A history of the United States of America; its people and its institutions . iffered accordingly. The planters, as they grewwealthy from the sale of their crops of tobacco, built them-selves large mansions, handsomely furnished and orna-mented. Within were broad stairways, and mantels andwainscots often of richly carved mahogany. The furniturewas of solid oak and mahogany. Gold and silver plate oftenwas visible in abundance on the sideboards, there beingfrequently an ostentatious display of wealth. Each mansion had its numerous household of negro ser-vants. The field hands had their separate q
A history of the United States of America; its people and its institutions . iffered accordingly. The planters, as they grewwealthy from the sale of their crops of tobacco, built them-selves large mansions, handsomely furnished and orna-mented. Within were broad stairways, and mantels andwainscots often of richly carved mahogany. The furniturewas of solid oak and mahogany. Gold and silver plate oftenwas visible in abundance on the sideboards, there beingfrequently an ostentatious display of wealth. Each mansion had its numerous household of negro ser-vants. The field hands had their separate quarters, eachhut with its garden and poultry-yard. Most of the articlesneeded on the estatewere made by the ~^ slaves. Lavish Mode of Life.—The great planterslived like lords, keepingstables of fine horsesand parks of hunting-dogs, while they wentto church or made vis-its in great coachesdrawn by six were negro ser-vants ready to do all labor, so that it was considered de-grading for a white man to work. Hospitality.—The warmest hospitality was Colonial Fireplace. 142 THE ERA OF SETTLEMENT. Life in those great mansions was often dull, and a travellerwas a prize. News journeyed slowly, and important eventswere often learned only from some loquacious guest. Aservant was sometimes posted on the high-road to look outfor any respectable traveller on horseback. When one suchappeared, the bowing and smiling negro would invite him tostop and spend the night at his masters mansion. Arrivedthere, he would be treated to the best in the house, andperhaps have a hunt or other sport got up for his enjoy-ment the next day. This hospitality had one bad effect,the inns were miserable. The planters robbed the land-lords of all profitable custom. Dress.—Full dress here embracedthree-cornered cocked hats, long vel-vet coats, with lace ruffles at thewrist, knee-breeches, white silk stock-ings, and shoes with silver hair was worn long, powderedwith white, a
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