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The Republic
Washington, District Of Columbia
What is this article about?
On New Year's Day 1852 in Washington, D.C., a beautiful day featured the President receiving diplomats and hosting a massive public levee with dense crowds causing minor discomforts like fainting. Officials opened houses, streets were thronged, and government offices closed for the delightful occasion.
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New Year's Day.—A more beautiful day than yesterday, ushering in the year 1852, could not have been desired. We had a bright sun and a clear sky, and the weather was mild and pleasant as the most genial of spring.
The President of the United States at eleven o'clock received the diplomatic corps, the gentlemen who composed it appearing in the costume characteristic of the governments which they severally represent.
From twelve to two o'clock the doors of the President's House were opened to the public. Never before have we seen so many persons present on any similar occasion. Strangers, in addition to our citizens, paid their respects to the President, being introduced to him by Mr. Wallach, the United States marshal for the District of Columbia.
As heretofore, officers of the army and navy, in full dress, mingled with the promenaders in the East Room, and all seemed as cheerful as though they had never known a pang of sorrow.
The only complaint was that the crowd in the rooms was entirely too dense for comfort. Not a few ladies and gentlemen were so wedged in that they would have retired could their desires have been gratified. Their only hope of deliverance from being crushed, as they said they apprehended, was to await the pressure from the rear to force them into the ante-room. Ladies fainted, and the attentions usual in such cases were bestowed. Others had their dresses torn and somewhat disarranged, but beyond this we have heard of no serious injuries or results.
The Marine Band performed during the continuance of the levee.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Mayor of the city, and other gentlemen in official stations, opened their houses to their friends, and extended the hospitalities customary on such occasions.
In the afternoon Pennsylvania avenue was thronged with ladies and gentlemen, who could not resist the pleasure of the promenade.
The Government offices were closed, as were likewise the places of business of many of our citizens.
The day passed off delightfully.
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Domestic News Details
Primary Location
District Of Columbia
Event Date
January 1, 1852
Key Persons
Outcome
no serious injuries; some ladies fainted, dresses torn and disarranged; day passed delightfully.
Event Details
Beautiful weather marked New Year's Day 1852. The President received diplomats at 11 a.m. and hosted a public levee from 12 to 2 p.m. with record crowds introduced by Mr. Wallach. Army and navy officers mingled; Marine Band performed. Dense crowds caused discomfort, fainting, and torn dresses. Officials hosted friends; Pennsylvania Avenue thronged in afternoon; government and business offices closed.