Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1869-05-04
An Office Seeker in Washington.
Our Washington correspondent


since in the hall of one of the hotels
in that city, and assures US that in
many respects it gives a correct idea
of the tribulations of hundreds of the
disappointed:
WASHINGTON, D. c., April 26, 1869.
My Dear Sir: | had purposed wri-
ting to you as soon as | got my ap-
pointment as foreign Minister, but as
| failed in that | have since been
waiting, Macawber-like, for "some-
thing to turn up" You may not be
aware that l came 90 here at inaugu-
ration (went to the baaoL too; no per-
sonalities intended to be ready to
see our great Captain as soon as he
had the power to dispense. | had
two trunks packed with recommends
tons, beside a long roll of the names
of our fellow citizens that was too
cumbersome to put away. | had some
of the most influential men in our vii
lage, including l 1 saloon keepers, 2
merchants, 9 farmers, IA government
contractors during the war, l soldier
{ drafted 2489 politicians VERY in
huential in their own estimate, and |
believe also four or five honest men
(which latter | had to write their
names legible,( and 194l sound, con-
stitutional country lawyers, besides
various other names a friend of mine
wrote for NE during the time | was
treating all hands for their signature.
With these important papers and a
valise full Of letters of introduction,
methought The case a clear one for at
least England, France, Spain, the Ger
man Confederation, or mayhap Rus
STA; was not particular as to location
EYE to pay. Had az interview
with the President; asked me what |
wanted; told him minister, consul, or
collector in small place like n. Y,
was all | aspired to; said | would do
we'll III being precise as to exact po-
sition, and suggested that | should
call again. In the meantime, before
[ could see him again, Motley had
done NE on England, Curtin on Rus
STA, Washburn was booked for Par
ley Vous, and | concluded that for
eign missions were not much after
all-very dangerous travelling by wa
ter as those steamers race at times
could not make the port of New York
on account of GrinnelI, and went back
on New Orleans myself (after heard
the new Collector had been cOnfrmed)
on account of the yellow fever. Saw
the President, told him | thought all
authorship would do. Asked me
which one. Said | was not particu-
lar. President suggested | would
drop in after | had made up my mind,
In a day or TWO heard those had been
filled, and attributed my failure to
not having my name written in place
Of one Of theirs.
To show just where l was | send
extracts from my diary:
March "a. Hotel bill presented
including refreshments % days, S218.
IS; paid on same, $l2; balance, s206.
TO; drew on wife for $500.
March p. Wife sent $3.50 by
mail, borrowed from a neighbor;
changed hotel 18th so this will keep
me until can change again; most of
my recommendation in trunks at first
hotel.
March 81. Saw President; said
perhaps could get clerkship if |
knew the department would prefer;
to call again.
April f. Saw the President; said
a clerkship in the Interior Depart
ment would suit; replied no vacan-
cies, call again; that I'd hotel is not
what | consider a first class house;
changed to boarding house; left va
lise and Overcoat; sent to wife for
5000.
April I. Letter from wife; says
come home sent me $40; sold the
"line-back" cow to get it; all right
when | get an office; advanced $40
On board.
April 8. Pocket picked on street
cars; only satisfaction | have had in
Washington; no money in the wallet;
three hotel bills and mem. OF bal. due
for washing; | hope the thief will not
be found dead with those papers on
his person; | should never get the
office.
April II. Landlord wants anoth-
er Advance; | will leave these one
horse boarding houses at once; saw
the President; told him a messengers
place would be acceptable; advised
me to call again; changed boarding
houses, or rather left the last; have
not put up at any; take my meals as
| want them; drew on wife for 800.
April 16. Rather chilly weather;
left my "other" coat at that last board
ing house by mistake; wife sent me
$40; could not raise any more; ad-
vises me to mot be fool" 430 ?.
NJ. Have been so busy In looking
after my wife's letter have not dined !;
did not have any appetite for break
fast; shall eat heartily; two days
of fast sharpens the appetite and
helps digestion; people do gaze at
me wonderfully walking around this
cold day in a summer duster; | am
sorry forgot my coat; saw it with
boarding housekeeper's son just fits
him.
April q. Saw the President; did
not know me; glad he did not; ask
ed him if he had an old suit of clothes
he could give me; advised me to call
again; l aOon't do 1t for him or any
other man. What shall | do? All
| have it, tomorrow | will write to a
friend in New York and have him
send me his pass on the Railroad, and
think | will pO home I think Wash.