The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1855-01-10

!
/ ltglyesa a graphic account Of the personal ap-
pearance and domestic relations Of Washing
| ton:
From the note book of the late Mr.. Horace
Binney Wallace, Of Philadelphia, | am per
mitted to transcribc a record Of some conver-
sations with his mother, Mrs Susan Wallace, in
which that lady--so eminent for whatever is
beautiful and noble in her sex-disclosed he1
recollections Of WssLington's habits, personal
appearance and manners. On the removal Of
the government to Philadelphia, Mrs. Mary
Binney, mother of Mrs. Wallace, resided in
Market street, opposite to general Washington
4 the door Of her house a few PAGES further
east. It was the generals custom, frequently
when the day was fine, to come out to walk
attended by his secretaries, Mr.. Lear and ma
/ Wm Jackson-one orFeach side. He always
crossed directly over from his own door to the
sunny side of the street, and walked down. He
was dressed in black, and all three wore cooked
hats and eockades. She never observed them
conversing, she often wondered and watched, as
a child, to see if any Of the party spoke, but
never could perceive that tanything was said It
was understood that the aids were kept at regal
distance. Gen. Washington had large family
coach, a light carriage and chariot, all alike
cream -colored, painted with three enamelled
figures on each panel-and very handsome.
He drove in the coach to Christ church every
Sunday morning, with two horses, drove the
carriage and four into the country-to Lands
doWne, the Hills, and other places. In going
tothe senate he used the chariot, with six horses.
All his servants were white, and wore livcries
OF white cloth, trimmed with scarlet or orange.
Mrs. Wallace saw gen. Washington frequently
at public balls. His manners there were very
gracious and pleasing. She went with Mrs.
Oliver Wolcott to one of Mrs Washington's
drawing rooms. The general was present, and
came up and bowed to every lady after she was
seated Mrs Binney visited Mrs. Washington
frequently. 1t was Mrs. Washingtons custom
to return visits on the third day, and she thus
always returned Mrs. Binney's. A fooman
would run over, knock loudly, and announce
Mrs. Washington, who would then come over
with Mr.. Lear. Mrs. Wallace met Mrs. Wash
ington in her mothers parlor, her manners were
very easy, pleasant and unceremonious, with
the characteristics Of other Virginia ladies.
When Washington retired from public life, Mrs
Wallace was about nineteen years of age.
The recollections of Mr.. Richard Rush on
the subject are in agreement with those of Mrs
Wallace. That accomplished and distinguished
gentleman has communicated to me graphic
account Of some Interesting scenes, Of which
he was an observer, about the close of Wash
ington's first administration. Looking upon the
old Congress hall, at the corner of Chestnut and
Sixth streets, a few years ago, he says: Il re-
called a scene never, no never, to be forgotten.
It was, I think, in 1894 or 1895, that as boy
was, among the spectators congregated at this
corner, and parts close BY to witness a great
public spectacle.
Washington was to open the session of con-
gress by going In person, as was his CUSTOM to
deliver a 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, and spread north and
south some distance along the latter. A way
kept open for carriages, in the middle of the
street was the only space not closely packed
with people. / had stand on the steps of the
house in Chestnut street. which, raising above
the mass of human heads enabled me to see to
advantage. After waiting long hours, as it
seemed to boys impatience, the carriage of
the president at length slowly drove up, drawn
by four beautiful bay horses. It was white,
with medallion ornaments on the panels, and
the livery Of the servants, as well as remem-
Der, was white turnedup with red, at any rate
a glowing liyery-the eutire display in equi-
pages at that eralnour country generally, and in
Philadelphia in particular, while the seat Of
government, being more rich and varied than
now, though fewer in number.
Washington got out Of his carriage, and
slowly crossing the pavement, ,ascended the steps
of the edifce, upon the upper platform of
Which he paused, and, turning half round, looked
IN the direction of q carriage which had followed
the lead Of his own. Thushe stood for min
ute, distinctly seen by every body. He stood
in all his civic dignity and moral grandeur, erect
serene, majestic. His costume was full suit
of blaek=velyet, his hair, in itself blanched by
time, powdered to snowy Whiteness, 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, pro-
found stiffness reigned. Nota word was heard, |
not a BREATH Palpitations took the place of
sounds. 1t was a feeling infinitely beyond that
which vents itself in shouts Every heart was
full. In vain would any tongue have spoken.
All were gazing, in mute unutterable admi-
ration. Every eye was riyeted on that form
that greatest, purest, most exalted of mortals |
1t might have seemed asif he stood in that
position to CRAFTY the assembled thousands with
a full Of the father of their country Not
50. He had paused for his secretary, then, |
believed, Mr.. cambridge OF col. Lear, who got
out of the other carriage, a chariot, decorated
like his own. The secretary ascending the
steps, handed him paper probably copy
IF the speech lie was to deliver-when both
entered the building. Thenit was, and not until
hen, that the crowd sent up huzzas, loud, long,
earnest, enthusiastic"
Of the simple manners Of Washington and
lis family, we have an interesting account in
he travels of Mr.. Henry Wansey, F. S. A., an
English manufacturer, who breakfasted with
hem on the morning Of the 9th Of June, 1894
I confess, he says, Il was struck with awe
md veneration, when Irecoilectcd that I was
low in the presence Of the great Washington,
he noble and wise benefactor Of the world, as
Mirabeau styles him. When we look down from
his truly illustrlous character, on other public
ervants, we find glowing contrast nor can we
* our attention Oh any other great men, with
Ia