The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1880-02-28


Thirty thousand dollars had been APP
propriated by Congress for the purchase
Of new furniture during the admini>tra-
ton of Mr. Monroe: but his friend. Col
innS. 10 whom he had intrusted it, became
insolvent, and died largely III debt to the
government, having used the money for
The payment OF his debts instead Of pro
curing furniture When an appropria-
ton OF fourteen thousand dollars was
made. to be expended. under the direc
tion OF Mr.. Adams. for furniture, he
took charge of it himself. and one of the
first acts was to buy the silver plate OF
Mr.. Crawford. This WAS severely crti-
ciSed Ivy the Democratic press. as was
the purchase of a billiard table for the
White House. about which so much was
said that Mr. John Adams finally paid
the bill from his own pocket.
Mrs. Adams Won popularity at Wash
ington by the graceful manner i'll which
she presided over the hoSpitalities of
the White House The stiff formality
of the DRAWN. -roonI; OF Mis-. Washing
and-caSy receptions of Mr.. Jefferson :
daughters. had been combined by Ms.
Madison into what she chriStcncd lie
wees. at which all cercmonious etiquette
was banished. and no acquisitions We're
made beyond those which regulated good
society i'll private houses. Mrs. Monroe.
who had mingled i'll the fashionable cir
clcs of London and Paris, as well as OF
her native city of New York. hal con-
tinued these evening levces; and Mrs.
Adams. IN turn. not only kept up the
custom, but improved the quality OF the
refreshments. which were handed around
nn walters by servants. state dinners
were also given during The sessions of
Congress, to which such senators and
representatives as had called at the White
and Mrs. Adams left no opportunity I'M
improved for making the administration
Of her husband popular.
iIr. Adams used to rise between four
and six o'clock. according to the season.
and either take Il ride on horseback. or
walk to the Potomac River where he
bathed. remaining in the water for an
hour or more in the Summer. Return
ing to the White House he read two
chapters of SCOTS Bible aud the CORE
spending commentary of Hewlett. and
then glanced over the morning papers
and the budgets sent from the depart
mentS until nine. when he break tasted.
From ten until four he remained in the
Executive office. presiding over cabinet
meetings. receiving visitors. OF consider
III" questions of state. Then. after :;
long walk or 4 short ride on horseback.
he would sit down to dine at half-past
five, and after dinner resume his public
duties
On one occasion. NJ. Adams Imperfect
his life by attempting to cross the Poto-
mae III small boat. accompanied by his
son John and by his steward Michael
Antoine GiuSta. who had entered his ser
vice at Amsterdam in 1911. Intending
to swim back. they had taken of nearly
all of their clothes. which were in the
boat. When about half way across, Il
gust Of wind came sweeping down the
Potomac: the boat filled with water. and
they were forced II abandon it and swim
i'or their lives to the Virginia shore. BY
taking what garments each one had on,
Antoine managed to clotEe himself de
Gently, and started across the bridge IL
Washington. During his absence, Mr..
Adam, and his son swan in the river Oh
| walked to and fro on the shore At last,
after they had been about three hours
undrcssed. Antoine made his appearance
with carriage and clothing. $, they
were able to return TO Washington. Mr.
Adams purchased that day watch,
which lie gave Antoine to replace one
WHICH lie HUI l'Sl III l!t h,dt. anu III
| alluded to the adventure in lis iourna
| that night as "a humiliating lesson. and
a solemn warning not to tritlc with dan.
| ger: \ few weeks later q Revolutionary
veteran named Shoemaker, who had beer
for thirty years a clerk in the genera
post. went in to battle at Mr.. Adams
tavorite spot. tie Sycamolcs. was seizeC
with cramp. and was drowned. Til,
| body was not recovered until. the next
morning, while Mr, Adams was in thi
water: but the incident did not deter
him from taking his solitary mornin.
baths, which he regarded as indi&pcnsa
BILE 10 health.
Mr. Adams took grc.ti interest ilrarhnrl
culture. and was a constant reader o
Evelyn. He had planted i'll the ground:
of the White House the acorns Of tho
cork oak. black walnTts. peach, plum
and cherry stones. apple and pear seeds
and he watched their germinatinn ant
growth with great interest. y botani,
Garden was established under his patron
age. and naval officers We're instructed t.
bring home for distribution the seeds %
such grains and vegetables as il might
seem desirable t. naturalize.
Henry Clay. as Secretary ot State. wa!
the most important member of Mr
Adams cabinet. He had obtained hi,
position. it was asserted, by Il bargain
and this was tuny in his face with grca1
pcrtinacity by his political opponents
The foreign policy of TIE administration
which encouraged the appointment OF /;
minister to represent the United State:
in the Congress of Americas Republic,
at Panama. although in accordance Will
the Monroe doctrine" was denounced
As Federalism Mr. Clay. who had ncvea
been Il federalist. did not wish to be re
| wardcd as Il rcSturer of the old Fedora
party. and he accordingly began 10 ere
ate the Wing party, of which he natu
ally became the leader.
Mr.. Clay made a good Secretary o
State: but his place was in Congress, fol
\ I. e., 10,