Democratic Sentinel, Volume 4, Number 17, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 June 1880 — Washingtoin in Jackson’s Time. [ARTICLE]

Washingtoin in Jackson’s Time.

In -former .years tile wildest gentlemen used i<> spend Qieir evenings in decorously playing whist with frugal suppers of Isiildii oysters,-, bread, and cheese and :a glass or two of Madeira. The rollicking Jackson men substituted poker for whist, and indulged in frequent libations of whisky, while their supper tables were graced—according to the seasonwith a baked raccoon, garnished with fried sweet potatoes., dr canvas-back ducks, or shad brdiled before a hickory fire on an oak board. Plantation tobacco was freely smoked in pipes, but few. except the members of the diplomatic corps, indulged in Cigars. Assemblies were held once a week, between Christmas day and Ash Wednesday, to which all of the respectable ladies iir the city who danced were invited. It was also customary .for those of the Cabinet officers and other high officials who kept house to givecat least one evening party during, each session of Congress, invitations for which were isjsuect; jThe guests at these parties u ed to assemble at about 8 o’clock, and, after taking off their wraps in an upper room, ’ they descended to the pjtfior, where the host, and hostess received them. The meu then. went.to the punch-bowl to criticise the “ brew ” which it contained, while the young people found their way. to thQ dining-room, almost Jnvirtablydevoted to dancing. The mnJfca Waw a piano and two violins, and cßJwLOdhrii&siCians Called the figures for the cotillions and contra dances. ' Those who did not dance elbowed their way through the crowd,- conversing with acquajntu.nce#,...fti}d the men frequently taking another glass of punch. AtlQ the guests’were invited to the supper.- table, which was often on the wide’ porch, which every Washington house had in those days. The table was always loaded with evidences of the

culinary skill of the lady of the house. There was a roast ham at one end, a saddle of venison or mutton at the other, and some roasted poultry or wild ducks midway ; a great variety of home-baked cake was a source of pride, and there was never any lack of punch with decanters of Madeira. The diplomats gave champagne, but it was seldom seen except at the legations. At 11 o’clock there w’as a general exodus, and, after the usual scramble for hats, cloaks and overshoes, the guests entered their carriages. Sometimes a few intimate friends of the hostess lingered to enjoy a contra dance, or to take a parting drink of punch, but by midnight the last guest departed, and the servants began to blow out the candles with which the house had been illuminated. —Atlantic Monthly.