The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-01-28
THE GAY SEASON.
Fashionable Life at the National
Capital.
THH LADIES RECEPTIONS.
WASHINGTON, Jan. rs, 1871.

WASHINGTON. Jan. rs, 1871
There Ia not single day, with the exception OF
Sunday from the lat Of January until Ash wednes-
day, that may not be termed a gala day IN Washs
ington's fashionable circles But on Wednesday
the butterflies are all In iutter because the ladies
OF the Cabinet have selected 1t az general recep-
ton day, and many have initiated their example
Everybody Is going call everybody else. and OF
course as much visiting IL done as can be crowded
into the time between two and i've O'Clock. During
the early morning hours the engrossing question Is
what shades OF flowers, feathers ana ribbons are
most becoming to certain styles OF beauty, and what
inexplicable combinations Of velvet satin and lace
the queens OF fashion shall present to the world as
the most costly and recherche toilet or the season.
Soon after two O'Clock stylish equipages begin to
dash hither and rhither, stopping now and then to
deposit their richly dressed occupants ut the doors
OF the elegant mansions whose owners are perform
ing the all.important duty Of receiving.
MRS. VICE PRESIDENT coLrAx.
At the head CT the list Of these noble martyrs OF
fashion stands the name OF Mrs. Vice President Col
fax, whose pleasant parlors were filled during the
reception hours with crowd OF friends ana sran-
gers, to whom she extended cordial welcome. She
went about among her guests scattering pleasant
smiles and friendly words, and as newcomers were
announced, and she moved across the room to re-
ruby velvet trimmings sweeping around her. 1t
seemed q matter or surprise tnat the popular
Vice President having escaped heart whole from
the destinations OF Washington bellies, should have
selected the genial, digniied lady who presides 80
gracefully IN his home Although many drawing
rooms present scenes OF more studied elegance
surroundings OF greater brilliancy--in none does
one more forcioy realize that society Is not all
sham, ana that . good sound core Is sometimes
found AMID the hollowness OF fashionable life.
Seated In an arm chair, which was half covered by
her flowing draperes Of brown silk, the familiar
form Of Mrs. Mathews, Mr.. Cofax's mother. A few
minutes conversation with this lady. or even q
glance into her pleasant face, on which a sunny
temper has left impress are sufficient to indicate
the source from whence the Vice President derives
his genial manner and courteous address.
MRS. SECRETARY FISH.
After bidding Mrs. Coiax good morning many or
her visitors proceeded TO the magnificent drawing
wealth and beauty OF Washington had gathered TO
whlIe the moments away In instructive, witty and
agreeable conversation with the talented and
highly cultivated wlie OF the Secretary or state,
whose regal bearing and finely cut intellectual
features recall to mind the pen pictures, with which
we are all FAMILIAR, or the women the old regae.
Rich blue silk hung IN graceful folds around Mrs.
Flsn's tall, queeny form, and swept over the bril-
ianJ flowers OF the costly Wilton carpet. Her nigh
corsage was finished at the throat win point lace
collar OF exquisite texture, fastened by diamond
pin; gold Maltese cross, OF delicate igree work,
Inc mass OF soft gray curls, which form such a
beautiful framework for her face. dressed with
dainty, iCtle cap OF white point lace and blue vel
vet. Prominent among the many attractions OIL the
room were the ladies who assisted Mrs. Fish IN en-
were her daughter, Mrs. Rogers, OF Detroit, ana
Mrs Davis wife or the Assistant Secretary of stale.
Mrs. Rodgers IS . tall, graceful woman, with her
mothers winning. smile. Her selection OF y white
ana blue Rrenadine Dress trimmed with blue satin,
was very suitable for her blonde beauty. The heavy
black gios grain, white point lace and diamonds Of
Mrs. Davis composed a becoming and elegant toilet.
Many names OF distinguished men were announced,
and the rooms were tllronged with ladies IN every
variety oil carriage costume many OF whom babe
Mrs. Fish and the charming circle surrounding her
lingering adteu; and soon after were being enter
tanned by the agreeable trio, consisting OF
MRS. CRESWELL
Miss McIntire and Mrs. Taylor, who did the nonors
or the Postmaster Generals handsome drawing
rooms. An eXqulsitely hting green SILK with trim
mlngs OF Tack velvet and White point lace, outlined
heavily trimmed tram enhanced the lght, wllowy
grace OF her movement heavy Oralds hung low on
her neck and We're fastened with large black vel
vel bow; II mass oil black hair was rolled back from
her bright eyes and classic face she received her
visitors with French womans sparkle and grace,
ana Miss Mcintire ana Mrs. Taylor were valuable
aids In their entertainments
MRS. SECRETARY BOUTWELL,,
her daughter, Miss Brooks ana Miss Elliot also
among those who received, and q cordial greeting
WAS extended to the many visitors VINO MED tho
cheerful parors OF the Secretary OF the Treasury.
MRS. SECRETARY DELAN0
was at home to multitude OF visitors, and her
plump figure. arraycd IN a purple gros gram with
stone cameo ornaments, moved about here and
there In her endeavors to make everybody enjoy
themselves Her daughter MRS. j. q. Ames, and
her daugnter-ln-aw, Mrs. John DeanO, assisted her
IN this commendable work, and numbers OF calls,
which extended for beyond the fashionable limits,
proved how we'll they succeeded. Mrs. John Delano |
never appeared 10 greater advantage than she did |
to-day IN a rich black silk, with qulllings Of black |
velvet lined with white satin, high corsage with |
point lace collar caught together by spray OF red
roses with buds and foliage; diamonds sparkled in |
her ears ana spray OF roses adorned her hair. |
Mrs. Ames wore black silk. over which eXquI- !
site skirt OF French muslin, with nuted rulte5 aud
insertion, was gracefully draped.
MRS. GENERAL. SHERMAN
The stream OF fashion swept onward to the at
tractiye parors OF General Sherman. Mrs. Shcr-
man beng ndisposed Miss Sherman presided,
assisted by her sister. Miss Lizzie Mrs. Lynch, OF
OHIO. A green ruffed SILK, with elegant valen. |
ciennes lace bertha. was becoming to Miss Sner- |
mans blonde complexion and golden HAIR. pearl |
c0lored MORE antique, with white point lace trim
mings and handsome ornaments OF coral and gold !, |
completed the beautiful toilet which Mrs. Lynch |
gracefully wore. Mrs. BARLEY was much admired /
IN crimson SIX, with white lace trimmings, and |
jewels OF diamonds General Sherman had pleas !
ant smile for one, joke 10 amuse another and |
the stern warrior IN the gentle.voiced, courteous !
man In plain citizens dress, aud IL Is dllllcut TO
realize that he IS the great general whose mighty
army marched triumpilantly down TO the sea.
MRS. SPEAKER BLAINE
received number OF visitors and they were quite
well entertained; but as she expressed in very
emphatic manner TO a representative OF the WASH !
ingtOn press her objections having her receptions
upon in the papers, We pass to-day's
x,ttn nj fin fItarpn I'D