n had the most singular relationships in his business dealings.
When he bought the lot and buildings of his school from the bank, it was
two years before any papers were signed, interest paid, or deed given,
although he had made extensive improvements during that time. He never
failed to meet an obligation although at the beginning it took him ten
years to pay back the two hundred dollars plus five per cent interest,
that he had from his Uncle Comly in Philadelphia. Everyone trusted him,
the merchants in Philadelphia from whom he had his school supplies and
chemical apparatus; his grocer in Alexandria, John P. Cowman, not only
never dunned him, but invited him to come to his store and get what was
necessary, and never sent bills unless requested.

[Illustration: When the blast of winter chilled the great rooms at
Woodlawn the Lawrence Lewises came into warmer quarters in Alexandria
and occupied this cottage. 'Twas here that Benjamin Hallowell came to
improve the mind of Nelly Custis' daughter]

Hallowell was city surveyor, but accepted no fee because it afforded a
fine opportunity to instruct his pupils in "Field Practice with the
Odolite and Level." He was something of an architect, improving every
place he occupied, and building two fine structures in the town.

In 1831 the widow Hooe died and in the spring of 1832 the house which he
had acquired for a school in 1826, was put up at auction. Hallowell
hoped to possess this property, having put both his time and money into
the remodeling. He had already enlarged and improved a sugar house
adjacent to the building. His school was growing in reputation and size,
he becoming more prosperous. Gathering together all the cash he could
put his hands on, he attended the auction where he had the misfortune to
be outbid. The property was purchased by John Lloyd, and remained in the
Lloyd family for nearly one hundred years.

[Illustration: Early nineteenth century mantel in the home of Mr. and
Mrs. Ford Swetnam at 815 Franklin Street. The original use of reeded
work to form a beautiful design, the shell-like ornamentation and
diagonal bands make this an attractive piece of wood carving. (Nelly
Custis Town House)]

Ancient mahogany filled the rooms, portraits of ancestors lined the
walls. General Lee was a frequent visitor in this house. The Lloyds
intermarried with the Lees, and Mrs. Lloyd was General Lee's first
cousin. His daughter, Miss Mary Custis Lee, always stayed here