Note 30 — Chapter XV

Mr. Custis relates that Fraunces, the steward, once purchased the first shad of the season for the president's table, as he knew Washington to be extravagantly fond of fish. He placed it before Washington at table as an agreeable surprise. The president inquired how much he paid for the shad. “Two dollars,” was Fraunces's reply. “Take it away,” said the president—"I will not encourage such extravagance in my house.” Fraunces had no scruples of that kind, and the fish was devoured by himself and other members of the household.