Charles City Republican intelligencer. [volume] (Charles City, Iowa) 1861-1864, 1863-01-22

w ~ VIVA ~ Sl
Correspondence q the Charles City lnsc,liecncer.
NEW YEARS IN wAsHIN0T0N.
wAsnNoros Crrv. Jan. 81, 1858.
Mr.. EpIroR ~ Possibly some account
of New Years here at the National
Capital may be Of interest to your
readers. Our holiday festivities may
be said to have closed on New Years
day with unusual splendor. The ~,
ception at the Presidents mansion
was magnificent ovation. The pi-
plomatic Corps in court costume, the
officers Of the army and navy in full
uniform, multitudcs of civil function
aries and civilians, en- masss, Rsmber-
ing many thousands all combined,
made the scene around the entrance
to the White House, for some hours
in the middle portion Of the day, one
Of the most imposing and imprrssiug
character.
When the doors were opened TO ci-
villains, the press to get into the pres
cnce Of the august and honored head
Of the nation was immense, the whole
surrounding avenues being one vast
sea of human life. One of the con-
course, cspying the tall form Of the
noble parsonage whose hand he desi-
red to grasp, raised himself above the
others. and waving his hat in the air,
cried out in clear stcntorian voice,
Father Abraham, take courage, for
we are coming, three hundred thou
sand strong 4" and the air was rent
with responsive shouts.
The receptions at the residences of
the Cabinet Officers succeeding that
of the President were of correspond.
ing grandeur. Secretary Seward, fa-
med for The dignified simplicity and
elega, grace with which he presidcs on
such occasions, was never in a happi-
err mood, and the greetings extended
to him were Of marked cordiality.
His daughter. modest young lady.
and his danghter-in-law, the wife Of
his son Frederick, the Assistant Sec.
rotary of State, did the fair honors Of
the occasion.
At the elegant mansion of Secreta-
ny Chase. who, in the graccfluness of
such fcstal occasions is hardly infcri-
or to his great associate, the demon.
stration was also an ovation. His ac-
complishcd daughter. Miss Kate Chase,
admired as much for her noble char
acter as for the captivation of her
manners and persons, stood by the
side Of her father, dispensing in the
most delightful ease and modesty the
graccs Of the house. assisted by her
youngest sister. Nettie. and Miss Par
sons Of Columbus. Ohio. An intimate
friend Of tho family.
At both the above receptions the
names Of the guests were announced
in clear, distinct voice. Mr.. Seward
is especially remarkable in his faculty
to retain the name. however great the
throng, SO as to pronounce it as you
give him your hand on retiring. even
though remaining for some time.
At the other receptions the guest
announced his own name. or as in ma
ny cases entered the room feeling
awkward, and awaiting relief from
the distinguished host, who would
sometimes pass along and take snch
by the hand or not unfrequently the
visitor passing out, speaking to no.
body and satisfied to breathe freely
again 10 open day. 1t is not ncces-
sary, perhaps, to remind the reader
that the wives of Messrs. Seward and
Chase died several years since.
The throng at the mansion Of the
Secretary Of War was larger than at
that of either the other Cabinet off,
GERS, and not less flattcring in it's char.
acter. His lady, Miss Stanton niece,
and Miss Wilkinson a friend, all of
them agreeable and graceful ia their
appearance, contributed their full
share to the pleasures of the festal
visitation.
At the mansion of Attorney Gcner-
al Bates the crowd was less numerous
but exceedingly Aattering in the char.
acter of the visitors and cordial in its
nature. Mrs. Bates, very dignified
and accomplished matron. two of bis
numerous family in the persons of two
modest and attractive young ladies,
and two friends, Miss Choadston and
Miss Dorsey. all Of them easy in their
manners. combined in making this an
eminently agreeable entertainment.
Secretary Welles and Postmaster
General Blair. in consequence Of the
death of child not long since in
each family. held no reception, and
Secretary Smith Of the Interior had
left for Indiana the day previous to
assume his duties upon the Bench.
The Mayor Of the city. Postmaster,
Speaker Of the House. and some 9th.
era, had open house. furnishing. M
like the Cabinet missionaries. refresh
ments with their other elegant courte-
sizes.
The venerable and vcnerated Ex-
Senator CritteDdeu was especially