From Farm House to the White House Part 34

"One doz. most fashionable cambric pocket h'k'c'fs.

"Six lbs. perfumed powder.

"One piece narrow white satin ribbon, pearl edge."

Fashion ruled with mighty power at that time, and Mrs. Washington was one of its votaries from necessity, if not from choice. Her husband, too, paid much attention to dress; nor was it the result of her influence. Before he became acquainted with her, in one of his orders sent to England appears the following:

"Two pairs fine worked ruffles, at 20s. per pair.

"Two sets complete shoe brushes.

"Six pairs thread hose at 5s.

"Enough superfine blue cotton velvet for coat, waistcoat, and breeches, with fine silk b.u.t.tons to match, and necessary tr.i.m.m.i.n.gs, with garters for the breeches.

"Six pairs of the very neatest shoes; two pairs double chancelled pumps; two pairs turned ditto; and two pairs st.i.tched shoes; to be made by Didsberry, over Col. Beiler's last.

"Six pairs gloves; three pairs for riding, with slit tops."

As if fearing that the claims of fashion might not be carefully regarded, he added, "If worked ruffles should be out of fashion, send such as are not."

An order for an outfit for horse-back riding shows how much attention was paid to comfort and appearance at that time among the wealthy planters of Virginia:

"One man's riding-saddle, hogskin seat, large-plated stirrups, and everything complete; double-reined bridle and Pelham bit, plated.

"A very neat and fashionable Newmarket saddle-cloth.

"A large and best portmanteau, saddle, bridle, and pillion.

"Cloak-bag, surcingle, checked saddle-cloth, holster, &c.

"A riding-frock of a handsome drab-colored broadcloth, with plain, double-gilt b.u.t.tons.

"A riding waistcoat of superfine scarlet cloth and gold lace, with b.u.t.tons like those of the coat.

"A blue surtout coat.

"A neat switch whip, silver cap.

"Black velvet cap for servant."

Mrs. Washington devoted herself to the education of her two children, six and four years of age at the time of her marriage with Washington.

Had their own father been living, he could not have co-operated with their mother more cheerfully and tenderly than Washington did. Their father left a fortune to each of them, and that fact determined the character and methods of their training, agreeable to the custom of that day and locality. The following order for articles for the children is quite instructive as to the management of the Mount Vernon home:

"For Master Custis, _6 years old_."

"One piece Irish Holland, at 4s.

"Two yards fine cambric, at 10s.

"Six pocket handkerchiefs, small and fine.

"Six pairs gloves.

"Two laced hats.

"Two pieces India nankeen.

"Six pairs fine thread stockings.

"Four pairs coa.r.s.er do.

"Four pairs worsted do.

"Four pairs strong shoes.

"Four pairs pumps.

"One summer suit of clothes, to be made of some thing light and thin.

"Three fine ivory combs.

"Two horn do. and two brushes.

"One piece black hair-ribbon.

"One pair handsome silver shoe and knee buckles.

"Six little books for children beginning to read.

"One light duffel cloak with silver frogs.

"10s. worth of toys."

"For Miss Custis, _4 years old_."

"Eight yards fine printed linen, at 3s. 6d.

"One piece Irish Holland, at 4s.

"Two ells fine Holland, at 10s.

"Eight pairs kid mits.

"Four pairs gloves.

"Two pairs silk shoes.