The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-01-05

some Of the ladies. The dress of Mrs. Gwin,
wife Of the Senator from California, was exceed
ingly rich, denotng, truly, that she was citizen
OF that State where gold can be picked up like
pebbles from the earth.
From the reception room | went to the East
room, which was filled with elegant ladies, disn-
guished statesmen, business men, and bankers,
masters, and apprentices, with pretty fair repre-
sentation OF editors, amongst whom nouced "a,
ther Ritchie, accompanied by two oeaqtlIai ana
interesting daughters All seemed TO have laid
down the cares of life fer one day 10 ENJOY the
festivities of the season
/ had been in the room but few moments,
when remarked the crowd seemed to be moving
TO the opposite side Of the room from where was
standing. Casting my eye IN that directiont to see
the cause, | observed the tall form and golden
colored plume of General Scott, near tn. centre
table in the middle of the room, and crowd was
pressing around him 10 tender him the greetings of
the day. A little farther down the room was seer
Harry Clay, also surrounded by crowd, TO whom he
was bowling and smiling, in his own kind an plea
SAINT manner did not attempt to speak to either on
account of the throng by which they were sur
rounded; but in my heart wished them as happy
New Year, and as many returns of 1t, as any
other person in the room. / look upoR each OF
those names as destined to gid the brightest pages
OF our history-one in the military department. the
other in the civil
Leaving the Presidents, called upon q Tom,
the wagon boy, as the western people love to call
the Secretary of the Treasury. The avenue in front
Of his door was thronged with carriages, and the
rooms were illed. Whilst waiting for oppor-
tuniry to tender INN the good wishes OF the season,
| OWNED the cause of his unbounded popularity in
the west. Although 50 many persons were claim
ing his attention, he had some pleasant remark for
each one that addressed him. When | was pre-
sented 10 him, 10 my remark, that we all wished
10 call on our Secretaries on New Years day, he
replied: sob, yes, and particularly the Secretary
of the Treasury, who has the managing OF Uncle
Sans purse, adding siRdeed, he is some pumpkins,
when he has Uncle Sans money in his pocket"
If we believe tie report of goody number of citi-
zens, who live in Uncle Sans territories, he is some
pumpkins, independent Of his money | have
heard him called the black prince, and primes of
the blood, by persons wishing TO express admira-
ton OF his qualities. | do not like these terms,
Prince SEE ms 10 me to be a word which belongs
exclusively TO Europe--therefore unsued in its APP
pllcation 10 distinguished persons Of the United
States.
De Tocquevile says we Americans can coin
word when an event occurs IN our country 10
which the language OF the cid world will not APP
ply. | have no need Of coming word for mad
phrase already coined which embodies precisely
what | would say OF him-he is some OF the
soveregns.'
talent, which is supposed TO belong TO soveregns,
and 1t also indicates that he possesses that social
quality which induces him TO comminge with the
masses in manner that stamps him emphatcally,
one of the sovereign people.
Mrs. Corwin Is a pleasant, unassuming lady,
whose amiable manner wine the friendship Of all
who visit her. | was presented by her TO Mrs.
Smith, OF Baltimore, cousin OF hers; and the face
be true index to the heart, all the generous and
kindly qualities of our nature have their abode IN
that lady's bosom.
After paying our respects to the family, we were
RECALLED with refreshments IN an adjoining room
but, | presume the greatest treat TO the young
bachelors who called on the Secretary Of the
Treasury, was q smile from the rosy lips, or
glance from The merry dark eye, of Miss Corwin,
eldest daughter Of the Secretary. She has the
countenance of her father, from which the same
merry, fun loving spirit which characterizes him,
seems 10 peep forth.
| next called on the Secretary Of War. He being
wdower, no lady presided al his mansion, but his
own manner OF receiving vsiters was so agreeable,
that none seemed TO feel the want of woman'5
smile. Should Mr.. Conrad choose to look around
him, he will have no difficulty in finding some fair
lady who will De most happy to take charge OF
his house hold.
As was entering bis mansion, met on his door
step, young friend. who said g Are you gong
call on MIR. Courad;l" / replied was ard she ex-
claimed :. Oh, | am enchanted with him" After
seeing him, was not surprised al her admiration
his cordiality Gnd courtesy make all who approach
hun regard HIM as friend i there met Sir Henry
Buwer and lady, also Mr.. Cnttepden.
The last cali was on the Secretary OF State. III
Dan Webster is pre-emiEent as a statesman, Mrs.
We bster may claim pre-enlnence In the world OF
fashion, for her iadylike department and the grace
full ease with which she receives visiters. IL was
late in the dav when called, and she must have
been fatG ued still, she had a smile. with some
pleasant REMARK, for all that approached her. had
designed calling on all the secretaries, but when
left Mr. Webstef's, IL was too late so returned
| home. with the intention ofseeing them some other
| tine and Will give you my impIe ss'ons OF them
There are many other interesting incidents
| wished 10 mention, the most prominent being the
course Of lectures delivered is this city by the
| Rev Dr. Cox of Brooklyn, New York bat my let
| ter Is now SO long must defer notice OF them 20
| some future letter. ELLA ELTON.