USA > Washington DC > Washington DC > Historic homes in Washington : its noted men and women and a century in the White House > Part 20
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THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS,
support to that form of Government in Mexico. His candor, stability and ingenuous character, his distin- guished service in the settlement of all international questions in the trying days of this Government, drew him very close to Gen. Grant, who had so many delicate diplomatic questions to settle, and a brotherly friendship sprang up between them, which grew stronger as the days of their fellowship multiplied. When the great General was called by the last summons, there was no more sincere mourner than Senor Romero.
The Minister had a happy faculty of drawing friends around him, and had a most admirable assistant in the winsome, charming Madame Romero. Their magnifi- cent, artistic home, with its open hospitality, the brilliant receptions given there, will record them in history as among the most brilliant entertainers in Washington.
When these two people died, within a year of each other, no more sincere mourners were there in their own Capital City than in the city of Washington. Ambassador Romero's place was filled by Senor Don Manuel de Azpiroz, Envoy and Plenipotentiary.
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The fly-screen hats and quaint dress of the Koreans are familiar objects on the streets of Washington. The King of Korea is adapting his Kingdom to American ideas as fast as practicable. He established a Legation in Washington, and gave his Envoys the privilege of bringing their wives with them. The official residence is on Iowa Circle, and it has been tastefully furnished under the direction of the women of the Legation. Per- haps the most disappointing feature about it is that American taste and custom have been strictly adhered to instead of the hoped-for touch of Korean home dec- oration. Mr. Chin Pom Ye was the first Envoy Extra- ordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary.
The Korean women endeavor to imitate American customs. In their own land they are not permitted to mingle with the outer world. In the center of the city of Seoul, the Capital, there is an architectural structure in which is suspended a huge bell called the Inkiung.
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HISTORIC HOMES IN WASHINGTON.
At 9 o'clock every night an officer of the King's house- hold tolls the curfew; the lights on the mountain-tops simultaneously signal throughout the Kingdom that the hour for women to have possession of the city has come. The gates of the city are closed, the men retire forthwith to their homes, and the ladies sally forth and take possession. The women of high degree have the exclusive right of the city, and no "lord of creation," under a heavy penalty, is allowed to trespass upon this right.
Men and women have no social relations in Korea in common. Each home has its quarters for the women, which to them is the holy of holies, and into which the men never enter. 6
During the hours of feminine freedom, the men in their homes while away the hours sleeping, or drink- ing their favorite beverage, sul, while the women visit each other's homes, being carried through the streets in the "toig hio," or lady's chair, swung on poles and borne by eunuchs. They spend the hours chatting, gossiping, singing, and having a merry time generallly.
When the solemn tones of Inkiung reverberate through the darkness the hilarities cease, the women return to their homes, the gates of the city are swung open, another day has been recorded to the citizens of Korea, and the world moves on as before ..
The women are quick in their movements and rapid . in adaptation. It is told of them that soon after their first reception the Chinese Minister gave one also. The gentlemen of the Korean Legation thought it best that their wives should remain at home, as the Chinese women at that time had never been seen outside their Legation home.
The female portion were not in accord with the de- cision, but kept their own counsel until the hour arrived for the male portion of the Legation to take their seats in the carriage, when, by a preconcerted plan, the women stepped into a carriage in the rear of the house, and, by a short cut and rapid driving, were in the Chinese Legation home, quite at their ease, and ready to receive their liege lords on their arrival
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CHAPTER XXIIL
AN HISTORIC RECEPTION-LAFAYETTE'S LAST
VISIT TO WASHINGTON.
LAFAYETTE'S LAST VISIT TO WASHINGTON-THE NATION ALIVE WITH ENTHUSIASM-LETTER OF MRS. SEATON-THE "TENT OF WASHINGTON"-THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS-LAFAYETTE'S REPLY-MEMORABLE EVENTS AT GADSBY'S-VISIT TO MOUNT VERNON AND OTHER PLACES-MAGNIFICENT PRESENT FROM CONGRESS.
Republics have been accused of ingratitude, but when it is remembered how the United States acted toward Gen. Lafayette; when it is remembered that, in addition to tangible proofs of gratitude, he was made cognizant of the affectionate attachment of this people, in the sear and yellow leaf of his life, it may perhaps be acknowledged that, after all, there is no better legacy than the grati- tude of a free people.
Lafayette had expressed himself desirous of again visiting this country, of once more beholding the scenes of his youthful glory; and Congress on Feb. 4, 1821, resolved 'that "whenever the President shall be informed of the time when the Marquis may be ready to embark, a National ship with suitable accommodations be employed to bring him to the United States."
The modest, retiring Lafayette declined the honor of going in a National vessel, and took passage in a private ship. On the 12th of July, 1824, he embarked on board the packet ship Cadmus, and on August 16 landed at New York.
When it was known that he had once more set sail for the country of his adoption, the whole Nation was alive with enthusiasm, and every son and daughter of America prepared to give him welcome.
After New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore and other cities had given Gen. Lafayette welcomes that did honor to themselves as well as to their illustrious guest, he turned his course southward.
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He left Baltimore Oct. II, 1824, accompanied by the Mayor, the Committee of Arrangements, the Governor's Aids and an escort of cavalry to Rossburg, where he lodged Monday night. The following day he was accom- · panied by the same escort to the line of the District of Columbia, which was near the spot where Gen. Ross, I0 years before, had brought up his troops and made the attack on the American forces, before entering and burning Washington.
Here Gen. Lafayette was met by a brilliant procession, which was headed by a corps of cavalry and supported by a cavalcade of citizens, the whole extending over two miles. Throughout the entire route the wayside was thronged with citizens who made the air resound with their shouts of welcome.
Among the noteworthy incidents attending Lafay- ette's reception in Washington was that described in a letter from Mrs. Seaton, wife of the renowned editor of the National Intelligencer, in a letter to her mother, in Richmond, October, 1824:
"I don't know how it was, but I certainly figured more than I had any wish or expectation of doing on the day of Lafayette's arrival. In the first place, I was selected by the Committee of Arrangements to superintend the dress and decorations of 25 young ladies representing the States and District of Columbia, and to procure appro- priate wreaths, scarfs and Lafayette gloves and flags for the occasion; to assemble them at my house and attend them under my protection to the Capitol.
"The General was conducted to Capitol Square, the east of the Capitol, where a civic arch, elegantly decorated and enlivened with appropriate inscriptions, had been erected. Under this arch were 25 young ladies, each bearing a banner designating the State and District she represented. As soon as the General arrived, Miss S. M. Watterson, representing the District, and only ir years old, advanced and made a very appropriate address. This was the daughter of George Watterson, Librarian of Congress. It would be hard to describe the feeling which Lafayette manifested at this scene. He
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AN HISTORIC RECEPTION.
shook hands with each of the group and passed on to the rotunda and entered the 'tent of Washington.""
When the General entered the gate of Fort Mchenry, at Baltimore, the troops of the garrison presented arms, then opened to the right and left, bringing to his view the tent of Washington, the same tent under which he had many times grasped the friendly hand of our illus- trious. Washington and aided him by timely suggestion, and where he had often shared with him the soldier's hardy meal.
The same tent is tenderly cared for by the children of this Republic, and occupies to-day an honored niche in the great National Museum. This tent was brought from Baltimore to Washington, and under it was La- fayette met by the Mayor and other authorities, officers, clergy, etc.
To an address of welcome from the Mayor, the Gen- eral made the following reply:
"The kind and flattering reception with which I am honored by the citizens of Washington, exacts the most lively feelings of gratitude. Those grateful feelings, sir, at every step of my happy visit to the United States, could not but enhance the inexpressible delight I have enjoyed at the sight of the immense and wonderful im- provements, so far beyond even the fondest anticipations of a warm American heart, and which, in the space of 40 years, have so gloriously evinced the superiority of popular institutions and self-government over the too imperfect state of political civilization found in every country of the other hemisphere.
"In this august place, which bears the most venerable of all ancient and modern names, I have, sir, the pleasure to contemplate, not only a center of that constitutional union so necessary to these States, so important to the interests of mankind, but also a great political school where attentive observers from other parts of the world may be taught the practical science of true social order. Among the circumstances of my life, to which you have been pleased to allude, none can afford me such dear recollections as my having been early adopted as an
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American soldier; so there is not a circumstance of my reception in which I take so much pride as in sharing those honors with my beloved companions-in-arms.
"Happy am I to feel that the marks of affection and esteem bestowed on me bear testimony to my perse- verance in American principles, I received under the 'tent of Washington,' and of which I shall, to my last breath, prove myself a devoted disciple.
"I beg you, Mr. Mayor, and the gentlemen of the Cor, poration, to accept my respectful acknowledgments to you and to the citizens of Washington."
From a manuscript letter of William Lee, written to his sisters (then residing in Paris), who became a warm friend of Lafayette during the years he lived in France as Secretary to Joel Barlow, and, later, Consul to Bordeaux, and who at this time was second Auditor of the Treasury Department, we make the following quota- tion, for which we are indebted to the kindness of his nephew, Dr. William Lee.
"I was at the President's all day yesterday. He sent for me to consult about the reception of Gen. Lafayette, as he did not like the arrangements of the Corporation, who propose that the President and all the members of the Court should join in the procession. This is what we concluded on: The Corporation will meet the Gen- eral at the city boundaries" [it must be remembered that all travel by land in those days was by private con- veyance], "conduct him to the Capitol, address him there, and then proceed with him to the President's gates; here he only, with his suite of a few Revolutionary officers, is to enter. The President will be surrounded by the heads of Departments, officers of the Court and Navy Commisioners. Gen. Brown will receive him in the saloon; none of the city authorities or populace will be admitted. After this ceremony is ended, we shall deliver him to the Corporation at the gates, and they will conduct him to Gadsby's, where 80 people are to dine with him."
. This was strictly carried out. The streets were lined with spectators and the windows filled with ladies,
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AN HISTORIC RECEPTION.
waving handkerchiefs, and bestowing loving benedictions on the beloved guest.
On arriving at the White House Lafayette was re- ceived by the Marshal of the District, and, supported by Gen. Brown and Commander Tingley, of the Com- mittee of Arrangements, conducted to the drawing- room, where President Monroe advanced to meet him and gave him a cordial and affectionate welcome.
The President had on his right hand Secretary of State John Quincy Adams and Secretary of the Treas- ury William H. Crawford; and on his left the Secretaries of the Army and Navy, John C. Calhoun and Samuel S. Southard; while the Attorney-General, Gen. Jessup, Col. Gibson, Col. Towson, Maj. Nourse and Dr. Lovel, of the Army; Capt. Rogers, Chauncey Porter, Commodore Jones, and Charles Morris, of the Navy; the Postmaster- General, the Comptrollers, Auditors and other high officers of the Government were arranged on each side of the room.
It will be remembered that the East Room in the early part of the Monroe Administration was the play room of Mrs. Monroe's daughters, and that it was during her reign that the stately furniture which adorned that room for nearly half a century was bought in Paris by the Government. Each article was surmounted by the royal crown of Louis XVIII. This was removed and the American eagle took its place.
These chairs and sofas have often come out from the upholsterer's hands renewed, the emblematic eagle hav- ing put on a brighter burnish; but, alas! this historic furniture, fraught with so many memories of great men and women passed away, has gone under the auction- eer's hammer, that the Nation's drawing-room might masquerade in modern furniture.
Lafayette found three of his old associates ex-Presi- dents-Adams, Jefferson, Madison, and his bosom friend, Monroe, President.
After the ceremonies recorded above, and an inter- change of courtesies, during which bountiful refresh- ments were served, the General took his departure and
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HISTORIC HOMES IN WASHINGTON.
rejoined his escort at the gate; he then passed in review the body of troops and retired to Gadsby's Hotel, known as the Franklin.
This hotel stood upon the corner of 20th and I streets, and is to-day known as Gadsby's Row.
Annie Royal in her "Sketches" says the newspapers furnished daily accounts of Lafayette's movements, and long before he arrived we had Lafayette ribbons, Lafayette waistcoats, Lafayette feathers, hats, caps, gloves, etc .; everything was honored by his image and superscription; even the ginger-cakes were impressed with his name, and nothing was heard in the streets or in the houses but Lafayette, Lafayette.
A banquet was given at Gadsby's Hotel to the Gen- eral. The form of invitation to this historic festival was characteristic of the simplicity of style then prev- alent. A copy of one is given:
" The Committee of Arrangements respectfully request the Secretary of War to dine with Gen. Lafayette, this day, at the Franklin House, at 5 o'clock.
"W. W. SEATON, Secretary."
One of the toasts of this occasion was, "The United States and France, their early friendship; may it ever be maintained by mutual acts of kindness and justice."
The next day the General called on the President, and on the following day he was with the President's family to breakfast and dinner.
It is probable that memories of 30 years before crowded the minds of this trio; when Monroe was Minister Pleni- potentiary to France, and the Marquis de Lafayette a prisoner in Austria, and Madame de Lafayette and her two little children in prison at La Force. All remember the visit of Mrs. Monroe to Madame Lafayette in prison.
Mr. Monroe decided to risk displeasure with himself by sending his wife to see Madame Lafayette. The name of Lafayette was too dear to every American to accept indignities heaped upon this woman.
Mr. Monroe was recalled, but time justified his action,
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AN HISTORIC RECEPTION,
and the people said, "Go higher!" He was at this time occupying the highest place in the gift of the people, and the whole country was doing homage to the prisoner of Olmutz.
Gen. Lafayette was received at Georgetown by the Mayor and military escort and citizens, ready to demonstrate their gratitude to the great hero.
During his stay here he visited G. W. Parke Custis, of Arlington Hights. While in conversation with Mrs. Custis upon the improvements of Arlington, he said, "Recollect, my dear, how much easier it is to cut a tree down than it is to make it grow." Who can tell how much the country owes to-day to that proverb, timely put, for the beautiful forest that shades the graves of her noble dead?
He was also escorted by the Mayor and Committee of Arrangements in Washington and the Georgetown cavalry to the other side of the river, where he was re- ceived by a deputation from Alexandria. He entered the old Commonwealth of Virginia at Alexandria, Oct. 16. At every point he was warmly welcomed. There was a military escort of 1,500. In the procession there was a car bearing the "tent of Washington."
. The procession passed through crowded streets, under · splendid arches, amidst the huzzas of a grateful people. On the apex of a magnificent arch was perched a live mountain eagle of a very large size, who spread his wings when the General passed, as if to unite in the wel- come.
He held a levee in the evening. The public buildings and many private dwellings were brilliantly illumi- nated. It must be remembered that Alexandria in those days was not a "finished city," but rivalled the lar- gest seaport towns of America.
Sunday Gen. Lafayette visited Mount Vernon and the tomb of Washington, his revered father and friend. While there he was presented by Mr. Custis with a ring containing a lock of hair of the sainted hero, together with the Masonic sash and jewel belonging to the great Mason. accompanied by the following address:
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HISTORIC HOMES IN WASHINGTON.
"Last of the Generals of the Army of Independence! At this awful and impressive moment, when, forgetting the splendor of a triumph greater than Roman consul .ever had, you bend with reverence over the remains of Washington, the child of Mount Vernon presents you with this token containing the hair of him whom you loved while living, and to whose honored grave you now pay the manly and affecting tribute of a patriot's and a soldier's tear.
"The ring has ever been an emblem of the union of hearts from the earliest stages of the world, and this will unite the affections of the American to the person and posterity of Lafayette, now and hereafter. And when your descendants of a later day shall behold this valued relic, it will remind them of the heroic virtues. of their illustrious sire, who received it, not in the palace of Princes, nor amid the pomp and vanities of life, but at the laurelled grave of Washington.
"Do you ask is this mausoleum befitting the ashes of a Marcus Aurelius, or the good Antonius? I tell you that the Father of his Country lies buried in the hearts of his countrymen, and in those of the brave, the good, the free of all ages and nations.
"Do you seek for the tablets which are to convey his fame to immortality? They have long been written in the freedom and happiness of this country. These are the monumental trophies of Washington, the great, and will endure when the proudest works of art have dissolved and left not a wreck behind.
Venerable man! Will you never tire in the cause of freedom and human happiness? Is it not time that you should rest from your labors and repose on the bosom of a country which delights to love and honor you, and will teach her children's children to bless your name and memory? Surely where liberty dwells, there must be the country of Lafayette!
"Our fathers witnessed the dawn of your glory, par- took of its meridian splendor; and, ah! let their children enjoy the benign radiance of your setting sun; and when it shall sink in the horizon of nature here, here with pious
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duty we will form your sepulchre, and united in death, as in life, by the side of the great chief you will rest in peace till the last trump shall awake the slumbering world and call your virtures to their great reward.
"The joyous shouts of millions of freemen hailed your returning footprints on our sands. The arms of millions are open wide to take you to their grateful hearts, and the prayers of millions ascend to the throne of the Eternal that the choicest blessings of heaven may cheer the latest days of Lafayette."
Gen. Lafayette having received the ring, pressed it to his bosom and replied :
"The feelings which at this awful moment oppress my heart do not leave the power of utterance. I can only thank you, my dear Custis, for your precious gift. I pay a silent homage to the tomb of the greatest and best of men, my paternal friend."
The following Monday the General proceeded down the Potomac, visiting Yorktown, Richmond, and Monti- cello, the home of Jefferson. It is said when Jefferson and Lafayette met, they fell into the arms of each other, and remained locked in silent embrace for several minutes before their feelings could find utterance.
Thence he departed for Montpelier, the home of his esteemed friend, Madison. Here he was also received with open arms and made welcome.
His engagement at Washington brought him back Nov: 23. Upon his return both Houses of Congress, upon the report of committees, especially appointed to recommend a suitable manner of receiving the Gen- cral, adopted resolutions. The Senate resolution read:
"Resolved, That the President of the United States invite Gen. de Lafayette to take a seat in the Senate Chamber, agreeable to his wishes, that the committee deliver the invitation to the General and introduce him into the Senate Chamber, and that the members receive him standing."
The House passed similar resolutions. Gen. La- fayette was the only public character that had ever been received by the Senate of the United States Of
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, all the proud triumphs through which this grand old hero was called to pass, after landing on the shores 'of America, this was undoubtedly the most glorious and gratifying.
On Dec. 20, Mr. Hayne, from the committee to whom the subject was referred of making provision for Gen. Lafayette, reported to the Senate a bill providing that the sum of $200,000 be granted Maj .- Gen. de Lafayette; also, one complete and entire township of land to be located · upon any of the public lands that remained unsold. The bill passed both Houses.
Lafayette's rely was: "The gift is so magnificent, so far exceeding the services of the individual, that had I been a member of Congress I must have voted against it."
The following Spring, about the time that James Monroe let drop the reins of official life in the Executive Mansion, and John Quincy Adams took them up, Gen. Lafayette bade farewell to Washington, and started on his tour through the States.
Lafayette's name is one that has been consecrated to fame: ' Into the life of this country his name has been woven, and it will be only when the records and the chronicles of this Nation are blotted out, that the name and memory of his noble deeds will be forgotten. The services he rendered to America, to the world and to liberty, will record his name on the page of history, and the sons of liberty will forever revere the names of Wash- ington and Lafayette.
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CHAPTER XXIV.
CALVERT MANOR, KALORAMA, THE SEVEN BUILD- INGS, AND OLD CARROLL ROW.
A PICTURESQUE LOCALITY-THE CALVERT MANOR-OLD BLADENS- BURG-HENRY CLAY'S ROOM.
A half hour's drive from the Capitol, through a quiet, picturesque country, studded with neat and thrifty little farms and fruit nurseries, where the beautifying touch of the florist has made the waste places blossom like the rose, will bring you to the quaint, historic old town of Bladens- burg. The very name brings back a flood-tide of memories.
Here, you remember, is where Gen. Ross brought up his flotilla, and the red-coats disembarked just below the bridge, and advanced toward the Capital. That was in the long ago; since then even the river has run its race and been lost in the eternal deep, like the lives of the men who fought to protect their country and its Capital. Here, too, to your right, just before you reach the bridge, was the ground that often witnessed meetings made necessary by the "code of honor."
In old Bladensburg, in an humble cottage, was born the Hon. William Wirt. You will look in vain to-day for a place where you would think men like Jefferson, Clay, Calhoun, Webster, and Benton would revel in terrapin, oysters and canvas-backs, after a day's 'hard-fought battle of words at the Capitol. It takes a broad sweep of the imagination to people this place, and furnish it with the comforts, to say nothing of the luxuries, which belong to our idea of those days.
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