The streets were unpaved, dusty in summer, and deep with mud in winter, so that the mere difficulty of getting from place to place was a serious obstacle to general society.

Cattle fed in the streets, and were milked by their owners on the sidewalk.

There was a grotesque contrast between the stately capitol where momentous questions were eloquently discussed and such queerly primitive and rude surroundings.

Few persons were able to entertain because few persons had suitable houses.
Members of Congress usually clubbed together and took possession of a house, and these "messes," as they were called,--although without doubt very agreeable to their members,--did not offer a mode of life which was easily compatible with the demands of general society.

Social enjoyments, therefore, were pursued under difficulties; and the city, although improving, was dreary enough.
Society, too, was in a bad condition.