m EL c J- , J IE IE V K.B.T, THE QUEENS AMERICAN SOCIETY. MRS. ELLET, AUTHOR OF "THE WOMEN OF TIIK AMERICAN RKVOI.UTION, "WOMEN ARTISTS," ETC. SIXTH PHILADELPHIA: PORTER & COATES 1873. Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1867, by CHARLES SCBIBNER & CO., In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for th Southern District of New York. PEEFAOE. SOME friends have objected, in advance, to the title of thia volume, on the ground that the term "queens," as applied to the subjects, seems out of place in the society of a republic. But if we call to mind how continually and universally the expression is used in ordinary conversation, it must be conceded that no other would do as well. We are all accustomed to hear of any leading lady that she is "a perfect queen," the "queen of society," a "reigning belle," the "queen of the occasion," &c. The phrase is in every one's mouth, and no one is misled by it. The sway of Beauty and Fashion, too, is essentially royal ; there is nothing re- publican about it. Every, belle, every leader of the ton, is despotic in proportion to her power; and the quality of imperial authority is absolutely inseparable from her state. I maintain, therefore, that no title is so just and appropriate to the women illustrated in this work, as that of " queens." It may be thought that too much space has been given to per- sonal description and accounts of dress and entertainments. It should be borne in mind, that the subjects are the Flowers of the sex choice and cultivated flowers not representatives of woman- kind in general. To them especially and necessarily pertain the Adornments of person and the luxury of surroundings; and in scenes of festal display they are the stars of attraction. To pre- sent them without the adjuncts and associations of dress and gayety would be fair neither to them nor the reader. There is significance, too, in the style of decoration and amusements, as well as that of daily living. The style prevalent in the early days of the republic differed widely from the present, as does that of the West and the South from ours in the metropolis and the Atlantic cities. 550943 ii PREFACE. In a country so extensive embracing such diversities in cli- mate, habits of life, and tone of the community it cannot certain- ly be expected that society should have always and everywhere the eame prevailing features. The differences are marked in different sections ; and a social favorite in one might be regarded in another as entitled to no distinction. It will be obvious, therefore, how unfair it would be to measure by the same rules those who have been made unlike by diverse origin, customs, and training. There are points of similarity enough, if a broad and liberal view of other conditions be taken. I trust the candid reader will admit that the women most prominent in our society have had better than frivolous claims to distinction ; that they have possessed high moral worth and supe- rior intellect. Many of them have devoted their influence and efforts to works of charity. It is the blessing of New York so justly reproached as the temple of money-worship that her most elevated society is pervaded by a noble spirit of benevolence, and the refinement of taste growing out of mental culture. A line 6f distinction is drawn between the class that confers honor on the country, and mere shallow and vulgar pretenders whose lavish display of wealth is their only merit. Abundant materials for the illustration of this latter class were at hand, but they have not been used. It has seemed to me that a comprehensive view of the best society would be a valuable part of the country's history. It is curious and interesting to trace the noted families whose descend- ants have spread over the land, and, parting with the aristocracy derived from ancient blood, have risen to individual distinction. The limits of a single volume are too narrow to do full justice to t 1 .") subject; but enough is done to show the study a worthy one. The reader is indebted for the memoir of Mrs. Jay, to the pen of her gifted descendant, Mr. John Jay, of New York. CONTENTS. I. PASS The Early Colonial Society In the South and the East Leading Ladies Prominent Families The Virginia School of Aristoc- racyMrs. Washington The Birthnight Ball New York as the Capital The President's Title Reception of Mrs. "Washington The Inauguration Establishment of the " Republican Court "- - Presidential Receptions Count de Moustier's Ball, 4c. New Year's Calls Prominent Ladies Charles Carroll's Family Fam- ily of Thomas Jefferson Noted Ladies 13 II. The Livingston Family Governor William Livingston and hia Daugh- ters Miss Susan saving the Papers Lady Stirling and her Daughter Sarah's Marriage Mrs. Jay during the gloomy Pe- riod of War Sailing for Spain Disasters at Sea Correspond- ence Letters of Mrs. Robert Morris, &c. Description of Mrs. Jay Society in Paris at the Period Negotiation of American Commissioners for the Conclusion of Peace Jay's Agency Prevailing Fashions La Fayette's Family Intimacy with Dr. Franklin Brilliant Circle of Celebrities around his Table His Letters to Mrs. Jay Mrs. Jay at Chaillot Correspondence Return to New York Society there Dinner Guests Home Occupation Mrs. Jay Managing the Estate Her Character. ... 4i III. The Early Aristocracy of New England Customs Brissot's Obser- vations John Quincy Adams' Descriptions of several Belles Mrs. Cashing The Misses Allen Mercy Warren Mrs. Knoi The Sheaffe Ladies Mrs. Adams Her Sisters, &c. Mrs. Smith Her Letters on Society John Quincy Adams' Opinion of New York Beauties Madame de Marbois Mrs. John Quincy Adams, &c 85 4 CONTENTS. IV. PACK The Quiney Family Marriage of Dorothy to John Hancock Mrs. Hancock's Patriotism Her House in Boston Style of Living- General Washington's Visit The Breakfast to the French Fleet Complimentary Dinner to Mrs. Hancock by the Admiral Anecdotes Plate in Use Hancock's Epicurean Taste Break- ing the China Samuel Adams going to Jail The Governor's Last Hours Mrs. Hancock's Attractions Mrs. Greene Mrs. Wooster Countess Rumford 113 y. Philadelphia Society in Early Times The Willing Famfly Philadel- phia the Center of Fashionable Gayety Mrs. Bingham Her Life abroad Miss Adams' Letters about her Her Home in Philadelphia Her Country Seat Brilliant Society Mrs. Bing- ham's Taste in Dress and Entertainments Her Beauty and Pleas- ing Manners Jefferson's Letter to her French Noblemen The First Masquerade Ball Judge Chase at Dinner Illness and Departure of Mrs. Bingham Mrs. Robert Morris 135 VI. Foreign Writers on American Society Extravagance of the Women The Wistar Parties The Misehianza Fete in Honor of the Dauphin Miss Graeme Mrs. Bache Miss Vining Miss Mar- garet Shippen Mrs. Arnold Miss Franks Lady Johnston's Interview with General Scott Mrs. Stockton Mrs. Rufus King Mrs. Bruyn Mrs. Sqhuyler Mrs. Hamilton Jerome Bona- parte's Marriage to Miss Patterson Her after Life Mrs. Wilson 149 vii. fhe Van Cortlandt Family Mrs. Beekman " Castle Philipse " The Old Dutch Church Locality of the "Legend of Sleepy Hollow" Region of Romance Mrs. Gates Mrs. Benjamin H. Field Descended of Distinguished Families The De Peyster Family- Its remarkable Men Mrs. Field one of few Americans Marriage to Mr. Benjamin H. Field His Ancestry" Silver Wedding " Poem by Bishop Coxe, addressed to Mrs. Field 171 CONTENTS. VIII. PAOB Early Society at the South In Charleston, South Carolina Promi- nent Belles "Moll Harvey" Paulina- the Heiress Mrs. Riv- ington Mrs. Singleton Whig Ladies Mrs. Brewtou "Mad Archy's" Marriage A Brilliant Ball Epigram Mrs. Motte Mrs. Gibbes Mrs. Barnard Elliott Mrs. "William Elliott Mrs. Lewis Morris Mrs. Jane Elliott Anna Elliott Mrs. Calhoun Esther AVake and Lady Tryon Mrs. Wilie Jones and Mrs. Ashe Mrs. Ralph Izard Princess Achille Murat (note) 181 IX. Belles among the Pioneers of Tennessee Miss Hart Miss Bledsoe The Lady of "Plum Grove "Mrs Sevier Miss Sevier Th Belle of Natchez Mrs. Iimis Mrs. Combs Mrs. Robertson Mrs. Kenton Mrs. Talbot Miss St. Clair Mrs. Sibley Mr* Walworth Mrs. Heald Mrs. Kinzie Mrs. Allen Miss Traak !Q5 X. Memoir of Mrs. Polk Early Marriage Winters in Washington- Circles of distinguished Persons Mrs. Polk's Dignity and Grace Her Benevolence Mr. Polk Governor of Tennessee Klected President of the United States Mrs. Poik's admirable Tact and noble Qualities She will not have Dancing Mrs. Maury's Ac- count of her Leaving the White House Her Home in Nashville Testimony of Respect by the Legislature and Military Compa- nies Mrs. Huntington of Indiana Her Beauty and admirable Character Mrs. "Florida White" Mrs. Pleasants The Daugh- ters of Governor Adair Mrs. Jacob Brown La Fayette's Letter to her Mrs. Henry Clay Mrs. Joshua Francis Fisher Miss Sallie Ward The Belle of the Southwest Her Father Mrs. Robert J. Ward Early Training Rare Gifts of the young Girl Popular Admiration Presentation of Flags to the Louisville Legion, &c. The Greeting on their Return Mrs. Johnston A Fancy Ball Dress Mrs. Hunt's Beauty and imperial Elegance Taste in Dress Mrs. Hunt's Charity Her Elevation of Mind Her splendid Home in New Orleans A Masquerade Ball Domestic Retirement. . . 213 6 CONTENTS. XI. MM Memoir of Mrs. Madison Her Family Her Beauty and Fascinations Her first Marriage and Widowhood Her Marriage to Mr. Mad- ison Hospitality at Home The new National Capital re- claimed by Mrs. Madison Her elegant and liberal Style of Entertainment The Presidential Election The Inauguration Festivities Danger of the Capital in 1814 Mrs. Madison's Let- ter Her noble Conduct Celebration of Peace Mrs. Madison's Mountain Home Letter from Judge Johnson Montpelier The aged Mother-in-law Mrs. Madison's Letter Her Return to Washington Loss of Fortune Her Last Days Anecdotes Eleanor Parke Custis Mrs. Mary Custis Mrs. Marshall Mrs. Sitgreaves Mrs. Wallace 238 XII. Mrs. J. P. Van Ness A distinguished Belle and HeiressHer Mar- riage Splendid House in Washington Elegant Hospitality Brilliant Circle Her Personal Attractions Her Piety and Char- ity Marriage of her Daughter to Arthur Middleton Death of Mrs. Middleton Mrs. Van Ness's Retirement, from Society Founding of the Orphan Asylum Her Burial with Public Honors Mrs. Woodbury Mrs. McLane Miss Butt Mrs. Edward Liv- ingston Miss Cora Livingston Mrs. Thomas Barton Evening Scene at the White House Mrs. Andrew Jackson Pure Morals and Taste in Society 264 XIII. Mrs. J. J. Roosevelt Her Mother, Mrs. Cornelius P. Van Ness The Governor's hospitable Home in Vermont Residence in Madrid Miss Cornelia Van Ness A brilliant Belle in Washington In Spain with the Ambassador Her Admission to the exclusive Circles of the Spanish Grandees Favor shown her by the King and Queen of Spain Her Marriage in Paris La Fayette bestows the Bride Return to America Letter of La Fayette Mrs. Roosevelt helps to reform a Social Usage in Washington Tri- butes in her Album Her Correspondence with distinguished Persons Her Leadership of Society in New York Superinten- dence of the " Knickerbocker Kitchen,'' &c. Lady Ouseley Her Stay in Washington 281 CONTENTS. 7 XIV. PAOI Mrs. "Winfield Scott Scott's and Washington Irving's Tributes to "William C. Preston of South Carolina The Preston Family- Mrs. William Preston Mrs. Merrick Anecdote Mrs. William C. Preston Baron Raumer and the Peacock Mrs. Preston in Columbia, South Carolina Her Illness and Death Mrs. Renwick Celebrated by Burns The Blue-Eyed Lassie of Lochmaben Picture of her New York Life Her House Washington Irving'a "Ark" Mrs. John C. Stevens Her Masquerade Ball Mrs. Parish Mrs. Hickson Field Mrs. Redfleld Mrs. Leavenworth. 295 XV. Memoir of Mrs. Harrison Gray Otis Her Widowhood Return from abroad Her Devotion to Works of Charity The Mount Vernon Ball Washington's Birthday made a Public Holiday through the Influence of Mrs. Otis Her Receptions and Soirees Her com- manding Position Her Relinquishment of Social Honors to take Charge of the Enterprise for the Benefit of Poor Soldiers and their Families Extracts from Reports Her Perseverance and Benevolence The Swedish Compliment to her Successful Closing of the House Tributes to Mrs. Otis Her Portrait in the " Gallery of Fallen Heroes " Her patriotic Liberality Miss Mar- shallMrs. Derby Mrs. Wallace Mrs. William H. Prescott Miss Harriet Preble 311 XVI. Memoir of Mrs. Crittenden Her Family Early Marriage Her Daughters Stay in Washington " The Belle of the Capital" Mrs. Ashley the Center of a Brilliant Circle Residence in St. Louis in her Widowhood Education of her Daughters Winters in Washington Always a Favorite in Society Her Tact, Grace, and generous Kindness Marriage to Hon. J. J. Crittenden Ap- pearance in Washington Address to her at the National Hotel Her Removal to New York Miss Lane Miss Fendall Misa Morgan Mrs. McLean Mrs. Slidell Her Appearance at a Ball, &c. Mrs. A. G. Brown, of Mississippi Mrs. A. V. Brown, of Tennessee Entertainment at her House Mrs. Calhoun Miss Dahlgren Mrs. Pringle Mrs. Duval, of Louisiana Prominent Richmond Ladies Mrs. Reverdy Johnson Mrs. Douglas Mrs. Gaines Mrs. Thornton . . . 321 8 CONTENTS. XVII. PAGB Ladies prominent in Benevolent Enterprise Mrs. James "W. White Her Family Her Mother" The sweet Song" of her Girlhood Daniel Dickinson's Letter Her Marriage Mr. White's Family "Castle Comfort " : Perfect Domestic Management A happy Home Instruction of her Children Their Musical Talent Mrs. "White's noble Works The first Great Fair The first private Charity Soiree Fair in the Academy of Music Letter of the Archbishop Method of Home Education Home Amusements Drawing-room Operas Mrs. White's Correspondence and In- fluence Senora del Bal Her great Work in Santiago Origin of* the Idea of the "Nursery and Child's Hospital" Charity of Mrs. Thomas Addis Emmet and Mrs. Cornelius Dubois Erection of the Building Fashionable Entertainments for its Benefit- Other fashionable Charities Mrs. Dubois Mrs. Emmet 342 XVIII. Memoir of Mrs. Rush Her Education Dr. James Rush She takes the Lead in Philadelphia Social Life Her splendid Home Enlarged Hospitalities Description of her Acknowledged the Queen of Society in Philadelphia Parties and Receptions Celebrities shown Musical Character of the Receptions Mrs. Rush's Estimate of Intellect Her Disregard of Conventional Distinctions Her Life at Saratoga Springs A Fancy Ball The Succession in Seats next her at Table Conditions imposed Her Dresses Her last Ball at Home The Robbery of her Jewels Her last Summer at Saratoga Illness and Death Mrs. Mac- Gregor Mrs. Daniel Webster Mrs. Henry D. Gilpin Brilliant in Washington Society as Mrs. Johnston Her Marriage to Mr. Gilpin Their Tour in Europe Attentions received in London Hospitalities extended by Persons of Rank and Literary Repute Mrs. Gilpin's Tour on the Continent Ascent of the Nile Visit to Asia Minor Turkey Greece Acquaintance with the Earl of Carlisle Mrs. Gilpin's Home in Philadelphia Her Mu- sical Receptions Her Hospitality and Charities 363 XIX. Mrs. Coventry Waddell Her Family Her Marriage Mr. Waddell's noble Ancestry '"Murray Hill" Hospitalities, and brilliant Par- ties at this Villa Tributes of Foreign Visitors Mrs. Waddell at Saratoga Ball at Murray Hill Fancy Dresses Complimentary CONTENTS. FAGB Letter of "Washington Irving Ball at Murray Hill Mr. Thack- eray's Letter Mrs. Waddell's playful Wit Loss of Fortune- Cheerfulness in Adversity Home in the Highlands Suburban Eesidence near New York Mrs. Wadsworth Mrs. Montgomery Ritchie Miss Schaumburg Her Ancestors Her Gifts in Vocal Music and Poetry A Belle in Philadelphia Society Admired by the Prince of Wales Her wonderful Dramatic Talent Perform- ances at the Amateur Theater for Charity Ristori's Surprise and Delight 382 XX. Memoir of Madame Le Yert Her extraordinary Popularity Cause of such universal Admiration unmixed with Envy Her warm and kind Heart Her Family Childhood of Octavia Visit to La Fayette Classic and Scientific Studies Miss Walton a great Linguist Friendship with Washington Irving Marriage Friendship with Lady Emmeline Stuart Wortley Her Poem ad- dressed to Madame Le Vert Visit to England Distinguished Attentions to Madame Le Vert Invitation to a Court Ball before her Presentation A Star in the Court Circle Presentation at the French Court, &c. Return to Mobile Her crowded Recep- tionsMiss Bremer's Tribute-yDescription of a Ball at her House in Mobile Madame Le Vert in Washington At Newport At Saratoga Years of Trial at the South Bereavements Visit in New York In Washington Return to her Birth-place In New Orleans Devotion of her Servants. MRS. ACKLEN Her Loveli- ness and Virtues Marriage and Widowhood "Bellemonte" The most beautiful Home in the Southwest Her Charity and Hospitality Her Marriage to Dr. Cheatham. Mrs. Stanard of Richmond Miss Emily Mason of Kentucky Presides at the Gov- ernor's House in Detroit A Celebrity in New Orleans, &c. Loss of Fortune The Market Farm Rural Life Seizure of her Home Suspected as a Spy Her Benevolent Labors in the Hospitals and for Southern Girls Rosa Vertner Jeffrey 396 XXI. Memoir of Mrs. Fremont Her peculiar Influence Her Maternal Ancestry Colonel McDowell's eminent Position Region in Virginia where the Family was settled Early Customs Con- tempt of mere Moneyed Aristocracy The leading Families opposed to Slavery Established Order of Society Thackeray's 10 CONTENTS. Types of the best Class Absence of deceptive Display Charac- ter of the true "Virginia Gentleman" Colonel Benton's Fanillv In connection with leading Families of the State Mrs. Albert Sidney Johnston Colonel Benton's Family in Washington In St. Louis In New Orleans The Changes in Travel, and varied Experiences Mrs. Benton's Washington Coteries She gives Freedom to her Slaves Miss Benton's early Studies and Society Experiences Marriage to Mr. Fremont Share in his Western Adventure The Flatteries of Society in Washington Detention at Panama Mrs. Fremont's Residence in California The prac- tical Evidence of her Example said to influence the Decision for Freedom Her Experiences in Western Life The honest Spa- niards Mrs. Fremont's Visit to Europe Privileged at the Eng- lish Court Scene in Paris at the Restoration of the Empire Scene at the Court of St. James The Campaign of 1856 Again in Paris Count de la Garde's Album left to Mrs. Fremont Let- ter of Queen Hortense Mrs. Fremont at St. Louis during the \y ar Her Removal to New York Her Country Seat on the Hudson Her Home Life and Instruction of her Children Her active Charities and Aid to Benevolent Associations The Brown Locks suddenly silvered Mrs. Fremont's brilliant Wit and Humor Her prepossessing personal Appearance 428 XXII. Mrs. Hills The American Improvisatrice in Music Lydia Maria Child enchanted by her Playing Mrs. Osgood's Impromptu Lines Mrs. Girard's Introduction of Morning Receptions Mrs. Hills' " Mission " Remark of Willis Improvisation Her Concerts at Dr. Ward's Theater Mrs. John Schermerhorn Miss Minnie Parker Miss Hetty Carey Miss Lillie Hitchcock Mrs. Harvey Miss Breckenridge Mrs. William Schermerhorn Her Fancy Ball Mrs. Hamilton Fish Mrs. Auguste Belmont Brown, the Sexton and Manager of Entertainments Poetical Tribute to him Present Leaders in Boston The Ladies prominent in Fashion- able Life not merely Frivolous, but Women of superior Intellect and Culture Ball in Fifth Avenue Presidential Reception New Fashion at Delmonico's Recent Changes in Social Life "Faot" People The "Shoddy" and "Petroleum" Element Those who scatter Money merely for Display not worthy to he named The Ball Season of 1866 "Fast" Ladies Pure Aris- tocracy in New York , 449 THE QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY, I. ANY view of society in the United States must, of necessity, take in a variety of aspects. During the existence of the Eepublic, there has been no period when its social condition was like that of a compact nation which had been a unity in its origin, growth, and development. In the early colonial days, the lead- ing society in the North, in the East, and in the South was composed of diverse elements ; in each section dif- fering from that of others. Yirginia the first colony that could boast an aristocracy traced her proud and gentle blood to ancient families of England ; in Penn- sylvania, and farther south, the best society came of that stock of continental Protestantism the French and Flemish refugees whom the bigotry of Philip the Second in one century, and of Louis XIY. in the next, drove from their homes and places of worship, to seek, in the wild solitudes of a new world, " freedom to worship God." To these, in Pennsylvania, were 14 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY. added the Quakers, who came to the country with William Penn. In ISTew England, the Puritan element mingled with an aristocracy created by prosperity and growing wealth. Thus the social phases presented had various aspects, modified, in the progress of years, by the various modes of living. The unity of -feeling produced by the Revolution caused some change and assimilation, so far as the great cities were concerned ; in other portions of the Union social differences not only continued to exist, but developed into more marked peculiarities. We cannot help observing this in the most general survey. About the middle of the last century we find a ruling class in families of wealth and distinction living hun- dreds of miles apart. We note this when we read of George Washington being entertained at the house of Beverley Robinson, and being captivated by the charms of his host's fair sister-in-law, Mary Philipse. She was the daughter of the lord of the old manor of Philips- borough, who owned an immense estate on the Hudson. Her marriage afterwards with Captain Roger Morris, and the confiscation of that portion of the Philipse estate, led to the formation of a home of another character. Both Mrs. Morris and her sister, Mrs. Robinson, who shared in the outlawry and attainder, were leaders in the society of that period, and remarkable for graces and accomplishments. About 1749 Mrs. Jeykell was leading lady of the ton in Philadelphia, pre-eminent in beauty and fashion. She THE FIRST BALL LADY FRANKLAND. 15 was the grand-daughter of the first Edward Shippen, and married a brother of Sir Joseph Jeykell, secretary to Queen Anne. The first dancing assembly, said to have been held in Philadelphia in 1748, had its subscription list mostly filled with names of English families attached to the Church of England. The list was under the direction of John Inglis and other gentlemen, and each subscrip tion was forty shillings. The custom was universal among men, of wearing the hair tied up with ribbon, in a long bunch, in a form called a queue. Gentlemen's coats were made of cloth or velvet, of all colors ; the collar being sometimes of a different hue from the coat. In the Supreme Court the Judges, in winter, wore robes of scarlet faced with black velvet ; in the summer, full black silk go\vns. Agues, Lady Frankland, was the wife of Sir Charles Henry Frankland, Baronet, who was buried alive at the great earthquake at Lisbon ; and being rescued through the efforts of the young girl, married her in 1755. Lady Frankland came to America after his death in 1768, and was allowed an escort to Boston by the Provincial Congress, and to take " seven trunks, beds and bedding, boxes, crates, a basket of chickens, some ham and veal, two barrels and a hamper, two horses and chaises, one phaeton, and small bundles." The biography of Catalina Schuyler, written by Anne McYickar, well known as Mrs. Grant, is an inter- esting memorial of early times. Catalina was the niece 16 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY. of the first Colonel Philip Schuyler. She was born in 1702, and married her cousin, Philip Schuyler. Her house, near Albany, was a fine building, with large latticed portico with seats. The birds had their nests in the trees, and were so tame they would run across the table with insects or crumbs for their young. The Hud- son river was in front, and on its brink, under elm and sycamore trees, ran a road to Saratoga and the Lakes. The French Canadian prisoners usually called the good lady " Madame Schuyler," and she was "Aunt Schuyler" to the country people. ' She kept a liberal table, and had much influence in the primitive society of the coun- try, though old-fashioned in her manners. Her superior mind and education, her virtues of character, and her majestic grace, commanded general respect. British officers of rank and merit were fond of visiting her. She read a great deal; and Milton and the Scriptures were her constant companions. When she laid down the book she always took up her knitting. The grave of her husband was on the grounds near the house, and she was accustomed to sit near it. The fringe of civilization on the colonial seaboard in 1770 and 1771 was very narrow, for though across the continent scattered military settlements extended to the Ohio, a hostile Indian population was not farther than the Susquehanna and the Lehigh from Philadelphia, then but a large village, with village habits and modes of life. For all articles of luxury, and even many of necessity, the colonies were dependent on the " Old THE FITZHUGH FAMILY. 17 Country;" and the few ships which periodically crossed the Atlantic were freighted with hats, shoes, pins, needles, and clothing of all kinds. Mrs. Reed, writing to her brother, in 1772, sends to England for " bowed cap-wires, quilted caps," and a gown to be dyed u any color it will take best." The literary taste of the period was the same prevalent in England, when the "Idler," the " Rambler," " Thomson's Seasons," or " Young's Night Thoughts," and their contemporary books, formed the current literature. In religious history, the time was that of the supervening of enthusiastic devotion upon the formalism of the Church of England ; of the diffusion of the spirit that animated Wesley and White- field to lift a banner alien to old forms, and rally round it the humble and the poor. One of the most prominent Maryland families was that of Fitzhugh. It was ancient and honorable in England. The first settler in America was William Fitzhugh ; he made a home in Westmoreland County, Yirginia, and married Miss Tucker. From him de- scended all the Fitzhughs in "Virginia, Maryland, and Western New York. William was an eminent lawyer, and managed land causes for the great landholders. He was counselor for the first Robert Beverley, and trans- acted business for Lord Culpepper. Martha Washington is venerated as the earliest rep- resentative among the ladies prominent in our repub- lican society. She belonged to the Yirginia school of aristocracy. The original settlements of that colony 18 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY. were agricultural, and the early settlers brought with them the feelings and habits of their native country. The extensive landed proprietors formed a population thinly scattered over a wide surface, and lived in almost patriarchal fashion. Their lands had a multitude of hands for cultivation ; but the only produce the Virginia gentry chose to deal in, was tobacco. They exercised boundless hospitality ; the gentlemen welcomed each other's visits and traveled in something like feudal state. The slavery question was never agitated. Thus, in the second or third generation, a class of "first families" was built up, and the best education was limited to them ; for there were no schools for the masses. There existed, therefore, a broad line of distinction between those wealthy proprietors and the common people. The planters had their tenants and slaves, and lived luxuri- ously. The emigration of the cavaliers, in the days of Cromwell, did not lessen the supremacy of this landed aristocracy ; and the public offices, in most cases, passed into their hands ; the peasantry being retainers to their patrons. There were scarcely any towns, and the estab- lishments of the gentry were like little villages, in which they and their vassals dwelt. Some, indeed, were needy potentates, living in a rough manner, and attended by domestics in ragged liveries ; but all kept open house, were habitually idle, and loved field-sports like gentle- men of good lineage. They were " horse-racing, cock- fighting Virginia squires." Visiting was done in pon- derous emblazoned coaches. The hospitable board was VIEGINIA FAMILIES. 19 loaded with terrapins, shad, salmon, wild geese, pigeons, plover, canvas-back ducks, venison, and every variety of bread, with " that delicious hotch-potch," gumbo, and other country dainties. The laced lappets of sleeves were turned up to carve, and guests were pressed to demolish the various meats and wash them down with cider, ale, brandy, and Bordeaux wine. Twenty-one counties in Virginia, comprising nearly a quarter of the State, are said to have once belonged to one family that of Fairfax. Every acre was confis- cated, after the Revolution, because of loyalty to Great Britain. Many battles of the late civil war were fought on the old Fairfax domain. Robert Carter, called " King Carter," was a repre- sentative and agent of the Culpepper and Fairfax families. The Jacquelines were of Huguenot descent. The first of the name came from Kent, in England, 1697, married Miss Carey, and settled at Jamestown. The Ambler family came also from England, and was much noted in Virginia. Mrs. Edward Carrington was Jacqueline's grand-daughter. Thorpe is another noted name, dear to philanthropy as friendly to the Indians and early colonists. A curious incident of Bishop Clagget's consecration of the old St. Paul's Church, in Alexandria, is tra- ditional. As he walked to church, in his robes and mitre, the boys ran alongside, admiring his peculiar dress, which his gigantic stature and Herculean form set off. His voice matched his frame in irrepressible strength. As he entered the church, amid profound 20 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY. silence, and uttered the opening words of the service, a young lady, turning suddenly and seeing his huge form thus arrayed, fell into violent convulsions and was taken out. The name of Barradale is memorable in law, as well as of ancient respectability. Bray and NelsOn are also remembered. When the British were about landing from James River, and Yorktown lay exposed, General Nelson sent his wife and infant to the upper country. Near Williamsburg she met a company of armed youths, marching to encounter the enemy. As they halted and presented arms, she saw two of her own sons, boys who had escaped from preparatory school. She ordered them into her carriage, and sent them back to Philadelphia. The first wife of Governor Page was Frances Bur- well, of the Isle of Wight. She was said to have no enemies, and to know no competition but how to out-do others in kindness and good offices. In the proud man- sion of his forefathers, this patriot soldier had on his walls the portrait of Selim, an Algerine negro, among those of his family. The name and blood of the Custis family was inter- mingled with those of the best families of Northampton and Accomac. John Custis appears earliest on record, in 1640. John Custis the fourth, educated in England, received the Arlington estate from his grandfather, re- moved to Williamsburg, and married the daughter of Colonel Daniel Parke. He was father to the first hus- band of Martha Washington. MES. WASHINGTON. 21 So many biographies of Mrs. "Washington have been published, that any sketch of her life would be super- fluous. As a belle at the colonial court in Williamsburg, as a beautiful young widow reigning among the chival- rous Yirginians, as the wife of the Commander-in-chief and the President of the new nation her benign aspect is familiar. It will be remembered that she was accus-. tomed to join General Washington in camp, traveling with postillions in white and scarlet liveries. During the six years that elapsed before Washington was chosen to the Presidency she remained at Mount Vernon, dis- pensing its ample hospitalities with gracious tact and the dignity of a Virginia matron. Brissot wrote:, " Every thing about the house has an air of simplicity ; ; the table is good, but not ostentatious ; and no deviation is seen from regularity and domestic economy. She superintends the whole, and joins to the qualities of an excellent housewife the simple dignity which ought to, characterize a woman whose husband has acted the greatest part on the theatre of human affairs." At a brilliant entertainment given in the camp near Middlebrook, in celebration of the anniversary of the American alliance with France, Mrs. Washington, Mrs. Greene, Mrs. Knox, and many other distinguished ladies were present, forming " a circle of brilliants." The fete was opened by the discharge of cannon; there was a dinner, and dancing and fireworks followed in the even- ing. The adornments and illuminations were cheap; 22 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY. the company consisting of hardy soldiers and lively belles. At a subscription ball in Philadelphia, the master of ceremonies distributed partners by lot. The dances related to politics. One was called " The Success of the Campaign ;" another, " The Defeat of Eurgoyne ;" another, " Clinton's Eetreat," &c. A young lady who in talking forgot her turn in the figure, was sharply reproved by a manager. " Take care, Miss !" he cried. " Do you think you come here for your own pleasure '$" The Birth-night Ball was instituted at the close of the war. Its first celebration was at Alexandria, and it became general in all the towns. Among the brilliant illustrations of a birth-night were groups of young ladies, wearing in their hair bandeaux or scrolls embroidered in ancient and modern languages with the motto : " Long live the President." The last celebration was attended by Washington, in Alexandria, February 22, 1798. General Washington came to Annapolis in Decem- ber, 1783, after his adieu to the army in New York. Generals Gates and Smallwood, with a large concourse of distinguished citizens, met and escorted him to the hotel, amid the firing of cannon, the display of banners, and other manifestations of popular respect. A dinner was given to him by the members of Congress, at which two hundred persons were present; and he attended a grand ball in the State House, which was brilliantly illuminated. Washington opened the ball with Mrs. James Macubbia, one of the most beautiful women of the time. NEW YORK AS THE CAPITAL. 23 Mr. Noah "Webster visited Mount Yernon in 1785, when the old mansion of the retired chief was crowded with a succession of guests. He mentioned that the last course at dinner consisted of pancakes, with a bowl of sugar and one of molasses. Webster refused the mo- lasses : " Enough of that in my own country," he said. General Washington then told the story of a hogshead of molasses upset in a wagon and stove in, at Westches- ter ; and some Maryland troops being near, the soldiers running to fill their hats and caps. The court end of New York before the Revolution had been Pearl Street, between Coenties Slip and the neighboring streets. Wall Street became a rival seat of fashion, surperseded by Park Place. " Few Americans," says Mr. Jay, " as they pass the northwest corner of Wall and Broad Streets, now faced by the Custom House on one side, and Broad Street with its throng of brokers on the other, recall the memorable historic scenes associated with the spot where stood the old Federal Hall, adorned with the portraits of Louis XYI. and Marie Antoinette, presented by the French mon- arch portraits that graced the chambers where assem- bled the first Congress under the new Constitution. Washington Irving was one of the latest survivors of the throng that, in 1789, witnessed from the balcony of the Hall the inauguration of the first President, and whose acclamations greeted the announcement by Chancellor Livingston : ' Long live George Washington, President of the United States !' It should not be forgotten by 24 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY. New Yorkers that on the same spot were heard, in the Senate, the voices of John Langdon, Oliver Ellsworth, Charles Carroll. Richard Henry Lee, and Ralph Izard ; and, in the Chamber of Representatives, the voices of Elbridge Gerry, Roger Sherman, Jeremiah Wadsworth, Elias Boudinot, Frederick A. Muhlenberg, James Mad- ison, and that greatest of American orators, Fisher Ames." A ball was given at the Assembly Rooms, on the east side of Broadway, above Wall Street (New York was then the capital), on the 7th May, 1789, to celebrate the inauguration. The members of Congress and their fam- ilies were present, with the ministers of France and Spain, distinguished generals of the army, and persons eminent in the State. Among the most noted ladies were Mrs. Jay, Mrs. Hamilton, and Mrs. Montgomery, the widow pf the hero of Quebec. A specialty at this ball was the presentation by the committee, to each lady, of a fan made in Paris, the ivory frame containing a medallion portrait of Washington, in profile. These fans were presented to the ladies as each couple passed the receiver of tickets. It was of this ball that an account was published by Jefferson in his "Ana," upon insufficient authority. Washington danced in two cotil- lions and a minuet. Colonel Stone, in describing this ball, says: "Few jewels were then worn in the United States, but in other respects the costumes were rich and beautiful, according to the fashions of the day. One favorite dress was a plain celestial-blue satin gown, with THE INAUGURATION BALL. 25 a white satin petticoat. On the neck was worn a very large Italian gauze handkerchief, with border stripes of satin. The head-dress was a puff of gauze in the form of a globe, the head-piece of which was composed of white satin, having a double wing in large plaits, and trimmed with a wreath of artificial roses-, falling from the left at the top to the right at the bottom in front, the reverse behind. The hair was dressed all over in detached curls, four of which, in two ranks, fell on ea.ch side of the neck, and were relieved behind by a floating chignon" Some of the ladies wore hats of white satin, with plumes and cockades. A plain gauze handkerchief, sometimes striped with satin, was worn on the neck, the ends tied under the bodice. In the evening of the inauguration, the house of Count de Moustier near Bowling Green, in Broadway was brilliantly illuminated, the doors and^ windows dis- playing borderings of lamps that shone on paintings suggestive of the past, present, and future in American history. There were large transparencies over the front of the house, said to be painted by Madame de Brehan, Bister to the Count. The subject of the President's title had caused much discussion in society. Madison recommended that he be spoken of simply as " The President," or " The Chief Justice;" McKean proposed "His Serene Highness," without the " most," as a title that had not been appro- priated in Europe. General Muhleuberg thought Wash- ington would like the title " High Mightiness," used by 26 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY. the Stadtliolder of Holland. The General, dining with Washington, observed on the subject:" "If the office could always be held by men as large as yourself or Wynkoop, it would be appropriate ; but if by chance a president as small as my opposite neighbor were elected, it would be ridiculous." He therefore voted against any title. More than a month after the inauguration, Mrs. Washington set out for New York with her grandchil- dren, Eleanor Custis and George Washington Parke Custis, traveling in her private carriage, with a small escort on horseback. She was received at Hammond's Ferry by a deputation of citizens ; and fireworks, a supper, and a serenade celebrated her arrival. Her dress was entirely of American manufacture. Informa- tion being sent to Philadelphia that she would breakfast in Chester, two troops of dragoons, under Captains Miles and Bingham, left town early, with a numerous cavalcade of citizens, and halted at ten miles distance to await her appearance. The military formed and re- ceived her with honors, the procession defiling on either side for her carriage to pass. At Darby, se^en miles from Philadelphia, she was met by a brilliant company of ladies in carriages, who escorted her to Gray's Ferry ; on the Schuylkill. At that favorite resort a collation was prepared, at a fashionable inn, for more than a hundred persons. Mrs. Eobert Morris, who was to entertain Mrs. Washington, here took a seat in her carriage, resigning THE PROGRESS TO NEW YORK. 27 her own to young Custis. About two o'clock the pro- cession entered High Street, amid the ringing of bells, the firing of thirteen guns, and shouts of joy from the people. Mrs. Washington thanked them, and dismissed her escort. The doors of Mrs. Morris were thronged with visitors next day. Such a reception may have recalled to the memory of Mrs. Washington the disaffection shown her on an earlier visit to Philadelphia, during the war, when she was waited on with a request that she would not attend a ball in preparation. Mrs. Morris accompanied her when she left Philadel- phia. The party slept at Trenton, and at Elizabethtown were the guests of the venerable Mr. Livingston. The President left New York at five o'clock, in his barge, manned by thirteen pilots in rich white dresses, to meet his wife. A crowd gathered on the wharves to greet the returning vessel, and a salute of thirteen guns was fired as it approached the Battery. The winter of 1787-88 had been remarkably gay in JSTew York. William Livingston, in a letter written in March, 1787, alludes to the extravagance and dissipation of fashionable life in that city. " My principal secretary of state," he says, " who is one of my daughters, is gone to New York, to shake her heels at the balls and assem- blies of a metropolis which might as well be more stu- dious of paying its taxes than of instituting expensive diversions." The residence of President Washington was on the 28 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY. spot now known as the corner of Cherry Street and Franklin Square. The house had plain furniture. The family plate had been melted and renovated. The state coach was the finest carriage in the city, and was drawn by four horses ; by six, when it conveyed the President to Federal Hall. The coach-body was in the shape of a hemisphere, cream-colored, and ornamented with cupids supporting festoons, with borders of flowers around the panels. The principal ladies of New York, at the time the "Republican Court" was established there, were Mrs. George Clinton, Mrs. Montgomery, Lady Stirling, Lady Kitty Duer, Lady Mary Watts, Lady Temple, Lady Christiana Griffin, the Marchioness de Brehan, Madame de la Forest, Mrs. John Langdon, Mrs. Tristram Dalton, Mrs. Kuox, Mrs. Robert R. Livingston, of Clermont, the Misses Livingston, Mrs. Thompson, Mrs. Gerry, Mrs. McComb, Mrs. Edgar, Mrs. Lynch, Mrs. Houston, Mrs. Provost, Mrs. Beekman, the Misses Bayard, &c. Mr. Wingate describes the dinner given at Wash uigton's house the day after his wife's arrival, as the least showy of any he ever saw at the President's table. The Chief said grace and dined on boiled leg of mutton. After dessert one glass of wine was offered to each guest, and when it had been drunk, the President rose and led the way to the drawing- room. Two days afterwards Mrs. Washington held her first levee, the President continuing to receive every Tuesday afternoon. Mrs. Washington received MES. WASHINGTON'S LEVEES BALL. 29 from eight to ten every Friday evening. The levees were numerously attended by all that was fashiona- ble, elegant, or refined in society ; but " there were no places for the intrusion of the rabble in crowds, or for the mere coarse and boisterous partisan, the vul- gar electioneerer, or the impudent place-hunter, with boots, frock-coats, or roundabouts, or with patched knees and holes at both elbows. On the contrary, they were select and more courtly than have been given by any of the President's successors." Mrs. Washington was care- ful, in her drawing-room, to exact those courtesies to which she knew her husband entitled. " Democratic rudeness had not then so far gained the ascendency as to banish good manners." " Xone were admitted to the levees but those who had either a right by official station or by established merit and character ; and full dress was required of all." The journals of the day especially noted a magnifi- cent ball given by Count de Moustier at his house. A lady said she heard the Marchioness declare she had exhausted every resource to produce an entertainment worthy of France, and Elias Boudinot calls it " a most splendid ball indeed. After the arrival of the President, a company of eight couples formed, and, entering the room, began a curious dance called en ~ballet. Four of the gentlemen were dressed in French regimentals, and four in American uniforms; four of the ladies had American flowers with blue ribbons round their heads, and four had red roses and the flowers of France." 30 QUEENS OF AMEEICAN SOCIETY. "Three rooms were filled, and the fourth was elegantly set off as a place for refreshment. A long table crossed this room in the middle, and the whole wall inside was lighted up, and covered with shelves filled with cakes, oranges, apples, wines of all sorts, ice-creams, &c. A number of servants behind the table supplied the guests with every thing they wanted from time to time, as they came in to refresh themselves, which they did as often as a party had done dancing, making room for another set. We retired about ten o'clock, in the height of the jollity." The anniversary of the Declaration of Independence was celebrated by a brilliant ball, at which Mrs. Wash- ington and the principal ladies of "her court" were present. At the Presidential receptions Washington wore "his hair powdered and gathered behind in a silk bag. His coat and breeches were of plain black velvet ; he wore a white or pearl-colored vest and yellow gloves, and had a cocked hat in his hand, with silver knee and shoe buckles, and a long sword, with a finely-wrought and glittering steel hilt. The coat was worn over this and its scabbard of polished white leather." He never shook hands at these receptions, even with intimate friends.: Visitors were received with a dignified bow, and passed on. At Mrs. Washington's levees he appeared as a private gentleman, with neither hat nor sword ; con- vening without restraint, and generally with ladies. Private theatricals were sometimes given at Wash- MRS. ROBERT MORRIS. 31