The National tribune., 1901-01-24

whose motion is scarcely perceptible, you
will see a rather humble, old-fashioned-
looking twO-story brick house standing
near the south end of Main street. 1t has
but one entrance from the street. In
front of it stand three or four small shade
trees. The fences of the lot and windows
of the house show evident signs of dilapi-
datiOn, the consequences of the rebellion.
Like many other windows in the
South, a number of paneSS- of glass are
broken out and their places supplied with
paper Glass could not be obtained in the
CoDfederacy. As you pass along the pave
ment on Main street, by looking into the
lot you will see several young apple trees,
and in their spaces between two of them
are potatoes growing.
'In the rear of the kitchen stands a
small aspen shade tree, and down there
in the lower end of the lot is a grapevine
trained upon a trellis, forming a pleasant
bower.
Scattered over the lot are a number
of rose, currant and gooseberry bushes.
Sat the lower end of the lot, and just
outside, stand two large weeping-willows,
and under their shade is a very beautiful
spring. This is the residence of Andrew
johnson.
Up the street stands his former tailor
shop, with the old sign still on it, and
in an old store-roOm up the street are
the remains of his library. At present it
contains principally law books and public
documents, most of his valuable books
having been destroyed by the Southern
army"
This was after Mrs. Johnson, with her
children, was ordered by the Confederate
authorities, to leave Greenville within sc
hours. This was April "a, 1862. After
mourning and escaping many perils, and
having been sent hither and yon over the
State, they at last, through the good of
fees Of Isham q. Harris and Andrew Ew-
ing, late in October were reunited with
Mr.. Johnson in Nashville. He was then
Military Governor.
1t has been stated that even the strong
and firm Andrew Johnson broke down and
wept like a child when his family were
at last restored to him.
Mrs. johnson had exhausted her vitality
to such degree that she was not able
to leave her room for months. From this
time Mrs. Johnson was an invalid, and
when circumstances so abhorrent called
Mr.. johnson to the Presidential chair,
Mrs. Johnson came on to Washington but
she was SO much of an invalid that she
never appeared in society. Her very ex-
istence was a myth to most people.
She was last seen at party given to
her grandchildren She was seated in an
satin. She did not rise when the children
and older ones were presented; she would
simply say, MY dears, | am an invalid"
and her pale, sad face told its tale of sor-
row and suffering.
The honors and duties of the White
House were performed by her daughters,
Mrs. Patterson, wife of Senator Patter-
son, of Tennessee, and Mrs. Stoyer,
widow.
Tho Whit uouso ,,roeo,.o5 - rI
appearance when they entered it. The
four years of war had left their mark
everywhere. Soldiers had had the freedom
of the House, and guards had made Iodg-
lng-roomS of the apartments until furni-
ture and carpets were ruined. The crowds
that thronged the White House daily fin
ished the work of demolition.
The first leyee was held Jan. i. 1866.
There had been no appropriation from
Congress to put the House in decent and
becoming order, but here and there were
touches OF improvement that plainly told
of woman's handiwork. Order had been
brought out of chaos; clean linen covered
the floor of the East Room; flowers were
in abundance; happy children were there,
which added to the touch of home life;
cleanliness and good cheer made the
change as apparent as it was marvellous
The President was assisted by his two
4hIo. ullSEsOu anu MIS-. $40
yer.
Mrs. Patterson was dressed in black
velvet, white lace shawl and point-ace
collar; white japonice in her hair. Mrs.
Slower was yet in mourning for her hus-
band. She wore heavy black silk, with
no ornaments.
When Mrs. Patterson found herself
first lady of the land she made this re-
mark, which characterized the woman:
I'VE are plain people from the mountains
of Tennessee, called here for q short time
by national calamity. / trust too much
will not be expected of u.s."
She was simple and unaffected in her
manner. When her father was a member
Of Congress she was placed in the George
town Convent where she remained three
terms, and there a solid foundation was
laid that strong mind afterward built
upon.
During the Spring Congress appronr;ot-
ed $4,000 to refurnish the White House
Faithfully and conscientiously did Mrs
Patterson spend the Summer in renoyating
the house.
The good and pure taste of Martha Pat
terson was fully carried out in the deli
cate and graceful blending of colors in
all the rooms Of carpets, furniture, hang.
ings and wall decorations.