bloods of Georgetown used to gather on the opposite
corner where there was a pump and pretend to be getting a drink of
water, while they were really serenading the hidden charmers, and that
sometimes billet-doux and sweetmeats were drawn up in baskets
unbeknownst to the "powers that were."

In 1859, Miss Harrover took over the school. The catalogue for that year
calls it the Georgetown Female Seminary, and in the front is printed the
following letter from Miss English:

To my former Pupils and their Parents, and to other Friends:

At the request of Miss Harrover, who, for two years past, has
satisfactorily conducted the Institution, over which I so long
presided, and the care of which I relinquished, only because the
condition of my health and hearing made it imperatively necessary. I
would state, that my interest in its prosperity is undiminished,
that I earnestly desire to see it flourish, and that as far as I
have it in my power, it is my wish to extend its usefulness.

In renting the Seminary, I retain my own suite of apartments, and
have never withdrawn my residence from it. So far as I have
influence, and opportunities, I endeavor to promote the improvement
and comfort of the inmates of this establishment. I can not but feel
a special interest in the children and other relatives of those who
in former years were under my care and instruction, and it affords
me much pleasure to see them pursuing their education within the
same establishment. I shall rejoice to see the number of these, in
the coming year greatly increased.

With kind greetings, and best wishes, I remain,

Yours respectfully,

June 20, 1859. L. S. ENGLISH.

Among the names of the pupils I find that of my mother, and many more
familiar to me all of my life.

When the first battle of Bull Run was fought, with such disastrous
results to the Union Army, this building was immediately taken over by
the United States government as a hospital, and Dr. Armistead Peter,
although a Southern sympathizer, was drafted to be in charge of it. An
old lady has told me how she was brought by her nurse on that Monday in
July, the day after the battle, to watch the unloading of the wagons
full of maimed and bleeding soldiers.

The row of frame houses across the street, on N Street, was built at
that time as barracks for the non-commissioned officers on duty at the
hosp