New-York tribune., 1880-09-26
". ". CORCOR4N AT HOME
From The Washington Republic.

Mr.. Corcoran's house and grounds in this city
are imposing and beautiful. The house is probably
the finest in the city In d any city En IN Europe 1T
portal into fine hall. To the left is the former
picture gallery where many Of the gems now in
stood the Greek Slave" the most famous marble
of Powers. TO the right of the hall is the principal
paor with as I'm ih
is reached-a large square room that seems cut out
of oar. The ceiling is extremely high Gothic IN
style and composed wholly OF massive carved
oak The mantel, the mirror frame, aud the book
cases fine specimens OF carved work richly nlad
with green malachite. The windows are richly
painted and set with figures and flowers. The
walls of the room are of solid oak. and the whole
makes probably the finest room in any private
house in the city. The books number nearly 1000
volumes and very valuable. They were mostly
purchased in London. Above the door which leads
to the dining room hangs portrait Of George Pea
body by distinguished artist, to which MI. Cor
coran is greatly attached The relations of these
great phiIanthropists were of the mCst intimate
character for sixty-fve years, and Mr. Corcoran
has % 81 IN M br are of
greatest interest There may be seen friendly
letters from many of the great characters of
Humboldt of q highly interesting character. while
there are many from Webster. Clay, Calhoun, Amos
Kendall. Father Richie, Fillmore, Tyler. Buchanan
and nearly all the prominent men IN former
period before the war. He was consulted by both
parties in Congress in regard to financial questions
and Mr. Webster seemed TO nave great respect Tor
business men OF rather remarkable character.
After Mr.. Corcoran was well started in business
i'm Georgetown he failed with heavy liabilities
The failure was not due to any lack of business
sagacty or foresight on his part being due wholly
to other suspensions) but he was forced to compro
mise with bis creditors, paying them 90 cents on
the dollar. Many years afterward he paid the
tire indebtedness with interest-the interest in
some cases nearly eQualling the principal. The
letters from business men acknowledging these
payments make singular reading in these days of
convenient bankruptcy Another rather r'mark
able letter is from Mr. Peabody. who at the time
correspondent IN London. The letter compliments
Mr. Corcoran OH his large gift of money to tine Hun
Qaran exiles and says that he will have strong
Competitor in him (lir. Peabody in great deeds OF
beneyolence when he (Mr. Peabody gets rich. The
words were prophetic. and the two friends always
congratulated one another III aiter years 1Or tile
good they had done.
At one time Mr. Corcoran's mansion was the
centre of the most fashionable and distinguished
society at the Capital, and his entertainments
of the most elegant and costly character SEN
ators Members, Cabinet Ofcers, Foreign Ministers
and Presidents have been on the most familiar
terms with the great banker. Now he is too
feeble 10 20 into society he disposed and
since the loss of his beloved daughter. for whom
the Louise Home was paned, he has cared little
for entertainments. Personally, MIR. C0rcOran is v
very handsome and distinguished-lOok man,
despite his age. His form is round and full. as
BELTS old age and he dresses quietly but with
spicuous neatness. His bar Is as white as Snow,
and only tri1e thin on top, and hIs face is round
and fair, shaved closely. with the exception Of q
small white mustaehe. His eye Is kindly, and his
smile winning. But for a rather sad expression his
face would be typical of his noble nature. for Mr.
Corcoran is naturally cheerful.
Mr. COrcoran finds himself unable to dey Ote his
attention 10 business and year by year he has been
forced to trust still more to his faithful con6den
tial agent. Mr. Hyde, VINO has been associated
with him for more than thirty years. His private
secretary, DR.. Hunter. and Mr.. Brice. also do much
to relieve him of anxiety. AS 10TH however, as Mr.
Corcoran is to attend to his business. it must
he said that his zeal for the Art Gallery that bears
4. nd for ha wi ma lriu IN
him fond recollections of his daughter never tires
Mr. Corcoran's love Of horses is marked feature in
horses In the city, and his equipages are in keeping
with, the man-the best that can be had; but
wholly without Ostentati0n. His cOachman, Law
renee 1t must be confessed is rather fast driver.
but then. he follows directions. Three of his best
horses wdre lost during the summer by fire or some
other accident
Mr.. Corcorans family Is well.nigh exhausted. lie
has twO grsndsons aud o granddaughter. and to
them no has given an affection almost id0latrous
They arc the children Of his daughter. Louise. who
wss The wife Of George Eustis distinguished citi