pensive apparel, but no peer of hers eclipsed her in her rich simplicity. Alone she stood so tastily arrayed that the poor who came were not abashed by her presence, nor the rich offended at her rarer toi lette. The perfect harmony of her appearance pleased the eyes of all. Perhaps there will never be another family in the Executive Mansion so democratic, and so consistent withal, as President Johnson's, taking with them into every position the unassuming airs of thorough refinement and the geniality of Southern hospitality. There are some who have spoken and written of them as cold, formal people, and who even now pronounce them stern and distant.

Too many, unacquainted with their real characters, supposed that their unexpected elevation would disconcert them, and not a few felt it incumbent upon themselves to press their services and experience, and to initiate the ladies into the mysteries of public receptions. To such they were ever repel lent, deeming their own judgment sufficient for any emergency; but to the many friends of other days, who found always a welcome in their home, they delighted to show the sunny side of their natures, and share with them their stately home.

A little child, in the mighty tide which poured through the Blue Room at one of the last receptions, was led by her father to the presence of the President. Frightened and shrinking, she stood while the father was introduced, looking as if tears and a mother's arms would only relieve her emotion. The President was not unmindful of her proximity, or her sensations, and

tenderly drawing her to him, kissed her. Quick as a flash her little face changed, and the downcast eyes looked reliantly into his, expressing so much gratitude and love that he smiled to see the transfiguration. A simple act had altered the current of her feelings, and all the evening she walked the parlors with a flushed happy face, and springing step, expressing in her man. ners the satisfaction she felt.

Genuine kindness of heart prompted the many little attentions so often bestowed by Mrs. Stover. Ofttimes a family from the rural districts would approach, and confused and embarrassed in so strange a place, they would hesitate until the extended hand of the appreciative hostess would remove all difficulties, and they would go their way rejoicing, in the pleasing reflection that they had done so well.

Caring little for the attractions of a gay capital, Mrs. Stover decided to leave the White House some time before the removal of the family, and an enter prising daily contained this announcement: "Mrs. Stover and her children left Washington this morning, for their home in Tennessee, via the Orange and Alexandria Railroad. They were accompanied to the Potomac Ferry wharf by the President, and Mrs. Senator Patterson, who returned to the Executive Mansion after seeing the party safely on the Alexandria steamer." Once more in her childhood's home, she began preparations for the return of her invalid mother the following month, and was, as she expressed it, "happy as the days were long." True to the well-established principles of her life, she found solid comfort and peace

in the serene enjoyments of home, and longed for a reunion in Tennessee of their wandering family. Eight years had passed since the father had left his home to go to his duties as Senator, and many and varied were the changes which had passed over them. She gladly aired the long-closed house, and built warm fires to dry its dampness, and when the shouts of the multitude, and the noise of innumerable voices told of the arrival, the old arm chair was wheeled to its accustomed place, and the heart of the daughter beat for joy.

Again united and at home, withdrawn from public life, its cares and crosses, I am admonished that my task is done.

Tried and proved true in the high station of a President's daughter, she will never be found wanting in any position in life, and into her retirements the kind wishes and sincere thanks of the American people follow her.

Mrs. Stover was married to Mr. Wm. R. Brown, of Greenville, the 20th of April, 1869. The ceremony was performed at 8 o'clock P.M. No persons save the members of the family being present.

The bride immediately removed to her husband's home, across the street from her parent's home, where the kind wishes of all who knew her followed.

MRS. U. S. GRANT.

THE inauguration of General Grant as President of the United States, places his wife in the exalted social position of Mistress of the White House. Mrs. Grant's first reception, on the 4th of March, 1869, marked the passing away of just four-score years since Mrs. Washington so gracefully dispensed the ceremonious hospitality of the Executive Mansion.

Her husband being the youngest man who has oc cupied the Presidential office, he consequently brings into the White House the novelty of a family of youthful children, and a wife who is still possessed of the ambition to shine in society, and who enjoys the blandishments and excitements of high social position. As yet there can be little said in regard to her life at the house of the Presidents, for much of her time has been spent away from the Capital since the elevation of her husband, and the season for receptions and entertainments has not been inaugurated.

The prestige of General Grant's military reputa tion adds lustre to his present position, and can but render any triumph of political life the more signal, since his experiences have been of a widely different character. Upon Mrs. Grant, therefore, devolves the pleasure of performing a twofold part, in the discharge of which the people of this country desire her entire

success.