Social formalities were entirely abandoned in Washington in war time. The Ebbitt House public parlors were on a level with F street and the windows were always open. Any friends in passing would catch a glimpse of us and happen in for comradeship, giving bits of news, and offering kindly services. One group of four Philadelphia officers were especially friendly and helpful. The lack of conventionality now and then, though, had its drawbacks, as Georgeanna’s note shows—addressed to “Mrs. Howland—Parlor” and sent down from the bedroom one evening to Eliza, who, not fortunate in escaping, was captured by the enemy:—
“Find out incidentally before Dr. E. goes, where Mr. Charming is to preach. Mind, I don’t want to accept an invitation to go with him. I saw him, when I was shutting the blinds up here, pass the windows of the parlor, and stop and look in, and go on, and stop, and turn back and come in—! and then I banged the blinds with glee, and am just popping into bed. Shall expect you up about midnight.”
