Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1884-05-22
THE DAYS OF 1851.
The Unexpected Arrival Of tha Pres.
ident. Elect at Washington
A Significant Incident at Wllfnrd's
Hotei.-.The Great Curiosity to
=. See Mr. LInc0ln-.- Tho
Intr0duoti0us,
[Ben; Perley Poora.]

[Ben; Perley Poora.)
The unexpected arrival Of Mr.. Lincoln k,.
fore his inauguration, at Wiliard's hotel,
early in the morning. createl quite sensa-
tion when it became known at Washington
1t was not true, as was asserted, that he CANA
in disguise, although he wore q travelling cap
and shawl, which had been loaned him, and
which changed his appearance.
Mr.. Lincoln felt confident thai an attempt
was to have been made to assassinats him as
he passed through Baltimore. Among other
statements which confirmed him in this
opinion was one by Mr. Chittenden of YER
mont, afterwards register of the treasury.
Mr. Chittendrn was delegate from ths
state Of Vermont to the peace conference
which met in Washington in the month Of
February, 1850, upon the invitation Of the
governor Of Virginia In that convention
he happened to form tho acq lantance OF
James b. Gay, of Kentucky, William A.
seddon, of Virginia afterwards the rebel
secretary of war, Governor Morehead
of Kentucky AMI others. His seat
was near those gentlemen. One MORN
ing, while sitting chatting with them
before the convention met, servant
from the adjacent hotel entered and handel
q card to Mr.. Seddon, who sat near Mr..
Chittsnden. He did not know what was Oh
the card, but it was passed around from one
to the other in such manner that he cou!i
not help but see what was written OH it. On
the card was written these words: "Lincolp
is in Washing, Oh" He never saw such con-
fusion made by nall pecs Of card befor,.
They looked at each other with amazemsnt.
At last Waldo T. johnson, afterward a sem
ator from Missouri, who could control himself
no longer, exclaimed, with vehemence, How
in the devil did he get through Baltimoref'
A few hours later the president-elect was
asked if he would receive the members of tho
peace congress and he said that he would
Mr.. Lincoln, who had returned to the hotel
from call at the White House, received tho
members of the peace congress, who hal
formed in procession in the hall where they
mot, and moved to the reception parlor OF
the hotel. Ex-Presdent Tylor and Gov.
ernor Chase lei the van. The latter dit ths
honors, first introducing Mr. Tyler Nj.
Lincoln received him with all the respect Au,
to his position. Tho several delegates were
then presented by Governor Cnas,, in the
usual manner. The greatest curiosity was
manifested TO witness this, Mr. Linoons first
reception in Washington. The most notice
able thing that occurred was the manifesto
ton by Mr Lincoln of mot wonderful
memory. 1t will he remembered that ths
convention was composed of many mel
who, although distinguished in their
time, had until lately not baen
very much known. Each member
was introduced by his surname, but in nine
cases out of ten, MIR. Lincoln would promptly
recall the entire name no matter how
many initials it contained. In several IT,
stances lie rec!ted the historical "reminiscences
of families When the tai Gen. Doniphan
of Missouri was introduceu, Mir. Lincoln had
to look up to catch Doniphan's eye. HG
Immediately irquirel
"ls this Doniphan, who made that splendid
march across the plains, and swept the swift
Conanches before hiln.'
81 commanded the expedition across the
plGins," modestly responded the general.
"rhen you have come up to the standard
Of my expectation" rejo.ned Mr.. Lincoln,
When Mr.. RiveS, Of Virginia, was intro,
duced, Mr.. Lincoln said; Il always had an
idea that you were much taller man" He
received James B. Clay, son of the KEN
tucky statesman, with marked attention,
saying to him; II was friend of yopr
father" Tho Interchange with Mr.. Bar
ringer of North Carolina, who was his COL
leage In congress was very cordial. When
Reveriy johnson was presented, he expressed
great rejoicing, remarkng to him:
u had to BIZ You goodbye just at the time
when our intimacy had ripcnei to point for
me to tell you my stories"
The southern commissioners freely ex-
pressed their qualification at his affability
and easy manner, and all joined in express
ing agreeable disappointment at his gooi
looks in contrast to his pictures. Nothin,
was said to any one in regard to the condi.
ton OF the country or the national troubles,
After the reception Of the pesce congress was
concluded, large number of citiz MS were
pres, nted. Mr. Lincoln was then notified
that the ante rooms and main saloons of the
hotel were filled with ladies, who desired TO
pay their respects, to which tEe president
elect very promptly consented The ladies
then passed in review, each being introduced
by the gentleman who accompanied her.
Mr.. Llnccln underwent the new ordeal with
much good humor.