The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1850-12-21
Cur Washington Correspondence.
WASHINGTON Dec. l6, l85,

w ASHIN0TON, Lee 10, loOU
Strangers IN Tacn-7hs f'resident's First Lsvse--
Tie Fumiies of the French AVID British Minis
te,s--1he Beauties of Washington, &C., &c.
The city is filled with strangers. 1t being the
short session, many of the members of Congress
are accompanied by their families
The families of some Of the Judges of the Su-
preme Court are here, beside many persons of
wealth, who usually spend their winters here to
see the distinguished men of the country, and to
enjoy the excitement and gsyety which always
exist in this city during the sitting of Congress.
Last Friday night was the Presidents first levee
of the season 1t was a very crowded and bril-
liant assemblage. The reception room, the east
room, and the room intervening, between the re-
ception and east rooms, were all crowded to over
flowing The President and family received visi-
tiers with their usual courtesy and grace.
Among the great persons there, will mention
General Scott first, as he stands among the most
distinguished of our countrymen, and his name is
dear to the heart of every American. Would that
Possessed the descriptive powers of that Scott
who was termed The Wizard of the North"
in his "sin countrie," then would portray, 10
language glowing as his, the personal appearance
OF our own brave Scott. But tina, gift is not mine.
Yet asl looked upon his manly form, towering above
the crowd around him, said mentally, not only is
he taller ia person than other men, but the brave
him on an eminence ia the history Of his country,
TO which few can aspire. | am proud to look upon
such man and say he is my countrymsn.
Many OF the repre- sentatives Of foreign nations
were present. The French Minister and family
attracted my attention more particularly, on ac-
SSREt OF hing 's1r'ssn.ssiyes from EaTopean Re.
his wife perfect specimen OF a refined and edu-
Gated French woman-consequeniiy, she cannot be
otherwise than interesting aud agreeable. His
daughter is very pretty unpretending girl. Why
should she not bel Titles of nobility beiIg extin
guished in France, she is nothing more than the
daughter OF republican. She was very prettily
dressed in PINK silk, without any gaudy trim
mings, or costly display of jewelry such as, re.
tywomen, and which renders them foolishly
conspicuous.
The lady OF Sir Henry Bulwer was dressed in
exceedingly good tsste Her dress was a rich vel
vet-color, emerald green; scarf, Of some ma
terial light as the gossamer's web, was thrown
gracefully around her shoulders.
But enough OF foreign ladies for one letter. Let
us look around and see who of our American ladies
shall furnish paragraph.
Miss Lynch, the sweet writer, Of New York. was
very hscominRy attirtd in dress of black velvet.
She drew a crowd around her, not by the spendor
OF her dress, but by the elegance and blliancy Of
her conversation. l observed Secretary Conrad
was very attentive TO her during the evening In
deed, II Is Whispered that her superior attainments
and conversational powers have played sad havoc
with the hearts of grave Legislators that L. with
those who are bachelors and wdowers She has
gray eyes, and when her features are in repose.
she would not be called pretty but when in ami.
mated conversation the soul, speaking through her
eyes, makes her conference very interesting
Speaking OF beauty, Miss Woodbury., daughter
OF Judge Woodbury., was thought by some the
most beautiful lady that Rraced the East room on
that evening
Mrs Cstron, wife of Chief Justice Ca,ron. was
much observed on account Of the elt gance 81 her
costume. She was waited on through the rooms
by Attorney General Cnttenden.
However, there was such crowd Of di stipguish-
ed persons, that suse 10 attempt TO partIcula
rze. | heard gentleman remark, that he had
never witnessed a more brilliant levee. The gave
ty'of the season scene TO have commenced. The
Secretaries have not yet announc ID the evenings
upon which they Will receive company.
ELLA ELTON