From Farm House to the White House: The life of George Washington, his boyhood, youth, manhood, public and private life and servicesThayer, William Makepeace
History
From Farm House to the White House: The life of George Washington, his boyhood, youth, manhood, public and private life and services
Thayer, William Makepeace
Presidents -- United States -- Biography; Washington, George, 1732-1799
"One cap, handkerchief and tucker and ruffles, to be made of
Brussels lace or Point, proper to be worn with the above; to
cost £20 (one hundred dollars).
"Two fine flowered lawn aprons.
"Two pairs women's white silk hose.
"Six pairs fine cotton do.
"Six pairs thread do., four threaded.
"One pair black and one pair white satin shoes of the smallest
fives.
"Four pairs Calimanco do.
"One fashionable hat or bonnet.
"Six pairs women's best kid gloves.
"Six pairs do. mits.
"One doz. round silk lace.
"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 buttons to match, and necessary
trimmings, with garters for the breeches.
"Six pairs of the very neatest shoes; two pairs double
chancelled pumps; two pairs turned ditto; and two pairs stitched
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 buttons.
"A riding waistcoat of superfine scarlet cloth and gold lace,
with buttons like those of the coat.
"A blue surtout coat.
"A neat switch whip, silver cap.
"Black velvet cap for servant."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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