Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1855-09-19

+
Mrs. Oliver Wolcott to one of Mrs
Washington's drawing-rooms. The Gen
eral was present, and came up and bow
ed to every lady after she was seated
Mrs. Binney visited Mrs. Washington fire.
quently. Ii was Mrs. Washington's Gus
tom to return visits on the third day /;
and she thus always returned Mrs. Bin
ney's. A footman would run over, knock
loudly, and announce Mrs. Washington,
who would then come over with Mr.
Lear. Mrs. Wallace met Mrs. Washing
ton in her mothers parlor-her manners
were very easy, pleasant and unceremo-
nious, with the characteristics of other
Virginian ladies. When Washington re-
tired from public life, Mrs. w. was about
nineteen years of age.
The recollections of Mr.. Richard Rush
on the subject are in agreement with
those of Mrs. Wallace. That accom-
plished and distinguished gentleman has
communicated to me very graphic ac
count of some interesting scenes, of
which he was an observer, about the
close of Washington's administration.
Looking upon the old Congress Hall, at
TIE corner of Chesnut and Sixth streets,
few years ago, he says, al recalled
scene never, no, never to be forgotten.
1t was, think, in 1894 or 1895, that as a
boy, was among the spectators congre-
gated at this corner, and parts close by,
to witness great spectacle.
Washington was to open the session
of Congress by going in person, as was
his custom, to deliver speech to both
houses, assembled in the chamber of the
House of Representatives. The crowd
was immense. 1t filled the whole area
in Chestnut street before the State House,
extended along the line of Chestnut street
above Sixth street, and spread north and
south some distance along the latter. A
way kept open for carriages in the mid
die of the street, was the only space not
closely packed with people. had
stand on the steps of one of the houses in
Cbesnut street, which, raising me above
the mass of human heads, enabled me
to see to advantage. After waiting long
hours, as it seemed to boy impatience,
the carriage of the President at length
slowly drove up, drawn by four beauti-
bay horses. 1t was white, with medal
lion ornaments on the panels, and the liv-
cry of the servants, as well as l remem-
Der, was white, turned up with red at
any rate. glowing livery-the entire
display in equipages at that era, in our
country generally, and in Philadelphia
particularly, while theseatofgovernment,
being more rich and varied than now,
though fewer in number. Washington
got out of his carriage, and slowly cross
ing the pavement, assembled the steps of
the edifce, upon the upper platform of
which he aused, and, turning halfround,
lookedin fhe direction of carriage which
had followed the lead of his own. Thus
he stood for minute distinctly seen by
every body. He stood in all his civic
dignity and moral grandeur, erect, Sc
serene, majestic. His costume was full
suit of black velvet his hair in itself
blanched by lime, powdered to snowy
Hhiteness, a dress-sword at his side, and
his hat held.in his hand. Thus he stood
in silence and what moments those
were Throughout the dense crowd,
profound stiffness reigned. Not word
was heard-not breath. Palpitations
took the place of sounds. 1t was feel
ing infinitely beyond that which vents
itself in sounds. Every heart was full.
In vain would any tongue have spoken.
All were gazing, in mute, unutterable
admiration. Every eye was riveted on
that form the greatest, purest, most ex-
alted of mortals. 1t might have seemed
as if he stood in that position to crafty
the assembled thousands with full view
of the father of their country. Not so.
He had paused for his Secretary, then,
believe, Mr.. cambridge, or Col. Lear,
who got out of the carriage, chariot,
decorated like his own. The Secretary,
ascending The steps, handed him a pa
probably copy of the speech he
was to deliver,-when both entered the
building. Then it was that the crowd
set up huzzas, loud, long, earnest enthu-
siastic."
Of the simple manners of Washington
and his family, We have an interesting
account in the travels of Mr.. Henry Wan
sey, F. S. A, an English manufacturer,
who breakfasted with them on the morn
ing of the 9th of Iune, 1894. 81 con-
less, he says, 81 WIS struck with awe
and veneraton, when recollected was
in the presence of the great Washington;
the noble and wise benefactor of the
world, as Mirabeau style him. When
we look down from this truly illustrious
character, on other public servants, we
find glowing contrast nor can we fix
our attention on any other great men
without discovering in them a vast and
Notifying dissimilarity. The President
seemed very thoughtful, and waS slow in