dria's Old Apothecary Shop, where Georgian and
Victorian meet]

There is a story in Alexandria that it was in this shop that the
messenger, Lieutenant J.E.B. Stuart, from the War Department, found
General R.E. Lee chatting with the proprietor, his old friend, the
senior Leadbeater, and delivered to the then Colonel Lee sealed orders
from General Winfield Scott ordering him to Harpers Ferry to take
command during John Brown's raid. It may be safely said that this shop
was commonly used as a place of meeting by the gentlemen of the town who
gathered there to exchange views and hear the latest news.

There remain in the old pharmacy early hand-blown bottles, counters and
showcases, weights and scales, mortars and pestles, prescriptions, old
ledgers, and much unidentified impedimenta of these early apothecaries.
The decoration of the interior is indicative of the five generations who
have lived and worked here. Georgian and Victorian blend in a harmonious
whole. The exterior has been admirably restored to eighteenth century
correctness--semicircular windows and all. The shop proper is the ground
floor of a three-story business structure. Adjoining is an associated
gift shop, also on the ground floor of a three-story building, and the
two structures must appear very much as they did when built.

[Illustration]

Chapter 18

Spring Gardens

[414 Franklin Street. Owners: Mr. and Mrs. Harry W. Harris.]

The stranger arriving in Alexandria by ship, coach, or horse could be
sure of a welcome. The old port was noted for her taverns. They were
numerous and good. At the taverns the gentlemen of the town were wont to
gather for an oyster supper, a turtle feast, or a cockfight. The Masonic
brothers sought these places for their banquets, and often for their
meetings. Here stagecoaches drew up with bustle and excitement to put
out the mail, change the horses, set down and take up the passengers,
and let the traveler call for a draught of ale. Here the mail was
collected and distributed. Here sailors could find a berth, the stranger
a roaring fire, a glass of grog, food, bed and forage for his weary
horse.

In 1753 at a court held at Fairfax, the rate for a night's lodging with
clean sheets was fixed at 6_d._, "otherwise 3 pence." For a quart of
punch with loaf sugar, 1_s._ 3_d._; for a quart of punch with brown
sugar, 10_d._ For a hot dish with small beer or cider, 1_s._; for a cold
dish, 4_d._ Stablage and fodder for