Morning herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1837-1840, 1840-01-25


My letters from here, so long as l may remain
shall be political and descriptive. The information
given under the first heading shall be only from the
best sources: the latter shall embrace the fairest
sketches Of persons things they are in the gay
metropolis The sojourner who comes he'e, q
stranger, to remain a few weeks months, and
confines himself to the limits of his hotel, an
occasional visit the galleries of Congress. sees OF
hears but half what the vstant of several seasons
of general &C quaintanee, has the opportunity to
enjoy.
Etiquette is a point Of discussion with strangers,
and the following is the acknowledged rule here, as
regards visits and calls:-The President OF the U
S. calls one-the Senators call on the Presi-
deNt-members Of the Cabinet and Foreign Ministers
call on the Senators-tbe members OF the Heuse call
on the President, Senators, Cabinet, and Foreign
Minister'S Strangers coming to the city, call on the
President, Cabinet, and the Diplomatique Corps.
Resident citizens call strangers, strangers leaving
their cards, no not known, accompanied by that
Of friend to the family invited to parties; other
wise they are net noticed.
Wash Agton has not been gay up to the present
time this season. but there is, neverthe pretty
programme of coming events to keep the young and
fashionable in hopes OF better things Several OF the
gayest houses Of last winter closed, and the di-
plomatique circle. in the way OF entertaining, is
almost broken up. Mr. PontOis has lett Mr. Cal
deron the late Spanish Minister, has gone to Mex
leo. Baron MOushall, the Austrian Ambassador,
ele CANT and select Mr.. Fox still lives retired for
his reasons, and the remaining porti@n OF the
foreigners live in small houses or being bachelor
keep but their necessary rooms The new Spanish
Minister and his &C complshed lady have not yet
| got into their new establishment. Mr. PaCeot, the
French Charge is boarding in +. street. became
acquainted with Mr.. Pa.eot, at the time OF the n
aug uration of General Jackson and among the many
gay foreiguers here at that period, he is the only
| one now remaining always respected him as a
liberal and enlightened gentleman. Mr. acoart,
| the newly appointed Minister from ST. Cloud, is
| daily expected
| Mr.. Bodisco, the Russian minister, of whom yon
have heard so much, resides in splendid mansion
| in Georgetown. Ever since his establishment here
| among the people of the District, his house has
| been the resort of the accomplished the talented
! and the fashionable. He has kind and liberal
| heart, and is very popular. Some time last winter,
| he gave bali to all the young children in the two
cities This is said TO have been beautiful scene,
and if it shall happen again, will delight to picture
it, II at this ball where he fell in love with his
| present intended wife, n sweat and lovely girl OF
seventeen, whom he is to marry early next month.
1 met him the other evening, the happiest of the
happy. This affair rs now all the talk, and the
whole months of February ana March will be emil
vened by the accompanying parties and merrynak
ings. Bodisco gave very handsome dinner last
week, in compliment to Mr. Clay, which nd
ed by General Scott, and many Of the most distin.
| guished members of both Houses of Congress, and
| other gentlemen.
Presidents Square, where the parties have com
menced is 10 be the place If attraction this winter,
and lady of the beau monde assures me that Wa:h
ington will be gay next month as 1t ever has been
A great many ladies here from abroad. and
among them many pretty girls; and il the New York
beaus aware how many great fortunes were
here they would throng TO the metropolis.
In addition to the private parties to come off the
young gentlemen Of Wash ngton are getting up set
Of assemblies the first Of which will take place at
the close OF this month
The Cabinet all getting ready TO entertain
The family At the Presidents, will have soirees
this winter-they confine them selves 20 dinner par
ties, on the Thursday and Saturday Of each week.
rhe Pre- sident has his Cougres list, which he
goes through alphabetically, inviting about twenty
each dinner, until the end of the list; bU; few eX
ceptinns are made. ARIEL WASHINGTON.