Evening Star Newspaper, June 21, 1883, Page 3

“WASHINGTON ON THE EVE OF THE WAR,” AN INTERESTING CHAPTER. How Washington Was Saved Bin warated. THE IMPORTANT SERVICES OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA VOLUNTEERS. Gen. Charles P. Stonein The Centary for July. During the summer and autumn of 1860, I wae in Washington, supervising the preparation of maps of the reconnatssances which had been made by the scientifig commission under my orders during the years 1857-58-50; and at the same time preparing my report on the operations of the commission. It was my desire to preface the report by a his- tory of all previous sur plorations of the western cos Thad ac- cess to the ile Hbrary of the late Gea. Peter Force, probably the most compiete col- lection of rare works on American history that thenexisted. Gen. Force wa nt of volun- al at the time of its invasion by the British in 1813. He had been from that time forward attached to the militia organization of the District of Columbia, and had passed through every grade from sergeant towsjor general, thus arriving at the highest grade known in the corps In which he had been fifty years before. He showed me a of abill which the Secretary of War had co} prepared, abolishing all existing laws regarding the District of Columbia militia and volunteers and providing fora new organization. He said that the bill would no doubt pass the two houses of Congress, and that meantime all the oid or- ganizations had been abandoned excepting a few companies, and these were awaiting the advan- tages of the new iaw to reorganize on the new basis. He then requested me to aid him in or- ganizing his new division. I willingly con- sented, and began to study the matter with Teference to the distribution of the volunteer organizations between the two divisions, the arrangement of the rolls of the militiamen, etc. The country at this time (Dec. 1860) was in a curioi Carolin: and alarming condition; one state (South had already passed an ordinance of. pn from the Union and other states were ri ing to follow her lead. ‘The only regular troops near the capital of the country were three hundred or four hundred marines at the marine barracks, and perhaps a hundred enlisted men of ordnance at the Wash- ington arsenal. The old militia system had been abandoned (without being legally abolished), and Congress had passed no law establishi newone. The only armed volunteer organiza- tions in the District of Columbia were: One company of riflemen at Georgetown (the Potomac Light Infantry), one company of Tiflemen in Washington the National Rifles), a skeleton battalion of in- fantry (the Washington Light Infantry) of about one hundred and sixty men, and another small organization called the National Guard Batta- lion. It was evident that, on its assembling in De- cermber, Congress would have far different work to consider than the organization ot the Dis- trict of Columbia militia; and also that it would not be the policy of the President, at the very outset of the session, in the delicate position of affairs. to propose the military organization of the federal District. It was also evident that, should he be so disposed, the Senators and Rep- Fesentatives of the southern states would oppose and denounce the project. What force, then. would the government have at its disposal in the federal District for the simple maintenance of order incase ot need? Evidently but ahandful; and asto calling thither promptly any rezular troops, that was out of | the question, since they had already all been distributed by the southern sympathizers to the distant frontiers of the Indian country—Texas, Utah. New Mexico, Oregon and Washington Territory—and winter was rapidly approaching. It must be remembered that in those days there were no railways reaching out into these dis- | tant regions, and months would have been ne- essary to concentrate at Washington, in that season, a force of three thousand rezular troops. Fyen had President Buchanan been desirous of bringing troops to the capital, the feverish con- dition of the public mind would, as the execu- tive believed, have Leen badiy affected by any Movement of the kind, and the approaching crisis might have been preeipitated. I saw at once that the only force which could be readily made of service was a volunteer force raised from among the well-disposed men of the } District, and that this must be organized, it at all, under the old law of 1799. By careful consultation with gentlemen well acquainted with the various classes of Washing- ton society, I canvassed the District to learn What proportion of the able-bodied population ould be counted on to sustain the government should it need support from armed and organ- ized citizens. Ali who knew Washington tn the days of De- cember, 1860, know what thoughts reigned in the minds of all thinking men. Whatever their daily oceupations, they went about them with their thoughts always bent on the possible dis- asters of the near future: some wishing to see the Union destroyed, and laboring night ard day to that end; others straining their minds to discover how it mizht be saved and the civil war, which seemed imminent, might be averted. On the Sist of December, 1860, Lieutenant General Scott. commander-in-chief of the army ‘who had his headquarters in New York), was Washington. The President, at last thor- oughly alarmed at the resuits of continued con- cessions to secession, had called him for co! suitation on the situation. . On the evening of that day I went topay my Tespects to my old commander, and Was re- ceived by him at Wormley’s hotel. I found the General alone at the dinuer-table, just finishing his evening meal. He chatted pieasantly with me for a few minutes, recalling past service in the Mexican war. etc.;and when the occasion presented itself, I remarked that I was glad to see him in good spirits, for that proved to me that he took a more cheerful view cf the state of pubile affairs than he had on his arrival— More cheerful than those who resided in Wash- ton hal dared to take during the few days. “Yes, my young friend,” said the General, “T feel more cheerful about the affairs of the country thanI did this morning; for I believe that a sater policy than has hitherto been fol- Jowed will now be adopted. The policy of en- tire conciliation, which has so far been pursued, Would soon have Jed to ruin. We are now in Buch a state that a policy of pure force would Precipitate a crisis for which we are not pre- A mixed policy of force and conciliation ary. and I believe it will be adopted He then looked at his watch, *T must be with the President Im 4 quarter of an hou and ordered his car- Fiuze. He walked up and down the dining- , but suddenly stopped and faced me, x “* How is the feeling in the District of Coimbia? What proportion of the population Would sustain the government by force, if neces- Ge) ? ed: neral, it !s my belief that two-thirds of the fighting stock of this population would sus- tain the government in defending itself, it called upon. But they are uncertain as to what can be done or what the government desires to have dose, and they have no rallying polut.” The General walked the room again in silence. The carriage came to the door, and I accompa- nied him toward it. As he was leavingtheroom he turned suddenly, looked me in the face, placed his hand on my shoulder, and said: “These people have no rallying point. Make yourself that rallying point!” The next day I was commissioned by the President colonel in the staff and inspector general of the District of Columbia. I Inustered into the service of the United States from the 2d day ot January, 1861, on the F gare requisition of the General-in-Chief, and jus became the first one of the million eitizens called into the military service of the Govern- ment to defend it against secession. Temtay ee ne (oxigen br mencing by inspections in detail e organizations of volunteers. The Potomac Light Infantry company, of Georgetown, I found tairly drilled, well armed, and, from care- fel information, it seemed te me certain that the majority of its members could be depended ‘Upon In case of need, On the 24 of January I met. at the entrance ot the Metropolitan Hotel, Schaeffer, of = the —— cog i of Washington, and I spoke abagt his company, which was re- markable for its accurate and rapid drill and the First Regiment of *yaited ‘States Arti * n illery, aud was an excellent drill master. Roe omens Te ed or are: politment as inspector ‘general, Te- Piied to my complimentary remarks on his com- j rivalries disappeared, and each com use such expressions. He replied that most of his men were and would have advised him to think more po sition, but did not inform him of my appoint- = —o he yous Letom to learn the following morning from the newspapers. It must be admitted that this was not a very cheerful beginning. On inspecting the ‘ational Rifles”. found that Schaeffer had more than one hundred men on his rolls, and was almost daily adding to the number, and that he had a full supply of rifles, with two hundred rounds of ball cartridges, two mountain howitzers with harness and a supply of sabers and of revolvers and aminu- nition, all drawn from the United States arsenal. I went to the chief of ordnance to Jearn how it was that this company of riflemen happened to so unusually armed, aud I found at the oranance office that an order had been given by the late Sec- retary of War (Floyd) directing the chief of ordnance to cause to be issued to Captain | that he might require for his company!” I as- | certained also that Floyd had nominated Cap- tain Schaeffer to the President for the commis- ston of major in the District of Columbia militia, and that the commission had already been sent to the President for his signature. I immed ately 9 ted the matter to the new Secretary of War (Holt), and procured from him two orde1 One. an order te the chief of ordnance to issue no arms to any militia or yol- unteers in the District of Columbia unless the requisition should be countersigned by the in- spector general; the other, that all commissions issued to officers of the District of Colambia (oar ey be sent to the inspector general for de- very. Ss An office was assigned me In the War Depart- ment, convenient to the army registers and near the Secretary of War, who kindly gave orders that I should at all times be admitted to his cabinet without waiting, and room was made for me in the office ot Major General Weight- man, the senior major general of the District, where each day I passed several hours to confer with him, and to be able promptly to obtain his ey for any negessary order to the District forces. ‘The Washington Light Infantry organization and the National Guard were old volunteers composed of Washington people, and were almost toa man faithful to the government. Of their officers, Major General Weightman, though aged, and Major General Force, aged and infirm, were active. and true as steel; Brigadier Generals Bacon and _ Carring- ton were young, active, and true. Brig. Gen. the winter, joined the confederates as soon as Virginia passed her ordinance of secession. and his known sentiments precluded consultation with him. = Having thus studied the ground, and taken the first necessary steps toward security, I com- menced the work of providing a force of volun- teers. I addressed individual letters to some forty well-known and esteemed gentlemen of the District, informing each one that it would be agreeable to the government should he in his neighborhood raise and organize a company of volunteers for the D peer of order in the District. To some of these letters I received no replies. TosomeI received replies courte- ously declining the service. To some I recelyed letters sarcastically declining. But to many I received replies enthusiastically accepting the service and promising to raise companies of good men. Each week thenceforth, until the middle of February, brought to my office the rolls of seve- ral new companies formed, so that in about six weeks thirty-three companies of infantry and riflemen and two troops of cavalry were on the lists of the District volunteer force; and all had been uniformed; equipped and put under ffe- quent drill. The Northern Liberties fire companies brought their quota; the Lafayette hose company was prompt to enroll; the masons, the carpenters, the stone-cutters and the paint erman turners responded: each corporation formed its companies, and drilled industriously. Petty pany strove to excel the other in drill and disciptine. While the newly-organized companies thus strove to perfect themselves, the older organizations re- umed their drills and filled their ranks with good recruits. The National Rifle’s company (Capt. Schaet- fer’s) was carefully observed, and it was found that its ranks received constant accessions, in- cluding the most openty declared secessionis and even members of Congress from the states proposing to secede. This company was very frequently drilled in its armory, and its recruits were drilled nearly every night. Having, as inspector general, a secret service force at my osition, I placed a detective in the company, and had regular reports of the Proceedings of its captain. He was evidently pushing for an independent command of in- fantry, artillery and cavalry, haying his rifle: cannon, sabers and revolvers stored in his armory. He also began to prepare for action, ordering his men to take their rifles and equip- ments home with them, with a supply of ammu- nition, so that even should his armory be cccu- pied, they could assemble on short notice, ready for action. Meantime, his commission as major was signed by the President and sent to me. I reported these matters to Gen. Scott, who ordered me to watch these proceedings care- fully, and to be ready to suppress any attempt at violence, but to avoid, if possible, any shock, for, said he, “We are now in such a state that a dog-fight might cause the gutters of the capital to run with blood.” While the volunteer force for the support of the government was organizing another force with exactly the opposite purpose was in course of formation. I learned that the great hall over Birch’s livery stable wasnightly filled with men, who were actively drilled. Dr. B—, of well known secession tendencies, was the moving spirit of these men, and he was assisted by other citizens of high standing, among whom was a connection ot the Governor of Virginia. The numbers of these occupants of Birch’s hall increased rapidly, and I found it well to have a skillful New York detective officer, who had been placed at my disposition, enrolled amongthem. These men called themselves ‘National Volunteers,” and openly discussed. in their meetings, the selzure of the national capital at the proper moment. They drilled industriously, and had regular business meetings, full reports of which were regularly laid before me every following morn- ing by “the New York member.” In the meet- ing at which the uniform to be adopted was dis- cussed, the vote was for gray Kentucky jeans, with the Maryland button. A cautious member suggested that they must remember that, in or- der to procure arms, it would be “necessary to get the requisition signed by ‘Old Stone,’ and If he saw that they had adopted the Maryland but- ton, and not that of the United States, he might suspect them and refuse the issue of arms!” Doctor B—— supported the idea of the Mary- land button, and said that, if Stone refused the arms, his connection, the Governor of Virginia, would see them furnished, ete. These gentle- men probably little thought that a full report of their remarks would be read the next morn- ing by “Old Stone” to the General-in-Chief. The procuring of arms was a difficult matter for them, for it required the election of officers, the regular enrolling of the men, the certificate. ore to ah and the muster-rolls, all to be re- to the. ins © general. The matter was long cieceat by tee and it was finally that, out of the three hundred and sixty men in their midst. a pretended company should be organized, officers elected, and the demand for arms made. This project was car- ried out, and my member brought to me early the next morning the report of the proceedii a nie we ou ins) general for arms. Sure enough, Doctor B— presented himeelt fn my office and informed me that he had raised a company of volunteers, and desired an order for arms. He produced a certificate of election In due farm. [received him courte- ously, and informed him that I could not give an order for arms without having a muster-roll ener “reason axe hundred had signed the ro! was, of cor desir- gble to have the names ‘of men hold thelr inown iment a such jects as were known to be prs bape! _ He I think, onthe following day, with a muster-roll in due form, containing the names of one hundred men. This was all that I wanted. I looked himtull in the face, smiled, and locked the muster-roli in a drawer of my tained this list, and I ing.” mite fallen doctor endenty understood he never Z aefier “all the ordnance and ordnaneg stores | Ould, who took'no part in the preparations of | - could easily, with his company, take the arms he 1 asked him, Where? and he replied: “You have only four soldiers Columbian armory, where there are plenty of the | com; arms, and those tour men could not prevent my | nothii taking them.” “ah!” I replied; “In what of the armory are those arms kept?” He said they were on the ‘upper floor, which was true. “Well,” said I, “you seem tobe well in- formed. If you tnink it best, just try taking the arms by force. I assure you that if you do you shall be fired on by one hundred and fifty sol- diers as you come out of the armory.” ‘The fact was, that only two enlisted men of ordnance were on duty at the Columbian arm- ory, 80 feeble was the military force at the time. But Barry’s battery had just arrived at the Washington arsenal,and on my application Gen- eral Scott had ordered the company of sappers and miners at West Point to come to Washing- ton to guard the Columbian armory; but they had not yet arrived. The precautions taken in ordering them were thus clearly proved advis- able. The time had evidently come to disarm Captain Schaeffer; and hen he reached his office after leaving mine, he found there an order directing him to deposit in the Colum- bian armory, before sunset on that day, the two howitzers with theircarriages which he had in his possession, as well as the savers and re- volvers, as these weapons formed no of the proper armament of a company of riflemen. He was taken by surprise, and had not time to call together men enough to resist; so that nothing was left to him but to comply with the order. 1 He obeyed it, well knowing that {t he did not I was prepared to take the guns from his armory by means of other troops. Having obeyed, he presented himself again in my office, and before he had time to speak I in- formed him that I had a commission of major for hisname. He was much pleased, and said: “Yes, I heard that Ihad been appointed.” I then handed him a slip of paper on which I had written out the form of oath which the old law required to be taken by officers, that law never having been repealed, and said to hii “Here is the form of oath you are to take. You will find a justice of the peace on the next floor. Please qualify, sign the form in dupti- cate, and bring both to me. One will be filed with your letter of acceptance, the other will be filed in the clerk’s office of the Circuit Court of the District.” ‘per with a sober look, and He took the stood near my table several minutes looking at the form of oath and turning the paper in his hand, while I, apparently very busy with my papers, was observing hiin closely. Ithen sald: “‘ah, Schaeffer, have you already taken the oath?”> “No,” sald he. = “Well, please be quick about it, as I have no time to spare.” He hesitated, and said slowly “In ordinary times I would not mind taking it, but in these times ——” “Ah!” said I, ‘tyou decline to accept your commission of major. Very well!” and i re- eee his commission to the drawer and locked it in. a “Oh, no,” said Schaeffer, “I want the commis- lon.” “But, sir, you cannot have it. Do you sup- pose that, in these times, which are nx 8 you say, ‘ordinary times,’ I would think of deliver- ing a commission of field-officer toa man who hesitates about taking the oath of office? Do i think thatthe government of the United tates is stupid enough toallow a man to march armed men about the federal District under its authority when that man hesitates to take the simple oath of office? No, sir, you cannot have this commission; and more than that, I now in- form you that you hold ne office in the District of Columbia volunteers.” * “Yes, Ido; 1 am captain, and have my com- mission as such, signed by the President and de- livered to me by the major general.” “T am aware that such a paper was delivered to you, but you failed legally to accept it.” “I wrote a letter of acceptance to the adjntant general, and forwarded it through the major general.” “Yes, Iam aware that vou did; but I know also that you failed to inclose in that letter, ac- cording to law, the form of oath required to accompany all letters of acceptance, and on the register of the War Department, while the issu- ance of your commission is recorded, the ac- ceptance is not recorded. You have never legally accepted your commission, and it is now too late. The oath of a man who hesitates to take it will not now be accepted.” So Captain Schaeffer left the “National Ri- fies,” and with him left the secession members 6f the company. I induced quite a number of true men to join its ranks; a new election was ordered, and @ strong. loval_ man (Lientenant Smead of the U. artillery) was elected its captaig. Smead was then on duty in the office of the Coast Survey, and I easily procured from the War Deparment permission for him to ac- cept the position. if my information was correct, the plan had been formed for seizing the public departments at the proper moment and obtaining possession of the seals of the government. Schaeffer's part, with the battalion he was to form, was to take Vereteats of the Treasury De- partment for the benefit of the new provisional government. Whatever may have been the project. it was effectually folled. With the breaking up of the “National Volunteers; with the transformation of the seces- sion company of “National Rifles” into a thoroughly faithful and admirably drilled company ready for the service of the Govern- ment; with the arrival from West Point of the company of sappers and miners, and, later, the arrival of the Military Academy battery under Griffin; and with the formation in the District of thirty new companies of infantry and riflemen from among the good citizens of Washington orgetown the face of things in the 1 capital had much changed before the fourth ot March, 1861. I must now go back a little in time to men- tion one fact which will show in how weak and dangerous a condition our Goy- ernment was in the latter part ot January and the early part of February, 1861. ‘The invita- tlons which I had issued for the raising of companies of volunteers had, as already stated, been enthusiastically responded to, and companies were rapidly organized. The pre- peeey drills were carried on every night, and soon found that the men were suificiently ad- vanced to receive their arms. I began to ap- prove the requisitions for arms; but to my great astonishment the captains who first received the orders came back to me, stating that the ord- nance department refused to issue any arms! On referring to the ordnance office, I was in- formedby the chief of ordnance that he had re- ceived, the day before, an order not to issue any arms to the District’ of Columbia troops, and that this order had come from the President! 1 went immediately to the Secretary of War Qfr. Holt) and informed him of the state of affairs, telling him at the same time that I did not feel disposed to be employed in child’s play, organizing troops which could not be armed, and that unless the order in question should be immediately revoked there was no use for me in my place and that I must at once resign. Mr. Holt told me that I was perieatly right; that unless the order should be revoked there was no use in my holding my place, and he added, with a smile, “and I will also say, Colonel, there will be no use in my holding my place any longer. Go tothe Presi- dent,Colonel,and taik to him as you have talked to me.” I went to the White House, and was received by Mr. Buchanan. I found im sitting at, his writ le, in his dressing-gown, looking wearied and worried, ji yiabe I opened at once the subject of arms, and stated the necessity of immediate issue, as the refusal of arms would not only the instruo- tion of the volunteers, which they needed sadly, but would make them lore all confidence in the governxent and break up the organizations. I closed by saying that, while I his pardon for saying it, in case he declined to revoke his — must ask him to accept my resignation ‘once. mind, and said: “Colonel, I gave that order acting on the ad- — cation district attorney, Mr. Robert Ould.” “Then, Mr. President, the district attorney has advised your excellency very a . “But, Colonel, the district attorney is an old Testdent of Washington, and he knows all the little jealousies which exist here. He aed — that have organized a company Northern Liberties fire sy. ‘Mr. Buchanan was evidently in distress of ernment?” ‘The President hesitated a moment and then a: “I don't know that you are not right, Colo- nel; but you must take the responsibility on ‘ou that no bloodshed results from arming hese men.” I willingly accepted. this responsibility. The prohibitory order was revoked. ly companies received their arms. They made use of them learning the manual of arms in a surprisingly short time. Later they made good use of them in sustaining the Gov- ernment which had furnished them against the faction which soon became the public enemy, including Mr. Robert Ould, who, following his convictions, no doubt as honestly as I was fol- lowing mine, gave his earnest services to his state against the federal Government. Ithink that the country has never properly appreciated the services of those District of Columbia volunteers. It certainly has not ap- preciated the difficulties surmounted in their organization. Those volunteers were citizens of the federal District, and therefore had not at the time, nor have they ever since had, the powerful stimulant of a state feeling, nor the powerful support ot a state Govern- ment, a state's pride, a state prees to set forth and make much of thelr services. They did their duty quietly. and they did it well and faithfully. Although not mustered into the service and placed on pay until after the fatal day when the flag was fired upon, for the firet time, at Sumter, yet they rendered great ser- vice before that time in giving confidence to those citizens of the District who were faithful to the Government, in giving confidence to members of the national legislature, and in giving confidence also to the President in the knowledge that there was at least asmall force at its disposition. ready to respond at any moment to his call. It should also be remembered of them, that the first troops mustered into the service were sixteen com- panies of these volunteers, and that, during the dark days when Washington was cut off from communication with the north, when railway bridges were burned and tracks torn up. when the Potomac was blockaded, these troops were the only reliance of the Government for guarding the panile Fel pated for preserving order and for holding the bridges and other out- posts; tHat thesé were the troops which recov- ered possession of the railway from Washington to Annapolis Junction and made practicable the reopening of communications. They also formed the advance guard of the force which first crossed the Potomac into Virginia and captured the city of Alexandria. These were the troops which insured the reg- ular inauguration on the steps of the Capitol of the constitutionally elected President. I firmly believe that without them Mr. Lincoln would never dave been inaugurated. I believe that tumults would have been created, during which he would have been killed, and that we should have found onrselyes en- gaged in a struggle, without preparation, and without a recognized head, at the capital. In this I may be mistaken, of course, as any other man may be mistaken; but it was then my opinion, when I had many sources of information at my command, and it remains. my opinion now, when,after the lapse of twenty years anda some- what large experience, I look back in cool blood those days of political madness. One day, after the official declaration of the election of Mr. Lincoln, my duties called me to the House of Representatives; and while stand- ing in the lobby waiting tor the member with whom I had business, I conversed with a dis- tinguished officer from New York. We were leaning against the sill of a window which over- looked the steps of the Capitol, where the President-elect usually stands to take the oath of office. The gentleman grew excited -as we discussed the elec- tion of Mr. Lincoln, and pointing to theeportico he exclaimed: “He shall never be inaugurated on those steps!” ir. Lincoln,” I replied, “has been constitu- tionally elected President of the United States. You may be sure that, if he lives until the 4th day ot March, he will be inaugurated on those steps.” As I spoke, I noticed for the first time how perfectly the wings of the Capitol flanked the ste ion; and. on the morning of the ww to it that each window of ings was occupied by two riflemen. I received daily numerous communications from various parts of the country, informing me of plots to prevent the arrival of the President- elect at the capital. These warnings came from St. Louis, from Chicago, from Cincinnati, from Pittsburg, from New York, from Philadelphia, and, espectally, from Baltimore. Every morn- Ing I reported to Gen. Scott on the occurrences of the night and the information received by the morning’s mail; and every evening I ren- dered an account of the day’s work and re- ceived Instructions for the night. Gen. Scott also received numerous warnings of danger to the President-elect, which he would give me to study and compare. Many of the communica- tions were anonymous and vague, But, on the other hand, many were from calm and wise men, one of whom became, shortly afterward, a cabinet minister; one was a railway president, another a distinguished ex-governor of a state, etc., etc. In every case where the indications were distinct they were followed up to learn if real danger existed. So many clear indications pointed to Balti- more that three good detectives of the New York police force were constantly employed there. These men reported frequently to me. and their statements were constantly compared with the information received from independent sources. - Doubtless, Mr. Lincoln, at his home in Spring- fleld, received many and contradictory reports from the capital, for he took his own way of ob- taininginformation. One night, between eleven. o'clock and midnight, while I was busy In my- study over the papers of the day and evening, card was brought me, bearing the name of ‘Mr. Leonard Swett.” and upon it was wnitten, in the well-known hand of General Scott, ‘Colo- nel Stone, inspector general, may converse freely with Mr. Swett.” [ gave orders for his admission, and a tall gentleman of marked fea- tures entered my room. At first I thought that Mr. Lincoln himself was present, so much, at first glance, did Mr. Swett’s face resemble the portraits 1 had seen of Mr. Lincoln, and so nearly did his height correspond with that at- tributed to the President-elect. But I quickly found that the gentleman’s card bore his true name, and that Mr. Swett had come directly from Mr. Linovln, having his full confidence, to see forhim the state of affairs In Washington, and report back to him in person. Mr. Swett remained several days in the capl- tal, had frequent and long conversations with Gen. Scott and myself (and I sup) also with many others), and with me visited the armories of some of the volunteer companies. . As he drove with me to the railway station on the evening of his departure, Mr. Swett sald: ‘Mr. Lincoln, and, in fact, everybody almost, is ignorant of the vast amount of careful work which has been done here this winter by Gen. Scott and yourself to insure the existence of the Government and to render certain and safe the inanguration of Mr. Lincoln. He will be very grateful to both.” 1 replied, with more sincerity than tact: “« Mr. Lincoln has no cause to be grateful to me. Iwas opposed to his élection, and believed in advance that it would bring on, what is evi- dently coming, a fearful war. The work which Thave done has not been done for him, and- he need feel under no obligations te me. I have ie pe Ace yee srk the Stata ts of ie country and to insure the regular inaugura- tion of the constitutionally elegted President on the 4th of next month.” crossings of Pennsylvania ren from one to another euang the — lon. A battalion of District of Col Fraeworxs: Fraewoaxs : DMMENSE ASSORTMENT ! LOWEST PRICES!! THE VERY BEST GOODS!!! UNEXCELLED FIREWORKS COMPANY— UNRIVALLED PRODUCTIONS, ‘We mention: Plain and Animal Figure Balloons, Ve Colored dan, Eeirse ieee it mie 2 te| eee ‘pitol, an lemen in the windows @ | Colored Short-stick in 4o0z.,6 o2., 3$1b., 21d. wings of the Capitol. On the arrival of the | and?ib. pesca presidential party at the Capitol the troops were ‘0 be stationed so as to return in the same order after the ceremony. To illustrate the state of uncertainty in which we were at that time concerning men, lay here state that the lieutenant-colonel, military secre- tary of the general-in-chief, who had that after- noon recorded the conclusions of the General in conference, and who afterward wrote out for me the instructions regarding the disposition of troops, resigned his commission that very night, and departed for the south,~where he joined the Confederate army. During the night of the 3d of March, notice was brought me that an attempt would be made to blow up the platform on which the President would stand to take the oath of office. I immediately placed men under the i and at daybreak a trusted battalion ot District troops (if I rememberrightly, it was the National Guard. under Col. Tait) formed ina semicircle at the foot of the great stairway, and prevented all entrance from without. When the crowd began to assemble in front of the portico, a large number of policemen in plain clothes were scattered through the mass to observe closely, to place themselves near any individual who might act suspiciously, and to strike down any hand which might raise a weapon. At the appointed hour Mr. Buchanan was es- corted to Willard’s hotel, which he entered. There I found a number of mounted “ marshals of the day,” and posted them around the car- riage, within the cavalry guard. The two Presidents were saluted by the troops as they came out of the hotel and took their places in the carriage. The procession started. During the march to the Capitol I rode near the car- riage, and by an apparently clumsy use of my spurs managed to keep the horses of the cavalry in an uneasy state, so that it would have been very difficult for even a very good rifle shot to et an aim at one ot the mmates of the carriage tween the dancing horses. After the iiaugural ceremony, the Presl- dent and the ex-President were escorted in the same order to the White House. Ar- rived there, Mr. Buchanan walked to the door with Mr. Lincoln, and there bade him welcome to the house and morning. The infantry escort formed in line from the gate of the White House to the house of Mr. Ould, whither Mr. Buchanan drove, and the cavalry escorted his carriage. The infantry line presented arms to the ex-President as hé passed, and the cavalry escort saluted as he left the car- riage and entered the house. Mr. Buchanan turned on the steps, gracefully acknowledged the salute and disappeared. The District of Columbia volunteers had given to President Lincoln his first military salute and to Mr. Buchanan his last. ‘Woopwarp & Lornnop, BOSTON DRY GOODS STORE, 921 PENN’A AVE. D STEEET, 912, WASHINGTON, D. C. CORSETS! CORSETS !1! CORSETS!!! Zt PHYR and NAINSOOK CORSETS. the best fitting in the market, in both long and short waists. Our usual complete line of French, German and American CORSETS, at low prices. GRAND CLEARING OUT SALE of LADIES’ NIGHT DRESSES, 3 rows of Inserting, Hamburg Rutile around Neck and Sleeves. GRAND BARGAIN, at % CENTS, ‘Never sold heretofore less than $1.00, LADIES’ NIGHT DRESSES, with Hamburg RumMles | Srp" h'ito anil Linen at sheet ne any te ane eee around Neck and Sleeves, and 48 tucks down front, | for elsewhere. a only Iso, Blackand Brown Diagonal Prince Albert Coat and |. 81g CENTs. Vests at $15, worth $30. re LADIES' CORDED BAND CHEMISE, good quality, Black D. B. Cloth Suits at #16, worth $30, 38 Cew Finest Broadcloth Suits at $25, worth $15. LADIES' VERY PRETTY CHEMI3E, Hamburg Ruffles around Neck and Sleeves, 5 rows of Inserting and clusters of 4 tucks each, on y 50 Cents. VERY HANDSOME SKIRTS, deep Hamburg Rufio, and cluster of 10 tucks, oniy 98 CeNTs. THE BEST BARGAIN OF THE SEASON IN JERSEYS, is our Plaited Back, with handsome Satin Bow, for- merly sold at $5, which we now offer at $3.50 Eacu, in the following colorz, Navy Blue, Cardinal, Hunter's Green, Pale Blue, Crushed Strawberry, Bronze aud Garnet. . We closed s large quantity from the manufacturer, who was in need of cash, at 334; per cent off the price. ‘The fit and shape of these Jerseys are superior to any- thing in the market. Wo aro also having a grand success with our CREAM WHILE JERSEYS, at ‘Triangles, &c., &c. ‘Has just receis SOCkER ‘be sold now at $1 Laces. Re S. ™ Hone in powcr Pot SBN We ‘We guarantee the quality of our Fireworks as the very ‘dest in the market, and not Hable to explode prema- turely, as so many inferior makes do; and, besides, we give you a!l colored fireworks at lower prices than others sell pisin white, Parties desiring to make extensive displays will be allowed a liberal discount. Fire Crackers aT Five Cents Per Pack! CANNON CRACKERS, TORPEDOES, PAPER CAP PISTOLS AND PAPER CAPS, COTTON AND SILK FLAGS, CHINESE AND JAPANESE LANTERNS, &e., &e., at SILVERBERG’S, MAMMOTH TOY STORE, ‘312 7th and 313 8th streets northwest, 18 Near Pennsylvania avenue. Fire Wonks, CHINESE LANTERNS, CHINESE COLORED FIRE, FIRE CRACKERS, TORPEDOES, At wholesale, in quantities to suit, at C. W. THORN & CO."s. CHINESE COLORED FIRE, Non-explosive and odorless, in all sized boges or by the pound, at ©. W. THORN & CO.'s. FIVE HUNDRED BOXES FIRE CRACKERS, At lowest market rates, at C. W. THORN & CO.'S, BUY YOUR FIRE WORES FROM US, and we will take back after the Fourth all unscld goods in unbroken packages at the prices paid and refund the money, therefore dealers run no risk in overstocking themselves, C. W. THORN & CO., 3012-30 ‘318 9th street northwest. Gor °Ex Acar. THE MISFIT STORE, CORNER l0ra AND F STREETS, another lot of those genuine ved SEER- SUITS which sold so readily at $12, but will 0 a suit. Aaplendid IMITATION SEERSUCKER SUIT at $5, reduced from $7.50. me 0, Aood IMITATION SEERSUCKER SUIT Feduced from $5. oo) Also, 500 pair of ODD PAN’ hich be sold for less tha the value of the material takes te mabe torn, Als: A splendid assortment pf SULTS for boys from 4 to 11 from $123 asa up. Ene. ices Will actouian you.” For boys from 12 to 1 Suits at $3, worth £5. a: Suite at $4. worth $7.60. Suite at $5, worth $9. Suite at $6, worth $11. Suits at $7.50, worth $13. Also, Flannel Suits at $5, worth 310. Flannel Suits at £7.50, worth $14. Flannel Suits at $9, worth $17. Yacht Cloth Suits at $12, wor:h $20, Yacht Cloth Suits at $15, worth £25. Cassimere and Cheviot Suite at $6, worth $10. Caesimoro and Cheviot suits at $8, worth £15. yesimere and Cheviot fuits at $10. worth $18, Dlue or Biack Serge Suits at $10, worth $11 Al Working Pants at 62c., 10 fh $1.25, 1 igo, Afw'l line of White and Fancy Vests at 50c. and wards. ad Zs Al A.complete line of Office Coats in Nun's Ci THE MISFIT STORE, Like overy success, has unscrupulous imitators. Be sure, therefore, and come to the corner of ‘TENTH AND FSTREETS. Je15. Laces. SPECIAL “NOTICE. ‘The PALAIS ROYAL has too large a stock of BLACK "SPANISH LACES. In order tosell out quickly, for this week we will aliow off the marked prices TEN PER CENT DISCOUNT. SPECIAL BARGAINS IN WASH LACES, 85 pieces IRISH POINT LACE, new designs; re- duced prices, 15, 19 and 25 cts. per yard. 10 pices IRISH POINT, 5 inches wide, reduced from 50c. to 35c. per yard. 68 pieces EDELWEISS LACE, from 23 to 5% inches wide; reduced prices, 8, 10, 25 and 35c. per yard. 15 pieces BROIDERIE DE SAKE LACE, 5 inches wide, 16c. per yd. ; former price 25c. 5 pieces POINT VENISE LACE, 5 inches wide, only 19¢. per yard: sold elsewhere at 30c. 23 pieces hand embroidered OKIENTAL LACE re- 50; duced to 15 and 19 cts. per yard. Beautiful goods, and quite the correct thing. IN BLACK JERSEYS we offer 3 magnificent gar- ment, made from imported cloth, at $5.50 anv $7.00, Superior to anything offered at those prices. WHITE GOODS. Having bought no stock of WHITE SUITS, early in the season, we had none to sell at hizh prices. Having a 100 pieces CLUNY LACE, with inserting to match, from 50c. per doz. up. Twenty-five new designs. 78 pieces VALENCIENNES LACE 25c. a doz.; good juality. 9 pieces SOUFFLE NET 19c. per yd. : was 250, SPECIAL! SPECIAL!! 5,000 yards INDIA LINEN, for white dresses, 1éc. per yd. ; usually 18¢. 20,000 yards EMBROIDERIES at prime cost. bought from the manufactures, who were over-stocked, | Pree as ay ft gs trom 35 to 50 per cent discount from thelr regular | PPP AA AA Prices, we have been enabled to offer such bargains to ok a4 i our customers, as have nover before been seen in Wash- ington, In consequence, we are having a remarkable RR 00,0 FA successful asle on them. We employ a competent dress- ROO 4 > maker in our work rooms, at all times, who will make 83 VAs any neceseary alterations without extra charge. E “oo aa = We offer a very stylish WHITE SUIT, with Tucked Ruffle on the Underskirt, and Ruflle and Tucks on the basque and overskirt, only $5.00. Also, a very pretty WHITE SUIT, with Tucked ruffte and wide tucks on the underskirt, plaited basque, and ruffle and tucked overskirt, ‘$7.00. ‘Wehave a very pretty WHITE SUIT, plaited under- skirt, basque and oyerstirt trimmed with embroidery, ONLY $7.50. Also an elegant assortment, from $10. 00 to $35.00. omelet SRDEIWEAR, Cotton, 315 1117-1119 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, AUCTION SALES IN NEW YORK. rench Fine Swiss, 25c.; Emi Figured and Stripe Piques, 12), 15, GREATEST BARGAIN IN THE CITY. BEAUTIFUL DOTTED FOULARD SILES, 600, Fil Cashmeres and Drees Goods reduced. em arives in Hoalery, 336.35 to 50c. Wameutta he ULSTERS. Pition holes: it in pronouboed LADIES LINEN AND MOHAIR ULSTERS, m | Ss ck pwards. gna Domestic great variety, $1 0) PRINT AND PERCALE WRAPPERS, in various styles, $1 upward. WOODWARD & LOTHROP, BO3TON DRY GOODS STORE, WASHINGTON, D. 0. Ps PENNA. AVE. D STREET, 912. Bazoams ™ Day Goons. Large lot ALL-LINER LAWS 30 etd, relesed from 3735. 100: We have, comntee, Coron 74 bens are high and low necks, splendid ahi L. BEHRENDS, BatTmore Store, 908 SEVENTH STREET N. VINE OG ¥¥ GREENS. HYDRANT HOSE, ICE CRUSHERS, ICE HATCHETS, ICE SCALES. ICE TONGS, BUILDERS’ HARDWARE, GARDEN TOOLS, &o. F. P. MAY & 00., Just Received 60 packages Cortland County New York State Fine Butter, st Store 11 Center Market. Also, ‘Ohio Grass Butter and Iows Creamery. Dealer in Butter, Cheese and Eggs, C. P. WILSON. ‘AMES 8, sar hice Tek” '& Barnard, ocean SS wo SSS AT. New Bo 2 OOK a. ‘Memoirs of John A. Dix, by M A. Dix, Dynamic Sacrology. 2v.- by Ward. and and Labors, by Moody. nder Ground Kueda, by Stepniak. Dr. Claudius, by Crawford. Data of Ethics, a wee bs. by Fi reg a lan. by Lucy C. Mids fs areain, do, Phyllis Fiore, . H. MORRISON, 475 Pennsylvania avenue, —— 6 or Lo RES. cuore PHONOGI PHIC DI HON uy. COLLECTIONS OF DEAN STANLEY. By Dea ST UbiEs OF NEGLECTED TEXTS. By Dr. Roe EARLY 5 © BEREAVED. wth GRAVES; FOR THE By For sale WM. BALLANTYNE & SON, 428 SEVENTH Stueer. ND VARIED ASSORTMENT OF Ladies’ and Children's BATHING SUITS, at M. WILLIAN’s, ‘7Cite Trevise, Paris. 907 Pennsylvania avenue, I have succeeded in procuring a few wore of those JERSEY POLONAISE, In Biack and Garnet, for which it was impossible to supply the demand 6 few weeks azo. set Fo TADIES.— FIRST LASS HAIR DRESSER Corcoran Building, 537 15th street northwest, Ladies Hair dressing snd Hair wachine pattr, Lange try Bangs done to perfection. Imported goods in every style. . ‘de9-im 20 PER CE DISCOUNT OFF TKIMMED BONNETS AND HATS, Axso, 10 PER CENT. OFF ENTIRE STOCK UNTIL JULY ist, MRS. M. J. HUNT, 1309 F STREET. ROFFER THIS WEEK ONE LOT OF FLOWER at 48c. ; > can Jagies np well a children's ate og co leaven, a¢ SO cents; something nce, == mena 3 fine Real Ostrich Tipe, at Se cents, dsome Plumes, at $1. my31 1 lot of han my26 At BAUMR, 416 7th street. _ AND F STREETS.—GEN- BALBRIGGAN SHIK’ Il kizer. Gen i CUT PANT-SHAPF, and made in the rm manner, all sizea,at G0c. each. NAINSOOK FEATHE! WEIGHT SHIRTS and DEAWERS, made iv the ENGLISH Bid . Gal R, Sc. 75e... $1, $1. 25, $1. wine PEPPERELL Aiea Lest manner, all sizes, at Tic. each, SIERY (Morley’s) in all the newest at Oc. Pls usual price 7c. E-& W. COLLAKS abd CU landsome NECKWEAR, in new shapes. French, Eug= lish and American Suspenders. Shirts made to order, at $9, $10.50 and $12 per half dozen. 35 NTON FISHER. CHEMICAL DRY CUEARTES ESTABLISH- nce “Ladier‘and Gesticners Carob tes ence. * an en's Veils, Laces, etc.. are perfectly cleaned by this superior Ladies’ Evening Dresses» 2 cay pow official chenitet of bia: **Your chemicals are of the moet effectual Das rpasced in Pati’ New Pork oc clackhene Grease spots ctarautved to bs thoroughly removed ea MES ANNIE K. HUMPHERY, Merino Underwear ported Hosters. der ‘Braces and all Dress Reform Gots. and Busties, ‘The -"Hereulos™ ting Corvet, for wale Mins IH. i» 1 Corset, her own make thatfor the poioe cannot be eurpe N.b,—French, German and Spanish spoken. GENTLEMEN’S GOODS. 5 = ———7 S. 3 eueey, evocemon 70 DUBREUIL BROTHERS, MANUFACTURERS OF FINE DRES3 SHIR’ GENTS CFuRNISHINGS, SS7RT® 1112 F Srerer Norrawesr, WasHrxerox, D.C. Six of the Finest Dress Shirts to order. tix Extra Fine Shirts to order Six Fine Shirts to 3 Tuoxrsows SHIRT FACTORY axpD MEN'S FURNISHING EMPORIUM, 816 F Street, Opposite Patent Office, He nade hit at tory pec 3, finiel oy ished, 60 cts, * Full line of Scarfs, Gloves, NOS. 408 AND 405 7TH STREET NORTHWEST. HEADQUARTERS FOR THE WHITNEY CHIL- I PHENS CALMIAGE COMPANY. APEST FOR BEAUTY, COMFORT AND TRE CHE AUABILITE IN THE MARKET. Lawn Tennis, Croq Bicycles, Velocipedes, Arche ery, Fishin a, Wagons, fe. Call and examine the Goods. Prices to suit the times. apt MAKE BOOM FOR OTHER G0ODS, WE ARE CLOSING OUT AT LOW PRICRB A lot of o@fis and ends inthe way of Portable an@ Brick Set RANGES. A few Second-hand RANGES and LATEOBES to sell cheap. EDWARD CAVERLY & Co., 1425 New York avenue. LL-We BLUE FLANNEL PANTS, fast colors. Bult, $10; best quality $12, worth $16 a