rs. William Thornton has recorded in her diary that on
Monday, January 1st, 1810:

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

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

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

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

June 31, 1800 Francis Kearns

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

Again, in 1802 this building changed hands, for in _The Washington
Federalist_ is the announcement of reopening, and assurance of best
liquors, and begins: "Anchor Tavern and Oyster House (late the Fountain
Inn), George Pitt, Proprietor of former Eagle Tavern."

Then there was the City Tavern, kept by Charles McLaughlin. Benjamin
Lacy rented two brick houses from Charles Beatty on Water Street and
called his The Sailors' Tavern. John Tennally had a tavern (from him
came the name of Tennally Town). Joseph Semmes's Tavern at the Sign of
the Indian King, was very well known. It seems to have moved several
times. In advertisements for houses for rent or for sale, they seemed
always to be next door to or across the street from Semmes's Tavern or
Dr. Magruder's.

From _The Museum_, January 1, 1802:

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