The New York herald., 1862-02-23
THE CELEBRATION IN WASHINGTON.

Great Gathering or Dignitaries OF State,
the Diplomatic Corps, and Superior OFF,
GERS OF the Army and Navy at the Capt.
tal-Spontaneous Outburst OF Enthusi-
asm I'm favor Of General McClellan-The
Demonstrations OF the People-The Cele-
bration I'm the Camps, &C., &c.
WASHINGTON, Feb. %, 1862.
The anniversary Of Washingtons Birthday was cele-
brated here with spirit which indicated that grand
display of patriotic enthusiasm would have been made
but for the affecting event at the Presidents house. Bells
were rung at sunrise and from the guns at the Navy
Yard Arsenal and forts Immediately around the city
there loud reports to which batteries the
other side Of the Potomac responded. Although it was
Understood that the public rejocngs recent
would be postponed account Of the death of the
Presidents son. many Of the citizens threw their
flags aud decorated their houses places Of business
with national emblems. One gentleman, residing in
Nevsnsh street, had the misfortune 10 hoist his Hag
Union down. but party Of soldiers who-were passing
called upon him and insisted upon his recypg the error
which was done Immediately.
JEFF Davis was hung to tree in snhgy by the Sturgis
Rifles, and the spirit OF secession which still turks in
corners Of the capital, entirely smothsred
few batalions Of cavalry and infantry paraded but
there general military display.
The Capitol was beseged at early hour by great
croWQS women o
sight Of the rebel flags and the Union Generals The gal
leries filled to overnowing, and the lobbes in
all parts Of the building 10 which the public had
access thronged with people Of both sexes.
Considerable disappointment apparent when
the House voted 70 dispense with the presentation
Of the rebel flags but the arrival of the Judges Of
Supreme Court the Diplomatic Corps General Mcclellan
other officers OF the army and navy, consoled them.
When General Mcclellan made his appearance there
marked sensation the galleries and throughout the
whole audience. The General Commanding accom-
panied by large number Of bis staff and officers Of the
army. Colonels Coburn, Hudson, Sweitzer, Key, and
Count de Paris and Due de Charres Generals Franklin
Mcdowell, Jameson, Butterneld, Casey, Hsintzeman,
stoneman Keim, Barry, Butler Marcy Barnard Thomas
Sykes, Mccall Williams, Palmer and stahl; and Commo-
dore wilkes, Commodore Aulck and other naval off,
GERS, were present.
Il was noticeable feature that nearly all the active
fighting Generals wore the simple shoulder straps Seve-
epauettes and full military oggery General
Mcclellan was attired as simply as possible and made
not the slightest attempt at personal display
The crowds IN the gallery maintained toerabe good
order during the proceedings although there oc
casonal call for the Corporal Of the Guard" Tha
reading Of the Farewell Address listened 10 with at
tenon by the members Of the House, to many Of whom
it seemed to be document. Its language and sen
it fell upon their with peculiar freshness and force
When the reading Of the Farewell Address con.
cuded, and the invited guests upon the floor Of the
House their leave person in tho gal
Iery called out in clear voice for "Three cheers for
General George B. Mcclellan" The audience which
In the Of leaving the hail. unprepared for the
appeal but they responded most heartily, and their
spontaneous and heartfelt enthusiasm the roof Of
the Capitol ring. II unpremeditaed and ire.
pressbe outburst Of popular enthusiasm plainly evin-
cling that General Mcclellan has the affections the
whole people.
The members Of the Cabinet were all present. Tho
President was represented by his Secretary Mr. Nicoay
Chief Justice Taney absent Of i'll health
-Four Of the generals the army Of the Potomac in front
OF Washington absent, viz, Porter Bencksr, Smith
and Sumner -Four candidates for the next Presidency
| were on the foor, attirsd in citizens dress
Tho crowds dispersed slowly some lingering 70 get
closer view Of Gen. Mcclellan, Secretary Stanton and
other dgnitarss and 70 look s the rebel Gags in
| the rotunda.
The general impression Of the people was, that they
were satisfied with this recognition Of late
res and that when the proper time arrives they will
celebrate the dewnfal Of the rebellion in the most on
thusiastie manner and with much greater zeal than wsa
| possible IN the rather tame proceedings Of to-day.
Notwithstanding the bulletin issued by the members
Of the Cabinet, requesting citizens 70 postpone the
anticipated general illumination, number of budingl
have been snined this evening Soon after dark many
private residences and Of the places Of amusement
were gaily decorated with flags and Chinese lanterns
and the windows brilliantly lighted with candles. AL
though rain falling during the evening the avenue
| was crowded with pedestrians The sky reflected the
Examinations in the camps BY nine O'Clock, however
the bright lights had disappeared from the windows o.
the houses the reflection Of the fires the sncampmsn
was invisible the pedestrians had for the most par
retired 10 their homes.
THE CELEBRATION IN THE CAMPS.
| washington's Birthday anniversary was UNIVERSAL,
observed to-day in the camps Of our grand arm,
on either side Of the Potomac. The weather was rathe
ncsnsa Rain fell in the forenoon and in The evening
vhIa n sky remained overcast al day,