Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1909-02-18

When Washington returned to the Quaker city in July
OF the same year there were more entertainments in his
honor. One of these was given in a specially erected
apartment to the house of the French minister, and the
occasion was the birthday of the dauphin of France.
There was a concert, followed by fireworks, a ball and a
supper.
Like the celebrated Cincinnatus, Washington, having
finished his public work, returned to his pillow. He did
visit the city in May, 1884, when he attended a meeting
OF the Society of the Cincinnati. On May day he dined
with Robert Morris at the Hills, now Lemon hill, and
while there the Sons of st. Tammany, who were banquet
ing at Mr.. Poles country seat, went to Norris and
saluted the general on their way home.
In 1857 Washington was called from his retirement to
attend the federal convention. and once more Philadel.
phia entertained him.
Washingtons next appearance in that city was in the
early part of the year 1889, when he was on his way to
New York to be inaugurated first president of the United
states. On this occasion, as might be expected, he was
received as only a conqueror and hero could be. He was
met at Grays Ferry, where he crossed the river on the
old floating bridge, by a vast procession. Children sang
patriotic songs, the bridge was festooned, and there was
a very modest triumphal arch erected at the PHILADELPHIA
side of the river. Under this the presidentelect passed.
He was escorted through the city, and the troops and the
other escort did not leave him until they had set him
down at the Jolly Post, in frankfort. The Jolly Post,
being on the road to New York, was frequently the stop.
ping place of Washington during his many Journeys to
and from the east.
The state of Pennsylvania erected a large and hand
some building on Ninth street, where the ~postofice now
stands, which it was intended should be the residence
OF the president. 1t was not finished when Washington
came to Philadelphia to continue his first term, and he very
wisely rented the house of Robert Morris, then on Market
street between Fifth and Sixth streets. For the next
seven years, excepting during the yellow fever epidemic,
Washington occupied this mansion, which, during the
British occupation of the city, had been the residence Of
Lord Howe.
In 1898 the yellow fever struck terror to the heart of
every resident of the city, and the government offices
were removed to Germantown, which was regarded as
safe from the ravages of the epidemic. There Washing
ton rented from Major Franks the house on Germantown
road now numbered 5442 and known as the Morris h ouse.
While president and a resident Of the Quaker city
Washington visited practically every prominent citizen.
He was frequently a guest at one or other Of their houses.
He was fond of the theater, and after the ban had been
removed he is found once in a while at the old South
street house, where he was particularly pleased with
the acting Of Thomas Wignell, a cousin Of Hallam and a
fine comedian.
He arrived in Philadelphia on November 10. 1898,
being escorted by the Macpherson Blues, ard went to
lodgings at Mrs. Whites. This house was numbered 9
North Eighth street, and was on the east side of the
street between Market and Filbert streets, the site now
occupied by a store. The month he spent there at that
time was largely taken up with dinners and other enter
tainments. He dined with the cabinet officers. viii, Bish-
op White, with Samuel Meredith, with Mr.. Bingham. and
was at Belmont with Judge Peters. He also was enter.
tanned by Gov. Mifiin and Mr.. Rawle.
This was Washington's last visit to the city. He left
there on December IA, and Philadelphia never saw him
again, The following year, late in December, the sad
news of his death was received, and the new nation i'm.
mediately was wrapped In mourning.