Diary of a Georgetowner

Chapter 8: Building the Capital

Edited by David Roffman

June 2008

In the third generation the Georgetowner is a veteran of the Revolution and a man of affairs. He still holds a comfortable amount of land, and if not the owner of a business, he has heavy investments in several commercial ventures. Tobacco is still king, although Georgetown, now raised to thes tatus of city, has diversified her trade to insure her continued economic growth. All seems well on the Potomac.

June 17, 1789. Robert Peter has purchased a tract of land on the far side of Rock Creek and will soon begin building there. He calls this new property "Mexico." It is expected that he will accet the office of mayor of the city of Georgetown, and surely no one will oppose the nomination.

Gen. Uriah Forrest is to marry Rebecca Plater, one of the great beauties of this region which is well known here and abroad for having more than its share of comely ladies.

August 31, 1789. We heard with sorrow of the passing of President Washington's mother, an excellent lady whom it was never my pleasure to meet. The President passed through Georgetown on his way to her home and took a meal at Wise's tavern.

October 16, 1789. Today I visited the grounds of Georgetown Seminary which is to be erected here under the auspices of Bishop John Carroll for the education of young men of all faiths but particularly to provide a suitable institution to which Catholic families may send their sons. Heretofore most of our Catholic families in Maryland who were in a position to do so have sent their sons abroad to be educated. Now all can secure the benefits of a good education, for I understand that the fees will be quite reasonable.

A foundation has been laid for the main building, and work seems to be progressing at a good rate. The grounds extend for an acre and a half.

December 15,1789. Paid out two dollars today for a ticket in the lottery for Rock Creek Church. It is hoped to raise $1,500 to finish the edifice by issuing 3,000 tickets at $2 each wtih prizes to be paid at Mr. Suter's tavern as soon as all tickets are sold. Thomas Beall of Georgetown is the treasurer, and the managers are Brooke and Col. George Beall, Robert and John Peter, John Threlkeld, Col. Deakins and Col. Stoddert.

Gen. James Maccubbin Lingan has been named Collector of the Port of Georgetown by President Washington and has taken up his duties at the new Custom House (1221 31st Street). Gen. Lingan served with honor in the war and has a house across Rock Creek (19th St. between M and N). He is married to the former Janet Henderson and is a man of strong Federalist sympathies.

April 24, 1790. I read in the Georgetown Weekly Ledger (we now have two newspapers!) that Mr. Hamilton's bill for the assumption of state debts by the federal government has been defeated in Congress by southern opposition. It is believed that he will attempt to have it reintroduced when he is more sure of his strength.

There was also contained in the Ledger a moving account of the death and funeral of that great patriot, Dr. Franklin, whose services to his country will be sorely missed. The lengthy cortege included all government and civic leaders as well as representatives of the numerous societies for public betterment which he founded. Congress has entered into official mourning.

Mr. Gardette, the dentist, has arrived and will stay for two weeks. He will be operating in his lodgings at Mr. Semmes's tavern, the Sign of the Indian King. I believe that I must pay him a visit if I can but screw up my courage to the sticking point.

June 30, 1790. Those of us who have volunteered to participate next week in an elaborate celebration of the 14th anniversary of the independence of the United States are to meet at Mr. White's tavern tomorrow afternoon to choose managers for the proceedings.

Following the meeting I shall call at Mr. Suter's establishment for I hear that he  has for sale some Lisbon lemons which arrived only yesterday on the Potomack Planter. The supply may be small, and I should like to secure a box of them.

July 23, 1790. We  have the news at last. One week ago today Congress passed an act for the establishment of the permanent seat of the Government of the United States at some place on the Potomac, so the Ledger says, between the mouth of the Eastern Branch and the Conogocheague, at the discretion of President Washington. Congress also has authorized the President to appoint three commissioners to "survey, define, and limit a District not exceeding Ten Miles Square."

There has been much stir in the town over this piece of news. People are pointing to Georgetown's growth and prosperity as thought it were this fact that caused us to be singled out for the honor. Nevertheless, it is true that our national harbor has never been so full, and new businesses are coming to Georgetown with great frequency. I understand that there are 70 ocean-going vessels locally owned and a like number of foreign ships putting in regularly. James Walsh, a cabinet-maker from London, has recently opened a shop, and also have a new Presbyterian Church at Bridge and Washington Streets (M and 30th) - a brick structure to replace the old frame building.

August 13, 1790. Mr. Hamilton's Assumption bill has been passed by Congress. Some say there is a connection to be found between the passage of this bill and the decision to locate the national capital at this site on the Potomac.

Yesterday evening I saw a performance of "The Beggars' Opera" by Mr. McGrath's company. I had previously seen "The Miser," a comedy, last month, and earlier this month "The Tragedy of Douglas" and "The Lying Valet." My good wife has some objections to this form of entertainment and often finds occasion to point out to me what might be purchased wtih the three quarters of a dollar that I pay out for each ticket.

September 15, 1790. Gen. John Mason has just completed a brick mansion on Mason's Island (Theodore Roosevelt Island), opposite Georgetown. The land has been in the family since 1717 when it was purchased by George Mason, father of the drafter of the Declaration of Rights. I have also learned that Gen. Forrest and Col. Stoddert have jointly bought 990 acres in Montgomery County.

All this building has attracted a number of architects, carpenters, and joiners to this region, the latest to settle in Georgetown being one Henry Carlile, who professes to undertake all kinds of buildings.

October 16, 1790. I was privileged to spend the day in the company of President Washington,  his commissioners, and some other Georgetown citizens. The President came yesterday from Mount Vernon and met with his commissioners for the Federal District at Suter's tavern. Today we accompanied him on a tour of inspection of the surrounding country.

An interesting and gratifying item int he Times and Patowmack Packet reports that t he National Assembly in Paris declared itself in mourning at the time of Dr. Franklin's death.

(To Be Continued)