Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1858-01-15
FROM WASHINGTON CITY.
Correspondence Of the Richmond En9uirer.l
WAsHIsGToN, JANUARY 7th. 1853.

Ner Years Day-Secretary Cas- Reception Chas
Mackay's Lecture-Amusements- at III.
Smithsonias Institution.
New Years day passed quite pleasantly In Wash
ington. 1t was marked by less of dissipation. FROM
the fact that the majority of our citizeus who ere
oeived" their friends on that OCCASION refreshed them
with no stronger smulants than tea, coffee choco
late. We rejoice at this innovation and sincerely
trust our people may never again, in years gone
by, place before their "cailers" on New Years day
those treacherous mixtures which, under the names oil
gg.nog and appleoddy, so imperceptibly "stea
away the senses.' The young men who indulge in
such uxuries, are not so culpabe as those who lay
the temptation before them. May the commence.
ment Of 1858, be the dawning of u new Of good
feeling which, not having been baptised in the social
glass, will not need it's unnatural excitement TO keep
it alive to the end.
On Tuesday night last the ppivuuiu mausrV" VI
Secretary Csss, was thrown open to his numerous
friends. The venerable Premer-the almost sole
survivor Of noble host Of distinguished cotempora.
res-was looking remarkably we'll, aud his accom-.
plished daughter, received with cordiaty peculiar.
ly Der own, their delighted guests. The house OF Sc
cretary Cass s filled with the most and valuable
works OF art. One can there commune with the
spirits OF the great and ust;ious Of past ages and
feel, in The forms of undyng marble before him. an
almost living presence. We wers particularly pleased
|! with fine portrait Of Washington, by Stewart q
bust of Jnlius Caesar, Of the constabes Of Bour.
bon, beautiful Venus. and Napdeons breakfast set.
At every turn in these spacious apartments We met
with some new object of interest that excited our ad
miration and pride for that distinguished man, who
has combined with the wisdom Il the statesman q
most refined taste for the beautiful Conspicuous in
the midst of the large company, on this occasion,
was Maj. Gen Scott, who Notwithstanding the
hard servos he has seen, is boxing in good
health. Judge Douglas and bis amable lady
were present, and received good!y share
of attention. The agreeable anc happy-temper.
ed Secretary Cobb was entertaining a mum.
Der of ladies and gentlemen with his ready wit
and sparkling repartee, and Gen. Jones' OF the Sen.
ate, was dispensing his accustomed yaantres all
aides. Among the ladies we noticed Mrs. Governor
Brown, Mrs. Secretary Thompson, and Mrs. Black,
wife Of the esteemed Attorney Gene:al. The accom-
plished daughter of the latter also eraced the occa.
sion, and though unassuming and retiring in her man.
ners attracted as usual large cotsrie of admirers.
The evening was passed in pleasant conversation,
and the wants of the physical as wd as OF the intel
lectual man, were we'll provided for Al late hour
the company separated cherishinc most favorable
impressions Of the hospitality and courtesy of the
distinguished Secretary Of State.
Charles Meckay, the poet, lscurei before pretty
good house, Oh Saturday night last. He did not
come up to our expectations as lecturer. The mat.
of delivery very tame. 1t would not be strange if,
on his return home, he should satrizs US la Dick
ems.
The second annual exhibition of The Washington
Art Association is now open al the Gallery on II
street, and has been very we'll patronzed The col.
lection Of pictures is fine, and the lectures have been
we'll attended.
Simpsons celebrated Historical Painting of the
Restoration of the Arctic chip Resolute" 10 the
Queen of England by the people Of the United States,
is on exhibition at the and elegant building of
Wall. Stephens s. Co. This picture Is greatly prais'
ed by those who have visited it.
Lsndi's Opera Troupe have been drawing good
houses at the Melodean Their delinsations of the
negro character are excellent.
DR.. j. j. Hayes has been lecturing st the Smith
sonien Institution upon 'Arctic Explorations" which
subject he treats in a mastery etyle-"things which
he saw and those of which be was part" But
adeu for time. Yours, HAL.