of Louis XVI) was a familiar sight upon the
streets of Alexandria long after such a costume had become a curiosity.
Taylor entertained no idea of giving up the habits of his ancestors, nor
of complying with any such folderol as high choker collars and
pantaloons so tightly strapped under a gentleman's gaiters that someone
had to invent a machine for jumping into them.

The Fowles were agreeable hosts and the Georgian cottage was the scene
of many gay gatherings and fine dinners. The family took part in all the
festivities of the town--balls at Gadsby's, the theatre; trips to
Boston, doubtless in their own ships, were frequent. William Fowle was
senior warden at Christ Church for many years.

[Illustration: Elegance and grace, harmony and beauty in brick and wood
and iron. Regency at its best in Alexandria]

Thirty-six years after Fowle moved to Alexandria the following notice
appeared in one of the papers. It is interesting to observe that the
firm was now "William Fowle & Co."

The splendid ship Alexandria, about 500 tons burthen, built under the
superintendence of Captain William Morrell, for William Fowle & Co.,
and others, and to be commanded by Capt. Charles W. Turner was
launched in beautiful style on Thursday.

[Illustration: The stair sweeps up, circular wall, window and door in
hall]

William Fowle was a man of taste as well as means. He improved his
garden by acquiring adjoining property and extending his grounds as far
east as Washington Street and as far north as King, adding several new
outbuildings. Nor did he stop with horticulture. He took up architecture
and deftly transformed his home to the ample size and satisfactory
design all admire. The earlier flounder house became one of the fine
houses of Alexandria--and one of the loveliest. By the addition of a
wing to the left of the present doorway, a beautiful Palladian window,
and new entrance porch set in a gabled bay, Fowle changed the front
facade into the latest mode. The house has an individuality and appeal
unlike anything else in town.

The outstanding architectural interest is in this entrance. Inside as
well as out the design and wood carving are chaste and elegant. Four
slender columns support a shallow balcony whose grace and lightness is
produced in a great measure by the fragile spindles carrying the weight
of the projection. The delicate inclosure of wrought iron is Regency at
its best in this medium. It is said he import