d tavern-keeper,
Samuel Fraunces (whose daughter, it will be remembered, once saved
Washington's life by revealing the murderous intentions of one of his
life-guard) as his steward. Everything was governed by a well-regulated
economy, which had a most salutary effect in restraining extravagant
living, toward which New York society had then a strong tendency. The
president's example in that particular was powerful.

Washington preserved, in his movements, a certain degree of state, not
offensive to the well-informed or right-minded. He had a fine coach,
and, as at Mount Vernon, he kept superb horses, six of which, on some
few occasions, were driven at one time before his carriage. The family
carriage was generally drawn by four horses, when rides were taken in
the country for exercise, with "Mrs. Washington and the children." His
servants usually wore livery, and he sometimes was accompanied by
outriders. Such was the state in which many wealthy gentlemen moved at
that day, especially in Virginia; and none knew better than those who
made these things an occasion to revile the new government, that nothing
was further from the mind and heart of Washington, in the practice of
these customs, than a desire for ostentatious display.

FOOTNOTES:

[17] Griswold's _Republican Court_, page 156.

[18] The late Mr. Custis, Mrs. Washington's grandson, giving an
account of these receptions at the presidential mansion in Philadelphia,
says:--

"When Mrs. Washington received company it was on Friday, commencing
about seven, and ending about nine o'clock. Two rooms were thrown
open. The furniture that was thought handsome in those days would
be considered barely decent in modern times. The principal ornament
was a glass chandelier in the largest room, burning wax lights. The
chair of the lady of the president was a plain arm-chair lined with
green morocco leather.

"The ladies visiting the drawing-room were always attended by
gentlemen. It was not the habit for very young girls to be present
at the drawing-room, but only those of the age when it is proper
for ladies to go into company. Upon the ladies being introduced
they were seated, and the president, who always attended the
drawing-room, passed round the circle, paying his respects to each
in succession; and it was a common remark, among the chit-chat of
the drawing-room, that the chief was no inconsi