I left New York in June and came to Plymouth, and the Samoset House." This may be considered, in proportion to its size, one of the finest hotels in the country, delightfully situated, commanding a fair view of the ocean, a little removed from the stir of the village, with green hills and woods, in which you may bury yourself on a summer's day, rising around it. The proprietors are gentemanly and accomodating, the cuisine excellent, and the company assembled here always of a superior order. Those who wish quiet and comfort, delicious air and country beauties, will find far more of these things here than in the heart and bustle of a crowded watering place.-- Webster, our great statesman, our country's glory, has frequently dined here with his family in the summer...N.P. Willis and lady have also passed have also passed two or three days here, and we have been favored by the presence of a lady of noble blood, Lady Wortley.

In August 1853, Calvin Philleo arrived in Plymouth to attend the enormous festival ("Forefathers' Day Thawed Out") which was held in honor of the Pilgrims, and stayed at Samoset House.

You will find it a very well-kept hotel--quiet, roomy, cool and pleasant. You will see few gentlemen there, except on Saturday evening and Sunday. There will be plenty of ladies, however, (if of ladies there can ever be a plenty)--the wives and daughters of "solid men of Boston," and lots of happy children. The view of the bay from the long piazzas on the northeastern front of the house is very fine, and in hot weather the cool sea-breeze that plays there during the afternoon, is delightful. A prettier place in which to sit and smoke, and weave after-dinner fancies, read the morning newspaper, and take nice little naps. can rarely be found. Moreover, mine host of the Samoset gives a good dinner, his wines are fair, and his bills are by no means extortionate.

Calvin W. Philleo,"A Pilgrimage to Plymouth."
Harper's New Monthly Magazine (1853), p. 350