Richmond in by-gone days - Part 4



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CHAPTER XVII. NEWSPAPERS AND PRINTERS.

THE oldest newspaper in Richmond in my young days was "The Virginia 
Gazette," Federal in politics, published semi-weekly by Augustine Davis, 
editor and printer. In the former capacity the implement he chiefly used 
was the scissors, and he resorted to the pen on indispensable occasions 
only, as in his hands it was a dull one compared with the other. The 
Gazette was considerably more than half the size of the little "Dispatch," 
(but did not contain half as much matter) and more than one-fourth of the 
broad sheet of the "Richmond Whig."

Mr. Davis was Postmaster in those days when the Northern mail arrived 
thrice a week, and was five or six days coming from New York, and he 
performed in person the duties of the office. The news from Europe was 
seldom less than five or six weeks old, and occasionally ten. Under such 
circumstances, the accumulation of news when it came had to be compressed 
in small space. "Correspondence,"

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foreign or domestic, was not even imagined, and I suspect that term might 
justly be applied to much that appears now-a-days and has so imposing an 
aspect, especially under the foreign head, emanating from the garret of "a 
penny-a-liner," and hashed up from a mass of European papers, or prompted 
by some stock jobbers or brokers.

The old saying that "a lie in a newspaper is good for two paragraphs," 
assertion and contradiction, did not hold good usually in Mr. Davis's 
time. There could generally be enough of "authentic intelligence" 
collected in three days to fill his short columns, without having recourse 
to any thing but plain matters of fact, as was the case with newspapers 
generally; rendering manufactured news a dull and unprofitable commodity; 
so that there were few workmen in that line, and no reporters to exercise 
their wit on drunken vagrants or quarrelsome couples. As to false reports, 
the long interval between the publication of two papers, like hot weather 
in a fish market, caused the article to spoil before it could be used. Mr. 
Davis's office was in the same basement, corner of Main and Eleventh, 
whence "The Enquirer" is now issued. In the adjoining tenements, also his 
property,

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was "the Queen's palace," after the removal from that on Carey street, 
which the reader will find noted in the history of her reign.

The political or politic toleration declared in Mr. Jefferson's inaugural 
message, "We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists," was not 
exercised in Mr. Davis's case, and he ceased to be Postmaster. His 
successor made it a sinecure office, by placing it under the charge of Mr. 
Davis's eldest son. This proscription excited the ire of the editor, and 
he changed the title of his paper to that of "Patriot," a title that 
disappointed politicians are apt to assume. He employed a pungent and 
spicy editor named Prentiss, but if I remember rightly, his paragraphs 
were too highly seasoned for the taste of his readers.

A cotemporary paper, but the junior to the Gazette, was "The Virginia 
Argus," Democratic (then styled Republican) in politics, and published by 
Samuel Pleasants, also semiweekly. Mr. Pleasants was, like his rival, more 
expert in wielding the scissors than the pen. The two editors did not cut 
each other though espousing opposite parties, and seldom came in collision 
in their editorials, unless represented by champions under their masks, 
and as the editor of the Argus was a Quaker,

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there was no danger of a duel, or of a resort to the peace-maker "if" to 
avert one. The eyes of Argus began to wax dim, when they were suddenly 
brightened, and he was rendered wide awake by a good genius, who under the 
mask of "A British Spy," furnished a series of letters which not only kept 
open the eyes of Argus, but also those of his readers. They furnished much 
to interest and amuse the public and brought a great increase to the 
subscription list of the paper; but with the departure of the Spy, 
departed many of the subscribers, and after the war excitement was over, 
the Argus closed its eyes. Its old antagonist under its patriot 
appellation was extant in 1818 and later.

While these two non-combatants were pursuing their quiet course, there was 
a furious Republican champion in the field. "The Examiner," edited by 
Meriwether Jones, who was an editor, not a printer, and in consideration 
of this qualification and disqualification, he was elected printer to the 
Commonwealth. It might be curious to see some of the typographical work 
which was executed in his office for the public. Much of it, however, was 
underlet to practical printers.

There was a celebrated and notorious hack-writer

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in Richmond in those days. James Thompson Callender, a well educated 
Scotchman, an able writer and a great sot. He was employed by the editor 
of the Examiner in promoting the election of Mr. Jefferson to the 
presidency, and good service he performed--his potations stimulated his 
pen, and drunk or sober, his paragraphs were ably written. Democracy was 
in the ascendant, and Mr. Jefferson was elected. Callender thought his 
services might claim a reward, as he saw rewards conferred upon less able 
partizans. His claim, very properly, was not admitted, and like many other 
unrewarded partizans, he changed his politics. Just about this time, a 
practical printer named Pace, who could compose types much better than he 
could a paragraph, attempted to establish a paper called "The Recorder." 
It was dying of inanition in its cradle, when Callender offered to save 
its life and make a giant of it. He became the anti-administration 
combatant, and opened his batteries on Mr. Jefferson in a series of the 
most furious and Billingsgate articles against him and his principles, 
moral and political. Callender had been imprisoned for libel during 
Adams's administration, from whence he was released by the clemency of

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Mr. Jefferson. He now got back again into his "old quarters in the 
Richmond jail," (whence he dated his writings) for a libel on Mr. Hay, 
district attorney, appointed by Mr. Jefferson.

Callender's pen was at the service of whoever would pay for it, and he was 
employed by some of the members of the legislature to write circulars for 
them to their constituents at the close of the sessions. As the fee for 
such a composition was equal to several days' pay, two or more members 
from counties remote from each other, would club together for a circular, 
chock full of democracy, manufactured by a Scotchman for the nonce. One of 
them would obtain it and place it in the printer's hands, with 
instructions to adapt the captions and signatures to suit the several 
members, who clubbed their money instead of their wits.

On one occasion the boys in the printing office, who folded and directed 
the circulars, were so mischievous as to direct them indiscriminately. 
Thus some of the letters signed by an eastern member would be sent to a 
western constituent, and vice-versa, tending to show a remarkable 
coincidence in the sentiments and language of different individuals.

Poor Callender, a martyr to both democracy

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and federalism, and also to liquor, died a whiskey and watery death. He 
had one day imbibed too much whiskey before taking his daily bath in the 
river, and was drowned.

A cotemporary and strenuous opponent in politics to "The Examiner," was 
"The Virginia Federalist," published by Stewart and Rind, and ably edited. 
The talent it displayed induced some party leaders to cause a change in 
its place of publication to Washington, where it appeared under the title 
of The Washington Federalist.

On the death of Meriwether Jones, his brother Skelton, of duelling 
notoriety, edited the Examiner, but the pecuniary affairs of the 
establishment had always been embarrassed--subscriptions to newspapers 
are, notoriously, difficult to collect, and the publication ceased. But 
the Enquirer, like a Phoenix, arose from its ashes in 1804, and, under the 
judicious and energetic management of Thomas Ritchie, aided by many able 
contributors, "the Enquirer" attained a greater circulation and influence 
than any of its predecessors. Looking at the signatures of its numerous 
correspondents, one might suppose that all the sages and patriots of 
Greece and Rome had risen from their tombs to enlighten the existing 
generation.

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If spiritual manifestations had favored that generation, as it curses 
this, the communications and revelations might thus have been accounted 
for; but, in many instances, they would have proved, that intellect is not 
progressive in a future state, and that the future state is a democratic 
one. Such was the success of the Enquirer, that Mr. Ritchie found it 
expedient to attach to it a sort of tender, as a vehicle for city 
advertisements, and he purchased "the Compiler," which had been commenced 
by Leroy Anderson and W. C. Shields.

To counteract the influence of the Enquirer, there was brought out, in 
1824, a powerful opponent, in "The Whig," edited by John Hampden 
Pleasants. These two papers have been political opponents for many years, 
and would I could add the antagonism had been political only.

It is deeply to be regretted that our newspapers should be so frequently 
disgraced by personalities, which have no connection with the subject 
under discussion, and which tend to show a lack of sound argument, and 
certainly of good manners. What have become of the rules adopted by a 
Convention of Editors some years ago? Like the proceedings

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of most conventions, they were forgotten after the farewell feast had been 
eaten, and the fraternal sentiments then expressed, evaporated with the 
fumes of the wine in which they were drunk. We see no personal abuse of 
each other by European editors.

Many ephemeral papers have appeared, like meteors, and some of them may 
"have shed a baleful influence." Among the number that sought to enlighten 
the people, were two "Standards" that struck their colors; a "Shield" that 
ceased to protect; a "Star" that was extinguished; a "Phoenix" from whose 
ashes no other was hatched; a "Spirit of '76" that vanished; a 
"Jeffersonian" that was probably a misnomer, and sundry "Times;" whether 
dull, or brisk, or hard, they did not become old.

The oldest printer whose name I can recall was Dixon; after him, T. 
Nicolson, the very beau ideal of an old bachelor, if beau and ideal can be 
thus applied. The work of printing the first volume of Call's Reports 
occupied his energies for about twelve months. He was Librarian to the 
Society formed some sixty years ago, and woe to the member who retained a 
book beyond the limited time! Under his care, the library

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was well sustained. The site of his Printing Office and of the Library, is 
now occupied by Goddin's Hall.

One of his apprentices, or journeymen, is now the oldest of the craft in 
Richmond, and the oldest citizen of Richmond birth. The venerable Mr. 
Warrock, at the age of eighty-three, still handles the composing-stick, 
and continues to publish his Almanac, which has recorded half as many 
years as himself.

Though somewhat damaged by time, his case has no bad type, and, after the 
impressions of so many years, his form is still capable of work.

Whilst speaking of almanacs, it is a curious fact, that, in the 
commencement of this century, "Bannaker's Almanac" was annually issued, 
and it was calculated by Benjamin Bannaker, a black man, who resided near 
the Maryland line.



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CHAPTER XVIII. PUBLICANS AND PATRIOTS.

DR. JOHNSON says, "who drives fat oxen should himself be fat." In Richmond 
it was proved that he who served the beef should acquire the obesity.

The hosts of our taverns, in old times, were a jolly looking set. The 
oldest in my day were old Burgess and his wife, round and rosy, of that 
ancientest of inns, "The Bird in Hand," at the foot of Church Hill. Then 
came in rotation (by locality), Raphel, of the City Tavern, fat and lazy. 
These hosts were not distinguished by military titles, as most of their 
superiors in locality were. Major Bowler has already been described. 
Caspar Fleisher and his wife were host and hostess of the Rising Sun--as 
round and as red as he, when seen through a fog--against the effect of 
which Caspar furnished an antidote. His sun rose and shone for many years 
near the old Capitol, and on the spot now occupied by the Penitentiary 
store on Fourteenth street.

The rotundity of Caspar and his wife gave

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warranty that their table was well served and their beer not small, for 
beer was a general and genteel beverage in those days, although lager had 
not raised its head, if it has any. At that time very good beer was made 
by Hay & Forrester, at their brewery on Canal street. We were independent 
of the North for all our beverages. Our French brandy and Jamaica rum were 
not distilled in New York, nor our Champaign (if we had any) bottled in 
New Jersey.

Col. Radford, of the Eagle, was of grand dimensions, as was his house in 
those days, and of great resort. Esme Smock afterwards became landlord of 
the Eagle. I mention him because the name is now obsolete here, as applied 
either to men or things.

Crouch's Virginia Inn, on the ascent of Governor street, had nothing to 
distinguish it that I remember, except the difficulty of getting to it, 
and the small inducement to do so. Where now stands the Exchange, or a 
very small portion of it, stood Major Davis's tavern, itself of very small 
pretensions, but its host of very great--never less than a scarlet vest 
and other externals to correspond, and a very martial air, even when not 
on parade. A tough pull was it, in wet weather, to attain to

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the Major's house, the locality of which was chosen in respect to Byrd's 
Warehouse, a tobacco inspection opposite, which may be said to have gone 
to h--l, or h--l to it--according to a modern application of that word, 
unfit for ears polite--considering how the site is now occupied. Major 
Davis's tavern was invaded and demolished by Byrd's Warehouse, which, from 
some motive, political or otherwise, changed sides, and took possession of 
the whole of the present Exchange premises, but in a few years came to a 
conclusion.

Col. Goodall, of the Washington (not then, nor now, bearing that honored 
name) was a man of commanding mein, rotund and rosy, as if he enjoyed the 
good things he dispensed to his guests. But the Colonel deserves to be 
mentioned in a different character than as host of the Indian Queen, under 
whose plumes he nestled.

When Governor Dunmore, like a thief in the night, took a quantity of 
powder secretly from the magazine at Williamsburg, in 1775, Patrick Henry 
was elected to the command of the first company of volunteers that took up 
arms against royal authority, or encroachment, in any State south of 
Massachusetts, and immediately after the affair at Lexington and Concord.

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The volunteers of Hanover dared to offer resistance to the Elector of 
Hanover. Of this hand of patriots, Henry was Captain, Meredith was 
Lieutenant, and Parke Goodall Ensign; and he was detached, with sixteen 
men, to demand of Richard Corbin, the king's Receiver-General, the sum of 
three hundred and thirty pounds, in payment for the stolen powder, or in 
case of refusal, to make him prisoner. Mr. Corbin was not at home, but 
Dunmore found it prudent to order him to pay the money. This was the first 
overt act of rebellion in Virginia against royal authority, and Colonel 
Goodall deserves to be remembered for his participation in it.

The Swan Tavern was kept by Major Moss, who probably also served in the 
Revolutionary war--this may or may not be. He also exhibited good 
breeding, good feeding, and good fellowship in his full figure and face. 
His house might have been called the Lincoln's Inn or Doctor's Commons of 
Richmond, for there assembled, in term time, the non-resident judges and 
lawyers, and though of unpretending exterior, the Swan was the tavern of 
highest repute for good fare, good wine, and good company. Here centred 
"the logic, and the wisdom, and the wit," nor was "the

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loud laugh" wanting. It has lost its name and fame, and few of its 
professional guests survive.

An occasional appendage to the Swan was a house nearly opposite to it, at 
the corner of Broad and Tenth streets, where a large China store now 
stands. In that house Aaron Burr was kept prisoner during his trial for 
treason, the Federal Court having no prison under its control.



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CHAPTER XIX. RACES AND BALLS.

"Actions of the last age, are like almanacs of the past year."

IN old times in Virginia, horse-racing was the sport of gentlemen. Many 
wealthy planters had their stud of horses of the best stock, as well as of 
the most useful, and raised them for the turf, the saddle, the harness, 
and the plough. There was no West then, as now, to supply them, and mules 
were scarcely known. One gentleman who had seen their value elsewhere, for 
the purpose of introducing them, brought two or three jacks to Richmond, 
but in vain. He turned them out on the common, and the school-boys derived 
great sport from riding them. Washington Irving has introduced a gentleman 
in one of his sketches, under the name of Ralph Ringwood, who I must also 
introduce here as one of the school-boys. To make sure of a holiday ride 
he caught one of the donkeys over night, and stabled him in his father's 
smokehouse. At an early hour in the morning, the household was alarmed by 
a most unearthly

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and less heavenly noise. The house-keeper thought her bacon had gone to 
the devil or the devil had got into it. The young scamp had to allay the 
demon by producing the key and releasing the donkey. Irving gives a 
richer, and of course, an amusing version of the story, showing that the 
adventure with the donkey tended to make Mr. Duval, Governor of Florida.

Gentlemen of town and country formed the Jockey Clubs, which held the 
Spring and Fall races at Richmond and Petersburg, and perhaps elsewhere. 
They and their friends came to town in their coaches and four, in their 
phaetons, chariots, and gigs, bringing their wives and daughters: a very 
convenient time for the Spring and Fall fashions. The race-field presented 
a brilliant display of equipages, filled with the reigning belles and 
their predecessors. Many were the pairs of gloves lost and won between 
them and their beaux. Nothing could appear more animated than such an 
assemblage of beauty and fashion. The equestrians, on fine blooded horses, 
riding from coach to coach, or during the heat of the race, going at high 
speed, to obtain a commanding view of the contest. The race week was a 
perfect carnival. The streets were thronged with

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equipages, and the shops with customers. Not only taverns and boarding-
houses were filled, but private families opened their hospitable doors to 
their country friends. Among the amusements of the week was the Race Ball, 
which (as well as the regular dancing assemblies of the winter) was held 
in the large ballroom of the Eagle. Boots and pants in those days were 
proscribed. Etiquette required shorts and silks, and pumps with buckles, 
and powdered hair. The ball was opened by one of the managers and the lady 
he thought proper to distinguish, with a minuet de la Cour, putting the 
grace and elegance of the couple to a severe ordeal.

Such bowing and curtseying, tiptoeing and tipfingering, backing and 
filling, advancing and retreating, attracting and repelling, all in the 
figures of Z or X, to a tune which would have served for a dead march! A 
long silken train following the lady, like a sunset shadow; and the 
gentleman holding a cocked hat under his arm, or in his hand, until at 
last the lady permitted the gentleman, at full arms-length, to hand her, 
by the very tips of her fingers to a seat, when, with a most profound bow, 
he retreated backward to seek one for himself.

Then commenced the reel, like a storm after

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a calm--all life and animation. No solemn walking of the figure to a 
measured step--but pigeon-wings fluttered, and all sorts of capers were 
cut to the music of Si. Gilliat's fiddle, and the flute or clarionet of 
his blacker comrade, London Brigs.

Contra dances followed, and sometimes a congo, or a hornpipe; and when 
"the music grew fast and furious," and the most stately of the company had 
retired, a jig would wind up the evening, which, by-the-by, commenced 
about eight o'clock.

The waltz and the polka were as great strangers to the ball-room floor, as 
were Champaign and Perigord pies to the supper-table.

No hands were than "promiscuously applied
Around the waist or down the glowing side."

The sports of the turf have so degenerated of late years, that few ladies 
of the present generation ever saw a race. The field is now chiefly in 
possession of a class, termed in softened phrase, "sporting characters," 
in the same way that Negro-traders are called "speculators." Exclusive of 
the racing, the field sometimes presents a scene of the lowest gambling 
and dissipation.



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CHAPTER XX. SOCIETIES.

THE worthies of Richmond, of the last century, formed among themselves 
three associations, for very different purposes--charitable, literary, and 
social--in which order I shall introduce them.

The Amicable Society was instituted in 1788, with the benevolent object of 
relieving strangers and wayfarers, in distress, for whom the law makes no 
provision. The first officers elected by the Society were Anthony 
Singleton, president; Alexander Montgomery, vice-president; Alexander 
Buchanan, treasurer; and Charles Hopkins, secretary. Their successors 
were, in the presidency, in 1794, Andrew Ronald, and, in 1800, the Rev. 
John Buchanan, who retained the office for a great number of years; in the 
vice-presidency, in 1791, John Henry, in 1792, John Groves, in 1807, John 
Richards; and, as treasurer, William Berkeley in 1801, John Foster in 
1807, and, subsequently, Edmund W. Rootes until his death.

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It may be curious, if not gratifying, to the few survivors and to the 
numerous descendants of the early members of the Society, to inscribe 
their names on these pages. The following is an extract from the records 
of the Amicable Society, kept in clerkly style:--

"A company of gentlemen having met at the Richmond Coffeehouse, on 
Saturday, 13th December, 1788, viz.: Alex. Montgomery, John Groves, George 
Wier, Charles Hopkins, John Graham, and Alexander Buchanan, they resolved 
to form themselves into a Society, by the name of the Amicable Society of 
Richmond, on the principles and for the purposes expressed in the Rules, 
which were then considered and adopted; at the same time, the following 
gentlemen were considered as members:--

"James Montgomery, Anthony Singleton, George Pickett, Andrew Ronald, 
Philip Southall, John Cunliffe, and Joseph Higbee.

"The same evening officers were appointed, to remain in office till the 
next annual meeting:

"Anthony Singleton, president; Alexander Montgomery, vice-president; 
Charles Hopkins, secretary: Alexander Buchanan, treasurer.

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"On the 20th December, 1788, the following new members were admitted:

"Arthur Stewart, Thomas Keene, Richard Hartshorne, John Marshall, William 
Wiseham, William Shermer, Joseph Lakel, and William Fenwick."

On the 7th February, 1789, the accession of new members was, William 
Mitchell, Jos. Dalzel, John Cringan, John Buchanan, John Harvey, James 
Kemp, and Joseph Darmstadt.

At a meeting on the 2d May, 1789, the following entry is made on the 
record of the Society: "It having appeared, by advertisement, that a 
surplus of a fund arising from a ball on General Washington's birthnight, 
was to be given to this Society, Mr. Alexander Montgomery, as a manager of 
that ball, paid this evening to the treasurer, the said surplus, amounting 
to twenty pounds, sixteen shillings and sixpence."

At this meeting, the following new members were admitted: Thomas Mann 
Randolph, George Nicolson, and James Brown; and on the 7th November, 1789, 
James Strange, of Manchester, and Alexander Youille--at which time a vote 
of thanks was given to Alexander Donald for a donation of five pounds.

The new members in 1790 were Robert

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Gamble and John Ker. The Legislature of 1790--'91 authorized a lottery, to 
raise one thousand pounds for the benefit of the Society. In 1791, Andrew 
Leiper, George Gray, James Knox, and Charles Hay, were added to the 
members, and also Abraham Lott, Hugh J. Crawford, John Henry, Thomas 
Rutherford, William Hay, William Foushee, William Mewburn, William Heth, 
James Innis, Patrick Hart, John H. Briggs, and John Satchell; 
subsequently, John Hopkins, John Banks, Alex. Quarrier, and Thomas 
Gilliatt were admitted, and a Rule adopted that the Society should be 
limited to sixty resident members. The admission of members, subsequently, 
were, in 1793, John Richard; in 1797, Charles Copland and Jos. Anthony; in 
1798, William Berkeley and John Foster; in 1804, Wilson Allen; in 1809, 
John G. Smith and M. W. Hancock. In 1811, a revival occurred, and twenty-
one members were added, namely: W. H. Fitzwhyllsonn, J. G. Gamble, R. 
Gamble, John Adams, J. Brockenbrough, A. Pollok, C. J. Macmurdo, Thomas 
Taylor, Samuel Myers, Jos. Marx, Jas. Gibbon, Wm. Hay, Jr., James McClurg, 
E. J. Haven, W. N. Morris, Robert

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Johnston, E. W. Rootes, C. B. Page, J. Wickham, M. B. Poitiaux, and Robert 
Gordon.

In 1812, James Brown, Jr., and Dr. J. D. McCaw.

In 1813, Robert Greenhow and S. Pleasants; 1815, W. Lambert; 1816, Wm. 
Finney; 1822, Rev. J. H. Rice and T. H. Bradley. In 1825, a second revival 
brought a large accession of members, namely: S. Jacobs, B. Brand, A. 
Otis, C. J. Nicholas, W. Bibber, L. J. Salignac, R. G. Scott, G. C. 
Pickett, G. H. Backus, J. Bronaugh, J. Goddin, J. McKildoe, W. H. Hubbard, 
J. H. Eustace, T. Brockenbrough, W. Galt, Jr., Jaq. Taylor, Dr. T. Nelson, 
D. Warnick, J. Rawlings, T. Ritchie, J. Hall, Dr. J. Trent, W. Gillat, R. 
Gwathmey, T. Gwathmey, J. Bosher, W. Munford, J. Ambler, J. Parkhill, W. 
F. Micou, W. W. Henning, R. Wortham, N. Sheppard, W. Brockenbrough, D. J. 
Burr, M. Walthall, and T. Diddep.

Having extended the record through the period of two generations, I will 
leave the last thirty years untold. Of all those named, I can count up but 
thirteen survivors.

The funds of the Society accumulated, and the surplus of interest on its 
investments was regularly reinvested, and during the sixty-seven

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years of its existence, there has never been a defaulting officer.

In 1841, when the stock held by the Society was about $9000, it made a 
donation of more than one-half to the Female Humane Association of 
Richmond, in fifty shares of Bank stock, in aid of the large bequest made 
by the benevolent Edmund Walls, a native of Ireland, and for many years 
Inspector of Flour in Richmond, who left the great bulk of his fortune to 
the founding of that charity, which has been faithfully applied.

On the formation of the Male Orphan Asylum, the Amicable Society made a 
donation to it of $1000--in 1851.

The society still exists in a small number of members, and it is to be 
hoped that it will acquire additional and active ones, whose exertions may 
invigorate and perpetuate it.

As an institution of our forefathers, it should be honored and cherished 
for their sakes; and as a charitable one, for our own and our successors.

Note.--It is gratifying to state that since the preceding was written, 
this research has recalled the attention of a public spirited gentleman to 
the long dormant Amicable Society. At his instance, a new accession of 
members is obtained. Some funds have been invested and some have been 
applied to the relief of the distressed during this, the severest winter 
(1855--6) known for many years. Snow has mantled the earth for six weeks, 
and the rivers in Virginia closed to navigation during the months of 
January and February, with ice more than a foot in thickness.

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It should be deemed a perpetual legacy, from generation to generation.

The Library Society under the management of its founders, who embraced 
most of the persons constituting the Amicable Society and in general the 
principal citizens, was as well conducted as such establishments usually 
are; and under the custody of Thomas Nicholson, Librarian, the books were 
well taken care of, and the circulation of them was extensive. To what its 
failure is to be ascribed, I know not; unless it was an undue influence 
obtained by some lady novel readers, who induced their friends of the 
directory to fill the shelves with "Minerva Library" novels, a notorious 
London mint for the issue of trash, such as is now hawked about our 
streets at twenty-five cents, for as much worthless matter as then cost 
two or three dollars.

After an existence of twenty years or more, the early teens of which were 
vigorous and useful, the library gradually declined; the books were 
distributed among the members, and the society ceased to exist.

An interval of seven years now ensued, of literary darkness, so far as a 
public Library was necessary to diffuse light, and then a successor to the 
old institution was created, and

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would I could add, a thriving one, and that its readers were as numerous 
as the number and character of its volumes should invite. It requires a 
considerable accession of members to keep its shelves furnished with the 
valuable and the good current Literature of the day. For the credit of the 
city, it is to be desired that all who can enjoy such literature, should 
make the small contribution required to entitle them to membership, and to 
sustain so useful an establishment. It would be a reflection on the 
intellectual character of the city to say, that it cannot support a 
Library, nor even a Reading Room. The city appropriates an apartment in 
the Athæneum, with light and one hundred and fifty dollars annually, to 
the use of the Library, on condition that every visitor may there have 
gratuitous access to the books.

I will now introduce the Quoit Club, or as it is called, The Barbacue Club,
"Who mixed reason with pleasure, and
Wisdom with mirth."

This club was formed some sixty years ago and met on Saturdays during the 
genial season, at Buchanan's Spring, under the oaks of original growth, 
with no other shelter than

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the shade they afforded, and an open shed, to protect the dinner table. 
Quoits was the game, and toddy, punch and mint julip, the beverages, to 
wash down a plain substantial dinner, without wines or dessert.

Among the most skilful in throwing the Discus as he was in discussion, was 
Judge Marshall, even in advanced years, and it delighted his competitors 
as much as himself, to see him "ring the meg." The brother Parsons, 
Buchanan and Blair, were honorary members of the club, and the latter, 
though apparently of fragile form, was a practica member with the quoits, 
and both of them with the jests and good humor that prevaded

A list of the members of this club, would comprise many of the most worthy 
citizens of their day--but are not their names written in the book of the 
Amicable society? I will record here, only Jasper Crouch, their mulatto 
cook, and who officiated at all public dinners; he acquired the gout in 
this congenial occupation, and also the rotundity of an alderman, and fell 
a victim to the good things of this life. A similar club was formed many 
years after, and met at Clarke's Spring--now the Hollywood Cemetery--or 
near it. The two were not rivals, but so cordial an understanding

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existed between them, that their meetings became alternate at each others 
fountains.

I omitted to mention, that if any bets were made at the meetings of the 
club, they were forfeited to it, and as such a case occurred now and then, 
when an interesting game was in progress, these forfeits served to furnish 
some extra viands for the feast, all which were provided by a committee of 
caterers, who also acted as masters of ceremony to strangers, etc. The 
members serving in rotation.

The exercise and recreation, bodily and mental, at the close of the week's 
labours, was most grateful and invigorating. The social intercourse was 
promotive of good fellowship. Respectable strangers, and more especially 
foreigners who were invited to the barbacue, as the feast was called, 
could then see Liberty, Equality and Fraternity, without licentiousness, 
presumption or demagogueism. Pure Republicanism, represented by some of 
the distinguished men, who aided in forming the Republic.

The trees still furnish their shade, and the spring its cool stream, and 
some of the descendants of those that first assembled there, even of the 
second and third generation, yet

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partake of them, and pitch their quoits, or crack their jokes there.

The mention of Clarke's Spring, (connected with the Clubs) reminds me of a 
gentleman connected with Col. Clarke. Major Clarke established a cannon 
foundry and boring mill on the river, some miles above Richmond, and 
induced the Federal Government to establish an Arsenal on the land 
adjoining, which obtained the appropriate name of Bellona Arsenal--and 
which like the Navy Yard at Memphis, was most inappropriately located.

The unhealthiness of the spot caused the Arsenal to be abandoned, and the 
Government permitted a gentleman to substitute silk worms for soldiers, 
and to try whether coccoons could be substituted for cannons. This was 
about the time that the Morus Multicaulis fever raged so extensively, and 
to many fatally. The Mulberry slips were planted, and the eggs of the silk 
worms set for hatching--but unfortunately the praise-worthy effort, though 
promising well at first, proved abortive, and the worthy projector had, 
like his predecessor, to abandon the establishment.



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CHAPTER XXI. EVENING PASTIMES.

"See how the world its veterans rewards,
A youth of folly, an old age of cards."

IN the first decade of the present century, resource for winter evenings' 
pastime was found, by many of the tonish ladies, in a game of Loo. Its 
attractions were such that few evenings of the week passed without an 
assemblage at the rooms of one or other of the sporting circle. After 
discussing a dish of tea (dish was then the word), and another of scandal 
perhaps, the card-table was introduced and a circle formed around it.

In this enchanted and enchanting circle gentlemen were admitted, and he 
who played the most careless and hazardous game was sure to be the most 
welcome, provided luck did not run too strongly in his favor; but on these 
occasions, the gentlemen who accompanied their ladies usually amused 
themselves with a quiet rubber of Whist. Quiet was a term not applicable 
to the ladies' table, except during the intense excitement created by a

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large sum on it. The original stake was small, but, by the forfeits of 
losers, and the contributions of dealers, the money in "the pool" would 
sometimes accumulate to a score or two of dollars, and even to three or 
four score, but this latter rarely occurred.

As the contents of the pool increased, so did the excitement and anxiety 
of the players (I won't say gamblers). Many a charming face would lose its 
sweetness, many a rosy cheek its hue; many a bright eye would almost be 
dimmed by a rising tear, and many an apparently smooth and gentle temper 
would betray the indications of an approaching storm. Gentle accents would 
be changed to loud tones, and endearing epithets to harsh and insulting 
ones; but as duels are the exclusive privilege of gentlemen, or of those 
claiming that title, no other weapons than those they most exercise, and 
can best wield, were resorted to by the ladies, except now and then in a 
very extreme case, when a curl might get deranged, or a cap be torn,--but 
on such occasions the cause of irritation was extreme, such as the 
accusation of concealing a card, or other foul play.

The practice--of playing I mean, not of fighting--had attained to an 
extreme height;

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domestic and maternal duties were neglected, and some purses much 
lightened, when a true Knight came to the rescue of the enchanted fair 
ones. Under the assumed name of Hickory Cornhill, he entered the lists 
against the demon Loo, for the relief of the distressed dames and damsels 
who were suffering under his enchantments.

At the very first charge he disarmed the Demon, but did not utterly 
destroy him. His abetters, who assumed the titles of Kings and Queens, and 
others who appeared in their true characters as Knaves, dared not show 
their faces publicly. They, and a few of their spellbound victims, 
continued for a short time to hold their revels in a sneaking way; but the 
latter gradually became ashamed of themselves, and of each other, and were 
ultimately reclaimed. The former ceased to persecute the fair sex, but 
found plenty of adherents among the other.

When Hickory Cornhill's vizor was removed, it disclosed the features of 
George Tucker, and his squire was E. W. Rootes.

I will add, in seriousness, that the disaster at the theatre gave a better 
tone to society and a death-blow to female gambling, and,

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perhaps, to some of its votaries. May it never revive!

A specimen or two of Hickory's onslaught will show something of the 
fashions and pastimes of his day, and the similarity in some respects, and 
contrast in others, with those of the present.

"And first, all the morning, the debates I attend,
Of the folks who our laws come to make and to mend;
Where sometimes I hear much fine declamation
'Bout judges and bridges, the banks and the nation;
But last night my amusement was somewhat more new,
Being asked to a party of ladies at Loo.
Oh! then, my dear friends, what splendor was seen,
Each dame that was there was arrayed like a queen;
The camel, the ostrich, the tortoise, the bear,
And the kid, might have found each his spoils on the fair.
Though their dresses were made of the finest of stuff,
It must be confess'd they were scanty enough;
Yet naught that this scant may their husbands avail,
What they save from the body they waste in the tail.
When they sit, they so tighten their clothes, that you can
See a lady has legs just the same as a man;
Then stretched on the floor were their trains all so nice--
They brought to my mind Esop's council of mice.
E'er tea was serv'd up they were prim as you please,
But when cards were produced, all was freedom and ease.
Mrs. Winloo, our hostess, each lady entreated
To set the example-- 'I pray, ma'am, be seated'--
'After you, Mrs. Clutch'--'Well, if you insist.'
'Tom Shuffle, sit down, you prefer Loo to Whist.'
Around the green board now they eagerly fix,
Two beaux and four ladies composing the six.

*   *   *   *   *   *

'Well, Mr. Shuffle, you are dealer--begin.'
'Is that the trump-card? Then I cannot stand.'
'And I must throw up.' 'Let me look at your hand.'

*   *   *   *   *   *

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'Oh, there's Mrs. Craven, she threw up the knave.'
'I know I did, madam, I don't play to save.'

*   *   *   *   *   *

And thus they go on--checking, stumping and fleeting,
And much other jargon that's not worth repeating--
Till at length it struck twelve, and the winners propose
That the Loo which was up then the session should close.
On a little more play tho' the losers were bent,
They could not withhold their reluctant assent.
Mrs. Craven, who long since a word had not spoke,
Who scare gave a smile to the sly equivoque,
But like an old mouser sat watching her prey,
Now utter'd the ominous sound of 'I play!'
And swept the grand Loo, thus proving the rule,
That the still sow will ever swill most from the pool.
Though much had been lost, yet now they had done,
The deuce of them all would confess she had won.
But soon I discovered it plain could be seen
In each lady's face what her fortune had been."

"January, 1806."

The reformation of female society of the vice of gaming, tended no doubt 
to diminish it in the male ranks also, and to confine it in some degree to 
the frequenters of the Tiger's den, or to a portion of those who enact 
laws against it, and themselves test the futility of their own enactments.

But there was another vice very prevalent among gentlemen of the past 
generation, which is greatly diminished, has gradually abated, and is now 
scarcely heard in refined or respectable society. I allude to the practice 
of profane swearing.

Formerly almost every sentence was rounded

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off with the (now digusting) expletive of an oath, uttered unconsciously. 
D--d was the term by which to express admiration of a good fellow or 
detestation of a rascal. Souls were pawned to establish the truth of an 
assertion, or it was vouched for by a violation of the Seventh Commandment.

This practice no longer exists among gentlemen, at least to any extent, 
nor amongst refined ones at all. When heard now, as I regret to say it 
frequently is in the streets, or in bar rooms, it is ascribed to the lack 
of good breeding or of good sense, or to sottish vulgarity.



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CHAPTER XXII. A MEDLEY.

AMONG the enterprising men in Richmond toward the close of the last 
century was Moses Austin, who afterwards emigrated to the West, and who 
deserves to be called the founder of Texas. By his influence and unwearied 
exertions, sanctioned by the Spanish government, he infused so large a 
portion of bold and enterprising citizens of the United States into the 
mixed population of that then Spanish colony, as to establish ultimately 
an ascendancy, which redeemed Texas from Mexican degradation, and has 
rendered her one of the most thriving States in the Union.

Moses Austin founded in Richmond a shot and pewter button factory (not a 
tower) on the lot where the gas house now stands, on Carey street, and he 
built the once fine house, now Lisle's corner, formerly Gamble's, on Main 
and Fourteenth streets, the most imposing structure of its day. In its 
elaborate cornice the Martens used to build their nests,

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and when the young could take wing, the number of old and new broods was 
so great that their noise drowned all competition. The nuisance could not 
be abated by any other mode than covering the cornice with canvas, which 
now disfigures it. From this nursery, or colony, the martens adjourned to 
the Capitol, where a general Congress from all the surrounding country was 
generally held for about a week or more previous to their Exodus to a 
warmer climate or to winter quarters. On the day previous to their 
departure they assembled in myriads, and on the next day they disappeared 
invisibly and entirely. Fortunately their sessions preceded those of the 
"unplumed bipeds," (as some wise man calls his brethren) who deliberated 
in the halls below--some of whom probably feathered their nests and others 
were plucked.

Fortunately, I say, the martens adjourned before the lawmakers assembled, 
for voluble and loud as the latter sometimes are, the martens would have 
silenced them. But it is remarkable that with all their noise, the martens 
were never out of order. Their sessions and adjournments were conducted 
with the utmost regularity, and their commonwealth seemed to be governed 
by constitutional

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principles, which were neither changed nor violated. Their example would 
be no ignoble one to others, whose sessions are held in the same building.

What has become of the martens? have they changed their seat of 
government? It is several years since they assembled in Richmond, and few 
are to be seen in the city or its vicinity. I hope they will revisit us, 
for though not musical, they are examples of industry and parental love, 
and moreover, a colony of them would be more efficient in ridding the 
trees of insects than all the beltings and washes that have been tried. 
The birds would probably be more numerous, but that boys amuse themselves 
with throwing stones in the Capitol square, to the annoyance of 
pedestrians as well as of birds. If the latter were unmolested, and even 
fed at certain seasons, their music would add to the charms of the grounds 
and their appetites would diminish the number of caterpillars that destroy 
the foliage.

In Philadelphia, the innocent denizens of the woods are considered 
denizens of the city, and are so entirely unmolested in the public 
squares, as to lose their natural timidity. They are so accustomed to 
receiving

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food from children and other visitors, that the squirrels will approach 
them, and in beseeching attitude beg for nuts and fruit, in the 
unmistakeable though silent language of nature.

Archibald Campbell, a brother of the poet, was for many years a resident 
of Richmond, first as a merchant and afterwards as secretary to a Marine 
Insurance Office. He was a very quiet, unobtrusive man, literary in his 
habits, though not an author. He retired to the country and led a solitary 
and studious life during his latter years; but he enjoyed the occasional 
visits of his old friends from town, and they also enjoyed his society, in 
which I am told they found a rich feast, derived from his copious 
information on many subjects.

I could not locate Mr. Campbell in the city, and was unwilling to omit the 
introduction of him. The reader will excuse its being awkwardly done.

The Armory was erected soon after the adoption of the celebrated 
"Resolutions of 1798--'99," when the apprehended encroachments

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of the Federal Government on State Rights and Strict Construction, induced 
Virginia to prepare for the worst.

At this establishment the manufactory of arms and artillery, from pistols 
to thirty-two pounders, was carried on for many years. This has ceased 
long ago, and some portion of the buildings are now used as an arsenal and 
barracks, but those in which the waterpower was employed, are now adapted 
to the peaceful occupation of grinding wheat.

Query? Would it not be good policy in the State to sell the extensive 
buildings, ground, and water-power, avoid so imminent a risk of the 
destruction of the arms by fire, and erect an arsenal at a more convenient 
spot with a small portion of the money?

The large and ugly block of brick buildings erected by Col. Harvie, on 
Carey street, near the head of the basin, have now anything but a literary 
aspect, but they were once Haller's Academy, and the first portion of the 
block was doubled in size to accommodate that extensive establishment. 
Haller was a Swiss or German adventurer, who had, with little learning, 
address and impudence

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enough to impose on the community; but he also had judgment enough to 
enable him to select good teachers; among these was Mons. Fremont, the 
father of Col. Fremont, of Pacific and warlike celebrity.



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CHAPTER XXIII. DENTISTRY AND ARCHITECTURE.

NOW-A-DAYS the profession of dentistry gives lucrative employment in our 
city to almost a score of practitioners. In the days of my boyhood, only 
one Tooth-drawer, who probably never heard the word dentist, did all the 
work and all the mischief in the dental line.

Peter Hawkins was a tall, raw-boned, very black negro, who rode a raw-
boned, black horse; for his practice was too extensive to be managed on 
foot, and he carried all his instruments, consisting of two or three 
pullikins, in his pocket. His dexterity was such, that he has been known 
to be stopped in the street by one of his distressed brethren, (for he was 
of the church) and to relieve him of the offending tooth, gratuitously, 
without dismounting from his horse. His strength of wrist was such, that 
he would almost infallibly extract, or break a tooth, whether the right or 
the wrong one. I speak from sad

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experience, for he extracted two for me; a sound and an aching one, with 
one wrench of his instrument.

On Sundays he mounted the pulpit instead of black bare-bones, and as a 
preacher he drew the fangs of Satan with his spiritual pullikins, almost 
as skilfully as he did the teeth of his brother sinners on week days, with 
his metallic ones.

Opposite to the residence of "Peter Hawkins, Tooth-Drawer," on Brook 
Avenue, stood, or tried to stand, a most singular specimen of 
architecture, without form, but not void. It was a hovel built by its 
sable occupant, of brick-bats and mud, and as the ground on which it stood 
formed a trapezium, he adapted his edifice to it. Square and plumb and 
level had nothing to do with the lines of its walls. The materials were 
gathered from the ruins of burned buildings, or the refuse of new ones, 
and as they were gathered, the structure progressed. The timbers were of 
all sorts of drift and refuse wood, and the partitions were adapted to 
them. The roof was of boards, or slates or slabs, which ever came to hand, 
and the chimneys were topped with headless barrels. A portion of the 
scrambling walls would fall, while another portion was being erected, and

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thus the industrious architect and sole workman and tenant, found 
incessant occupation for a score or more of years, and probably till his 
death; for his ruins (as they appeared to be when standing,) have fallen 
to the ground.



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CHAPTER XXIV. THE SHARP-SHIN AND THE SHINPLASTER CURRENCY.

IN the beginning of the present century and for some years of the last, 
after State and continental paper money had disappeared from circulation, 
under a depreciation so ridiculous, as to render a dollar's worth more 
than one's pockets would contain, there existed in Virginia, and in some 
other States, a currency, that from its triangular shape and acute angles, 
was called sharp-shins.

In those days a Bank note was a rare, though not a despised currency.(1)
Virginia, under the guidance of her Revolutionary Apostles, held Banks in 
abhorrence, and having seen that baseless paper-money was a base currency, 
she would tolerate no other than gold and silver. As Alexandria was about 
to leave

(1. The progress of banking in the United States in fifteen years, may be 
thus stated:
       in 1790, there were 4 banks with $1,950,000 capital.
       in 1800, "         23 do.        19,000,000 " 
including the first Bank of U. S., with 10,000,000 " 
   in 1805, there were 1307 banks with 332,000,000 "
The Bank of Virginia is included in the last line.)

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the pale of the Old Dominion, she did yield to her urgent entreaties, and 
granted to her a taste of the forbidden fruit, which so far from causing 
her downfall, tended greatly to her prosperity; but as there may be too 
much of a good thing, she was afterwards ruined, or nearly so, by the 
introduction of six or eight unchartered banks. It was some convenience to 
merchants travelling north, to obtain money in a more portable form than 
gold and silver, especially as the modes of conveyance were either by a 
stage-wagon, twice or thrice a week, or on horse-back with saddle-bags, or 
in a stick-chair, (now a sulky) or in a coasting schooner. Few merchants, 
however, then visited northern cities to obtain supplies of goods. The 
English, Scotch, and Irish merchants or agents established here, imported 
from London, Bristol, Glasgow, Liverpool and Dublin, where their 
principals resided, every sort of goods, and all articles from a nail to a 
clock, and in those days a clock was something to have. I do not include 
West India products; these were obtained at Norfolk, then one of the 
largest markets in the Union for the importation of rum, sugar, coffee, 
molasses, &c. The few (store-keepers, they were called,) who bought their 
goods at the North

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were looked upon as little above the grade of pedlars.

The Bank of Alexandria, of Baltimore, the old "Bank of North America," 
(the patriarch of all American banks and a worthy exemplar for them,) the 
first "Bank of the United States," and two or three New York Banks, 
furnished all the bank notes which then circulated in our towns, and they 
were readily taken by the merchants; but the whole amount was small. The 
modern contrivance of forcing bank notes into circulation as far as 
possible from their place of redemption, had not then been adopted.

I have deviated somewhat from my subject, and after a few more prefatory 
remarks will enter upon it.

The great mass of the currency was Spanish dollars, some ugly French 
crowns, little or no English silver, but a large quantity of gold, in 
Spanish, Portuguese, French and English wins; also a portion of Cob. gold 
and silver in irregular uncoined lumps, with some almost unintelligible 
figures and letters stamped on them, to denote perhaps the weights, 
fineness, and assayer's initials. All gold coins passed by weight, and as 
the several nations had different standards of fineness, those of each had 
to

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be weighed separately, and the value to be calculated by printed tables. 
To effect this, each merchant and trader was provided with the requisite 
apparatus of scales, weights and tables of rates; indeed many persons 
carried a case of pocket-scales, &c., and it was also necessary to have 
some skill in discriminating between genuine and base coin, as many 
counterfeits were made.

It was usually no small trouble to receive and pay a few thousand dollars, 
and in my boyhood, I have frequently staggered along the street with my 
arm bruised under the weight of a heavy bag of dollars, which I hugged 
most hatefully. Then came the counting and recounting and examining for 
counterfeits, and weighing and calculating the value of various pieces of 
gold. Money was really a misery--at least to me--for no more stuck to my 
fingers than I could wash off after counting.

I well remember the day when relief came. When the Bank of Virginia was 
opened for deposits in the basement of the Capitol, and I followed a stout 
negro wheeling $10,000 to the vaults.

And now for the Sharp-shins, which did not cut their way later than about 
1802 or

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1803. The supply of small silver coins for change, was insufficient for 
the traffic of the country generally, and recourse was had to subdividing 
the larger ones, by the aid of a shears, or a chisel and mallet, or even 
of an axe in expert hands. A quarter of a dollar would be radiated and 
subdivided into six parts, or a pistareen into five parts, each one of 
which called a "half-bit," passed for three pence; but it was strange, 
that these several parts formed a sort of Chinese puzzle, but less 
possible to solve, for you could never put the five or six parts together 
so as fully to cover a similar coin entire. The deficiency went for 
seignorage to the clipper, and from him to the silver smith. "Bits" were 
in semicircular form; "half-bits" in quadrants. The coins that were to 
suffer the torture of dismemberment were, it was said, first beaten out to 
increased expansion, so as to be susceptible of a sort of Hibernian 
divisibility, into three halves, or six quarters, besides an irregular 
bit, which was not good money except to the coiner. The eighth of a dollar 
(twelve and a half cents) was expanded and cut into two bits, or 
sixpences. Dollars even were cut into halves and quarters in cases of 
emergency. It was no uncommon thing in the

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country, when change could not be otherwise made, to chop the dollar into 
parts with an axe, and thus meet the contingency.

Purses and pockets were not proof against Sharp-shins. Money is said to 
burn the pockets of some folks--Sharp-shins cut the pockets of all--and 
the profit of making them induced many to engage in it. Like many other 
evils, it cured itself by excess.

The market became overstocked with cut money, and perfect coins 
disappeared in the same proportion. So on one fine day several influential 
citizens met and drew up an obligation, by which every one who signed it, 
bound himself not to receive or pay a piece of cut money after a certain 
day; and behold, the sharp-shins disappeared at the appointed time, as 
their successors, of somewhat similar name, the small-fry currency of shin 
plasters have since vanished at two or three successive periods; some by 
redemption and some by repudiation, when the community refused to submit 
longer to the evil--and thus endeth the chapter of sharp-shins, shin-
plasters and sharpers.

While on the subject of currency, it may not be amiss to notice a species 
of paper money issued on State authority soon after

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the revolutionary war, of which, that issued by North Carolina survived 
all other, and was current to some extent in Petersburg and southern 
Virginia, until absorbed some thirty or forty years ago by the Bank of 
North Carolina. This money was called proc. (i. e., proclamation money,) 
and was issued on bits of thick paper, about the size of a playing card, 
and for various sums, from sixpence up to forty shillings. It was 
receivable for taxes, and circulated currently in North Carolina and on 
her borders, at the rate of ten shillings to the dollar; and at that rate 
the State redeemed all that appeared--a rare instance.

As to the old continental paper money and other paper representatives, it 
was no uncommon thing to find a box or drawer full of it in the garret, or 
some other obscure part of an old store house, and utterly worthless.