All the Comforts of Home

In the early nineteenth century, the terms naval officer and gentleman were synonymous.  Acting like a gentleman was one thing, but he had to also live like one.  Snowy linen shirts, clean trousers, and polished boots were only one part of the equation.  A man’s living quarters had to reflect his status as well.

A document sent to Commodore Edward Preble while outfitting Constitution in 1803 gives us a glimpse of the sort of surroundings a high-ranking naval officer enjoyed while engaged in active service. [1]

We can divide the items in the list into three categories; items for table service, items for food preparation, and furnishings. 

An officer of Preble’s standing expected to entertain his own officers, politicians, and foreign dignitaries with style and hospitality.  An elegant table setting did much to reinforce his own importance and did honor to the flag.  Judging from the number of chairs and place settings supplied, the commodore could expect as many as a dozen guests at a time.

First and foremost, guests had to sit a clean table.  Two pewter wash “basons” and two pitchers encouraged pre-meal hand washing.  Two dozen table cloths and two dozen napkins presented a snowy array of linen to the visitor.  Beneath the cloths were laid rectangles of green baize to protect the tables’ surface. READ THE FULL STORY ON LOG LINES