The Baltimore County union., 1886-03-27
Correspondence Baltimore County Union.
LETTER FROM WASHINGTON.
A Baltimore County Lady Seeing the
Sights-A Visit to Virginia, &c.
WASHINGTON, D. c.. March goth, 1886.


WASHINGTON, D. c., March Goth, 1885,
Messrs. Editors Since our last writing We
cepted pressing invitation to visit friends
Falls Church, Va, where we received the whole
soul welcome for which Southerners are so famous.
From that point we could see over q vast extent
of country. Sugar Loaf mountain, Frederick
county, Nd, loomed up in the distance, while be-
fore us the city of Washington, with its stately
buildings and marble shaft 555 feet high, erected
to the Father of his Country; the noble Potomac
winding its way through the valleys, innumerable
farms dotted with houses, presented a scene of
surprising beauty. While in Virginia we sat at
table with four generations-great-g grand parents,
grandparents, parents and child-still there were
only seven in number. They compose the entire
family with the exception of the servants.
We visited Corcoran's Art Gallery We had
often been there before, but wished to see the
painting, "Wood Gatherers," bought by Mr.. Cor
recently from the great Morgan sale in New
York. 1t is by Corot and the most costly of all
the elegant paintings in the building. One room
is set apart for the Tayloe collection of ceramics,
bric-a-brac, handsome portraits, &c. Among
other things we noticed Washington's card table,
Andrew Jackson's cane-"Old Hickory"
cane of Napoleon at ST. Helena, model of a War
wick vase, carved of timber of the old frigate Con-
sttution. We visited the old War Department,
now used an ordnance museum. 1t has numer-
Gus relics, among which noticed six cannon
ed to the Government; a Mexican saddle and
bride of elegant finish made by hand, all kinds of
arms, ammunition, &c. Balngs' great painting of
Grant and his Generals, twenty-six in number,
almost life size, has been moved to this depart
ment.
We also visited the Signal Service Department
where by the aid of the instruments the state of
the weather, the velocity of the winds, and the
depth of rain fall is accurately measured.
We intended going on Washngton's monument,
but the stairway by which visitors might ascend
is not yet completed and the elevator not running
1t costs $50 per day to run it, no appropriation
for that purpose being yet made by Congress. 1t
is expected the stairway will be completed in
month.
The 18th being the regular reception day of the
President we repaired to the White House, took
seat in the East Room, and at 1.30 p. m. the Pres
ident made his appearance accompanied by two
gentlemen. The large room was nearly filled with
ladies and gentlemen anxious to shake hands with
the Chief Executive of the nation. The two gen.
| tlemen stood just in front of him, each person
passing between them. We stood near to the right
OF the President and had full view of each one
they passed through. 1t was interesting to
watch the counteuances and actions of each one
as they shook hands. Some made profound bows !;
some ladies blushed; gentlemen would stop long
enough to whisper few words in the Presidents
ear. He was all smiles and gave each cordial
shake of the hand. He did not seem in hurry
as some have said. He is fine looking man, but
not as handsome as his pictures represent.
We went from there to Congress, heard some
spicy debates on the Presidents right to turn
officials out without consulting the Senate. We
were also in the House but there not many
members in their seats. I suppose they were eel
ebrating st. Patrck's day, as many of them had
on the green ribbon in honor Of the saint.
TNcoc