Colonial recipes, from old Virginia and Maryland manors

In the Dulaney's Valley, steeped in memories and traditions, lies Hampton, the grand old manor where the Ridgelys have been cradled for two hundred years. Robert Ridgely, the progenitor of the Hampton branch of the Ridgelys, came to Maryland in the ship Assurance in 1634. His son, Captain Charles Ridgely, was the builder of Hampton, which is the most notable house in Maryland and was built in the heart of Captain Ridgely's vast estate of 10,000 acres, which has descended from father to son according to the English law of primogeniture. Captain Charles Ridgely married Deborah Dorsey, a demure little Methodist, and it is said that while she opened Hampton House with a prayer meeting, her less pious lord held a rollicking card-party in the attic with his fellow-officers. Priscilla, the young sister of Deborah 52 Hampton Dorsey Ridgely, married Governor Charles Ridgely, nephew and heir of the gallant Captain who served his country in the Revolutionary war and in the Continental Congress in 1776. Among the many interesting heirlooms at Hampton is a magnificent silver cup that was won by the favorite horse of Governor Charles Ridgely after it had fallen and broken its leg. The horse called the " Post Boy " was put in the paddock after the accident, but when he heard the bell ring he jumped the fence and came in ahead of the other racers on three legs. The great central hall of the old mansion is not only a magnificent picture of by-gone days, but it is considered the most perfect specimen of the luxury and elegance of the early colonial life now remaining intact in this country. Its walls are covered with family portraits and rare old paintings by the Italian masters. Tradition says a four-in-hand coach can easily turn around in this grand old hall, which has been the scene of many brilliant social functions. Hampton 5& The drawing-room and music-room also abound in elegance, and are veritable treasure houses of art, with their portraits and miniatures and rare old tapestries. In the music-room is still standing the old harp which is 175 years old, and which Sully portrayed in his portrait of Mrs. Charles Ridgely which is still hanging in the old hallway at Hampton. The terraced gardens with their carefully clipped borders of English boxwood are as beautifully kept to-day as they were two hundred years ago, and about them there is a compelling charm. Hampton has been the home of the descendants of two Governors of Maryland — Governor Charles Ridgely and General John Eager Howard. Standing in proud seclusion upon this grand old estate is the family vault built of granite, and it is enclosed by a high stone wall covered with English ivy. The entrance to it is made through massive iron gates. Through the kindness of Mrs. John Ridgely, known by the quiet title " Mrs. Ridgely of Hampton," we have the following : 54 Hampton A HARVEST DRINK (Hampton) Mix with 5 gallons good cool water, £ gallon of molasses, i quart vinegar, and 2 ounces powdered ginger. A SIMPLE POTATO PUDDING (Hampton) Six large potatoes boiled and mashed, 6 eggs, a saucer of sugar. Beat yolks and whites separately, mix the sugar with the yolks, and then add the potatoes. The whites, beaten to a froth, come last. Bake in oven for 10 to 15 minutes and serve. Some like it with cold butter sauce.