The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1859-10-04
From The National Iu'e'l g,.ac,
~ ne RePubiicau Cours.-

: From The National Ia'ei g.ocr
1.-The Re publican Cour;.~
Observing in the New York Joarnak Of
Commerce a few days ago complimentary
illusions to the late George Washington
Parke Curtis of Arlington, We were re
minded that We had in our possession an
unpublished contribution from his pen in
relation to the social habitudes which pre-
vailed at oui Republican Cour," in the
days Of the First President As these re-
miniscences may be deemed to have recci-
we'd new interest sir ce the death of their
writer has precluded the hope of any addi-
tional communications, such as our readers
were annually favored with on the 22d of
February during the life of Mr.. Custis, we
have concluded no longer to withhold from
them the last contribution penncd by "the
child of Mount Vernon
THE REPUBLICAN, Court IN THE DAYS
OF THE FIRST PREsIDENr-The Presidcn-
tial Mansion in Philadelphia was the prop
erty of Robert Morris. and had been the
headquarters of Sir William Howe during
the occupation Of Philadelphia by the Brit.
ish army in l777-7S The situation was
eligible. being in an airy and pleasant part
of the city, with considerable area of open
space adjoining it, and contiguous to the
public buildings. Considerable additions
and improvements were made made to the
original building. with view to its accom-
modation of the Presidents household still
the rooms were small. and the whole estab-
iishment but indifferently fitted for the pur-
poses required.
The equipages of the President were
well provided for, the stabling for twelve
horses being extensive and commodious,
and the coach-houses large and convenient.
WashingtCn's unmitigated, untiring enn-
ployment and labor made it necessary that
:, he should have some mode of public reccp-
ton for the many visitors who were con-
tinually seeking opportunities of paying
their respects and presenting their letters
of introduction hence the
l pRRsIDENr'T LEvEE
on Tuesdays, commencing at ) and ending
at o'clock At these receptions there
was no shaking of hands, the Chief recei-
wing his visitors as President of the United
States, and not as Gen. Washington The
foreign Ministers attended the levee in full
costume, and often introduced persons OF
distinction from their respective countries.
, All strangers of distinction embraced the
opportunity of the levec to pay their re.
spects to the Chief Magistrate. The Pres.
ident was plainly but handsomely dressed
his hair in full powder. and wearing a dress
sword. He was attended by his principal
Secretary, Mr.. Lear, Major jackson. and
the other gentlemen of his family. He al
dressed few words of courtesy to the Wis
itors as they were presented The compa
ny then formed in groups for conversation
and on the stroke of 4 o'clock retired. the
levee being at an end.
THE DRAWING-ROoM.
, When Mrs Washington received com
pany it was on Friday, commencing about
"~I n"I;-e. "Le... I" o'oiO~h T"" iUuiii'
were thrown open. The furniture thai
was thought handsome in those days would
be considered barely decent in moderr
, times. The principal ornament was a elas
, chandelier in the largest room, burning Wa,
lights The chair of the lady of tie Presl
t dent was aplain armchair, lined with greer
morocco leather.
> The ladies visiting the drawing room
I were always attended by gentlemen. 1t wa
f not the habit for very young girls to b,
!. present at the drawing room, but only thos'
: Of the age when it is proper for ladies Il
+ 90 into company. Upon the ladies bcin:
introduced they were seated and the Pres
ident, who always attended the drawing
o room, passed round the circle, paying hi
y respects to each in succession, and it was
!. common remark among the chit-chat of Tia
;. drawing room that the Chief was no incou
e siderable Judge of female beauty, since h
P was observed to tarry longer than usua
\ \ when paying his compliments to Miss s.
]. phia Chew. a charming belle of PhiladeI
IS phia in that time.
Refreshments were handed round by sci
e wants in livery, and about that period frs
, appeared the luxury, now 50 universal, {
5 ice-cream. Introductions to eminent pei
y sonages and conversation formed the ente,
tainm nts of the drawing room. Card
were altogether unknown.
But the leading and most imposing ie;
ture Of the drawing room was the men {
- mark, the Revolutionaries," both civ
l. and military, who were to be seen ther'
y The old officers delighted to pay their Re
spects to the wife of Washington. and I
call up the "reminiscences of the headqua
ters and of the times that tried men
souls" These glorious old chevaliers vel
the greatest beaux Of the age. and the n
collection of their gallant achievements t
gether with their elegant manners, mao
them acceptable to the ladies everywher
e. They formed the elite of the irawing-soon
; Gen. Wayne. the renowned Mad Anth
n.y." with his aides-de.camp, Lewis ard l
= Butts. frequently attended, with Miffiil
y Walter Stewart, Col. Hartley, and mar
others. Indeed there was often to be N
with at the mansion Of the First Presidel
an assemblage OF intellect and honor, pu
lie virtue and private worth, exalted mer
'r and ilustrious services, such as the wor
~ will never see again
Among the foreign officers Of distinctio