Wheeling times and advertiser. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1839-1849, 1842-04-09
CprresponIence ofrho Balumorr Parri,l.

ASllINGTON. SATURDAY EVENING. Apul2
MRS. WEBSTER'S LAST DRAWING ROOM
The patty llsieveJ 6gat Mrs. Wghstcr's. Nns. "
FAR. the most agrrS bic oi any of The delightful
sources, given bytI' lady uf the Secretary of Stale,
during the present essiJn OF Congress. II display.
ed a simplicity n elegance lthe genuine churac-
terisiics Of gOJdI sie,) well worthy Of imitation
Il demonstrated . every persoa present. that the
most lavish exPe ndIiure Of money (n the entertain
menis 50 frequently gwen IN the Metropolis ani DOR
large cities, TO grntiy the appetite or dazzle the cyc)
by no means afford that refined aud quiet enjoyment
which can only give True pleasure to a cultivated
mind aud IN polished society.
In order in illustrate the proceeding remarks, lot
me briefly describe the general appearance o. the
no Use its iurnunrc-Ihe entertainers aud the euies-
famed; and, finally, the means or method aiJpte
10 amuse 50 large an essem'ly. The House pccu.
pied BY the distinguished ) 'cretary. Is situated on
the Presidents = Iuare. nearly opposite the Execu-
live mansion. Even in It's external appearance.
there is a neltnes, AMI pllinnsss indicative OF ele
glnce and genuine Republican lssts. As you en-
ter n spacious hall. the ladies' and the gentlemen
are respectively conducted by the servants To the
dressing rooms. appropriated for tho guests ia the
third story ofthe spacious huuse, aud after each have
made their toilet ard prepared for exhibition. the
geIilemen. with the ladies' under their charge. ies.
cend 10 The second q ar, and euler The large and
sp1ciius drawing NON. extending the whole length
bt the irInt Of the house; you advance near To tho
centre of The room where stand the Secretary and
his accomplished lady. WIN receive you with a
warmtl and cordially worthy of the most p.lile
and polished circl,s Of Europe. Yod are made %
feel that y1u are welcome. and that you are at home
This is Inc very aristocracy Of true ppliieness-I
passing word of kindness. and you move on aud give
place Ia others who claim aud receive from the
ever attentive host and hosless "A friendly greeiiag.
and they loo IN succession follow on and mingle
with the crowd, as wave follows wave. You have
an opportunity TO take = critical survey Of the room
It's appearance AMI It's furniture gives you a vivid
impression nf prupreiy-neltnes-refnemcnI aud
elegance. There is nothing gorgeous or cIimvaglnt
displayed, either IN the flung up or The furniture oi
the large drawing ro, Sill IL is beautiful. add
ysu are nj q loss 10 give an idea of ths Impression
made upon you. and why II Is so. There is noIh-
ing, on n minute examination. IN This plhIr which
Particularly arrests tho atleniion-it IS what the
French call The L" tout ensemble" which leaves upon
the mind such ALVEY impression uflhe beauty and
elegance Of the arrangement that reigns within
In one word, IL Is the refined taste Of tho LADY OF the
house, which has impaired the whole charm To the
scene around you. Passing into the room adjoining.
You enter the study and library Of Daniel Webster.
IL u here that the giant intellect Of the age prepares
his defence aud advocates the rights Of tho Nation.
The room is handsomely bat plainly. e ted 40 with
m1hOgany cases, furnished with boJksin neat aud
appropriate binding. adapted to the subjects which
must necess 'rly engage his attention. IN the cen
ire OF tbs TOOm. on a table covered " ith a glass
case, stands the large and beautiful SILVER vase, pre-
sented him by the citizens Of B jstun. Beyond this
are n number Of rooms. usually occupied as family
sleeping apartments, but now thrown open for the
amusement Of The y~isiIers. But let us return 10 the
drawing room:
Here you see the President Of the United Slaies
receiving the respectful attention Of ali around him.
and ~mingling freely IN The conversation of the even
ing sometimes engaged with grave aud reverend
Senaioss-now with some laughing frightened
ffolicks1me girl-Ihen Sifh the rm,-yyoru soldier.
his tone aud manner hanging from the grave t.
the gay aud adapting himself with the greatest
ense aud GciiIiy 10 all who approach him S-crc.
tares. Senat,rs. Generals. Foreign Embas.ad,rs
Members OF Congress. Officers Of The Navy and Jis.
iinguished strangers. all are, or seem 90 be happy
Ihe rooms ne filled with Tue beauty aud intent OF
our country and all arc mIre Or les devoted in
making The agreeable and paving q proper Tribute fI
the charms and accomplishment Of the botcr pr.
ton Of crcatiUn.
~ halfpIsl ten. the large drawing rooms .u Inc
hrs' Hpnr we're thrown open % the company. There
vas go inpsic-uO dancing and The Refreshments
ourfrd 10 iDe gpesis were served IN on nutI.r0om
nhJ'ining these g triors. o. The pl1inest style imagin.
able consistent and 10 groj keeping with he gen
efdlornngemem Of The house and q. iuuiture-
y consisied Ji cakes. cJulccfionury anu lem made -
May this iurm asfandlId worthy Of limitation tlr.u.l-
out OR land. Another h1sr and q half passed A.
way delightfully."- every one finding Occupation
enough in the agreeable company present. Or
gaznig upon The many cuuuufes In The way l
fainuugs, books. &C.. scattered arpunl the r1.nr -
u was eight o'clock when the drawing q.
thrown open. and quite Twelve whom 1904.
iamly were lah 10 themselves