The New York herald., 1871-01-11
THE REPUBLICAN, COURT,
First Reception of Hrs. President
Grant.
iropitious Day--Ths Ceremonies to be oh.
served-Arrival Of the Tnrong Mrs Grant
and Suite Toilets OF the Ladies' Dis
tinguished Callers-A Brilliant Scene.

=
tinsuished Callers-A Brilliant Scene.
WASHINGTON, Jan. TO- 1871
To-day opened bright and clear, with fresh cri'p
breeze blowing from the north, that chased away
the msts and clouds which had fingered over Wash
fngtoR for the past week two ana roDed outdoor
life had unusual attractions The weather was
highly auspicious FOR the reception OF Mrs. Grant,
the first that has been given this season. aud the
stream OF callers AZ the White House was very large
and brilliant, 1t being the Inauguration OF the festive
season among the higher political circles. Every
one of any note who found IL convenient possible
bent his footsteps along Pennsylvania avenue
and up the winding carriage road that sweeps
by the Executive Mansion In semlcircle
to where the open portals disclosed .
ready access 10 the republican court circle
within. The keen, invigoratlng air, chilled by its
passage over the snowy fields that now girt the city
as far as the eye reach. tlnged the palcst
cheeks with ruddy hue, ana lent life TO eyes
which had long since lost the iustre OF youth and
health Tho habltual attendant OF Presldential
levees standing In the doorway as he always does
on these occasions forgot his habltua reserve, and
elevated his eyebrows In astonishment the merry
voices and silvcry laughter or tho Inpourng stream
reached his ears In rpples OF gladness ana satsfac
tion. TO him II was an unusual sight, for the FOR
mality OF these receptions generally to throw
coating OF Ice guests, who after satisfying the
conventional requirements OF the occasion, usually
follow the tide listessly as it sweeps through
the suit OF rooms set apart for State formaIities
group together TO discuss subdued tones the Cos
SIP and social chaH which the time Intervening
since the last reception may have blown TO theiY
ears. At most Of lhe receptions, whether they are
held in the afternoon, as that Of to-day, In the
evening" which occurs about once every fortnight
the whirr OF wheels and the heavy tramp OF horses
make up the burden Of outdoor sound and the Gu
rous spectator hurres within doors to find whatever
OF novelty and excitement the occasion may be IN
vested with. To-day, however, with the exception
OF the diplomats and the more punctilious OF the
higher officials who always ride whenever they can
with proprety, there We're bur few persons who
cared to decline the cordial greetings Of the
weather and make the journey on foot. The
Cabinet Ministers and diplomatic corps turned ous
en- n,asse feeling that their absence would be no
ticed and commented upon as this reception was In
tended In measure to take the place OF that OF
New Years Day, which 1t Is always a bonden duty
for officials to attend. The crowd, therefore, was
brilliant one-not 80 much in the mattef Of cos
tunes, perhaps as In the worldly position and
cial status Of those composing it-and the gayety
end enjoyment that marked the reception were but
the Iatural reflex oi the universal sense OF con-
sciousness tnat every one looked well and We'd &C.
ceptabiy with his neighhor The reception was set
between the hours OF half-pasr two AMI 1--we o'clock
The first coners, who almost invariably
are closely bnttoned, plainly atlred group, with
an unmlsakaDle rustic cast OF features-peope
who think that the opening Of Presidential evee
should he as punctaally attended as the departure
OF railway traln-stole quietly through the inner
vestbule and the intervening hall ald Green Room to
where it was Announced the court would be In at
tendance OF course they were moment too soon.
Tor 1t was hardly hali past two O'Clock, and the mis-
tess OF the White House had not yet marshalled her
suite In the rooms above At about quarter OF
three O'Clock Mrs. Grant, attended by Mrs. Secre-
tary Fish, Mrs Judge Dent and Mrs. General Porter,
entered the Blue Rom and occupied positions
near the east door, with General Michler,
the superintendent OF Public Buildings, on
her left, to present the callers rs fast as
they arrived. 1t being Cabinet day, the President,
as usual was unable tlke his place By the side Of
Mrs. Grant until after the ses ion over, about
quarter past three o'clock-
THE roILETrEs OF THE LADIES.
There has been good deal OF uncertainty for the
last few days among the ladies Of the community TO
know whether they should appear In evening dress
or ordinary AFTERNOON costume. The consequence
was that somewhat marked gradaion OF dress
was noticeable, although the majority OF the lady
callers followed the usual custom OF wearing over
sacks and ordinary, though tasty, walking cos
fumes. The few evening costumes that appeared
were, however, worthy Of remark. Mrs. Grant was
attircd in dove-colored silk sprinkled prousely
with Clusters OF flowers slightly laised, with
single founce Of point lace, and etching of ilu-
sion III 'front.' where the dress was cut half square,
Her hair was simply braided, with jeweled Bra
zilian y resting lightly In front; gold chain around
the neck, made OF MASSIVE links suspended an open
ockei enclosing miniature portrait Ol the President
In uniform her collar was fastened Dy a breast pin OF
diamonds; other than this she no ornaments.
Mrs. Fish wore peari-colored silk en- train, with
an overdrcss ana nonces OF lace. Tie Rich color OF
her dress made decidedly effective contrast with
the crimson flowers that were scattered in her hair
She wore in the way OF ornaments massive dIa-
mond cross pendant 10 gold chain.
Mrs. Dent wore straw-colored silk, with full
overdrcss OF black lace, coral breaspn and earrings
Mrs. General Porter appeared 10 great advantage
in blue SILK, tri,amed with crimson ribbons. Her
hair was 1nterwoven with crimson ribbons.
Later In the afternoon Mrs. Cole, of New York. q
particular friend OF Mrs. Grant. joineI her suite.
Mrs. Cole created Il buzz oi admiration by her eIe.
CANT costume. " was crimson silk, nounced
with black lace that looked more like g0ssamer
web than the work OF mortal hands.
Mrs. Cofax appeared in u walking costume OF
black velvet ana sliK witn proluSlon OF lace Tim
mngs.
Miss Slack, OF New jersey, petite blonde, at
traced attention by her personal attractions aud
the richness of her dress.
Lady Thornton followed the usual custom IN the
matter OF dress by appearing in afternoon costume
MISS Minnie sherman wore black velvet walking
dress profusely trimmed with lace
THE DISTINGUISHED CALLERS.
The remaining costumes, though In many cases
elegant In the extreme, were hardly conspicuous
enough 10 attract more than passing glance.
Among the callers were Secretaries Fish, Boutwell,
AEernlan, Robeson, Postmaster General Creswell,
Mrs. and Miss Boutwell,, Mrs. and Miss Creswell,
senator and Mrs. Eamunds; Senator, Mrs. and Miss
Chandler, Mrs: and yiss Merrill 2l vermont; Ms
ter being dressed In magnificent fswn;colored
satin, VIII plaid and lace trtmmings Baron Gerot
and the members Of the rrussan Legation; the
Peruvian Minister and Madame and The Misses
Eravra. Mrs GAnpral Hnnfer General and Mrs.