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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1833 Excerpt: ... and hoped we were pleased with our visit to America. We were afterwards introduced to Mrs. Monroe, who stood at a little distance on the right of the President, and after making our bow, were at liberty to contemplate the scene around. At the levee were assembled members of Congress, ambassadors from foreign courts, judges, naval and military officers, individuals from the twenty-four United States, and strangers from Europe, all anxious to pay their respects to the Elected Chief of North America. The levees are attended by ladies and gentlemen, which makes them more agreeable than if the fairer part of the creation were excluded. Two rooms were thrown open on this occasion; besides that in which we were first introduced, there was an oval room, which had a full-length picture of General Washington, painted by Stuart. p 210 WASHINGTON.--DINNER PARTIES. This levee was on the evening of March 3rd, on which day, every four years, the President enters into office. Conversing with a member of Congress, he observed, "On this night twelvemonths, this house will have a new occupant." He was probably, amid the ceremony of the levee, revolving in his mind the merits of the various candidates, and deciding for whom he should vote. I was introduced to Mr. Clay, Speaker of the House; he is distinguished by his frankness of manners; and to Mr. Calhoun, who was, at that time, Secretary of the War Department, and a general favorite with all parties. Mr. Crawford, Secretary of the Treasury, was in ill health; he was not present. Wine was handed round, and, partaking of a glass and silently wishing success to liberty, under whatever form of government it is administered, we retired from the court of the American President. At Washington, the meeting of Congress is...