The New York herald., 1862-02-06
WASHINGTON, Feb. 8, 1S6:
&C.,,

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8, 1862
The exhibition of The republican court Of America at
the White House this evening truly brilliant array
Of fashion, beauty and nanlincss 1t was not soiree
dansonte, the would be knowing have styled u.
The parlors and the East Room comfortably crowd
ed Such display Of elegance and tasto aud loveness
has perhaps never before been witnessed within
the walls of the White House. The guests
began to arrive about nine o'clock the hour named in
the cards of invitation. Directly the carriage way
lined with the cqupagcs OF Ministers and Generals and
citizens and constant stream poured into the dressing
rooms, and from them into the East Room.
Soon after nine O'Clock Mr.. and Mrs. Lincoln took
Their position the centre Of the East Room,
and began to receive the congratulations Of
their guests. The President . bland and
pleased expression. lie greeted the guests with
courteous warmth, and chstted familiarly with many
whom he recognized old friends He attircd in q
plain suit OF black Mrs Lincoln received the company
with graceful courtesy. She dressed n magnih-
cent white satin robe, with black ounce half yard
widc ooped with black and white bows, low corssge
trimmed with black lace, and bouquet Of cape myrtle
on her bosom. Her headdress wreath Of black and
white flowers. with bunch Of cape myrtle the right
side. The only ornaments were cklscs, earrings
brooch and bracelets, OF pearl. The dress simple
and elegant. The half mourning style was assumed In
respect to Queen Victoria whose eldest had lately
preventative was OF the most distinguished among
the guests on this occasion.
Few, II any OF the diplomatic corps wore absent Pro
mincnt among those present the Right Hon. Lord
LYONS Mr.. Henry Msrcier, Mr. Edward Do stoockl Mr.
Roest Won Lmburg, Scnor Tassara, Count Piper, Mr..
Raasofr Chevaier Certinatti Mr.. Bondscl Won Cues-
brock aud ssnor Romero Thus all the European Powers
and Mexico were fully represented
Except generals divisions there were pre-
sent but few army officers. Conspicuous among them,
and the Of observ alton wherever hs moved was
General Mcclellan All who had never before seen him
we're anxious that ho should be ponted out aud the
faces Of many Of his most lovely countrywomcn we're
turned with approving smiles upon tho youthful General
Commanding wherever he stood. He was accompanied
by Mrs. Mcclellan, whose animated manuer,
and features sparkling with intelligence and
soufuness divided the admiration accorded 10 her hero
husband. Among the other military gentlemen present.
Ftzjohn Porter Van Rensselaer,, Stone, Mcdowell and
smith and among the uniforms that Of Capt Crif
n the commander OF the celebrated battery accompa
MED by his youthful and blooming bride. Gen. Shields
was also present, In undross uniform, aud upon his
arm as he passed lovely girl, Miss Stewart the
niece Of tho Assistant Secretary OF war, Col Scott.
Amidst the tbrong were Senator's and Representatives
distinguished citizens and beautiful we'll celebrated
women, from nearly every state. Maine represented
by Mrs and Miss Hann wfe and daughter OF the Vic,
President Massachusetts, contributed Mrs. Senator vii
son, Mrs. Senator Rice, aad Mrs. Disslow Lawrence
who was s.tirsd plainly, eus elegantly, In