Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1861-05-14

WASHINGTON, May "a military ievee is
a new thing at the While House, and to me
the scene was solemn. 1t was late when
entered. The president stood near the East
Room, surrounded by party of gentlemen.
He was nearly head taller than any other
gentleman in the room. The expression of
his eyes was peculiarly pleasing; clear, with
Il mild soitneSs,-m strange contrast with the
stern lines OF his lean features. His manner
has the ease and affability Of a true gentle
man, without the least assumption OF hautcur.
l looked at him long and steadily, and should
say that simplicity aud honesty Of purpose,
with certain reserved force, were the distin
gushing marks in his character. While |
spoke with him, noticed the sound of his
voice, which has none OF the western
rUughneSs which his fellow countrymen
and brethren OF tie south give him
credit Tor. Mrs. Lincoln stood near talk.
ing with party OF ladies and gentlemen. She
wore handsome brocade, OF Marie Louise
blue, demitrain, and head-dress of white
Marabout feathers, tipped with blue. Her or
n0mentS were pearls. She had a lady like
dignity Of demeanor and | should say was a
woman Of keen and decided character Her
manner was very friendly and cheerful to
everybody, and she was much interested
while | told her of the preparations going on
to prepare comfortable hospital clothing for
the soldiers, and other things of which they
will stand in need.
Several celebrities of the army and navy
were at the leyee, among whom were CommU-
dore Shubrick, Capt. Wilks, of the South Sea
exploring expedition, DIR. Peter Parker, sur
lie he hospital il China Gas won him a wide
fame, and Capt. Powell, Virginian and one
OF the real L. +. VS. whose trends are con-
stantly entreating him to resign and join the
southern contederacy The captain is full
OF fire as well as of patriotism, and says,
may he ''be damaged, i" if he don't fight
the stars and stripes as long as there
is a rag of it lett He is soldicrly
looking gentleman Captain Burton sal
on side sofa, beside his beautiful Spanish
wife, who speaks English with most beconl-
ing foreign accent, and who laughed and chat
ted gay with the officers during the evening
Then there was Captain Dahlgren, of gun ce.
lebrity, commander of tine Washington navy
yard. Captain Franklin and his wife. The
lady is the daughter OF Mathew St. Clair Clark
who was for many years the clerk OF the house
OF representatives, and one OF the wttiest of
men. Captain Wise and lady were also at the
White House. Captain Wise is the author of
'Los Grlngos, and is a cousin Of eX Gov
Wise Of Virginia. Senator Wilson of Massa-
chusetts, with his calm eye and genial look
stood near the end OF the east room, in earnest
conversation with an officer OF the army
Senator Seward, that gentle patriot-that
lover Of his countrymen who have rushed into
rebellion-lhat lover of peace-that foremost
mind in this hour OF trial-seemed tonight TO
wear look OF care and sadness, which was
not in his face some months ago. Mrs Sew
ard is delicate looking lady, with an amiabe,
sweet face DR.. Blake, the commissioner of
public buildings, and a gentleman of marked
courtesy, introduced many Of the newly -airiv-
ed officers to the president, who received them
all with "a cheerful friendlmess OF manner
which put then. quite at their ease. The com
pany dispersed little after 10 o'clock, to the
sound OF Yankee Doodle" played by the
band.