, 1864-01-09
New Years Reception ut the Ivhito
House,
fIQR Tue n, 1. ComWefCldl AdFefI1scr.l
WARRINGTON Frfflay .1nn 1 lGA

WASHINGTON, Friday, Jan. /, 1864.
We are indebted to President Jefferson for
the public "Reception" at the White House,
with which the New Year is inangurated here
at tic National metropolis. The wives Of
Washington and OF John Adams had held
ceremonious stlevees'' at New York and at
Philadelphia during tho official terms Of
those Federal Presidents. But when Mr..
Jefferson, a firm believer in French democra-
cy, was elected President, he positively re-
fused to conform to the code ofeetiquette es-
tablishcd by his predecessors. The "1eyees''
were abandoned, but on the first day Of the
year Mr. Jefferson had the doors of the
White House thrown open, and received all
who chose to call upon him. A very graphic
account ef the ..receRtion,' On the 15t Of
then an Ii. c. from New York, aud was pub
lished few years ago in the Historical Maga-
zine. After humorously describing the motley
crowd, the Doctor says: "Great mIrth and
humor prevailed, and Jon may readily con-
ceiye wherefore, when It Is computed that
which the company received from their gen
ezous entertainer, they consumed for him
quarter cask Of wine, barrel Of punch, and
an hundred weight of cake, besides other
nicknacks to q considerable amount"
Mrs. Madison restored tho dinners and
unattended by the stiff foTmalities and the
strict cercmonials which had been sanctioned
BY Washington and Adams, and ehc retained
the "NeW Years Receptions,' Refresh
1uents were always served until the second
tenn Of President Jackson, when it was nee
eseary to discontinue this feature Of the
Perceptions" as crowds Of un1nauncrIy fel
lows would put themselves in the hall. and
seize the trays the moment the walters enter
cd with them. The last tlmc that they were
served, q monster cheese, presented By pat
r1otic New York datryman, was the staple
article Of food, Ind almost every visi4or bore
lway slice.
for the reception Of visitors. The rich car
pets were protected by linen coverings; m
exit door was improvlsed by throwing
bridge across the area to one of the front
windows, the eashcs of which were removed,
ard two largc american flags were -draped
over the front entrance. At IN early hour
this morning, detachment Of the Metropol-
itan Police took post ut the different gate
ways, and The sovereign people were inform
cd that they could not be admitted until
utter the dignitaries had paid their respects.
At Ten o'clock the full band Of the Marine
corps entered the hall, and commenced play
ing opcratic selections and national airs. Soon
The diplomatic corps began to arrive, wearing
their court costumes and their decorations; It
Wfs noticeable that the more comparatively
insignificant the power represented, the more
gold lace did the representative wear. i; )
Mr. Lincoln stood near the door OF the blue
drawing room, and all who entered were pre-
scented 10 him by Marshal Lamon, receiving
q cordial greeting and warm shake of the
hrod, while for come there was quiet Joke.
Beyond Mr. Lincoln was Mrs. Lincoln, aud
tic ladies' may be pleased to learn that, hav-
irg discarded her mourning, she wore . pur-
rlc dress trimmed with black velvet and
lace, with IN exquisite lace ueck-tie, fastened
with pearl brooch-her hcad-dress was Or
reruenind xr;+1, a -&xIi4a D1nTnc Mr. Gnm-
missioner French presented the visitors to
Mrs Lincoln, whose dignity Of manner and
courtesy is commended oven by those who In
dulgo In stacks upon her TO gritty their dis
like TO Ee1 husband.
Gov. Seward was there, spiynx-llke and