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Show WASHINGTON SOCIETY IN 1825. The circle of what was termed "good society" at Washington had been, and was then, very limited in its extent and simple in its habits. Few senators or representatives brought their wives to cheer their congressional labors, and a parlor of ordinary size would contain all those who were accustomed to attend social gatherings. A few diplomats with the officers of the army and navy stationed at headquarters were accompanied by their wives, and there were generally a few visitors of social distinction. The most friendly and cordial intercourse prevailed, and those who met at dinner parties and at evening entertainments were like members of one family, in general sympathy. The costume of the ladies was classic in its scantiness, especially at balls and parties. The fashionable ball dress was of white India crepe and five breadths, each a quarter of a yard wide, were all that was asked for to make a skirt, which only came down to the ankles, and was elaborately trimmed with a dozen or more rows of narrow flounces. Silk or cotton stockings were adorned with embroidered "clocks" and thin slippers were ornamented with silk rosettes and tiny buckles. Those gentleman who dressed fashionably wore "Bolivar" frock coats of some gay colored cloth, blue or green, or claret, with large lapels and gilded buttons. Their linen was ruffled, their "Cossack" trousers were voluminous in size, and were tucked into high "Hessian" boots with gold tassels. They were two and sometimes three waistcoats each of different colors, and from their watch pockets dangled a ribbon, with a bunch of large seals. When in full dress, gentlemen wore dress coats with enormous collars and short waists, well-stuffed white cambric cravats small clothes, or tight-fitting pantaloons, silk stocking and pumps.-March Atlantic. |