The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-01-02

groups, and seemed to be ubiqutous. now tafkipg
ingenious nonsense to Russian baron and the
next moment tee-d-tete with some languishing
beauties from abroad. -
Some Of the ladies wore excessively long trains
and 10 watch Seward skipping nmbly ont of the
way was quite an interesting study OF veter
agility.
Generals Howard. Hardie Balloch, shirs
were presented in turn, and then came the or 4
sea dogs Admrals Radford. Smith and Bailey; CIR
nodores Jenkins sh1 sands, and Commando
Breese, Queen and Davis. The marine offc,
immense epaulettes. Chief Justice Chase rer rs-
sented the judiciary promiscuous crew
came close on the heels of the lawyar
Montgomery Blair, Mayor Walach, r.
veteran survivors OF the of 1912 and the A. J.
citation Of the Oldest Inhabitants of Washing, i,
The latter body is congregation Of white hea ~
old fellows, who take pride in living over thro
existence.
AT length the hour of twelve arrived, and lie
doors were thrown open to admit the great ull.
washed, who came with rush and delightful
irregularity of line. The Presidents work had
been hitherto comparatively light for the
hand-shaking process was gentle; but now
that the democracy were loose upon him,
IT became serious business, very much resem-
bling vigorous turn at q pump handle.
The descendants of Ham had no representation in
the crowds. There was one young darkey, how
ever, who ventured in near the close Of the recep
ton, and stealing up timidly towards the Presi-
dent made dive at his hand, succeeded in shak.
ing it and ran off eated. little after two O'Clock
the reception ended. The Marine band played o
parting air and the few remaining visitors hast
ened off to pay their respects elsewhere. From
the Executive mansion the throng Of visitors dis.
tributed themselves in the directions Of the resi-.
dences OF the various Cabinet ministers.
GENERAL GRANTS RECEPTION
In point OF numbers the reception of General
Grant equalled that of the President himself
From the hour of twelve until three p. NJ the
capacious dwelling of the General was besieged
by continuous stream of vehicles and pedestri-
ans. Among the crowd were an unusually large
number OF ladies, anxious to pay their tribute OF
respect to the distinguished general Of the late
war. Upon entering the dwelling the visitors
were received by the usher, and announced in a.
loud voice as they entered the magnifcently fur
nished parlOrs.
The General occupied position about the
centre Of the room, and was dressed in full uni
form. In his rear stood a table, upon which
were number of small silk American flags and
numerous tokens of the appreciation Of the Amer
lean people. On his left stood Mrs. Grant Mrs.
General Dent and Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Grant wore
and his lady received their visitors with
courty grace and made an evident i'm.
preston upon members who fer the first
time had an opportunity of taking them by the
Astounding with fruits and the delicacies Of the
season. It would be unnecessary to enumerate
the distinguished personages who paid their re-
spects. The army was particularly well repre-.
sented, from the Lieutenant General down to the
grade of lieutenant OF the navy several sea ad-
mirals and officers of all the subordinate ranks
were present. Foreign legations were very largely
represented. Senators, representatives, judges
and the public generally, to be counted by thou
sands, made up the civil list
THE CABINET RECEPTIONS.
The receptions of Secretaries Seward, McCul.
loch, Welles, Browning and Randall were largely
attended the majority Of the visitors being those
interested in the Departments respectively pre-
sided over by these gentlemen.
RECEPTIONS OF THE CHIEF JUSTICE AND MEMBERS
OF CONGRESS-.
The residence of Chief Justice Chase was the
centre OF attraction of q numerous thrOng of tho
legal profession and a host of friends. At an
early hour the crowd commenced pouring in and
Justice, whose rigid manner was relieved by the
grace and elegance of his daughters, Mrs. Sprague
and Miss Nsttie Chase.
Although not having made any formal announce
ment of receiving visitors Thad Stevens enteItain-
ed for q short time small circle of his radical
friends, who were anxious to inaugurate the new
year with few words Of congratulation and hopes
OF prosperous issue out Of the great trial
their principles soon to be subjected to.
Morgan, Admiral Radford General Geilin, Of the
Marine Barracks, and General Butler also had re-
ceptions. The day at the residence Of Speaker COLI
fax was brilliant and the crowd, though large, was
no more of a political character than elsewhere.
Persons of all shades Of opinions came and went,
having partaken Of the hospitable greeting of tho
Speaker and the ladies Of his family