7 2 AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 



others who have formerly filled the highest na- 

 tional office, but who now have passed away. 



It was my pleasure to pass an evening, with 

 my wife, in the private parlor of President Grant 

 and family, who gave me a cordial reception. 

 Among those who shared in this social inter- 

 view were Rev. Dr. - , L.L. D., from Eng- 

 land, his wife and daughter, and our much- 

 esteemed friends, Rev. Dr. N and wife, 

 of the Metropolitan Church, D. C. 



We were shown through some of the pleasant 

 apartments of the Presidential mansion, and, 

 among others, the private dining-room. In this 

 the arrangements for meals are perfect and taste- 

 ful. A small bouquet of choice flowers, selected 

 from the conservatory, which abounds with rare 

 exotics, is placed at the side of every plate at 

 dinner, and, that no interruption may interfere 

 with the arrangement of the table, a plate is al- 

 ways provided for a casual visitor. 



On entering Washington, the first building to 

 attract the eye of a stranger is the Capitol, which 

 is built on a prominent height, and forms the 



