good spirits.

Lieutenant General Washington dined at Col. Kemp's tavern, with a
select party of friends.--_Claypoole's American Daily Advertiser_,
July 11.[163]

Whether Colonel Kemp at this time kept the Spring Gardens Tavern, the
deponent sayeth not!

* * * * *

Thrilling tales of long departed patrons who haunt the old red house are
told by the Misses Lewis and Evans, who lived in this house for several
years. When the family of three sat down for their evening meal, they
were disturbed by the consciousness of the presence of unseen persons.
Often they raised their wine glasses in a silent toast to the invisible
guests and empty chairs. On several occasions a brave spirit clad in
buff and blue was clearly seen, only to vanish into the heavy six-panel
door--to the utter astonishment of three pairs of eyes. Once on a clear
moonlight night, a great brick barn appeared in the place of a modest
wooden structure which stands today. The lady who first saw it called
her companion and asked her what she saw. The immediate reply was "An
enormous brick barn." For a while they thought it an optical illusion
produced by moonlight and clouds and waited at the window to see the
bricks disintegrate into the factual wooden structure. But the ladies
retired leaving the great brick apparition still standing. Colonel W.H.
Peake, the recent owner, when told this story, confirmed it to the
extent of admitting that there was a large brick foundation under the
present frame building.

Colonel and Mrs. Peake added a half story to the two wings and increased
the length of the ell. The old tavern faces the street bravely, and the
sturdy, paneled front door swings on H&L hinges as in days long past. In
the brick-walled garden behind, arbors are fragrant with grape and
wisteria. Hollyhocks flourish in the borders. A modern garage replaces
the stables where the gentry of Alexandria and the neighborhood put up
their horses when they frequented the "Oyster House." In this mellowed
atmosphere of Spring Gardens, it is pleasant to turn one's thoughts
backward and reflect on the gay evening when it cost the General L1
4_s._ to celebrate "Independance."

[Illustration]

Chapter 19

William Fitzhugh and Robert E. Lee

Another fine example of late eighteenth century federal architecture in
Alexandria is the residence at 607 Oronoco Street,[Owners: Mr. and Mrs.
Robert C. Goodale.] commonly spoken