The Border Vidette

AMUSEMENTS OF WASHINGTON

That both the president and Mrs. Washington suffered from homesickness while in executive residence in New York and Philadelphia, is recorded in history. Mrs. Washington wrote to Mrs. Fanny Washington whom she left in charge at Mount Vernon:

"I never go to any public place. Indeed I think I am more like a state prisoner than anything else; there is certain bounds set for me, which I must not depart from, and I cannot do as I like, I am obstinate and stay at home a great deal."

The President, in writing to a friend in Virginia regarding the dignity of his position, said,

"God knows it has no charm for me. I had rather be at Mount Vernon with a friend or two about me, than to be attended at the seat of government by officers of state and representatives of every power in Europe."

Yet, we are informed by the United States George Washington Bicentennial Commission, there was no lack of gayety in either city with a continual round of balls, dinner-parties, theatres, concerts, and other diversions, and if the Chief Executive and his wife could not join in the most exciting past-times of the capital, they could at least follow their inclinations in many respects.

In Colonial times, there was a passion for gambling in certain quarters, and bets were placed on all games. Loo or as Washington sometimes spelled it Leu, was the most popular, and it was no uncommon thing for a man or woman to win or lose two or three hundred dollars at a sitting. There is on record, however, of Washington's winning more than three pounds, or of losing more than nine pounds, fourteen shillings and nine pence. In fact, Washington always played for small stakes.

He seemed to be interested in the game and the diversion it afforded rather than the winnings.

Washington's fondness for cards and billiards shows in his diary an account where before he became President he often recorded that he had been "home all day at cards," and itemized purchases of "one doz. packs playing cards."

Washington's natural fondness for horses and racing and sometimes cock-fighting during his life, was entirely in keeping with the traditional tastes of the Virginia gentleman. He not only subscribed liberally to most of the racing purses, but ran his own horses, attending in person, and betting moderately on all the results. He was fond of riding to hounds, and when at Mount Vernon this was one of his favorite pastimes.

He loved hunting and fishing and dragging for sturgeon, too, and often went duck hunting. Although these pursuits were for the most part impossible while Washington was in office, he did occasionally manage to slip away. In 1790 a paper records, yesterday afternoon the President of the United States returned from Sandy Hook and the fishing banks, where he had been for the benefit of the sea air, and to amuse himself in the delightful recreation of fishing.

We are told he had excellent sport, having himself caught a great number of black sea bass and black fish—the weather proved remarkably fine, which altogether with the salubrity of the air and wholesome exercise, rendered this little voyage extremely agreeable, and cannot fail we hope of being serviceable to a speedy and complete restoration of health."