ybody; but required that every one who came
should be introduced by his secretary, or by some gentleman whom he
knew himself. He lived on the south side of Chestnut street, just
below Sixth. The place of reception was the dining-room in the rear,
twenty-five or thirty feet in length, including the bow projecting
into the garden. Mrs. Washington received visitors in the two rooms
on the second floor, from front to rear.

"At three o'clock, or at any time within a quarter of an hour
afterward, the visitor was conducted to this dining-room, from which
all seats had been removed for the time. On entering, he saw the
tall figure of Washington, clad in black velvet; his hair in full
dress, powdered and gathered behind in a large silk bag; yellow
gloves on his hands; holding a cocked hat, with a cockade in it, and
the edges adorned with a black feather about an inch deep. He wore
knee and shoe buckles; and a long sword, with a finely-wrought and
polished steel hilt, which appeared at the left hip; the coat worn
over the blade, and appearing from under the folds behind. The
scabbard was white polished leather.

"He stood always in front of the fireplace, with his face toward the
door of entrance. The visitor was conducted to him, and he required
to have the name so distinctly pronounced, that he could hear it. He
had the very uncommon faculty of associating a man's name and
personal appearance so durably in his memory as to be able to call
any one by name who made him a second visit. He received his visitor
with a dignified bow, while his hands were so disposed as to
indicate that the salutation was not to be accompanied with shaking
hands. This ceremony never occurred in these visits, even with the
most near friends, that no distinctions might be made.

"As visitors came in, they formed a circle around the room. At a
quarter past three the door was closed, and the circle was formed
for that day. He then began on the right, and spoke to each visitor,
calling him by name, and exchanging a few words with him. When he
had completed his circuit, he resumed his first position, and the
visitors approached him in succession, bowed, and retired. By four
o'clock this ceremony was over.

"On the evenings when Mrs. Washington received visitors, he did not
con