The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1865-01-13
Mistellaneous.
CORRESPONDENCE.
(From cur Regular cOrrs,pondsnt)
WsHISGroS, Jan. I'd, 1865.

WASHINGTON, Jan. I'd, 1865.
NEW YEARS.
To-day has been holiday in the National
Capital. The various departments have been
closed, and the inhabitants Of this city have
devoted the day u making and receiving
calls. The heads OF the departments have
kept open h,uses. and been visited by hun
dreds Of the gentlemen holding positions in
their respective bureaus. The Cabinet Off
GERS have received aattering testimonials OF
remembrance in multitude Of callers who
have done Them the distinguished honor to
drink wine at their tables. Carriages innu-
merable have stood during the day in front
Of the residences Of officers in the civil and
military services: and the size Of the crowd
and the number and style of the carriages
were usually graduated by the importance OF
the parsonage and dignity OF the Office to
which was rendered the homage Of the "sov-
ereigns +" At the residence of the Secretary
of War noticed the crowd was extremely
large.
But at the Executive Mansion the throng
was immense. Hundreds OF carriages and
thousands of pedestrians filed tho various
avenues Of approach to the building. The
time from eleven O'Clock until twelve was
consumed by the reception OF the Diplomatic
Corps, who appeared IN court costumes.
This annual New Years reception is the on
ly occasion when loyal Republicans have an
opportunity Of witnessing anything which
pertains to the pomp and circumstance OF
Of the nations appeared. each dressed in the
costume worn at iis respective court, the peo-
ple had occasion TO contrast something Of the
splendors Of royalty with the cordial "grip"
and unassuming manners Of the "Rail split
ter" with crowd Of tho common people at
his doors generously competing for the privi-
legs Of shaking the hand OF the President Of
these United States.
When the doors wcrc thrown open for the
citizens to enter, the pressure at the entrance
was intense. When the various ~ ms had
been 6lled to the extent OF their capacity, the
doors were again closed until room had been
made inside by the departure Of those who
had Mt FIRST entered. While they werc stand
ing waiting for admission, one had good
opportunity to survey thevast c1ncourse. II
Was apparently composed Of all nations and
Of every condition in life, with o generous
sprinkling Of blue uniforms, and also good
ly number Of "American Freemen OF African
descent" In order to allow those inside 10
depart aftcr having shaken hands with the
President, without interfering with the stream
OF lite that vas pouring in at the main en-
trance, . Temporary passage had been con.
structed BY removing one Of the largo win.
dows and erecting bridge from thence TO
the sidewalk. Thus an unbroken current
was formed, and continued to pour through
the house for more than three hours the
President standing in convenient position.
and shaking tho hand Of every one who pass.
Cd him. lt 10 estimated that between Eve
thousand and ten thousand persons have
shaken hands with the "Rall Splitter" to-
day; 20 that Old Abe's arm must be in the
condition tonight Of q hardly.used town
pump handle. He looked weary after three
hours' continued shaking. and doubtless felt
relieved when hs had 6nishsd the job, which