, 1873-01-12
vYASHINGTON'S NEW YEARS.
An American Presidents Reception in
the Days OF DecorEl.s.

I've
The leyces of President Washington we're far
more select and rational than those of hin sue
cessors have been for tho last few years. Ihey
were numerous1y attended by all who were fash
iouable and refined Of society but there were
no places for the intrusion of the rabble in
crowds or for tho moro coa1se aud boisterous
pertiEan-the vulgar elect1oneercr-or tho impu-
don't place-Lunter, with boots and frock coat, or
with patched knees, and holes nt both elbows.
On the.contrary, they we're solcct and more
tho tho same m Office since. Proud Of hcr huaband's
exalted fame, and jealous Of the honors due not
only to his own lofty character, but to the dlSnl
fed station to which grateful country had
called him, Mrs. Washington was careful in her
d.awing-rooms to exact those courtosies to
Which she knew tho President was entitled.
Fortunately, moreover, the r1deness Of the
present day Lad not then 80 far gained the as
tendency al to banish good manners, and the
charms OF Bocial intercourse Wero heightened
by reasonable attention in the best circles to
those forms and ueagea which indicate the we'll
bred asscmblagc, and throw around it an mir OF
elegance and grace which only the envions Affect
to decry and only tho vulgar Eldlculo and con-
demn. None, therefore. were admitted to the
1erces but those who had either q right by Off
cial station to be there, or we're entitled to tho
privilege by established merit and character; :;
and full dress was required Of ALL Some show,
If not Of state, ut least Of respect, for the high
officer to be visited, waa exected down to tho
Monroe required less fornalty aud attention to
dress, aud tue second President Adams still less.
Mrs. Washington was pleasing end agreeable
rather than = brilliant woman. Her figure Was
not commanding, but her manners were easy,
conci1;atory, and attractive, Her domestic ar
rangements were always concerted under her
own eye and everything within her household
moved forward with tho regularity Of machin-
cry. No daughter Of Eve ever worshipped her
lord with more sincere and nffectlonate venera-
1,71 nfcrr
homage. When absent he was ever i'll her
thoughts, and her mild eyes kindled at his pres
ence Sho was well educated, and possessed
strong native sense, guided by all necessary pru-
political subjects. and when the most expert
diplomatists would attempt 10 draw her out, she
h:a tho faculty Of turning the conversation with
equal de1terity and politenees. At all the Pres
ident's entertainments, whether at the table or
in tho drawing-room, Notwithstanding the re-
gard to etiquette heretofore reverted to, there
was nevertheless go much kindness OF feeling
displayed, and such an unaffected degree Of
genuine hospitality, that golden opinions Wero
won alike from the foreign md domestic E1s-
itorB.
In those da5s, also, 1ate hours we're not nee
essary, and many Of our fair metropolitan
readers who aro in tho habit Of dressing at 10 to
enter draving-room at II, will doubtless bo
surprised to learn TINT 3lrs. Washington's leTees
clozcd always ht9. ,:,,,s
,
established on the occasion Of holding her first
dents ~ residence vas in tue Old Frankiin House,
in this city, at tho head Of Cherry street. The
dny was uncommon1y mild and pleasant. The
>moon was full, aud tho air was 80 bland and
serene that the ladies attended in their light
summer dresses. Having been introduced by
the aides and gentlemen in waiting, tea, coffee.
plain and plum cale we're handed round. Falnll-
far and friendly conversation ensued, and lind
inquiries on the Part Of Mra: Washington after
tho families OF the exi1es, With whom she had
been acquainted during the Revolutionary War,
and Who always received married attention from
General Washington: Mrs, Washington stood
By the sido Of tue General IN receiving tue le.
spects Of the visitors. Amid the soclat chlt-chas
Of the evening tho clock strneAY: Ars. nhsnlns
ton thereupon roso with dignity, and looking
around tho circle with complacent snlile, OBJ
served, ''The General always retires at y, and /
usually precode him." At this hint the ladies
instantly rose, adjusted their. dresses, made
their salutations, and retired.
General Washington had on that dag been
waited upon by tho principal gentlemen Of the
city, according to the ancient New York custom
Of social and conviyial New Years visiting. Al
ter having been aeverally introduced, and haT-
inc naid the rsunf compliments OF the Season,