Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1882-08-17
FIFTY YEARS AGO.
A New Years Reception at the White
House During the Monroe Ad-
ministratiOn.
How Mrs. Monroe Dressed-IHpressiOn
or the President-Seeretary Cal.
hOua and General Brown.
Philadelphia Times Washington Letter.

Philadelphia Times Washington Letter.
One of the best known bellies of Virginia
was Mrs. Tuley, now living at an old-time
mansion in this city. Before the war the
broad estates of Colouel Tuley, in the beauti-
ful valley of. Virginia, were noted throughout
the South. At the "Tuleyries" was dispensed
that hospitality for which Virginia has been
famous in years past. 1t was the hslting-
place for many men of the South prominent
IN the councils of the nation. AT the Smith
sonian, ia Washington, The finest specimen
of deer and elk were taken from Colonel
Tuley's estate Colonel Tnley died Just be-
fore the war. His widow lives IN fine old
house, surrounded with oil paintings OF
famous men and women who have lived and
died, but whose memory is still green. With
many of them Mrs. Tulev was personally
acquainted. Years ago she was a constant
visitor at the White House. One OF her
earliest ventures in Washington was at the
last New Years reception of President Mon
roe, on January 1, 1925. A letter written by
her at that time to a friend, describing the
reception, has come to light and is of in
terest. E
'The presidents levee," wrote Mrs. Tuley,
then young girl, sis the great feature of
the day. Every one goes 10 pay their re-
spects to the chief magistrate of the land
members of the cabinet, senators, members,
foreign ambassadors, army and navy, stran- |
gers and citizens in general. All go in full
dress. Roman history tells US of an emperor
who was accustomed 10 exclaim: Il have lost
a day. whenever he passed day from SUM-
rise 10 sunset without performing some good |
deed, and though l don't know that | per- |
formed any good deed on New Years day /
saw so many celebrities, distinguished men, |
pretty women and gorgeous dresses that
can't exclaim with the emperor that i lost a
day.
The day was bright and pleasant. Such |
time we had getting ready aud starting.
There was large, gay party OF US; four |
young ladies, and each with an escort of the
incest beaux in Washington. Mine was the |
gallant Colonel j, of Kentucky. OF
course we were ch1peroned by married lady, |
one of the leaders of the ton. No young |
lady goes to parties or receptions here with |
out ehdperon. We arrived at the White |
House about l o'clock. There was quite |
crowd already assembled. The Marine Band |
In full force was in the great hall playing |
the national airs, etc. We were ushered into |
the reception room, where stood the presi- |
dent. his queenly-looking vile and their two |
daughters, surrounded by the members Of the |
cabinet and their wives and the diplomatic |
corps with their wives in full court dress, |
emblazoned with jewels, orders, etc. Ii |
was dazzling sight to me, young girl |
just out OF the dull routine of the school |
room. Mr.. Monroe was standing near |
the door, and as we were introduced we had |
the honor of shaking hands with him and |
passing the usual congratulations of the sea-
son. My impressions of Mr.. Monroe are |
very pleasing. He is tall, and well formed. |
His dress plain and in the old style, small |
clothes, silk hose, knee buckles and pumps |
fastened with buckles. His manner was |
quiet aud dignified. From the frank, honest |
expression of his eye, which Is said to be
the window of the soul,' think he well de-
serves the enconium passed upon him by the
honest that If you turned his soul inside out |
there would not be spot on it,
w passed on and we're presented TO Mrs. |
Monroe and her two daughters, Mrs. Judge |
Hay and Mrs. Gouveneur, who stood by their
mother and assisted her in receiving. Mrs.
Monroe's manner is very gracious, and she is
a regal look ing lady. Her dress was superb
black velvet; neck and arms bare and beau
fully formed; her hair in puffs and dressed
high on the head and ornamented with white
ostrich plumes; around her neck an elegant
pearl necklace. Though no longer young
she is still very handsome woman. You
Mrs. told that when Hfr.t
Monroe was sent as minister to France Mrs.
Monroe accompanied him, and in Paris she
was called la belle Americaine. She also told
Us that she was quite belle in New York in
the latter part of the revolutionary war. Her
maiden name was Korturight. Mrs. Judge
Hay (the presidents eldest daughter) is very
handsome also-tall and graceful, and, l hear,
very accomplished. She was educated in Paris
at the celebrated boarding-school kept by
Nine. Campau, and among her intimate
school friends was the beautiful Horlense de
step-daughter Of the Emperor
Napoleon. Her dress was crimson velvet,
gold cord and tassel around the waist, white
plumes in the hair, handsome jewelry, bare
neck and arms. The other daughter, Mrs.
Iouveneur, is also very handsome-dress,
ich white satin, trimmed with great deal
IF blonde lace, embroidered with silver
bread, bare neck and arms, pearl jewelry
and white plumes in the hair. By-the-by,
Dlumes in the hair seem to be the most
fashionable style of head dress for married
aides. 1 have described these dresses quite
but know you all at home like to |
,ear of these items. There were great
many superb dresses worn by other distin-
,uished ladies, which will tell you all about |
when / see you.
"All the lower rooms were opened, and,
hough well filled, not uncomfortably SO.
The rooms were warmed by great fires Of
hickory wood in the large open 6re-plaees,
md with the handsome brass andirons and ,
enders quite remind me of our grand old I
Eood fires in Virginia. Wine was handed
bout in wine glasses on large silver salvers
y
tilt buttons, etc. suppose some of them
must have come from Mr.. Monroe's old
amily seat, Oak HILL Virginia. We met !
number of acquaintance, and Mrs. -
me 10 many of the dignitaries OF
he land, among Them Mr.. John Quincy .
Adams and his wife. You know he is the :
ecretary of state. Mrs. Adams is very :
handsome. She is petite in figure and fall
# esprit in conversation. Her dress was OF
arnet velvet, with white plumes in her hair.
secretary Calhoun is very king-looking-
all and graceful. dark complexion and fine 1
yes. General Brown, conmander-in-chief
f the army, was gorgeous in full uniform.
"But, indeed. / must bring this already
90 long letter 10 close, but not until tell :
GU (for / know you are wild 10 know what a
ny dress was on the important occasion. v
Veil, it was s lovely lilac silk, trimmed a
nth roleaux of the same. pink satin bonnet,
nth feathers'and with other little accessories b
the toilet. thought 1 looked very I,
retty, indeed. / know you will exclaim al O
~ vanity, but you know / am always candid a
nd say what think. i
"There is to be grand ball given by
ecretary and Mrs. Adams on the Sth of | !.
anuary, in honor OF General Jackson, on :
he anniversary of the battle OF New Orleans. :
have received cards, and, of course, would :
OF miss going. They say it will be the ball !,
the season"