m opposite the town.

The "Lexington," dressed in her gayest rig, was loaded with a full
cargo of tobacco, in hogsheads, and only awaited the arrival of her
commander, Capt. James MacKenzie, before proceeding on her voyage to
Holland. The wind was fair, and the sun shone brightly. The jolly
tars had donned their holiday garb, and as the first officer walked
the deck and looked anxiously towards the town, it was evident that
an unusual event was about to occur.

The shipping in port showed the flags of all nations, and on the
British man-of-war, which lay close to the "Lexington," could be seen
the bright uniforms of the marines marshalled by their officers.

Precisely at ten o'clock several boats put off from Conway's wharf,
and on rounding under the stern of the "Lexington," the rolling of
the frigate's drums could be heard as the crew manned the yards. A
gay company passed up the gangway, led by the commander of the
"Lexington" who was accompanied by Miss Margaret Steel and a
clergyman from Maryland.

On the order of the officer on board the frigate, the marines came to
"present arms" in handsome style. It was then that Capt. MacKenzie
received his bride, the fine band of the frigate discoursing its
sweetest music as the guests departed. The order to "weigh anchor"
was then given, and the gallant captain, accompanied by his youthful
bride, "squared away" for his port of destination, with many good
wishes for his safe return.

[Illustration]

[Illustration: Gadsby's Tavern doorway comes home after four decades in
the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, as Alexandria celebrates its
200th anniversary]

[Illustration]

Chapter 6

John Gadsby and His Famous Tavern

[Gadsby's Tavern is controlled today by the Gadsby's Tavern Board, Inc.,
under the auspices of the American Legion. The patriotic organizations
of Alexandria have joined in the restoration of this building. In 1932
the Alexandria Chapter of the Colonial Dames of America, the Alexandria
Chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Washington
Society, restored the first floor, which included the famous dining
rooms of the City Hotel.

Due to the untiring efforts of the late Mrs. C.A.S. Sinclair, State
Regent of the Virginia D.A.R., and Mrs. Robert M. Reese, one of the most
worthwhile restorations in Virginia was completed in the fall of 1940 in
the replaceme