The Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, Ohio) 1853-1861, 1860-06-07
Some Things about Washington
CITY.

Sny.
WAsHlNGToN CITY, May 81, 1860.
FRIEND BAlLEy-I have now been in the Cap.
ifal about one week, and have been constantly
engaged in sightseeing. 1t requires at least
week to make hurried visit to all objects of
public interest here and to give them each an
examination such as would be required to en-
able any detailed description of what you have
seen, would require much longer time.
Our first visit was to the Navy Yard, where
the Government constructs vessels, anchors can
mons, and all the necessaries Of war, except,
perhaps, powder. The machinery used in the
manufacture of various articles, such as gun
caps, copper nails of all sizes, bullets, anchors,
&c. &c, is of the most approved descriptions
for Uncle Sam, you know, always has the best,
without regard to expense. At least ono day
can be spent here profitably.
Next we went to the Patent Office, a large
stone edifce, about the size of the State House
at Columbus Here the eye can wonder until
it is weary, from ole object ofinerest to another
there being almost an endless variety Of models
for all descriptions of new inventions, with quite
variety of other interesting objects. Here
may be seen the suit of clothes worn by Wash
ington when he resigned his commission, and
also his sword, cane, a cane that was presented
to him by Franklin, an ivory cane that was
peresened to John Quincy Adams, and numer-
Gus other objects of veneration.
After we have visited the Patent Office, for
change, you have desire to see the President
IIa bu yuh1i nh 10 ba,,y
and two P. M, and of course the opportunity
to see such an "elephant'' as Old Buck will not
be allowed 10 pass unimproved. The White
House is quite a large and stately mansion, sur
rounded by ample grounds, tasteIully laid off
into walks, with beautiful groves, refreshing
fountains, and everything that can render the
outward home pleasant. On your arrival at
the White House an Irish servant, who evident.
Iy feels that his calling is but little lower than
that of Old Buck, in subdued tone and with
quiet step that makes you think you are
walking among the dead show s you into the cele-
braed east room, which is some what larger
than any Of the Perrysburg church rooms Here
YOU tarry until it is announced that the Presi,
dent is really to receive you. You are then
taken up stairs, and another servant asks your
name and State, and introduces you to the OBJ
ject of interest. Old Buck gives you a cordial
shake W ith his paw, (the ladies say he presses
their hands quite generously,) and you converse
with him not to exceed five minutes, shake
hands again. and leave.
Near the White House is the Treasury bull
ding, which, next to the Capitol, is the finest
public building in the country. Near this is
the building for the Post Office Department,
which is little inferior to the former in size and
elegance. Opposite the White House is Lafayette
Square, containing perhaps ten acres Of groun |,
we'll shaded and seated, with ample walks Tor
the accommodation of promonaders 1t is a
place of general resort for those who wish Il cool
outdoor retreat, and is just the spot for young
poets and sentimental oveyers. In the center
of this square is the bronze statue OF Jackson, on
his charger.
From here you would probably go TO George
town, and on the road you will see fine bronze
statue of Washington on his war horse.
Not the least object of interest is the Smith
sonan Institute. The bdilding is of fine red
stone. 1t is vast museum, embracing speci-
mines of all different animals, fowls, reptiles,
fish, &C., together with great variety of Gu
rosities brought from foreign countries by va
rious expeditions, cannot go into details.
Alter visiting all of these places and many
othersof minor importance, our little party natu.
rally turned towards the Capitol. 1t is beaui-
fully situated on an elevation of hfty or sixty
feet above the level of the City, at the east end
of Pennsylvania Avenue. The slope from the
street to the Capitol is gradual, and the Park in
front, with red sand walks, presents a most invi-
ting appearance to weary pedestrians. We first
visited the House of Representatives, and | was
surprised to hear the ladies eagerly ask to have
Potter and Pryor pointed out to them, One
look at Potter showed him to he a man Of true
courage. He is somewhat aeshy, and, though
not tall would present fine mark to shoot at.
Pryor is quite as tall as Potter, but is about as
slender as a common bean pole. pistol ball
would have to hit in the center of his slender
body to produce fatal results. and good sized
ball, hitting thHs, would cut him into
two pieces. lie wears his hisr long and
has it we'll gressed--regulsr soa6'l"HLa- HI.
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