Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1884 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER LIV. 1826-1862. Some Dinner Experiences And Incidents. -- Mr. Clay's Dinner.-- Samuel L. Southard. -- The Gadsby House. -- Matthew St. Ciair Clark. -- Why I Did Not Dine With The Duke Of Wellington. -- Guests But No Dinner. In 1826, while at Washington, I received an invitation from Mr. Clay to dinner. The day after, the porter of Gadsby's Hotel, where I was staying, said to me, "I hope you will accept Mr. Clay's invitation, sir." I said, " How did you know I had an invitation from Mr. Clay?" "Oh, sir; the letter came through the office, and we all know Mr. Clay's handwriting." He repeated his hope that I would go, and added, " Gentlemen sometimes come to Washington on business without bringing their dress coats with them; possibly you may have forgotten yours; if you did, you would do me a great favor by accepting one that I have n't worn, and which would fit you nicely." The porter, who was evidently an observing and sagacious man, had divined the truth. I not only had not brought a dress coat, but I did not possess one to bring, and was really regretting the necessity of declining the invitation for that reason. But the porter urged his offer with such kindness and delicacy that I accepted both the coat and the invitation. General Jackson in 1828 succeeded Mr. Adams as president. From that time until 1840, during the administrations of Jackson and Van Buren, a period of twelve years, I was not again in Washington. In the latter year, after the election of General Harrison, I again visited the city, and in passing through the Treasury Department I encountered my old friend Brady, the thoughtful porter whose coat I had worn to Mr. Clay's dinner, and with whom I exchanged a very hearty greeting. He informed me that he had...
