Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1882-10-12
FIFTY A AGO.
A New Years Reception at the
White House in MOnrOe's
Time.
philndslphIa Times, wa.hlnr.on Le.l.r.


Philadelphia Times Washington Letter.
One of the best known bellies of
Virginia was Mrs. Tuley, now living
in an old time mansion in this city.
Before the war the broad estates of
Colonel Tnley, in the beautiful valley
of Virginia, we're noted throughout
the South. At the "Tuleyries" was
dispensed that hospitality for which
Virginia has been famous in years
past. 1t was the hating place for
many men of the South prominent in
the councils of the nation. At the
Smithsonian in Washington the finest
specimens OF deer and elk were taken
from Colonel Tuley's estate. Colonel
Tuley died just before the war. His
widow lives in a ine old house, sur-
rounded with oil paintings of famous
men and women who have lived and
died, but whose memory is still green.
With many OF them Mrs. Tuley 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 |, 1925. A letter
written by heI at that time to a friend
describing the reception has come to
light and is of interest.
"The Presidents evee, wrote Mrs.
Tuley, then a young girl, lis the
great feature Of the day. Every one
goes to pay their respects to the chief
magistrate OF the iand-members of
the cabinet, senator's, members, for.
eign ambassadors, army and navy,
strangers and citizens in general. All
60 in full dress. Roman history tells
us of an emperor who was accus.
toned to exclaim, i have lost a dayl
whenever he passed a day from sun
rise to sunset without reforming some
good deed, and though | don't know
hat | performed any good deed on
New Years day, l saw SO many &C.
lebrities, distinguished men, pretty
women and gorgeous dresses that |
cant exclaim with the emperor that
Il lost a day.
AT THE WHITE HOUSE.
"The day was bright and pleasant.
Such a time we had getting ready and
starting. There was a 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 we're c~haperoned
by a married lady, one Of the
leaders of the ton. No young
lady goes to parties or receptions
here without a chaperon. We arrived
at the White House about l O'Clock.
There was quite a crowd already
assembled. The marine band in full
force was in the great ball playing
the national airs, etc. VIZ we're ush.
cred into the reception room, where
stood the President, his queenly-
looking wife 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, %emhlazoned with
jewels, orders, etc. 1t was a dazzling
sight to me, a young girl just out Of
the dull routine Of the school room.
Mr.. Monroe was standing near the
door, and as we we're introduced we
had the honor Of shaking hands with
him and passing the usual c~ongratula-
lions OF the season. 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 dignifed. From the
frank, honest expression of his eve
which is said to be the window of the
soul, | think he well deserves the
encomium passed upon him by the
great Jefferson, who said Monroe was
so honest that if you turned his soul
inside out there would not be a SPOT
on it.
HOW MRS. MONROE DRESSED.
1--WE passed on and were presented
to Mrs. Monroe and her Two
daughters, Mrs. Judge Hay and Mrs.
Gouyenear, who stood by their mother
and assited her in receiving. Mrs.
Monroe manner is very gracious, and
she is a regal looking lady. Her dress
was superb black velvet; neck and
and arms bare aud beautifully 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 a very hand
some woman. You remember Mrs
- told us that when Mr.. Monroe
was sent as Minister to France. Mrs
Monroe accompanied him, and in
Paris she was called Ia belle Ameri.
caine.' She also told US that She was
quite a belle ia New York in the latter
part OF the Revolutionary war. her
maiden name was Korturight. Mrs
Judge HaI (the Presidents eldest
daughterl is very handsome al
so-tall and graceful. and I
hear, very accomplished. She
was educated in Paris at the celebra
ted boarding school kept by Nine
Chapman, aud among her intimat,
school friends was the beautiful Hor.
tense de Behuharnair, stepdauehter Of
the Emperor Napoleon. Her dress
was crimson velvet, gold cord anc
tassel round the faist, white plumei
IN the hair, handsome jewelry, bar,
neck and arms The other daughter
Mrs. Gouyerneur, is also very hand.