Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-02-12

Jane Appleton Pierce was the daugh-
ter of the Rev. Isaac Appleton, ID. d.,
president OF Bowdoin College. She was
from childhood an invalid afflicted with
a nervous and melancholy temperament,
and her. entrance TO tho White House
was preceded by an awfnl calamity. AS
she and her husband and their only son
a bright boy OF l3-were on their way to
Washington just before the inaugura'
they were involved in railroad acci-
dent. in which the poor young lad was
killed. and it was under the shadow OF
this gr1ef that the unhappy mother was
called to take her place ct the head OF
Washington society. She struggled
bravely to do her duty, but beyond the
faithful performance of her official tasks
she took no part in society.
LOVELY HARRIET LANE.
All honor to beauty Once again
there was queen of gentleness and
grace and charm in the White House,
and tor the first time since the days OF
Dolly Madison there were gayety and
constant sounds of social entertain
ments in the American palace, that were
led by the lovely Harriet Lane.
James Buchanan was bachelor and
his graceful young piece did the honors
during his administr ] remember
her personally, and how handsome she
was at a great reception at Mrs. Rush s
in Philadelphia just before her uncle be-
came President She was blonde with
fair hair, blue eye, and an exquisite
complexion. her figure was full and al
most perfect in proportion, and there
were intelligence and refnment IN her
face as we'll as beauty. What belle she
was Everybody adored her the sena-
tors were her obedient servants, the
foreign ministers were her courtlerS
And yet during the four years tnat she
was the American queen there were only
the kindliest words for her. She was no
coduette. her manner was always dlgnl-
fed. and she maintained herself with
admirable tact through the gsyeties OF
perhaps the gayest administration we
have ever had.
OF course Miss Lane had many offers
OF marriage, but she had the good sense
to enjoy her maiden queenship, and did
not wed until she had retired with her
uncle to WLeatand, when she gave her
hand to Henry Llliott Johnston. During
Miss Lanes sovereignty Albert Edward,
Prince Of Wales, visited this country,
and although he WAS only ~, much
younger than the beautiful Harriet,
there were many joking suggestions OF
matrimonial alliance between the
United States and England. The Prince
was an ardent admirorof the fair hostess,
as were scores OF other distinguished
men who were brought within the
sphere OF her influence.
Mary Todd Lincoln succeeded the
lovely belle in tho care OF the White
House, and no greater contrast could be
fancicd than that between these two
women-Aliss Lane young, beautiful,
and high-bred, Mrs. Lincoln middle
aged plain, and thoroughly western.
One would wish to write charitably OF O
woman who was 50 bowed with sorrow
and who has gone to her rest, but the
look Of patient suffering on tho noble
face Of Abraham Lincoln, it was more
than whispered, was due 70 other causes
besides those of the weight OF pdbllc
anxiety.
A story illustrative of the domestic
lie Of that great man came to me very
direct from high official Of Lincoln S
administration. he desired to secure a
consulate for a friend and consulted
Mrs. Lincoln as TO when would be the
best time to proffer his request /: "Well,
now, III tell YOU" che replied lyon
come here to dinner tonight we shall
be alone and yell have strawberries for
desert. don't S--;- Ay let NJ. Lin
coin have but one dish, but tonight III
let him have D second help and when |
give hIm that it will be n good time to
ask him." 1t all happened as arranged.
The gentleman went to the White House
to dinner. The dessert was fresh and
beautiful strawberries. Mr.. Lincoln ate
the portion to which his wife helped
him and pushed aside his plate with a
little sigh.
FEATHER, won't you have another dish
OF strawberries said his wife, with an
expressive glance at the guest, who,
controlling his inclination to laugh,
made his request for the consulship and
got IT,
Mrs. Lincoln was very fond OF gayety.
She preferred the society Of her western
friends. The old residents Of Washing
ton held aloof from the White House
during her years there, and tho social
gatherings in the wide receptlon-rooms
were decidedly democratic III character.
Eliza McCardle Johnson was a con-
firmed invalid when Andrew johnson
became President after the death OF
Abraham Lincoln. She never appeared
in society, and the Lonors Of the White
House were done by her daughters, Mrs.
Patterson and Mrs. Stoyer, excellent
women, who faithfully performed their
public duties, but were glad to return to
private life when their fathers term OF
Office expired.
Julia Dent Grant was pleasing and
gracious hostess, although her deficient
eyesight rendered her social duties try
ing m that it was difficult for her to re-
cognizo even intimate friends, and
brilliant light soon weared her. She
was surrounded by young people-hei
daughter Nellie, afterwards Mrs. Sar
toris, and her sons, who after a time
brought brilliant young brides to add tC
the gayeties Of the White House
During the eight years of Mrs. Grant,
control the Executive Mansion was th'
scene of many festivities, though neye
so charmingly gay as under Miss Lane
care.
Lucy Webb Hayes impressed her per
sonality, her views. and her indiyiduallt.
more deeply upon the people of TIN
country than did any Of her predecessors
A woman Of fine presence, with a hand
some, intelligent face, wonderful charm
of manner and exquisite tact. she mad
the Executive Mansion during her resi-
dence in it hospitable home to he
friC n Is aud place OF kindly welcome 4
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