Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1853-07-21


mality end strict ceremonials of Mrs. Wash
ington's drawing-room, anticipated renewal
of the same dull scene. But Mrs Madison
was foe to dullness in every form, even
when invested with the dignity which high
ceremonial could bestow. All unnecessary
etiquette was banished, and no acquisitions
were made beyond those which regulated good
society in private houses.
In August, 1914, the tranquility of the
White House was disturbed by the British in
vasion. On the advance of the troops of the
enemy towards Washington, Mrs. Madison
was left in charge of the house by her hus-
band, who had gone to join the American
General who commanded the militia called
out for the defence Of the city. She remained
until the British cannon announced their arri-
val in the immediate vicinity, evincing great
presence Of mind, and making every effort to
save everything of the most value in the house.
The confagration of the public buildings fol-
and the President and his family found only
blackened walls at their residence, on their re-
turn to the city, when the British had retired
| During the remainder Of Mr.. Madison's presi-
Dental term, which expired in March, 1917,
he resided in private house in Washington,
where, however, he received company with
undiminished hospitality. His departure from
the city TO his retirement in Virginia, was la
mented by the citizens with whom his family
for sixteen years, had lived on terms of recip-
rocal kindness.
There was no material change at the White
House during the eight years presidency of
| Mr.. Monroe. He had commenced his resi-
dence at Washington in 1911, as one of Mr..
Madison MS cabinet, and of course had been fa-
mlllar with the seat of government for about
SIX years before he was inauguratcd Presi-
dent, March 4, 1917. Mrs. Monroe was la
dy well qualified to succeed Mrs. Madison in
doing the honors Of the Presidential mansion.
She was daughter of Mr.. l.. Kortrght, of the
city of New York, and was married to Mr..
Monroe about 1855, while he was attending
the Continental Congress, as member from
Virginia.
The lady had been celebrated in the fashion
able circles of London and Paris for her beau
ty and accomplishments, and in married life
was exemplary, as well as an ornament to the
society in which she was called TO act during
the scenes Of her husbands cafSgt. She had
two children, both daughters, one of whom
married George Hay, Esq, of Richmond the
other was the wITc OF SamueI IL. Goayerneur,
Esq, of New York.
The late j. Fenimore Cooper, in his "No-
tions of the Americans, by travelling Bache-
lor, I" describes society and other matters in
Washington during the Presidency of Mr..
Monroe. He says son Wednesday, Mrs.
Monroe opened her doors to all the world
No invitation was necessary, it being the usage
for the wife of The President TO receive once a
fortnight, during the session, without distinc-
tion of persons. We reached the White House
at nine. The court (or rather the grounds)
was filled with carriages, and the company
was arriving in great numbers. On this oc-
casion, two or three additional drawing-room
were opened, though the frugality of Congress
has prevented them from finishing the prnci-
pal reception room Of the building will ac-
knowledge surprise at finding the assemblage
SO respectable in air, dress and department
The "evening" at the White House, or the
drawing room, as it is pleasantly called, is in
fact, collection Of all classes of people, who
choose to 60 to the trouble and expense of ap-
pearing in dresses suited to an ordinary even
ing party. / am not sure that even dress is
much regarded, for [ certainly saw good
many men there in boots. The females were
all neatly and properly attired, though few
were ornamented with jewelry. OF course,
the poorer and laboring classes Of the commu-
nifty would find little or no pleasure in such a
scene. They consequently stay away"
Squeezing through the crowd, we achieved
a passage to part Of the room where Mrs.
Monroe was standing, surrounded by a bevy
of female friends. After making our bows
had posted himself at the top of the room
where he remained most of the evening, shak-
ing hands with all who approached. Near
him stood all the Secretaries, and great num-
Der Of the most distinguished men of the ma
ton. Individuals of importance from all parts
of the Union were also here, and were en-
| ployed in the manner usual TO such scenes"
There was great improvement in society
at Washington, both as TO numbers, style, and
etiquette, during the Presidency of Mr.. Mon
roe. The families of the Secretaries, viz -
Messrs. Adams, Crawford, Calhoun, Thomp-
son, and Southard, and those of other officers
of Government, added much to the brilliancy
and attraction Of the social circles at the me-
tropolis. kind and liberal spirit prevailed
during the 'era of good feeling" at the period
Of this administration and on the 4th of March
1925, John Quincy Adams succeeded Mr.. Mon
roe under favorable auspices.
Mr. Adams, as Secretary Of State, had re-
sided at Washington during the eight years Of
Mr.. Monroe's term. His wife was highly ac-
complished, and well qualified to fulfil the du-
ties of the new station TO which she was called.
| Her maiden name was Louisa Catherine John
son. She was daughter of Joshua johnson,
Esq, of Maryland, who resided in London,
when his daughter was married TO Mr.. Ad-