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

--~--~~~-
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 In favor Of General McClenan-The
Demonstrations OF the People-The Cele-
bration I'm the Camps, &C., &c.
WASHINGTON, Feb %, 1852.
The anniversary Of Washingtons Birthday ces-
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 was
Understood that the public rejoicngs
would be postponed account Of the death Of the
Presidents son, many OF the citizens threw their
flags aud decorated their houses and places Of business
with national emblems One gentleman, residing in
Nevsnsh street, had the misfortune to hoist his Gag
Union down; but party Of soldiers who-were passing
called upon him and insisted upon his rscypg the error
which was done Immediately.
JEFF Davis hung to tree in sigy by the sturgis
Rifles and the spirit OF secession, which still turks in
corners of the capital, was entirely smothsred
few battalions Of cavalry and infantry paraded but
there was general military display.
The Capitol was beseged at IN early hour by great
crowds OF men, women ana CnllCIen, anxious 70 get
sight Of the rebel flags and the Union Generals The gal
eries filed to overfowing, and the lobbes in
all parts Of the building TO which the public had
access were thronged with people Of both
Considerable disappointment apparent when
the House voted 70 dispense with the presentation
Of the rebel flags but the arrival Of the Judges Of the
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 his staff and officers Of the
army. Colonies Colburn, Hudson, sweitzer, Key, and
Count de Paris and Due de Charres Generals Franklin,
Mcdowell, Jameson, Butterneld, Casey, Heintzelman,
stoueman Kem, Barry, Butler Marcy, Barnard Thomas
Sykes, Mccall, Williams, Palmer and stahl; aud Commo
dore wilkes, Commodore Auck and other naval Of
GERS, were present.
Il was noticeable feature that nearly all the active
fighting Generals the simple shoulder straps Seve
raj epaulettes and full military toggery General
Mcclellan aitired simply possible and made
not the slightest attempt at personal display.
The crowds In the gallery maintained tolerable good
order during the proceedings, although there
casonal call for the Corporal Of the Guard" Tia
reading Of the Farewell Address listened with at
tenon by the members Of the House, TO many Of whom
Il seemed be document. Its language and
timents appeared be unfamiliar some Of them and
II 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 TO take their leave, some person in tho gal
lery called out in clear voice for "Three cheers for
General George B. Mcclellan" The audience which was
n the OF leaving the hail. unprepared for the
appeal but they responded most heartily and their
spontaneous and heartfelt enthusiasm made the roof Of
the Capitol ring II was unprecedented and ire
cng that General Mcclellan has the affections the
whole people
The members Of the Cabinet all present. Tho
President was represented by his Secretary Mr. Ncoay
Chief Justice Taney absent account Of i'll health
-Four Of the generals the army Of the Potomac front
OF Washington absent, viz, Porter Blencksr Smith
and Sumner. -Four candidates for the next Presidency
were on the Hoor, attirsd in citizens dress.
The crowds dispersed slowly, some lingering 70 get .
closer view Of Gen Mcclellan, Secretary Stanton and
other dgntarss and 70 look a the rebel Gags in
| the rotunda.
The general impression Of the people wA, that they
we're not satisfied with this recognition Of late victo-
res and that when the proper time arrives they will
celebrate the downfall OF the rebellion in the most en-
thusaste manner aud with much greater zeal than was
possible in the rather tame proceedings Of today.
Notwithsta standng the bulletin issued by the members
Of the Cabinet requesting our citizens 70 postpone the
antc pated general illumination number OF buildings
have been isnined this evening Soon after dark many
private residences and most 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
ilumnations in the camps BY nine o'clock, however,
the bright lights had disappeared from the windows Of
the houses the reflection Of the res the sncampmen,s
was invisible and the pedestrians had for the most part
| retired TO their homes.
THE CELEBRATION IN THE CAMPS.
washington's Birthday anniversary was universally
| observed to-day in the camps Of grand army
on either side Of the Potomac. The weather was rathe
ncsnsat Rain fell in the forenoon and in The evening
| vhiIs IN sky remained overcast AL dsy,