The New York herald., 1845-12-09
MARTIN RKsxHAs, THE Psrsprsr's Door KEEPER.

Among the most popular individuals IN Washing
ton City, is Mr.. Martin Renehan, who oficiates as
master of ceremonies at the general entrance TO the
White House. Heis, by birth and feeling, Irish.
man sagacious, intelligent, witty, and remarkably
polite 10 every one-a man Of the srlctest moral
feeling, although passiouately 'ond ot the gmaiory
poetry OF Tom Noorc--a good singer, aad very
clever musical composeTa raapcier al very correct
notions, in relation 10 the rise aud iali OF iancy
stocks IN shor, as Othello says of lago, :" a iel.
low Of exceeding hoDea;y." His usual cogaomen.
among ofIice-seekers, is Martini but for tie sake ot
breyity he is sometimes called Ma,ty, as was Mr..
Van Buren, his old master, b. the Golhs and Van
das OF the whig party, in lS3S-'39; and sometimes
he is called Pat. Having served in the same capa-
city that he now fills under the four last President
Jackson, Van Buren, Harrison, and Tyer-he is,
perhaps, as well known throughout the country as
any other individual He is better known than Nj
Polk. When fatigued, after long walk from the
Capitol, in broing sun, often take many a
seat with Mr. Renehan for The purpose Of listening
10 his stories, and 10 his limitations OF the late Coun-
sellor Phillips, of whose genius aud talent he Is il
warm adnirer Martin himself Is quite an orator,
he having delivered two or three fourth OF July ora
tions the City OF Washington, in 'fiy time, as
well as in high party mes. But let Is speak 81 him
cas- one gentleman should speak o another gentle
man." after an agreeable rubber at whist.
Martin Renehan, then, is no mean or common
man. He has noble blood in his vel %, and enough
Of it, too, are much mistaken and we may
add, that ne is an excellent Judge OF gastIonomy
We were informed, at Washington, that he was
born IN the province OF Lelnster, Ireland, Ammo
Dom 1872 consequently he ls thirty three years oi
age He claims 10 be llneal descendant Of The
kings Of that province. Ii we remember rightly, he
is about five feet and eight inches high, has light
complexion, blue eyes, light brown hair, good set
Of teeth, and is slightly pock marked. He always
has smile upon his countenance--a good natured
remark for every one, especially the ladies-and it
may be truly sad OF him, that he would at any time
prefer TO court the Muses. than coored lady,
which s not the case with every distinguished man
IN the District of Columbia. He possesses a con-
descending disposition, and, what IS the general
characteristic OF your true Irish gentleman, he is
frank, hospitable, and sympathetic. To show his
independence OF character, 1t IS only necessary tc
remark, that he has retained his political opinions.
as " Jackson man. unser several administrations
always speaking OF the hero OF New Orleans as
the greatest man that ever lived, except the ever
lasting Daniel OConnell He classes Washington
among the saints OF Mr. Van Buren, and General
Harrison, he always speaks IN the most hatterng
terms, while Mr.. Tyler comes in Tor generous
share OF his praise, as an old school republican,
stralght-out Virglnlan, warm-hearted man, OF IN
ostentatious manners, and an ardent admirer of
terms OF praise OF the members OF the late Presi-
dents family, especially Bob, whom he considers a
well meaning young man, Of intelligence and en-
terprse, and of great decision OF character CT the
wife OF the late President, he IS afraid 10 speak
as he feels he loves her almost to dlstractlon-she
gentle, so dlgn'hed, so elegant IN her manners,
and SO kind and lady-lke in all her movements. He
sometimes foTgefs that he has wife a home, when
speaking OF other ladies'; but this ls p harmless fail
log peculiar 10 his countrymen, and one that will
escape censure among all rational men.
Martin seems 10 be warmly attached 10 Mr.
Polk as he vas 10 his Immediate predecessors IN
the high Office OF Preslds Mt We once asked hun,
10 which OF the five Presldents-Jackson, Van
Buren, Harrison, Tyler, or Poik-he had formed the
strongest attachment! p He replied, with much
feeling. !" cannot answer thar question, the gall
ing word sycophant might be thrust IN my teeth,
and choke me y
In short, the subject Of our remarks il perfect
orlglnaa OF Infinite humor, Of clever natural
talent, which has bcen poliohed by reading. ffaysi
obseryation reflection, and we may add, constant
intercourse lth the most glted, aud popular, ana
sycophahtlc, aod beggary men IN The nltion lie
has probably come IN contact with more dstin-
gushed individuals. and more absolute 5eggtus.
within the last years, than any o.her twenty
IN the country. lie is an srtent repeaer, and
sweafs = an eternal vengeance against naughty
England" His passion for music knows no bounds,
and his quotations from popular poets are always ap
and well delivered. In word, he Is acquainted
with every subject you may call hls attention TO- and
has the happlest tact illustrating hbstTusc ques-
lions IN Law, physlc religion, and politics.
Such is the character ot Martin Renehan, the
philosopher OF The White House, : as we understand
H." Were he not passionately fond OF pork aud
greens, at certain seasons especially the spfng
OF the year,-a iavorlte dish with all classes tt
Washington, from the President down 10 the COM
monest day lahorer,-we could conscenuousy say
much more in favor OF hlm. We will only add that,
dispensing the charity of the Chief Magistrate "a
the nation, as he often has occasion 10 do, he at
ways exercises very generous and discriminating
feeling towards the needy applicants. Ii the bret
H,f d.. tday larrl Oh git,n- -fraft ftfp hl
has often ted and gwen money 10 The ne
cessitous and he doubtless dspsnses the customary
charity OF the Presidential mansion, al all tunes,
with hberaty and sound discretion How Ike
kind angel is this Irish philosopher, when compared
with many OF the devils tncafnate that daily enter
the doors OF the White House
AFFAIRS or SOUTH AMERICA Several of the
New Orleans papers OF the 23th ult. pretend 70 have
some important intelligence from Washington, re-