Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1857-06-03
PRESENTATION OF THE ELK.HORN CHAIR
TO THE Observation-Disclosures CEkE'

10 THE Observation-Disclosures lN0 V1IIsc
MONY.
WASHINGTON, Monday, May %, 1857.
The most interesting feature of the past week,
the presentation, on Saturday last of the Elk
horn chair to the President by Mr.. Seth Kinman,
the California trapper. The ceremony took place at
o'clock P. NJ, in the East Room of the Executive
Mansion, where was witnessed for the first time the
novel and attractive scene of special public inter-
view between American trapper ofthe far distant
Western wilds Of the Pacific and the President OF
the United States. Mr.. Kinman was escorted to the
White House by Gen. Denver of California, Cpl.
Stambeau, and Major Arnold Harris. Tho chair
had been previously deposited in the East Room,
where large concourse of ladies and gentlemen
had assembled to witness the ceremony. The
chair is made of the horns of the stag or elk,
with the antlers forming the back and arms, be-
ing highly polished and the seat of soft beautl-
fully dressed white skin. 1t is very commodious,
and seems especially made for case and comfort AT
o'clock the trapper entered the East Room accom-
panied by his escort, dressed in his deerskn hunt
ing shirt and rowsers, with his rife on his shoulder.
He wore his hunting shirt open at the neck, expos
outside of his trowsers He is about five feet eleven
inches in height, spare but well made, and OF great
muscular power and activity. His features are re-
gular, and rather prepossessing. He has sharp,
keen blue eye, dark chestnut hair inclined to curl,
with full beard aud moustache shade lighter than
roanded, and several persons were introduced to
him. Col. Buchanan, U. S. A., who has been for
some time in California. approached the trapper and
said
"SErH do you know me?"
The trapper, after scanning his features, made
movement of surprise and pleasure towards the
Colonel and said Yes it is not easy to forget your
sign-you are Col. Buchanan, and am right glad
to see YOU" The two heartily shook hands. and in
quirics were made after mutual friends.
DO you remember this old shot-pouch ?" ashed
the trapper, putting his hand upon square leather
bag which hung with other trappings over his shout
81 do WELL" replied the Colonel" and while &C.
knowledge its services, have no longing to be one
of its companions again under similar circumstances
l can fully indorse you, SETH"
The trapper then passed on and took his position
by the side of the khorn chair, leaning upon bis
rife and the assembly formed large circle around
him. The President entering from the main corridor,
then announced and the circle opened to receive
him General Denver stepped forward and formally
presented Mr.. Kinman to the President. Mr.. Bu-
chanan took the trapper by the hand and cordially
welcomed him, saying, believe you are from Berks
County, Pennsylvania"
"No Sir" replied the trapper, in a low and mod
est tone, 81 am from old Union. That's my native
county. left it in 1880 for the West, and have
since then twice crossed the Rocky Mountains. 1
return the States for the first time with the only
purpose OF presenting 10 you, DIT, thlS cuair.
killed the elks mysef-four f'em-and it took some
time before could get the antlers that wanted:
This, Sir, is the first piece of cabnet-makng that
ever tried my hand at. [Great laughter by the au-
dience You will find it steadfast and true Quitting
bis hand upon the chair) it is bound together by
the native iron of California. you, Sir, it
will give you safe support to the end of your life,
which hope will be a prolonged and happy one. !"
The President, in reply, said: II accept this chair
with great pleasure. shall value it highly. 1t will
to remind of the wiIds of California and the
Californians. They are stamp Of men that can be
coaxed, but cannot be driven. will carry it home
with to Pennsylvania after retire from the Pre-.
sidency, and prize it of the most pleasing re-
miniscences of my official career"
Then turning his attention to the rife of the trap
per, Mr. Buchanan said "What do you call your
gun ?"
"Long Tom," answered the traPper, "and many a
time has my life depended her and steady nerve,
or would have been aeiped out long ago!'
Again reverting to the chair, the trapper said
have permitted any to sit in this chair
as determined you should be the first. hope,
Mr.. President, you will now take seat in it, that
1 may tell my friends that saw you sitting in it. y
MIR. Buchanan smilingly acquiesced, saying Ger.
tainly, must crafty you in this as we'll as myself
there Mr. Buchanan reclined upon the char,] and il
will give great pleasure in the reflection of hav
| ing received it at your hands,"