big house. The story is more than plausible since the high, narrow
arches and pilasters are characteristic of his work.

The woodwork in the two parlors is massive. The heavy cornice is similar
to that in the blue room at the Carlyle house. A thick dentil cornice is
surmounted by modillions, and they in turn are surmounted by a heavy
molding. The drawing room mantels, capped by the traditional broken
arch, dominate these rooms. All openings are dog-eared, as well as the
panels of the chimney breasts. The hall arches, wainscoting, handrails,
and stairways are noble examples of early craftsmanship. Upstairs the
woodwork is equally good, though more delicate, while the paneled
mantels lack the broken arch.

It is a satisfaction to see these old rooms, graced by fine furniture,
draperies, portraits, and silver of local origin, restored again to the
dignity and graciousness of days long past.

[Illustration]

Chapter 16

Dr. James Craik and His Dwelling

[210 Duke Street. Owner: Mr. Merle Colby.]

Of the many quaint, historical figures whose memories haunt the old
streets and houses of Alexandria, none is more interesting than Dr.
Craik.

He is remembered as a "stout, hale, cheery old man, perfectly erect,
fond of company and children, and amusing himself with gardening work."
But this was when the sands were running out. The good Doctor had passed
fourscore years, and his share of history-making was over. Let us turn
back some two hundred years and begin.

There is a little village near Dumfries in Scotland called Arbigland or
Obigland. In the year 1730 on a cold December day a baby boy began an
eventful life. He was destined to bring to the New World the skill to
heal and succor the wounded, to ease the dying, to administer the
primitive hospitals of the American Revolution, and to move for a span
of forty-five years as the close and intimate friend of George
Washington.

The names of his parents have been lost in the Scottish fogs. A story
that his father employed a gardener by the name of John Paul, sire of
another young Scotsman who distinguished himself in our naval history
under the patronymic of John Paul Jones, is all we can glean of our
Craik's paternal parent.[154]

The Scottish baby, christened James Craik, grew to young manhood in his
native country, going in proper time to the University of Edinburgh and
there was educated in medicine for service in the British Army. After
leaving the un