Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1862-02-20
Correspondence.
WASHINGTON. Feb. 10.

WASHINGTON, teo. 10, 1867.
Mr.. EDITOR pills about again. Our
city, that is Washington, which is the city of
every American and Familiarity termed the
city of magnificent distances, should be re-
Baptized to suit the present season and called
tho city of magnificent mud puddles we
hope however for fair weather oEce more,
when we expect to have better state Of af
fairs in this department of municipal arrange
ments.
For awhile the iashionables here were all
aglow with the magnificent party which was
to come off at the White House 1t was the
very thing said the beaus and bellies; just
after the fashion OF the early days Of the Re
public, ard very cordial greeting was givon
to the revival of old and highly-prizcd insti-
tutions. But as the day dawned, or rather
the night drew near. when the invited guests
were to assemble, and the invitations were
being sent out, two description of faces
might be seen among the expectants-- the
one round and laughing, the other long and
woe-besonc, indicating the fate Of the re-
spectve parties as regarded their prospects
for an attendance upon the grand party.
Tho night came, and the hour for Assem- bling
arrived, and brilliant was the assemblage,
and the entire affair perfect success.
The cards Of invitation requested the pre-
sence OF the guests at nine o'clock, and soon
after that hour carriages began to drive up
to the White House, and stop beneath the
broad portico for those within them to alight
A force of the Metropolitan Police, in their
new uniform, kept the curious crowd from
the doorway as the guests passed in, surren-
dering their cards to the FISHERS or guard.
The guests were ushered up stairs, where
spacious apartments were fitted up as dress
Ing rooms, with guardians of outer garments,
who gave checks, by which their owners
could reclaim them. The ladies, as they
emerged from their tiring-room in the full
glory of evening costume, were taken in
charge by their attendant cavaliers aud es-
corted down stairs, to pay respects to the
host and hostess.
THE EAST ROOM. ...
The East Room, universally regarded al
one of the finest state apartments in Christ
endom, never appeared to more advantage
than it did on Wednesday evening Newly
furnished, in exquisite taste, with monster
carpet, equal in beauty t" ancient tapestry,
and with 40 elegantly painted ceiling; thii
noble hall was illuminated by three large
chandeliers, and its large mirrors reflected
the gay and varied crowds who filled it
Jewels in a rich caskct.
There was no formality. President Lin
coin stood nearly in the centre of the room
receiving his guests with cordial greetings
and occasionally saying a pleasant word oil
two to those with whom he was well &C.
quainted. Near him stood Mrs. Lincoln, in
becoming half-mourning garb, testifyine
her respect for the memory of the Prince.
Consort, whose son had recently been hel
guest, and the representative of whose nation
was to be present. 1t was a white satin
dress, with train, deeply Powered with
black lace, which was looped up at intervals
with knots of black aud white ribbon. Hel
: head-dress was a floral diadem Of black and