been made by Charles C. Burnett, whoworked as early as 1793. Another silversmith who had a shop on Bridge(M) Street in 1833 was R. H. L. Villard. 

 Glass Store. The subscribers have opened and have for sale at their house next door to Captain Richard Johns a complete assortment of Window and Hollow Glass Ware, manufactured in this State and equal in quality and cheaper than that imported from Europe. 

 Charles Frierer and Co. , 1790

Thomas Beatty and Company called their store "The Sign of the GoldenFan. "

 Manufactory of Tobacco. Henry Brand & Co. Respectfully inform the Public that they have removed from New York to this Town. 

 George Town Academy. Madame de la Marche has for sale waters for sore eyes and various salves. 

There were public pumps here and there for common use, but manyhouseholders had springs or cisterns. 

In 1803 the first fire engine was purchased. Every house owner wasobliged to have as many leather fire buckets kept in the house as therewere stories to his home, to contain not less than two and a halfgallons of water each. The little oval metal placques one sees now andthen affixed to houses in Georgetown were, in those days, put only onthe houses of the members of the volunteer companies to denote that"here lives a fireman. " Later, in 1817, _The Vigilant_, a new fireengine, was bought. Its house is still on High Street, just belowBridge. Set in the wall down near the pavement is a stone with thisinscription:

 BUSH THE OLD FIRE DOG DIED OF POISON JULY 5TH, 1869 R. I. P. 

Someone who remembers him tells me that he was a collie, and that hewent to every fire along with the engine. I think the men whosecompanion he was, and who evidently loved him when they inscribed the"R. I. P. , " must have believed, as I do, that like the Jim in the poemof that name by Nancy Byrd Turner, he would meet them joyously "on theother side. "

Of course, the fire engines in those days--1817, I mean--were drawn byhand, and the old bucket-passing system was in vogue. 

Farther uptown, on the corner of Gay and Market Streets, was the homeof The Potomac Fire Engine Company. There was great jealousy between thetwo. While the fire was raging, both worked together beautifully, but assoon as it was over, there was usually a fight. 

South of the canal on High Street stood the Debtors' Prison. This wasthe only prison in the lower part of Montgomery County, although thecounty court was held at Rockville, and there the cases were tried. Atone time the town clerk of George Town got tangled up in his moneymatters and was placed in this prison where he languished until hisfriends made good his debts. A report was made to the Town Council thathe could not perform his duties because he was in jail! Nothing nowremains but a part of the old stone wall. 

Here is a description of some of the houses offered for sale:

 Together or separate, 2 handsome dwelling houses, situated in George Town on Potomack, they contain 5 rooms with fire place, four bed chambers, two closets, and have two handsome piazzas. A kitchen near the house, a bake house, two rooms for domestics, a stable, coach house, a beautiful (falling) garden, ornamented with terraces, well grassed, a large fish pond, a well and a spring of water, 150 young fruit trees, the whole finished and done in the neatest manner under a handsome and excellent enclosure containing three lots and a half, extending 170 ft. On Fayette Street and 192 on Third Street. Apply to John Threlkeld. 

Here is one of the business places advertised:

 The warehouse and wharf on Water Street, lately occupied by the Naval Agent (this was in 1802). There are four floors in this house, with a room on the second and third with a fire place in each, one intended for a compting room and the other for a lodging room. 

 W. S. Chandler. 

Evidently a clerk had to sleep on the premises as guard. 

There were architects and builders to put up these fine and commodioushouses, for these advertisements appear:

 William Lovering, Architect and General Builder--Begs leave to inform his friends and the public, that he has removed from the City of Washington to Gay Street, the next street above the Union Tavern in George Town, where he palns to estimate all manner of buildings, either with materials and labor, or labor only. Specimens of buildings suitable for the obtuse or acute angles of the streets in the City of Washington may be seen at his home. May 1, 1800. 

 Henry Carlile, Architect, Carpenter and Joiner. Respectfully informs his friends and the Public in general, that he proposes to undertake all kinds of buildings, as formerly he hath done in Europe and this country; on the lowest terms, with or without material, as he has learned the theory under the first architects in Europe, also practice in first buildings there, and hath finished elegant buildings in Europe, with and without materials, and in this country hath always had the good fortune of having the patronage and friendship of his employees, and hopes by attention to please and to execute, that he will meet with the encouragement of a generous public. He also begs leave to return his sincere thanks to his worthy employers in this Town and Country, for the encouragement he hath met with since coming to this Town, and assures them nothing shall be wanting on his part to merit a continuance of their favors. 

 George Town, September 8, 1790. 

 Wm. Pancost--Architect and Carpenter, can by the asistance of David Willers, pump maker, late from Philadelphia, serve the public by supplying them with pumps, cove logs or girders, for any purpose on the shortest notice. 

 George Town, near the Lower Ware Houses, Jan. 29, 1799. 

Then in 1800, James Hoban, who was the architect and builder of thePresident's House, put this in a paper:

 $2. 00 per day will be given for good carpenters and joiners, at the President's House and in proportion for those less skilful, to be paid daily or weekly, as may be required. 

Imagine! Now when the White House is being rebuilt hiring "goodcarpenters and joiners for $2. 00 per day!"

Chapter IV

_The Streets of George Town and Some of the Happenings_

The houses had no numbers, but the streets had descriptive names. Alongthe river, Wapping, changing to The Keys and East to West Landing whereall the busy loading and unloading of vessels took place. Just abovethere running west off Water Street for a short distance was Cherry Lane(now Grace Street). What a pretty name! Once a fashionable neighborhood, later on a slum. 

Running north and south there was first Fishing Lane which became EastLane and finally settled down to Congress Street and is nowTwenty-first. 

Then the Main Street up from the ferry, called Water Street until it gotto Bridge running east and west where was the Square, also called theCenter of the Town. Then Water Street became High and Bridge continuedon its way as the Falls Street--both names typical, as one was climbinga hill and the other was the road to The Little Falls. Duck Lane becameMarket (33rd) Street; Bridge (M) Street; Frederick (34th) Street, for itwas the road out to Frederick Town, forty miles away; Potomac Street, for the river; Fayette Street, certainly named in honor of the Marquis, but in that age of young democracy, de la was dropped from de laFayette. Then there was Montgomery (28th) Street, Greene (29th) Street, and Washington (30th) Street, all named for Generals of the Revolution. Running the other way were Gay, Dunbarton, Beall, West, Stoddert, this, for a long time was known as Back Street. West of High Street (WisconsinAvenue) the streets became First, Second, Third, etc. Twenty-seventhStreet, after being New Street for one block and Mill Street foranother, finally was named for President Monroe. Madison had a streetnamed for him too, but it was so far out, about 9th, in the far westerncorner, that it never amounted to much. 

But the street that intrigues me most is Gay. There were two of them fora while, the one that is now N, and another, way up near the college, which was renamed in honor of General Lingan, after his tragic death. Who was Gay Street named for? It wasn't a local celebrity, for Baltimorealso had a Gay Street, still has, way down in its old section. There wassomebody the people of that generation admired and wished tocommemorate. 

Could it possibly have been the English poet, John Gay, (1685-1732)whose best known piece "The Beggar's Opera" was said to have made "TheRich gay and Gay rich"? He was buried in Westminster Abbey. His epitaphwas by Alexander Pope, followed by Gay's own mocking couplet, "Life is ajest, and all things show it. I thought so once and now I know it. "

The Beggar's Opera for a time drove Italian Opera off the English stage(1728) by its caricature of Sir Robert Walpole, Prime Minister of GeorgeII. These people were British subjects, you know, when these streetswere named. 

Somewhere in these quaint little streets in the early days before 1800, in one of these little brick houses, two stories with dormer windows, which the architects nowadays call the George Town Type, lived a couplenamed McDonald who had marital difficulties, for in an old newspaper isthis advertisement:

 Whereas my wife, Mary McDonald, has left me without any just cause or impediment. She is about fifty years of age, lame in her right leg and snivels a little. It is supposed she went off with one Robert Joiner, an ill-looking fellow. If she returns to the arms of her disconsolate husband, she shall be received and no questions asked. 

There was another advertisement:

 Alexander McDonald, taylor, removed from Bridge Street to High Street, two or three gentlemen can be accomodated with board and lodging. 

I wonder if Robert Joiner, with whom Mary eloped, was one of those twoor three gentlemen, and what fascination she had that was strong enoughto overcome all those physical disabilities her "disconsolate husband"enumerated!

A man in Boston wanted a wife, and had his advertisement copied from_The Boston Sentinel_ into a George Town newspaper:

 Wanted--A wife: Enquire of the Printer. April 23, 1801. Be pleased to inform applicants, that the advertiser wishes the lady to be neither too old nor too young. Taking 25 for a central point, she must not be more than 7 years distant either way. If of a sulky or fretful disposition; if sluttish, lazy, proud, ostentatious or deceitful, or of an ill state of health, she must have a pretty large share of property to recommend her. If on the contrary, she be of a cheerful, contented temper; of affable manners and benevolent to the poor; if in the habit of being attentive to her household when business commands attention, and gay and careless when pleasure is the pursuit; and of sound health and good constitution (for such only can produce strong and vigorous children), she need not possess a cent. If well-read, so much the better, provided she is not too fond of her book to neglect overseeing her affairs and suffering the hole in her stocking to go unmended. She must not be a pedant or a scold but must know enough of books to distinguish between a volume of history and a novel; and have sufficient spirit to prevent being imposed upon. Communication addressed to A. B. And left at the composing room, if originating in honorable intentions will be attended to with secrecy, honor and punctuality, and should the interview succeed, the advertiser will faithfully describe his situation and prospects. 

Was this paragon discovered in old George Town and taken to Boston forkeeps? No one knows. 

But this might easily have been so, as witness these advertisements ofthe plays being shown in George Town in 1790, for on July 21 thisappears: "The Theatre of this Town was opened by Mr. McGrath's Companyof Comedians, with the celebrated comedy The Miser. This Company is byfar the best that ever visited this town. " Then on August 12 there was"The Beggars Opera and A Comedy of two acts, Barnaby Brittle or a Wifeat her Wits End. Also in August Mr. McGrath's Company of Comedians gaveThe Tragedy of Douglas and Garrick's Comedy of Two Acts called The LyingValet. "

 The curtain will rise at 7 o'clock Tickets at three quarters of a dollar each to be had at Mr. Suter's and Mrs. White's Taverns and at this Printing Office. 

Another evening will be presented the "Tragedy of Jane Shore. Betweenthe play and the farce a humorous dissertation of Jealousy to bedelivered by Mr. McGrath to which will be added a farce called CrossPurposes, or Which is the Man. The doors to be opened at half past fiveand the curtain to rise at half past six. "

For attendance at these performances and other social events, the ladiesand gentlemen of George Town were naturally interested in thisadvertisement in the paper:

 BY FASHIONS WE LIVE

 JOHN JONES

 Hair dresser for Ladies and Gentlemen. Begs leave to inform Ladies and Gentlemen of George Town and its vicinage that he intends carrying on his profession in all its different branches and fashions; he also carries on the Cushion, Perriwig, Curls, Braids, false curls and Gentlemen's Bandoe making. The highest price given for human hair. 

George Town, at this time, was even favored by the presence of one ofthe greatest portrait painters of his time, Gilbert Stuart. About 1803he spent two years here. He painted Jefferson and the men who followedhim in the Presidency up through John Quincy Adams. He had, of course, previously been much at Mount Vernon while doing his famous portraits ofGeneral Washington. It is said that Washington was the only person inwhose presence Stuart was ever embarrassed. 

There were drawing teachers and dancing masters. "Mr. Carle, dancingmaster, may be spoke with on school days at Mrs. White's Tavern. ""Dancing School of J. B. Duclaviacq at his dancing room back of Mr. Turner's Counting House. "

Perhaps it was one of these two which advertised, "A nightDancing-School for the Reception of Gentlemen who are not at leisure toattend in the Day-time; will be kept the evenings of the School days;The Price to each Scholar will be Four dollars. A subscription is lodgedwith Mr. Peter Casanave. "

Gaming at cards at private balls and parties and toddy at dinner dateback to the earliest knowledge of society in this vicinity. Cardplaying, horse-racing and other sports were fashionable and popular andhad not abated in 1800 when the Government came. 

In chronicles of Sir Augustus Foster, the British Minister in 1805 henotes the balls in Georgetown "Cards for everybody, loo for thegirls--brag for the men. "

But all was not play, for in the _Times_ and _Potowmack Packet_ is thisnewsnote:

 On the 13th inst. A daughter of Mr. Aaron Haynes of this town, a young miss in the tenth year of her age, spun 50 knots of good linen yarn, from sun-rise to sunset. An example of industry, highly honorable to herself and well worthy of imitation. 

And speaking of youth here is an interesting item:

 This day were baptized three male children (the uncommon gift of Providence at one birth) by the names of George Washington, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin. 

Then this sad and interesting advertisement:

 With regret and shame the subscriber finds himself under the necessity of advertising his wife. Although it is practised by some white people, yet he, though black, blushes at the thought of declaring to the world that his wife has run away. But disagreeable as it is, he does by these presents make known that Lucy, his wife, has eloped from his bed and board and forbids all persons harbouring or trusting her, as he will pay no debts of her contracting after this date. 

 Prince Hull. 

On June 30, 1790 there was this announcement in the newspaper:

 The gentlemen who have subscribed to celebrate the Anniversary of American Independency will be pleased to attend at Mrs. White's Tavern at Four O' clock tomorrow afternoon to choose Managers to regulate the proceedings of that day. 

Scheme of a Lottery:

 To raise the sum of One Thousand Five Hundred and Nine Dollars for the purpose of finishing the Church between George Town and Bladensburgh, called Rock Creek Church. 

 All prizes not demanded in six months after the drawing, will be deemed generous contributions. 

 3000 Tickets at Two dollars each. 

 As the above is laudable it is expected that it will meet with approbation and support of the public. As soon as the tickets are sold the drawing will commence at Mr. John Suter's at George Town and the Prizes paid immediately thereafter on application to Thomas Beall Treasurer, in specie. 

 MANAGERS

 Col. Wm. Deakins Robert Peter Benj. Stoddert John Peter Brooke Beall Bernard O'Neil John Threlkeld Anthony Hollmead Thomas Cramphin Col. George Beall Thomas Beall of George Treasurer

 _The Times and Potowmack Packet. _ November 25, 1789. 

Five years before in September 1784 in the _Maryland Gazette_ there wasan advertisement for the George Town Academy lottery:

 Scheme of a lottery for raising $1, 400 to be applied to the purchasing a house for the use of the George Town Academy. 

 The right education of youth is an object of such vast importance of freedom and happiness that there needs no strength of reasoning to recommend the above scheme which is meant to promote it to the patronage and encouragement of a liberal public. 

 Tickets may be had from Messrs. Robert Peter, William Deakins, Jr. , Bernard O'Neill, Henry Townsend, John P. Boucher, Benj. Stoddert, Robt. Philips, Sam'l Davidson, Brooke Beall, and Dr. Walter Smith at George Town;

 Wm. D. Beall at Bladensburg, Henry Lyles, Alexandria; Thomas Clagett, at Piscataway, Abraham Faw and Patrick Sim Smith, Frederick-town, and David Stewart and Cumberland Dugan and Mr. Henderson at Baltimore. 

 David Crawford, Upper Marlboro; Alexander Clagett, Hager's Town. 

 The drawing will commence at George Town as soon as the tickets are all sold. 

 Managers are Robt. Peter Benj. Stoddert Wm. Deakins, Jr. 

 Who will faithfully execute the trust reposed in them. 

Henry Stouffer advertised in 1789 his Stage to Annapolis, three times aweek which took six or seven hours at the farthest. And in the samepaper the Annapolis Packet run by Edward Thomas (of course by water)goes twice a week charging 7 shillings, 6 pence. 

In the _Impartial Observer and Washington Advertiser_ of June 26, 1795:

 George Town, Washington and Alexandria Packet--James Bull Master. 

 Will leave George Town every morning at seven o'clock and call at this place (City of Washington) on her way to Alexandria. Leave Alexandria every evening at 4 and call on way to George Town. 17 cents from George Town to Greenleaf Point, 33 to Alexandria. Passages engaged at Mr. Suter's or Mr. Semmes' Tavern in George Town; at Mr. Ward's, Greenleaf Point, and Mr. Thomas Porter's Store, Alexandria. 

 Ferry boats must not have pendent or any other colour flying or ring a bell on board so as to affrighten the horses and thereby endanger the lives of the passengers. Penalty of $20. 

_Sentinel of Liberty_, June 27, 1800:

 The Stages will leave Light-Lane Number 3 adjoining the Fountain Inn every day (Monday excepted. )

 Returning, leave Mr. Heiskell's, Alexandria, at 3 o'clock. Mr. Semmes' at George Town at 5. 

There were also stages going out to Rockville and to Frederick. 

In later years there was a conveyance running to Rockville spoken of as"The Hack. "

The license tax list discriminated in license value of one-horse chaiseand two-wheel coach. 

This thriving town had of course to be regulated and governed, and thereare copies in existence of the ordinances and by-laws for making it safeand agreeable. One passed on the 20th November 1791, related to "thegoing at large of geese and swine" and makes it "lawful to kill any suchand give notice to the Mayor or one of the Aldermen, the offender to besent to the public market house where the owner may claim within fourhours, or if no claim in four hours, the finder take and apply to properuse. All goats running at large shall be forfeited to who ever shalltake them up. "

Also on August 4, 1795 an ordinance relating to garbage, glass bottles, or oyster shells in quantity 30 shillings fine. We are still havingtrouble keeping Georgetown neat and clean. 

And they had trouble about speeding then as now, for there was passed anordinance August 4, 1795 "that any person who shall by galloping, orotherwise force at an improper speed any Horse, Mare, or Gelding, shallif a free man, forfeit and pay for every such offence the sum of 15shillings current money; if an apprentice, servant or a slave themaster or the mistress shall forfeit and pay the sum of 7 shillings andsixpence. "

And in 1807 they passed an ordinance to "more effectually diminish thenumber of dogs in Gerogetown as they have become a public nuisance; onthe first dog of the male kind owned by any one person, $1; on thesecond, $2; and on all over two, owned by the same person, $5; and onthe first of the female kind, $2; on the second, $4; and on all dogs ofthe female kind over and above two, owned by the same person, $10. "

Then they passed an ordinance, "that after the first day of May next noslave shall be permitted to sell any article whatever (other than fruit)on the Sabboth. "

In 1811 the Mayor was ordered to appoint and hire eight men of goodcharacter to keep a night watch at the rate of $150 per annum, one ofthem to act as Captain at the rate of $250. 

They probably officiated at these events. 

 Ordinance passed 10th October 1796. 

 Whereas many respectable inhabitants of Georgetown have complained that they suffer great inconvenience from the vast concourse of idle white and black persons that frequently assemble together for the purpose of fighting cocks, at which time they drink to access, become riotous, and disturb the quiet and repose of the good citizens, be it ordained by Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen, and Common Council that any white person or persons or free negro or negroes who shall presume to fight any game cocks or dunghill fouls within the jurisdiction of the corporation for any wagers or for diversion shall for every offense pay $5. Also if having assembled in a disorderly manner for the purpose of fighting cocks, if they refuse to disperse, constables shall take such negro or negroes (being slaves) and give him, her, or them, due correction upon the bare back in some public part of Georgetown not exceeding 39 strikes. 

An ordinance for regulating and licensing hackney carriages, billiardtables, theatrical and other public amusements. 

Another says, . .. Any person or persons who shall keep or maintain the common gaming house or open or set up any public gaming table shall forfeit and pay $20 current money. 

 Provided always, that licensed billiard tables are not intended hereby to be prohibited or herein included. 

Passed 4th October 1803. 

The fire engines and fire buckets heretofore bought by the subscriptionof sundry inhabitants of the town have been offered for the use of thetown. 

In 1801 the corporation of Georgetown was concerning itself a good dealwith the paving of the streets. 

John Mason, Jesse Baley and Wm. H. Dorsey were a committee to reportpermanent systems for improving the streets and alleys, whether bypaving or otherwise. 

They determined to commence the work at the intersection of Washington(30th) and Bridge (M) Streets and carry the pavement up along the northside of Bridge Street to the intersection of High and Water Streets andthence, after paving with round stone the Center Square to continue itafterwards along the south of Fall Street . .. To remove the earth andpave 5 ft. Wide against the curb stone, where individuals would notpave, from Washington to High Street and to graduate and pave the CenterSquare. 

There was a good deal more work of that kind to be done at that time andJohn Peter was appointed permanent superintendent. 

Chapter V

_Washington and L'Enfant in George Town_

Such was the town through which General George Washington passed inApril 1789, on his way from Mount Vernon to his inauguration in New Yorkas first President of the government which was trying out an experimentnew to the world. 

In the _Times and Potowmack Packet_, on April 23, is this insertion:

 George Town. Last Thursday passed through this town on his way to New York the most illustrious, the President of the United States of America, with Charles Thompson, Esq. Secretary, to Congress. His Excellency arrived at about 2 O'Clock on the bank of the Patowmack, escorted by a respectable corps of gentlemen from Alexandria where the George Town ferry boats, properly equipped, received his Excellency and suit, safely landed them, under the acclamation of a large crowd of their grateful fellow citizens--who beheld his Fabius, in the evening of his day, bid adieu to the peaceful retreat of Mount Vernon, in order to save his country once more from confusion and anarchy. From this place his Excellency was escorted by corps of gentlemen commanded by Col. Wm. Deakins, Junr. , to Mr. Spurrier's Tavern, where the escort from Baltimore take charge of him. 

Colonel Deakins was Justice of the Peace, a very high office in thosedays, (there was no mayor) besides being a large landowner andshipowner. 

Among the prominent men who probably formed this escort were many ofWashington's former officers of the Revolutionary Army, for when hecame to George Town he was amongst old friends: Colonel Forrest, MajorStoddert, General James Maccubbin Lingan, General Otho Williams, WilliamBeatty (who had distinguished himself in the army and had attained therank of Colonel), Thomas Richardson who, although a Quaker, was Captainof a company and won high repute; William Murdock, who had been aColonel of militia raised for the defense of the Province of Maryland in1776, and Lloyd Beall, who had been adjutant of the Staff of AlexanderHamilton, and General John Mason. 

I quote freely from Dr. H. Paul Caemmerer's very interesting _Biographyof Pierre Charles L'Enfant_. "Among the numerous problems of the firstCongress in 1789, was the question of establishment of a seat ofgovernment or a National Capital. During the period of the ContinentalCongress and the subsequent period of the Congress of the Confederation, from 1774 to 1789, Congress had met in eight different town andcities--Philadelphia, Baltimore, Lancaster, York, Princeton, Annapolis, Trenton, and New York City, part of the time pursued by the enemy andpart of the time attacked by disgruntled soldiers. It was founddifficult for Members of Congress to find adequate quarters, and it wasalways a problem to move records and files. Thus it developed thatCongress wanted a home of its own. The Constitution of the United Statesprovided for a Federal District ten miles square (Art. 1, Sec. 8, Par. 17). "

"On September 11, 1789, while yet the idea of locating a Capital Citywas still unsettled, L'Enfant wrote to President Washington asking to beemployed to design the Capital of 'this vast empire. '"

"It might be inferred from this letter that L'Enfant knew more about thecontroversy in the Halls of Congress on the subject of location of theSeat of Government than we know today. It was at its height, that weknow. The question of size of the Federal District had been settled bythe Constitution--it was to be ten miles square. Now the question oflocation predominated--the question of 'exclusive jurisdiction' to beexercised by Congress had been generally conceded. 

The discussion was finally limited to two sites: first, a location onthe banks of the Potomac at least as far South as Georgetown, Maryland, which was favored particularly by the Southern members of Congress asbeing the geographical center of the United States; second, a site onthe Delaware River near the falls above Trenton, which Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the other States nearby favored. But on the whole it wasdeemed very important during the First Congress to give the NationalCapital a central location along the Atlantic coast. Southern membersled by Richard Bland Lee and James Madison, of Virginia, argued forconsideration for the question by Congress before adjournment, andrecommended the Potomac River site near Georgetown. "

"The burning question before Congress at the time was a bill for fundingof the public debt and the assumption of debts incurred by the Statesduring the Revolutionary War, amounting to about $20, 000, 000. AlexanderHamilton as the first Secretary of the Treasury had recommended thefunding of both forms of indebtedness in obligations of the UnitedStates. His aim was to restore the value of the worthless continentaldollar (a pound of tea sold for $90; a pair of shoes for $100; a barrelof flour for $1, 500 in paper money) but it was pointed out that theassumption of State debts by the Government would result in mostbenefits to the Northern States where there was most of the trade, whilemostly agriculture was in the South. .. . Thus we come to the famouscompromise proposed by Hamilton about the middle of June, 1790, when inconsideration of locating the capital on the banks of the Potomac hehoped to secure enough votes to secure the enactment of the fundingbill. "

"Thus by the Act of July 16, 1790, it was definitely decided that theseat of government should be on the banks of the Potomac. "

"Thereupon arose the question of design for the Federal City. Pursuantto the application received, President Washington chose Pierre CharlesL'Enfant, 'the artist of the American Revolution, ' for this work. Nobetter choice could have been made. L'Enfant applied his ability to thetask with enthusiasm; the approbation of 'his General' gave him supremesatisfaction. "

"In accordance with directions from President Washington, Major L'Enfantproceeded to Georgetown for the purpose of making a sketch of the areaproposed for the Federal City that would enable him to fix locations onthe spot for public buildings. He arrived on March 9, 1791. L'Enfantcarried with him a letter of instructions from Secretary of StateJefferson as follows:

 'Sir: You are desired to proceed to Georgetown where you will find Mr. Ellicott employed in making a survey and Map of the Federal Territory. The special object of asking your aid is to have a drawing of the particular grounds most likely to be approved for the site of the Federal town and buildings. You will therefore be pleased to begin on the Eastern branch and proceed from thence upwards, laying down the hills, valleys, morasses and waters between that and the Potomac, The Tyber, and the road leading from Georgetown to the Eastern branch and connecting the whole with certain fixed points on the map Mr. Ellicott is preparing. Some idea of the height of the lands above the base on which they stand would be desirable. For necessary assistance and expense be pleased to apply to the Mayor of Georgetown who is written to on the subject. I will beg the favor of you to mark to me your progress about twice a week, say every Wednesday and Saturday evening, that I may be able in proper time to draw your attention to some other objects which I have not at this moment sufficient information to define. '"

"_The Maryland Journal and Baltimore Advertiser_ of March 18, 1791, reported Major L'Enfant's arrival in Georgetown as follows:

 'GEORGETOWN (Patowmac) March 12. 

 Wednesday (March 9) evening arrived in this town Major Longfont, a French gentleman employed by the President of the United States to survey the lands contiguous to Georgetown, where the Federal City is to be put. His skill in matters of this kind is justly extolled by all disposed to give merit its proper tribute of praise. He is earnest in the business and hopes to be able to lay a plan of that parcel of land before the President on his arrival in this town. '

"L'Enfant reported to Secretary of State Jefferson, promptly:

 'Friday March 11, 1791

 Sir: I have the honor of informing you of my arrival at this place where I could not possibly reach before Wednesday last and very late in the evening, after having traveled part of the way on foot and part on horseback leaving the broken stage behind. 

 'On arriving I made it my first care to wait on the Mayor of the town in conformity with the direction which you gave me. He appeared to be much surprised and he assured me he had received no previous notice of my coming nor any injunction relating to the business I was sent upon. However next day--yesterday morning--he made me a kind offer of his assistance in procuring for me three or four men to attend me in the surveying and this being the only thing I was in need of, every matter has been soon arranged. I am only at present to regret that a heavy rain and thick mist which has been incessant ever since my arrival here, does put an insuperable obstacle to my wish of proceeding immediately to the survey. Should the weather continue bad, as there is every appearance it will, I shall be much at a lost how to make a plan of the ground you have pointed out to me and have it ready for the President at the time he is expected at this place. '"

"In the meantime President Washington had begun his triumphal tourthrough the South. In Maryland he was escorted by his ExcellencyGovernor Howard and the Honorable Mr. Kilty: Washington's Diary forMarch 28-30, 1791, reports:

 'Monday 28th: Left Bladensburgh at half after six, and breakfasted at George Town about 8:--where, having appointed the Commissioners under the Residence Law to meet me, I found Mr. Johnson one of them (and who is Chief Justice of the State) in waiting--and soon after came in David Stuart, and Danl. Carroll Esqrs. The other two. A few miles out of Town I was met by the principal Citizens of the place and escorted in by them; and dined at Suter's tavern (where I also lodged) at a public dinner given by the Mayor and Corporation--previous to which I examined the Surveys of Mr. Ellicott who had been sent on to lay out the district of ten miles square for the federal seat; and also works of Majr. L'Enfant who had been engaged to examine and make a draught of the grds. In the vicinity of George Town and Carrollsburg on the Eastern Branch making arrangements for examining the ground myself tomorrow with the Commissioners. '

 'Tuesday, 29th

 'In thick mist, and under strong appearance of a settled rain (which however did not happen) I set out about 7 o'clock, for the purpose above mentioned, but from the unfavorableness of the day, I derived no great satisfaction from the review. 

 'Finding the interests of the Landholders about George Town and those about the Carrollsburgh much at variance and that their fears and jealousies of each were counteracting the public purposes and might prove injurious to its best interests, whilst if properly managed they might be made to subserve it, I requested them to meet me at six o'clock this afternoon at my lodgings, which they accordingly did. .. . 

 'Dined at Colo. Forrest's today with the Commissioners and others. ' [Whose residence was at 3348 M Street. ]

 'Wednesday, 30th. 

 'The parties to whom I addressed myself yesterday evening, having taken the matter into consideration, saw the propriety of my observations; and that whilst they were contending for the shadow they might loose the substance; and therefore mutually agreed and entered into articles to surrender for public purposes, one half of the land they severally possessed within the bounds which were designated as necessary for the City to stand with some other stipulations, which were inserted in the instrument which they respectively subscribed. 

 'This business being thus happily finished and some directions given to the Commissioners, the Surveyor and Engineer with respect to the mode of laying out the district--Surveying the grounds for the City and forming them into lots--I left Georgetown, dined in Alexandria and reached Mount Vernon in the evening. '"

The "others, " with whom he dined, were evidently the proprietors of theland, sixteen, who next day signed before witnesses the agreement drawnup that day. It is too long to quote in its entirety, but in effectthese were the conditions: "that in consideration of the good benefitsthey were to derive from having the Federal City laid off upon theirlands the President may retain any number of squares he may think properfor public improvements or uses at the rate of £25 ($66. 66 in Penn. Currency) per acre. For the streets they should receive no compensation. Each proprietor was to retain full possession of his land till it shouldbe sold into lots. " The men who signed, in order of signing, were:Robert Peter, David Burnes, James M. Lingan, Uriah Forrest, BenjaminStoddert, Notley Young, Daniel Carroll, of Duddington; Overton Carr, Thomas Beall, of George; Charles Beatty, Anthony Holmead, William Young, Edward Peirce, Abraham Young, James Peirce, and William Prout. At alater date the following men joined in the agreement and are oftencounted among the original property holders: Robert Morris, SamuelBlodget, William Bailey, Samuel Davidson, William Deakins, Jr. , JamesGreenleaf, Thomas Johnson, Robert Lingan, Dominick Lynch, JohnNicholson, John H. Stone, Comfort Sands, Benjamin Oden, John P. VanNess, George Walker, and the legal guardians of Elizabeth Wheeler. 

It was in this little town that the President issued his proclamationconcerning the permanent seat of government of the United States. Itreads thus:

 Done at George Town, aforesaid, the 30th day of March in the year of our Lord, 1791 and in the Independence of the United States the fifteenth. 

 By the President, GEORGE WASHINGTON. THOMAS JEFFERSON. 

Having satisfactorily accomplished this business, General Washingtonproceeded to Mount Vernon, whence he wrote on April 3, 1791, to theCommissioners to proceed at once with the Attorney-General in regard todeeds so that the sale of lots and public buildings might commence assoon as possible. He quotes a letter from Mr. Jefferson:

 . .. That on the 27th of March a bill had been introduced in the House of Representatives for granting a sum of money for building a Federal Hall, a house for the President, etc. 

At a meeting of the Commissioners on September 9, 1791, in reply to aletter from Major L'Enfant a letter was written saying:

 . .. That the title of the map he was making was to be, "A Map of the City of Washington in the Territory of Columbia, " and that the streets were to be named alphabetically one way and numerically the other, etc. 

 (Signed by) THOMAS JOHNSON, DAVID STUART, DANIEL CARROLL. 

L'Enfant aimed to make an original plan for the Federal City, adapted tothe topography, but he endeavored to secure ideas from plans of greatcities of Europe that might be found possible of adaptation so he wroteto Jefferson who sent his notable reply and plans of a number of citiesthat he had secured evidently while our minister to France. 

"June 30th Washington noted, 'The business which brot. Me to Georgetownbeing finished and the Comrs. Instructed with respect to the mode ofcarrying the plan into effect, I set off this morning a littel after 4o'clock, in the prosecution of my journey towards Philadelphia. .. . '"

"Thereupon the building site for the city took on intense activity. "

Pierre Charles L'Enfant was the son of Pierre L'Enfant, an artist whopainted battle scenes and also designed tapestries for the GobelinWorks. L'Enfant himself was an artist and it was his artistictemperament which caused him trouble. At the age of 22 he had come toAmerica to volunteer his services in the war against England. He becamean officer of engineers, and also helped Gen. Von Steuben drill the Armyat Valley Forge, and worked on fortifications. After the war he was apracticing architect in New York City for several years but when heheard of the Federal City to be created he longed to be the author ofits plan and as I have said wrote to Washington asking for the job. 

But it was his desire for perfection which eventually was his undoing. There was delay in submitting the Plan to President Washington, and alsohe refused to take orders from any one except Washington, whereas he wastold to take them from the three Commissioners of the District ofColumbia: Thomas Johnson, David Stuart, and Daniel Carroll. Dr. DavidStuart had become the second husband of Mrs. John Parke Custis, daughter-in-law of Mrs. Washington. Things went from bad to worse whenthe nephew of Daniel Carroll the Commissioner, Daniel Carroll ofDuddington, started to build a house which abutted into a street laidout on the Plan and Major L'Enfant had it demolished. Also there wasdelay in getting the Map engraved. 

Major L'Enfant lived at Suter's Tavern during the months he was workingin George Town. But where he actually did his work of drawing his famousMap, where Andrew Ellicott had his office as surveyor, and where thethree Commissioners met for their business has never been settled. 

The tradition is that their office was The Little Old Stone House, now3049 M Street, and known for many years as "General Washington'sHeadquarters. " As General Washington never had need for militaryheadquarters here, for there was no fighting nearby, this tradition haspersisted that this was the office of the Commissioners. 

On December 13th President Washington sent a letter to L'Enfant advisinghim that he must work under orders from the Commissioners. 

"Then before leaving for Philadelphia to superintend the engraving ofhis "Plan" personally, L'Enfant wrote to the Commissioners asking forsupplies for the winter work, as follows:

 'Georgetown Dec. 25, 1791. 

 'Gentlemen: Mr. Roberdeau, on whose activity and zeal I rely in the execution of what is necessary to accomplish this winter, will communicate to you a statement of the business I committed to this care and I have to request you will make provision for the supply of 25 hands in the quarries and 50 in the city which in all will be 75 men kept in employment besides their respective overseers. 

 'There is an immediate necessity for a number of wheel-barrows and above 100 will be wanted early in the spring. Therefore I beg you will devise the mode of obtaining that number before the 15th of March next--These wheel-barrows ought to be made light and should be only roughly finished, though substantial, . .. '

Next we find that L'Enfant addressed a long and comprehensive Report toPresident Washington 'for renewing the work at the Federal City' in theapproaching season and giving an estimate of expenditures for one yearin the amount of $1, 200, 000. "

"We have here to do with the idealism of L'Enfant that contemplatedquite a completely built city before it was occupied and operated as a'Seat of Government. ' Unfortunately, L'Enfant did not realize thepoverty of the Treasury; and the state of mind of national legislators, particularly of the North, who preferred to stay in Philadelphia tomoving 'to the Indian Place' on the banks of the Potomac. "

"It is generally thought that the trouble concerning the Daniel Carrollof Duddington House was the reason for L'Enfant's resignation from theWashington work in March, 1792, and the reason for the letter fromSecretary of State Jefferson terminating his services that month. But aclose analysis of L'Enfant's experiences reveals that this was simply a'serious incident' in a chain of troubles to follow. This brings tolight the names of L'Enfant's assistants Roberdeau and Baraof. Therewere also Benjamin Banneker; and Alexander Ralston. "

"L'Enfant remained silent so far as arguments with President Washingtonand the Plan was concerned, until 1800 after 'his General' had died. Inthe meantime the L'Enfant Plan was engraved, the question ofcompensation to L'Enfant came up and he was reimbursed in part. " But thequestion of payment to Major L'Enfant was never settled. 

After leaving Georgetown he worked on a Plan for the city of Patterson, New Jersey, built a magnificent house for Robert Morris in Philadelphiawhich was never finished, and also Oeller's Hotel where thePhiladelphia Assemblies were held. 

From 1800 to 1810 he spent most of his time and efforts trying to securepayment for his services in laying out the Plan of the Capital City ofWashington. On July 7, 1812 Secretary of War Eustis appointed himProfessor of Engineering in the Military Academy at West Point but hedeclined saying that he had not "the rigidity of manner, the tongue northe patience, nor indeed any inclination peculiar to instructors. "

In 1814 he was consulted in regard to the fortification of FortWashington opposite Mount Vernon and did some work there. 

After the war was over he continued to live there at Warburton Manorwith Thomas A. Digges until 1824 when he went to live with a nephewWilliam Dudley Digges at Green Hill nearby, where he died, June 14, 1825, and was buried on the estate. 

In 1909 the U. S. Government at last honored him by burying him in theNational Cemetery at Arlington, in front of the house, overlooking thecity of his dream. 

At twelve o'clock October 12, 1792, the corner-stone of the President'sHouse was laid, but there is no record of any ceremony. There is, however, a long account in the newspapers of the laying of thecorner-stone of the Capitol, which was personally performed by GeorgeWashington in his capacity as a Mason, on September 18, 1792, "amid abrilliant crowd of spectators of both sexes. " Right at the head of theprocession, immediately following "the Surveying Department of the Cityof Washington, " is noted "The Mayor and Corporation of George Town. "John Threlkeld was Mayor that year, and certainly that "brilliantcrowd" must have been largely composed of Georgetonians for the dwellersin the City of Washington at that time were few and far between. WitnessGeneral Washington's letter on the 17th of May, 1795, to AlexanderWhite, one of the Commissioners: "I shall intimate that a residence inthe City if a house is to be had, will be more promotive of its welfarethan your abode in George Town. " He was nursing along his namesake inevery possible way. On February 8, 1798, he notes in his diary: "VisitedPublic Buildings in the morning. " The day before, the 7th, he speaks ofgoing to a meeting of the Potomac Company, dining with ColonelFitzgerald, and lodging with Thomas Peter at Number 2618 K Street. Thiswas only natural, as Mrs. Peter was, of course, his step-granddaughter. On that same trip he met the Commissioners again, this time at UnionTavern, and dined there. On August 5th his diary says: "Went to GeorgeTown to a general meeting of the Potomac Company. Dined at the UnionTavern and lodged at Mr. Law's. " Thomas Law, an Englishman, had marriedEliza Custis, Mrs. Washington's eldest grandchild, and had a home onCapitol Hill. 

On August 11th he again spent the night at Thomas Peter's home, and thatwas the last night he ever spent in the city named in his honor. He wasnever to live to see the government established in the city over whichhe had worked so hard, and in which he had such absolute implicit faith. 

"A century hence, " he wrote, "if this country keeps united, it willproduce a city, though not so large as London, yet of a magnitudeinferior to few other in Europe. "

Chapter VI

_Below Bridge Street_

Nearly all of the business, and most of the social life, up until 1800took place below Bridge (M) Street. The island in the river below GeorgeTown, which was called, variously, Analostan, Mason's Island, My Lord'sIsland, and Barbadoes, was almost a part of George Town in those days. It belonged to the great plantation of George Mason, of Gunston, thebrilliant statesman and author of the Bill of Rights. 

His son, General Mason, had there an estate where he entertained in finestyle. Louis Philippe of France, while a visitor in George Town, wasfeted there and said he had never seen a more elegant entertainment. Twenty-three kinds of fish were caught in the river in those days, besides terrapin and snapping turtles, so perhaps they helped toembellish the occasion. 

The island was rich in forest trees, foliage, flowering and aromaticshrubs, orchards of cherry, apple, and peach trees. Cotton was grownthere which was the color of nankeen; it was spun, woven, and used inits natural color, without being dyed. Also, there was grown a varietyof maize of deep purple color, used as a dye. 

John Mason had also a town house which we shall mention later. He, likemost of the men in this community, was engaged in the business ofshipping tobacco. The majority of his trade seems to have been withFrance, from letters of his father to him, in which the great Georgeoffered to help out his son in his shipments by letting him have some ofthe hogsheads he had on hand. 

John Mason had been a general in the Revolution, and was at the head ofthe militia here, and also owned a ferry operating to the Virginia shorefrom the foot of High Street (Wisconsin Avenue). The ferry was worked bya great iron chain. 

In 1835 Analostan Island was purchased by William A. Bradley, nephew ofthe Abraham Bradley who came to Washington with the Government in 1800as Assistant Postmaster General. For many years it was a wilderness, with only traces showing of its once famous house, but not long ago itwas purchased by the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Association. 

Robert Peter's house stood on High Street (Wisconsin Avenue), aboutwhere Grace Church now stands. He owned the whole block between Congress(31st) Street and High Street (Wisconsin Avenue), up to Bridge (M)Street. It was called Peter's Square. At the age of forty, after he hadlived nearly fifteen years in George Town, he married Elizabeth Scott, the daughter of George Scott, High Sheriff of Prince George County. Theyhad eight children. 

Their eldest son, Thomas, was married in 1795 to Martha Parke Custis, the second granddaughter of Mrs. Washington. The bride was sixteen, thegroom twenty-seven. The wedding took place at Hope Park near FairfaxCourt House, where Martha's mother, the former Eleanor Calvert (Mrs. John Parke Custis), had been living since she became the wife of DavidStuart, one of the Commissioners laying out the City of Washington. Soon after their marriage, Mr. Peter gave to Thomas and his wife one ofthe six houses he had built for his sons on lots across Rock Creek inthe new city. The one he gave them was 2618 K Street, and is stillstanding. It was there that General Washington stayed with the youngcouple so often. Martha was very lovely in appearance, and very devotedto her step-grandfather, and he, apparently, to her. 

Robert Peter's eldest daughter, Elizabeth, was married in 1787 to hercousin, James Dunlop. Mr. Peter's mother had been Jean Dunlop ofGarnkirke. To this couple, the father also gave a house situated not farfrom his own, a block away, up High Street (Wisconsin Avenue). Therethey reared a large family. 

No more interesting figure looms out of the mists of early George Townthan the Reverend Stephen Bloomer Balch, the founder and first pastor ofthe Presbyterian Church. But, far more than that, he seems to have beenpastor, "Parson, " as he was affectionately called, for the entirecommunity. It was in his church edifice that each denomination met untilthey procured their own. 

Born on his parents' place in the Susquehanna region, graduated fromPrinceton in the same class with Aaron Burr, Dr. Balch went to LowerMarlboro, Calvert County, Maryland, to take charge of a classicalacademy in October, 1775. For two years he taught, drilled the studentsin military training, and studied theology on the side. His books wereborrowed from the Reverend Thomas Clagett, who afterwards became thefirst Episcopal Bishop of Maryland, and now lies buried in theWashington Cathedral, not very far from his pupil in Oak Hill Cemetery. 

Not very long after Dr. Balch was licensed as a preacher, he came toGeorge Town, about 1778, the only place of worship at that time beingthe Lutherans' small building, where their new church now stands on thecorner of the present Q Street and Wisconsin Avenue. The lot was givenin 1769 by Colonel Charles Beatty. Dr. Balch preached there on Thursdaynight and again on Sunday. He did not remain at that time, but, a yearor so later, asked to come back, and at first used a little frame houseon the north side of Bridge (M) Street, which was occupied on week daysby a school. Just about this time he was made principal of the ColumbianAcademy, and the next year he married Elizabeth Beall, the daughter ofGeorge Beall. I wonder if he had, by any chance, met her on his firstvisit, and the memory of her bright eyes had followed him on hisjourneys down into the Carolines and lured him back. 

At the wedding of Dr. And Mrs. Balch in 1782, tea was served in cups notmuch larger than thimbles. The ladies of George Town would not drink teaat all during the Revolution, and it was still not plentiful. 

He was of a susceptible nature, for, after his wife's death in 1827, hewas married the next year, when he was eighty-two, to another Elizabeth, one of the King family. She lived only eighteen days, and a little morethan a year later, he again embarked on the sea of matrimony, this timewith a widow, Mrs. Jane Parrott. By his first wife he had elevenchildren, the usual number in those days. 

In 1783, one year after his first marriage, he built his home on DuckLane (33rd Street), which he called "Mamre, " from the Old Testament. After Abraham and Lot had separated, Abraham giving Lot the first choiceof location, "the Lord told Abraham to look over the whole land which Hewould give to him and his seed forever, and Abraham moved his tent anddwelt by the oaks of Mamre, and built there an altar unto the Lord. "

In 1799, when a street was graded through, it completely ruined hisproperty and he was obliged to take refuge with neighbors. One of hisneighbors was James Calder, who was a trustee of his church, and Mr. Crookshanks lived near by. Dr. Balch had an island on the river called"Patmos. " This time he went to the New Testament and named it for SaintJohn's abode, where he wrote the Book of Revelations. This islandsupplied wood for his fires. He had, also, a little way out of town, afarm of ten acres. 

One Fourth of July, his son, Thomas, aged eight, as he tells us in his_Reminiscences_, wanted to deliver an oration which he had prepared--inScotch Row, near by his home. All of his comrades had gone to seeCaptain Doughty's Company on parade with the fife-and-drum corps. Butthe little boy was not to be deterred. He went up on Bridge (M) Street, hunting an audience and a distinguished one he brought back with him. Ifsmall in number, it made up in quality, for he had General John Masonand Monsieur Pichon, a "bland and elegant" Frenchman sent by Napoleon toreceive the $15, 000, 000 for the purchase of the Louisiana Territory. Mr. Pichon was a Huguenot from the city of Lyons and lived, while here, nearthe Bank of Columbia. This son followed in his father's footsteps as aminister and did not have to go out always for his audience. 

A short while after the death of General Washington, Dr. Balch gavenotice that he was going to speak on the life and services of the greatstatesman. He preached in the open air to more than a thousand people. 

The last years of Dr. Balch's life were spent at number 3302 Gay (N)Street, where a bad fire destroyed many valuable papers and the recordsof his church. He wrote to a friend: "Only the Parrott (his wife)remains!" Apparently, he never lost his sense of humor. Perhaps it wasthat which helped to make him so universally beloved. 

Dr. Balch died on the 7th of September, 1833. Every house in town washung in black, all the stores and banks were closed and the bells tolledas his body was carried to the church. 

One block westward of Dr. Balch's original house lived another man, veryinfluential in the religious life of the town in addition to his largebusiness activities. Henry Foxall, a native of Monmouthshire, England, was born in 1760. He went to Dublin, where he was put in charge ofextensive iron works and where he became a Methodist. On coming to thiscountry, he first settled in Philadelphia, where, in 1794, he was apartner in the Eagle Iron Works of Robert Morris, the great financierand signer of the Declaration of Independence. 

When Thomas Jefferson became President, he thought it advisable to haveat the seat of government an ordnance plant, so Morris recommendedFoxall, who came here in 1799 for that purpose. He built his foundry onthe western outskirts of George Town, just behind Georgetown College. He built also a large brick house, two stories, with dormer windows onFrederick (34th) Street, between Water (K) and Bridge (M) Streets. Itwas quite a pretentious house for that time, with its high ceilings, elaborately decorated cornices of minute workmanship, and mantels ofcarved wood. It had ample grounds, and in front stood two tall andgraceful Lombardy poplars. He had also a summer home, a little fartherout and higher up, called "Spring Hill, " from whence he had a fine viewof the Potomac and the Virginia hills. 

A warm friendship sprang up between him and Thomas Jefferson, as theyhad many tastes in common. Both were performers on the violin and usedto accompany each other, and both were fond of tinkering. Jefferson, youremember, was of a very inventive turn of mind. During this time hethought of an air-tight stove and got Mr. Foxall to make some accordingto his ideas, but they did not work out to please him. 

Thomas Jefferson lived for a while in George Town on the little streetbearing his name, between Washington (30th) and Congress (31st) Streets, running south below Bridge (M) Street, in a house demolished a few yearsago. It stood immediately south of the Canal on the east side, and wasin appearance much like the home of Francis Scott Key. It must have beenduring the time he was Secretary of State in John Adams's administrationthat he occupied this house. 

Mr. Jefferson was never happy living in a town. I found this interestinglittle tidbit about him in the _Encyclopædia Britannica_: "For eightyears he tabulated with painful accuracy the earliest and latestappearance of 37 vegetables in the Washington market, and after hisreturn from France for 23 years he received from his old friend, thesuperintendent of the JARDIN DES PLANTES, a box of seeds which hedistributed to public and private gardens throughout the United States. "So I think we might easily call him the founder of the Garden Clubs ofAmerica, certainly of the Georgetown Garden Club. 

Mr. Foxall was a convert to Wesleyanism, and a lay minister. He was inthe habit of entertaining the members of the Methodist Conference atthis home, and was once good-humoredly twitted by one of them in regardto his inconsistent roles of "proclaimer of the gospel of peace andforger of weapons of war. " To this he replied: "If I do make guns todestroy men's bodies, I build churches to save their souls. "

At this foundry (then the only one south of Philadelphia), cannon werecast for the American troops during the War of 1812. The artillery andindeed all the military arms of this country were then very imperfect. Foxall was the only founder in America who understood the proper mode ofmanufacture. Here began the first manufacture of bored cannon in thiscountry, being vastly superior to the old ordnance. The abandonment andrecasting of the old-style guns speedily followed. 

Commodore Perry would have no others on the little fleet he built atPut-in-Bay on Lake Erie. The battle of Lake Erie was deferred untilFoxall could fill an order from the government for guns, and transportthem over the mountains on carts drawn by ten or twelve yoke of oxen tothe scene of the engagement. From the deck of his flagship _TheLawrence_, manned by these guns from George Town, Perry sent his famousmessage, "We have met the enemy and they are ours!"

[Illustration: HENRY FOXALL]

In 1814, when the British entered Washington and burned the Capitol andthe White House, this foundry, upon which the country depended solargely for its supplies, was in imminent danger, and its owner vowedthat, if God would spare it, he would build a church to His glory. Theenemy had their face set in its direction when a sudden and violentstorm turned them from their course. An old letter, written by GeorgeBleig, afterwards Chaplain-General of the British Army, says: "On the25th a hurricane fell on the city which unroofed houses and upset ourthree-pound guns. It upset me also. It fairly lifted me out of thesaddle, and the horse which I had been riding, I never saw again. "

True to his vow, Henry Foxall built the Foundry Methodist Church at thenortheast corner of 14th and G Streets. It was sold some years later andthe Colorado office building erected there. With the proceeds the veryhandsome grey stone church was built on 16th Street above Scott Circle. The trustees of the Foundry Church were Isaac Owens, Leonard Mackall, John Eliason, William Doughty, Joel Brown, John Lutz, and SamuelMcKenney. 

Methodism at that time was in a struggling condition. The first visit bya Methodist preacher had been one by the tireless Francis Asbury. He wasan old friend of Foxall, had visited him often in Philadelphia, andpreached in George Town December 9, 1772. But it was twenty years beforeregular services were held, and then only by a preacher who came up fromAlexandria. It was not until after the arrival of Henry Foxall that anyMethodist preacher was stationed in the District. William Watters was soappointed in 1802. 

[Illustration: HOME OF HENRY FOXALL]

Mr. Foxall was instrumental in the erection of no less than fourchurches, the old church at George Town on Rock Creek, one at the NavyYard known as Ebenezer, a colored chapel, and later, the Foundry Church. In 1814 was organized the first Bible society in the District ofColumbia. Among its founders were Henry Foxall and Francis Scott Key, near neighbors. 

Mr. Foxall was three times married, his first wife was Ann Harward, whomhe married in England in 1780; his second was Margaret Smith, married inPhiladelphia in 1799; his third, Catherine, whom he married in 1816 inEngland, while on a visit home. He had only two children and they wereby his first marriage--a son who died when twenty-five years old anddaughter, Mary Ann, who became the wife of Samuel McKenney, and for whomhe built a lovely home. 

In the summer of 1823 he went to England for a visit, and there inDecember of that same year he died, quite suddenly, in great peace. "Heserved well his country, his generation, and his God. "

Mr. Foxall was said by one of his old employees to have been honest andjust in his dealings, and although he did a large business, employingmany people, he owed no man a dollar. He was prompt in paying off hisworkmen, usually making coin payments. He was a conscientious, earnestChristian, a real enthusiast in his religion. During his term of officeas mayor in 1819 and 1820, the ordinances for the town which providedagainst profaning the Sabbath, were strictly enforced. 

The old Sunday Laws (so-called Blue Laws), which George Town inheritedfrom Maryland, were decidedly severe, and it took a man of Mr. Foxall'sforce of character to enforce them. A few of the offenses against whichhe waged relentless war may be mentioned. Five dollars was the penaltyfor gaming, hunting, and fishing on the Sabbath. No trading was allowedon the Lord's Day, except the selling of "fresh fish, milk, and otherperishable goods. " Cock-fighting and drinking, when indulged in by freemen, were punished by a fine of $5. 00, but when a slave was theoffender, he received thirty-nine stripes on the bare back in a publicplace. 

The old gentleman was fond of buying slaves whom he would set free afterteaching them a trade. Long years after, one of his old slaves boastedof having driven the Marquis de Lafayette to visit his old mistress, Mrs. Catherine Foxall, on his visit in 1824. 

When the Potomac Canal was taken over and reorganized as the Chesapeakeand Ohio Canal, a great celebration was made of the event. 

On Friday, July 4, 1828, President John Quincy Adams, accompanied byheads of Federal Government Departments, members of the DiplomaticCorps, the president and directors of the Chesapeake and Ohio CanalCompany and authorities of the three cities of the then District ofColumbia: Washington, Alexandria, and Georgetown, assembled early at theUnion Hotel. The procession formed and, to the music of the UnitedStates Marine Band, marched to the High Street (Wisconsin Avenue) wharf, where, on board the steamboat _Surprise_ and other boats, they moved upthe Potomac, until they reached the termination of the old PotomacCanal, landed, and marched a few hundred yards to canal boats preparedto receive them. They glided along until they reached the point ofdestination where the old powder magazine stood. On landing, they formeda large circle. The president of the C. & O. Company addressed PresidentAdams in a brief speech and handed him a spade. After making the speech, he attempted to run the spade into the ground, but struck a root. Hetried it again, when a wag in the crowd cried out he had come across a"hickory root, " (allusion to Andrew Jackson, "Old Hickory, " and theirpolitical campaign). 

He then threw down the spade, ripped off his coat, and went to work inearnest. People on the hills around raised loud cheers until their ChiefExecutive overcame the difficulty. 

On July 4, 1831, water was let in the canal from the first feeder to theColumbia Foundry. The loan of $1, 500, 000 was obtained in Holland throughRichard Rush on the credit of the citizens of Washington, Alexandria, and Georgetown. 

It is said that, with the probable exception of General Washington, hetook more interest in the affairs of the District of Columbia than anyother president. He was largely identified with its material prosperity;he owned and operated a flouring mill on Rock Creek, but the project hewas most zealously interested in was the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. Ofcourse, Mr. Adams had been here some during his father's presidency, though he was a man in his thirties then and was much abroad ondiplomatic missions. He was also Secretary of State in Monroe'sadministration, and after his own term of office as President, served asa representative in Congress until his death. 

A flouring mill which stood at the point where the canal of the oldPotomac Company entered the river, was owned by the Edes family. Thefish caught there were much larger than those caught elsewhere. 

On the bank of the canal opposite the mill, lived Bull Frizzle, notedfor his enormous strength. One time, after there was an accident at theLittle Falls (Chain) Bridge, he crawled under a large beam and prized itup by the strength of his back, saving the life of the man pinnedunderneath. 

Chapter VII

_Along Bridge (M) Street_

The bridge over Rock Creek at Bridge (M) Street, was built in 1788, andone night when a storm of wind and rain was raging, gave way while astage-coach was passing over it. The coach was precipitated into thewater but only the driver and the horses were drowned. Ever afterwardsit was said that on stormy nights the ghost of the driver haunted thespot. 

Peter Casanave had a stone house near the bridge and close by was thehouse of the French's. Mrs. French had been Arianna Scott, sister ofMrs. Robert Peter. The house, which is still remembered by many oldresidents, was a fine, large brick mansion of the prevailing type atthat time. 

It was surrounded by trees--some of them being cherries--and a garden. One large room was hung with very unusual paper representing scenes ofIndian life. It is still remembered by a gentleman who lived there whenhe was quite young, who says he remembers passing when the house wasbeing demolished and again admired the very handsome and remarkablepaper. At that time the place was entered by a gate from thePennsylvania Avenue side, and then there was a flight of steps to reachM Street on the other side. 

Mrs. French evidently owned several houses nearby, for she advertised:

 For sale or rent:

 The house opposite the Bank of Columbia lately occupied by Mrs. Suter, and the house lately occupied by John M. Gantt, Esqur. , adjoining Dr. Weem's house are for sale or rent. The house opposite the bank is very eligibly situated for a commercial character having an excellent storeroom and counting room with every convenient compartment for a private family. The house adjoining Dr. Weems' can accomodate very comfortably a small family and from its situation will soon be very valuable. The terms of sale or rent may be known on application to Dr. Weems. 

 9th January 1799 A. FRENCH. 

Also, Mrs. Pick had a millinery store just about here. 

On the corner of Bridge (M) and Greene (29th) Streets, was where DavidReintzel lived, who was mayor several times. 

A block or two further west, on the north side of the street, stood thevery modest home of Jacob Schoofield, the Quaker with whom William Wirtwas put to board when he was sent in 1779 to George Town to attendschool. He speaks of how Mrs. Schoofield comforted him the first nighthe was there, a home-sick little boy, by telling him the story, from theBible, of Joseph being sold by his brother and carried off into Egypt. He said "I remember, also, to have seen a gentleman, Mr. Peter, I think, going out gunning for canvas-backs, then called white-backs, which Ihave seen whitening the Potomac and which, when they arose, as theysometimes did for half a mile together, produced a sound like thunder. "

Just a few doors from this house was the famous Union Tavern, of which Ihave already said so much. The building was standing until a few yearsago when it was replaced by a filling station. When it becameCrawford's Hotel after John Suter, Jr. , gave it up, again William Wirtcomes into the picture:

 Here I am at Crawford's. I am surrounded by a vast crowd of legislators and gentlemen assembled for the races, which are to commence tomorrow. The races amidst the ruins and desolation of Washington. 

These gentlemen used to ride to and from the capitol in a largestage-coach with seats on top called the "Royal George. "

Among the other notable guests of the old hostelry were Louis Philippe, Jerome Bonaparte, Talleyrand, ex-Bishop of Autun when he was driven fromFrance, John Adams, when as President in the early summer of 1800, hecame down to look over his new field; Anthony Merry, Minister fromEngland to the United States; Washington Irving, Count Volney, Humbolt, the geographer; Robert Fulton, the inventor of the steamboat; LorenzoDow, the eccentric preacher; several young naval officers from theTripolitan War; and John Randolph of Roanoke. I wonder if it was fromthis old tavern that that brilliant but erratic statesman went outacross the Chain Bridge to fight his duel with Henry Clay? It isrecorded by a marker, just at the end of the bridge on the Virginiaside, and reads thus: "Near here Henry Clay and John Randolph of Roanokefought a duel April 8, 1826. Randolph had called Clay a 'Blackleg' in aspeech. Both men were unhurt, but Randolph's coat was pierced by abullet. "

John Randolph spent the night before the duel in quoting poetry andplaying whist while his will was being amended. 

John Randolph must have liked George Town, for years afterwards when helay very ill in his boarding place on Capitol Hill, he insisted on hisbody servant, Juba, getting him some water from George Town, no otherwould do. He called it "The water of Chios. "

Joseph Crawford, the proprietor of this hotel, was the principal managerin the unloading of the records and furniture belonging to thegovernment when the ships bringing it from Philadelphia docked at Lear'sWharf. Abraham Bradley, who, as Assistant Postmaster General, had chargeof the removal of that department, and Joseph Nourse, who was Registrarof the Treasury, may also have stopped at Crawford's until settled intheir homes. 

Just opposite on the southeast corner of Bridge (M) and Washington(30th) Streets stood, until 1878, the Presbyterian Church, whosefounder, Dr. Stephen Bloomer Balch, was its pastor for fifty-two years. When it was first built in 1782, it was only about thirty feet square. In 1793 it was enlarged by extending the north front. In 1801-'02, itwas further enlarged by extending it on the west side. For this purposeThomas Jefferson helped by subscribing $75. 00. In 1806 the trustees ofthe congregation were incorporated by Congress. They were: Stephen B. Balch, William Whann, James Melvin, John Maffitt, John Peter, JoshuaDawson, James Calder, George Thompson, Richard Elliott, David Wiley, andAndrew Ross. The first and only elder for some time was James Orme, sonof Reverend John Orme, of Upper Marlborough. In 1821 a new building waserected. When Dr. Balch died in 1833, he was buried there, but when thecongregation moved in 1878 and the church was torn down, his remainswere taken to Oak Hill, where, with the original gravestone, they lienot far from the chapel and just north of the grave of John HowardPayne. 

[Illustration: OLD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH]

On the northwest corner of Bridge (M) and Washington (30th) Streetslived a Mr. Lee; probably Thomas Sim Lee, whose home was the gatheringplace for the Federalists. Just beyond here, still on the north sidewhere the two lovely old carved doorways remain unchanged, are thehouses once owned by Henry Addison, who served as mayor of the Town from1845 to 1857 and again from 1861 to 1867. He was a hardware merchant, and in 1827 it was for him that the first steam fire engine was named. 

Mr. Hill lived in one of these houses and next door on the east livedMr. Vanderwerken. He owned the line of omnibuses that ran along Bridge(M) Street and over to the city before there were street cars. Theomnibuses bore the names of prominent people. 

There was a pump in the back yard on the line between these two houses. On each side of the fence was a handle on the pump so that it could beworked by both families. The water flowed smoothly until somethingcaused a fuss between the two men, and one day, when Mr. Hill, who was avery large man, protruded over the fence, Mr. Vanderwerken got out hisshotgun and peppered his shoulder!

Across the street at number 3012 lived John Abbott, who came fromPhiladelphia with the transfer of the government in 1800. 

At number 3016 lived John Mountz who was Clerk of the Corporation forsixty-seven years, from the time of its beginning in 1789 up to 1856. 

Across the street again is the quaint little Stone House which hascaused so much discussion. For many years tradition had said it wasthere that Major L'Enfant had his headquarters while he was mapping thenew capital city. Then, someone said it had never been proved. So now weare waiting for proof. From its looks it was most certainly standing inthose early days. If only it could speak and tell its own history!

We do know it was bought as lot 3 in June, 1762, by John Boone for onepound, ten shillings. Two years later, as he had not improved it, it wasbought by Christopher Leyhman for the same amount, and presumably, ahouse was built about that time. Apparently, by inheritance, it came toRachel Furvey (formerly Rachel Leyhman), and in June, 1767, by deed, itbecame the property of Cassandra Chew, who made it over to her twodaughters, Harriot, who married Richard Bruce, and Mary, who firstmarried Richard Smith, and later, Mr. Bromley. Mary's daughter, BarbaraSmith, married John Suter, Jr. , and they lived in this house. This issupposed to have something to do with the claim that has been made thatthis building on lot 3 was Suter's Tavern. 

Almost next door on the west Mr. Claggett had a house. Again, across thestreet, on the southeast corner, is the building which, until recentyears, housed the Farmers and Mechanics Bank. It was founded in 1814. When the Mexican War came, this bank enabled the government to pay thewar debt. It has now been absorbed by the Riggs National Bank and movedfurther up the street. Before the building of the bank, John Peter, anephew of Robert Peter, had a house on that corner. His house was asimple frame one, and back of it he had rabbit warrens and pigeonhouses. He used to go often in the evenings the short distance to hisuncle Robert's house for a game of whist, of which the old gentleman wasvery fond. 

Just above Bridge (M) Street on Congress (31st) Street stands theGeorgetown post office, an imposing granite building. It is also thecustom house of the District of Columbia. 

Near the corner of Congress (31st) Street lived W. King, and at number3119 was the house Thomas Corcoran built. He had come from Limerick, Ireland, to Baltimore in 1783 and entered business with his uncle, William Wilson, there. Soon after his marriage to Hannah Lemon, ofBaltimore County, he came to George Town, intending to go on toRichmond, but being so impressed with the thriving little town, hedecided to settle here. He first rented a house on Congress (31st)Street below Bridge (M) from Robert Peter, and started a business inleather. In 1791 he built this three-story house and there lived formany years. He was mayor five different terms from 1805, and alsomagistrate and postmaster for fifteen years until his death in 1830. Itwas in this house that a meeting was held in 1817 to found ChristChurch. 

The Union Bank was on the north side of this block. 

On the southwest corner of Bridge (M) and High Street (Wisconsin Avenue)is the site of Gordon's Inspection House, and just west of here in 1791were three large tobacco sheds covering three acres. Here was the"Warehouse Lot, " used by circuses when they came to town. 

Close by was the big warehouse of John Laird. It was after his death in1833 that the trade in tobacco began to decline. 

[Illustration: GENERAL JAMES MACCUBBIN LINGAN]

[Illustration: BENJAMIN STODDERT]

[Illustration: URIAH FORREST]

From 1792 to 1795, number 3221 was the home of Dr. William Thornton, thearchitect of the Capitol; the Octagon House, built by John Tayloe; ofTudor Place, and also of Woodlawn. He was later the first Superintendentof Patents from 1802 until 1807. 

The old market stands where there always has been a market. Its upperstories used to be where the meetings of the Corporation of George Townwere held. 

At number 3300 was the home of Paymaster David Whann. 

Midway between Market (33rd) and Frederick (34th) Streets, on the northside of Bridge (M) Street, General James Maccubbin Lingan had a largepiece of property. I wonder if this advertisement inserted in anewspaper on April 22, 1801, describes this very place:

 The subscriber offers for sale the houses and lots where he now resides. The improvements are a commodious dwelling house, office, kitchen, wash house, meat house, carriage house, a stable for five horses, likewise a large and well cultivated garden and clover lot. He will also sell the upper wharf and warehouses, all of which have been lately built and well situated for receiving produce that may come down the river. 

 J. M. LINGAN. 

General Lingan was of noted Scotch ancestry, the second child of Dr. Lingan. He was born in 1751, in Frederick County, Maryland. On hismother's side he was related to the Maccubbins, and to the Carrolls ofMaryland. He came to George Town as quite a young man and went directlyinto the tobacco warehouse of a relative. In 1776 he was commissioned alieutenant in the army. After the victory of the Battle of Long Island, he was captured at Fort Washington on November 16, 1776, his breastbeing pierced by a bayonet at that time. He was sent as a prisoneraboard the _Jersey_--the "Hell, " as she was called. The conditions onboard were terrific, and many of the prisoners died. When the coffin wasbrought for the body of one of his friends, it was found to be tooshort--the guards started to decapitate the body to make it fit. YoungLingan stood over the body and said he would kill them with his barehands. So they brought a larger coffin. 

While he was still a prisoner there, his cousin, Admiral Sir SamuelHood, of His "Satanic" Majesty's Navy, as Lingan called it, visited himand offered him £2, 000 (pounds) and high rank in the British Army if hewould return to his former allegiance. Lingan's answer was, "I'll rothere first!" And he almost did! He was cooped up in a space so shortthat he could not lie full length, so low that he could not stand erect. It was many months after his release before his cramped and agonizedmuscles allowed him to sleep except in an armchair. 

The reasons for wishing to obtain his defection were, first, the pride, and perhaps, affection of his connections in England. Lord North, himself, was one of these, and his cousin, Zachariah Hood was _personagratia_ at the Court of St. James. Also, the affiliations andconnections of his family in Maryland made his defection greatly to bedesired. One of his sisters had married Thomas Plater, the son ofGovernor George Plater of Sotterley, and he was also related to theprominent Carroll family. 

At the conclusion of the war, General Lingan returned to George Town andfarmed two estates he owned, both named after battles in which he hadparticipated--Harlem and Middlebrook. He also was appointed collectorof the port by General Washington himself. He was one of the originalmembers of the Order of the Cincinnati. 

In later years he moved over to the city, his house then being in theneighborhood of Nineteenth, M and N Streets. He had a wife and children, many friends, and all was going well with him until the election year of1812. General Lingan was a Federalist in politics. The party organ was_The Federal Republican_, published in Baltimore and edited by AlexanderContee Hanson, whose wife was a near relative of Nicholas Lingan, thebrother of James. 

War with England was declared on Friday, the 19th of June, 1812, andnext day an editorial appeared in _The Federal Republican_, which waslike a match set to a powder train. On Sunday, public meetings were heldadvocating the suppression of the paper, and on Monday, three or fourhundred men and boys assembled at the office of the paper at Gay andSecond Streets, in Baltimore, and destroyed the furniture and the house. 

The staff then removed to Georgetown where, although it was threatenedfrom both Baltimore and Washington, it continued to publish the paperuntil July 26th, when Mr. Hanson went back to Baltimore to a small houseon South Charles Street, accompanied by General Lingan, John HowardPayne, General Henry ("Light Horse Harry") Lee, and others. On thefollowing day the paper was issued from that office, though it had beenprinted in Georgetown. It contained an attack on the State authoritiesfor the outrage of June 22nd. This time the mob that gathered broughtarms and ammunition. The twenty-seven gentlemen assembled in the officewere also armed, "to defend the rights of person, and property, and theliberty of the press. " At first only stones were used by the assailants, answered by volleys of blank cartridges. After scenes almost fantasticin fury, the gentlemen were finally overcome and marched to gaol forsafety. But after dark another mob gathered round the gaol, andovercoming the guard, broke in. Mr. Gwynn pushed his way through a groupof fifty men to General Lingan who was being knocked down by clubs, thenjerked up to be knocked down again, while the outside ring of menbellowed, "Tory! Tory!" The only word General Lingan spoke to the mobwas, when tearing open his shirt, he displayed the mark of the Hessianbayonet, still purple, and exclaimed, "Does this look as if I was atraitor?" Just then a stone struck the scar and he fell. As the lastbreath left his body, he murmured to a friend near by, "I am a dyingman--save yourself. "

On this side of Bridge (M) Street, adjoining what was then Bank Streetstood the Bank of Columbia, when it moved from a few blocks east. Fromold pictures, it looks much more like a stately home than a bank, andpart of it was used as his home by William Whann, the cashier. Set farback on the hill, with columns on its façade and a Greek pediment, itwas very handsome. Its first president was Samuel Blodgett; its second, General John Mason of Analostan Island. Across the street he had histown house. 

To this bank one day late in 1814, while he was Secretary of State, cameJames Monroe, on horseback, and asking for William Whann, told him thatthe government was entirely out of funds, and wanted a loan with whichto dispatch General Andrew Jackson to New Orleans. Mr. Monroe pledgedhis own private fortune that the debt would be paid, and the money wasturned over to him. The government at that time was not strong enoughto levy heavier taxes for the conduct of the war with England, which wasvery unpopular in the New England States. 

The Battle of New Orleans was fought on January 8, 1815--two weeks afterpeace had come--for a Treaty of Peace had been signed on Christmas Eve, and the great loss of life on the English side might have been avoided. 

Just beyond here on the corner, Mr. Thompson had a residence, and stilla little further lived Mr. Warren. Just opposite, at number 3350, is oneof the oldest houses in Georgetown and one of the most notable, for hereColonel Uriah Forrest was living in 1791 when on March 29th he gave thatmemorable dinner, referred to by General Washington, when thearrangements were made for the purchase of land on which to build thenew City of Washington. 

What a scene that must have been! One can imagine the turtle soup, thefish and terrapin caught fresh from the river, wild ducks and ham withshoulders of mutton and all the vegetables and hot breads and otherdelectable foods for which Maryland is famous--for Uriah Forrest, himself a Marylander, had a Maryland wife, Rebecca Plater, the daughterof Governor Plater, whose home was Sotterley, in Saint Mary's County. 

In 1792 Colonel Forrest was mayor of George Town. Not long after this, Colonel Forrest purchased a large tract of land lying north of the townand there he built a country home which he called Rosedale, and to whichhe eventually retired for his permanent home. His descendants, theGreens, lived on at Rosedale until not so very many years ago. One ofthem, Mr. George Green, sold to President Cleveland, in his firstadministration, a stone cottage on the Rosedale estate which thePresident remodeled and made his summer home. It was called Red Top, from its turreted red roof, but its real name was Oak View. From it, thesuburb, Cleveland Park, derives its name. 

[Illustration: WILLIAM MARBURY]

Mr. Cleveland, in his second administration, used Woodley for his summerhome. It had been a part of the Rosedale tract, and the house was builtby Philip Barton Key, a brother-in-law of Colonel Forrest, for he alsohad married a Miss Plater. 

Mr. Key moved out of town and resided at Woodley, where he dispensedlavish hospitality until his death in 1817. Thomas Plater also had movedout from George Town and lived near by. He was the executor for PhilipBarton Key. After Mr. Key's death, his widow went back into town andtook up her residence on the corner of Gay (N) and Congress (31st)Streets. 

After Colonel Forrest left the house on Bridge (M) Street, it was boughtby William Marbury, who had come to Georgetown from Annapolis. He was ajustice of the peace, a very responsible and honorable office in thosedays. It was in connection with his reappointment to the office that thecontroversy arose which resulted in the famous law case of MARBURY_versus_ MADISON, as James Madison, in his capacity as Secretary ofState to Thomas Jefferson, was the Madison involved. The prominence ofthe case was because it was the first of those great opinions handeddown by Chief Justice John Marshall in which he decided that the SupremeCourt has the power to declare an act of Congress unconstitutional. 

[Illustration: PHILIP BARTON KEY]

[Illustration: MRS. PHILIP BARTON KEY (ELIZABETH PLATER)]

In 1814 Mr. Marbury became the first president of the Farmers andMechanics Bank when it was organized; its cashier being Clement Smith, who, after the presidency of Thomas B. Beall, from 1817-1821, became thethird president, and the only one in the history of that institution tobe promoted to that office. Not many years ago, Mr. Marbury's picture, in his old-fashioned costume, was printed on the bank checks to impressthe public with the antiquity of the institution. 

He was a very imposing looking gentleman, as was his son, John Marbury, who was eight years old when the family moved to Georgetown. Some yearsago, one of his great-grandsons heard the family talking about"Grandfather's Bourbon nose. " A little later he was found standing, gazing intently at the portrait of the old gentleman, and when asked, "Why such sudden interest?" he replied, "Where is the 'burb' on hisnose?"

John Marbury married and lived for some years on Gay (N) Street, nearMarket (33rd) Street. After his father's death, he moved to the oldhouse on Bridge (M) Street in order to keep his mother company. He had avery large family, seven sons and six daughters. All of the daughtersattended Miss English's Seminary, walking to and from school all winterwearing low-necked and short-sleeved dresses, covered only by a littlecape. Not a case of poverty, I assure you, but of fashion! I was toldthis not long ago by a descendant, and of how they used to have to melttheir gum shoes to get them on in cold weather. I think the names of atrio of their friends very amusing--Jerry Berry, Hetty Getty, and JimmyFinney. 

The house had a large garden in the rear and spacious rooms where theyentertained a great deal. Not long ago, I saw a fascinating drawing ofa party in Georgetown in the fifties. It represented four musiciansintent upon playing a bass viol, a cello, a violin, and a flute; a fewof the company standing near by with curls and puffed coiffures, andamong them a tiny man, side-whiskered, so short that he barely reachedthe shoulders of the ladies. He must, of course, have been PrinceIturbide. There was never anyone quite like him. He was a Mexican, herein the diplomatic service, and had married Miss Alice Green, agranddaughter of Uriah Forrest. 

At a party one evening at the Marbury's, a dispute arose between him andBaron Bodisco, the Russian Minister, who was also a resident ofGeorgetown. It ended in the prince calling the baron a liar, whereby thebaron immediately knocked Prince Iturbide down. The little prince sprangonto a sofa and bounced up and down, shouting over and over again, "Heknocked an Iturbide down; he knocked an Iturbide down!" as if heexpected Mr. Marbury to straightway haul the baron off to be beheaded, at least. It was the last party given at the old house for many a day, as Mr. Marbury considered that they had been disgraced by their guests. 

Years after, when Madame Iturbide was left a widow in Mexico, theEmperor Maximilian wished to adopt her son, to which she gave herconsent, but finding later that it meant complete separation from him, she kidnapped him and escaped to America. 

For two whole days after the Battle of Bull Run, the "Damn Yankees, " asthe Marburys called them, poured over the nearby bridge from Virginia ata dog-trot and dropped from exhaustion on the steps of this house andthe pavement. Mr. Marbury ordered all of the shutters to be kept tightlyclosed during that dreadful time. 

A little granddaughter of his, living there, went one day with a friendof hers to place flowers on the grave of a child of Jefferson Davis inOak Hill Cemetery. They were arrested, and when it was discovered whoshe was, soldiers were sent to search the house. Mrs. Marbury had someletters from her nephews in the Confederate Army, and she hurriedlysewed them up in a chair, for she said the boys might be killed and shehated to destroy their letters. Many, many years after, on a summer dayin the garret of an old house, not far from Leesburg, Virginia, three ofMrs. Marbury's great-grandchildren ripped them out of their long hidingplace. 

Just a few doors west of this interesting old house stood another, somewhat smaller, which, until a few years ago, was in its originalstate of preservation. Now it has gone! It was the home of the author ofour National Anthem. Here Francis Scott Key lived for twenty years. Herehis eleven children were born, while he served three terms as DistrictAttorney and engaged in the private practice of law. 

Everyone knows the story of how, hearing of the arrest of a friend, Dr. William Beanes, by the British, in the War of 1812, Mr. Key made thetrip to Baltimore to see what he could do to help the old gentleman, whohad done some very rash talking down in Prince Georges County. Mr. Keywas a connection of Mrs. Beanes', who was a member of the Plater family. 

Mr. Key went on board the British man-of-war, under the command ofAdmiral Cockburn, called _The Red Devil of the Chesapeake_, lyingopposite Fort McHenry, but was told by the captain that he would have tospend the night on board as a bombardment was about to take place. Imagine his sensations all through the night--no wonder that he burstforth into such a poem of love for his flag when he came on deck in theearly morning and saw it "still there!"

[Illustration: HOME OF FRANCIS SCOTT KEY]

Poetry was only a side issue with Mr. Key. I have often thought howinteresting it is that a man may work all the days of his life at hisprofession or vocation, and some avocation, like verse-making, may carryhis name down to posterity; like Izaak Walton, who had an insurancebusiness in London, but is remembered now only as a fisherman. 

Don't you imagine Mr. Key would have been amazed if he could have had avision of the years to come, when on parade grounds all over this greatland at sunset, every day, troops stand immovable at attention while theemblem of their country is being lowered for the night, and the strainsof the music of his poem thrill all who hear it? "The Star-SpangledBanner" was first read by Mr. Key at a meeting of the George Town GleeClub. 

[Illustration: FRANCIS SCOTT KEY]

Francis Scott Key was a nephew of Philip Barton Key, and a vestryman, like his uncle, of Saint John's Church. He was a fine, humanitariangentleman. In a recent book, called _Father Takes Us to Washington_, heis accused of having treated his dozen slaves in a terrible manner. Hisgreat-grandson has just come out with a refutation of such treatment andsaid that Mr. Key freed all of his slaves before his death in 1843 andthat he was one of the founders of the American Colonization Society, which had for its purpose the freedom of the Negroes and theircolonization on the West Coast of Africa. Of course, it was in JamesMonroe's administration that Liberia was founded and its capital namedMonrovia. 

In later life, Francis Scott Key moved to Frederick, Maryland, where helies buried. The beautiful new bridge, only a stone's throw from hishome, bears his name. It replaces the aqueduct bridge which was builtabout 1880, and before that, there was a bridge which carried the canalacross the river to continue on its way to Alexandria. I cannot rememberit, but I have been told that, looking across from the Virginia side, itwas a very picturesque sight with its long arches reaching above thebridge, carrying its dripping load beneath, and standing against thewestern sky, the towers of Georgetown College. 

Chapter VIII

_High Street, Prospect Avenue, the College, the Convent, and theThrelkelds_

Up the hill from Bridge (M) Street on the east side of High Street(Wisconsin Avenue), a door or two above where the Farmers and MechanicsBranch of Riggs Bank now stands, was a fine old house where the PotomacFire Insurance Company had its first home. But long before that, it wasthe home of Mrs. Caperton, whose son, Hugh Caperton, became a well-knownlawyer here. 

At the present 1239 Wisconsin Avenue, where Becker's Paint Store hasbeen for a good many years, was the house which Robert Peter gave to hiseldest daughter, Elizabeth, when, at the age of sixteen, she married hercousin, James Dunlop, in 1787. This old letter gives some news about thewedding. 

It is addressed to: John Davidson, Esq. , Merchant, Annapolis:

 George Town August 17th, 1787

 Dear Sir:

 Without any ceremony or preamble I have undertaken to enclose you the measure for a pair of Stays, not that I suppose that you are to make them, but that you may undertake to engage Mrs. Davidson's interest to undertake the direction of them. 

 They are for a daughter of mine who is tollerably nice, and she will not consent to trust the business entirely to the Staymaker, nor, it seems, to any other Lady in Annapolis but Mrs. Davidson, so that you see what a deal of trouble I have brought her into, by having often observed in my daughter's hearing how that Mrs. Davidson seemed to me to be in all things about her Family, in short the Girl has taken it into her head that she is old enough to become a wife, and does not only beg of Mrs. Davidson to direct as to her Stays, but wishes she would take the trouble of procuring some Paterns of silks fit and suitable for what they call a Wedding Gown, with the prices paid or annexed to the Patterns, and when the choice is made I suppose the next favor will be of Mrs. Davidson to direct as to the making of it. Mrs. Davidson must take the cause of all this trouble to herself, for if she did not merit the charge she would not have had the trouble. I am just now interrupted by receiving a further commission, to wit for a crepe cushion made by the best and most fashionable Barber in Annapolis, and a lock of the color wanted is enclosed. I want everything good and fashionable, but you know we old Fellows like everything as cheap as they can be got to have them good. I leave everything to yours and Mrs. Davidson's good management, but, at the same time, it would appear as if there was some expedition. The samples and prices of the silk I will be obliged by your sending by post, the Stays and Cushion perhaps you may be able to forward by Miss Patty Lingan who will be coming down in nine or ten days, as I am informed. I am just now tortured with black guard consignment business and therefore I conclude by remaining Your Very Humble Servant, ROBERT PETER. 

They were married in October and had eight children, all but one of whomlived to maturity. 

In 1792, five years after their marriage, James Dunlop bought an estateof 700 acres known as "Hayes, " seven miles out in Montgomery County;this later became their permanent residence. It had been built in 1762by the Reverend Alexander Williamson, rector of Rock Creek Church (nowSt. Paul's), until he resigned in 1776, being a Tory. In history, he iscalled the "Sporting Parson" because of his love for fox-hunting andcock-fighting. 

The back lawn of this house was the bowling green and the old balls arestill in the attic there. Also, there is still there an old rose bushbearing small white roses, which was planted by Elizabeth Peter Dunlop. This was my summer home when I was a girl and is now in possession of myeldest brother. 

Just above number 1239 is the crook in High Street (Wisconsin Avenue)and, until a few years ago, I never knew why it was that way: actually, it follows the line of the grant of the Rock of Dumbarton, which wassurveyed that way. The reason the streets on the west side of HighStreet (Wisconsin Avenue) don't match those on the east side is becausethey were laid out by different owners. 

Just about here is the Aged Woman's Home, standing high above thestreet. It was founded in 1868 with a gift of $15, 000 from Mr. W. W. Corcoran. It houses fourteen women. In all these years there have beenonly three Presidents of the Board: Mrs. Beverley Kennon, Miss EmilyNourse, and the present one, Mrs. Louis Freeman. The back part of thehouse is what is left of the home of John Lutz, who had a good deal ofland around his house when he built it nearly two hundred years ago. 

In days gone by, the Aged Woman's Home was partly supported bycontributions collected by women who were members of the BenevolentSociety, who went from door to door with a book in which amounts to begiven were subscribed. 

On the southeast corner of High Street (Wisconsin Avenue) and Gay (N)Street, just above here has been conducted, since 1861, the grocerybusiness of H. W. Fisher and Son, first was the grandfather, known asHenry, whom I remember, with a long grey beard; then his son of the samename, known as Wellen, and now his son, Henry. I am told by an oldresident that the first telephone in Georgetown was in the Fisher'sstore, as it is known, and that when people wanted to phone, they wentthere and used it. 

I was fed from Fisher's all my young life, and I imagine my father wasone of their best customers, as he had eleven children and multitudes ofrelatives in Maryland and Virginia, who came to stay whenever theywished to visit Washington City. So you can rather imagine theconsternation of the elder Mr. Fisher when, one hot afternoon, as he wasclearing out his crate of tomatoes just before closing time and, as wasthe custom in those long ago days, picked up a large, over-ripe one andthrew it out, as he supposed into the gutter, that, instead, it landedon the stiff "boiled shirt" bosom of Mr. George T. Dunlop! I never knewof this occurrence until I was told of it many years after by Mr. WellenFisher, who said his father always said it never made any difference toMr. Dunlop. 

On the other side of High Street (Wisconsin Avenue), coming up fromBridge (M) Street, on the corner was the hardware store of Edward M. Linthicum; later Henry Addison had a dry goods store there. 

A little farther up, in the nineties, was Joe Schladt's, the saloon ofthe Town. We all knew about it, but, of course, no lady ever entered it. There were, however, three or four very well-known gentlemen who enteredit very frequently, and had a good deal of difficulty reaching theirhomes every evening. 

Then we come to 1254 Wisconsin Avenue, Stohlman's, which, ever since1820, has dispensed a very different form of refreshment--ice cream. First it was Arnold's Bakery, then, in 1845, the business was sold toMr. And Mrs. May; then, in 1865, to Mr. And Mrs. Frederick Stohlman, shebeing the niece of Mrs. May; then to J. William Stohlman, father of thepresent owner by the same name, and they are still serving the "élite ofGeorgetown" not only with ice cream, but other dainties. Back in mygirlhood it was "quite the thing" to go down to Stohlman's and have asaucer of ice cream in the back parlor at one of the littlemarble-topped tables. 

Right next door is Forrest Hall. Here, at one corner of the property, was one of the original stones marking the northern border of Georgetownwhen it was surveyed, No. 46. On this lot stood the Union Bank and then, in 1855, Bladen Forrest, (not a descendant of Colonel Uriah Forrest), built this large and very good-looking building. 

The enlisted men of the battalion of the Second U. S. Infantry werequartered in Forrest Hall for a time at the beginning of the Civil War. Later it was used as a hospital for Union soldiers. After that, theGeorgetown Assemblies were held there for several years, and variousother affairs. I remember a fete called a "Chocolatère" when I was alittle girl, and going to it with my mother, and seeing three prettygirls dressed in Japanese costume singing "Three Little Girls fromSchool Are We. " I think that was not so very long after the _Mikado_made its debut. 

On the northwest corner of High Street (Wisconsin Avenue) and ProspectStreet, the building which has an interesting cornice and roof is whereW. W. Corcoran started his career, in the dry goods business. 

Just beyond was a market; I think it was called a "Farmers' andButchers' Market, " an offshoot of the old Market on Bridge (M) Street. Iremember going there when I was a little girl with my mother, and herbuying vegetables from a Dutch woman, Mrs. Hight. I have alwaysremembered her rosy, smiling face, and her stall of gay, vari-coloredvegetables. She had a farm out on the Rockville Pike, and I think of itsometimes when I pass. 

High Street (Wisconsin Avenue) nowadays has become the center of antiqueshops, there are many of them, also now there are dress shops andaccessories of all kinds. 

Then we go along Prospect Street, which was named for the tract of landbelonging to Benjamin Stoddert, called "Pretty Prospect. "

On the corners of Potomac Street are two quaint, little houses. On thesoutheast corner of Frederick (34th) and Prospect Streets stands anapartment house, which, before a false front was added a few years agowhen it was converted, was the dignified brick house where BenjaminStoddert lived and entertained in most hospitable style. 

[Illustration: BENJAMIN STODDERT'S HOUSE]

He named his home "Halcyon House, " and what a suitable and lovely namefor one in his business, and one who had settled here after his servicein the Revolution. For the halcyon was a fabled bird, whose nest floatedupon the sea. It had the power of charming winds and waves, hence, "halcyon days" are days of tranquillity and peace. He had marriedRebecca Loundes, the daughter of Christopher Loundes, of Bladensburg. They had several children. Mrs. Stoddert writes thusly of them on aday when they must have been particularly trying:

 I wonder that you can be so anxious to see my children, for a parcel of rude, disagreeable brats as ever was born, except the two youngest. 

She writes another letter on the 15th of December, 1799, in which she isevidently condoling with someone, and says she "hopes Nancy was notdisappointed at having a fine girl;" she is sure of "Richard's feelingson the subject, for the men always are, if they would but own it, afterhaving one daughter, all but sons are unwelcome. " She goes on to say, "But they may comfort themselves, but I will be security that the nextone will be a son. "

What marvelous necromancy this lady must have possessed--in her ownopinion--worth a gold mine if it could really be true!

From his southern dormer windows, tradition says, Major Stoddert used towatch with his telescope for the coming of some of those ships that heand Colonel Forrest and Colonel Murdock sent out across the ocean. 

On May 17, 1798, he was appointed Secretary of the Navy, being the firstto hold that position, and so remained until March 1, 1807. 

On May 29, 1800, he wrote thusly from Philadelphia (where he was engagedby his cabinet duties), to his near neighbor, John Templeman, on thecorner just one block west of him, the old house which stood for somany, many years unoccupied:

 Dear Sir:

 The Pres. Will be at Washington by the time you receive this, or a day or two after. He proposes to stay but a little while. I wish he would remain longer. This and other good things will depend on the manner of employing his time. I request, therefore, that setting Bashfulness at defiance, you will urge the Pres. To go to the balls, to ride with you in your coach, and to get Mr. Scott at least to go with you. Let the Pres. Be pleased with the attention and with the country. 

 I am resp. Yrs. , BEN STODDERT. 

 Barring accidents, I expect to be in Geo. Town the 14th of June. 

After Benjamin Stoddert's death, this house was given by William Whannas a wedding present to his only child, Anna Maria, on her marriage toBenjamin Mackall, the son of Leonard Mackall. Their son, General WilliamW. Mackall, was a graduate of West Point in the class with GeneralGrant. He served with distinction in the Mexican War and later in theConfederate Army. Shortly after the close of the Civil War, GeneralGrant gave a reception at the White House to the Aztec Society, composedof officers who served in the War with Mexico and their descendants. General Mackall went to it clad in his grey uniform and was mostcordially received by his old comrades. 

Still later than the Mackalls, this house was occupied by Mr. Martineau, Minister from the Netherlands, and then by the Pairo family. 

To return to Mr. Templeman's house which he built about 1788. He waspresident of the Bank of Columbia; also an owner of ships, and, as aside issue, had:

 For Sale--At John Templeman's Store. Whisky, Firkin Butter, Linseed Oil, and Flour. George Town June 20, 1800. 

Those ships which carried tobacco across 3, 000 miles of ocean didn'tfill their holds with bricks as ballast on the way back, as we used tobe told; there were too many better things needed here. And there wasplenty of clay right here to burn brick. Even in the early days ofJamestown there were brick factories of which there are records and"English Brick" meant made by specifications of English brick. 

The Templeman family lived here for three generations until the CivilWar. Then it belonged to Franklin Steele, whose three daughters wereMrs. Morris, Mrs. Arthur Addison, and Mrs. Edward Macaulay. 

"Old Mrs. Morris, " as she was called, lived there many years alone andwas always complaining to my father that the new building of the CapitalTraction Company was undermining her house and was knocking it down. Itstill stands firm. It was finally "done over" a few years ago, andeventually bought by James E. Forrestal, when he became Secretary of theNavy, and was still his home when he resigned as our first Secretary ofDefense, and then ended his life tragically May 12, 1949, by leapingfrom a window of the Naval Hospital at Bethesda. 

The house was leased for two or three years to the Government and called"Prospect House. " It was used by the State Department as a "guesthouse, " where such honored persons as the Shah of Iran, Monsieur VincentAuriol, President of France, and several Presidents of Latin Americancountries, and other officials, stayed. The State Department often usedit for dinner parties. Its garden which used to be terraced down to theriver, and quaint little gazebo are still lovely. It has recently beenpurchased by Representative Thurmond Chatham of North Carolina. 

[Illustration: HOME OF DR. CHARLES WORTHINGTON]

Just across from Mr. Templeman's house on the northeast corner is one ofthe loveliest houses left in Georgetown. It stood for many yearsunchanged and unoccupied until a few years ago, when it was bought bySir Wilmott Lewis, the representative in Washington for a long time ofthe _London Times_. 

It was built by John Thomson Mason, (not General John Mason, whose homewas on Bridge Street). It was acquired in 1810 by Dr. CharlesWorthington, who came to George Town in 1783 from Sumner Hill in AnneArundel County. He previously owned a house on the southwest corner ofBridge (M) and Market (33rd) Streets, and, later on, bought this house. He called his home "Quality Hill. " His family lived there for many yearsuntil about 1856, when they moved up to the Heights and bought a houseon Road Street. The family of James Kearney lived there then, untilabout twenty years ago. Dr. Worthington was one of the original membersof Saint John's Church and first president of the District of ColumbiaMedical Society. 

Dr. Charles Worthington was an austere man, very dignified and serious. To his latest day, he dressed in the old style; his hair in queue, kneebreeches, long stockings, and buckles on his shoes. He drove acoach-and-four when going to his country place out on the Seventh StreetRoad near Brightwood. He was a man of great ability and zeal. He livedto be 76 years old, having practiced medicine 55 years. His son, Nicholas, followed in his profession. 

Another block westward on this street stood Prospect Cottage, a charminglittle home where Mrs. E. D. E. N. Southworth lived in the sixties andwrote her many novels--one for every year of her life. This house wasfor a time the home of the League of American Pen Women. 

Just about a block northward stands Holy Trinity Catholic Church, referred to sometimes in old newspapers as The Roman Church. The presentlarge edifice, facing on Lingan (36th) Street, was first built in 1849, but the original church is the small building at the back of it, high upfrom First (N) Street. The earliest marriage recorded there is April 6, 1795; the first baptism, May 14, 1795, signed by Reverend Francis Neale, S. J. , who was the first pastor. But the lot had been purchased someyears before by Bishop Carroll. 

The building was erected by Alexander Doyle, putting in his own means inaddition to contributions from others. This church was virtually ownedby the college and was used for the college commencements until 1832. 

Georgetown College, now a university, stands like a fortress at thewestern boundary of the town. Its lovely chimes float out over the townat every quarter of the hour. Only one of the original buildings in old, red brick still stands behind the grey stone modern halls. The northbuilding was put up first, and by 1797, students began to lodge in it. There were 57 boarders at that time. The college was opened in 1789--itsfounder being John Carroll, a member of the famous Maryland family, whowas consecrated Bishop at Lulworth Castle in England, but returnedimmediately to this country. There is a fine seated statue of him justin front of the main building. In 1806 it passed under the control ofthe Jesuits, and in 1815, it was raised to the rank of a university. Theobservatory of Georgetown, founded by Reverend James Curley in 1842, isone of the oldest in this country. 

In 1830 Jonathan Elliot wrote of the college:

 On entering the College, every pupil shall pay ten dollars. He shall bring a mattress, a pillow, two pillow cases, two pairs of sheets, four blankets and a counterpane, or pay $6. 00 per annum for the use of bed and bedding. He must also bring with him one suit of clothes, as a uniform--which is in winter a blue cloth coat and pantaloons with a black velvet waistcoat; in summer white pantaloons with a black silk waistcoat are used. He must likewise bring with him two suits for daily wear, for which no particular color is prescribed; six shirts, six pairs of stockings, six pocket handkerchiefs, three pairs of shoes, a hat and a cloak or great coat, also a silver spoon. These articles if not brought by the student will be furnished by the College and included in the first bill. 

 The pension for board, washing, mending and mending materials, use of books (philosophical and mathematical excepted), pens, ink, and writing paper, slates and pencil, is $150. Medical aid and medicine, unless parents choose to run the risk of a doctor's bill in case of sickness, $3. 00 per annum. All charges must be paid half-yearly in advance. 

 With regard to pocket money it is desired that all students should be placed on an equality and that it should not exceed 12-1/2 cents per week; and whatever is allowed must be deposited in the hands of the directors of the College. Half-boarders are received on the usual terms, viz. $5 entrance and $65 for board per annum. 

 Day scholars $5 for fuel and servants, as no charge is made for tuition. The College has been established 45 years and not a single death has taken place among the students. 

This was in spite of the fact that the young men, winter and summer, washed at the pump!

Early in 1861 several volunteer regiments, including the 69th New Yorkand the 79th Pennsylvania Regiments, arrived in Georgetown. The 69thwas mustered into service in the grounds of Georgetown College, where itwas afterwards quartered. The 79th Pennsylvania Regiment was clad intheir distinctive Scottish kilts, plaids, and striped stockings, and hada band of pipers at their head. 

The Georgetown College students showed where their sympathies were by anostentatious display of a badge fastened upon the lapel of thecoat--tri-color for the Union, and blue for disunion. 

Just west of the college used to be a pond which was a very popularresort for skaters in the winter season. 

Not far away is another well-known Catholic institution, for theeducation of the other sex--the oldest Visitation Convent in thecountry--having on its list of alumnæ many well-known names. 

When Father Neale came from Philadelphia to George Town in 1798 tobecome president of the college, he found living on Fayette (35th)Street, near by, three ladies belonging to the Order of Poor Clares. This order was founded in Assisi long ago by Sister Clare, a devotedfriend of Saint Francis of Assisi, and is similar to the Franciscans. The three ladies were members of the French nobility who had been drivenfrom their convent in France during the Revolution in 1793 and, comingto this country, had set up a little convent not far from the college. They attempted to keep a school as a means of support, but had a verydifficult time. Once, it is told, they were reduced to such poverty thatthey had to sell a parrot, which they had as a pet, in order to savethemselves from starvation. These women, barefooted, according to therule of their order, came of noble blood and had been born to luxury. One of them was Mary de la Marche, who advertised in the newspapersalves and eyewashes for sale. 

In 1799 Father Neale sent back to Philadelphia for three devotedreligious friends from Ireland, who wished to found a convent. They wereAlice Tabor, Maria McDermott, and Louise Sharpe. For a few months theyboarded with the Poor Clares, but a little later Father Neale bought ahouse and lot nearby and installed them in it. They became known as ThePious Ladies. On May 18, 1801, Mary de la Marche advertised the twohouses of the Poor Clares for sale, but apparently they did not sellthem at that time, for, in 1804, after the death of the Abbess, Madamede la Rochefoucault, who succeeded her, sold the convent to BishopNeale, and the remaining ladies returned to France. 

The Pious Ladies slowly increased in numbers, keeping their school andstruggling against poverty, all the time endeavoring to becomeestablished as members of the Visitation Order. At last their hope andambition came to pass, and, in 1816, they were regularly established asthe Georgetown Visitation Convent. 

Across the street from the Convent grounds, a lovely big meadow until itwas partly taken over in World War II for a housing project, are theVolta Bureau for the Deaf and two interesting houses. 

Mrs. Gilbert Grosvenor, the daughter of Alexander Graham Bell, has verykindly given me this wonderful letter about them:

 My grandfather, Alexander Melville Bell, lived on the corner of 35th Street and Volta Place in the house since occupied by Mr. Walter Lippman, (but not at present). 

 Following my father's removal to Washington in about 1879, his father and mother changed their residence from Brantford, Ontario, to Georgetown. With them were their three nieces, the Misses Symonds, who were my father's double cousins. At the back of the 35th Street property was an old stable which my father converted into a laboratory, and he carried on experiments there almost until the time of his death. He would come out nearly every afternoon to his laboratory and visit with his parents before returning home in the evening. 

 It was also our custom to have dinner with my grandfather and grandmother on Sundays. They were very jolly times and my grandfather always had a jar of candy for the grandchildren and games which we could all play. He was very popular with all the young people, being jolly, and looked a little like the usual idea of Santa Claus, with his gray beard and hair. 

 Shortly after my grandfather came to live in Georgetown, his brother, Mr. David Charles Bell and Mrs. Bell, followed him from Brantford to Washington and bought the house next door. With them at that time, keeping house for them, was Miss Aileen Bell. She was noted in the family as having turned down Bernard Shaw's offer of marriage in her young days, Bernard Shaw having been a great friend of her brother, Mr. Chichester Bell, and having visited with the family when they lived in Dublin, Ireland. Mr. David Bell had in his young days moved to Dublin to carry on the career of his father, Alexander Bell, as a teacher of elocution. His wife had a school for young ladies. Another son of the family was Mr. Charles J. Bell, later president of the American Security and Trust Company, who later married my mother's sister, Roberta Hubbard, and came to reside in Washington. 

 Mr. David Charles Bell was a very handsome man, but very irascible, and the young people were quite afraid of him. He and his brother had numerous vehement arguments as to whether Shakespeare or Bacon wrote Shakespeare's plays. My grandmother was eleven or twelve years older than her husband, so my grandfather did most of the marketing, and I understand it used to be quite a sight on Saturday morning to see the two old gentlemen, Mr. David and Mr. Melville Bell, going to market with baskets over their arms. Notwithstanding all their arguments, they were very devoted to each other. 

 Miss Aileen Bell was very musical and was one of the founders of the Friday Morning Music Club and other musical clubs. She was the organist and choir leader in Christ Church, Georgetown. She was always very punctilious in her attendance and I remember her talking about her church. 

 Mr. And Mrs. Charles Bell and their family also used to come out on Sundays to see their parents, but they usually came to supper. The family as a whole were very devoted. Mr. Chichester Bell, you may recall, was the co-inventor with my father and Mr. Tainter of the phonograph. The wax records that are used today are their invention and their company, the Columbia Phonograph Company, operated under their patents. 

 After my grandfather's death, the house came into my father's possession, and he gave it to the American Association to Promote the Teaching of Speech to the Deaf, now called the Volta Speech Association. It was used for a time as the home of the Superintendent. My father still continued to use his laboratory. Some years later, when the Association needed money, it was sold and the proceeds used to carry on the work of the Association. My father was very much interested in the work of the Volta Bureau and one winter, when my mother was away, he lived at the Volta Bureau, compiling some of his scientific data. He had a way when he became absorbed in work of forgetting to eat or sleep, and the person that brought his dinner tray would often find his luncheon tray untouched. 

[Illustration: JOHN THRELKELD]

Just north of the convent grounds is the site of the estate of Berleith, which had been built by Henry Threlkeld. He had, in 1751, married Mrs. Mary Hopkins, a daughter of Dr. Gustavus Brown of Maryland, and widow ofReverend Matthew Hopkins. Henry Threlkeld died in 1781, his widow in1801. Their one child, John, was married in 1787 to Elizabeth Ridgely, of Maryland. Two years before his marriage he visited England, oneobject of his trip being to secure a legacy which he converted into goldand brought back with him. He landed in England at Dover, which hedescribed as being "about the size of George Town, " the voyage havingtaken nearly two months--from October 6th to December 3rd. In hisjournal he wrote of having gone to the House of Commons to hear "Mr. Pitt open the budgett, Mr. Fox followed, and then Mr. Sheridan repliedto Mr. Pitt. "

Of John Threlkeld, an old paper states that "he was well and very widelyknown as a fine scholar and a man of great benevolence. " He was mayor ofGeorge Town in 1793 and a personal friend of Thomas Jefferson. He wasremembered as a handsome figure on horseback, even in his late years, and his love of following the hounds is a family tradition. The commentsmade by him in this connection during his stay in England areinteresting. After describing the journey by coach past fine estateswith "one-half the fields as green as spring with grass, " he added, "andbut one horse have I seen in the course of thirty miles at pasture, andhere I must take notice of their boasting in America of their huntersleaping the five-bar gates. " He goes on to explain how the measurementswere taken, and concludes, "but still their horses vastly surpass ours. "

John and Elizabeth Threlkeld had four children, but the only son died ininfancy, so the name disappeared, and the family is represented only bythe descendants of their daughter, Jane, who married John Cox. 

[Illustration: COLONEL JOHN COX]

Chapter IX

_Along First Street (N) from Cox's Row to High Street (Wisconsin Ave. )_

On the northeast corner of First Street (N) and Frederick (34th) Streetstands the row of houses which John Cox built. Colonel Cox was for manyyears most prominent in all the affairs of Georgetown, serving as itsMayor longer than any other one man from 1823 to 1845--22 years. JohnCox was of English descent. He was born in 1775 during the Revolution, was the youngest of four children, and being left an orphan as a smallchild, was raised by an uncle who was a banker in Baltimore. He laterlived for a while in Philadelphia, and from there came to Georgetown. Hefirst married Matilda Smith, a sister of Clement Smith, well known asthe first cashier of the Farmers' & Mechanics Bank, later its president. They had three children, one of whom was named Clement. By his secondmarriage to Jane Threlkeld he had seven children. 

In the War of 1812 he served as a Colonel. He was a large property ownerin Georgetown, besides being a well-to-do merchant. He built the row ofhouses on First (N) Street, called by his name and lived for a while inthe house on the corner. That must have been during the period of hisfirst marriage, for after Jane Threlkeld became his wife they built alovely house on part of the Berleith estate, next door to the oldThrelkeld which had been burned, and called it The Cedars. It stoodwhere the Western High School now stands, and it is difficult torealize now that there, in my memory, was a home surrounded by a mass oftrees and vines and was most delightfully private and charming. It was aquaint and lovely old cream-colored mansion, a portico on its northfront, two long piazzas as usual, along the south side of the house. Inlater years I myself went there to the private school kept by the MissesEarle, whose father, George Earle purchased the place. 

Colonel Cox was celebrated as a dandy. "He would saunter down town insilk stockings and pumps, not getting a spot upon himself, while othermen would be up to their ankles in mud, for in those days there were nopavements. " Stepping-stones were placed at the corners of the streetsstanding rather high above the roadway to facilitate the pedestrians. 

Colonel Cox had moved up to The Cedars when, as mayor in 1824, it fellto his lot to act as host for Georgetown to the Marquis de Lafayette, when he made his famous visit. 

A new arrival was imminent in the Cox family, so it was not advisable tohave the party, which he wished to give, at his home. Consequently, heused one of these houses which was vacant at that time, number 3337; hadit furnished from top to bottom, his eldest daughter, Sally, acting inher mother's place as hostess for the distinguished party invited tomeet the hero of the hour. 

It is said that one young lady in her enthusiasm fell upon her kneesbefore the Marquis and impressed a kiss upon his hands. There was afashion in those days of decorating the floor by painting a patternaround the edges with colored chalks--garlands of roses entwined withthe flags of the two countries. A marvelous supper was served; it issaid it included 600 reed birds. It is to be hoped it also includedother things more substantial than this high-sounding but sparselycovered game. 

The coach of Colonel Cox was at the disposal of the honored guest duringthe period of his stay. When he made his formal entry into the Districtof Columbia, having come by way of Baltimore, he was escorted by a troopof cavalry from Montgomery County commanded by my grandfather, CaptainHenry Dunlop, a Georgetonian, then farming the family plantation, Hayes, seven miles north of town. 

Tradition says that number 3337 had a tunnel leading to the river. Somesuch large opening was discovered when the owner excavated recently tomake a pool in the garden. In 1860 this house was the home of William A. Gordon, for many years chief of the quartermaster's department. It wasfrom here that his eldest son of the same name left to enter theConfederate Army. William A. Gordon, senior, born in Baltimore, had goneto the Military Academy at West Point, and while there a terrible cryarose about the poor quality of food furnished for the cadets. Mr. Gordon was one of the three young men selected by the corps to go toWashington to interview the President on the subject. The answer he gavethem was that he would see that conditions at the Academy were remedied, but his advice to them was to send in their resignations immediately, asthere would be no career there for them after this. 

From about 1865 to 1892 Mr. And Mrs. William Laird, Jr. , made thishouse their home. Mr. Laird was for forty years cashier of the Farmers'and Mechanics' Bank, and was greatly respected. When he resigned he waspresented by the officials with a very handsome silver punch bowl, ladleand tray and a large silver loving cup. He died suddenly a month or twoafter giving up his business and his widow did not survive him long. Mrs. Laird was Anna Key Ridgely, a charming person. They had nochildren, nor had his brother, who never married, so this name, long sohonored here, has disappeared from Georgetown. 

To return to the corner house. It was for several years the home ofCommodore Charles Morris, one of the eminent officers of the early U. S. Navy. He made a remarkable record in the War with Tripoli, his earliestachievement being on the occasion of the recapture and destruction ofthe frigate _Philadelphia_ in the harbor of Tripoli in 1804. MidshipmanMorris, then nineteen years old, volunteered for the service and was thefirst to stand on the deck of the _Philadelphia_ and commence the workof destruction. At the beginning of the War of 1812 he held the rank oflieutenant--and became executive officer of the _Constitution_, CaptainIsaac Hull being in command. 

On the 17th of July, 1812, a very calm day, the frigate met a fleet ofBritish vessels, and the enemy thought they had an easy prize, but by acombination of towing and kedging by means of the _Constitution's_ boatsand anchors, an extraordinary escape was made which, as Captain Hullstated at the time, was conceived by Lieutenant Morris. Its successfulexecution commanded the admiration of his countrymen and won theapplause even of the British officers. 

Commodore Morris was chosen to escort Lafayette back to France on the U. S. S. _Brandywine_, and while on a visit to the general his portrait waspainted by Amy Shaffer and sent back to Mrs. Morris as a gift from theMarquis. 

In 1842 the property was bought by James Keith who was a great friend ofGeneral Washington, Mr. Keith's daughter married Mr. Forrest, and theirson French Forrest was an officer in the United States Navy, but likemany others in this part of the world, went into the Southern Navyduring the Civil War. At the time of his funeral W. W. Corcoran, who wasa very intimate friend, was a pall-bearer. In those days it was thestyle for the mourners to wear a long streamer of crêpe around theirhats and hanging down a foot or two. Little Douglas Forrest, the son ofthe deceased, began to cry, saying he "wanted some funeral on his hat. "Mr. Corcoran took him in hand and insisted that he should have his wishand be arrayed like the other mourners. 

In the other houses of that row lived, at number 3335, just before theCivil War, a family named Semmes from New Orleans who had severaldaughters considered very beautiful. Cora Semmes became the wife ofColonel Joseph Ives, a brilliant young engineer officer of the UnitedStates Army, who, although of Northern birth, espoused the Southerncause. He was put on General Lee's staff, and later transferred to beaide-de-camp to Jefferson Davis where, in Richmond he and his wifebecame prominent and useful in entertaining distinguished foreigners, asshe was noted for her charm as well as her beauty. 

In number 3333 Judge Robert Ould resided. His father had been one ofthe founders of the Lancastrian School. Mattie Ould, whose name still isa synonym for grace, beauty and wit, spent her childhood here. After theOulds went to Richmond this house was for a time the home of HenryAddison, while he was mayor. Later on the Cropleys lived in it. 

William Hunter lived for a great many years in number 3331, when he wasAssistant Secretary of State. Women of my generation still remember himfor his love of little children and his gifts to them of toys andgoodies. 

Across on the southeast corner of First (N) Street and Frederick (34th)Street at 3340 is the house which Harry Hopkins, the great friend ofFranklin D. Roosevelt, bought and moved to with his new wife and hisdaughter Diana, when they left the White House where they had beenliving for a year or more. This was his home at the time of his death. 

On this street used to live the Marburys before they moved to TheHeights, and also the Wheatleys of whom there were several households inGeorgetown in the latter part of the last century. 

A block eastward on the same side of the street is another row ofcharming old houses, built about 1800 by Colonel James Smith, "latelyreturned from the Revolutionary War. " In the one on the corner of First(N) and Potomac Streets used to live Mrs. Gannt and her daughter Clareand Mrs. Gannt's sister Mrs. Smith. I think they were descendants of thebuilder of the row. Their old home was for a time occupied by Mr. AndMrs. Blair Thaw, the former a poet, the latter an artist. 

Third from the corner at 3259, in the middle of the 19th century livedDr. Lewis Ritchie who had an extensive practice. I think he was the sonof Dr. Joshua Ritchie. This house was the home of Hon. And Mrs. Lewis A. Douglas when he was the sole representative in Congress from Arizona. Later he was Director of the Budget and within recent years Ambassadorto the Court of St. James. This house is now the home of Mrs. McCookKnox who is very well known in connection with the study of EarlyAmerican Portraits and has been connected with the Frick Art ReferenceLibrary of New York since its inception. In the front room of the atticof 3259 were doors of rough hewn wood with old iron bolts leading intorooms of the two adjoining houses. The story is that in the War of 1812this row of houses used to be watched. A soldier would be stationed onthe corner, but the "questionable person" never emerged, he could escapethrough the attic rooms and come out at the end of the row. 

No. 3257 is now the home of Hon. And Mrs. Richard B. Wigglesworth ofMassachusetts. 

The old home of the Shoemaker family was at 3261. While he was AssistantSecretary of War it was the home of Hon. And Mrs. F. Trubee Davison andis now the home of Hon. And Mrs. James J. Wadsworth of New York. 

All of this part of Georgetown west of High Street (Wisconsin Avenue)used to be called Holy Hill, because of the great number of Irish whodwelt in the neighborhood. On Saint Patrick's Day there were parades andfights, and all kinds of excitement. 

There were also a good many respectable colored Catholics, and nearhere, on Potomac Street, dwelt a family of Coakleys. Magdalen Coakleythought she was the reincarnation of the Virgin Mary. She got herselfup to look like the Virgin, in sweeping white robes and a sky-blue veiland cloak. She was not a very dark negress and had a fine countenanceand striking figure. She used to go about the streets blessing littlechildren and wanting to baptize them, followed, of course, by a stringof boys making fun of her. She would go up to Trinity Church and standby the door; but once she wanted to help the priest give Communion, sothey had to forbid her coming. Of course the poor soul thought she wasbeing persecuted, but she took it in a Christian manner and prayed allthe harder, on the street and everywhere. She lived to be an old womanstill wearing her picturesque costume. 

Her sister, Frances, was nurse for three generations for the Hein familywhose home was at number 3249 N Street, now entirely changed by itsmodernized roof and steps. 

Samuel Hein had emigrated from Königsberg, Germany, as a young man, andhad become an American citizen. He was fifty-six years in the Coast andGeodetic Survey, retiring as its disbursing officer. He was an ardentUnion man, and during the four years of the Civil War kept the Stars andStripes flying from one of his windows. All through the two terribledays after the Battle of Bull Run, when the Northern troops werestreaming through Georgetown, Mr. Hein maintained a soup kitchen for thesoldiers in his back yard. His wife was the daughter of John Simpson wholived on the corner of High Street (Wisconsin Avenue) and West (P)Streets. Her brother, James Alexander Simpson, was a rather well-knownportrait painter. They were quite a musical and artistic family. 

One son Charles Hein was an artist and had his studio in a little framehouse still standing on 31st (Congress) behind another house, oppositethe post office. There he took pupils. He was very picturesque inappearance, tall and dark, wore a drooping mustache, low collar withflowing black cravat and wide-brimmed black hat and cape. 

Another son Col. O. L. Hein in an interesting book called _Memories ofLong Ago_ tells this story:

 One day in the spring of 1861, as I was passing the residence of the pastor of St. John's Church, The Rev. Mr. Tillinghast, quite near our house, I was attracted by the sight of a dashing young Cavalry officer, who was showing off the paces of his handsome black charger to the Minister. I lingered nearby, greatly enjoying the equestrian performance, and upon its conclusion I was informed by the clergyman, that the name of the young officer was William Orton Williams, and that he was the military secretary of Lt. General Winfield Scott. 

 In the following year I was shocked to read in a local newspaper the account of the trial and conviction of Williams and his cousin, Lt. W. G. Peter (resident of Georgetown) as spies under the assumed names of General W. C. Auton and Major Dunlop, of the Union Army, by a drumhead Court Martial, and their conviction and execution by hanging. In recent years I was informed by my wife's mother, Mrs. Ross, that she remembered Williams quite well, and that he was engaged to Miss Anne Lee, the daughter of General R. E. Lee; but that she died, on the outbreak of the Civil War. Mrs. Ross was a cousin of General Lee, and a freqeunt visitor at Arlington before the secession of Virginia. 

 Williams was of distinguished ancestry, the son of Capt. William G. Williams, a graduate of West Point of the class of 1822, who was mortally wounded at the Battle of Monterey, Mexico, while serving on the staff of General Zachary Taylor, and his mother, America Peter was the daughter of Thomas Peter, a prominent citizen of Georgetown, whose wife Martha Parke Custis was the granddaughter of Mrs. George Washington and an aunt of Mary Custis the wife of General R. E. Lee. 

Just next door to this house is the site where, even before 1780, stoodthe Columbian Academy of which Mr. Rogers was the principal and of whichDr. Balch became the head in 1781. It was a large, two-story framebuilding, having a high entrance porch, where hung the bell. It stood ona hill which commanded a fine view of the river from the study roomsupstairs. Adjacent to the schoolroom was a large garden in the middleof which was a jessamine arbor. Two of General Washington's nephews werestudents of the school and lived with the principal. 

Here was housed the Columbian Library which was opened in 1803. In lateryears the present building was erected but having a very differentappearance. Here lived Hugh Caperton a well known lawyer. 

I myself lived here as a very small child when I was two or three yearsold and one of my very first memories is being dared by my brothers andsisters to jump off the stone wall fronting the street, about four feethigh. I felt as if I had to jump from the Washington Monument, but I didit, with no ill effects. 

It was after that the home, for many years, of the Barbers. Old Mrs. Barber moved there with her grandchildren when she sold her home wherethe United States Naval Observatory now stands. She was the daughter ofMajor Adlum whose home was The Vineyard where the Bureau of Standards isnow. His place was well named for he was a great horticulturist, thefirst to domesticate the Catawba grape. It grew wild in North Carolina. 

Chapter X

_Gay (N) Street--East to Rock Creek_

Across High Street (Wisconsin Avenue) along Gay (N) Street on thenorthwest corner of Congress (31st) is the Baptist Church which has justcelebrated its 75th anniversary. It was originally a small framebuilding, up on a bank. The present building was erected in 1890. 

On the southwest corner of Gay (N) and Congress (31st) Streets stood, not so very many years ago, an attractive old white house with longporches, tiers of them, across the back overlooking a garden. I thinkthe present building is what it was converted into in the period thatdid the best to rob Georgetown of all its charm. 

Here, in 1795, Dr. James Heighe Blake built his home. He was a veryeminent citizen, a member of the first vestry of Saint John's Church, one of the very first to advocate schools of the Lancastrian system anda reformatory, and the very first person to suggest a health officer forthe City of Washington. He moved over to the city and became its thirdmayor from 1813 to 1817. His daughter, Glorvina, married William A. Gordon, senior, of whom I have already spoken. 

Here, at one time, lived Judge Walter Cox, grandson of Colonel John Cox. His wife was a daughter of Judge Dunlop. Still later, the school of MissJennie and Miss Lucy Stephenson was here, which was well attended in theseventies and eighties. In the spring of 1875, a romantic elopementtook place. A young girl of sixteen, an orphan, who was said to be "anheiress, " went off to Baltimore very early one morning with the son of aminister who taught Latin in the school. 

When the pupils came that morning, they sensed the excitement andgathered in groups in the gallery. Eventually, the news leaked out andthe chief topic was that the young lady took no baggage, not even anightgown, in her flight. 

Just below here, on Congress (31st) Street, in the latter part of thelast century lived a lady much beloved by rich and poor. She was thefirst person to conceive the idea of a diet kitchen for the needy. Shehad not much of this world's goods, so she went daily to the differentbutchers who gave her scraps of meat which she cooked, and hadcontinually on hand jars of "beef tea. " All the doctors knew where toapply when they had patients who were in need of it. She was the widowof Captain Charles Carroll Simms, an officer of the old navy who wentwith the Confederacy, and at the famous battle in Hampton Roads, wassecond in command of the _Merrimac_, and in command after the chiefofficer was killed. She was Elizabeth Nourse, daughter of Major CharlesJoseph Nourse, of The Highlands. 

Next door, below Mrs. Simms' house, stands the Methodist ProtestantChurch which not long ago celebrated its one hundredth anniversary. Thelot for it was purchased in April, 1829, but the founders for a year ortwo previous to that had been worshipping in the Presbyterian Churchbuilding, Saint John's or the Lancastrian schoolroom. It is now aChristian Science Church. 

Across the street from the church, next door to the Post Office, thetall brick house is where a family lived which in the nineties was amystery to Georgetown--the Oueston family--father, mother, and daughter. No one knew what was the father's business, and no one ever saw themother out, but it was rumored that she came from South America, was ofroyal blood, and had a throne on which she sat, dressed accordingly. Thedaughter was known then, and for many years afterwards, as "the girl ofa thousand curls. " She was tall and slender, and her magnificent suit ofdark hair was a mass of curls, making her head look like "a bushelbasket. " She wore ankle-length dresses of a style totally different fromwhat every other girl wore: white stockings, when all of us wore black, and black slippers, laced up with narrow black ribbons. 

And then up to the northeast corner of Gay (N) and Congress (31st)Streets, to the tall yellow house, now an apartment house. For manyyears it was at the home of the Snyders. Dr. John M. Snyder died at theage of 36, in the enjoyment of a fine reputation in his profession, ofan unusual accident. 

The story is told by Dr. Samuel Busey, in his _Personal Reminiscences_:

 Dr. Snyder had bought a farm called "Greenwood" a little way out of town toward Tenallytown, and one afternoon at Dr. Busey's home, "Belvoir, " now the Beauvoir School, was telling Dr. Busey how he was enjoying pruning the old oak trees on his place of dead wood. Dr. Busey warned him that he was engaging in a dangerous amusement and related the story of how a hired man of his, doing such a job, had had a bad fall, but, fortunately, without injury. 

 Two or three days later, Dr. Busey was summoned to "Greenwood, " where he found Dr. Snyder dying from just such an accident. The branch of the tree he had been sawing off was hanging by a splintered sliver, too weak to support its weight and, in swinging to the ground, had knocked away the ladder on which Dr. Snyder was standing. 

His wife was Sophy Tayloe, a member of the well-known family of theOctagon House in Washington, and beautiful old Mount Airy in Virginia. As a widow in her old age, she had a steady admirer, a general, who cameevery afternoon at the same time in his Victoria, and took her to drive. I can see her now, a small, slight figure in her cape, and little blackbonnet tied under her chin, and holding one of those quaint littleruffled sunshades to keep the sun out of her eyes. 

She had one daughter, Miss Annie, who had the loveliest rosy cheeks (norouge in those days), who never married. One son, Bladen, was an artist, and he used to be a familiar sight with his camp-stool and easel on thestreets, painting. 

Georgetown was not so "arty" in Bladen Snyder's day, unfortunately, sohe was considered very "odd. "

The other son, Dr. Arthur Snyder, was a fine surgeon, and an ardenthorseman. 

Not long ago I was being shown photographs of belles and beaux of theeighties and nineties in Georgetown. Among them were several pictures ofthe crews of the Columbia Boat Club, and one of the "four" was young Dr. Snyder, whose home this was. 

There were two boat clubs in those days which were great rivals. TheColumbia was at the foot of High Street (Wisconsin Avenue) and thePotomac was at the foot of Congress (31st) Street. I have morerecollections of the latter, especially the dances held there onsummer evenings, and the porch overhanging the river, with the moonlighton the water. 

[Illustration: OLD DR. RILEY'S HOUSE]

We used to have tug parties, starting from there, going several milesdown the Potomac and back, eating our supper on board and singing "MyBonnie Lies Over the Ocean, " and "On the Road to Mandalay, " which atthat time was quite new. 

Across the street, at number 3038, is the house that I have always heardcalled "old Dr. Riley's. " It was sold on the 24th of March, 1812, byJames S. Marshall to William S. Nicholls and Romulus Riggs. Mr. Riggsowned the house until 1835. He was born near Brookeville in MontgomeryCounty, Maryland. He was married in 1810. Somewhere between 1812 and1835 he went to live in Philadelphia where he was a prosperous merchantand influential citizen. I think it probable he lived in this houseduring some of that time and sold it to Dr. Joshua Riley. 

Dr. Riley had several students of medicine whom he taught. Among themwas Dr. Armistead Peter, Alec Williams, "the handsomest man in town, "and the two nephews of Baron Bodisco, who also spent much time here. Hisoffice, a quaint little one-story brick building, on part of his lot, was torn down a few years ago, to the great sorrow of us old-timers, forGeorgetown had lost one of its most distinctive antiques. 

Dr. Riley practiced medicine for 51 years and died beloved in thecommunity at large as well as by his patients. He had a good word andpleasant salutation for everybody. He was a man of marked personalappearance, tall, slim, gaunt, awkward in manner, with a quick emphaticstyle of speech. 

Dr. Riley had married a daughter of Colonel Fowler, who lived on West(P) Street, and on the 10th of June, 1851, his wife's niece, JulietMurray was married in this dear old house to John Marbury, Jr. Dr. Riley's daughter, Miss Marianna, and her sister-in-law, Mrs. Riley, occupied this house for many years until her death, when it was sold foralmost "a song. " Since then it has been resold several times. 

Across the street, at number 3043, now the home of Vice-Admiral LaurenceDu Bose, was the home of another well-known admiral, Theodore Wilkinson, when he returned from the Pacific. He and his wife started off on amotor trip. At Norfolk, Virginia, as they were landing from a ferry, hiscar got out of control; he signaled to his wife to jump and her life wassaved, but he and the car ran off into deep water and he was drowned. 

The cream-colored brick house with wings out on each side, now number3033 N Street, is one of the very oldest houses in Georgetown. It wasthe home of Colonel George Beall, son of Ninian Beall, and bequeathed byhim at his death in 1780 to his daughters, Elizabeth and Ann, the sameElizabeth who became the wife of Dr. Stephen Bloomer Balch shortly afterher father's death. 

Adjoining the house on the east was the garden. All the land betweenthis house and the one at 3017, built by George Beall's son, ThomasBeall of George, as he always styled himself, was made his two"Additions to Georgetown, " was part of this estate. Many yearsafterwards, the little summer house and the fruit trees were stillthere. And, as was the custom in those long-ago days, here was thefamily burying-ground. I know people who remember it. Among thegravestones removed to the old Presbyterian burying-ground were twowhich bore these inscriptions: "Here lieth Colonel George Beall, whodeparted this life March 15, 1780, aged 85. " And the other, "Here lieththe body of Elizabeth Beall, who departed this life October 2, 1748, aged about 49 years. " She was Elizabeth Brooke, daughter of ColonelThomas Brooke and Barbara Dent. 

In 1809 these two sisters sold this house to John Peter, and the nextyear he sold it to Mrs. Robert Peter, who was then a widow. She camehere to live with her younger daughter, Margaret, who had become thewife of Thomas Dick, of Bladensburg. Here Mrs. Peter lived until herdeath in 1821, at the age of seventy-eight. Mrs. Dick's husband had diedwhile on a trip to the West Indies and had been buried at sea. She livedon here the rest of her life with her only child, Robert, and he livedthere many years and died there--an old bachelor. He was buried in OakHill on Christmas Eve, 1870. During these years there was a much-belovedold cook, Aunt Hannah, who was famous for her gingerbread and cookies. Ihave seen her photograph "all dressed up to have her picture took. "

Robert Dick had a big black dog who always came to the gate to greet thenewsboy and took the paper in his mouth to his master. 

After Robert Dick's death, Thomas Cox bought the place and it was thehome of his family for a good many years. The eastern wing was put on atthat time and used as a conservatory. Since then the house has changedhands many, many times, and the western wing been added. 

The two houses at numbers 3025 and 3027 were built in the seventies byOscar Stevens for his family and that of his brother-in-law, Dr. John S. Billings. Their wives were sisters, and very dependent upon each other. Dr. Billings was a pioneer in the introduction of indirect heating inbuildings, and became an authority on that subject, and on ventilation. His textbooks on the subject were used in the Massachusetts Institute ofTechnology, and when Johns Hopkins Hospital was built, he was consulted. Because he had made such a fine record in creating the Army MedicalLibrary, he was asked to come to New York and create the new PublicLibrary there from the Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundations, which wereconsolidated. 

Across the street, at number 3032, where now is a large, modern brickhouse, there used to be, before I can remember, a quaint, framestructure. It was supposed to be one of the first houses built on thegrant of the Rock of Dumbarton, and was intended for the "overlooker" ofthat part of the grant. It was a very plain but comfortable house, andwas the home in the early part of the century of Hezekiah Miller who, like many of the gentry in those days, was in charge of government work. His department dealt with the Indians, and he had the distribution ofmoney and supplies to certain tribes to whom he went from time to time, and also looked after them when they came to Washington. They alwayscalled him "Father Miller. " Mr. Miller's wife was Miss Middleton, fromBrooke Court Manor, in Maryland. Hezekiah Miller was a devout member ofChrist Church. His daughter became the wife of the Reverend GeorgeLeakin, an Episcopal clergyman of Baltimore. She was to have been abridesmaid at the wedding of Harriet Williams and Baron Bodisco, but wasprevented by the sudden death of her brother by drowning. He was one oftwins, born just at the time of General Lafayette's arrival on his visitin 1824, who were named Washington and Lafayette at the request of thetownspeople. It was the latter young man who drowned, at the age oftwenty-five. 

Number 3028 was the home, for a long, long time of the Reads, threesisters. One married Dr. Post, who was a missionary to Syria, but MissJane and Miss Isabella lived here many years after. The house next doorstill has its old-time doorway, but, unfortunately, one owner in theeighties spoiled its quaintness by adding a corner tower. It was here, Ithink, that Dr. William Barton Rogers, first President of theMassachusetts Institute of Technology, lived at one time. 

The two big houses, numbers 3014 and 3017, standing opposite each otheron this block are very closely connected in their history. The earlypart is all tied up together. Although number 3017 has been somewhatchanged in appearance, it is still, I imagine, a good deal like it waswhen Thomas Beall built it in 1794. Of course, the street has been cutdown and left it higher up than it originally was, and also the oldbricks have been covered with paint, and now a modern addition hashidden its lovely little wing. 

[Illustration: 3017 N STREET. THE HOUSE THAT THOMAS BEALL BUILT]

The building of this house was evidently quite an event in those days, for in old advertisements of the sale of houses, many of them are"Between the Union Tavern and Thomas Beall's house on Gay Street. " JohnLaird had a frame house on the lot, immediately across the street, nownumber 3014, but he was becoming exceedingly prosperous and wanted ahandsome house. He married first, Lucinda Dick, sister of Thomas Dick, of Bladensburg, and, after her death, her elder sister, Mary. While hewas building his brick house at number 3014, he rented and occupiedThomas Beall's house. No reason is given as to why Mr. Beall was notoccupying it himself. 

About 1800 Mr. Laird moved into his own new mansion. At that time onlythe central part of the large building was there. Several wings havebeen added and the little portico at the front door. John Laird's eldestdaughter, Barbara, married James Dunlop, Junior, the eldest son of JamesDunlop; and his only son, William Laird, married two of James Dunlop'sdaughters at Hayes, first Helen, by whom he had three children, WilliamLaird, Jr. , James Dunlop Laird, who went to California in 1848 and nevermarried, and Helen Laird, who also never married. After the death of hisfirst wife, William Laird, Sr. , married his sister-in-law, AriannaFrench Dunlop. She was very lame, and the marriage took place only ashort time before her death. 

The miniatures reproduced of John Laird and James Dunlop represent themboth in scarlet coats, with lace ruffles and powdered hair. 

John Laird was always very much interested in the Presbyterian Churchand its affairs, and his descendants have remained so. 

He came to this country at the age of seventeen and was active inGeorgetown from its early days, and it is a pity that none of hischildren had a son to carry on his name. 

[Illustration: JOHN LAIRD]

[Illustration: JAMES DUNLOP, SENIOR]

His son, William Laird, Jr. , who had children, but no grandchildren, wasclerk of the town for a great many years, longer than any other man. Heis said to have had no superior as an accountant in this country. 

After John Laird's death in 1833, his house became the property of hisdaughter, Margaret. She never married, and lived there for a great manyyears with her aunt, Miss Elizabeth Dick. They were always known as"Miss Peggy" Laird and "Miss Betsy" Dick. My mother, as a little girl, remembered them. They used to sit by the front windows a great deal, andthe turban which Miss Betsy wore on her head was, of course, veryintriguing to a young girl in 1850. They were both almost always dressedin Scotch gingham of such fine quality that it seemed like silk. Theywere both ardent supporters of the Presbyterian Church and workers forthe Orphan Asylum. Miss Betsy Dick died first, of course. Thomas BloomerBalch dedicated to her one of the lectures he gave in Georgetown in thefifties called "Reminiscences of George Town. "

When Miss Peggy Laird died, she left the house to her sister, Barbara, Mrs. James Dunlop. They had been living on the southeast corner of Gay(N) and Greene (29th) Streets. From that time on, number 3014 was alwaysknown as the Dunlop house. 

Judge Dunlop was always very prominent. As a young man he was secretaryof the Corporation of Georgetown, which fact is recorded on the keystoneof the little bridge on High Street (Wisconsin Avenue) over the canal. He was for some time a law partner of Francis Scott Key, and later wasappointed Chief Justice of the Circuit Court of the District ofColumbia. He was holding this office at the outbreak of the Civil Warand, being a Southerner in his sympathies, was, very naturally, removedfrom office by President Lincoln. An interesting thing is that about1915 this place was bought from the heirs of Judge Dunlop's son byRobert Todd Lincoln, son of President Lincoln. 

An anecdote is told of a dinner party long ago where Judge Dunlop was aguest, when one of the other guests was making puns on the names of allthose present. Judge Dunlop said, "You will not be able to make one onmy name. " Quick as a flash came back the rejoinder, "Just lop off thelast syllable and it is dun. "

Judge Dunlop and all of his brothers, except one, were graduates ofPrinceton College, he being valedictorian of his class. A portrait ofhim hangs in the courthouse in Washington. His son, William LairdDunlop, lived for many years as a bachelor in the old house before hismarriage to his cousin, Miss Sallie Peter, in Rockville. An interestingstory is told of their neighbor, Dr. Tyler, coming home one evening andsaying to his wife, "I'll have to go over and see what is the matter atMr. Dunlop's; the house is lit up from top to bottom. " When he returned, he was laughing heartily. "It's only that Mr. Dunlop is going to bemarried and is inspecting the house thoroughly. " The bride he broughtthere was a very lovely person and very much beloved. 

William Laird Dunlop always kept up his custom of keeping his own cowand killing his own hogs in the fall. The little square, brick buildingcovered with vines between the house and the stable was the meat house. It is in the garden of this house that the only remaining stone markerused in laying off the original George Town stands, protruding abouteighteen inches from the ground. 

Now to return to number 3017 across the street. In 1811 this house wasbought from Thomas Beall by Major George Peter. He was the youngest sonof Robert Peter. He was born in George Town on the 28th of September, 1779. When only fifteen years old he joined the Maryland troops againstthe Whisky Insurrectionists (1794), but his parents sent a messenger tocamp and General Washington, hearing of the matter, ordered him home. His youthful ardor was gratified five years later in July, 1799, by hisappointment as second lieutenant of the Ninth Infantry, United StatesArmy, by President Adams, and he enjoyed the distinction of receivinghis commission from the hands of General Washington at Mount Vernon. While in command at Fort McHenry, Baltimore, during the administrationof President Jefferson, he organized the first light-horse batteryformed in the United States service, and he always referred to his"Flying Artillery" with a special pride, in that he was speciallyselected by President Jefferson for that purpose. 

In April, 1805, Lieutenant Peter accompanied General Wilkinson to theWest and took part in the organization of the Territorial Government ofMissouri. Arriving at St. Louis on the Fourth of July, he establishedthe first cantonment on the banks of the Missouri at Bellefontaine andfired the first salute on the return of Lewis and Clarke from theirexpedition to the Pacific. He also served under General Wilkinson duringGovernor Claiborne's administration before Louisiana was admitted to theUnion and he was present as a witness at the trial of Aaron Burr. 

At the beginning of the War of 1812, President Madison tendered him abrigadier-generalship, which the condition of private affairs compelledhim to decline, but in 1813 he volunteered his services and commanded abattalion of "Flying Artillery. "

Among the privates in this battalion were George Peabody and FrancisScott Key, besides others who afterwards became distinguished citizens. In writing of this battalion, W. W. Corcoran says the list of itsmembership represented the wealth, worth, and talent of the town at thattime. 

In 1815, he was elected to Congress from the Sixth District of Maryland, but his seat was contested on the ground that he was not a resident ofthe Congressional District. At that time he was a resident of Georgetownand a member of the Town Council, but had large farms in Maryland. TheHouse of Representatives, however, decided in his favor, and admittedhim to take his seat. He was the first Democrat ever elected to Congressfrom the Sixth District of Maryland and was re-elected in 1817, andagain in 1828. He served several terms in the State Legislature and in1855 was elected by the Democratic Party a Commissioner of Public Worksfor the State of Maryland. 

He was a man six feet in height, straight as an arrow, and of splendidphysique. 

He was married three times. His first wife was Ann Plater, daughter ofGovernor Plater of Maryland; his second, Agnes Freeland, and his third, Sarah Norfleet Freeland of Petersburg, Virginia. 

Major Peter was one of the largest landowners and farmers in MontgomeryCounty and carried on those farms up to the date of his death, whichoccurred at Montanvert, near Darnestown, June 22, 1861. He was nearlyeighty-two. 

[Illustration: MAJOR GEORGE PETER]

[Illustration: JUDGE JAMES DUNLOP]

[Illustration: WILLIAM REDIN]

His three sons by his third marriage were: George, who became an eminentlawyer in Rockville; Alexander, who lived and farmed near Darnestown;Armistead, who practised medicine many years in Georgetown; and WalterGibson Peter, who met the heroic and tragic death I have already spokenof. Dr. Peter had been sent to Georgetown to live with his aunt, Mrs. Dick, to receive his medical education under Dr. Riley. 

In 1827 George Peter sold this house, 3017 N Street, to John Laird, evidently for his son, William, who made it his home until 1834, when itwas bought by Miss Elizabeth Dick, but she apparently changed her mindand decided to live with her niece, for she sold it the same year toWilliam Redin. 

Mr. Redin was an Englishman from Lincolnshire, who had come to Americaabout 1817. He was an attorney, and I have heard very old people referto him as "Lawyer Redin, " and speak of the green baize bag which healways carried back and forth to his office, the forerunner of thepresent-day brief case, and I know an old lady who can remember him inhis pew in Christ Church. He had five daughters and one son. The youngman, Richard Wright Redin, soon after his graduation from Princeton, fell a victim to cholera, that terrible disease brought to George Townin its ships. It also carried off a young sister, Fanny, who was alittle beauty, and only about eighteen. 

Mr. Redin was a friend of Henry Foxall, and named his youngest daughterCatherine Foxall. 

During the Civil War, Mr. Redin was a Union sympathizer, and whenPresident Lincoln removed Judge Dunlop from the bench, he offered theJusticeship to Mr. Redin, but he refused to take the office of his oldfriend and neighbor across the street. In 1863, he was made the firstAuditor of the Circuit Court of the District of Columbia. 

One of his married daughters was living, during the Civil War, not farfrom Culpeper, Virginia, almost on the battlefield. She died when onlythirty-seven, from the fact that no medicines could be gotten for her;nor could a minister be found to bury her, so her eldest daughter, seventeen, read the burial service over her mother. 

There were seven of these motherless children left--the eldest three allvery pretty girls. It was quite impossible for them to remain in theirhome, so their grandfather got permission for them to come toWashington. They came, wearing sunbonnets, and traveling all day long ina box-car from Culpeper to Alexandria, a distance of only fifty miles. There they had to spend the night at a hotel until they could passthrough the lines. The Union officer in charge of them slept outsidetheir door that night. 

Not very long after their arrival, Martha Kennon, of Tudor Place, cameto see the eldest girl. They had been at school together a few yearsbefore, at Miss Harrover's. She suggested that they should go "over tothe city" together. On the way down to Bridge (M) Street to take theomnibus, they found they had no small change to pay their fare, soMartha said: "Never mind, I have a cousin in a store near here. He willchange our money or lend us some. " They went to him and she introducedmy father to my mother!

This was the old Vanderwerken omnibus that ran along Bridge (M) Streetand Pennsylvania Avenue, which became the Capital Traction Company, andnow the Capital Transit Company. 

I have often heard my mother tell of how the Southern girls would notwalk under the Stars and Stripes hanging out from the hospital in theSeminary. They would cross to the other side of the street, and when theUnion officers passed, they held aside their skirts. She has alsodescribed to me how the city was hung with black when Abraham Lincolnwas killed. 

Mr. Redin bequeathed his house to his only unmarried daughter, Catherine. She married later, and sold the house in 1873 and regrettedit bitterly, to such an extent that she went into melancholia andcommitted suicide by taking poison. For a while it was Miss Lipscomb'sSchool for Young Ladies, then it was bought by John D. Smoot, and hisfamily lived there many years. 

In 1915 Colonel W. E. P. French purchased the property. He leased itduring the World War I to Honorable Newton D. Baker, then Secretary ofWar. At that time Georgetown had hardly begun to be fashionable again, and on first coming to Washington and hunting for a house, Mrs. Bakertold a friend she was discouraged trying to find one with a yard whereher three children could play, and that she thought they would have togo to Fort Myer. The friend answered in a tone of deep commiseration, "Too bad! You will have to pass through Georgetown!"

Another anecdote of somewhat the same tone was told me by an old ladywho has lived all her life in one of the loveliest old Georgetownhouses. Many years ago, while the street cars were still drawn byhorses, she was in a car sitting opposite two women, one of whom waspointing out the sights to the other. They passed Dupont Circle, whereshe showed the Leiter house, etc. , and as they crossed P Street Bridge, she said, "Now we are coming into Georgetown where nobody lives butcolored people and a few white people who can't get away. "

On the next block east is a little house, entirely changed now, whichused to be very quaint in its appearance when it was covered with whiteplaster and approached by a sort of causeway from the sidewalk. It hadbelonged to Henry Foxall, though, of course, he never lived there. 

On the southwest corner of Gay (N) and Greene (29th) Streets stands thehouse that was originally the property of John Davidson. Then Mrs. Williamson, a daughter of old Dr. Balch made her home here, followed byher daughter, Mrs. Hasle. Next door, on the west, lived the son, JosephWilliamson, whose wife was Marian Woods. Then the Howell family livedthere, and from them, Colonel Harrison Howell Dodge, who wassuperintendent of Mount Vernon for over forty years, got his name. Laterthe house was rented to Mr. And Mrs. John Worthington, whose daughter, Lilah, married Mr. Henry Philip in April, 1865. She went to live at 3406R Street. 

A few years ago a gentleman who was an artist bought the house andchanged the windows on the first floor front--to give more light for hisstudio, I was told. 

The picturesque house on the northeast corner is always called "AdmiralWeaver's house. " The back portion is very old, and "they say" there is aghost somewhere about. In the spring the hedge of Japanese quince hereis a thing of beauty with its flaming color. 

On the next block eastward at number 2812 is the house with a verybeautiful doorway and a very interesting association. It was built in1779, and was at one time the home of Judge Morsell, but it was calledthe Decatur house. There is the Decatur house on Lafayette Square inWashington, but we know that Admiral Decatur's widow left it after hewas killed in the duel with Commodore James Barron, near Bladensburg, onMarch 22, 1820, and came to live in Georgetown. Tradition has persistedthat this was the house she lived in. These parts of two letters writtenby Mrs. Basil Hall, in 1827, are from a volume called _The AristocraticJourney_, being her letters home to her sister in Edinburgh:

 January 4: . .. I had a note to-night from a lady whom I had considerable curiosity to see, Mrs. Decatur, the widow of Commodore Decatur. I brought a letter to her from Mrs. MacTavish at Baltimore and sent it yesterday along with our cards. In this note she acknowledged the receipt of it, but excuses herself from calling upon me, "as peculiar circumstances attending a domestic affliction she has suffered makes it impossible for her to come to Washington. " She asked us to spend the evening of the tenth with her, or any other evening that suits us better, a very kind note, in short, and we have promised to go on the eleventh. I knew that she would not return my visit before I came. The reason of this peculiarity is that her husband was killed in a duel, and she fears if she were to go into company either morning or evening she might meet his second, who she considers as having been very much to blame, or his antagonist. Now all this is very natural, and I only object to it because somehow she appears to have made her reasons too much the subject of conversation, which is very unlike real feeling. She sees a great deal of company at home. Her note smells so detestably of musk that it quite perfumes the room and was like to make me sick, so we had sealed it up in an envelope, but it shall go along with the next of the scraps. 

 January 6: We have had today weather much more like June than January, most extraordinary for this climate, where at this season there is generally severe frost and snow. I went out with a cloak on but speedily returned and exchanged that for a silk handkerchief tied round my throat, which was as much as I could bear. Yesterday, the fifth, we walked off by eleven o'clock to visit Mrs. Decatur, who lives at Georgetown, which is separated from Washington only by a little creek, across which there is a shabby enough tumble-down looking wooden bridge. There is so thick a fog that we could not see three yards before us, "quite English weather, " as our friends here tell us, but not disagreeable to my mind as it was very mild. At the door of Mrs. Decatur's house we met General Van Rensselear, "the Patroon, " who with his wife and daughter is now here. He went in with us and introduced us to the lady of the mansion, who we found dressed in very becoming weeds, and she gave us an extremely cordial reception. She is a pretty, pleasing-looking person and very animated, with no appearance of woe except the outward sign of cap and gown. We sat some time with her and walked home. .. . 

If only Mrs. Hall had been able to say where the house was to which theywalked from across Rock Creek on that balmy day in January!

These other letters which follow are written to a young man thenbeginning to make his way in the world, who certainly was possessed of amost attractive personality, and it is not surprising that the widowmight have been rather "setting her cap" for him. 

 My dear Mr. Corcoran:

 If you should find yourself destitute of amusement this evening, while the belles are at church, I beg you to come and listen to some of my lamentations. 

 Yours sincerely, S. DECATUR. 

 My dear Mr. Corcoran:

 I am happy to say that I can take you under my wing today, on the way to heaven, and I pray you to call for me at ten o'clock. 

 Yours sincerely, S. DECATUR. 

 Union Hotel, Monday morning. 

 My dear Mr. Corcoran:

 The Iturbides have deferred their visit until Wednesday evening and I hope you will be able to come and meet them, with your sister and Colonel Thomas. 

 Yours sincerely, S. DECATUR. 

 If you have a moment to spare this evening I pray you to come and tell me how your brother's family are after this dreadful alarm. [A]

[Footnote A: The destruction of Mr. J. Corcoran's dwelling by fire. ]

As we know, it was of no avail, for he seems to have remained "fancyfree" until he met and married Louise Morris. 

About 1828 Mrs. Decatur became a convert to the Roman Catholic Churchthrough her close acquaintance with the Carroll family, it is thought. The latter part of her life was spent in a frame house on the brow of ahill about one hundred yards from Georgetown College, which she rentedfrom Miss Hobbs. Here she died about 1860. 

Among the souvenirs of the college is the portrait of Commodore Decaturby Gilbert Stuart, his ivory chess-board and men, and his jeweledtoothpick box. The grave of Mrs. Decatur was discovered some time ago inthe cemetery of Georgetown College. It had been overgrown and neglectedand forgotten. 

So had this part of Georgetown, until Admiral and Mrs. Spencer Woodbought 2808 and brought it back to its pristine glory. This house wasbuilt by John Stoddert Haw, nephew of Benjamin Stoddert, one of thefounders of Christ Church, of which many of his descendants are stillpillars. When the Woods lived here, there was at the back of the house avery lovely, unusual green garden, which gave a feeling of restfulnessnot always produced by a riot of glorious colors, opening off a pavedarea under a wide porch, like so many houses used to have. 

The old house at 2806 is now the home of Mr. And Mrs. John Walker. He isthe curator of the National Gallery of Art. Thomas Beall of George soldthe land to John M. Gannt in 1804, who may have built this lovely house. It was purchased by Elisha Williams in 1810; also owned by ThomasRobertson and Thomas Clarke in the first decade of the nineteenthcentury. In the 1920's it was the home of Mrs. Hare Lippincott. 

Across the street, at number 2723, a good many years ago, was whereThomas Harrison and his sister lived for a long time. Miss Virginia kepta little school for several years and her brother was a translator atthe Naval Observatory until he was well up in his eighties. When he wasover ninety he used to go out calling on Sunday afternoons, as spry ascould be, and with his cheeks as rosy as pippins. They were a couplemuch beloved and typical of old-time days. 

Chapter XI

_The Three Philanthropists_

George Town produced three eminent philanthropists: one whosebenefactions were solely to Georgetown; a second, who became thegreatest benefactor the City of Washington has ever had, and inauguratedthe tremendous gifts to schools and colleges that have since become thefashion among men of great wealth; the third started his gifts at home, then crossed the ocean and made enormous contributions to the largestcity in the world. 

The first one, Edward Magruder Linthicum, had a hardware store on thenorthwest corner of High (Wisconsin) Avenue and Bridge (M) Street, thebusiness hub then, as now, of Georgetown. He was a trustee of theMethodist Church and member of the Town Council. 

He built the home at number 3019 P Street, which has such a beautifuldoorway, and lived there until in 1846 he moved up on the Heights to TheOaks, for which he paid $11, 000. William A. Gordon, in his book _OldHouses in Georgetown Heights_, says of him:

 Mr. Linthicum was a prominent and prosperous merchant of the highest type, a man of great civic activities, and deeply interested in everything which tended to beautify the community. In his will by a legacy of $50, 000 he provided for the endowment of a school for the free education of white boys of Georgetown in useful learning and in the spirit and practice of Christian virtue being, as he expressed it, convinced that knowledge and piety constitute the only assurance of happiness and healthful progress to the human race and devoutly recognizing the solemn duty to society which develops in its members, and entertaining a serious desire to contribute in some manner to the permanent welfare of the community, amongst whom my life has been spent. 

 As a commentary on the length to which partisan feeling went in the years succeeding the War Between the States, it may be stated that efforts to have the Linthicum Institute incorporated by Congress were prevented by Charles Sumner, Senator from Massachusetts, for the reason that the benefits were confined to white youths. 

[Illustration: EDWARD MAGRUDER LINTHICUM]

The Linthicum Institute began its career in the lower floor of one sideof the Curtis school building on P Street, opposite Saint John's Church. The name in large gold letters used to be there. The present buildingwas erected about 1890 on the south side of O Street near 31st, theschool occupying the lower floor, and Linthicum Hall, considered by thebelles of the nineties to have the "best floor 'par excellence' fordancing anywhere, " being the upper portion. I have been told it was thefirst night school in the District of Columbia. 

Mr. Linthicum was a very imposing looking gentleman, was married, buthad no children. He and his wife adopted a daughter, Kate, who becameMrs. Dent, and I think it was in honor of her or her son that the littlestreet called Dent Place, just below R and between 30th and 31st Streetswas named when that part of Georgetown, then nicknamed "Cooke Park" wasdeveloped. 

[Illustration: WILLIAM WILSON CORCORAN]

William Wilson Corcoran, the third son of Thomas Corcoran, was born inGeorge Town on December 27, 1798, in his father's home on Bridge (M)Street. He attended Mr. Kirk's school, later Reverend Addison Belt's, in between, having been for a while a day scholar at Georgetown College. 

Contrary to his father's wishes for him to complete a classicaleducation, at the age of seventeen he went into a dry goods storebelonging to his brothers, James and Thomas. Two years later theyestablished him in a small store of his own on the northwest corner ofHigh (Wisconsin Avenue) and First (N) Streets. Again, two years laterthey all purchased a two-story brick house on the corner of Bridge (M)and Congress (31st) Streets and commenced a wholesale auction andcommission business. 

In the depression of 1823, when very many firms went to the wall, theytoo had to give up and settled with all their creditors for fifty centson the dollar. 

I think the aftermath of this story (which is the reason I have given itin detail) is most encouraging to this generation, struggling in thegrip of the present depression, for the young man of twenty-five, aftergiving up four or five years to taking care of the business of hisfather, who was growing old, finally became connected with the Bank ofColumbia, and in 1837 began a brokerage business in Washington in alittle store 10 x 16 feet on Pennsylvania Avenue near 15th Street. Hewas so successful that he eventually took into partnership George W. Riggs, also of Georgetown, and changed the name to Corcoran and Riggs. In 1845 this firm purchased the old United States Bank on the corner of15th Street and New York Avenue. And so the Riggs National Bank, todayone of the strongest banks in the United States, was born. A littlelater George W. Riggs retired and Elisha, his brother, was made a juniorpartner. 

In 1847 Mr. Corcoran sent to all people to whom he had been able to payonly 50% in his failure of 1823, the full amount due them, withinterest, amounting to about forty-six thousand dollars, to their greatsurprise, as evidenced by letters I have read from them to him. Of allhis great benefactions, this seems to me to have been the very finestthing he ever did. 

He must have been a man of very remarkable personality, witness hisgoing to Europe, the first of the very, very many trips he made in hislife, on one day's notice, and against much discouragement, persuadingThomas Baring of the great London banking firm of Baring Brothers, toassist him in a sale of five millions of government bonds. At that timethe firm of Corcoran and Riggs took, on its own account, nearly all theloans made by the United States. 

On his return to New York he was greeted by everyone with enthusiasm, asthis was the first sale of American securities abroad since 1837--elevenyears. 

In April, 1854, Mr. Corcoran withdrew from the firm, thinking he hadmade enough money, and spent the rest of his long life of ninetyyears--forty-five years more--spending his money in a manner unknownbefore that time. 

Apropos of his money-making faculty, I have often been told by my aunthow her father, Henry Dunlop, when a boy, was walking along the streetwith young Corcoran, just his own age, when Henry, whose family wasrather well-off in those days, seeing a penny lying on the pavement, kicked it ahead of him in his stride, as boys will do, but youngCorcoran, stooping down, put it in his pocket saying, "Henry, you willnever be a rich man. " That prophecy came true, for Henry spent his lifein farming, and you know what that means!

Among Mr. Corcoran's very first benefactions were gifts to the town ofhis birth. First of all a fund of $10, 000 to be spent for firewood, etc. , for the poor. It was left to the town authorities, but wasadministered by the Benevolent Society. 

In 1849 he gave beautiful Oak Hill Cemetery, lying along the northernlimit of the town. To me no other cemetery that I have ever seen in thiscountry or abroad has the same natural beauty of slopes and trees--inthe spring bedecked like a bride in flowering white shrubs; in the fallits towering oak trees aflame with shades of crimson. 

I suppose what impressed on him the need of a cemetery for Georgetown sodeeply was the death of his beloved wife in 1840. It had been a veryromantic marriage. She was Louise Morris, the daughter of CommodoreCharles Morris. Mr. Corcoran met his wife when she was sixteen and hewas thirty-six. On the 23rd of December, 1835, they eloped, accompaniedby Mr. Corcoran's sister-in-law, Mrs. James Corcoran, who later becamethe second wife of John Marbury, senior, and to the day of her death wasgreatly beloved by Mr. Corcoran. When she was lying in her coffin on14th Street, he came there and although somewhat lamed by paralysis andnearly ninety years of age, he insisted upon climbing the long flight ofstairs to the room where she lay, saying over and over as he toiled upthe many steps: "I must see Harriet once more!" I suppose in his mind hewas living over the great event in his life when she helped to securefor him the only love of his life. And so pitifully short a time he hadher, for only five years afterwards, when she was twenty-one, she diedof tuberculosis. In those short years she had had three children, Harriet Louise, Louise Morris, and Charles Morris. Of these the middlechild, Louise, was the only one to grow up. 

Although Commodore Morris had greatly disapproved of his daughter'smarriage, which was very natural as at that time he was one of the mosteminent officers of the United States Navy, and Mr. Corcoran had notthen entered on the career which eventually made him the mostdistinguished private citizen of the capital of the nation, he grew togreatly admire and respect his son-in-law. For there are preserved in _AGrandfather's Legacy_, a collection of letters received by Mr. Corcoran, and compiled by him before his death, several letters from CharlesMorris, showing the deepest trust and affection. 

I suppose there was never a daughter more beloved and petted than LouiseMorris Corcoran. Her father seemed to expend on her all the affection ofhis great big heart, and she seems to have been a very lovely character. When she was about ten years old she fell overboard from a vessel andwas only saved from drowning by the quickness and skill of Gurdon B. Smith. Among these letters are several in regard to this incident, forMr. Corcoran, in his gratitude for this merciful deliverance, sentthrough an agent, $1, 000 to Mr. Smith, an artisan, who was very gratefuland considered he had received a fortune. But, not satisfied with that, Mr. Corcoran secured an appointment as lighthouse keeper for Mr. Smithat a point not far from his home, a life position with a good salary, but Mr. Smith refused it as he seemed perfectly satisfied with hiscircumstances. 

Mr. Corcoran's money doubled and trebled and quadrupled, and thefollowing letter shows how his judgment was sought on political as wellas financial questions:

 My dear Sir:

 I wish you would come to my house about 8 this evening and tell me, in five words, what are the best reasons to be given to friends of the administration for not passing the sub-treasury bill at present. 

 Yours, D. WEBSTER. 

He had a close friendship with Edward Everett, senator fromMassachusetts, who was frequently his guest. He and ex-PresidentFillmore traveled abroad together. The letters he received from many ofthe great of the earth make very interesting reading. By the middle ofthe nineteenth century this Georgetown boy of rather modest parentagewas living in a very fine house in Washington, in great elegance, entertaining everyone of any importance who came to the capital. Thereis on record now a letter from a gentleman in England, bringing to hisattention the coming of the new Minister and his wife from GreatBritain, Lord and Lady Napier. Although, as he had said "he knows hewill receive a great deal of attention, yet he wishes Mr. Corcoran, particularly to honor them. " He was consulted by presidents for hisopinion on financial matters. Baron Humboldt, the great Germangeographer, kept up a correspondence with him to the day of his death. 

After a brilliant girlhood, Louise Corcoran had married the HonorableGeorge Eustis of New Orleans, representative in Congress. When the CivilWar came and shattered all existing social ties, Mr. Eustis, of course, took the Southern side, as did Mr. Corcoran. Mr. Eustis, who had beenappointed Confederate Secretary of Legation at the same time that theHonorable John Slidell was appointed Minister to France, after beingheld a prisoner in Maine, went over to France, where he was joined byhis wife. Neither ever returned to this country. They made their homethere, their three children were born there, they died there, werefinally brought back and buried in Oak Hill under the beautiful littleDoric temple Mr. Corcoran had erected for his first Louise. 

Those three grandchildren then became his pride and joy. But more andmore he absorbed himself in his benefactions. It is impossible to tellall of them. Beginning with his gift of Oak Hill to Georgetown in 1849, in 1850 a loan to the Roman Catholic Church there which, like all of hisloans, he eventually turned into gifts; in 1851 he gave an organ to theLunatic Asylum in Staunton, Virginia, saying he knew of nothing betterthan to give music to those whose souls were so troubled. About thistime he gave the lot for the Washington City Orphan Asylum, and a littlelater the one for the Y. M. C. A. For many years he had been collectingpainting and sculpture, both on his trips to Europe and from the variouspersons who wrote to him soliciting his patronage. These were at firstkept in his own house, but then he decided to build a gallery and givethem to the City of Washington, so he erected the building onPennsylvania Avenue at the corner of 17th Street, directly opposite theState, War and Navy Building. It was just nearing completion when theCivil War began and was taken over by the United States Government as anannex to the War Department, so that it was not until 1869 that it wasopened as the Corcoran Gallery of Art. In 1897 the collection was movedto the beautiful new building lower down on 17th Street and was formallyopened on February 22nd by a brilliant reception at which were Presidentand Mrs. Cleveland and all of their Cabinet. 

Above the doorway of the old building, in the stone, is still seen acarved medallion with W. W. C. Intertwined. 

Just about that time, also, Mr. Corcoran began to build another of hisbeneficent gifts to the city. His beloved daughter had died, and thecity and the country was filled with ladies who had been made pennilessby the cruel fratricidal war. In 1871 he turned over to the trustees theLouise Home on Massachusetts Avenue, between 15th and 16th Streets, as ahome for gentlewomen, the only requirements being enough money tofurnish their own clothes and their burial expenses, even lots in OakHill were reserved for them after the Louise Home failed to suffice. Itwas very natural that for a long time its clientele was largely made upof Southerners, as there were very, very many more of them impoverishedat that time, and also Mr. Corcoran was himself in sympathy with theConfederates. It is said he saved his house from confiscation by rentingit to the French Minister. 

Many, very many, were the letters he received thanking him for the helphe had sent to widows and orphans of soldiers of the South. He foundedhomes of that kind in Charleston, South Carolina, and in other places, besides rendering assistance most tactfully in many private cases. Manyof these letters are very touching in their gratitude. 

His friendship for James Mason, of the Mason and Slidell affair, wasclose, as was his very real association with General Robert E. Lee, witnessed by letters from General Lee during his life in Lexington, Virginia, after the war, and from Dr. William Pendleton, General Lee'srector there, and from Mrs. Lee in regard to General Lee's death. 

He and General Lee spent several summers at the "Old White, " as theGreenbriar White Sulphur Springs was then affectionately known. As theyears rolled on, Anthony Hyde, a Georgetown man, was kept busyadministering the benefactions of his employer. He has told how during atrip through the South after the war, with Mr. Corcoran (he was hissecretary), he had difficulty in keeping Mr. Corcoran's gifts withinbounds. I was told not long ago by a man in the employ of Oak Hill, howan old street-car conductor had described to him the sight of Mr. Corcoran going to his office, and on the sidewalk in front of it eachmorning was a line to which he always dispensed "green money, " as theold man called it. 

The business of his life then was judiciously giving away his money. Here are some of the ways he did it: colleges had always appealed tohim, and he was for many years Rector of Columbian University inWashington, now renamed George Washington, and gave freely to it. Hisname is now borne by one of their largest and best buildings, CorcoranHall. He gave to the Maryland Agricultural College, to the College ofWilliam and Mary in Virginia, loaned money to the Virginia MilitaryInstitute and when the bonds came due, tore them up--a little way hehad. To Washington and Lee University, also in Lexington, he gave$20, 000 besides the library purchased from the widow of NathanielHoward, thus, it helped in the getting as well as in the giving. 

His portrait hangs in the little chapel in Lexington where lies the bodyof his friend, Robert Edward Lee. To the University of Virginia he gave$100, 000 which endowed two chairs, also giving $5, 000 to resuscitate thelibrary which had suffered during the war and the period following, frombeing unable to procure any new books. 

He was one of the first people to subscribe to the fund being raised bycertain ladies to purchase Mount Vernon, after the Washington familyfound themselves unable to keep it up and offered it to the UnitedStates Government, which refused to buy and preserve it. 

The Episcopal Church of the Ascension on the corner of 12th Street andMassachusetts Avenue was built almost entirely with his money. WilliamPinckney, its rector when it was begun, was very devoted to Mr. Corcoran. He afterwards became Bishop of Maryland. It worried himexceedingly that Mr. Corcoran had never become a confirmed member andcommunicant of the church. Many are the long and eloquent letters hewrote to him on the subject. Finally, in his old age, the old gentlemandid come forward and be confirmed. The friendship between these twoseems to have been very sweet. The Bishop was a simple soul, a greatlover of flowers and birds. He was always sending gifts of grapes to hiswealthy friend, from Bladensburg. He now rests not far from his friendin Oak Hill. The inscription on his stone, which is surmounted by hisstatue reads thus:

 WILLIAM PINCKNEY, D. D. , L L. D. 

 APRIL 17, 1820 JULY 4, 1883

 Guileless and fearless. 

All through his life Mr. Corcoran was a very sociable person. He alwaysloved to play whist and in the last years of his life his nephews andnieces and great-nephews and great-nieces used to go often to play withhim and pass the long evenings. A friend of mine remembers being takenas a little girl, with her grandmother, to call on him. She wasfascinated by the room where he sat, which had medallions of children'sheads, set at intervals into the paneling of the walls. She said he toldher they were his grandchildren. She loved looking at them and wasdistressed when told to go out in the garden to play. 

That garden to the house where he lived for many years and where hedied, stood on H Street at the corner of Connecticut Avenue. DanielWebster had lived there before him. The flowering trees in the springhung over the high brick wall on the Connecticut Avenue side andgladdened the hearts of all who saw them. It was a sad day forWashington, historically, when that whole square was reconstructed. Ifonly one could endow old houses!

At last, on the 24th of February, 1888, W. W. Corcoran, as he was alwaysknown, was laid to rest in his own beautiful Oak Hill. I remember as alittle girl standing at the window of my home facing 31st Street andhearing the bell of near-by Christ Church toll ninety strokes ascarriage after carriage passed slowly up the hill. My brother and Icounted them, and there were ninety-nine. 

George Peabody, the third of my trio of philanthropists who got theirstart in Georgetown, was born in Danvers, Massachusetts, on February 18, 1795. He was descended from an old yeoman family of Hertfordshire, England, named Pabody or Pebody. At eleven years he was an apprentice ina grocery store, and at fifteen, by his father's death, he was left anorphan and was cheerfully helping to support his mother and sisters. Hesoon after left Danvers and became an assistant to his uncle in hisbusiness in Georgetown. When he was seventeen he served as a volunteerin the War of 1812 in the artillery company of Major George Peteragainst the British, which is interesting, as in later life he wasoffered a baronetcy by Queen Victoria, which he refused. 

[Illustration: GEORGE PEABODY]

After the war, when he was about nineteen, he became a partner withElisha Riggs in a dry goods store in Georgetown and through his energyand skill the business increased tremendously. They moved to Baltimore, and when his partner retired, about 1830, he found himself, according to_The Encyclopædia Britannica_, at the head of one of the largestmercantile concerns in the world. About seven years afterwards heestablished himself in London as a merchant and money-broker at WonfordCourt in the city, and in 1843 he withdrew from the American business. 

He was never married. He was a very intimate friend of Mr. Corcoran's, and in several letters to him speaks jokingly of himself as a confirmedold bachelor, and in one flouts the idea that he is attentive to acertain lady, saying that he never but once seriously thought ofmarriage. 

Of course, he and Mr. Corcoran were near the same age and were bothmaking their way as young men here in Georgetown at the same time, andit is very interesting to follow, from many letters, how theirfriendship continued through all their lives. 

Mr. Peabody made frequent visits to his homeland, and used often tovisit Mr. Corcoran at his home in Washington, and to spend the summerswith him at the White Sulphur Springs. 

When hearing of the beginning of the great gifts of his friend on thisside of the water, he wrote in October, 1851:

 However liberal I may be over here, I can not keep pace with your noble acts of charity at home; but one of these days I mean to come out, and then if my feelings regarding money don't change and I have plenty, I shall become a strong competitor of yours in benevolence. 

He certainly made good his words. In London he entertained in princelystyle. The following letter is one of the many telling of his partiesthere:

 London, May 16, 1853. 

 My dear Corcoran:

 On the 18th I am to give a grand banquet to the American Minister and about sixty-five English and eighty-five American ladies and gentlemen, and have invited about fifty more for the evening. Mr. Van Buren will be of the party and I hope to make it the best dinner party I have ever given, as I have the Star and Garter, Richmond, and the proprietor has no limit. I enclose you the programme of music during and after dinner. 

 I have taken the house--Star and Garter--for a Fourth of July dinner to gentlemen only, and expect about 150. I hear from Mr. Ingersoll that your friend, Mr. Buchanan, will leave in June. Now, although I only know Mr. Buchanan from his high character and what you say of him, particularly as he is unmarried, and I would like to invite the party for the fourth of July to meet "the American Minister, Mr. Ingersoll, and the new Minister, Mr. Buchanan. " Will you confer with Mr. Buchanan on receipt of this and try to get me permission to give the invitations as I propose? If Mr. Buchanan leaves 13th or 16th June, he will arrive in ample time. 

 Very truly, GEORGE PEABODY. 

In 1867 he gave $15, 000 to found the Peabody Library in Georgetown. Alarge donation was given by him to the second Grinnell ArcticExpedition. The museum in Salem, Massachusetts, called by his name, is afascinating collection of historic relics. To his birthplace he gave50, 000 pounds ($250, 000) for educational purposes; for the PeabodyInstitute in Baltimore 200, 000 pounds ($1, 000, 000. 00); to the trusteesof the Peabody Educational Fund to promote education in the SouthernStates (part went to Washington and Lee University in Lexington). A dearold cousin of mine has told me of his visit to the White Sulphur toconfer with Mr. Corcoran and Mr. Peabody on this subject. The thing heis remembered for in London is the erection of a huge block of modelhouses for working people at a cost of 500, 000 pounds ($2, 500, 000). Isuppose it was then that Queen Victoria wished to do him honor. 

His true nature remained untainted by success, and Gladstone said ofhim: "He taught the world how a man may be master of his fortune, andnot its slave. "

In 1867 the Congress of the United States awarded him a special vote ofthanks, and two years later, when he died in London on the 4th ofNovember 1869, his body was brought home to America on a Britishwarship, to be buried in Danvers, the town of his birth, now renamedPeabody in his honor. 

Chapter XII

_The Seminary, Washington (30th) Street and Dumbarton Avenue_

Nowadays, all to the east of here bordering on Rock Creek has been madeinto a park and playground, and some attractive houses built overlookingthem. 

On the southeast corner of Montgomery (28th) Street and DumbartonAvenue, the large brick building now used as a colored Temple of Islamwas where Henry Addison, who had been mayor, was living when he died in1870. 

This house later was the home of General Christopher Colon Augur. Onenight he came out on his porch to remonstrate with a crowd of negroesgathered on this corner and making a disturbance. He was promptly shotby one of them. 

Just east of here on Dumbarton Avenue at number 2720 is the home of theAlsop brothers, the well-known columnists, and a new Roman CatholicChurch has been built for the colored people. There are six coloredchurches in the region hereabouts: This Catholic one, three Baptistchurches, and two Methodists. Mount Zion Methodist on Greene (29th)Street is over a hundred years old. In the nineties, there were two menin the choir there, one an exceptional organist and the other, who had avery fine bass voice; he later went to Paris. 

From this point to Rock Creek is the district that was known as HerringHill, a synonym in the minds of old residents for the negro district. Itgot its name from the fact that in the spring great quantities ofherring came up this far into the creek from the river, and were caughtin large numbers. 

I think this account, by Mr. William A. Gordon, of some of the customsof the negroes in the years gone by is very attractive and interesting:

 Christmas was the great time for the negroes. Ordinarily, they were not allowed in the streets after the town bell rang at nine o'clock at night, but at Christmas this restriction was removed, and as midnight approached, bands of them would go through the streets singing hymns and carols before the houses of their white friends. The next morning the leader of the band called at the house and received a token of appreciation in the way of small coin. 

 On May Day there was a parade of the negro drivers; many drove carts, drays and wagons, for on that day they had holiday, and paraded with wagons and horses adorned with ribbons, flowers and bright papers, the drivers wearing long white aprons, and headed by a band. They would then go to the woods and feast, dance and sing. 

At the southeast corner of Dumbarton Avenue and Greene (29th) Street, the four little yellow houses made into one make the home of DrewPearson, the widely-known columnist and commentator--co-author withRobert S. Allen of the original "Washington Merry-Go-Round. "

A block west, on the southeast corner of Washington (30th) Street is afine old house where Mrs. James Cassin lived as a wealthy widow duringthe 1850's. She was Tabitha Ann Deakins, of that old family so prominentin the making of the town. 

James Cassin had come from Ireland to the City of Baltimore when he wasabout twenty years of age, on account of religious troubles, the motivewhich sent so many emigrants to the new country. He then moved over tothis thriving seaport, married and settled, leaving his wife a veryyoung widow with three sons. One of them, John, went far from home tolive, and his mother's letters to him contain a great deal ofinteresting gossip. In one she tells that Margaret McVean has gone toBaltimore to buy her wedding dress, and, horror of horrors, has allowedthe groom, Dr. Louis Mackall, to accompany her. Of course a chaperonewas in the party, but what an indelicate thing for the groom to knowanything about the wedding clothes! She ends with, "What are the youngpeople coming to?" How often have we heard those same words in recentyears. Of course in those days, a bride went into deep retirement for aweek before the fateful day, not going out into the street at all, andas for seeing the groom on the day until she met him at the altar, thatwas simply unthinkable!

Margaret McVean was the daughter of the Reverend James McVean, who wasborn near Johnstown, New York, in 1796. He was a graduate of UnionCollege in 1813, and of Princeton in 1819. It was said that he spokeseven languages with fluency and that the chair of Greek at Princetonwas always open to him. He came to Georgetown about 1820 and marriedJane Maffitt Whann in 1828. For twenty years he was the principal of aclassical seminary for boys in Georgetown, the same one founded by Dr. David Wiley. There a large number of young men were prepared forcollege, who afterwards attained distinction in various professions orgovernment positions of trust and honor. He was for twenty-five yearssuperintendent of the Presbyterian Sabbath School. He died July 8, 1847, and as a testimonial of respect, the Board of Common Council andAldermen, of which he was a member, suspended business for eight days, and crêpe was worn on the arm for thirty days. 

Another of these letters of Mrs. Cassin's tells that her son, WilliamDeakins Cassin, has just become engaged to "that harumscarum MittieTyler. " She fears for their future. Mittie (Mary) Tyler was the daughterof dear old Dr. Tyler across the street. 

The mother-in-law's fears certainly did not materialize, for Mrs. Cassin, junior, lived a long and honored life. I remember her faintlywhen she was about eighty years old, with hair parted in the middle andcombed down over each ear as "coal black as a raven's wing, " as the oldsaying goes. 

They all seemed to marry their neighbors in those days, for Sue, anotherdaughter of Dr. Tyler's married Granville Hyde across the street. 

The Hyde's house was next door to the Cassin's on the south. One can seethat it is quite old, and it seems that it was built about 1798 byCharles Beatty, one of our old friends of the early days of George Town. He ran one of the ferries across the river to the Virginia shore. About1806 he had sold the house to Nicholas Hedges; then it went to JamesBelt in 1822, and to Joshua Stuart in 1832. Later, it was bought by Mr. Thomas Hyde, one of the early merchants of Georgetown. His son, Anthonycontinued to live there and was for many years secretary to Mr. W. W. Corcoran. Anthony Hyde was very musical and was part of the orchestrawhich furnished the music in Christ Church before it had an organ. Heregrew up Mr. Thomas Hyde, who was very prominent in Riggs Bank and anearly president of the Chevy Chase Club. He was a very distinguishedlooking man to the day of his death. 

On the northeast corner of Washington (30th) and Gay (N) Streets iswhere tradition says Ninian Beall built his hunting cabin when he landedhere. That could be borne out by the fact that a very fine spring ofwater was on that property. Many, many years later the family of JudgeDunlop at 3014 N Street used to send for pitchers of water from thatspring, as they had an inherited right to do so. 

The long, red building there, now the Colonial Apartments, is stillspoken of as The Seminary. It was there that Miss Lydia Englishconducted her fashionable school for young ladies for many years beforethe Civil War. This was the school to which Andrew Johnson, whilesenator from Tennessee, sent his daughter. Years after, when he wasbeing criticized for his defense of Roman Catholics, his enemies broughtagainst him the fact that he had sent his daughter to a "convent" inGeorgetown. They had confused the Visitation Convent with Miss English'sSeminary. It is said that the roster of the patrons of this school inthose _ante-bellum_ days included the names of the most famous men inthe country. 

Among those names was that of Senator Thomas Hart Benton of Missouri, nicknamed "Old Bullion, " on account of his opposition to paper currency. He was one of the supporters of President Andrew Jackson in his war onthe United States Bank. One of the pupils at the Seminary was hisdaughter, Jessie Benton, who afterwards became the wife of General C. Fremont, known as "The Pathfinder of the Rocky Mountains. "

[Illustration: MISS LYDIA ENGLISH]

Miss English had large means of her own, which enabled her to keep herschool going in spite of "ups and downs. " But, when in need of advice, she would always turn to her near neighbor, James Cassin. 

At one time she had nine teachers besides herself. In 1835 she had 130pupils. It is said she was a stern headmistress, but she stood for allthat was fine, and meant a great deal to Georgetown. 

There is a story told of old "Aunt Abby, " whose business it was to sitbehind the parlor door whenever the young ladies had gentlemen callers, and how reassuring was the sound of her deep snores. Another story goesthat the young bloods of Georgetown used to gather on the oppositecorner where there was a pump and pretend to be getting a drink ofwater, while they were really serenading the hidden charmers, and thatsometimes billet-doux and sweetmeats were drawn up in basketsunbeknownst to the "powers that were. "

In 1859, Miss Harrover took over the school. The catalogue for that yearcalls it the Georgetown Female Seminary, and in the front is printed thefollowing letter from Miss English:

 To my former Pupils and their Parents, and to other Friends:

 At the request of Miss Harrover, who, for two years past, has satisfactorily conducted the Institution, over which I so long presided, and the care of which I relinquished, only because the condition of my health and hearing made it imperatively necessary. I would state, that my interest in its prosperity is undiminished, that I earnestly desire to see it flourish, and that as far as I have it in my power, it is my wish to extend its usefulness. 

 In renting the Seminary, I retain my own suite of apartments, and have never withdrawn my residence from it. So far as I have influence, and opportunities, I endeavor to promote the improvement and comfort of the inmates of this establishment. I can not but feel a special interest in the children and other relatives of those who in former years were under my care and instruction, and it affords me much pleasure to see them pursuing their education within the same establishment. I shall rejoice to see the number of these, in the coming year greatly increased. 

 With kind greetings, and best wishes, I remain, Yours respectfully, June 20, 1859. L. S. ENGLISH. 

Among the names of the pupils I find that of my mother, and many morefamiliar to me all of my life. 

When the first battle of Bull Run was fought, with such disastrousresults to the Union Army, this building was immediately taken over bythe United States government as a hospital, and Dr. Armistead Peter, although a Southern sympathizer, was drafted to be in charge of it. Anold lady has told me how she was brought by her nurse on that Monday inJuly, the day after the battle, to watch the unloading of the wagonsfull of maimed and bleeding soldiers. 

The row of frame houses across the street, on N Street, was built atthat time as barracks for the non-commissioned officers on duty at thehospital. 

Apparently, after the war, Miss Harrover never resumed her school, as, in 1870, it was being used as an apartment house. I rather think it mustbe the oldest apartment house in the District. 

The part of the building on the corner was torn down several years agoand the Edes Home built. It is a home for Georgetown widows. As themoney for it was left by Miss Margaret Edes, who was certainly never awidow, and the wording of her will said "for the indigent widows ofGeorgetown, " many people think it was a mistake and was meant to read"the indigent women of Georgetown. "

Just across the street from the Seminary stands the house which was "OldDr. Tyler's" home. First of all, it was the home of George W. Riggs;after that, for many, many years, that of Dr. Grafton Tyler, the belovedphysician. He was a native of southern Maryland, and a cousin ofPresident Tyler. 

During his long life Dr. Tyler enjoyed many honors of high professionaldistinction and was the intimate friend and companion of distinguishedstatesmen, jurists, and scholars. 

In those days doctors took families at "so much" a year, including theslaves. Not long ago I heard this story about the dear old doctor. Foryears and years he had attended a family where there was an additionalmost annually, and he had never sent a bill. Finally, when they wereall nearly grown, the father inherited a nice little sum of money. Notlong afterwards Dr. Tyler was called in for a slight illness. When thefirst of the year came round Dr. Tyler sent a bill. The morning afterits receipt the father burst into the doctor's office in a rage, "Whatdid he mean by sending him a bill? Tut, tut!" And there the matterended. 

[Illustration: DR. GRAFTON TYLER]

For a great many years Dr. Tyler was the physician for GeorgetownCollege. It is still a tradition in the family about the turkeys andthe very delicious raisin bread that came every Christmas from thepriests. 

His son, Dr. Walter Bowie Tyler, followed him, but not for long, as hehad consumption, as tuberculosis was called in those days. He was askedto be pall-bearer at the funeral of a young lady who, as a dyingrequest, asked to be carried up to Oak Hill because she had a horror ofbeing put in a hearse. Dr. Tyler struggled along for two or three blockswhen my father, who was very fond of him, stepped in, pushed him asideand finished the journey. 

On the block above, on Washington (30th) Street, in a white, frame houseon the west side of the street, lived Captain de la Roche, who was thearchitect of Oak Hill Cemetery and of Saint John's Church where he was avestryman when it was remodeled in 1840. Apropos of that, several yearsago while I was living away from Georgetown for a short period of years, on one of my return visits, I was standing on the corner of DumbartonAvenue and 31st Street waiting for a street-car. The wait was long and Ilooked about me up and down the streets, to the westward, above the treetops was an object totally strange to my Georgetown eyes, a churchsteeple of the somewhat Bulfinch type. I reasoned that it could not beanything but the steeple of Saint John's, but I knew I had never seen itlook like that--it had always resembled a large pepper pot more thananything else. Upon inquiry, I found that not long before the vestry ofSaint John's had found that some repairs were necessary on the tower, soone of their number, a civil engineer, ascended with an architect andwhile hunting around, they discovered part of the original tower stillthere, inclosed in the more modern square building. It was torn awayand the old church now bears part of its original headdress. Only thelower story of the tower remains as the smaller ones which used tosurmount it had, of course, been lost. 

Captain and Mrs. De la Roche had three daughters; two of them hadmarried officers in the United States Army. When the Civil War cametheir sympathies were with the South. One husband promptly resigned andwent with the Confederates. The other would not resign but his wife, being a very resourceful person, kept after him, not being able to standhaving a husband in the hated Yankee army, until, during a temporaryillness, she got him discharged as not fit for marching. 

Captain de la Roche having died, his widow was forced to take boardersat her table, and several of the Union officers availed themselves ofthe bountiful Southern fare. After a while the youngest daughter, whowas a red-hot rebel, found herself deeply in love with a young Yankeedoctor. I wonder if he was on duty at the hospital in the Seminary downthe street? An engagement followed and the marriage was imminent, butshe could not bring herself to confess to her friends that she was aboutto become the wife of one of the despised soldiers. Finally her mothertold her she must at least tell Mrs. Cassin, their neighbor on thecorner, who was very devoted to her. So she summoned all her courage andmarched down the street. After a great deal of humming and hawing, shefinally got out the news and asked Mrs. Cassin to come to the quietwedding at the home next day, but said, "Please don't tell Mittie untilit is over. "

Around the corner from Washington (30th) Street, at 3018 DumbartonAvenue, is the house that Mr. George Green built for his large family, when he sold his place, "Forrest Hill, " which was part of Rosedale, toPresident Cleveland for his summer home. This is now the home of JusticeFrankfurter. 

Going westward along Dumbarton Avenue on the northern side of thestreet, now high up above it, stands the house where lived JeremiahWilliams, a prominent merchant, whose daughter married Paymaster Boggs. It is still sometimes called The Old Boggs Place. 

The great bank of earth there shows what a deep cut had to be made whenthe street was leveled in the days when Alexander Shepherd, as Governorof the District, performed the office of surgeon on the streets of thecity. He made of it a wonderful job, but was roundly hated by many ofthe property owners whom he left sitting way up in the air, orcontrariwise, down in a hole. 

The house is now divided into two houses--the one on the east, 3035, isthe home of that fine commentator, Richard Harkness. 

Across the street at 3040 is where Dr. And Mrs. Louis Mackall, Senior, lived and their daughter, Miss Sally Somervell Mackall who wrote herbook about Georgetown called _Early Days of Washington_. 

Before them the Edes family had lived there. The story is told of MissMargaret, she who left the money for the Edes Home, one night, when shewent up to her chamber, as they were called in those days, that she sawa man's boots protruding from under the bed. Instead of losing her head, she began whistling a little tune as she walked about the room, pulledout the bureau drawers as if looking for something, then went out of theroom, closed the door and softly locked it, sent for the police andcaptured the burglar. 

On the northwest corner of Dumbarton Avenue and Congress (31st) Streetwas the home of Judge Henry Henley Chapman, who came to Georgetown fromAnnapolis in the early twenties. He married Miss Mary Davidson, daughterof Colonel John Davidson whose brother Samuel was the owner of Evermay. Two of Judge Chapman's daughters married Francis Dodge, junior; firstJane, then Frances Isabella. His son, Edward, lived on in the home untilhis death when Mrs. Frances Isabella Dodge took it, had it remodeledsomewhat, and entertained there a great deal. After her death it wasbought by her stepson, of course also her nephew, Henry Henley Dodge, and I myself remember going to lovely parties given by his children inthe big, old rooms. 

The house was pulled down about 1900 and a row of brick houses built inits place. It was a handsome house, facing on Dumbarton Avenue, painteda greenish tan, with long porches running along the back buildingoverlooking the yard which extended back to Christ Church. In this yardwere two very handsome trees, one a horse chestnut and one a magnolia. It was enclosed by an iron fence, one of the kind despised and pulleddown in the nineties, and now being eagerly sought and replaced in doingover old houses. 

[Illustration: HOME OF JUDGE HENRY HENLEY CHAPMAN]

There is a delicious story of how, in the long ago, when all five of thedaughters were still at home, a wandering cow got in at the gate, and atfour o'clock in the morning (I hope it was the summer time) Aunt PeggyDavidson roused all the girls to go out and get the beast out of thegarden. An old colored man was passing, delivering milk, and was heardto exclaim, "Good Gawd, Mis' Chapman's yard is full of ghoses!"

Immediately across from this house stood, and still stands, the oldBerry house. It, too, shows how it was hoisted above the street when itslevel was changed. It was built by Philip Taylor Berry in the early1800's and no other family had ever lived there until his last daughtersdied, ripe in years. 

There were four of them, all old maids (Georgetown had five or sixhouses of four old maids in my childhood). These were in two sets, butthe two older ones far outlived the two younger, who were always veryretiring and delicate. When the last two were up in their nineties, being bed-ridden, one on one floor, the other on another, each with anurse, they used to send messages to each other and exchange the novelswhich they read over and over again. At last, one night in the winter, the old house caught on fire and when the firemen got there it was sofar under way that both old ladies had to be carried down ladders to thestreet, quite a perilous trip, which they both survived, however, andlived for several years thereafter. 

The two older sisters were descendants of John Stoddert Haw; the twoyounger, of Samuel McKenney and thereby, of course, of Henry Foxall. Oneof them, I heard all of my childhood was very, very pretty, but, although they were both great friends of my mother, I never saw herface, for she never went out of doors without a heavy, blue barège veil. It is said her eyes were weak but there was, too, a romantic story ofher having been "disappointed in love, " as they said in those days. 

[Illustration: OLD MCKENNEY HOUSE]

A little farther west on Dumbarton Avenue on the north side of thestreet, above its stone wall topped with a white picket fence, is theold McKenney house. This is the house that Henry Foxall gave to his onlydaughter, Mary Ann, when she became the bride of Samuel McKenney in1800. Until a few years ago, there lived here her granddaughter, Mrs. McCartney and her children and grandchildren, the fifth generation tolive in the old house. 

It was such a dear, sweet old house and the garden, too. At the marriageof the daughter of Mrs. McCartney, the lace wedding veil was the samethat was worn long ago by Mary Ann Foxall, whose namesake she was. 

The old house was full of treasures and curios, an exquisite littlewhite marble clock which once upon a time ticked off the hours for MarieAntoinette, that beautiful and tragic queen. It was presented to HenryFoxall by his friend and partner, Robert Morris, who had gotten it fromGouveneur Morris, he having bought it in Paris. Also there was lots oflovely old Spode china, and there is a story told of how Aunt Montie wasfound one day feeding the cats from the priceless dishes. Whenreprimanded, she explained she didn't want to use any of the "nice newchina. "

In 1840 a maiden lady from Philadelphia came one day to have lunch, ormidday dinner as I imagine it was in those days, and was planning totake the stage-coach for her return journey soon after the meal. She hadbeen telling stories to the children and when the time for her departureneared, little Henrietta McKenney burst into tears; she didn't want sucha delightful story-teller to go. Mrs. McKenney urged her to stay, soshe agreed to stay for a day or two, at the end of that time, for a weekor so. The time passed and she stayed on. Her visit lasted forty years, and was ended only by her call to another world. She had asked soonafter her settlement into the home life for some duties so she took overthe charge of the linen of the household and the making of the desserts. She had one fetich, the candles must be extinguished at ten o'clock. Shehad her way, even if guests were present--they were put out. She went tobed--they were relit. One night after her death, a young son of thehouse, about thirteen or so, was put to sleep in her room; at teno'clock the candle just went out. Every night it happened; they huntedfor drafts. No drafts could be located; the candles just always ceasedto burn when the clocks reached the hour of ten. 

In this block about 1820 Mrs. Mary Billings, an Englishwoman, opened aschool where she started to teach both colored and white childrentogether, but a great deal of prejudice arising on the subject, shedevoted herself entirely to the colored race and continued to do so fora number of years until she moved over to the city. Later, Mr. Street'sschool for boys stood here. It was just opposite the old McKenney housewith a yard running down almost to High Street. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church on this block was formerly located onMontgomery (28th) Street. It had its beginning there in 1800. The churchon the present site, which has a modern façade, was used as a Federalhospital during the Civil War, Dr. Peter being in charge of it as wellas the Seminary. 

[Illustration: ST. JOHN'S CHURCH]

On the other side of High Street stands St. John's Episcopal Church, thelot for which was given in 1796 by the Deakins' family. Reverend WalterAddison of Prince Georges County, Maryland, had visited George Town in1794 and 1795 and held occasional services, so a movement was started tobuild a church. Among the subscribers were Thomas Jefferson and Dr. Balch. The first rector was Reverend Mr. Sayrs of Port Tobacco in 1804. Five years later he died and was immortalized in an epitaph in thechurch, written by Francis Scott Key:

 JOB: J. SAYRS

 HU: EEL

 RECTOR PRIMUS

 HIC

 (QUO CHRISTI SERVUS FIDELITES MINUS TRAVIT)

 SEP: JAO

 OB: 6 JAN. A. D. MDCCIX

 AET XXXV

 HERE ONCE STOOD FORTH A MAN, WHO FROM THE WORLD THOUGH BRIGHT ITS ASPECT TO THE YOUTHFUL EYE, TURNED WITH AFFECTION ARDENT TO HIS GOD, AND LIV'D AND DIED AN HUMBLE MINISTER OF HIS BENIGNANT PURPOSES TO MAN. 

 HERE LIES HE NOW--YET GRIEVE NOT THEN FOR HIM READER! HE TRUSTED IN THAT LOVE WHERE NONE HAVE VAINLY TRUSTED--RATHER LET HIS MARBLE SPEAK TO THEE, AND SHOULDST THOU FEEL, THE RISING OF A NEW AND SOLEMN THOUGHT WAK'D BY THIS SACRED PLACE AND SAD MEMORIAL O LISTEN TO ITS IMPULSE! 'TIS DIVINE-- AND IT SHALL GUIDE THEE TO A LIFE OF JOY, A DEATH OF HOPE AND ENDLESS BLISS THEREAFTER. 

In 1807 the vestry included Charles Worthington, Washington Bowie, Thomas Corcoran, John Mason, Thomas Plater, Benjamin Mackall, PhilipBarton Key, and William Stewart. A little later, in 1811, an old writersays: "At that time the church was thronged to an over flow with all whowere most elevated in station and in wealth from the Capital; the pewsin the gallery were rented at high rates and to persons of greatrespectability. The street before the church was filled with glitteringvehicles and liveried servants. "

In 1831 the vestry failed to elect a rector as successor to Reverend Mr. James. For seven years, the church was closed, worse than closed, for itfell into disrepair to such an extent that the birds and the bats madetheir nests in it, so that it was called "The Swallow Barn. " A sculptorrented it for his studio, which scandalized many of its old-timeworshippers who hated to think of the statues of heathen gods andgoddesses in the temple of the Lord. At last, in 1838, a vestry waselected, and from that time, St. John's has always flourished. 

In its chancel are paintings of the four evangelists done by theReverend Mr. Oertel. He was also a wood-carver and a musician, and wasfrom Nuremberg in Germany which, I suppose, explains why he was alwayscalled Master by his wife. They lived for a good while on Gay (N)Street. Mr. Corcoran bought several of his pictures for his gallery. Hisbest known work was called "Rock of Ages, " and represented a femalefigure with long hair and floating white garments clinging to anenormous cross. This picture was often used on Easter cards. 

Several years ago a large boulder was placed on the bank of thechurchyard, bearing this inscription:

 COLONEL NINIAN BEALL

 BORN SCOTLAND 1625 DIED MARYLAND 1717

 PATENTEE OF ROCK OF DUMBARTON

 MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF BURGESSES

 COMMANDER IN CHIEF OF PROVINCIAL FORCES OF MARYLAND IN GRATEFUL RECOGNITION OF HIS SERVICES "UPON ALL INCURSIONS AND DISTURBANCES OF NEIGHBORING INDIANS" THE MARYLAND ASSEMBLY OF 1699 PASSED "AN ACT OF GRATUITY" THIS MEMORIAL ERECTED BY THE SOCIETY OF COLONIAL WARS IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 1910

Just behind the church and adjoining it on little Potomac Street, is ahouse where, fifty years ago, used to live two old maid sisters who wereabsolute hermits. Their food was drawn up in a basket which they letdown to an old family retainer containing the money with which to dotheir purchasing. Whenever the organ was played in St. John's, they usedto take a hammer and beat upon the wall as long as the music continued. 

The large yellow house at the southwest corner of Market (33rd) andSecond (O) Streets is where Thomas E. Waggaman lived in the nineties. Hebuilt an addition on the west as an art gallery for his collection ofpictures. It is now a separate house. Here, some years ago, lived JouettShouse at the time he formed his Liberty League. Recently, Colonel andMrs. Alf Heiberg made it their home. They placed an eagle over the doorand called it "Federal House. "

Right across the street stood a dear old house some years ago. It waswhite, with double piazzas all the way across the front. The yard wasenclosed by a paling fence and from the gate a double border of box ledto the door. It was the home of Dr. Hezekiah Magruder. 

About 1833 the family of Admiral James Hogan Sands lived there. WilliamFranklin Sands, author of _Undiplomatic Memories_ was one of his sons. The old house was torn down about 1890. 

Across the street, at number 3318, is the home of Mr. And Mrs. David E. Finley. He is the Director of the National Gallery of Art. 

Number 3322 is the interesting old house where, in the forties andfifties lived Baron Bodisco, Minister from Russia to the United States. He had a very romantic marriage of which I shall tell later. Just beforethe marriage he purchased this house from Sally Van Devanter, who hadinherited it in 1840 from her husband, Christopher Van Devanter, apparently, the builder of the house. Baron Bodisco, the same day hebought it, gave it to his fiancée, Harriet Beall Williams. Whether itwas a wedding gift or whether, as a foreign envoy, he could not holdproperty, I do not know. She kept the property for twenty years untilher remarriage to Captain Douglas Scott, when it was bought by AbrahamH. Herr. During the Civil War, it was headquarters for the officers ofthe Second U. S. Regiment, whose enlisted men were quartered in ForrestHall. 

[Illustration: BODISCO HOUSE]

But to return to the period when it was owned and occupied by the VanDevanter family. During these years, they apparently had a mostinteresting guest, Mrs. Henry Lee, the widow of "Light Horse Harry, " andthe mother of Robert E. Lee. In Dr. Douglas Freeman's book _R. E. Lee_, he quotes two letters from Mrs. Lee written not long before her deathfrom "Georgetown. " She did not specify where she was, but Mrs. BeverleyKennon, many years afterwards, said that this was the house in which sheresided. 

Also, the Van Devanter family, a few years ago, found among old bookstwo books with inscriptions of names of the Lee family, evidently leftthere during this time. 

Here, at a ball one night, a young man who was making his entrance intoWashington society under the care of a senator had the followingexperience. (The account is taken from _Harper's Magazine_):

 This was my first entrance into fashionable life at one of Madame Bodisco's birthnight balls. I was under the care of Senator ----. As we entered the house, two tall specimens of humanity, dressed very much like militia generals, in scarlet coats trimmed with gold lace and white trousers, met us at the door. Thinking them distinguished people, I bowed low and solemnly. They stared and bowed. "Go on, " said the Senator, "don't be so polite to those fellows, they are servants; give them your cloak. " I hurried in pulling off my cloak as I went. Just within the first door of the drawing room stood a fat, oily little gentleman, bowing also, but not so magnificently gotten up as my first acquaintances. Certain of my game now, I, in superb style, threw over him my cloak and hurried on. Senator ---- pulled me back, and to the astonished little fellow now struggling from under my broadcloth, I was presented. I had nearly smothered the Russian Minister who, however, laughed merrily at the mistake. He hardly knew what I would accomplish next, and left me as soon as he possibly could, to my fate. I wandered about rather disconsolate. The lights, music, dancing, fun and laughter, were all novelties and charming for a while, but I knew no one after an hour's looking on, hunted up the Senator and begged him to introduce me to some of the young ladies. He hesitated a moment, and then consented, and I was led up to and presented to a magnificent creature I had long looked upon with silent admiration. Miss Gennie Williams, who was seated in an easy, nonchalant manner, conversing with a circle of gentlemen, and favored me with a gracious nod. As I stood wondering whether this was the end of my introduction, a mustached dandy came between us and said, "Miss Williams, permit me to relate the joke of the season. " To my horror he began the story of the cloak. My first impulse was to knock him down, my second to run away; on my third I acted. Interrupting the recital I said: "Begging your pardon, sir, but Miss Williams, I am the only person who can do justice to that joke, " and continuing, I related it without in any way sparing myself. She laughed heartily, as did the circle, and rising from her chair, took my arm, saying kindly that I must be cared for or I would murder some one. With a grace and kindness I shall never forget, she placed me at my ease. 

Next door to this house, at one time, lived Hamilton Bronaugh. 

Just across the street, the big red brick Victorian house is where JamesRoosevelt and his family were living in his father's firstadministration. 

Around the corner on Frederick (34th) Street, the house which has awalled garden on the corner was the home of John G. Winant, when he washere before going as Ambassador to the Court of St. James. 

A block or two north of here, at 1524 Market (33rd) Street, was the oldYellow Tavern, much used by those going to and fro to Rockville andFrederick Town. 

On Fourth Street (Volta Place), where the playground is now, was wherethe old Presbyterian burying-ground used to be, which was the principalgraveyard until Oak Hill was given to the town in 1849. Among thetombstones moved from there, when it was given up, were those of JamesGillespie, member of Congress from North Carolina, who was the firstmember of that body to die after the removal of the seat of government, and John Barnes, who had been collector of the port, and who, in hiswill, left money for a poorhouse for Georgetown. He died in 1826 at theage of ninety-six. 

On Sixth Street (Dent Place), between Market (33rd) and Frederick (34th)Streets, was the house which Francis Deakins sold on February 8, 1800 toOld Yarrow, as he was called, one of the most mysterious and interestingcharacters of the early days. It is not known whether he was an EastIndian or a Guinea negro, but he was a Mohammedan. He conducted a tradein hacking with a small cart, and his ambition in life was to own ahundred dollars. Twice he saved it and each time ill fortune overtookhim. The first time he gave it to an old groceryman he knew to keep forhim. The old man died suddenly and Yarrow had nothing to prove that hehad had his money. So the next time he picked a young man to keep it forhim. Then this one absconded. Some of the gentlemen of the town becameso interested that they took up a collection and started an account forhim in the Bank of Columbia. He must have been quite a figure in hisday, for his portrait was painted by James Alexander Simpson, and is nowowned by Mr. E. M. Talcott, who inherited it from Normanstone. 

Quite a number of attractive houses have been built in this neighborhoodin the last few years and a good many "done over, " all of them, fortunately, in the style suitable for Georgetown. 

They are very largely owned and occupied by people connected with theGovernment, many of them in the State Department. In one of thesehouses, a few years ago, lived the writer, Michael Strange, who had beenthe wife of John Barrymore. 

Chapter XIII

_Third Street, Beall (O) Street, West (P) Street_

On the southeast corner of Third (P) Street and Frederick (34th) Street, the attractive, low, white frame house is where Doris Fleeson lives, whowrites such interesting articles for _The Evening Star_. 

At 3327 is a fine tall old brick house painted yellow, which has formany years, until very recently, been the home of Hon. And Mrs. Balthasar Meyer. On the second story it has a lovely long music roomused for dancing and by Sylvia Meyer, their daughter, the talentedharpist of the National Symphony Orchestra. 

Some of the Key family lived here years ago, I suppose, of course, relatives or descendants of those two famous lawyers here, Philip BartonKey and his nephew, Francis Scott Key. And nearby lived another _real_Marylander named Mary Ritchie. 

And speaking of names, the strangest woman's name turned up in the titleof 3321, which in 1818 was owned by Harry McCleery. He had fivedaughters and in his will left $3, 000. 00 to each of four of them; amongthese, one named Zerniah. To Clarissa, the fifth, he left the house helived in (this house) and the stone houses on the corner adjoining, withall thereto belonging to be held in trust for her by her two brothers. Iwonder if Clarissa was an invalid or if it was the law that, at thattime, a woman could not hold property!

This house later on in the eighties and for twenty years or more was thehome of the Humes. Mr. Thomas L. Hume and his wife, Annie GrahamPickrell left a large family of children when they died early. 

Mr. Hume also owned a place a little way out of town. One day whenGeneral Grant, who was a friend of his, was there Mr. Hume said hecouldn't think of a name for the place. General Grant looked around andnoticing the walnut trees said, "Why not turn walnut around and call it"Tunlaw"?" And so Tunlaw Road came into being, back behind Mt. AltoHospital. 

Just to the east of 3321 P Street was the old Lutheran burying-ground. About the time of the Civil War it seems to have been abandoned and therecords lost. And near here stands the Lutheran Church, the fourthbuilding on this site, for this church dates back to 1769, when it was alittle log building. According to tradition, Dr. Stephen Bloomer Balchpreached his first sermon here when he came to be Pastor of thePresbyterians. A prized possession of this church is a very old GermanBible printed in Tübingen in 1730. Another treasured possession is thebell, over a hundred years old, which, at one time, was purchased by acongregation in West Virginia, but after twenty-five years, wasreclaimed and brought back by a faithful church Councilman and housedunder a small stone structure of its own. It is believed to have beencast in Europe. 

Crossing High Street (Wisconsin Avenue) and cutting down to Beall (O)Street, one comes to what used to be Hazel's stable--his initials, "W. C. H. " are in the bricks up in the peak at the top of the building. Herethe doctors kept their carriages, here "hacks" were hired when neededfor parties or funerals, and here was kept for a month or so every falland spring my little bay mare, _Lady Leeton_, and the red-wheeledrunabout which was brought in from Hayes for my use. 

I can see Mr. Hazel now in his buggy, he weighed about three hundredpounds and his side of the buggy almost touched the ground as he droveabout town. 

At 3131, at the home of his daughter, is where General Adolphus Greeleywas living several years ago when a very interesting event took placeone spring afternoon, in 1935. I was walking down 31st Street when Iheard the strains of "The Star-Spangled Banner. " I wondered if I washearing a radio but when I reached the corner of O Street I noticed apoliceman and an Army sergeant chatting in the middle of the street andcoming up O Street was Justice of the Supreme Court, Owen J. Roberts, bareheaded, with a lady, to whom he said, "They are probably saying, 'Some old geezer named Greeley'!" So I glanced west down O Street andthere, drawn up along the southern sidewalk, was a company of U. S. Cavalry, red and white guidon of Company F from Fort Myer. Then Irealized that it was the day of days for General Greeley. At last, onhis ninety-first birthday, he was being decorated with the CongressionalMedal of Honor. It had been many a year since his fateful expedition tothe Arctic in search for the North Pole. 

Just across the street from here now lives Senator Henry Cabot Lodge anda little farther on, the old house up on a low terrace is where theLancastrian School was opened in November 1811 under Robert Ould. In afew weeks there were 340 boys and girls under tuition, and in 1812 anappropriation was asked for an addition to accommodate 250 morescholars. 

[Illustration: CHRIST CHURCH]

The Lancastrian School was sustained by private contributions andmunicipal aid for thirty-two years. The name came from Joseph Lancaster, a Quaker, who started this system in England of coeducational schools, free to those who could not pay. Lancaster had a school of one thousandpupils in Southwark, but disagreements arising with some of theauthorities, he emigrated to America in 1818. He died in New York in1838. 

About 1840, Samuel McKenney, whose house adjoined this property on thesouth, bought it and gave it to his daughter who had gone to southernMaryland to live, and so she came back to Georgetown. Her descendants, the Osbournes, lived there until just a few years ago when the "cult"for old houses in Georgetown began. When a garden was made thererecently, some of the old foundations of the schoolroom were uncovered. 

Almost next door is the Linthicum Institute, which still conducts itsnight school for white boys, and above it is the hall where the oldGeorgetown Assemblies are still held. Here also Mrs. Shippen has herDancing Classes, and here now my grandchildren are learning where I hadmy first lessons in the same art. The old hall looks just as it did inmy day. 

Then at 3018 is Christ Church Rectory, where I happened to be born; itwas not the rectory then. 

Christ Church, as you recall, was founded in 1817 in Thomas Corcoran'shouse. The illustration shows the first church building of the threewhich have stood on this spot. It was begun May 6, 1818, and the firstservice held at sunrise on Christmas Day that same year, the rectorbeing the Reverend Ruel Keith, who was Professor of Theology at theCollege of William and Mary, and later, in 1823, with Dr. Wilmer, founder of the Theological Seminary, near Alexandria. 

Among the founders of Christ Church were Thomas Corcoran, WilliamMorton, Clement Smith, Francis Scott Key, John Stoddert Haw, John Myers, Ulysses Ward, James A. Magruder, Thomas Henderson, and John Pickrell. The present building of Christ Church was erected about 1885. Thewindows which were made especially for it in Munich, Germany, are verybeautiful. The big one in the north end was put there by W. W. Corcoranin memory of his father, Thomas Corcoran. 

I have heard from the daughter of one of the belles of the fifties, whose family were Christ Church people, that in those days the beauxmight join a lady after church and escort her home, but under nocircumstances did they entertain callers on Sunday. All of the food forSunday use was prepared on Saturday. 

It was during the fifties that Dr. William Norwood was the rector ofChrist Church. He was a Virginian and very outspoken in the expressionof his political views in that day of heated opinions. So violent wasthe feeling that, although he had a brilliant mind and a saintlycharacter, he was obliged to resign. He returned to his native State andwas for many years the revered rector of St. Paul's, Richmond. Iremember hearing that as a young man he had a classmate at college, Clement Moore, who one night came into his room, saying, "Norwood, I'dlike to read you something I've written to see what you think of it. " Hesat down and read to him "The Night Before Christmas, " that beloved oldpoem without which Christmas hardly seems like Christmas to me, evennow. 

Dr. Norwood was followed several years later by Reverend Albert RhettStuart, under whose leadership the present church was built. I rememberthe big basket which was carried around by a fine-looking, tall coloredwoman with articles for sale for the benefit of the Ladies' Aid Societyof Christ Church. 

The interesting white house over on the northeast corner was at one timethe home of the Godeys, then of the Curtis family. When they livedthere, "music filled the air, " for a son and a chum of his used to sitout on the long, side gallery and play for hours on the violin and'cello. It was for several years the home of Justice and Mrs. Owen J. Roberts. 

Only two houses on this block are of any age. The little white cottagenear the corner of Washington (30th) Street was the home of three MissTenneys and their sister, Mrs. Brown, who had a school for small boysand girls. Then the garden ran to the corner. The father of these ladiesand of William H. Tenney had come to Georgetown from Newburyport, Massachusetts, in the early part of 1800. 

Just across from it, the large yellow mansion was the home of CommodoreCassin, built by him, I think, in the early 1800's. In 1893 Mr. And Mrs. Beverley Randolph Mason, of Virginia, opened here their school, GunstonHall, named, of course, for Mr. Mason's ancestral home, which continuedin Washington as a flourishing boarding school for girls for fiftyyears. After that, this building housed the Epiphany School, anEpiscopal institution. 

The property along 30th Street here was all owned at one time by theMatthews family. Henry Cooksey Matthews came to Georgetown some yearsbefore 1820. He had been born in 1797 on the farm near Dentsville, inCharles County, Maryland, where his forbears had lived for fourgenerations. He married his cousin, Lucinda Stoddert Haw, whose home, you remember, was on Gay (N) Street, and they built the large house onthe southeast corner of Washington (30th) and West (P) Streets. 

Mr. Matthews and his wife were devoted members of Christ Church andnamed their son for one of its rectors, the Reverend Charles McIlvaine, who later became Bishop of Ohio. Mr. Matthews used to play the flute inthe orchestra in Christ Church. 

Mr. Charles M. Matthews also married his cousin, who was a daughter ofThomas Corcoran, junior, and niece of W. W. Corcoran. Mr. Matthews, until his death, managed the estate of Mr. Corcoran. He built his homeon the southern part of his father's lot at the northeast corner ofWashington (30th) and Beall (O) Streets. 

Back in the eighties Miss Charlotte and Miss Margaret Lee came fromVirginia and opened The West Washington School for Girls, sponsored byseveral of the gentlemen of Georgetown, in the old home of Henry C. Matthews. There, in the last year of its existence, I learned thebeginnings of the three R's. 

Nearby, at number 3014 P Street, in the fifties and sixties, William R. Abbott conducted a well-known school for boys. At that time it was onlya one-story building. Mr. Abbott was the son of John Abbott, whose homewas on Bridge (M) Street. The Abbotts lived in the house on the westnext door to the school. In later years it was occupied by the Lyons, Hartleys, and Parris families. 

In one of these houses was the school for boys founded by Dr. DavidWiley and continued for twenty more years by Dr. James McVean. 

There is a fine row of houses just beyond here where have lived, atvarious times, the Magruders, the Kenyons, the Yarnalls, and, long ago, in the early 1800's, Colonel Fowler, who came from Baltimore and whosewife was a sister of Dr. Riley's wife, made his home at number 3030 West(P) Street. 

For many years this house was used as the rectory of Christ Church. There lived Dr. Norwood and his large family of daughters, all of whomleft their impression on the City of Richmond in after years. Also, Dr. Walter Williams, and Dr. Albert Rhett Stuart, of South Carolina, who wasfor twenty-five years rector of Christ Church. 

The end house was the Morton's home for a great many years. Fourunmarried sisters lived there long, long after their parents had gone. But parental influence was strong in those days, for one of them in herlate seventies was still "engaged" to the love of her youth, disapprovedof by her father. Once a week she met him and had lunch with him downtown. He came sometimes to Sunday dinners, swathed in his long, blackcape. 

During the fall great droves of cattle and flocks of sheep from westernVirginia were driven through the streets and gathered at Drovers' Rest, two miles west of town. Some days many thousands filled West (P) Streetfrom morn to eve, and, occasionally, a wild steer ran amuck and thenthere was great excitement. Also, large flocks of turkeys, hundreds ofthem, were driven up from lower Maryland and passed through the streetsto pens on the outskirts of town, where one could go and pick out hisown bird. 

Across the street at number 3019 is the house Mr. Linthicum built in1826. Thomas Corcoran, junior, made it his home from then until 1856, when it was bought by John T. Cochrane for his sister, Mrs. James A. Magruder, who brought up there her three nieces and one nephew. Two ofthe nieces, Miss Mary Zeller and Mrs. Whelan, lived on there all theirlives. Miss Mary used to tell me many tales of old-time days and ways. The old house remained entirely unchanged until about twelve years ago, when it was bought and done over inside. It had a lovely stairway anddignified, square rooms. 

The row of three quaint little brick houses here seem to be an unknownquantity to even some of the oldest inhabitants and nearest neighbors. In number 3021, long ago, lived Horatio Berry, the brother of PhilipTaylor Berry. In number 3025, the quaint locks on the doors all have onthem a small, round brass seal, bearing the coat-of-arms of GreatBritain, the lion and the unicorn rampant, also the name "Carpenter &Co. ", and in the cellar are crossbeams hewn by hand. 

Next we come to a pair of cottages, changed from their pristineloveliness--now the "Mary Margaret Home, " for old ladies. The one at3033 P Street in my girlhood was the home of Mrs. James D. Patton, theformer Jennie Coyle. She gave me piano lessons for four years, but shegave me much more! She formed a group of girls into a King's Daughters'Circle, "The Patient Workers, " which met at her house on Saturdaymornings when we sewed and made articles which we sold at a Fair in theSpring. The proceeds were divided between the Children's Country Homeand the Children's Hospital. There is still a brass plate in thehospital bearing the name, "The Patient Workers" for a bed we named. 

The two big houses on the northeast corner of West (P) Street andCongress (31st) Street were built by Joseph H. Libbey, a well-to-dolumber merchant. They continued to be in his family for a long time. Theone on the east now is the Catholic Home for Aged Ladies. In front of itis the largest and most beautiful elm tree in Georgetown. The two housesat 1516 and 1518 Congress (31st) Street, Mr. Libbey built about 1850 aswedding gifts for his two daughters, Martha, Mrs. Benjamin Miller, becoming the owner of number 1516. It is still owned by her descendants. Number 1518 has changed hands several times. It was where Richard V. Oulahan, the well-known newspaper correspondent, lived until his deathseveral years ago. At that time it was said of him: "He gathered newslike a gentleman and wrote it like a scholar. "

Back in the eighties, a party was given at number 1518 one night for theyoung niece of two maiden ladies whose home it then was. The guests wereabout sixteen and seventeen years old, and the boys had all just arrivedat the age where their most treasured possessions were their brand newderby hats. When the party broke up and the guests trooped upstairs toget their wraps, the young gentlemen found, on entering their dressingroom, that on one of the beds reposed the crowns of all their derbies, while on the other, neatly laid out, were all the brims. The culprit wasnever caught. Only the other day one of the long-ago guests was told bythe offender that he had been the originator of the diabolic idea. 

If you look west along the next block of West (P) Street, you notice howdifferent are the north and south sides. Along the south side are housesof an absolutely different period. All those on the north side werebuilt in the seventies or later, including the Presbyterian Church, except the one on the corner of Congress (31st) Street, which was theresidence of General Otho Holland Williams, a Revolutionary officer, whowas in the same company with General Lingan. His house has, of course, been completely changed and made into two houses. It was neverbeautiful, but it was a dignified old mansion, with high steps leadingup to a quaint doorway. 

Across Congress (31st) Street, at number 3108 West (P) Street, the housewith the high steps going up sideways was built by Judge Morsell about1800. For a while, the Barnards lived there. Then the Marquis dePodestad, Minister from Spain to this country, made it his residence. After the Civil War, General George C. Thomas resided there. Next dooris where the Shoemakers have lived for many years. 

The house with the nice, old hipped roof was at one time owned by aCaptain Brown. In the eighties and nineties the Misses Dorsey ofVirginia had here a school for girls called "Olney Institute. "Afterwards, Reverend Parke P. Flournoy, once a chaplain in theConfederate Army, lived here up into his nineties with his family. 

Still a little farther on, and incorporated with the old Tenney house, now owned by Mrs. Stephen Bonsal, is where Miss Jennie Gardiner had aschool for little children about the same time as the Dorseys' school. For some time before the Civil War it was the home of the Reverend Mr. Simpson, whose wife was Miss Stephenson from near Winchester. Herfather, whose home was Kenilworth, near there, made her a present of thehouse. Following the Civil War, it was for a long time the home ofWilliam H. Tenney, who had a prosperous flour mill. 

Just across the street from it, the imposing looking yellow house withthe mansard roof is the one that Elinor Glyn bought and "did over, " andthen never lived in, as she decided to go back to England to her mother, who was in delicate health. Later it was the residence of Mrs. IsabellaGreenway, Representative in Congress from Arizona. 

A block from here just above Q Street on what is now dignified by thename of 32nd, but will always remain to old Georgetonians, ValleyStreet, lived a very interesting character, still remembered by somepeople in Georgetown as "The crazy man of Valley Street. "

Among other shabby houses, one which was quite different in appearanceand stood a little back from the street, with a tree in its tiny patchof a yard, was where he lived. It looked as if it had a story--and ithad. It was told me not long ago by an old friend. I call him a friend, for whenever I went to the institution where he was a doorkeeper, I wentback in memory to the years when he was our postman. In those days yourpostman was your friend. You thought over what your Christmas gift tohim would be as much as a member of your family. Not like it isnowadays, when he drops your letters through a slit in the door. Youdon't know his name, you don't know what he looks like, you don't evenknow whether he is white or colored. 

This is the story of "the crazy man of Valley Street. " During the CivilWar, Captain Chandler was in command of a United States vessel cruisingin the Chesapeake Bay searching ships carrying contraband. He wasaccused of making a traitorous remark and dismissed from the service. His family was living at the Union Hotel, but they left and went to NewYork to live. He took his savings and built for himself the little houseon Valley Street. Its interior was made to resemble exactly the cabin ofa ship. 

My friend told me that his first encounter with the old gentleman wasone Monday morning about nine-thirty when, having been changed to thisnew route, he stopped to open the gate to deliver a letter. It waslocked. He knocked. At last a window was thrown up and the old man'shead emerged. He said the captain looked very much like the pictures ofGeneral Robert E. Lee. 

Seeing it was the postman with a letter, he said he would open the gate, so he pulled a rope--and presto! open it flew. He said he never openedit until ten o'clock in the morning and wanted to know if his mail couldbe delivered after that, which the carrier obligingly offered to do, bychanging his route somewhat. 

After that, for years, Mr. Postman was a friend to the old man, thoughhe never really entered the house. Each month a check for twenty dollarswould come from a nephew in Chicago, which the postman would take to Mr. Berry with a note from the captain, asking to have it cashed, andspecifying the number of dollar bills, fifty-cent pieces, quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies. A little colored boy who lived nearby wascommissioned occasionally to purchase necessary food, but the old manhimself never went out except after dark. 

Finally, one day when the little boy came to do the errands, he couldget no answer to his knock, so he got a man to lift him up where hecould peer over the high board fence at the side and look into an openwindow. Through it he saw the old gentleman, sprawled out in a bigchair, immovable. They broke into the house and found that he wasparalyzed. He could not speak, but shook his head when they said theywanted to call help from the police. He was laid on a mattress on thefloor, and before long, all his troubles were over. 

His nephew came from Chicago, bought a lot in Rock Creek Cemetery andhad the old gentleman decently buried. But not long after, his son inNew York, reading of it in the paper, came down and had his fatherreinterred in the family lot in Oak Hill. So, in death, the oldgentleman was accorded the honor of two funerals. 

[Illustration: _Courtesy Frick Art Reference Library_. 

WASHINGTON BOWIE]

Chapter XIV

_Stoddert (Q) Street_

Coming east from Valley (32nd) Street is the lovely old house which theSeviers bought in 1890. It has never had a name. It was built byWashington Bowie, another of the shipping barons. His wife was MargaretJohns before becoming Mrs. Bowie. This whole block was his estate andwas entered in his day through the double iron gates on West (P) Street. The carriages passed up and around a circle of box to the path, borderedwith box leading to the porch with its lovely doorway. The doors openinginto the hall that runs right through are of solid mahogany with big oldbrass locks. In the dining room is an especially beautiful white woodmantel, carved with a scene of sheep and shepherds. The tradition isthat L'Enfant planned the garden, and also left his spectacles lying onthe piano. 

In 1805 the place was bought by William Nicolls of Maryland, whose wifewas Margaret Smith, a descendant of Captain John Smith. They had twodaughters, Roberta, who married William Frederick Hanewinckel ofRichmond, and Jennie, who married Colonel Hollingsworth. TheHanewinckels used to come back to the old home sometimes in the summer, even to the grandchildren, and the descendants still love the old placeand consider it their ancestral home, for they had it longer than anyother family. Colonel Hollingsworth was the superintendent of MountVernon before Colonel Dodge. I remember Colonel Hollingsworth well, atall, fine-looking old gentleman, with a long, white beard. Of course, in those days we went to Mount Vernon by way of the river, on thesteamer _W. W. Corcoran_. It is still, I think, by far the most pleasantway to approach the dignified old mansion, and Captain Hollingsworthwould often be on the boat and talk with us. I've never forgotten thedear old-fashioned nosegay he picked and gave me from Mrs. Washington'sgarden. Mrs. Hollingsworth was a tiny little old lady. I can see her nowwith her snow-white hair and her big, black bonnet. Poor soul, it was aterrible trial to her when the place had to be sold after her husband'sdeath. 

[Illustration: THE SEVIER HOUSE (BUILT BY WASHINGTON BOWIE)]

It was put up for auction in 1890, and Mr. And Mrs. John Sevier, whohappened to be visiting Mr. And Mrs. Henry Dodge in Georgetown at thattime, though they spent a great deal of their time in Paris, heard ofthe sale and bought the house on the spot. Mr. Sevier was a descendantof the famous Tennesseean of that same name. Later they added the wingsextending far out on each side, which are really two charming littlehouses. The old garden is still full of wonderful box, and besides, there are lots and lots of lovely roses, the pride of their statelymistress. 

Mrs. Sevier told me of being at a spa in Germany one summer when she wasyoung, with Mr. Sevier. When they asked for the first floor apartmentinstead of theirs on the second, they were told by the proprietor thatit was engaged for "some Englishman; he did not know whom. " It turnedout to be the then Prince of Wales, Edward VII. The prince, on seeingher, asked to be presented. She was very beautiful then, tall and fair. She met him three times, in the garden or at the spring. When he wasleaving, he asked to say good-bye. She, unthinkingly, stood on the stepabove him, (a terrible _faux pas_, she learned afterwards), gave himsome roses, and he presented her with a bouquet surrounded by lacepaper; it was the custom, always, on leaving a place. 

When my father built his house in 1884 on the southwest corner ofStoddert (Q) Street and Congress (31st) Street, it was in part of theorchard of the old Bowie place. Some of the pear trees were still there. Today there are six houses on the lot where his house stood with its biggables and its many porches, surrounded by a fine lawn in which he tookgreat pride. This house caused a good deal of comment at the time of itsbuilding from the fact that it had a bathroom on every floor, one being, of course, a "powder room. " But to have a bathroom in the basement forthe servants in those days was unheard of. It was just as good as theothers, a tin-lined tub, of course, would be horrible to the presentgeneration!

The house was always brimming over with people, young and old, foroccasions both grave and gay. One very grave one happened about twoyears after we moved there, and another "first" in Georgetown wasthere--the first trained nurse in Georgetown. Early in the month of Maydiphtheria seized the eldest daughter, then about fifteen. Two dayslater, another succumbed, a beautiful little girl of five. There was noanti-toxin in those days. In four days little Eleanor Hope was dead. Twodays later a little cousin visiting there, was taken, and two days laterstill, the three remaining well children were sent out one afternoon fora drive with Grandpa in the Dayton-wagon, an old-time version of thepresent-day station wagon. We thought it was kind of strange to go todrive in the rain, but it wasn't really raining hard, so we stoppedwhere the Cathedral Close is now and picked bluets and violets. When wegot home we were told we had a new little brother! Wildly excited, werushed upstairs and assaulted the door of mother's room. It was openedby old Aunt Catherine, the colored mid-wife, who had been told not toadmit anyone, but mother called us and in we went. An hour or so later Iwas the fourth victim of diphtheria! I still have vivid memories of itall, and of Miss Freese, the trained nurse. 

[Illustration: _Courtesy Bolling-Fowler_. 

THE GEORGE T. DUNLOP HOUSE]

She wore a uniform of blue and white striped cotton, long to the floor, but, strange to say, her hair was short, unusual for those days. I canstill see the animals she cut out of paper--elephants, horses, and cows. Dear Aunt Ellen and Auntie helped with the nursing, and father evenstayed home some days to help!

These were some of the grave days, now to come to the gay. I rememberthe big reception for father's and mother's silver wedding anniversary, when I and my two chums, I in red, one in white, and one in a bluedress, stood back behind this fine couple, thinking we were sowonderful! My best friend lived right across the street, and we riggedup a line from my window to hers on which we sent little notes bypulling the line around. 

My two elder sisters had many beaux, and I mean, "many. " I can rememberwhen some times twenty young gentlemen came to call on Sunday evening. Of course, there were not many "dates" in those days, unless to go tothe theatre or a party of some kind, dancing or euchre. 

One Sunday night when the butler was off duty, my brother, home fromPrinceton, answered the door bell. A gentleman entered, asking if theladies were at home; he handed his silk hat to John, then his cane, thenhis coat, and then, he said "Now, announce me!" He was announced! As hesat on the sofa by my cousin, a visitor from Kentucky, a real Kentuckybelle, a horrified expression came over his face. She, thinking he hadbeen attacked by the new disease, appendicitis, which she had heard wasvery painful, asked what was the matter, to which he replied, "I havejust discovered I have on blue trousers instead of black!" He was in hisfull-dress suit. 

On our side of Congress (31st) Street was one of the houses holding fourold maids, the daughters of John Davidson, one of the oldest names inGeorgetown: Miss Adeline, Miss Nannie, Miss Kate, and Miss Martha. Theirmother had died on her knees in Christ Church from a stroke. 

Across the street lived four maiden ladies by the name of Mix--one oftheir brothers married a Miss Pickle!

Of course, before Stoddert (Q) Street was cut through, the Bowie houseadjoined the property of Tudor Place, and they were on a level. I canremember when the street was paved, and now that it is one of thebusiest boulevards of the city, it seems almost impossible to believethat back in the nineties a houseful of charming-girls, realold-fashioned belles, used often to "erupt" with their many beaux fromtheir home on the neighboring corner, at eleven o'clock some evenings, and have a dance right in the middle of the street--two-steps andwaltzes galore!

[Illustration: HOME OF FRANCIS DODGE]

On the southeast corner of Congress (31st) Street and Stoddert (Q)Street stood, until 1893 or 1894, the very interesting old house whereFrancis Dodge and his large family lived for many, many years. Theillustration does not do justice to the dear old house, but I wanted togive some idea of it as a whole, so selected this one. The long, southern side overlooking the garden had tiers of white wooden galleriesand the face of the house under them was plastered white. In the centerof the long stretch of wall was a lovely, big doorway with a fanlight, of course, and at the end of the porch, a smaller door which entered aprojecting wing of the house. 

The place was enclosed by a low, brick wall topped with a white picketfence, and standing near the corner was a gorgeous horse-chestnut tree. Whenever I see one now, I recall this particular tree with its lovelyblossoms in the spring and their delicious fragrance. A flight of woodensteps led from a brick walk at the gate to the gallery, and anotherflight from the same walk down into the garden. Under the porch was abrick pavement where was the pump, and then there was the garden--awonderful old garden adorned with a maze of box which, of course, enclosed flower-beds. 

The whole square, bounded by Congress (31st), West (P), Washington(30th), and Stoddert (Q) Streets, belonged to this estate. It wasoriginally the property of Nicholas Lingan who owned the mill on RockCreek, and who was a brother of General Lingan. At that time, these bigplaces really were farms, with stables for horses, cows, pigs, andchickens. 

[Illustration: FRANCIS DODGE, SENIOR]

In 1810 the property was bought by Francis Dodge, who, as I have saidbefore, had come from Salem as a lad of sixteen to join his brother, Ebenezer, who was established in a prosperous coastwise shipping trade, dealing largely with the West Indies. 

One of the first experiences young Francis had, after his arrival in1798, was one afternoon when he returned from a row up the river, and ashe was mooring his boat, he noticed an elderly gentleman hurrying downthe street and out onto the wharf. The gentleman asked if the ferry wasin yet, and when the boy turned to answer him and looked into his face, he saw that it was General Washington. Francis replied that the ferryhad gone and, noting the terrible disappointment of the great man, offered to row him across the river in his own little boat. The Generalgladly accepted, and during the crossing asked the young man his name. "Francis Dodge, sir, " the boy replied, at which the General exclaimed, "By any chance related to Colonel Robert Dodge, who served so gallantlywith me during the War?" "Yes, General, he was my father. " "Oh, indeed!"said he, "I am greatly pleased to know you, young man. You must come toMount Vernon some time to see me. "

Whether or not Francis Dodge got to Mount Vernon before the General'sdeath the following year, I do not know, but for over forty years hisgrandson, Colonel Harrison H. Dodge, was the honored superintendentthere. 

Young Francis was taken into his brother's counting house, and a fewyears later, in 1804, was sent to Portugal to investigate tradeconditions in Europe. In 1807 he married Elizabeth Thomson, a daughterof William Thomson, of Scotland. They first resided below Bridge (M)Street, west of High (Wisconsin Avenue), probably in Cherry Lane, wherelived also, according to tradition, Philip Barton Key, the Maffits, andother families of distinction. 

Mr. And Mrs. Dodge had the usual large family of those days, six sonsand five daughters, and all grew to maturity. While they were stillsmall children, however, the British came to Washington, causing greatalarm to the citizens of George Town also. Mr. Dodge apparently sent hisfamily out somewhere near Rockville, for this is a letter he wrote tohis wife at that time. It gives an interesting picture of those excitingdays:

 Georgetown, Aug. 26, 1814, 12 o'clock A. M. 

 Dear Wife:

 We have positive information that the British have left the City on the Baltimore road, and passed the toll-gate last night. Some of their pickets are still around the city. 

 We believe they are either going to their shipping on Patuxent or direct to Baltimore; or that they received information of an intention to attempt to cut them off. At all events I am satisfied you would be perfectly safe here, and much more comfortable than where you are. I wish yourself, the child, Emily, Frank, and Isabella, to come home and bring, if you can, one bed. Peggy and Betty can come if they please. 

 Not one Englishman has been in this town or within sight of Ft. Warburton below. They have burnt all public property in the city. It was a dreadful sight. The rope-walks in the city are destroyed. The General Post Office and Jail stand. I hope they will not return here again and can't think they will, they behaved well. 

 The town was very quiet last night and I got a good sleep for the first time. I hope you are well. 

 Yours affectionately, F. DODGE. 

 Aug. 27, 7 o'clock A. M. 

 After preparing yesterday to send this, William came and advised to postpone till today. You can all come now in the stage, bringing all the books and what else you can. 

 We have no news today but expect the British are near their shipping. We have escaped wonderfully. 

The stage ran daily from George Town to Rockville. I think it was alsocalled "the hack, " for, in old letters from my own ancestors at Hayes, out in that direction, they write of "sending the seamstress out by thehack. "

As the boys approached years of discretion, not having been spoiled bysparing the rod, their father gave to each an identical circular, setting forth what should be their "guide through life. " His admonitionto "read the Bible daily and regularly, " was based upon his ownremarkable habit in that respect. That he managed to read five chaptersconsecutively every morning and thus encompass the whole in sevenmonths, is borne out by the periodic notations in his Holy Book. Thecirculars read as follows:

 My practice (and my advice to all) is: if you wish to appear decent shave every morning below ears and nose, cut your hair short all over the head, wear white cravats, no boot-straps or pantaloon straps. 

 If you expect or desire to live in old age with few pains, and in the meantime be clear headed and well, and thriving in your business, rise before the sun, retire early, taking seven to nine hours in bed. Eat regularly and moderately of plain food, plainly cooked; no desserts except green fruit, drink no kind of liquor except water and the like; use no tobacco in any way. 

 Read five chapters in the Bible regularly through, before breakfast, support religious societies and go to church twice every Sabbath Day. Take moderate exercise, attend to your business and keep it always in order and under your Government, never over-trade, hold your word as binding as your bond, be security for no one, seldom any good comes of it, but often miserable distress. 

 Be as liberal as you can, consistently, to your kin, if in need and worthy, perform all your duties to your family and neighbors. 

 The above I practice almost to the letter. 

 F. DODGE. 

 P. S. --Again, say little or nothing about yourself, your family, or your business. Talk but little--listen. 

 Speak as well as you can of all, expose faults only when you believe it well to do more good than harm, all have foibles and few are free from faults, most, some good traits of character. 

 This post script I am endeavoring to practice. 

 F. DODGE, 1847. 

 Act well your part, there all the honor lies, Read, heed!

 The above attended to with strict economy, industry and like, will carry you through this life with honor and credit. 

The education of the two oldest sons, Francis, junior, and AlexanderHamilton, seems to have been planned to fit them specially forcommercial life, to succeed their father in his well-establishedbusiness. Francis was sent to Georgetown College and Alexander toPrinceton--he graduated in 1835. Robert Perley Dodge graduated fromPrinceton in two years, standing fifth in a class of seventy-six. Hethen entered a school of engineering in Kentucky. In six months hecompleted a major course. He rated so high that he was offered aprofessorship in mathematics, but declined, and became a civil engineer. 

[Illustration: THE SONS OF FRANCIS DODGE, 1878]

William and Allen Dodge received special practical training inagriculture and animal industry at the Maryland Agricultural College. Mr. Dodge bought William a farm near Hagerstown, and for Allen onenear Bladensburg, but, due to the Civil War and the abolition of slaves, both of these highly developed ventures failed, and the farms were sold. Charles, the youngest, attended Georgetown College, and took upcommercial and export business. In 1862 he was offered command of aConfederate regiment but declined, being a Unionist. He accepted, instead, the rank of major and paymaster in the Federal Army and servedthroughout the war. For a time he was interested in gold mining inMaryland, and in 1889 succeeded his brother Frank (then deceased) ascollector of customs of the District of Columbia. 

On the twelfth of June, 1849, a remarkable event took place in this oldhouse--a wedding ceremony at four o'clock in the morning of four of thechildren of Mr. And Mrs. Dodge. Adeline was married to Charles Lanman;Virginia to Ben Perley Poore, a well-known correspondent of _Harper'sWeekly_ in those days; Allen Dodge to Miss Mary Ellen Berry, and CharlesDodge to Miss Eliza G. Davidson of Evermay. The weddings were celebratedat this unusual hour so that the bridal couples could take the regularstage leaving Georgetown for Baltimore at five o'clock. At least it wasa cool time of day for the celebration, and how beautiful it must havebeen with the dew lying on the box and the roses, and the birdstwittering their sunrise notes. What a jolly time these four couplesmust have had, starting off together. Let us hope their spirits were nottoo much dampened by the fact that their father would not witness theceremony, as it was at variance with his religious scruples that it wasnot conducted in a church. Reverend N. P. Tillinghast, then the rectorof St. John's Church, must have officiated, as the Dodges were alwaysardent supporters of St. John's. 

The only two members of the family who did not marry were Miss Emily andMiss Elizabeth Dodge. They were the eldest of the girls, and I imaginethat practically no one could get up the nerve to ask the old gentlemanfor their hands. Major Ben Perley Poore used to say that the mostmomentous hour he could remember was the one spent in Mr. Dodge's officewaiting to see him to ask for the hand of Virginia, and he had facedguns when he said that. 

In 1851 Francis Dodge died at the age of sixty-nine. He was a very goodcitizen; his judgment was sought on all matters of public interestconnected with the town, besides exercising a controlling influence overcommercial transactions. At that time tropical fruits such as orangesand bananas were luxuries, and it is remembered that Mr. Dodge used tosend baskets of them around to his friends whenever one of his vesselswould arrive from the West Indies. 

When I was a little girl, living across the street on the oppositecorner from this house, it was always spoken of as "Miss Emily Dodge's. "I can remember her well when she would come out on the gallery and walkup and down. She seemed never to go away from the house. She was rathersmall, had snow-white hair in long curls about her face, and was usuallywrapped in a white shawl. I have been told that she was terribly afraidof fire and burglars, so slept fully dressed. Each morning she bathedand re-clothed herself. At night she lay down and slept as she was. Atthe time I remember, Miss Emily occupied part of the big wing of theenormous house and Allen Dodge and his wife were living in the lowerfloors of the wing. His wife was quite an invalid, and I do notrecollect ever seeing her. 

The main part of the house was occupied for one winter by Dr. Stuart, the rector of Christ Church, and his family while the new rectory atnumber 1515 31st Street was being built. 

After the death of Miss Emily Dodge, the place was sold to close theestate, and pulled down, thereby deleting from Georgetown one of itsmost distinctive and charming features which today would have beeninvaluable. I remember weeping bitterly when I heard it was to be torndown; even then, a half-grown girl, I loved old houses. 

The two cottages on West (P) Street at numbers 3033 and 3035, were builtby Mr. Dodge. In the latter, until her death, lived Mrs. Charles Lanman(Adeline Dodge). Mr. Lanman was a native of Newburyport, Massachusetts. He was a very scholarly man, wrote _A Life of Daniel Webster_, who washis friend, and other books, and for a long time was connected with theJapanese Legation. 

For many years they had a young Japanese girl, Ume Tschuda, making herhome with them while she was being educated in this country. The Lanmanshad no children of their own, and looked upon her almost as an adopteddaughter. She has had a very remarkable career as head of an importantschool in Japan. 

Another house built by the Dodges on their farm is the one on 30thStreet, now doubled in size and occupied by Dr. Gwynn. Here Henry H. Dodge lived until he moved into his mother's former home, the Chapmanhouse, on Congress (31st) Street and Dumbarton Avenue. 

On the southeast corner of Stoddert (Q) and Washington (30th) Streets, what is now Hammond Court, an apartment, was the house built by FrancisDodge, junior. In the group picture shown, he and Alexander HamiltonDodge are the two seated in the middle of the front row. A. H. Dodge isthe only brother not adorned with a beard. Was there ever a morewonderful display of six stalwart handsome brothers? In fact, good looksare to this day inherent in the Dodge family. 

I have already told a good deal of the history of Francis Dodge, junior, of his marriage to the two daughters of Judge Chapman. He had a son anda daughter by each wife. 

In 1851, at the death of Francis Dodge, senior, his splendidlyestablished West Indies business continued under the management of theeldest sons, the name being changed to F. & A. H. Dodge. On the basis oftheir business alone, Georgetown was made a port of entry and a customhouse was established here. 

Each year there was a sale for buyers from large cities in the North onthe Dodges' wharf. It was quite an occasion. The counting house wascapacious, and decorated with all sorts of curios from the tropics:sharks' jaws, flying fish, swordfish and sawfish; elaborate lunches wereserved to the patrons, with cigars and drinkables; chairs and bencheswere placed out on the platform overlooking the river. On summerafternoons, this was a great meeting place for the friends of the twoDodges. 

Many bidders assembled on these advertised dates, hauling commoditiesaway as purchased, some to the rail depot, some to storage, which keptthe firm officials and stewards busy. One of the faithful employees wasRichard McCraith, a newly arrived Irishman from Cork. He had that notedpropensity of his race for getting orders twisted, but his endeavors todo right were so earnest and conscientious that his unintentional errorsof judgment were condoned. One urgent order from a patron asked fordelivery to bearer of two sacks of coarse salt. For its hauling thebearer had a cart. "Here, Richard, go with this man to the warehouse onHigh Street and see that his cart is backed up close to the door. Thesalt is stored in the third floor. Load it carefully on the hand truck, wheel it to the window and let it down 'by the fall'--do you get thatstraight?" "Yis sir, yis sir!" Presently a man burst into the office, exclaiming excitedly, "That wild Irishman of yours has raised hell upthe street. He dumped a sack of salt weighing 200 pounds from the thirdstory to the cart underneath, broke both wheels, and the horse has runaway with the wreck. " (Enter Richard!) Said the angry boss, "Now, whatthe devil have you done?" Richard: "Yis sir. Didn't you tell me to letit down 'by the fall'? I did, sir. "

In 1867 Francis Dodge, junior, sold this fine house to Henry D. Cooke. In 1877 he was appointed collector of customs. He was quite an oldgentleman by that time, and the glories of Georgetown's maritime tradewere beginning to be a thing of the past. In fact, with the coming ofthe railroads, the huge business of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal wasinjured, and from then on the commercial importance of the town began todwindle. 

Henry D. Cooke, who purchased this house, was the brother of Jay Cooke, and came to Washington to manage a branch of his brother's large bankingenterprise. He was an intimate friend of General Grant, and I have readthat the general was so fond of his company that he would sit in hiscarriage for an hour outside Mr. Cooke's place of business, waiting forhim to go driving. 

Claude Bowers, in his most interesting book _The Tragic Era_, speaks ofa brilliant ball given the night before the "breaking of the bubble ofthe Credit Mobilier" in 1873, by Henry D. Cooke. It was in this housethat the ball took place. Can't you picture the coaches as they rolledup to the door, discharging the ladies in their crinolines, laces, satins, and flowers, attended by the gentlemen wrapped in the longcloaks of that period? Kate Chase Sprague was in the height of herbeauty and power at that time and was, of course, among the guests onthat fateful night. 

Mr. Cooke was the first governor of the District of Columbia when thatnew form of municipal government was begun, to last through only threeterms. There were twelve children in the Cooke family then living inthis house. They were ardent members of St. John's Church--the fontthere being in memory of one little son. Mr. Cooke built Grace Church, the little gray stone church down below the canal near High Street(Wisconsin Avenue). It was intended for the canal people of whom therewere many at that time. 

Governor Cooke bought a great deal of property and built four sets oftwin houses along the north side of Stoddert (Q) Street, which werecalled, until a few years ago, Cooke Row. In Number One, near Washington(30th) Street, lived one family of his descendants, one of whom, a youngman, played the piano very well. In Number Three, lived Mrs. Shepherdfrom Philadelphia, a widow, who had one son. He was the first person Iever knew to commit suicide. It was a terrible shock to the town when weheard one morning that he had shot himself the night before. It was notsuch a common event in the nineties as nowadays. 

In one of these houses lived Commodore Nicholson, and in another livedAdmiral Radford, whose lovely daughter, Sophy, became the bride ofValdemar de Meisner, secretary of the Russian Legation. In Number Four, lived Mrs. Zola Green with her daughter and her two sisters, namedPyle--one of them was called Miss "Chit-Chat. " Mr. Green, who was adescendant of Uriah Forrest, had been given the name of Oceola after theIndian Chief who had saved the life of his father years ago out West. 

At Number Five Cooke Row, now 3021 Q Street, lived during the nineties, Dr. Walter Reed, of the United States Army, whose name is honored bybeing given to the huge General Hospital in Washington because of hisassociation with the discovery of the cause of yellow fever. I recall amost delightful party at the Reeds on St. Valentine night in 1899, givenfor friends of their son. When the invitations were sent out, we weretold the name of the young man or girl to whom our valentine was to bewritten. It was at the time of the tremendous blizzard of that year, andwe walked to the party between drifts of snow piled higher than ourheads. But it was anything but cold when we got inside--open fires andjollity! Dr. Reed read aloud the poems, one by one, and we had to guessthe authors and to whom they were addressed. In the library, ensconcedin mysterious gloom, seated in a corner on the floor was afortune-teller. It was a perfect party!

Next door, at Number Six Cooke Row, for a great many years, livedWilliam A. Gordon, junior, and his family. Mr. Gordon wrote some veryvaluable brochures of historical interest about Georgetown and hismemories of it from his childhood. This house is now the home of Mrs. Henry Latrobe Roosevelt. During World War II, this was the home of SirJohn and Lady Dill, when he was here representing Great Britain on theJoint Chiefs of Staff. 

At Number Seven lived the Misses Trapier--four old maids again!

J. Holdsworth Gordon, brother of William A. Gordon, built a house acrossthe street. For him the Gordon Junior High School has been named, hehaving been for a long time on the board of education. 

Next door to him on the east, at number 3020, is an attractive oldhouse, and in the nineties it was filled with a family of four charmingdaughters. They were related to the Carters of Virginia, and so hadgiven two of the most imposing names of that great family to two smallfox-terriers that they adored, "King Carter, " and "Shirley Carter. " Thelatter had met with an accident and had to have one of his hind legsamputated, but he got about very nimbly on his other three. They alwaysaccompanied Colonel B. Lewis Blackford, the head of the house, on histrips about town. One day as he was nearing home, an old lady who walkedwith a cane was just about to pass him when "Shirley Carter" hoppedimmediately across his path; "Get out of my way, you damn tripod!" hesaid, in his exasperation, just escaping being tripped up. The old lady, thinking the "tripod" referred to her adjunct of a cane, was quiteinfuriated, even to summoning across the street a gentleman who waspassing, and to wishing him to "call the Colonel out!"

A little further eastward along Stoddert (Q) Street, on the northeastcorner is the house Mr. Joseph Nourse built in 1868, and where hisdaughter, Miss Emily Nourse, lived all her life. After her death, it wassold and somebody put two old lamp-posts at the foot of the entrancesteps with gas flickering in them continuously--and now there is a storyaround that they were "always" there, and some foolishness about thelights "never had gone out" or "must never go out. "

Across the street, where the Stoddert Apartment now is, used to be anold house, in appearance quite like the one of Judge Chapman's onDumbarton Avenue and Congress (31st) Street, except for the long, sideporches. Here lived in the seventies and eighties General Henry HayesLockwood and his family. His son, James Lockwood, accompanied GeneralGreeley on his trip to the North Pole, and was lost there in the Arctic, holding the record at that time of having reached farthest North. 

A block south, on the northeast corner of Greene (29th) and West (P)Streets, is where Alexander Hamilton Dodge lived, who was a partner withhis brother, Francis, in the shipping business. He was the father ofColonel Harrison H. Dodge. 

In the days when his children were young, he had a big Newfoundland dogwhich he had raised from a puppy. One rarely sees one now, as tall andas big as a half-grown calf, with a coat of wonderful black, curly hair. Such pets used to be quite popular, but only once in forty years have Irun across another. The Dodge's dog was named Argus. So strong anddocile was he that two children could ride him at the same time. Heloved the children, took them to school, and gave them "lifts" over wetor muddy ground. Do you remember "Nana, " in _Peter Pan_? She was aNewfoundland dog--just so she nursed her master's children. Returningfrom escort duty in the morning, a locked container was fastened to hiscollar and he would be given the word "office, " which was enough. Offhe'd go, proudly bearing luncheon to his master, who, in return, wouldsend back to the family the daily mail (no postmen to deliver in thosedays), perfectly confident of its reaching its destination safely, aseverybody knew the big dog, and also that he would resent any attempt tostop him or take things from him. 

One day the cook complained to Mr. Dodge that somebody had evidentlybeen robbing the hen's nests, as she was getting fewer eggs than usual. Mr. Dodge, going to investigate, met Argus coming down the path from thebarn wagging his tail majestically, as was his wont when approaching hismaster. Mr. Dodge stopped and held out his hand, saying, "Argus, give methat egg, " whereupon the obedient dog opened his mouth and out rolled anegg, to the great surprise of Mr. Dodge. Did he punish Argus for that?Not at all, but he told him he was sorry he was a robber and hoped he'dnever have cause to scold him again. And he never did!

The interesting-looking house to the east of Hamilton Dodge's, 2811 PStreet, was built in 1840. That is where the Gordon family were livingwhen William A. Gordon, junior, came back from the Civil War. Certainly, that must have been a joyous occasion, and there were happy heartswithin the old walls that night. His sister Josephine (Mrs. Sowers), Margaret Robinson (Mrs. Thomas Cox), and Elizabeth Dodge (Mrs. JohnBeall), all exceedingly handsome women, were belles in their youth, and a trio of great friends to the end of their lives. 

[Illustration: WILLIAM A. GORDON]

The family of Admiral Sigsbee were living here when the U. S. Battleship_Maine_, of which he was the captain, was blown up in the harbor ofHavana in 1898. His wife was a daughter of Admiral Lockwood. It is nowthe home of Mr. And Mrs. John Ihlder. 

At 2805 P Street lives Honorable Dean G. Acheson, now Secretary ofState. For a while, in the latter part of the last century, a quaint andvery well-known lady made this house her home--Miss Emily V. Mason, ofVirginia, from whom Mr. Corcoran received friendly and grateful letters, thanking him for contributions to her work for "her children, " as shecalled them. The letters were written from Europe. She evidently hadgroups of Southern children in various cities for whom she provided, using for that purpose money made by her writings, to which she refers. I remember how picturesque she was in appearance: a lovely face, surrounded by long, white curls, crowned by a wide-brimmed, black bonnettied with a wide ribbon. She seemed to have quite a salon during herresidence here, serving tea and substantial refreshments to all herfriends who called in the afternoons. 

The iron fence around these houses is made of old musket barrels, usedduring the Mexican War, and was put there by Reuben Daw, who owned alarge part of this block. 

Just across the street from Mr. Acheson used to live a lady, the widowof Mr. Hein, the artist, who like "Anna" in the Bible spent all her daysin the "courts of the Lord, " the Catholic Church. She always wore a longblack coat and a crêpe veil to her heels, rode a bicycle back and forthto church, the long veil floating out behind. One evening she was struckby an automobile and killed instantly. The niece to whom she had lefther little house had made an arrangement with a middle-aged woman livingthere that if she took care of "Aunt Martha" she could have the housetax free all her days. Her days are still continuing--and with all theadvance in prices of houses, the niece can't do a thing about the house!

The dear little white frame cottage just above here on Montgomery (28th)Street, was built about 1840, and occupied by Benjamin F. Miller, whocame from Saugerties, New York, as an engineer, to construct theAqueduct Bridge which carried the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal across theriver to Virginia. And, on the corner of Montgomery (28th) and Stoddert(Q) Streets is the last of the big Dodge houses on the corners ofGeorgetown. It is the one built by Robert Perley Dodge in 1850. He andhis brother, Francis Dodge, junior, used practically the same plans fortheir houses. Robert Dodge was a civil engineer, and, I think, hadsomething to do with the planning of the Aqueduct Bridge. 

At the outbreak of the Civil War, Robert Dodge became a paymaster in theUnion Army. After the war, he became identified with the government ofthe District of Columbia, serving as treasurer and auditor for severalyears until he died. It is said he planted the enormous maple trees thatadorn this block of 28th Street. 

During the first World War, when this house had stood a long timeuntenanted and sad, it was opened up as a night club called "TheCarcassonne, " and postals were sent out advertising "Coffee in the CoalBin. " These were the days of prohibition. Somebody who lived thereplayed the piano, incessantly. The Ballengers had lived here; thePowells, and Major Gilliss; and then Mrs. Ruth Hanna McCormick (now Mrs. Albert Simms), lived here until she bought three houses down on 30thStreet below N Street, and made them into one very attractive house withan unusual and lovely garden. 

Later Honorable Warren Delano Robbins, a first cousin of Franklin D. Roosevelt and one of the ushers at his wedding, and at one time Ministerto Canada, bought this house, changed it somewhat and made it verylovely in its new dress of yellow paint on the old plaster. 

When he went to Ottawa he leased it to Honorable Dwight F. Davis, formerSecretary of War, once Governor-General of the Philippine Islands, andalso donor of the Davis Tennis Cup. 

It has now for several years been the home of Mrs. William CorcoranEustis. She is the daughter of one-time Vice-President Paul Morton. 

Just across the street from here is the house that Honorable and Mrs. Robert Woods Bliss bought when they gave their fine estate, "DumbartonOaks, " to Harvard University. This house was built by Mr. Thomas Hydeand was where he and Mrs. Hyde lived till the end of their days. She wasFannie Rittenhouse and had grown up in the old house close by, known fora hundred years as "Bellevue, " but renamed "Dumbarton House, " when theNational Society of Colonial Dames of America bought it for theirHeadquarters in 1928. It is one of the finest, most beautiful, and mostinteresting of the old places of Georgetown. It has always been somewhatshrouded in mystery, as to its builder and owner. We do know, ofcourse, that this was part of the grant of the Rock of Dumbarton toNinian Beall and, through his son, George, descended to Thomas, who, in1783 made his first Addition to George Town. Thomas may have built asmall house here, but this was not the house where his father, George, was living when his wife died and was "buried nearby"--that was on Gay(N) Street at the house now 3033 N Street. 

In 1796 Thomas Beall of George sold this property to Peter Casanave, who, two months later, sold it to Uriah Forrest. He kept it for ayear--never lived there--and sold it to Isaac Pollock. There was wildspeculation in real estate at that time on account of the new FederalCity being located here. After one year Pollock sold the property toSamuel Jackson. 

It seems that it was then that Samuel Jackson started to build thismansion, but got into financial difficulties and it was mortgaged to twoor three people and finally foreclosed. In 1804 the place was bought byGabriel Duval, then Comptroller of the Currency of the United States, afterwards a Justice of the Supreme Court. 

In 1805 Joseph Nourse, Registrar of the United States Treasury, who hadbeen until that time living on Congress (31st) Street in George Town, bought it and lived there until 1813. He had this position from 1789 to1829 and was in charge of moving all the records of the TreasuryDepartment when the Government moved from Philadelphia to the newcapital in Washington. 

Mr. Nourse had been born in London in 1754; came to Virginia and foughtin the Revolution. He was secretary to General Charles Lee and Auditorof the Board of War. His wife was Maria Louisa Bull of Philadelphia, and they had two children, Charles Joseph Nourse, who became a Major inthe Army, and Anna Maria Josepha, who was a lovely girl and took part inthe prominent social affairs of the new city. She is spoken of in thediary of Sir Augustus Foster, British Minister of that period. 

When the National Society of Colonial Dames had this house restored, apenny bearing the date 1800 was found in one of the front walls wheresuch an identification was often placed, and architects think thatSamuel Jackson began to build this house, using perhaps the little housethat was on the property as a wing, and that then Joseph Nourse took itover and was really the builder of this fine mansion. It was probablyintended for entertaining for his beloved daughter, for, after herdeath, which occurred at one of the Virginia springs one summer, he soldthe place and moved out to a small frame house on a high hilloverlooking the Federal City. He called his new home "Mount Alban, "because it reminded him of the place of the same name in England. It wasthere that the first British martyr, Saint Alban, was killed. Mr. Noursewas a very religious man and used to walk about in the grove of oaktrees surrounding his house and pray that some day a House of God mightstand upon that spot; that is exactly where the Washington Cathedral isnow being erected. 

Mr. Nourse had many famous guests visit him in his modest homethere--among them: Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, andJohn Quincy Adams. 

Mr. Nourse's son, Major Charles Joseph Nourse, married Rebecca Morriswhose father, Anthony Morris, of Philadelphia, was an intimate andlife-long friend of Dolly Madison. Major Nourse built the old stonehouse out on the road to Rockville and called it "The Highlands. "Tradition says that a large box bush at "The Highlands" has grown from atiny sprig of box which Mrs. Madison plucked from her bouquet at theinauguration of her husband and gave to Mr. Morris. 

[Illustration: DUMBARTON HOUSE]

"The Highlands" was a large household, for Major and Mrs. Nourse hadeleven children, and Mr. Morris resided there also. They have been avery remarkable family, noted for their longevity, their steadfast, noble character, and their loyalty to the Episcopal Church. It was fromthe prayers and savings of Phoebe Nourse, who died as a young girl, thatSt. Alban's Church has risen on that ground which she wished to dedicateto the glory of God. 

"The Highlands" many years later became the home of Admiral and Mrs. Gary T. Grayson. 

But to return to the old house which blocked Stoddert (Q) Street or BackStreet, as it was sometimes called. Mr. Nourse sold this house, hisGeorgetown home, in 1813 to Charles Carroll, who gave it the name ofBellevue, and thereafter always styled himself "of Bellevue. " He was anephew of Daniel Carroll, of Duddington. He also was a great friend ofMrs. Madison's, and helped her in her dramatic escape from the WhiteHouse when the British were on their way to burn and plunder it. Therehas always been a story that Daniel Carroll brought her over the road toGeorgetown, crossing at the P Street bridge, and that she stopped byBellevue. There she is supposed to have met Mr. Madison whom she had notseen since early morning. This was the day of the Battle of Bladensburgwhen confusion reigned supreme. At the meeting Mr. And Mrs. Madisonagreed on the routes and rendezvous of retreat. 

From old letters it seems that she continued on out of town to "Weston, "the estate of Walter S. Chandler, which was situated near the presentjunction of Massachusetts and Wisconsin Avenues. I can dimly rememberthe quaint white, frame house and the legend of Dolly Madison beingthere. She then went on to the encampment at Tenally Town, where sheslept in a tent that night under guard, and the next day crossed intoVirginia. 

Mr. Carroll and his brother had not long before become owners of thepaper mill on Rock Creek just south of Bellevue, so that must have beenhis reason for making it his home. 

In 1820 he leased the place to Samuel Whitall, of Philadelphia, whosewife was Lydia Newbold. Mr. Whitall was a distinguished-looking oldgentleman, and used to drive around in a high, two-wheeled gig, the lastof its kind in the town. 

When Charles Carroll died in 1841, the place was bought by the son ofMr. And Mrs. Whitall. A daughter, Sarah Whitall, was born at Bellevue in1822 and lived there for over seventy years. She married Mr. Rittenhouseof Philadelphia. The place remained in the Rittenhouse family until1896, when they sold it to Howard Hinckley. In the intervening years, its appearance had been greatly changed by a coat of plaster over theold bricks, which Mr. Hinckley removed. It was very lovely, both insideand out, during the years that Mr. And Mrs. Hinckley made it their home. Some very delightful parties were given there. Then candlelight was theonly illumination, and even the flowers used were redolent of colonialdays. The rooms were filled with furniture of the right type; and Iremember that the bedrooms even had the old washstands with holes in thetops for bowls and pitchers which also were exactly "right" in theirperiod. 

After that, Colonel Langfitt leased the house, and a very lovely weddingtook place out of doors under an enormous tree, when his daughtermarried an officer of the United States Army. 

In 1912 it was bought by John L. Newbold, a relative of the LydiaNewbold of long ago. After a great deal of agitation on the subject ofcutting Q Street through, and putting a bridge across Rock Creek toconnect with the city, the District government in 1915 moved the oldhouse to its present location, for it had been sitting exactly in thepath of progress all these years, there being a George Town Ordinancethat a street could not be cut through without consent of the owner. Ionly wish progress could have made a circle around the old mansion andleft it in its setting of stately, primeval trees. 

Miss Loulie Rittenhouse, who had been born and reared there, workeduntiringly for the opening of the street, the bridge, and also forMontrose Park, with the salvation of the glorious old oak trees itcontains. 

Slowly, very, very slowly, old Bellevue was placed on huge rollers, horses were attached to a windlass, and it almost took a microscope tosee the progress made day by day, but at last it reached its presentsite, safe and sound. It was necessary to pull down and rebuild thewings, as they had no cellars. Of course, the wall is also new. 

It was leased during World War I to various people of importance inWashington for war work, and finally, in 1928, bought by the NationalSociety of Colonial Dames of America. It has been handsomely andsuitably furnished as a house of the Federal period, and is open to thepublic as a museum house. A beautiful house it is; the usual wide hallthrough the middle, with vistas through the two big doors, four roomsopening off it, the two back ones being rounded out at the northernends. 

[Illustration: TUDOR PLACE]

Chapter XV

_Tudor Place and Congress (31st) Street_

Like the brightest jewel in its crown of old houses, Tudor Place, nowthe home of Armistead Peter, junior, sits high and aloof on the heightsof Georgetown. Its southern front, shown here, is the one most familiarto everyone, and it is the view that I looked out on every day of mylife for more than a score of years from my father's house on Stoddert(Q) Street. 

As Mrs. Beverley Kennon, its owner during my youth, was my cousin andhad her motherless grandchildren living with her, some of my earliestrecollections are of running round and round the old circle of box infront of the north entrance, playing "colors. " I never, to this day, smell box that I am not back at Tudor Place and see the cobwebs in theold bushes bright with raindrops, as box, of course, is really fragrantonly after rain. Also there were lovely times in the fall when theleaves were being raked up by old John, the colored gardener, who wouldlet us climb on top of the brilliant load in a wheelbarrow with a crateon top of it. Such rides! Old John was a character (and one we loveddearly), not much over five feet tall, with grizzled hair and goatee, and always wearing an apron tied around his waist and a derby hat on hishead. 

Tudor Place was purchased by Francis Lowndes, one of the prominenttobacco merchants and shippers, in 1794, from Thomas Beall of Georgewho made a large addition to George Town in 1783, called by his name. Mr. Lowndes started to build a mansion, but in 1805 he sold the propertyto Thomas Peter and his wife, the former Martha Parke Custis. 

[Illustration: THOMAS PETER]

When the Peters moved to their new home in George Town they used thewestern wing, already built, with its addition on the east, as theirhome, and the eastern wing was their carriage house and stable. Thisfact has been proved by finding below the floors the signs of the oldstalls, and up in the rafters the corncobs of long ago. I have knownpeople who remembered the old yellow coach which often stood out in thestable yard, and I've been told that if one dug deep enough itscobblestones would still be found. 

Mr. And Mrs. Peter decided to use the fortune left her by hergrandmother, Mrs. Washington, to build a stately mansion. They certainlysucceeded. They engaged as architect Dr. William Thornton, whose plansfor the Capitol had been accepted in the second competition, as thefirst yielded none sufficiently good. 

Dr. Thornton and his wife were intimate friends of the Peters, and abeautiful miniature of him, done by her, is now in the possession of oneof the family. Mrs. Thornton was with Mrs. Peter when the Britishsoldiers set fire to the Capitol in 1814, and the two ladies sat at thewindow of what is now the dining room of Tudor Place--the low partbetween the main building and the western wing--and watched theconflagration. You can imagine their grief as one saw the work of herhusband destroyed, and the other, the building which had been so much inthe mind and heart of her revered grandfather. 

There is in existence a very lovely painting of Mrs. Peter at about thetime of her marriage; a sweet, young girl with light curls, and theembodiment of daintiness. Suspended about her neck is, I think, theminiature which General Washington had painted for her as a weddinggift. When he asked her what she wanted she replied "a replica ofhimself. " He was much pleased that a young girl would want a portrait ofan old man! The photograph reproduced of Thomas Peter is from a portraitdone by him by his son-in-law, Captain William G. Williams. 

While on a visit to Tudor Place occurred the death of Mrs. Peter'smother, the former Eleanor Calvert. She was fifty-three years old, andhad borne twenty children. 

[Illustration: MRS. THOMAS PETER (MARTHA PARKE CUSTIS)]

Mr. And Mrs. Peter had a family of eight children. Three of thedaughters had striking names: America, Columbia, and Britannia. 

When General Lafayette paid his visit to Georgetown in 1824 it was, ofcourse, most natural that he should be entertained at Tudor Place, asMrs. Peter had known him in her childhood at Mount Vernon. At that timeAmerica met her husband, Captain Williams, who was acting as an aide forthe Marquis. In later years, as chief of engineers on the staff ofGeneral Zachary Taylor, Captain Williams was killed at the Battle ofMonterey. On that same visit Lafayette presented the youngest child, Britannia, a little girl of nine, with a lovely little desk, now in theNational Museum in the loan collection of her grandson, Walter G. Peter. On its under side it has an inscription in the handwriting of MarthaCustis Peter, telling her daughter its history. 

Britannia Wellington Peter was born on January 27, 1815. She died theday before her ninety-sixth birthday, and this editorial, from _TheBaltimore Sun_, gives a fine picture of the changes in the world in theyears covered by the span of her life:

 A LONG AND INTERESTING LIFE

 Mrs. Britannia Wellington Kennon, who died at Tudor Place, her historic home in Georgetown, on the 26th instant, and who will be buried today, was for many years a most interesting figure in the social life of Washington. She was the last in her generation of the descendants of Mrs. Martha Washington. John Parke Custis, Mrs. Washington's son, left four children. One of his daughters, Martha, married Thomas Peter, and Mrs. Kennon was their daughter. She married Commodore Beverley Kennon, of the United States Navy, whose father was General Richard Kennon, of Washington's staff, a charter member of the Society of the Cincinnati, and a grandson of Sir William Skipwith. Commodore Kennon was killed in 1844 by the explosion on the U. S. S. _Princeton_, so Mrs. Kennon was a widow for more than sixty-six years. 

 Tudor Place, Mrs. Kennon's home, was famous for the distinguished guests that were entertained there, among them being General Lafayette, who visited there in 1824. She was the center of an intellectual and cultivated society, and was always in touch with the progress of events in the world. 

 Mrs. Kennon was born three weeks after the Battle of New Orleans, and several months before the Battle of Waterloo. Her life spanned the period of the great advance in the appliances of civilization in this and the last century. It was very important that the news of the battle of Waterloo should reach London without delay, and yet with every appliance and speed then known, it took three days for the news to reach England. Indeed, when Mrs. Kennon was thirty-two years of age, it required eight months to travel from New England to Oregon. At the age of fifteen she could have been a passenger on the first passenger railroad train that was ever run; until she was five years old, there was no such thing as an iron plow in all the world, and until she was grown up, the people were dependent on tinder boxes and sun glasses to light their fires. She had reached the age of twenty-three years when steam communication between Europe and America was established, and when the first telegram ever sent passed between Baltimore and Washington she was still a young woman. If all the advances in civilization which took place during the lifetime of this remarkable lady were catalogued, they would make a singularly interesting list. 

Mrs. Kennon was left a widow when less than thirty years of age, withher one child, Martha Custis Kennon. To Mrs. Kennon and her daughterMrs. Thomas Peter bequeathed Tudor Place, having long survived herhusband, and her other children having received their inheritance. Martha Custis Kennon married her cousin, Dr. Armistead Peter, the son ofMajor George Peter, and so the original surname came back to the place, which has never been out of the one family. 

Until the death of Mrs. Kennon when they were, of course, divided, therewas at Tudor Place a very large and valuable collection of Washingtonrelics, fascinating things, among them Mrs. Washington's seed-pearlwedding jewelry and dress, a set of china made for and presented toGeneral Washington by the French government, the bowl given him by theOrder of the Cincinnati, and numberless other interesting things. In acorner of the central room, the saloon, as it is called, was the smallcamp trunk always used by the General. The room on the east, off ofwhich opens the conservatory, is the drawing room; that to the west, theparlor. The saloon opens out onto the temple, the round porch on thesouth. The two large rooms at each side have lovely cornices, beautifulmarble mantels and handsome crystal chandeliers; long group windows tothe floor and very unusual doors of curly maple. At the debut tea ofMrs. Kennon's granddaughter, I was helping to serve, when, seeing twodear old ladies, one very short, the other very tall, both dressed insimple black with big bonnets and long veils, looking about in the crowdas if they were trying to see something particular, I went up and askedthem if I could bring them some refreshments. They said, "No, thank you, we really don't want anything, we are just trying to see if there arethe same ornaments on the table as when Britannia was married. " I foundout afterward that the ornaments were three beautiful alabaster groupsof classic figures. The two old ladies were Miss Mary and Miss RosaNourse, of The Highlands. 

Britannia Peter was a first cousin of Mary Custis, of Arlington, and wasone of the bridesmaids at the wedding there which united the daughter ofGeorge Washington Parke Custis to the handsome United States armyofficer, Robert Edward Lee. The friendship was an enduring one, andGeneral Lee visited Tudor Place when he paid his last visit toWashington City in 1869. 

Britannia Peter was bridesmaid for another first cousin, Helen Dunlop, when she was married at Hayes to William Laird. 

From the descendant of another one of those bridesmaids at that famouswedding at Arlington who, as a young girl, paid long visits to MaryCustis, I heard this delicious story: "There being no telephones, whenthe girls at Arlington and at Tudor Place wanted to get together theyhad a series of signals. Hanging a red flannel petticoat out of thewindow meant 'come on over'. A white one had another meaning. Thismethod was not popular with the owners of the two mansions, butpersisted, nevertheless. " To prove this, not long ago I went toArlington with the person who told me the story. The room there used bythe girls of those days does look toward Georgetown. There is a forestof tall trees there now but trees can grow very tall in a hundred years. 

When my father built his house at the foot of Mrs. Kennon's place, shetold him she was so glad to have him near by, but chided him for cuttingoff her view of the river. 

Until only a few years before her death, Mrs. Kennon sat perfectly erectin her chair, never touching the back, and I can remember her as quitean old lady, almost flying up the hill of Congress (31st) Street, always, of course, in bonnet and long, crêpe veil. She was a member ofChrist Church, and once many, many years ago when a parish meeting wasannounced to decide some important question, the rector and gentlemenwere very much surprised on entering the vestry to find Mrs. Kennonthere waiting for the meeting. She said she wished to have a say in thematter, and having no man to represent her, had come herself. So she wasthe original suffragette! Mrs. Kennon was one of the early presidentsof the Louise Home, and was the first president of the National Societyof Colonial Dames of America in the District of Columbia. 

Before the day of country clubs there used to be a very fine tenniscourt at Tudor Place, on the flat part to the north of the house not farfrom Congress (31st) Street, and it was much used. The Peter boys werechampions of the District several times. In the first administration ofPresident Cleveland, Mrs. Cleveland, a bride, used to drive her husbandin from Oak View or, as it was popularly called, Red Top, to his officeat the White House nearly every morning in a low, one-horse phæton. Nosecret-service entourage in those days! In the evenings she came againin style in a Victoria, and frequently they would stop opposite TudorPlace and watch the game in progress. There was a good deal of intimacybetween Tudor Place and "Red Top" in those days. 

The only football I ever heard of being played at Tudor Place was by ateam of which my youngest brother was a member. They had nowhere toplay, so he walked up there one day, and being a very engaging young manof about ten years, with big, blue eyes and a charming smile, he askedthe old lady for permission, which she gave. She used to sit by the longwindow in the parlor and watch them with great interest and pleasure. Some other boys thought they would like the same privilege and asked forit, but she told me she always asked, "Are you a friend of my littlecousin?" Only his friends could play there. 

Mrs. Kennon lived all her long and active life at Tudor Place, with theexception of two brief periods. The first was the year and a half whenshe was living at the Washington Navy Yard with her husband while he wasstationed there. And the second was when her daughter was at boardingschool in Philadelphia, just before the Civil War, and she leased theplace to Mr. Pendleton, a Representative in Congress from Virginia. Ofcourse, after the secession of that State, Mr. Pendleton left WashingtonCity--but very hurriedly. Mrs. Kennon heard that her home was to betaken over by the United States government to be used as a hospital soshe hastened back and occupied it herself. She took as boarders severalFederal officers on the one condition that the affairs of the war shouldnot be discussed. 

The last time I saw her was not many months before her death, sitting ina chair in her bedroom and very, very feeble. When I told her good-bye, she kept saying something to me over and over, which I couldn'tunderstand. Finally I leaned down very close, and heard, "Be a goodgirl. " I was then the mother of two children, but to her, just a littlegirl and the daughter of my father and mother, of whom she was veryfond. 

Opposite Tudor Place, where now is a twin apartment house, was until thenineteen-twenties a simple old brick house somewhat like the old Mackallhouse on Greene (29th) Street, only minus a portico. When I knew it itwas the home of the Philip Darneilles--and I remember hearing my mothersay, "But Mrs. Darneille was a Harry!" Which meant nothing to me until Ilooked up the title to this place, and there I found that all this landwent right back to Harriot Beall, Mrs. Elisha O. Williams, one of thethree daughters of Brooke Beall, who was among those wealthy shippingmerchants who were responsible for Georgetown's early prosperity. 

Mrs. Harriot Beall Williams left this property, all the way down toBack (Q) Street, to her daughter Harriot Eliza Harry. Through her itpassed to Harriot Beall Chesley, and then to her daughter, EmilyMcIlvain Darneille. The old house stood untenanted for several yearsuntil bought for the erection of the apartments. 

Mr. And Mrs. Darneille had three daughters, the eldest really a beauty(the youngest inherited the old name of Harriot), and they had a greatdeal of gaiety there in the nineties. I remember especially the NewYear's Day receptions they used to have, the many "hacks" overflowingwith young men, that used to climb the hill. It was the custom in thosedays for the ladies of each household to receive on the afternoon ofthat day. Only gentleman callers came, all dressed in their very best, and left their cards for all the ladies of their acquaintance. If youweren't receiving (attired in your best, sometimes to the extent of reallow-necked evening dresses, the dining room table loaded with salads, old hams, biscuits, ices, candies, tea and coffee--and always a punchbowl on the side) you hung a basket on your front door bell, and thecallers just deposited their cards and went on to the next place. 

What fun the children had, watching the front doors and counting thecards; and there was a real thrill when the caller happened to be anArmy or Navy officer, attired in full-dress uniform with gold braid andfeathers, having earlier in the day paid his respects at the WhiteHouse. 

On part of the Darneille property stands an intriguing frame house. Itis quite an old house and stood originally several hundred feet to theeastward in Mackall Square, the property owned by Christiana BeallMackall, who was the sister of Harriot Beall Williams. So you see onesister sold it to the other and it took a trip across Washington (30th)Street to reside on Congress (31st) Street. I wonder how they moved itin those days, for it was a long, long time ago. 

Mr. And Mrs. Charles Dodge lived there after they left Evermay. 

In the 1880's this house, 1633 31st Street, was the home of a veryinteresting and eminent person, John Wesley Powell, American geologistand ethnologist. I now quote from the _Encyclopædia Britannica_: "He wasborn at Mount Morris, N. Y. , March 24, 1834. His parents were of Englishbirth, but had moved to America in 1830, and he was educated at Illinoisand Oberlin colleges. He began his geological work with a series offield trips including a trip throughout the length of the Mississippi ina rowboat, the length of the Ohio, and of the Illinois. When the CivilWar broke out he entered the Union Army as a private, and at the battleof Shiloh he lost his right arm but continued in active service, reaching the rank of major of volunteers. In 1865 he was appointedprofessor of geology and curator of the museum in the Illinois Wesleyanuniversity at Bloomington, and afterwards at the Normal university. 

In 1867 he commenced a series of expeditions to the Rocky Mountains andthe canyons of the Green and Colorado rivers, during the course of which(1869) he made a daring boat-journey of three months through the GrandCanyon; he also made a special study of the Indians and their languagesfor the Smithsonian Institution, in which he founded and directed abureau of ethnology. His able work led to the establishment under the U. S. Government of the geographical and geological survey of the RockyMountain region with which he was occupied from 1870 to 1879. Thissurvey was incorporated with the United States geological andgeographical survey in 1879, when Powell became director of the bureauof ethnology. In 1881, Powell was appointed director also of thegeological survey, a post which he occupied until 1894. He died inHaven, Me. , on Sept. 23, 1902. "

On two panes of glass in the front windows of this old house are namesetched by a diamond--on one is "Genevieve Powell, " under it "Louis Hill"and under that "1884. " She probably was the daughter of Mr. Powell. 

On the other pane of glass is etched "Moses and Mary. " To the owners ofthe house that means nothing, but to me it means "Moses Moore, " who wasnot a man but a woman (whose real name was "Frank"), and Mary Compton, both of whom I knew and still know. 

In the nineties it was for awhile the home of Mrs. Donna Otie Compton, who was the daughter of Bishop James Hervey Otie, first Episcopal Bishopof Tennessee. She was a picturesque figure, attired in her widow's capand long crêpe veil. Mrs. Compton had four daughters who were greatbelles. 

Then for a good many years it stood there looking quite deserted, forold Mr. Arnold, its owner, was almost a cripple and one rarely saw himmaking his way up the street with great difficulty. Now General and Mrs. Frank R. McCoy have bought it and made it a charming house with a lovelygarden. 

Through the alley just north of here, described in the title as "aprivate road, " we can reach another house built on that same property ofthe Harry's, but just who built it I do not know. It also was vacantwhen I was a girl, for I remember going to a Fair there one night in thespring when it had been loaned for some charity. In 1930 the house wasbought by Miss Harriet and Miss Mary Winslow, who have added a lovelymusic room at the rear, but have kept the old-time appearance of thehouse. A mammoth oak tree, the pride of the owners, stands near thehouse. 

The next house on Congress (31st) Street has another fine oak tree infront of it, and used to have a companion even larger on the other sideof the walk. This property also came through Mrs. Harriot Beall Williamsto Mrs. Brooke Williams, senior, and her daughter, Mrs. Johns, who livedthere with her family. 

A romantic story is told of how Captain William Brooke Johns, of theUnited States Army, one day saw at a picnic the beautiful Miss Leonorade la Roche, and fell in love with her immediately. But, since it wasnot considered good form in those days to be presented to a lady at apicnic, he watched her from a distance all day. The next afternoon hewent to call. It was a case of love at first sight for both, and thewedding soon followed, with all the military splendor. As was toldbefore, when the Civil War came he left the Union Army. Captain Johnshad quite a talent for carving, and did a very good medallion of GeneralGrant, who continued always to be a true friend to him. He also inventeda tent which was used during the Civil War by the Northern Army. 

This house was, for more than a generation, the home of Colonel and Mrs. John Addison. 

At that time it was a two-story house, with quite a different roof. Itwas a big, merry household with four sons and four daughters. Thedaughters were reigning belles in those days, and the old custom ofserenading was much in vogue. One lovely moonlight night four swainswith their guitars stationed themselves under the windows of thehandsome old house and sang plaintive love songs for an hour or more. Finally a shutter was pushed open very gently, and the four hearts wentpitter-patter, anticipating the sight of a lovely young girl's face. Instead, appeared an old, black one, capped by a snowy turban, and thesewords floated down: "I'se sorrie, gen'le-men, but de young ladies is allgone out--but I sure is pleased wid you-all's music!" The quartet wascomposed of Summerfield McKenney, Frank Steele, and a young Noyes, ofthe family now for many years identified with _The Evening Star_, andanother whose name I do not know. 

It was while the Addisons were living here that Commodore Kennon was sotragically killed on the _Princeton_. 

One afternoon the youngest member of the Addison family, a little girl, was swinging in the yard when a carriage came up the street and turnedin at the gate of Tudor Place, across the street. In it she saw herolder brother, John. Much mystified, she ran to her mother, telling herhow strange it seemed for "brother John" to be coming up the hill in acarriage, and not coming home. It turned out that he had been sent tonotify Mrs. Thomas Peter of the sudden death of her son-in-law. 

In later years Brooke Williams, junior, lived here and, still later, George W. Cissel. The chapel of the Presbyterian Church on West (P)Street is named for this family. The house is now the home of Mr. Alfred Friendly, the well-known newspaper man. 

Next door, where there is now a big apartment house, used to be a large, double brick house, which was for many years the home of Abraham Herr, who with the Cissels conducted an important flour-milling business inGeorgetown. His son, Austin Herr, was a fine figure of a man, and was, Ithink, a promoter. I distinctly remember as a little girl his returnfrom a trip to China and the tales of all the treasures he had broughtback with him--not so common then as now. 

At No. 1669, in the eighties lived one of the oddest characters--Mrs. Dall. She had come from Massachusetts many years before to teach at MissEnglish's Seminary. While there she received frequent visits from youngMr. Dall who was an assistant at Christ Church while finishing hiscourse at the Episcopal Seminary near Alexandria. The gentleman stayedso late sometimes--probably until eleven o'clock--that Miss English hadto ask him to mend his ways. The courtship resulted in a marriage, butbefore long the bridegroom went off to India as a missionary to convertthe heathen. After some years the news came that, instead, he had beenconverted to Hinduism. At last he was coming home. It was in the springand, of course, there had to be a spring cleaning, which took severaldays. One night about twelve o'clock, when the peace of the old-timeworld, minus the automobile and blaring radio, lay over old Georgetown, the clop-clop of horses' hoofs was heard coming up Congress Street, stopping in front of Mrs. Dall's. Then there was a great knocking on thedoor--a window was raised and a voice called: "Who is that?" "It'sHenry. " Came back from the wife: "Well, I'm in the midst ofhouse-cleaning. Go on down to the Willard and stay until I send foryou. " A warm welcome, and one not approved of by the neighbors who hadheard the conversation through their windows. 

Mrs. Dall was not very popular in Georgetown, it being overwhelminglySouthern in its sympathies and she being an abolitionist. I can dimlyremember her padding down 31st Street, for so her progress might becalled from the form of footwear she wore, it had no form--the queerest, high, shapeless boots. She wore a little close-fitting bonnet and along, loose, grayish cape. She was a most particular person in someways. A lady who lived there as a housekeeper said she was never allowedto leave her thimble on the window sill for a few moments; and it waswell known that when a caller rang the front door bell the maid whoanswered had orders to scan the costume closely. If there was "bugletrimming" among its adornments the caller was shown into the parlor onthe right side, where the furniture was all stuffed and no harm could bedone, but if the clothes were devoid of the shiny, scratchy gear, shemight safely be allowed to enter and sit upon the polished mahogany ofthe room on the left of the hall. She used to have a sort of salon forlong-haired scientists and exponents of all sorts of "isms. "

Another story I've heard was about her going out to Normanstone to stayfor a rest. One morning after breakfast, having had a plentiful helpingof oatmeal with lots of cream, her hostess remarked to Mrs. Dall howwell she looked. "Yes, " she said, she "felt well, " and ended up with "alittle starvation is always good for one. " Is it a wonder she wasn'tgreatly beloved?

[Illustration: LLOYD BEALL]

A very handsome and imposing old gentleman, Mr. Joe Davis, who was abachelor, lived here in the nineties. I remember him always, in hisfrock coat and high silk hat. This was where Mr. And Mrs. Fulton Lewislived for many years and where their son, Fulton Lewis, junior, thenoted radio commentator, grew up. 

The house has been for several years the home of the Honorable and Mrs. Francis E. Biddle. He was the Attorney-General under President FranklinD. Roosevelt. Mrs. Biddle, whose pen name is Katharine Garrison Chapin, is an eminent poet. 

Adjoining Tudor Place on the north live the Bealls, descendants of LloydBeall, who sold his patrimony in southern Maryland and converted theproceeds to equipping and sustaining his company during theRevolutionary War. He was adjutant on the staff of General AlexanderHamilton and was wounded at Germantown. Later he was captured by theBritish, but escaped by swimming the Santee River. The effect of thisperformance is shown by the water-logging on his commission which hecarried in his pocket. 

After being mustered out of the army he came to live in Georgetown, butjust where his home was I cannot discover. He served as mayor of thetown three times--in 1797, 1798 and 1799. 

Upon the reorganization of the army he was reinstated, and died incommand of the arsenal at Harper's Ferry. The Bealls who live here arealso descended from Francis Dodge and from William Marbury. 

In the seventies Frederick L. Moore came in to Georgetown from thecountry and built his home next door, so as to be between his twofriends, John Beall and Joseph H. Bradley. The Bradleys no longer ownthis house nor their ancestral estate which was Chevy Chase, where theclub of that name now is. Abraham Bradley came with the government fromPhiladelphia, as Assistant Postmaster-General. He made his home inWashington City and then bought Chevy Chase as his country estate. Hewas living there in August, 1814, when the British came to Washington. It is said that several members of the cabinet took refuge with himthere during those two or three dreadful days and brought with themvaluable records. His old house was mostly destroyed by fire severalyears ago. 

His grandson, Joseph Henry Bradley, built the house at number 1688 31stStreet. At the time of Lincoln's assassination he was living out in thecountry near Georgetown. He bore a remarkable resemblance to John WilkesBooth and on April 15, 1865, the night after the tragic event in Ford'sTheater, he was driving home in his buggy along a lonely road when hewas held up by policemen and arrested. When he protested, he was toldthat he was John Wilkes Booth and was taken to jail. He insisted he wasnot, but to no avail. After a good while he got in touch with friendswho identified him and he was released and went home. His wife hadthought that her colored servants had been behaving strangely all day, but though living not more than five miles from the scene of the greattragedy, she herself had no knowledge of it. 

In later years Mr. Bradley and his father, Joseph Habersham Bradley, whopracticed law together, served as counsel in the famous John Surratttrial. 

This house is now the home of Robert A. Taft, Senator from Ohio. 

Chapter XVI

_Evermay, the Heights, and Oak Hill_

Evermay, on Montgomery (28th) Street, is one of the show-places ofGeorgetown. Its fascinating garden is shown every spring for the benefitof Georgetown Children's House by its owner, the Honorable F. LamotBelin, at one time Ambassador to Poland. He removed the cream-coloredpaint from the old house, revealing the lovely old-rose brick, and builtthe wall and the lodge at the gate when he bought the place in 1924. Evermay used to extend all the way down to Stoddert (Q) Street. Theoriginal boundary is the little old stone in the corner of the propertyof Mrs. Thomas Bradley on Q and 28th Streets. 

Evermay was built by Samuel Davidson with proceeds from the sale ofproperty to the United States government. This included land for thenorthern part of the "President's Square, " (the David Burns-Davidsonproperty line passing directly through the White House) and adjacentFederal property including Lafayette Park. He willed his estate to LewisGrant, a nephew in Scotland, upon condition of his assuming the Davidsonsurname. 

Samuel Davidson is buried in the portion of Oak Hill Cemetery which wasformerly part of the estate. Mr. Davidson must have been rather astrange person; certainly he was determined not to be bothered bypeople, for this is the advertisement he published:

 Evermay proclaims, Take care, enter not here, For punishment is ever near. 

 Whereas, the height called Evermay, adjoining this town, is now completely enclosed with a good stone wall in part and a good post and rail fence thereto, this is to forewarn at their peril, all persons, of whatever age, color, or standing in society, from trespassing on the premises, in any manner, by day or by night; particularly all thieving knaves and idle vagabonds; all rambling parties; all assignation parties; all amorous bucks with their dorfies, and all sporting bucks with their dogs and guns. 

 My man, Edward, who resides on the premises, has my positive orders to protect the same from all trespassers as far as in his power, with the aid of the following implements, placed in his hands for that purpose, if necessary, viz:--Law, when the party is worthy of that attention and proper testimony can be had, a good cudgel, tomahawk, cutlass, gun and blunderbuss, with powder, shot and bullets, steel traps and grass snakes. 

 It is Edward's duty to obey my lawful commands. In so doing, on this occasion, I will defend him at all risques and hazards. For the information of those persons who may have real business on the premises, there is a good and convenient gate. But Mark! I do not admit mere curisoity an errand of business. Therefore, I beg and pray of all my neighbors to avoid Evermay as they would a den of devils, or rattle snakes, and thereby save themselves and me much vexation and trouble. 

 June 2, 1810 SAMUEL DAVIDSON. 

Lewis Grant's daughter married Charles Dodge, they being one of the fourcouples who had the very early morning wedding at Francis Dodge's homeon the corner of Stoddert (Q) Street and Congress (31st) Street. Aproposof this there is a prized letter of four closely written pages fromCharles Dodge to his father, announcing that he had reached the age oftwenty-one and asking the parental gift of what might be "his due. " Heended by saying he "hoped he approved of his engaging in the estate ofHoly Matrimony, for without that blissful comsummation his life would bevoid of happiness forevermore. " His father's concise reply was in fourlines: "Attend carefully whatever business you engage in, put off yourmarriage as long as possible, and get religion!"

Mr. And Mrs. Charles Dodge did not live always at Evermay. It was soldto Mr. John D. McPherson, and the Dodges went to live in the old framehouse opposite the gate of Tudor Place. 

For many years the McPhersons leased Evermay to Mr. William B. Orme and, certainly, during those years the spectre of the inhospitality of itsfirst owner was laid, for the Ormes were noted for their delightfulparties and there, too, were June weddings with charming brides. 

One morning in 1905 a group of Georgetown ladies met at Evermay andformed a little literary club (which is still in existence) composed ofthirty-five members. It still bears the name of The Evermay Club. It metthere regularly once a month as long as it was the home of Mrs. Orme, but nowadays the club moves from house to house. One summer the Ormesrented Evermay to a Hawaiian princess, who enjoyed it with her family. 

Just across the street from Evermay is what is known as Mackall Square. The old mansion sits so far back in the middle of the square and is soembowered in trees that it is not easily seen from either Montgomery(28th) or Greene (29th) Street. It is a simple and lovely colonial brickwith old wooden additions on the back, and has been there a long, longtime. But it is not the first house that was on that spot, for the onethat was there was the frame house which was moved over opposite thegate of Tudor Place. 

Benjamin Mackall married a daughter of Brooke Beall, and with the moneyinherited from her father's estate they bought this property and builtthe house. 

In 1821 a trust was placed on the property, and in the title is recorded"no encumbrance except a small wooden house in which Mrs. Margaret Beallnow lives, in which she has her life interest. "

Benjamin Mackall was a brother of Leonard Mackall. Their father ownedlarge estates in Calvert and Prince Georges Counties in Maryland, andhis products were sent to the Georgetown market; so it happened that hissons met the daughters of Brooke Beall, one of the important merchantsshipping grain and tobacco to England. 

This land was part of the Rock of Dumbarton, and Benjamin's wife wasnamed Christiana. I wonder if by any chance they could have given herthat name in commemoration of another Christiana who is spoken of in anold, old surveyor's book thus:

 Surveyed for George Beall 18 January, 1720. Beginning at the bounded Red Oak standing at the end of N. N. W. Tract of land called Rock of Dunbarton on the south side of a hill near the place where Christiana Gun was killed by the Indians. 

Louis Mackall, their son, was born in this house and inherited the placein 1839. He was a well-known physician, but a large part of his life wasspent at the old country home of the Mackalls, Mattaponi, in PrinceGeorges County, and there his son, Louis, was born in 1831. His fatherbrought him to Georgetown when he was under ten years of age, andentered him in Mr. Abbott's school, from whence he went to GeorgetownCollege and Maryland Medical University. He established a large practicein Georgetown and married Margaret McVean. Their home was not here buton Dumbarton Avenue and Congress (31st) Street, and they had a son, again Louis, who also went into the medical profession. 

[Illustration: THE OLD MACKALL HOUSE]

This house was vacant when I was a girl and I remember very distinctlygoing to a dance there one heavenly moonlight night in June when it wasloaned to the O. T. That was a little club of boys about my ownage--"Only Ten"--but the meaning of the name was a secret then. Duringthe next two years they followed the example of the I. K. T. By givingdances in Linthicum Hall during the Christmas holidays. 

The I. K. T. Was a group of boys two or three years older than the O. T. My brother was one of them, and when I asked him a year or two ago whatthe letters meant he said he couldn't tell; it was still a secret, likea fraternity. They had a pin somewhat like a fraternity pin. I stillhave the engraved invitations that both clubs sent out for their dances, with the names of the members underneath. 

After having been vacant for years this place was bought by Mr. HermannHollerith in the early 1900's. He did not make his home here but built ahouse farther down on Greene (29th) Street, where his family still live. They continue to rent the old house. Hermann Hollerith was the inventorof the tabulating machine which is used by the International BusinessMachine Corporation, and his work was done in a little house down onThomas Jefferson Street. His wife was Miss Lucia Talcott. 

Immediately opposite the steps on Greene (29th) Street which lead up tothis dear old place are other high steps which lead to a place calledTerrace Top. Here it was that in the winter of 1920-'21 two verycharming people came to rest in what they considered the most attractiveof American cities. They were Julia Marlowe and E. H. Sothern. 

While they were here Miss Marlowe was honored by George WashingtonUniversity at its one hundredth anniversary, on February twenty-second, by receiving the degree of D. D. L. , a most unusual honor for a woman. This house is now the home of Mr. Herbert Elliston, editor of the_Washington Post_. 

All of this land was still, of course, Beall property, and somehow itall seemed to pass down through the women, for the next place to thewest originally belonged to Miss Eliza Beall, a daughter of Thomas Beallof George, who married George Corbin Washington, great-nephew of GeneralWashington. He was a grandson of John Augustine Washington and HannahBushrod. He was president of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company, member of Congress from Maryland, and a prominent candidate for theVice-Presidency at the time Winfield Scott was nominated for President. 

Their son was the Lewis Washington who was living near Harper's Ferry atthe time of John Brown's raid, and was taken prisoner by him and held asa hostage until released by Colonel Robert E. Lee and his United Statestroops when they arrived on the scene. 

Miss Eleanor Ann Washington, the daughter of the house, was skilled inpainting and did miniatures of her mother and of other members of herfamily. She also used to sketch in the beautiful woods north of herfather's home, which soon after became Oak Hill Cemetery, and she wasthe first person to be buried in its grounds. 

George Corbin Washington married a second time, a girl who had beenalmost like a daughter in his house, Ann Thomas Beall Peter, of whom hiswife had been very fond. Both of the wives of George Corbin Washingtonwere descended from the Reverend John Orme, a distinguished clergyman ofMaryland in colonial days. 

After the death of Mr. Washington the place was sold and became the homeof Senator Jesse D. Bright, of Indiana, who was deprived of his seat inthe Senate during the Civil War because of his sympathy with the South. 

For a long time this place belonged to Columbus Alexander, but in recentyears it has changed hands several times. It had been leased by theHonorable Dwight Morrow to be his home while Senator from New Jersey, but his sudden death the summer before of course changed thatarrangement. 

During World War II it was the home of General William (Wild Bill)Donovan, head of OSS, and is now the home of Mr. Philip Graham, publisher of the _Washington Post_. 

All of this property of The Heights belonged, as I have said, to ThomasBeall, and after 1783 it was rapidly being "developed, " as they saynowadays. It is interesting to follow out how it all happened and howrelatives wished to live one another. 

Directly across Washington (30th) Street, a large piece of land was soldby Thomas Beall in 1798 to William Craik, who was the son of that Dr. Craik who attended General Washington in his last illness. He evidentlyintended to build a home here, but Mrs. Craik died and he soon followedher. She was Miss Fitzhugh, a sister of Mrs. George Washington ParkeCustis, of Arlington. 

How I wish there were in existence a picture of the house which DavidPeter built in 1808 when he bought this piece of land. The house musthave stood among handsome trees, for it was called Peter's Grove, and wecan look at the oaks still standing in near-by places and visualizethose which surrounded this house. 

David Peter was a son of Robert Peter. He married Sarah Johns, and hadtwo daughters and one son, Hamilton. After his death Mrs. David Petermarried John Leonard, and the place was sold, in the thirties, toColonel John Carter, Representative in Congress from South Carolina. Hiswife was Eleanor Marbury, one of that large family of girls in the oldhouse on Bridge (M) Street. The house was then renamed Carolina Place. 

For a while it was occupied by the Honorable John F. Crampton, Ministerfrom England. It was during this time that a treaty was settled by himwith Daniel Webster concerning the Newfoundland fisheries. A littlelater Count de Sartiges, the French Minister, lived here. 

About that time the house was destroyed by fire and the land was sold byJohn Carter O'Neal, of the Inniskillen Dragoons, son of Anne Carter whohad married an Englishman, to Henry D. Cooke. 

The western part of this square was bought in 1805 by Mrs. Elisha O. Williams. She was Harriot Beall, daughter of Brooke Beall, the third ofthese sisters to settle on The Heights, and she also bought her homewith money inherited from her father's estate. 

[Illustration: HOME OF BROOKE WILLIAMS]

Six months after buying the property Mrs. Williams was left a widow. Shebuilt a home and lived there with her small children, and thirty yearslater gave the northern part of her land to her son, Brooke Williams andhis wife, Rebecca. It was on the spot where the Home for the Blind nowstands. 

Mrs. Rebecca Williams was a very beautiful woman and all her childreninherited her beauty. The daughter who was named Harriot Beall for hergrandmother became the most famous girl who ever grew up in Georgetown. The romantic story of her marriage to Baron Bodisco, the RussianMinister, runs thus:

 It all started with a Christmas party which the baron gave for his nephews, Waldemar and Boris Bodisco. To this party all of the boys and girls were invited, and great bonfires lighted the way, for there was little gas in those days. 

Among those who came was Harriot Beall Williams, the beautifulsixteen-year-old daughter of Brooke Williams, senior. Baron Bodisco, abachelor of sixty-three, became completely enamored of Miss Williamsthat evening, and it is said that the next morning he walked up the hillto meet and escort her to school--the school, of course, being the sameSeminary of Miss English. 

My story is copied almost entirely from Miss Sally Somervell Mackall's_Early Days of Washington_, for nothing could improve on that:

 Miss Williams' family were much opposed to the marriage, and at one time the engagement came near being broken. She told Mr. Bodisco that "her grandmother and everybody else thought he was entirely too old and ugly. " His reply was that she might find someone younger and better looking, but no one who would love her better than he did. 

 They were married in June, 1849, at four o'clock in the afternoon, at her mother's home on Georgetown Heights. Only the immediate relatives and the bridal party witnessed the ceremony, after which there was a brilliant reception. The wedding party formed a circle and just back of them on a sofa sat a row of aged ladies in lace-trimmed caps, among them her grandmother, Harriot Williams and her three sisters, Mrs. Benjamin Mackall, Mrs. William Stewart, senior, and their cousin, Mrs. Leonard Hollyday Johns, senior, all of whom were between seventy and eighty years of age. 

 The mariage ceremony was performed by her cousin, Reverend Hollyday Johns, the second. Her trousseau came from abroad, and her bridal robe was a marvel of rich white satin and costly lace which fell in graceful folds around her; the low-cut dress showed to perfection her lovely white shoulders and neck. On her fair brow and golden hair was worn a coronet of rarest pearls, the gift of the groom. The effect was wonderfully brilliant. As her father was not living, her hand was given in marriage by Henry Clay. 

 The groom wore his court dress of velvet and lace. All the bridesmaids, seven in number, were beautiful girls about her own age. Their gowns were figured white satin, cut low in the neck with short sleeves and trimmed with blond lace; their hair was simply dressed without ornaments. The bridesmaids were: her sister Gennie Williams, Sarah Johns, Jessie Benton, Ellen Carter, Eliza Jane Wilson, Emily Nichols, Mary Harry, and Helen Morris, daughter of Commodore Morris. Each bridesmaid was presented with a ring set with her favorite stone. The groomsmen were Henry Fox, the British Minister in scarlet court dress; Mr. Dunlop, Minister from Texas; Mr. Martineau, Minister from the Netherlands; Mr. Buchanan, who had been Minister to Russia, and was then Senator, and afterwards President of the United States; Baron Saruyse, the Austrian Minister; Martin Van Buren; Mr. Kemble Paulding, whose father was Secretary of the Navy at that time; Mr. Forsythe, whose father was Secretary of State. Each minister had his own carriage and attendants dressed in livery. The house and grounds were thronged with noted guests, strolling amid sweet-scented flowers and lemon trees hanging with rich golden fruit. 

 Among the distinguished guests were President Van Buren; Daniel Webster; all the Diplomatic Corps and a host of other notables, including James Gordon Bennett of _The New York Herald_. 

 The bride was taken to her new home in Mr. Bodisco's gilded coach with driver and footman in bright uniform, drawn by four horses. The same afternoon, Mr. Bodisco gave a dinner to just the bridal party. At nine o'clock the same day he gave a general reception for the families of the attendants. The morning after the wedding the bridesmaids took breakfast with the bride and, girl-like, as soon as breakfast was over, went on an investigating tour. In her boudoir they found many beautiful things, among them an old-fashioned secretary, with numerous drawers, one was filled with ten dollar gold pieces, another with silver dollars, another with ten-cent pieces, another with the costliest of jewels, and still another with French candy. 

 The next week Mr. Bodisco gave a grand ball, on which occasion Madame Bodisco wore her bridal robe. Shortly after the wedding, President Van Buren gave a handsome dinner at the White House in honor of Madame Bodisco and Mrs. Decantzo, another bride. To this dinner all the bridal party were invited. Madame Bodisco wore a black watered silk, trimmed with black thread lace and pearl ornaments. President Van Buren sent his private carriage and his son, Martin, to escort Ellen Carter (an adopted daughter of Jeremiah Williams who was an important shipping merchant of the town) to the dinner. The President thought Miss Carter like her Aunt Marion Stewart of New York, to whom he was engaged while Governor of that State. At the dinner table he drank wine with her, and again in the reception room. Miss Carter afterwards married Paymaster Brenton Boggs of the United States Navy. 

 On another occasion at one of the diplomatic dinners given at the White House, Madame Bodisco wore a rich, white watered silk, the sleeves, waist and skirt embroidered with pale rosebuds with tender green leaves. Her jewels were diamonds and emeralds. 

[Illustration: MADAME BODISCO]

Alexander de Bodisco was born in Moscow on the 30th of October, 1786, and died at his residence in Georgetown on the 23rd of January, 1854, having filled the post of Russian Envoy to the United States for aboutseventeen years. He was in Vienna in 1814 during the famous Congresswhich settled the affairs of the continent, and was afterward charged'affaires at Stockholm. At his funeral his two nephews, Boris andWaldemar, both very handsome and dressed in white uniforms, marched oneither side of the hearse, accompanied by attachés of the legation andmembers of the household in uniform. 

All during my childhood the Williams house stood gaunt and untenanted, the personification of a haunted house. If only a place with such ahistory could have been renovated and kept, instead of disappearingentirely from Georgetown. 

On the next block at 3238 R Street is the house, now somewhat changed, where lived General H. W. Halleck, chief-of-staff of the army during theCivil War. After the war General U. S. Grant made it his home until hebecame president. Later, until about 1900, it was the home of ColonelJohn J. Joyce, a picturesque figure with his leonine head and long whitehair and mustache and black sombrero. It was said he had been the Goatof the Whiskey Ring. In the last years of his life a lively disputearose between him and Ella Wheeler Wilcox as to which was the author ofthe lines

 Laugh, and world laughs with you, Weep, and you weep alone!

[Illustration: MOUNT HOPE. THE WILLIAM ROBINSON HOUSE]

It was much discussed in the newspapers at the time. Colonel Joyce'stombstone in Oak Hill bears a likeness of him carved upon its face. 

In the early days of the New Deal this house was rented by a group ofyoung men, among them Tommy Corcoran and Ben Cohen, who were responsiblefor helping to frame much of the legislation of that eventful time. Itwas known then as the "Big Red House on R Street. "

The southwest corner of Road (R) Street and High (Wisconsin Avenue) wasthe land owned by Thomas Sim Lee, who had been Governor of Maryland. Every winter he came from his estate, Needwood, to spend several monthsin Georgetown, in his house on the northwest corner of Bridge (M) Streetand Washington (30th) Street, which was for a long time the headquartersof the Federal Party. He died in 1819 before he could build here themansion he contemplated. 

Until about 1935 the old reservoir sat here, high up like a crown, untilthe Georgetown Branch of the Public Library was built. 

The little street below here which runs west from Valley (32nd) Street, now called Reservoir Road, was originally named the New Cut Road, due tothe fact that it was cut through to connect with the Conduit Road, nowrenamed MacArthur Boulevard which covers the conduit bringing the waterfrom Great Falls to Washington. 

On the southwest corner of Road (R) Street and High (Wisconsin Avenue)stood the imposing mansion of Mr. William Robinson, who was a very finelawyer in the middle of the nineteenth century. He was a Virginian whohad settled in Georgetown. He called his home Mount Hope and awonderful situation it had, commanding a view of the entire city and theriver. At that time the western wing was the ballroom, with domedceiling circled by cupids and roses. 

Mr. Robinson's beautiful daughter, Margaret, married Thomas CampbellCox, son of Colonel John Cox, and they lived at Mount Hope until theymoved to Gay Street. I remember Mrs. Cox as an old lady, stillbeautiful, and regal in bearing. The Weaver family lived there afterthat until the early 1900's, when this place was used as the DumbartonClub. It had very good tennis courts, and for a while a nine-hole golfcourse where the suburb of Berleith is now. 

Then Mr. Alexander Kirk, Ambassador to Egypt, bought the place and madea good many changes, including the addition of a swimming-pool. 

Afterward Mrs. Evalyn Walsh McLean purchased it and renamed itFriendship, after the former estate of the same name out on WisconsinAvenue, where many famous parties had been given. Here she continued herlavish entertainments and during World War II contributed generously tothe pleasure of members of the armed services. 

The large house, number 3406, in the middle of the next square, wasbuilt in the early 1800's by Leonard Mackall, one of the two sons ofBenjamin Mackall of Prince Georges County, Maryland, who came toGeorgetown. He married Catherine Beall, another daughter of BrookeBeall. Mr. Beall, as seems to have been the custom in those days, hadgiven this square to his daughter and her husband. The place was boughtby Dr. Charles Worthington's family when they left their home onProspect Street and was held by his descendants, the Philips, for manyyears, although the latter part of the time none of them lived there, but rented the place. 

It has been for a good many years now the home of Mrs. Frank West, whohas made a beautiful rose garden and christened it Century House. Thehouse itself has charming rooms, all opening to the south, as so manyold-fashioned houses had, and several porches. 

I have spoken of Colonel Cox and the row of houses he built on First (N)Street and Frederick (34th) Street, where he lived for a while in thehouse on the corner. That must have been in the period of his firstmarriage to Matilda Smith, who was a sister of Clement Smith, well-knownas the first cashier of the Farmer's and Mechanic's Bank, later itspresident. Colonel and Mrs. Cox had three children, one of whom wasnamed Clement. 

After his marriage to Jane Threlkeld they built a lovely house on partof the old Berleith estate next door to the old Threlkeld home, whichhad been burned. They called their home The Cedars. It stood where theWestern High School now stands, and it is difficult to realize thatthere, in my memory, was a home most delightfully private and charming. 

Turning back eastward along Road (R) Street just opposite Mount Hope, the pretty old light brick house is where the Marburys lived after theymoved up on The Heights. He called himself Mr. John Marbury, junior, tothe day of his death, in spite of having a long, white beard. Althoughhis family never moved from this house, in the course of a few yearsthey had three different addresses. At first they were living on thecorner of Road and High Streets, then on the corner of U and 32ndStreets, and finally on the corner of R Street and Wisconsin Avenue. 

[Illustration: THE OAKS (NOW DUMBARTON OAKS)]

[Illustration: MONTROSE]

Across High Street (Wisconsin Avenue), the house sitting high on thebank was for many years the home of Mr. William Dougal and his family ofone son and four lovely daughters. His wife was Miss Adler, and thishouse was built on part of her father's property. The old brick house, which was back of it some distance north, was the home of Morris Adler. A small frame house nearer Road (R) Street was where his son, Morris J. Adler, lived, until he built a house on West (P) Street. 

A little way eastward on the same side of Road (R) Street is the famousDumbarton Oaks. The land was first bought from Thomas Beall in 1800 byWilliam H. Dorsey, first judge of our Orphan's Court, who was appointedby President Jefferson. Mr. Dorsey had previously been living in the oldpart of the town, for I find an advertisement of the sale of hisproperty before he came up here, and from the minutes of a meeting ofthe Corporation of Georgetown on October 24th, 1801, we find thefollowing: "William H. Dorsey writes to ask if his removal to hispresent place of residence will disqualify him from serving on theCorporation. They are of opinion it does not disqualify him as a memberthereof. "

He built this house, named it The Oaks, and lived in it for four years. His first wife was Ann Brooke, the daughter of Colonel Richard Brooke, of Oak Hill, Sandy Spring, whose wife was Jane Lynn, the daughter ofDavid Lynn. In 1802 Mr. Dorsey married Rosetta Lynn, who was the aunt ofhis first wife. 

[Illustration: WILLIAM HAMMOND DORSEY]

William Hammond Dorsey was born at Oakland, in Howard County, and diedat Oakley, near Brookeville, in 1818. He was a very handsome man and wasnicknamed "Pretty Billy" by his Quaker neighbors of Sandy Spring. 

In 1805 the place was bought by Robert Beverley of Essex County, Virginia. His wife was Jane Tayloe, a sister of Colonel John Tayloe, whobuilt the famous Octagon House. Mr. And Mrs. Beverley owned the placeuntil 1822. During that time their son James was married to Jane Peter, the daughter of David Peter of nearby "Peter's Grove, " and this placebecame their home. They did not remain here long, but went back toVirginia and established themselves near The Plains. 

The next owner was James E. Calhoun, of South Carolina. He loaned it tohis distinguished brother, John C. Calhoun, who made it his home forsome of the time he spent at the capital in the various offices he held. He was Secretary of War in the cabinet of President Monroe;Vice-President with John Quincy Adams, and Andrew Jackson, and Senatorfrom South Carolina. From here he wrote that the leisure of the officeof Vice-President gave him a good opportunity to study the fundamentalquestions of the day called "The American System. " At this time theplace was known as _Acrolophos_ (Grove on the Hill), a most descriptivename. Later it became Monterey, after the war with Mexico made thatbattle so famous. 

It was in 1846 that the estate was bought by Edward M. Linthicum, and Ithink it must have been during the time he owned it that the mansardroof was added which, fortunately, has been removed by the presentowners. In Mr. Linthicum's day it is described thus:

 The house which has been changed, but not improved in appearance, by the addition of a mansard roof and other alterations, was a large, two-story brick, with hall from front to rear "wide enough for a hay wagon to pass through, " on either side of which were great parlors beautifully proportioned. The east parlor opened into a bright, sunny dining room, which in turn looked out upon a well-filled greenhouse, with flower gardens on the east, wooded lawn in front, grove of forest trees on the west, and gently sloping well-sodded hills in the rear, all of which were kept in perfect order. During the life of Mr. Linthicum, "The Oaks" was the show place of the District. 

Mr. And Mrs. Linthicum had no children so they adopted a daughter, MissKate Mitchell, of Lower Maryland, who became the wife of Mr. JosiahDent. Their son, Edward Linthicum Dent, inherited the place. In thosedays it was known as "The Oaks, " the name I always heard it called by inmy girlhood. 

In 1891 it was bought by Mr. Henry F. Blount, who had made a fortune andcame to Washington. In 1920 it was purchased by the Honorable RobertWoods Bliss, Ambassador to the Argentine. He and Mrs. Bliss remodeledthe house and created the gardens, which comprise over thirty acres andare marvels of beauty. Many more acres at the back were allowed toremain in a delightfully wild condition. 

The place was renamed Dumbarton Oaks, a museum was built as a wing onthe west to house a library and a collection of Byzantine andpre-Christian material, and in 1940 the estate was given by Mr. And Mrs. Bliss to Harvard University, with the exception of the part along thestream at the back, which was donated to the District of Columbia as apark. The Dumbarton Oaks Conference which led to the formation of theUnited Nations was held here, beginning August 21, 1944. 

Part of the land at the back is where the Home for Incurables was untilit was moved farther out of town. I used to go there to visit some ofthe patients who were my friends, and for the simple Sunday eveningservices. 

Lover's Lane, at the east of Dumbarton Oaks, separates it from MontrosePark. It is still, as it has always been, I am glad to say, completelyunimproved, unspoiled, sweet and rambling and quiet, wending its wayalong the brook that empties into Rock Creek at the beginning of OakHill. I suppose there is hardly a soul of middle-age living inGeorgetown who has not fond memories of Lover's Lane, for in the days ofour youth we did walk with our lovers; no automobiles or movies filledour Saturday or Sunday afternoons, and very little golf. 

Through Lover's Lane we went to Normanstone, the home of the two MissesBarnards and their sister, Mrs. Talcott. It was a quaint little house, which stood just about where the British Embassy now is. The name iscommemorated by Normanstone Drive. Mr. Robert Barnard built Normanstonein 1830. It was a Devonshire cottage of clay, straw, and pebbles, withwalls four feet thick. 

The turreted stone mansion nearby was built by Mr. Elverson ofPhiladelphia. His daughter, Nelly, became the wife of MonsieurPatrenotre, the French Minister. This was in the days before our foreignenvoys became Ambassadors. 

Our first knowledge of the present Montrose Park was as Parrott's Woods. Richard Parrott conducted there a "rope walk. " It seems that when theymade rope it was necessary to have a long, even stretch where therope-makers walked up and down manufacturing the hemp into rope. And, of course, in this town with all its ships, the making of rope was alucrative business. 

Mr. Parrott evidently was kind in loaning his property for picnics too, for again Mr. Gordon gives us vivid pictures of the Fourth of Julyannual picnic of all the Protestant Sunday schools. It seems to havebeen a huge affair, with flags and banners and rosettes of variouscolors adorning the scholars of the different schools. 

In 1822 the property was bought by Clement Smith, of whom I have spokenbefore as being the first cashier of the Farmers and Mechanics Bank, afterwards becoming its president. He called the place Elderslie. In1837 he sold it to Mrs. Mary McEwen Boyce, whose daughter, Jane, marriedGeorge Washington Peter, son of Thomas Peter of Tudor Place. In arailroad accident, both Captain Boyce and another daughter were killed. Mrs. Boyce continued to live here the rest of her life. 

It was a very sweet, homelike house, but not a particularly handsomeone. There was a conservatory opening off of one of the rooms, for Mrs. Boyce seems to have been especially fond of flowers. A sweet littlestory was told me the other day about her. A friend paused one day toadmire the roses blooming in front of the house, saying, "How lovelyyour roses are, Mrs. Boyce!" "They are not my roses, " said she. At thesurprised look on her friend's face she continued, "I plant them therefor the public. " And still, today, there are lovely roses blooming atMontrose for "the public, " for after many, many years a movement was seton foot to buy this place with its marvelous old trees of numerousvarieties for a park for the people of Georgetown. 

Two historic events have taken place in Montrose Park. The first waslong ago, on September 1, 1812, when the funeral services were held herefor General James Maccubbin Lingan, after his tragic death in Baltimore. No church could be found large enough to accommodate the crowds whichwished to attend. There were representatives from three cities and fivecounties, in those days of travel by foot, by saddle, by rowboat and bycoach. General Washington's tent was spread over the stand on which werefour clergymen, other dignitaries, and George Washington Parke Custisof Arlington, who delivered the oration. 

The funeral cortege was escorted by Major George Peter's company. TheGeneral's horse was led behind the hearse, where his son walked as chiefmourner, followed by two heroes of the Revolution, Major BenjaminStoddert and Colonel Philip Stuart. Light Horse Harry Lee, who had beenwounded at the time General Lingan was killed, was still too ill to bepresent. 

General Lingan's widow was not able to be present because of a veryunfortunate occurrence. While she was sitting by her window waiting forher carriage, a rough man, carrying a pike, stopped under her windowand, thrusting up the weapon covered either with blood or rust, whichhad the same appearance, he let forth a torrent of brutal words. She wasso overcome with an agony of shock and grief that she was obliged toremain at home. 

The other historic event took place on the fifth of June, 1918, the dayon which was inaugurated the draft for the soldiers of the World War I. All over this land that evening speeches were delivered on the subject, but I think none could have been more effective or impressive than theone staged in Montrose Park at sunset. Then Newton D. Baker, asSecretary of War, in charge of the whole operation, "elected to speak tohis neighbors. " A wonderful speech it was, and I shall never forget thesight as he stood outlined against the glow of the western sky. 

Of Oak Hill Cemetery I have spoken again and again. It is almost like arefrain. It seems to be the natural resting place for Georgetonians whentheir work is done. 

Its terraces leading steeply down the hill to Rock Creek are shaded bymany stately oak trees and numerous gorgeous copper beeches, and areadorned in the spring by flowering shrubs. 

There is the little ivy-covered chapel which can be seen from thestreet, and farther back is the little white Greek temple where OakHill's donor, Mr. Corcoran, rests. Also the larger circular mausoleumwhere Marcia Burns Van Ness is interred. 

Many besides Georgetonians have been laid to rest within its borders, for there are Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War for President Lincoln;James G. Blaine, and many more, all prominent in their days. There, too, lies Peggy O'Neale, who, as the wife of Andrew Jackson's Secretary ofWar, Eaton, kept the social life of the Capital in an uproar for many ayear and, it is said, also greatly influenced political matters. 

Her very first triumph took place in Georgetown, when, at a schoolexhibition at the Union Hotel, the little girl with dark brown curlyhair and pert red lips was crowned the "Queen of Beauty" by Mrs. DollyMadison. Peggy was the daughter of the Irish landlord of a hotel onPennsylvania Avenue, and was married at sixteen to Mr. Timberlake, anofficer in the United States Navy. He committed suicide in 1828. 

After that began her career, when she was defended and supported in allthat she did by Andrew Jackson, who had suffered bitterly from criticismof his own wife. 

But the most famous person who lies buried in Oak Hill is the man whosesong is known in every hamlet of this broad land: John Howard Payne, theauthor of "Home, Sweet Home. " He had been in Georgetown in his youth, you remember, for he accompanied General Lingan on that trip toBaltimore from which the General never returned but to his funeral. Mr. Payne was then a young man of twenty-one and excited over the adventure, I suppose, like any one of that age. He was sent in later life as aconsul to one of those little states on the northern coast of Africawhich in those days made so much trouble for the United States. There hedied and was buried. Years later his body was brought back by Mr. Corcoran, and there was quite a ceremony for his re-interment. 

The stone placed over him in that distant land and brought back with hisbody has the seal of the United States carved at the top and reads:

 IN MEMORY OF COL. JOHN HOWARD PAYNE TWICE CONSUL OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FOR THE CITY AND KINGDOM OF TUNIS THIS STONE IS PLACED BY A GRATEFUL COUNTRY HE DIED AT THE AMERICAN CONSULATE IN THIS CITY AFTER A TEDIOUS ILLNESS APRIL 1, 1852 HE WAS BORN AT THE CITY OF BOSTON STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS JUNE 8, 1792 HIS FAME AS A POET AND DRAMATIST IS WELL KNOWN WHEREVER THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE IS SPOKEN THROUGH HIS CELEBRATED BALLAD OF HOME, SWEET HOME AND HIS POPULAR TRAGEDY OF BRUTUS AND OTHER SIMILAR PRODUCTIONS

This slab lies flat upon the ground. Adjoining it is a circle in thecenter of which is a monument bearing a bust of Colonel Payne, and on itis the following inscription:

 IN MEMORY OF JOHN HOWARD PAYNE AUTHOR OF HOME, SWEET HOME BORN JUNE 9, 1791 DIED APRIL 9, 1852 ERECTED ANNO DOMINI 1883

 "Sure when thy gentle spirit fled To realms beyond the azure dome With arms outstretched, God's angel said 'Welcome to Heaven's Home, Sweet Home. '"

BIBLIOGRAPHY

 BALCH, THOMAS BLOOMER: _Reminiscences of Georgetown_. 

 BRYAN, W. B. : _A History of the National Capital_. 

 BUSEY, SAMUEL C. : _Pictures of the City of Washington in the Past_. 

 CAEMMERER, H. PAUL, Ph. D. : _The Life of Pierre Charles L'Enfant_. 

 CLARK, ALLEN C. : _Life and Letters of Dolly Madison_. 

 CORCORAN, W. W. : _A Grandfather's Legacy_. 

 COLUMBIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY: _Record of the_. 

 DODGE, HARRISON H. : _Dodge Family Memoirs_. 

 EVANS, HENRY R. : _Old George Town on the Potomac_. 

 HALL, MRS. BASIL: _The Aristocratic Journey_. 

 HEIN, O. L. , LT. COL. , U. S. A. : _Memories of Long Ago_. 

 HINES, CHRISTIAN: _Early Recollections of Washington City_. 

 JACKSON, RICHARD P. : _Chronicles of Georgetown_. 

 LATHROP, GEORGE AND ROSE: _A Story of Courage_. 

 LATIMER, LOUISE PAYSON: _Your Washington and Mine_. 

 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS: _Old Newspapers_. 

 MACKALL, SALLY SOMERVELL: _Early Days of Washington_. 

 TAGGART, H. T. : _Old George Town_. 

 TORBERT, ALICE COYLE: _Doorways and Dormers of Old George Town_. 

 TOWNSEND, GEORGE ALFRED: _Washington Outside and Inside_. 

 GAHN, BESSIE WILMARTH: _Original Patentees of Land at Washington Prior to 1700_. 

INDEX

 _A Grandfather's Legacy_, 168. 

 Abbott, John, 85, 215. William R. , 215. 

 "Abby, Aunt, " 185. 

 Acheson, Dean G. , 250. 

 _Acrolophos_, 303. 

 Adams, James Truslow, 14. President John Quincy, 77, 254. 

 Addison, Mrs. Arthur, 113. Henry, 85, 107, 130. Colonel and Mrs. John, 274. Rev. Walter, 199. 

 Adlum, Major, 134. 

 Adler, Morris, 301. 

 Aged Woman's Home, 106. 

 Allen, Robert S. , 180. 

 Alsop brothers, 179. 

 American Colonization Society, 101. 

 Analostan Island, 22. 

 Anchor Tavern and Oyster House, 30. 

 Anderson, James, 21. 

 _Aristocratic Journey, The_, 157. 

 Arnold's Bakery, 108. 

 Asbury, Francis, 74. 

 Augur, Gen. Christopher Colon, 179. 

 "Aunt Hannah, " 142. 

 Auriol, Vincent, 113. 

 Aztec Society, 112. 

 Bailey, William, 58. 

 Baker, Hon, Newton D. , 155, 307. 

 Balch, Dr. Stephen Bloomer, 69, 134, 141, 209. Rev. Stephen Bloomer, 67. Thomas, 69. 

 Baley, Jesse, 50. 

 Bank of Columbia, 33. 

 Baptist Church, 135. 

 Barron, Commodore James, 157. 

 Barrymore. John, 207. 

 Beall, Alexander, 11, 25. Brooke, 270, 289. Catherine, 298. Eliza, 287. Elizabeth, 68. George, 11, 141. Harriot, 270, 289. John, 26, 279. Josiah, 10, 11. Lloyd, 279. Mrs. Margaret, 284. Thomas, 8, 10, 58, 97, 141, 144, 160, 253, 262, 288. Ninian, 5, 7, 8, 183. 

 Beall's Levels, 11. 

 Beanes, Dr. William, 99. 

 Beatty, Charles, 17, 30, 58, 182. William, 52. 

 Beauvoir School, 137. 

 Belin, Hon. F. Lamot, 281. 

 Bell, Alexander Graham, 119. Alexander Melville, 119. Miss Aileen, 120. Chichester, 120. David Charles, 120. 

 Bellamy, George Anne, 14. 

 Belt, Rev. Addison, 34. James, 182. Joseph, 24, 25, 26, 27. Tobias, 9. 

 Benevolent Society, 106. 

 Benning, 4. 

 Benton, Jessie, 185. Thomas Hart, 183. 

 Berleith, 17. 

 Berry, Horatio, 217. Jerry, 97. Mary Ellen, 239. Philip Taylor, 194, 217. 

 Beverley, Robert, 302. 

 Bible Society, 76. 

 Biddle, Hon. And Mrs. Francis E. , 279. 

 Billings, Dr. John S. , 143. Mrs. Mary, 197. 

 Blackford, Col. B. Lewis, 246. 

 Bladensburg, 14. 

 Blaine, James G. , 308. 

 Blake, Dr. James Heighe, 135. 

 Bleig, George, 74. 

 Bliss, Robert Woods, 252, 304. 

 Blodget, Samuel, 58, 92. 

 Bloomer, Dr. Stephen, 83. 

 Blount, Henry F. , 304. 

 Bodisco, Baron Alexander de, 98, 140, 202, 291, 295. Madame, 204, 292. 

 Boggs, Paymaster, 191. 

 Bonaparte, Jerome, 82. 

 Boncer, Christian, 26. 

 Bonsal, Mrs. Stephen, 219. 

 Boone, John, 86. 

 Booth, John Wilkes, 280. 

 _Boston Sentinel, The_, 42. 

 Bowers, Claude, 244. 

 Bowie, Washington, 200, 224. 

 Boyce, Jane, 306. Mrs. Mary McEwen, 306. 

 Braddock, General Edward, 13. 

 Bradley, Abraham, 66, 83, 280. Joseph Habersham, 280. Joseph Henry, 279, 280. Mrs. Thomas, 281. William A. , 66. 

 Brandywine, Battle of, 16. 

 _Brandywine_, U. S. S. , 129. 

 Bright, Sen. Jesse D. , 288. 

 Bronaugh, Hamilton, 205. 

 Brooke, Ann, 301. Elizabeth, 142. Col. Richard, 301. Colonel Thomas, 142. 

 Brown, Dr. Gustavus, 121. Joel, 74. 

 Bruce, Harriot, 86. Col. Normand, 28. Richard, 86. 

 Bull, James, 47. Maria Louisa, 254. 

 Bureau of Standards, 134. 

 Burnes, David, 58. 

 Burnett, Charles C. , 35. 

 Burr, Aaron, 67. 

 Busey, Dr. Samuel, 137. 

 Bushrod, Hannah, 287. 

 Caemmerer, Dr. H. Paul, 52. 

 Caille, Monsieur, 35. 

 Calder, James, 69, 83. 

 Calhoun, James E. , 303. John C. , 303. 

 Calvert, Eleanor, 66, 264. 

 Campbell, John, 15. 

 Canal, Chesapeake and Ohio, 77. Potomac, 77. 

 Caperton, Hugh, 134. Mrs. Hugh, 104. 

 Capital Traction Company, 113. Transit Company, 155. 

 "Carcassonne, The, " 251. 

 Carlile, Henry, 38. 

 Carlton, Joseph, 17. 

 Carpenter & Co. , 217. 

 Carr, Overton, 58. 

 Carroll, Bishop, 116. Charles, 256. Daniel, 56, 58, 59, 256. John, 116. 

 Carter, Anne, 289. Col. John, 289. 

 Casanave, Peter, 17, 44, 80, 253. 

 Cassin, Commodore, 214. James, 181, 185. Mrs. James, 180. William Deakins, 182. 

 Catholic Home for Aged Ladies, 218. 

 Cedars, The, 125. 

 "Century House, " 299. 

 Chandler, Captain, 220. Walter S. , 37, 257. 

 Chapin, Katharine Garrison, 279. 

 Chapman, Edward, 192. Frances Isabella, 192. Judge Henry Henley, 192. Jane, 192. 

 Chatham, Thurmond, 113. 

 Cherry Lane, 40. 

 Chevy Chase, 25, 280. Club, 183. 

 Chew, Cassandra, 86. Harriot, 86. Mary, 86. 

 Christ Church, 87, 160, 174, 212, 276. 

 Christian Science Church, 136. 

 Cissel, George W. , 275. 

 City Tavern, 30. 

 Clagett, James, 33. Rev. Thomas, 67, 86. 

 Clarke, Thomas, 160. 

 Cleveland, President and Mrs. , 171. 

 Coakley, Magdalen, 131. 

 Cochrane, John T. , 217. 

 Cohen, Ben, 297. 

 College, Georgetown, 103. 

 Colonial Apartments, 183. 

 Columbia Boat Club, 138. Foundry, 78. Phonograph Co. , 121. 

 Columbian Academy, 134. Library, 134. 

 Compton, Donna Otie, 273. Mary, 273. 

 Congress, Continental, 16. 

 Conjurer's Disappointment, 11. 

 _Constitution_, 128. 

 Cooke, Henry D. , 243, 289. Jay, 243. 

 Corcoran, Charles Morris, 168. Gallery of Art, 171. Harriett Louise, 168. Mrs. James, 167. Louise Morris, 168. Thomas, 18, 87, 200, 213. Thomas, Jr. , 217. Tommy, 297. W. W. , 106, 151, 163, 174, 182. 

 Cotton Manufactory, 19. 

 Cox, John, 123, 125, 135, 298. Sally, 126. Thomas, 142. Thomas Campbell, 298. Judge Walter, 135. 

 Coyle, Jennie, 217. 

 Cozens, Mrs. , 32. 

 Crabb, Capt. Henry Wright, 10. 

 Craik, William, 288. 

 Crampton, Hon. John F. , 289. 

 Crawford, Joseph, 83. 

 Crawford's Hotel, 82. 

 Crookshanks, Mr. , 69. 

 Crossbasket, 14. 

 Curley, Rev. James, 117. 

 Curtis, 214. School, 163. 

 Custis, George Washington Parke, 22, 267. Mrs. John Parke, 60. Martha Parke, 66, 262. Mary, 267. 

 Dabney, John, 35. 

 Dall, Mrs. , 276. 

 Darneilles, Philip, 270. 

 Davidson, Adeline, 230. Eliza G. , 239. John, 104, 156, 192, 230. Kate, 230. Martha, 230. Mary, 192. Nannie, 230. Aunt Peggy, 192. Samuel, 10, 58, 281. 

 Davies, Cornelius, 26. 

 Davis, Dwight F. , 252. Jefferson, 99. Joe, 279. 

 Davison, Hon. F. Trubee, 131. 

 Daw, Reuben, 250. 

 Dawson, Joshua, 83. 

 Deakins, Colonel, 15, 17, 51. Francis, 206. Tabitha Ann, 180. William, 18. William, Jr. , 10, 47, 58. 

 Debtors' Prison, 37. 

 Decatur, Stephen, 157, 158. 

 Dent, Barbara, 142. Edward Linthicum, 304. Josiah, 304. Place, 163. 

 Dick, Betsy, 148. Lucinda, 146. Margaret, 142. Robert, 142. Thomas, 142, 146. 

 Discovery, 11. 

 Digges, Thomas A. , 63. William Dudley, 63. 

 Dill, Sir John and Lady, 246. 

 Dinsmore and Francis, 35. 

 District of Columbia, 27. 

 Dodge, A. H. , 242, 247. Allen, 237. Charles, 239, 282. Mr. And Mrs. Charles, 272. Ebenezer, 17, 234. Elizabeth, 240. Emily, 240. F. & A. H. , 242. Francis, 17, 232, 242, 251. Francis, Jr. , 192, 237. Col. Harrison Howell, 156, 234. Henry H. , 241. Robert, 234. Robert Perley, 251. William, 237. 

 Donovan, General William. 288. 

 Dorsey, William Hammond, 50, 301, 302. 

 Dougal, William, 301. 

 Doughty, William, 74. 

 Doughty's, Capt. , Company, 69. 

 Douglas, Hon. Lewis A. , 131. 

 Dow, Lorenzo, 82. 

 Doyle, Alexander, 116. 

 Du Bose, Vice-Admiral Laurence, 141. 

 Duck Lane, 40. 

 Duclaviacq, J. B. , 44. 

 Dumfries, Virginia, 15. 

 Dumbarton House, 252. 

 Dunlop, Arianna French, 146. Elizabeth Peter, 106. Helen, 268. Henry, 166. Capt. Henry, 127. James, Jr. , 15. James, 15, 20, 67, 104, 146. Mrs. James, 148. Judge, 148, 183. 

 Dupont Circle, 156. 

 Duval, Gabriel, 253. 

 Eagle Iron Works, 70. Tavern, 30. 

 Earle, George, 126. Joseph, 18. 

 _Early Days of Washington_, 191, 291. 

 East Lane, 40. 

 Eaton, William, 35. 

 Ebenezer (church), 76. 

 Edes Home, 187. Margaret, 19, 187. 

 "Elderslie, " 306. 

 Eliason, John, 74. 

 Ellicott, Andrew, 61. 

 Elliot, Jonathan, 117. 

 Elliott, Richard, 83. 

 Elliston, Herbert, 287. 

 Elverson, Nelly, 305. 

 English, Miss Lydia, 183. 

 Epiphany School, 214. 

 Episcopal Church of the Ascension, 173. 

 Eustis, Hon. George, 169. Mrs. William Corcoran, 252. 

 _Evening Star, The_, 275. 

 "Evermay, " 281. Club, The, 283. 

 Farmers' and Butchers' Market, 109. 

 "Federal House, " 202. 

 _Federal Republican, The_, 91. 

 Federalists, 85. 

 Ferguson, Robert, 11. 

 Fierer, Charles & Co. , 32. 

 Fifer Largo, 8. 

 Finley, Mrs. David E. , 202. 

 Finney, Jimmy, 97. 

 Fisher, H. W. , 107. 

 Fishing Lane, 40. 

 Fleeson, Doris, 208. 

 Fleete, Henry, 3. 

 Flournoy, Rev. Parke P. , 219. 

 Forrest, Bladen, 108. 

 "Forrest Hill, " 191. 

 Forrest Hall, 202. 

 Forrest, Stoddert, and Murdock, 16. 

 Forrest, Uriah, 16, 58, 93. 

 Forrestal, James E. , 113. 

 Fort Duquesne, 13. 

 Fort McHenry, 101. 

 Foster, Sir Augustus, 45, 254. 

 Foundry Methodist Church, 74. 

 Fountain Inn, 30, 48. 

 Fowler, Colonel, 141, 216. 

 Foxall, Catherine, 76, 153. Henry, 70, 153, 156. Mary Ann, 76, 196. 

 Frankfurter, Justice, 191. 

 Franklin, Dr. (Benj. ), 19. 

 Freeland, Agnes, 151. Sarah Norfleet, 151. 

 Freeman, Dr. Douglas S. , 204. 

 Fremont, General C. , 185. 

 French, A. , 81. Colonel W. E. P. , 155. 

 Frick Art Reference Library, 131. 

 Friendly, Alfred, 276. 

 "Friendship, " 298. 

 Frizzle, Bull, 79. 

 Frogland, 11. 

 Fulton, Robert, 82. 

 Furvey, Rachel, 86. 

 Gadsby's Tavern, 26. 

 Gannt, John M. , 18. Clare, 130. 

 Gantt, John M. , 81, 160. 

 Garden Club, Georgetown, 72. 

 Garden Clubs of America, 72. 

 Gardette, Mr. , 32. 

 Gardiner, Miss Jennie, 219. 

 George Town Academy, 36, 46. 

 _George Town Weekly Ledger, The_, 23. 

 George Town Wool, 19. 

 George Washington University, 172. 

 "Georgetown, " 204. 

 Georgetown College, 70, 116, 165. 

 Georgetown College and Convent, 17. 

 Germantown, Battle of, 16. 

 Getty, Hetty, 97. 

 Gillespie, James, 206. 

 Glee Club, Georgetown, 101. 

 Glyn, Elinor, 220. 

 Godeys, 214. 

 Gordon, Elizabeth Dodge, 248. George, 9, 10, 11. J. Holdsworth, 246. Josephine, 248. Margaret R. , 248. William A. . 127, 135, 161, 180. William A. , Jr. , 246, 248. 

 Gordon's Inspection House, 87. 

 Govan, Archibald, 22. 

 Grace Church, 66. 

 Graham, Philip, 288. 

 Grant, General, 209. Lewis, 281. 

 Grayson, Admiral and Mrs. Cary T. , 256. 

 Greeley, General Adolphus, 210. 

 Green, Alice, 98. George, 93. Hill, 63. Pyle, 245. Mrs. Zola, 245. 

 Greenleaf, James, 58. 

 "Greenwood, " 137. 

 Greenway, Mrs. Isabella, 220. 

 Grinnell Arctic Expedition, 177. 

 Grosvenor, Mrs. Gilbert, 119. 

 Gunston Hall, 214. 

 "Halcyon House, " 109. 

 Hall, Mrs. Basil. 157. 

 Halleck, Gen. H. W. , 295. 

 Hamilton, Alexander, 279. Thomas, 28. 

 Hanewinckel, William Frederick, 224. 

 Hanson, Alexander Contee, 91. 

 Harkness, Richard, 191. 

 "Harlem, " 90. 

 _Harper's Magazine_, 204. 

 Harrison, Thomas, 160. Virginia, 160. 

 Harrover, Miss, 185. 

 Harry, Harriot Eliza, 271. 

 Harward, Ann, 76. 

 Haw, John Stoddert, 160, 213. Lucinda Stoddert, 215. 

 "Hayes, " 105. 

 Haynes, Aaron, 45. 

 Hazel's Stable, 209. 

 Hedges, Nicholas, 182. 

 Heiberg, Colonel and Mrs. , 201. 

 Heighe, Glorvina, 135. 

 "Heights, The, " 299. 

 Hein, Charles, 133. Col. O. L. , 133. Samuel, 132. 

 Henderson, Thomas, 213. 

 Henry Brand & Co. , 35. 

 Herr, Abraham H. , 202, 276. Austin, 276. 

 Herring Hill, 180. 

 Heugh, Andrew, 10, 15. 

 "Highlands, The, " 256. 

 Hight, Mrs. , 109. 

 Hill, Louis, 273. 

 Hinckley, Howard, 257. 

 Hines, Christian, 27. 

 Hoban, James, 38. 

 Hobbs, Miss, 159. 

 Hollerith, Hermann, 286. 

 Hollingsworth, Col. , 224. 

 Holmead, Anthony, 58. 

 Holy Hill, 131. 

 Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 116. 

 Home for the Blind, 291. 

 Hood, Admiral Sir Samuel, 90. 

 Hope, Eleanor, 227. 

 Hopkins, Diana, 130. Harry, 130. Mrs. Mary, 121. Rev. Matthew, 121. 

 Howard, Governor, 56. Nathaniel, 172. 

 Hubbard, Roberta, 120. 

 Hull, Captain Isaac, 128. Prince, 45. 

 Humboldt, Baron, 169. 

 Humbolt, 82. 

 Hume, Thomas L. , 209. 

 Hunter, William, 130. 

 Hyde, Anthony, 182. Granville, 182. Thomas, 183, 252. 

 Ihlder, Mr. And Mrs. John, 250. 

 _Impartial Observer and Washington Advertiser_, 47. 

 Independence, Declaration of, 70. 

 Indians, 4. Nacotchankes, 4. Anacostians, 4. 

 Industrial Home School, 9. 

 International Business Machines Corporation, 286. 

 Iran, Shah of, 113. 

 Irving, Washington, 82. 

 Islands, 65. Analostan, 65. Mason's, 65. My Lord's, 65. Barbadoes, 65. 

 Iturbide, Prince, 98. 

 Jackson, Andrew, 78, 92, 183. Samuel, 253. 

 James, Reverend Mr. , 200. 

 Jancerez, A. L. , 35. 

 Jefferson, Thomas, 4, 58, 70, 199, 254. 

 _Jersey_, 90. 

 John Glassford & Company, 14. 

 Johns, Margaret, 224. Captain Richard, 35. Sarah, 289. Thomas, 18. 

 Johnson, Andrew, 183. Thomas, 58, 59. Thomas, Jr. , 18. 

 Joiner, Robert, 42. 

 Jones, John, 44. 

 Joseph Semmes's Tavern, 31. 

 Josepha, Anna Maria, 254. 

 Joyce, Col. John J. , 295. 

 Kearns, Francis, 30. 

 Keith, James, 129. Rev. Ruel, 213. 

 Kennon, Mrs. Beverley, 106, 204, 261. Mrs. Britannia W. , 265. Martha, 154. Martha Custis, 266. 

 Key, Francis Scott, 99, 208, 213. Philip Barton, 18, 31, 95, 200, 208. 

 Keys, The, 40. 

 Kilty, Hon. Mr. , 56. 

 King, William, 18, 31, 87. 

 Kings Arms, 25. 

 Kirk, Alexander, 298. S. And Sons, 35. Thomas, 34. 

 Kirk's School, 163. 

 Knave's Disappointment, 11. 

 Knox, Mrs. McCook, 131. 

 Lacy, Benjamin, 30. 

 Lafayette, General, 144. 

 Laird, Helen, 146. John, 17, 87, 144, 146. Peggy, 148. William, 268. Mrs. William, 127. William, Jr. , 146. 

 Lancaster, Joseph, 212. 

 Lancastrian School, 136. 

 Langfitt, Colonel, 258. 

 Lanman, Charles, 239, 241. 

 _Lawrence, The_, 72. 

 Laws, Sunday, 76. 

 League of American Pen Women, 115. 

 Leakin, Rev. George, 143. 

 Lear's Wharf, 83. 

 Lee, General Charles, 253. Charlotte, 215. General Henry, 91. Mrs. Henry, 204. Margaret, 215. Richard Bland, 53. _R. E. _, 204. General Robert E. , 172, 267. Thomas Sim, 85, 297. 

 Lemon, Hannah, 87. 

 L'Enfant, 51. 

 Lewis, Fulton, Jr. , 279. Mr. And Mrs. Fulton, 279. Sir Wilmott, 115. 

 Leyhman, Christopher, 86. 

 Liancourt, Duc de la Rochefoucault, 16. 

 Libbey, Joseph H. , 218. Martha, 218. 

 Liberia, 103. 

 Liberty League, 201. 

 Light-Lane, 48. 

 Lincoln, Abraham, 149, 155. Robert Todd, 149. 

 Lingan, James Maccubbin, 17, 52, 58, 89, 306. Nicholas, 19, 232. Robert, 58. 

 Linthicum, Edward M. , 107, 161, 303. Institute, 163. Kate, 163. 

 Lippincott, Mrs. Hare, 160. 

 Lippman, Walter, 119. 

 Lipscomb's School, Miss, 155. 

 Little Old Stone House, The, 61. 

 Little Falls, The, 40. 

 Lockwood, Gen. Henry Hayes, 247. James, 247. 

 Lodge, Henry Cabot, 210. 

 Longfont, Major, 55. 

 Lord Baltimore, 5. 

 Lottery, 46. 

 Louise Home, 171, 269. 

 Loundes, Christopher, 109. Francis, 17. Rebecca, 109. 

 Lovering, William, 38. 

 Lover's Lane, 304. 

 Lowndes, Francis, 261. 

 Lower Marlboro, 67. 

 Lutz, John, 74, 106. 

 Lynch, Dominick, 58. 

 Lynn, David, 10, 301. Jane, 301. Rosetta, 301. 

 Lyon's Mill, 19. 

 Macaulay, Mrs. Edward, 113. 

 Mackall, Benjamin, 112, 200, 284, 298. Christiana Beall, 271. Christiana, 284. Leonard, 74, 112, 284, 298. Louis, 284. Dr. Louis, 181. Dr. And Mrs. Louis, 191. Sally Somervell, 291. 

 Madison, Dolly, 30, 254, 308. James, 30, 254. 

 Magruder, Dr. Hezekiah, 18, 202. James A. , 213. Mrs. James A. , 217. Samuel III, 10. 

 "Mamre, " 69. 

 Marbury, Eleanor, 289. John, 97, 141, 167. John, Jr. , 299. William, 95, 279. 

 Marburys, 130. 

 March, John, 35. 

 Marche, Madame de la, 36. Mary de la, 119. 

 Marlowe, Julia, 287. 

 Morsell, Judge, 157. 

 Marshall, John, 95. 

 Martineau, Mr. , 112. 

 Mary Margaret Home, 217. 

 Maryland Agricultural College, 172. 

 _Maryland Gazette_, 24, 25, 26, 46. 

 _Maryland Journal and Baltimore Advertiser, The_, 55. 

 Mason, Mrs. Beverley Randolph, 214. Emily V. , 250. James, 171. John, 50, 65, 69, 92, 200. John Thompson, 115. Robert, 7. 

 Matthews, Henry Cooksey, 215. 

 Maximilian, Emperor, 98. 

 McCartney, Mrs. , 196. 

 McCleery, Harry, 208. 

 McCormick, Mrs. Ruth Hannah, 252. 

 McCoy, Mrs. Frank R. , 273. 

 McCraith, Richard, 243. 

 McDermott, Maria, 119. 

 McDonald (Alexander, Mary), 42. Andrew, 32. 

 McGrath's Company, 43. 

 McIlvaine, Rev. Charles, 215. 

 McKenney, Henrietta, 196. Samuel, 74, 196, 212. Summerfield, 275. 

 McLaughlin, Charles, 30. 

 McLean, Mrs. Evalyn Walsh, 298. 

 McPherson, John D. , 283. 

 McVean, Dr. James, 216. Rev. James, 6, 181. Margaret, 181, 286. 

 Melvin, James, 83. 

 _Memories of Long Ago_, 133. 

 _Merrimac_, 136. 

 Merry, Anthony, 82. 

 Methodist Church, 161. 

 Methodist Episcopal Church, 197. 

 Meyer, Hon. And Mrs. Balthasar, 208. Sylvia, 208. 

 "Middlebrook, " 90. 

 Middleton, Miss, 143. 

 _Mikado_, 108. 

 Military Academy, 63. 

 Miller, Benjamin F. , 251. Mrs. Benjamin, 218. Hezekiah, 143. 

 Mitchell, Miss Kate, 303. 

 Maffitt, John, 83. 

 Monroe, James, 92, 254. 

 Monrovia, 103. 

 "Montrose, " 300. 

 Moore, Clement, 213. Frederick L. , 279. 

 Morris, Anthony, 254. Commodore Charles, 128. Gouveneur, 196. Louise, 167. Mrs. , 113. Rebecca, 254. Robert, 58, 70, 196. 

 Morrow, Hon. Dwight, 288. 

 Morsell, Judge, 219. 

 Morton, William, 213. 

 "Mount Airy, " 137. 

 "Mount Alban, " 254. 

 Mount Alto Hospital, 23. 

 Mount Vernon, 51, 173. 

 Mount Zion Methodist, 179. 

 Mountz, John, 85. 

 Murdock, John, 10, 17. William, 17, 52. 

 _Museum, The_, 33. 

 Myers, John, 213. 

 Napier, Lord and Lady, 169. 

 National Gallery of Art, 160, 202. 

 Naval Agent, 37. Observatory, U. S. , 134. 

 Neale, Rev. Francis, 116, 118. 

 Needham, John, 10. 

 Newbold, John L. , 258. Lydia, 257, 258. 

 New Orleans, Battle of, 93. 

 Nicholson, Commodore, 245. John, 58. 

 Nicolls, William, 224. 

 "Normanstone, " 305. 

 Norwood, Dr. William, 213. 

 Nourse, Major Charles, 254. Major Charles Joseph, 136. Elizabeth, 136. Miss Emily, 106, 247. Joseph, 83, 247, 253. Miss Mary, 267. Miss Rosa, 267. 

 "Oak Hill, " 83, 189. Cemetery, 167. 

 "Oak View, " 95, 269. 

 "Oaks, The, " 161, 300. 

 Odell, Thomas, 24. 

 Oden, Benjamin, 58. 

 Oeller's Hotel, 63. 

 Oertel, Reverend Mr. , 200. 

 _Old Houses in Georgetown Heights_, 161. 

 "Old White, " 172. 

 Old Yarrow, 206. 

 Olney Institute, 219. 

 O'Neal, John Carter, 289. 

 O'Neale, Peggy, 308. 

 O'Neill, Bernard, 10. 

 Order of Poor Clares, 118. 

 Orme, James, 83. John, 25, 26. Rev. John, 26, 288. Lucy, 26. William B. , 283. 

 Otie, Bishop James Hervey, 273. 

 Oueston family, 137. 

 Oulahan, Richard V. , 218. 

 Ould, Mattie, 130. Judge Robert, 130. 

 Owens, Isaac, 74. 

 Pairo, family, 112. 

 Pancost, Wm. , 38. 

 Parrott, Mrs. Jane. 68. Richard, 305. 

 Parrott's Mill, 19. 

 Patrenotre, Monsieur, 305. 

 "Patmos, " 69. 

 Patton, Mrs. James D. , 217. 

 Payne, John Howard, 91, 308. 

 Peabody Educational Fund, 177. 

 Peabody, George, 151, 174. 

 Pearson, Drew, 180. 

 Peirce, Edward, 58. James, 58. 

 Pendleton, Mr. , 270. Dr. William, 172. 

 Perrie, James, 10. 

 Perry, Commodore, 72. 

 Perthshire, 13. 

 Peter, Alexander, 153. America, 264. Ann Thomas Beall, 288. Armistead, 153. Armistead, Jr. , 261. Dr. Armistead, 140, 186, 266. Britannia, 264. Columbia, 264. David, 289, 302. Mrs. David, 289. Elizabeth, 67. Major George, 150, 151, 153, 175, 266. George Washington, 306. Jane, 302. John, 10, 50, 83, 86, 142. Margaret, 142. Robert, 10, 14, 47, 58, 66, 87, 105. Mrs. Robert, 80, 142. Sallie, 149. Thomas, 64, 262, 306. Mrs. Thomas, 64, 266, 275. Walter G. , 265. 

 Peter's Grove, 289. Square, 66. 

 _Philadelphia_, 128. 

 Philip, Henry, 156. 

 Philippe, Louis, 65, 82. 

 Phillips, E. , 34. 

 Pichon, Monsieur, 69. 

 Pick, Mrs. , 81. 

 Pickrell, Annie Graham, 209. John, 213. 

 Pinckney, William, 173. 

 Piney Branch, 5. 

 Pious Ladies, The, 119. 

 Pitt, George, 30. 

 Plater, Ann, 151. Rebecca, 93. Thomas, 90, 200. 

 Podestad, Marquis de, 219. 

 Pollock, Isaac, 253. 

 Pompean Hall, 29. 

 Poore, Ben Perley, 239, 240. 

 Post, Dr. , 144. 

 Potomac Fire Engine Co. , 37. Fire Insurance Company, 104. 

 Powell, Genevieve, 273. John Wesley, 272. 

 Presbyterian Church, 275. Sabbath School, 182. 

 President's House, 38. 

 "Pretty Prospect, " 11, 109. 

 Prince Georges County, Md. , 9. 

 _Princeton_, 275. 

 Prospect Cottage, 115. 

 "Prospect House, " 113. 

 Prout, William, 58. 

 "Quality Hill, " 115. 

 Radford, Admiral, 245. Sophy, 245. 

 Randolph, John, 82. 

 Read, Isabella, 144. Jane, 144. 

 _Red Devil, The_, 99. 

 Redin, Catherine, 155. Richard Wright, 153. William, 153. 

 Reed, Dr. Walter, 245. 

 "Red Top, " 269. 

 Reintzel, Daniel, 11. 

 Reverend Addison Belt's School, 163. 

 Richardson, Thomas, 10, 18, 52. 

 Ridgely, Anna Key, 128. Elizabeth, 123. 

 Riggs, Bank, 26, 104. Elisha, 165, 175. George W. , 165. 

 Riley, Marianna, 141. 

 "Riley's, Dr. , " 140. 

 Ritchie, Dr. Lewis, 131. Mary, 208. 

 Rittenhouse, Fannie, 252. Loulie, 258. 

 Robbins, Warren Delano, 252. 

 Roberdeau, Mr. 61. 

 Roberts, Owen J. , 210, 214. 

 Robertson, Thomas, 160. 

 Robinson, Margaret, 298. William, 297. 

 Roche, Captain de la, 189. 

 Rochefoucault, Madame de la, 119. 

 Rock Creek, 158, 179. 

 Rock of Dumbarton, 11. 

 Rogers, Mr. , 34. Dr. William Barton, 144. 

 Rolling Houses, 10. 

 Roman Church, The, 116. 

 Roosevelt, Franklin D. , 130. Mrs. Henry Latrobe, 246. James, 205. Theodore Memorial Association, 66. 

 "Rosedale, " 93. 

 Ross, Andrew, 83. 

 "Royal George, " 82. 

 Sailor's Oak, 23. 

 Sailor's Tavern, The, 30. 

 Saint Frances of Assisi, 118. 

 Saint John's Church, 115, 135. 

 Sayrs, Rev. Mr. , 199. 

 St. John's Episcopal Church, 199. 

 _Salem_, 29. 

 Sands, Comfort, 58. Admiral James Hogan, 202. William Franklin, 202. 

 Sartiges, Count de, 289. 

 Second U. S. Regiment, 202. 

 Seminary, Miss English's, 97. 

 Seminary, The, 183. 

 Semmes, Cora, 129. 

 _Sentinel of Liberty, The_, 33, 48. 

 Sevier, Mr. And Mrs. John, 226. 

 Schladt's, Joe, 107. 

 Schoofield, Jacob, 34, 81. 

 School for Young Ladies, 34. 

 Schultz, Mr. , 35. 

 Scotch Row, 69. 

 Scott, Arianna, 80. Captain Douglas, 202. Elizabeth, 66. George, 66. Gustavus, 19. Winfield, 287. 

 Shaffer, Amy, 129. 

 Sharpe, Louise, 119. 

 Shepherd, Alexander, 191. 

 Ships-- _Potomack Planter_, 22. _Brothers_, 22. _Betsy_, 22. _Ritson_, 22. _Felicity_, 22. _Lydia_, 22. _Columbia_, 22. 

 Shouse, Jouett, 201. 

 "Sign of the Golden Fan, " 35. 

 Sign of the Indian King, 31. 

 Sigsbee, Admiral, 250. 

 Simms, Mrs. Albert, 252. Captain Charles Carroll, 136. 

 Simpson, Ignatius, 27. James Alexander, 132, 206. John, 132. Reverend, Mr. , 220. 

 Slidell, Hon. John, 170. 

 Smith, Barbara, 86. Clement, 97, 125, 213, 299, 305. Gurdon B. , 168. James, 9, 130. Captain John, 3. Jennie, 224. Margaret, 76, 224. Matilda, 125, 299. Roberta, 224. 

 Smoot, John D. , 155. 

 Snyder, Dr. Arthur, 138. Dr. John M. , 137. 

 "Sotterley, " 93. 

 Sothern, E. H. , 287. 

 Southworth, Mrs. E. D. E. N. , 115. 

 "Sporting Parson, " 106. 

 Sprague, Kate Chase, 244. 

 "Spring Hill, " 71. 

 Stanton, Edwin M. , 308. 

 "Star and Garter, " 177. 

 _Star-Spangled Banner, The_, 101. 

 Steele, Franklin, 113. Frank, 275. 

 Stephenson, Lucy, 135. 

 Steuben, General von, 60. 

 Stevens, George, 31, 32. Oscar, 143. 

 Steuart, Adam, 10, 18. 

 Stewart, William, 200. 

 Stoddert, Benjamin, 10, 16, 47, 58, 112, 307. Captain Thomas, 16. 

 Stohlman, Frederick, 108. J. William, 108. 

 Stohlman's, 108. 

 Stone House, 86. 

 Stone, John H. , 58. 

 Stouffer, Henry, 47. 

 Strange, Michael, 207. 

 Stuart, Albert Rhett, 214, 216. David, 56, 59. Gilbert, 44, 159. Joshua, 182. Col. Philip, 307. 

 Sumner, Charles, 163. 

 _Surprise_, 77. 

 Suter, John, 27, 28. John, Jr. , 86. 

 "Swallow Barn, The, " 200. 

 Symonds, Misses, 120. 

 Tabor, Alice, 119. 

 Taft, Senator Robert A. , 280. 

 Talcott, E. M. , 206. Miss Lucia, 286. 

 Talleyrand, 82. 

 Tavern, Union, 81. 

 Tayloe, Annie, 138. Jane, 302. John, 89, 302. Sophie, 138. 

 Temple of Islam, 179. 

 Templeman, John, 111. 

 Tenally Town, 257. 

 Tennally, John, 31. 

 Tenney, William H. , 214, 220. 

 Tenneys, Miss, 214. 

 Terrace Top, 287. 

 Thaw, Blair, 130. 

 Thomas, Edward, 47. Gen. George C. , 219. 

 Thompson, Charles, 51. George, 83, 93. 

 Thomson, Elizabeth, 234. 

 Thornton, William, 31. Mrs. William, 30. Dr. William, 89, 263. 

 Threlkeld, Elizabeth, 123. Henry, 17, 121. Jane, 125, 299. John, 63, 123. 

 Tillinghast, Rev. N. P. , 239. 

 Timberlake, Mr. , 308. 

 _Times and Potowmack Packet_, 28, 45, 46, 51. 

 Toby, Lemuel, 22. 

 Tohoga, 4. 

 Tudor Place, 89, 154, 261. 

 "Tunlaw, " 209. 

 Tschuda, Ume, 241. 

 Turner, Nancy Byrd, 36. 

 Turner's Counting House, 44. 

 Tyler, Dr. Grafton, 149, 187. Mittie, 182. Dr. Walter Bowie, 189. 

 _Undiplomatic Memories_, 202. 

 Union Bank, 87, 108. Hotel, 77. Tavern, 29, 64. 

 United States Bank, 183. 

 Upper Marlboro, 26. 

 Vanderwerken, Mr. , 85. 

 Van Devanter, Christopher, 202. Sally, 202. 

 Van Nell, John P. , 58. 

 Van Ness, Marcia Burns, 308. 

 Victoria, Queen, 177. 

 _Vigilant, The_, 36. 

 Villard, R. H. L. , 35. 

 "Vineyard, The, " 134. 

 "Virginia Dons, " 15. _Gazette, The_, 18. Military Institute, 172. 

 Visitation Convent, 118. 

 Volney, Count, 82. 

 Volta Place, 206. Speech Association, 121. 

 Wadsworth, Hon. James J. , 131. 

 Waggaman, Thomas E. , 201. 

 Walker, George, 15, 58. Mr. And Mrs. John, 160. 

 Wapping, 40. 

 War Department, 170. 

 Warburton Manor, 63. 

 Ward, Ulysses, 213. 

 "Warehouse Lot, " 87. 

 Warren, Mr. , 93. 

 Washington Cathedral, 68. City Orphan Asylum, 170. Eleanor Ann, 287. _Federalist, The_, 30. George, 12, 15, 28, 51, 58. George Corbin, 287. John Augustine, 287. 

 Washington and Lee University, 172. 

 Washington, Lewis, 287. 

 "Washington Merry-Go-Round, " 180. 

 Walters, William, 74. 

 Weaver's, Admiral House, 156. 

 Webster, Daniel, 169, 174. 

 _Weekly Ledger, The_, 33. 

 Weems, Doctor, 18. 

 Welsh, James, 35. 

 West, Mrs. Frank, 299. 

 West Washington School for Girls, 215. 

 Western Channel, 22. 

 Western High School, 126. 

 "Weston, " 257. 

 Whann, David, 89. Jane Maffitt, 181. William, 83. 

 Wheatleys, 130. 

 Wheeler, Elizabeth, 58. 

 Whiskey Insurrectionists, 150. 

 Whitall, Samuel, 257. Sarah, 257. 

 White House, 39. 

 White, Jane, 31. 

 White Sulphur, 177. 

 White's Tavern, Mrs. , 44. 

 Wigglesworth, Hon. Richard B. , 131. 

 Wilcox, Ella Wheeler, 295. 

 Wiley, Dr. David, 83, 181, 216. Rev. David, 34. 

 Wilkinson, General, 150. Theodore, 141. 

 Willard Hotel, 277. 

 William and Mary College, 172. 

 William of Orange, Prince, 13. 

 Williams, Alec, 140. Brooke, 291. Brooke, Jr. , 275. Mrs. Brooke, Sr. , 274 Elisha O. , 160. Mrs. Elisha O. , 270, 289. Harriot Beall, 144, 202, 274, 291. Jeremiah, 191. Gen. Otho Holland, 52, 219. Mrs. Rebecca, 291. Dr. Walter, 216. Capt. William G. , 263. 

 Williamson, Rev. Alexander, 105. Mrs. , 156. 

 Wilson, William, 87. 

 Winant, John G. , 205. 

 Winslow, Mary, 274. 

 Wirt, William, 34, 81. 

 Wise, John, 26. 

 Wood, Admiral and Mrs. Spencer, 160. 

 "Woodlawn, " 89. 

 "Woodley, " 95. 

 Woods, Marian, 156. 

 "Woodyard, " 9. 

 Worthington, Dr. Charles, 115, 200, 298. Mr. And Mrs. John, 156. Lilah, 156. Nicholas, 115. 

 Yellow Tavern, 205. 

 Young, Abraham, 58. Notley, 58. William, 58. 

 Zeller, Mary, 217. 

Transcriber's Notes. 

The copyright clearance of this work has been researched and noindications were found that the U. S. Copyright was renewed. 

Punctuation has been normalised, and hyphenation of words outside quotedmaterial has been made consistent, without comment here. 

Due to the large number of variant spellings in the material quoted inthis work, the following possible typographic errors in quoted materialhave not been corrected:

 Page ix: "trnsubstantiation. "

 Page 20: "American indenpendence. "

 Page 30: "June 31, 1800. "

 Page 38: "George Town, where he palns to. "

 Page 38: "Carpenter, can by the asistance. "

 Page 49: "number of dogs in Gerogetown. "

 Page 133: "a freqeunt visitor. "

 Page 158: "Rensselear. "

 Page 282: "admit mere curisoity. "

 Page 283: "blissful comsummation. "

 Page 292: "The mariage ceremony. "

On Page 7 "at the the feast of the Annunciacion" was corrected to "atthe feast of the Annunciacion. "

The following typographic errors outside quoted materials have beencorrected:

 Page 32: "Paquet" to "Packet, " and on Page 32 and Page 51: "Potomack" to "Potowmack, " to match other instances of the name of the "_Times and Potowmack Packet_. "

 Page 67: "Garnirke" to "Garnkirke. "

 Page 74: "Samuel McKenny" to "Samuel McKenney. "

 Page 109: "vari-clored" to "vari-colored"

 Page 127: "Mr. And Mrs. Willliam Laird" to "Mr. And Mrs. William Laird. "

 Page 129: "many other in this part" to "many others in this part. "

 Page 157: "Artistocratic" to "Aristocratic, " per Bibliography. 

 Page 172: "the Greenbiar" to "the Greenbriar. "

 Page 174: "ninety strokes as cariage" to "ninety strokes as carriage. "

 Page 175: "Encyclopedia" to "Encyclopædia, " to match other references to "_The Encyclopædia Britannica_. "

 Page 280: "Lincoln's assasination" to "Lincoln's assassination. "

 Page 313: "Beavoir School" to "Beauvoir School"

 Page 320: "Queston family" to "Oueston family. "

 Page 314: "Burres, David" to "Burnes, David" and "Calton, Joseph" to "Carlton, Joseph. "

 Page 317: "Hallerith, Hermann" to "Hollerith, Hermann. "

 Page 318: Indentation of Index entry for "Keith, Rev. Ruel, " corrected. 

 Page 319 "Marsell, Judge" to "Morsell, Judge" and "McCloy, Mrs. Frank R. " to "McCoy, Mrs. Frank R. "

 Page 321: "Phillyss, E. " to "Phillips, E. "

 Page 322: "Soyrs, Rev. Mr. " to "Sayrs, Rev. Mr. "

 Page 323: "Thomsen, Elizabeth" to "Thomson, Elizabeth. "

The Index has been re-ordered after correction so that entries are inalphabetical order. 

Further it is noted that:

 On Page 288, in "to live one another" one or more words is missing. 

 There is variation in the spelling of "Tenally Town", which is also given as "Tennally Town" on Page 31, where the name is related to that of its founder John Tennally. Both spellings appear to have been in common usage.