The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1880-07-17
SELECT LITERATURE.
"REMINISCENCES OF WASHINGTON
The Van Buren, Administration from 1887
to I84I.

"REMINISCENCES OF WASHINGTON
The Van Buren, Administration from 1887
to 184I.
From the atlantic Monthly.
While the electoral votes for the eighth
President of the United States were being
counted, in the presence of the two Houses
of Congress. Senator Clay remarked to
Vice President Van Buren,, with courte-
GUS significance, sit is cloudy day, sir
1.-The sun will shine on the 4th of March,
sir was the Little Magician's confident
reply.
The prediction was fulfilled, for on his
inaugural morning the sun shone bright
ly, and there was not cloud to be seen
in the clear sky. Washington was crowd
ed with strangers from all parts of the
country, and in anticipation of the time
set for the ceremony great numbers be-
gan to direct their way at an carly hour
to the Capitol. Congregating before the
eastern portico of the Capitol, the dense
mass of humanity reminds those who had
travelled abroad of the assembled multi
tude in front of st. Peters on Easter SUM-
day, waiting to receive the Papal bless
ing.
President Jackson and President elect
Van Buren, were escorted from the White
House to the Capitol bya volunteer brig
ade of cavalry and infantry, and by sew
eral Democratic political organizations,
marShaled by General Van Ness, who had
a corps of mounted aids. General Jack
san and his successor rode in an elegant
phaeton, made of oak from the original
timber of the frigate Constitution, which
had one seat holding two persons, and a
high drivers box in front, bordered with
with a deep hammer-cloth. The unpaint-
ed wood was highly polished, and the fine
grain was brought out by a coat of var
nish while ON panel on either side was
representation of Old H0Rsides, as the
frigate was called, under full sail. The
NstS III II W N'SiSl III 1aShS'll -
four irons gray carriage horses, with elob-
crate brass-mounted harness, and it was
very dashing turnout.
Arriving at the Capitol, General Jack
son and Mr.. Van Buren, went to the Sen
ate Chamber, where they witnessed Col.
Johnson take his oath of office as Vice
President. They then repaired to 4 plat
form erected over the steps of the east
ern portico, followed by the diplomatic
corps. the senator's and the principal eX-
ecutive officials. y cheer greeted the old
hero, who had risen from a sick bed,
against the protest of his physician, that
he might grace the scene, and a smile of
satisfaction lighted up his wan, stern
features as he stood leaning on his cane
with one hand. and holding with the
other his apc-bound white fur hat,
while he acknowledged the compliment
paid him by Il succession of bows. Mr..
| Van Buren then advanced to the front of
| the platform, and with impressive dig
nity read in clear distinct voice his i'll
augural address. His manner and en-
phasis were excellent, yet the effect upon
the multitude was not what might have
been expected from so great a collection
Of men devoted to his support. The OBJ
yious cause was. that few of the half mil
lion could hear him at all and that. not
wthStanding the invitations to cheer,
given at the close of every sentence by
Marshal Van Ness only feeble shouts
responded to the wavings of the baton
When he had concluded Chief Justic,
fancy administered the oath of office
and no sooner had he rcvcrentially kiSset
tho Bible, as Il pledge OF his assent, thai
General jackson advanced and shook hin
cordially by the hand. The other dig
nitaries on the platform followed will
their congratulations, the populace at las
cheercd. and the bands played Hail t.
the Chief
President Van Buren, and x-Presiden
jackson We're then escorted back to the
White House, where for three hours
surging tide of humanity swept past til,
new chief magistrate, congratnlating hin
on his Inauguration. The assembling,
was promiscuous one. and the reception
was rs disorderly an affair us could wei
b. imagined. At o'clock in the after
noon. the members ofthe diplomatic corp:
cllled i'll Il body. wearing their court
dresses. and Don C.,ide:on, who was thei
dean, presented 4 congratulatoiy address
In his reply. Mr.. Van Buren, made hi
only known lopsHs li"gw by addressing
them as the Democratic corps |
called to the mistake that he corrected
himself. and stated that he had INTENDED
to say 'dipIomatic corps. In tho 81 rn
ing two inauguration balls were given.
Many strangers had been unable to line
conycyauees to take them away, and coul,
not obtain ta,rying places 1t was interest
ing, towards nightfaii. to witness the gath
ering anxiety in many a deceUt EiiR coIlll
tenance as he went from boarding house i
hotel, and from hotel to private residence
seeking lodgings in vain. Money seemed
TO be useless in Washington for once. |
could Indeed procure for the possesso
the most luxurious dishes and the rares
beverages; but while the palate could b
gratitied there was no rest for wear
limbs. Beds, beds. beds, was the gen
eral cry. Hundreds slept in the marke
house Oh bundles Of hay, and a party q
distinguished BostoniaHs passed the nigh
in the chairs of Il BARRIERS shop.
General jackson remained but four day
at the White House, and then left 70
Tennessee. relieved from the cares of hi