The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1857-07-22
THE WASHINGTON UNION.
LOCAL NEWS.

THK ARRIVAL AND REcrr1noE OF rHK ExcunsoSIsTs IA
THIS CrrT--Tm gIsr MOusr NEAEoS-THE CoLLA-
rloE, &c-At O'Clock yesterday morning the visit
ors from the wesl reached the Washington station,
in front Of which large number Of carriages hacks,
and omnibuses drawn up in line ready 10 carry
the guests OF the city to the White House
The guests Immediately after their arrival were re
eeiEed by Mayor Magrnder who behalf Of our dt-
gems extended them cordial welcome, saying that we
were the guardians merely Of this the national mt
tropolis-for the people of the United States Mayor
Adams OF Chicothe replied quite happily TO the wei
come Of Mayor Magruder remarking that in coming TO
the national metropolis they felt if visiting city com
10 the whole country Mr. EggiestOn, OF cncnnA
IT, also responded in brief but appropriate address
The excursioss in excellent spirits seemed 10
be much pleased with their reception and to anticipate
great deal Of enjoyment during their soourn in city
At twenty minutes to ten clock they conducted
the carriages hacks and omnbuses in which they pro-
oeeed to the White House 10 visit the President of the
United States AT ten o'clock the great doors Of the
White House thrown open, and the visitors PASSED
through the large hall into the Presidents reception
room from which, attracted by fine stirring music
they proceeded TO the Presidents grounds overlooking
the Potomac. The musicians stationed three
of the shaded mounds which are so familiar to the
Neutrality-suspicious. Soon the grounds presented an ami
mated appearance Groups Of ladies for large number
of the visitors of the gentler ser) and gentlemen
10 be here and there laughing and chatting,
and greeting their acauantanoes At about twenty min
utes Imst ten clock President arrived Immediately
all eyes directed toward him. lac approached the
expectant company The President accompanied by
Gen Cass Secretary of State Governor Cobb Secretary
of the Treasury Hon Mr. Toucey, Secretary Of the
Navy Hon Mr. Floyd, Secretary of War and Gov.
Brown Postmaster General members of his cabinet and
by Mayor Magruder and Dr. Blake the gallant Commits
sioner of Public Buildings and Grounds
The President introduced to the large assembage
by Mayor Magruder. No formal speech made but
the President with that flowing courtesy for which he
distinguished shook hands with all the guests assuring
them that he glad to them
This part of the programme concluded the President
retired the White House, and the visitors again enter
ed the carriages in waiting and devoted two hours and
half visiting the Capitol the Patent Office the Smith
sunian Institution and the various other prominent OBJ
jecs Of interest in the city previous to ebakng the
steamer George Washington for Mount Vernon.
At about o'clock, p. m, omnibuses and carriages
pouring in from all directions to the steamboat
wharf where lay the George Washington ready
receive the visitors and their entertainers and convey
them to Mount Vernon. With company on board
numbering nearly five hundred, the gallant little
steamer, amid the swelling strains of martial music
steamed her way. The steamer was decorated
with a number Of waving flags She reached Mount
Vernon about half past three clock and the excur-
sionists Immediately disenbarked, and marched to the
tomb OF Washington and during the performance Of
funeral drge by the band, gazed in successive groups
reveenty into the sacred vault upon the marble sarcop
ag Of their national father and his consort and then pro-
ceeded to the old Mansion House which, with the APP
purtenances they viewed with much interest Having
nearly all registered their there in book kept for
the purpose, and refreshed themselves with copious
draughts Of the pure well water of the premises they
started hack boat BY reolest of Daorerreaf,
artist present with his instruments they stopped again
the tomb and formed group for him take picture of
the Embracing at half past four they reached
Washington little after six without the least accident
ia tie pleasure of the trip From the wharf the
guests conveyed to Caruss Saloon in hacks and
nbuses
AT o. clock the guests sat down to the bounteous col
lation set out for them at Garuss Saloon There
five welliied tables the entire length Of the hail. and
a raised platform facing the parallel tables The
guests all comfortably seated the ladies sitting
the centre tables. After music from the band Mayor
Magrnder with heartiness Of expression not TO be mis-
taken, said Ladies' and gentlemen, if your appetites
good mine, you will not wait for invitation
to fall foul of what is set before you In the midst
Of the laughter which this aconic invitation created
the clatter Of knives and forks could be heard giving
ken that the attack upon the eatabes had commenced
shortly the rattle of the plates and the busting of the
pop After several lively airs had been played Mayor
Magruder, with few appropriate remarks announced
the first sentiment of the evening Our Country
which received with deafenng cheers the band play
ing Hail Columbia The Mayor next gave the Father
of the Liberties OF his Country George Washington
This greeted with loud and long continued
cheers the band playing g The Presidents March Az
the Mayor could be heard he said that the next
sentiment reference to gentleman venerated for
his patriotism for his unstained and unspotted moral
character and for his frmncss He regretted that he
was not present but would read the following letter which
he had written
WASHINGTON, July 81, 1857
GENTLEMEN have Ind the honor to receive your in
vtion meet the guests of the city from the West at
Caruss Saloon this evening but sincerely regret that
pressing engagements will deprive of this privilege
] was most happy to give them cordial welcome this
morning. Railroads truly said TO bind the diff
felcnt portions of the Union together In bonds of
iron but neither iron nor adaman is effectual for
this purpose kind and patriotic hearts from differ
ent and distant States united together in bonds Of
tual respect and affection and in love for one
whole great, and glorious country, These bonds
always strengthened by such visits have received
from friends and most heartily wish them
safe and prosperous returns to their homes.
Yours respectfully
JAMES BUCHANAN
This letter created great enthusiasm in the guests At
the hand had played Hail to the Chief Mayor
Magruder gave the next toast 1.-The President which
drunk standing and Immediately after the cheering
which succeeded Ind subsidized OF the guests pro
.,SaJ fur he WIFI triva