Washington Wednesday [7 April 1841] 5 1/2 P.M.
I am writing to you from Mr.
Granger's
parlor in
Washington, my dear wife --
From the moment I heard of the eve
to be lamented death of the President I had
a great desire to attend the funeral
solemnities, but havi did not expect to
come, untill Mr. Bayard, one of
the
principal members of the Bank com-
mittee advised it, yesterday at 3 P. M.
I started at 1/2 past 3 -- arrived at
Baltime.
at 12 -- & here at 1/2 past 10 this morning.
My dear wife, I shall always be glad
that I came. I cannot give you the least
idea of what I have witnessed this day. You
can form no idea conception of the scene & of the
impressiveness of the ceremonies, especially
when considered in contrast with those of
the inauguration. Then the city was filled
with people, coming together to express
mutual joy & congratulations -- Now
how different! Then symbols & badges
now the City is clad in mourning. All the
Citizens are dressed in mourning -- & the City
inhabitants are filled with sorrow at the
loss they have met with. They mourn the
death of the Presdt. as that of a relative
or friend. I was never so impressed by
any thing as by the appearance of this
City. The first thing that struck my
eyes, was the Capitol -- with its badges --
the flags dressed in black &c. Every place
of business in thePennsa. avenue
was closed, and every building without exception
in mourning drapes -- Festoons of black
extended thro' the avenue -- its whole length --
Some buildings were very handsomely
decorated with crape &c. -- The white house --
what a contrast! The last time I was
there -- only four week ago, yesterday -- all was
gaiety & joy -- now how silent -- how melan-
choly. When I entered the east room --
there stood the coffin -- surrounded by the
V. Presidt. -- the cabinet -- the foreign
ministers &c. -- in a large circle, -- not a word was said -- all was silence. Oh --
how melancholy -- how impressive it
was. Will the lesson be entirely lost upon
those who surrounded those mortal
remains of one so elevated? But
when the marines came to remove
the body -- & the procession was formed
& when Mrs. Harrison & the family -- the
afflicted grandchildren appeared -- I never
knew any thing so affecting. There
has been a great military display
& every thing has passed off perfectly well.
I must delaydefer particulars un-
till my return. I shall start tomor-
row morning for Philada. & shall
be at home on monday sunday or tuesday.
It is understood that Mr. Tyler will
follow out Genl. H's system --
substan-
tially. He has invited all the cabinet to
remain & they will.
I write in great
haste as I must go & select a seat & see
about a boarding place, & I want to see
Mr. Webster -- Mr. Bell &c.