CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I. FOREIGN COMPLICATIONS AND DOMESTIC INTRIGUE. The Central American Imbroglio—The Napier Ball—Washington Society —Fanny Kemble Butler—Democratic Revelers—The Trial of Sickles— The Key Family—Robert Ould—Edwin M. Stanton—Other Lawyers— Verdict of Acquittal—Anson Burlingame.
CHAPTER II. VISITS FROM DISTINGUISHED FOREIGNERS. The Japanese Embassy—Its Reception by President Buchanan—Caricatures —Visit of the Prince of Wales—The Heir to the British Throne at Mount Vernon—Effect Produced on Queen Victoria—Life at the White House—How Mr. Buchanan Lived.
CHAPTER III. THE GATHERING TEMPEST. Threatening Aspect of Affairs—John Brown's Raid—Pendleton's Gambling-House Neutral Ground—The Games and the Gamblers—Honors to the Deceased King of Cards—Vice-President Breckinridge—South Carolina Chivalry—The Slave Trade Re-opened—Lady Lobbyists— Ellsworth's Zouaves—Owen Lovejoy.
CHAPTER IV. LINCOLN'S ELECTION INAUGURATES REBELLION. Election of a Republican President—Northern Willingness to Let the South Secede—Senator Seward as a Partisan Leader—His Great Speech—Farewell of Jefferson Davis to the Senate—Hale's Reply to Clingman—The Peace Commission—Twenty-second of February Parade— The Electoral Vote—Hostilities Commenced.
CHAPTER V. MR. LINCOLN AT THE HELM. Unexpected Arrival of Mr. Lincoln—Sumner Compared to a Bishop— Interviews of the President-Elect with Prominent Men—Remarkable Memory—Southern Commissioners—The Inaugural Message Lost and Found—The New Cabinet—The Inauguration.
CHAPTER VI. THE STORM BURSTS. Robert E. Lee Joins the Confederacy—Sumter Fired upon—The Uprising of the Loyal North—The First Troops to Arrive—Nick Biddle, the First Man Wounded—Arrival of the Massachusetts Sixth—The Censorship of the Press—General Butler Re-opens Communication with the North —The Massachusetts Eighth—Ellsworth's Fire Zouaves—Alexandria Occupied—A Confederate Flag Captured—Colonel Ellsworth Killed by its Owner and Promptly Avenged.
CHAPTER VII. "ON TO RICHMOND." Meeting of Congress—March of the Grand Army of the Union—The First Battle of Bull Run—Disgraceful Rout—Appeal of Senator Breckinridge—Patriotic Reply of Colonel Baker—War Preparations— General McClellan Placed in Command—General Scott's Advice to Him —Surrender of Mason and Slidell—Disastrous Engagement at Ball's Bluff.
CHAPTER VIII. WASHINGTON A VAST GARRISON. Rejection by the President of Anti-Slavery Views—Vacant Seats at Either End of the Capitol—Fessenden, the Financier—Sumner, the Diplomatist—Wilson, the Military Director—Other Prominent Senators —The Rule of Thaddeus Stevens—Notable Representatives—Democratic Opposition to the Administration—Congressional Committee on the Conduct of the War.
CHAPTER IX. THE METROPOLIS IN TIME OF WAR. President Lincoln's First New Year's Reception—The Pennsylvania Lancers—Discontent of the Abolitionists—President Lincoln Favoring Colonization—Appointment of E. M. Stanton as Secretary of War— Espionage—The Secret Service—Female Confederate Spies—Capture by one of them of a Union General.
CHAPTER X. FASHION, LITERATURE AND ART. Washington Society Disgruntled—President Lincoln's First Reception —Who were Present—A Famous Supper—Criticisms of the Discontented —Secret Sadness of President Lincoln and his Wife—Death of Little Willie Lincoln—Camp Followers—Literati in Government Employ— Lectures at the Smithsonian Institution—Commissioner Newton, of the Agricultural Department.
CHAPTER XI. THE FORTUNES OF WAR. War Correspondents—A Precarious Position—The Washington Press— Colonel John W. Forney and his Two Daily Papers—Fourth of July Celebration at Washington—Raising Colored Troops Discouraged— Successful Recruiting of Whites for Union Armies—War on General McClellan, and his Deposition—Defeat of General Pope—Recall of General McClellan to Command—Victory at Antietam—General Burnside in Command—His Failures at Fredericksburg—His Resignation.
CHAPTER XII. SOCIAL LIFE OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN. Meeting of Congress—Proclamation of Emancipation—New Year's Day at the White House—Growlings by Count Gurowski—The Army of the Potomac—Christmas at the Hospitals—Henry Wikoff in Trouble— President Lincoln Ill with the Varioloid—Defeat of General Hooker at Chancellorsville—Victory of General Grant at Vicksburg—Sublime Speech of President Lincoln at Gettysburg.
CHAPTER XIII. CIVIL AND MILITARY INTRIGUES. War Legislators—Medal Voted to General Grant—New Year's Receptions at the White House and at the Residences of Officials—General Grant Promoted to the Rank of Lieutenant-General—He Leads the Army of the Potomac Through Terrific Battles to Victory—Resignation of Mr. Chase as Secretary of the Treasury—His Appointment as Chief- Justice—Presidential Scheming.
CHAPTER XIV. EVENTS BOTH SAD AND JOYOUS. Election of Andrew Johnson as Vice-President—Second Inauguration of Lincoln—Disgraceful Intoxication of Vice-President Johnson— Inauguration Ball at the Interior Department—Successful Military Movements Directed by General Grant—Lincoln's Fondness for Theatricals—The Martyr-President's Last Speech to the People— Capture of Dixie.
CHAPTER XV. PLUNGED INTO SORROW. Jubilant Over Victory—President Lincoln at the Theatre—His Assassination by Wilkes Booth—A Night of Terror—Death of Abraham Lincoln—The Assassin—Funeral Honors Paid the Dead President— Ceremonies at the White House—Procession Along Pennsylvania Avenue —The Remains Rest in State in the Rotunda of the Capitol—Their Removal to Illinois.
CHAPTER XVI. THE CONSPIRACY TRIAL—THE GRAND REVIEWS. Andrew Johnson Sworn in as President—Visit of a Massachusetts Delegation—What he Thought About Traitors and Treason—Arrest of Booth and his Accomplices—The Confederates had Supplied the Funds —Mrs. Surratt on Trial—The Male Prisoners—Execution of Some Conspirators and Imprisonment of Others—Grand Review of the Union Armies—General Meade and the Army of the Potomac—The Reviewing Stand—General Sherman and the Division of the Mississippi—Rebuff Given by General Sherman to Secretary Stanton—Sherman's Bummers.
CHAPTER XVII. PRESIDENT JOHNSON SURRENDERS. Concessions to the Confederates—Daily Life of President Johnson— Jefferson Davis in Prison and Manacled—Exciting Scene in a Casemate —John Pierpont's Eightieth Birthday—The Bread and Butter Convention —Swinging Round the Circle—Marriage of Senator Sumner—His Bright Hopes Soon Disappointed—Female Influence at the White House— Impeacher Ashley Commences Operations—Important Decision by the Supreme Court.
CHAPTER XVIII. WASHINGTON CELEBRITIES. President Johnson's Wife and Daughters—Representative Roscoe Conkling, of New York—Senator Oliver P. Morton, Indiana's War Governor—Senator George F. Edmunds, of Vermont—Senator Zach. Chandler, of Michigan—Senator Anthony, of Rhode Island—Jovial Senator Nye, of Nevada—Representative Elihu B. Washburne, the Father of the House—Speaker Colfax as a Presiding Officer— Representative James G. Blaine, of Maine, and his Tilt with Tucker, of Virginia—Representative Fernando Wood, of New York.
CHAPTER XIX. CEREMONIALS AT THE METROPOLIS. New Year's Reception at the White House—Who was There and What was Worn—George Bancroft's Eulogy on Abraham Lincoln—Scene in the House of Representatives—Distinguished Persons Present—The Memorial Address—Great Britain Snubbed and Russia Complimented— A Penitential Apology by Senator McDougall, of California.
CHAPTER XX. THE GREAT IMPEACHMENT. Widening Gulf Between President Johnson and Congress—Deposition and Restoration of Secretary Stanton—Life and Death of Sir Frederick Bruce—Mrs. Lincoln's Sale of Effects—Thurlow Weed's Criticism— Impeachment of President Johnson—General Thomas Appointed Secretary of War—The High Court of Impeachment, Chief-Justice Chase Presiding —Elaborate Argument by Mr. Evarts—His Review of Republican Assertions—The Verdict—Close of the Administration.
CHAPTER XXI. A NEW PRESIDENTIAL CONTEST. Four Ohio Presidential Candidates, Grant, Chase, Stanton and Wade —Chief-Justice Chase Before the Democratic Convention—Care Taken by General Grant that all Confederate Officers Should be Paroled— Extension of the Treasury Department—Senator Ben. Wade and the Restaurant Keeper—Senator Sumner's Great Speech on Alaska—Happy Hours of General Grant at Washington—One of his Evening Receptions —Sam. Ward, the Bon Vivant—Charles Dickens.
CHAPTER XXII. GENERAL GRANT IN THE WHITE HOUSE. The Inauguration Procession—Proceedings at the Capitol—Delivery of the Inaugural Address—Ball in the Treasury Department—Formation of the Cabinet—Secretary of State, Fish—Appointment of A. T. Stewart, Secretary of the Treasury—The Politicians Troubled, but Successful—Other Cabinet Officers—Army Habits in the White House —President Grant's Daily Life.
CHAPTER XXIII. RECONSTRUCTION OF THE METROPOLIS. Alexander R. Shepherd, the "Boss" Regenerator of Washington—Expense of the Improvements, and Who Profited Thereby—Supervising-Architect Mullett—The State, War, and Navy Building—Official Speculators— The Story of Black Friday—General Grant's Financial Views—The Credit Mobilier Scandal—Honest Oakes Ames Made a Scapegoat.
CHAPTER XXIV. RESTORATION OF THE UNION. Northern Politicians and Southern Brigadiers—The Old Flag and an Appropriation—Outrages by the Ku-Klux Klan—The Joint High Commission —Seizure of Canada—Intrigues of Russian Minister de Catacazy— Visit of the Grand Duke Alexis—A Female Spy—Charles Sumner's House and his Heart Trouble—Misunderstanding Between General Grant and Senator Sumner on San Domingo—Senator Sumner Forced into Hostility toward General Grant.
CHAPTER XXV. INTRIGUES AND INTRIGUERS. The Solider Not a Statesman—How to Beat Grant—Horace Greeley a Presidential Candidate—Re-nomination of General Grant, with Henry Wilson for Vice-President—Defeat of Colfax—New Year's Reception at the White House—Return of Senator Sumner—Inscription of Union Victories on Regimental Colors—Death of Senator Sumner.
CHAPTER XXVI. A NEW TERM BEGUN. Second Inauguration of General Grant—An Arctic Wave—The Procession —Scene at the Capitol—The Inaugural Address—A Frozen-out Ball— Death of Chief-Justice Chase—Refusal of the Position by Roscoe Conkling—Appointment of Attorney-General Williams—Nomination of Caleb Cushing—An Unfortunate Letter—Cushing Asserts his Loyalty —Edwin M. Stanton Appointed a Justice of the Supreme Court—Marriage of General Grant's Daughter.
CHAPTER XXVII. CORRUPTION IN OFFICIAL LIFE. Fifty Congressional Drag-nets at Work—Female Jealousy—A Nantucket Story—Impeachment of General Belknap, After his Resignation— Beautiful Mrs. Belknap—The Whisky Ring—Revenge of Senator Henderson, of Missouri—Trial of General Babcock, and his Acquittal.
CHAPTER XXVIII. THE CENTENNIAL GLORY. Observance of the Centennial at Washington—Entertainment of Dom Pedro, of Brazil, at the British Legation—The National Republican Convention at Cincinnati—Illness of Mr. Blaine at Washington—How Blaine was Defeated and Hayes Nominated—Contest for the Returns in Doubtful States—Cipher Telegrams—Examination of Colonel Pelton —Threats of Revolution—Intimations of Bargains.
CHAPTER XXIX. THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION. The Commission Changed by the Substitution of Judge Bradley for Judge Davis—Debate in the Senate on the Bill—Great Speech by Roscoe Conkling—Counting the Electoral Vote—Decision by the Commission—General Grant's Administration not a Political Success.
CHAPTER XXX. INAUGURATION OF PRESIDENT HAYES. Lack of Congressional Notification—Arrival of Governor Hayes at Washington—Political Consultations—The Oath Taken Privately—The Procession—The Inauguration—Safely in the White House—The New Cabinet—Judge Key's Eventful History—Fun at Cabinet Meetings— Unfortunate Selection of a Private Secretary.
CHAPTER XXXI. A NEW ERA IN SOCIETY. President Hayes and his Wife—The Ohio Idea of Total Abstinence and its Evasion—Social Life at the White House—A New Era in Washington Society—The President's Silver Wedding—Reunion of Old Friends—Petition of ex-Senator Christiancy for a Divorce—Dissolute Young Diplomats.
CHAPTER XXXII. LEADERS AND MEASURES. Overthrow of the Republicans—The Hayes Policy—Thurman, of Ohio— Bayard, of Delaware—Beck, of Kentucky—Cockrell, of Missouri— Bruce, of Mississippi—Logan, of Illinois—Anthony, of Rhode Island —Hamlin, of Maine—Edmunds, of Vermont—Conkling, of New York— Carpenter, of Wisconsin—Ingalls, of Kansas—Dawes, of Massachusetts —Blaine, of Maine—Randall, of Pennsylvania—Republican Representatives —Stopping Supplies—Presidential Vetoes—"Pinafore."
CHAPTER XXXIII. TILTS IN CONGRESS. Celebration of the King of Spain's Marriage—Criminations and Recriminations at the Capitol—Tilt Between Carpenter and Blaine— Altercation Between Conkling and Gordon—Sharp Words Between Mahone and Voorhees—New Set of China for the White House.
CHAPTER XXXIV. STRUGGLE FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION. General Grant's Friends in the Field—The Inter-Oceanic Ship Canal —Personal Popularity of Senator Blaine—John Sherman Supported by General Garfield—Political Double-Dealing—Garfield's Speech at Chicago—Nomination of Garfield and Arthur—Visit of General Grant to Washington—A Cold New Year's Day—Reception at the White House —Official Presentations—Appointment of Mr. Blaine as Secretary of State.
CHAPTER XXXV. THE GARFIELD INAUGURATION. Washington City Crowded—The Weather Inclement—Military and Civic Procession—Crowds in the Senate Chamber—General Garfield's Mother, Wife, and Daughter—Hancock, the Superb—Plucky Phil Sheridan— Decorated Diplomats—Installation of Vice-President Arthur—Majestic Scene in Front of the Capitol—The Inaugural and the Oath of Office —Grand Review—Inauguration Ball.
CHAPTER XXXVI. CHANGES AND DISSENSIONS. Republicans Deprived of Their Majority in the Senate—Rival New York Factions—Declaration of Hostility Against Senator Conkling— Contest Over the Confirmation of the Collector of New York— Resignation of Senators Conkling and Platt—Significant Speech by Senator Mahone—A Defiant Challenge—Inauguration of the Statue of Farragut—President Garfield at the College for Deaf Mutes.
CHAPTER XXXVII. THE ASSASSINATION. Garfield's Domestic Felicity—His Masonic and Literary Relations— The Garfield Family at the White House—Perplexities Environing the Administration—Mrs. Garfield the First Lady in the Land—Her Illness—The Assassination—The Long Agony—Death of President Garfield—Funeral Ceremonies at Washington—Interment at Cleveland —Trial of Guiteau—His Conviction and Execution.
CHAPTER XXXVIII. VICE PRESIDENT ARTHUR BECOMES PRESIDENT. The Deplorable Calamity—Mental Anguish of Vice-President Arthur— He Takes the Oath at New York, and Repeats it at Washington— Individual Preferences Subordinated to Public Welfare—Principles of the New Administration—Executive Vetoes—Changes in the Senate —Leading Senators—Mr. Bayard President Pro Tempore One Day— Senator David Davis Chosen to Preside Pro Tempore.
CHAPTER XXXIX. THE CENTENNIAL OF YORKTOWN. President Arthur's Appearance—Reception of French and German Officers at Washington—Their Presentation to President Arthur at the Capitol—Display of Fireworks—The Yorktown Celebration— Secretary Blaine's Entertainment to the Nation's Guests—Fete at the French Legation.
CHAPTER XL. PRESIDENT ARTHUR'S ADMINISTRATION. The Republicans Again in Power—A New Cabinet—Mr. Conkling Appointed a Justice of the Supreme Court—The Garfield Memorial Services at the Capitol—Mr. Blaine's Eulogy on the Deceased President—Attacks on the Administration—Daily Life of the President—The Star-Route Trials.
CHAPTER XLI. GAY AND FESTIVE SCENES. President Arthur's New Year's Reception—Dr. Mary Walker—Senator Hoar's Welcome Dinner to Mr. Justice Gray—President Arthur's Dinner in Honor of General and Mrs. Grant—The Guests and what the Ladies Wore—Mr. Blaine's New Home—Marriage of Colonel Coppinger to Miss Blaine.
CHAPTER XLII. THE WASHINGTON NATIONAL MONUMENT. Senator Anthony's Fifth Term—His Election as President Pro Tempore, and Declination—Officers of the Senate—Democratic Tidal Wave in the House—Speaker John G. Carlisle—A Gay Washington Season —Good Dinners—Improvement of the Metropolis—Procession and Addresses at the Completion of the Washington Monument—An Exciting Presidential Campaign—The Result—Departure of General Arthur from the White House.
CHAPTER XLIII. PRESIDENT CLEVELAND. The Metropolis Crowded—The Procession—Vice-President Hendricks Sworn In—The Inaugural—The President's Oath—Inauguration Ball— The Cabinet—Secretaries Bayard, Manning, Endicott, Whitney, and Lamar—Postmaster-General Vilas—Attorney-General Garland—The Council Table.
CHAPTER XLIV. OFFICIAL AND SOCIAL LIFE. Executive Work—General Reception—Office-Seekers—Miss Rose Elizabeth Cleveland—A State Dinner at the White House—The Guests —Toilets of the Ladies—Sad Death of Mrs. and Miss Bayard—Mrs. Secretary Whitney—Death of Vice-President Hendricks.
CHAPTER XLV. THE FORTY-NINTH CONGRESS. John Sherman President pro tem.—The Fitz John Porter Debate— Unpleasantness between Kansas and South Carolina—Senator Gorman, of Maryland—Senator Kenna, of West Virginia—General Manderson, of Nebraska—Senator Spooner, of Wisconsin—Wedding Present to Secretary McCook—Mr. Speaker Carlisle—Representative Breckinridge, of Kentucky—Drawing of Seats—Prominent Representatives—The Lobby, Male and Female.
CHAPTER XLVI. THE PRESIDENT'S WEDDING Floral Decorations—The Bride's Attire—The Ceremony—The Marriage Supper—Departure of the Wedded Couple—Receptions at the White House—The Diplomats and their Ladies—Dinner Parties—The Leader of Society—Congress and the President—Vetoes—Office-Seekers— Summer Recreations.
CHAPTER XLVII. A SUMMING UP OF SIXTY YEARS. Phenomenal Progress of Washington—Growth of the United States— Proud Position of the Republic—Improvements at the National Capital —Tone of Society—War Demoralization—Plunderers and Impudent Lobbyists—Tone of Political Newspapers—Congressional Claimants— Southern Influence—Shoddy and Veneer—A Literary and Scientific Centre—The Smithsonian Institution, the National Museum, the Fish Commission, and other Scientific Collections—The Cosmos Club— L'Envoi.
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