Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1829-01-08
WAsH1Seros. JAN. I'd, 1929.


mansion. for their accommodation, Mr.. Adams
and his lady received the compliments OF the
New Year. from the hands aud tongues Oh
thousands Of their fellow cilizens; among whom
7 saw no discrimination Of rank, condition or
nar,v. With view Of seeing all could, ana
observing for myself The changes which mice"
years had produced upon the society oil ms
Mace, I placed myself very early in situation
TO crafty the end OF my visit. In approachhe
the great mansion, ! saw immense numbers OF
carriages ,hronging every avenue TO IT'S p'rta's'
rumhling in the distance like heavy artillery
pressing 10 battle; and, moving in the same al
rrc,ion, thou sands OH foot, answering the reia-
ton Of light infantry 10 those more ponderous
movements before mentioned. On ascending
the fight of steps, in front Of the house, the
well remembered and often repeated thunders
of The bass drum, 5azoob, horn, clarionet and
triangle. Of the Marine band, at once gave no.
tice tSat the ceremonies Of the day had already
oDened, I was borne along with the animated
multitude. observing the point TO which all
,,e q. were directed The Green Room was
now mourning lis swarns in succession into the
Drawing Room, in which the gratuIs'ions Of
the company were off red and received. ne
President being Of low stature, did not per.
ceive him until nd approached within yard
| of the spot where he stood. did not wall 'of
an introduction. having several times before
had tina, honor in times past; but as all around
me did, shook him by his extended hand, and
bowling passed over towards tie south 'front.'.
There took up my position immediately be
| hind him, in ending no. 10 be disappointed In
nv purpose 10 observe him closely; the more
| independently 10 form my Judgment oil the
man. His person is no way remarkable, oeihg
- 10
uncovered, which allowed me an excellent OPP
| portnnily 10 survey il minu,ely according TO The
| r, ceived rules OF craniology-an opportunity
did no, let 90 unimproved. He was dressed in
plain manner, having on a blue close-oo.
DIV coat. black pan,aloons, white stockings
and short quarter shoes, tied with ribbon
While the ceremonies Of the day were progress
sing, he had time only 10 shake hands, bow,
and, if spoken 10 at all, reply rapidly to each
one as he approaeh he'd and passed by. Gentle
men, singIy, and gentlemen bearing on their
arms one, and sometimes two ladies, at the
same time, passed as it were in review; and IN
that way wi,hou, intermission occupied him
| for more than two hours. Indeed, thought J.,
the company takes bad wy 10 insure the Pre-
sident "many happy New Years." fpr such
one as this might kill man more iron strung
than he.
Near 10 and little behind the President,
stood Mr. Clay, and for long time received
the hands and cheer Of most Of The visitors,
known to him; and few strangers were for
mally introduced 10 him for the first time
Having long known him, ! approached him
| with the bearing 81 an acquaintance; he Extend
iroduced me by name TO Mrs. Clay, who was
hanging for the moment Oh his arm. This apt
ness in the recollection Of persons and names,
distinguishes Mr.. Clay, and the exceeding
kindness and Difference Of his manners and de-
pertinent are so impressive as TO make it plea
SAINT 10 meet him even al the distance Of many
years.
The next commanding incident was the ar
rival Of that polished pair Mr. and Mrs. Rush;
neither having lost, by years, the fascinating
Establishments for which in all times they have
been remarkable. l was accustomed in my
day, TO look with pride upon Mrs. Rush, when
surrounded in the drawing room by courtly TO-
reigners, believing as then did, and aow do,
that she is unsurpassed in good sense, good
manners, and good disposition, by any lady at
home or abroad. Upon passing the President,
she saluted and was seated with Mrs. Clay by
Mrs. Adams, who throughout the day played
her part not only unexceptionably but admira.
bly,. For some time after ! had been in the
room could not conquer my remembrance
ot Mrs. Madison, whom had seen so long the
favorite tenant there; and in the whole compa>
ny could not find one at all resembling her.
She was formed to preside Oil such occasions.
In the course Of time the company dispersed
in large groups, some to promenade in the East
Room, some in the Green Room, and some to
lounge in the common parlcr or Sitting Room.
By these dispositions obtained the desirable
opportunity of getting favorable view Of the
President from a short distance in 'front.' His
countenance was calm, exhibiting nothing per-
plex ed or perturbed. There was indeed little
or no hilarity or mirihful relaxation 10 relieve
the continued solemn,y Of his phiz. I do not
think Mr.. Adams in any respect fitted for such
q scene. l, seems task 10 which he submits
as a matter to be gone through, being ordained
by the force Of custom. 1t is strange indeed
that custom SHOULD exercise sway so powerful
over all men; that not 10 be singular in her view,
the wisesi aud greatest men submit, to make
singular in their own view I am
sure, MIR. Adams would a thousand times RAJ
Their be condemned to write protest agains,
the arrogant and illici, conduct Of Don Pedro,
in relation 10 our commerce, on the coast of