Passed a comfortable night, walked out before breakfast and had a
pleasant chat with F. T. During breakfast two or three boys driving away
the flies by means of large ostrich feathers. Find that it is not common
to sell slaves by public auction. F. T. said it was believed that if
made free next winter, one third would die for want; but on mentioning
St. Domingo he could make no reply, he said they were a different race
of men. At ten we were taken in a coach by Mr. White, M.P. for New York,
to see the President[13]; waited a short time in an ante-room with
others, then were ushered into a large room furnished with books and
papers. A tall, straight, old, thin-faced man with grey hair rose, and
on my name being mentioned he bowed and shook hands. After a little
conversation about losing his teeth by attempting artificial ones, which
had dragged the remainder out until only his wise teeth remained, we
left him, bowing and shaking hands again. Walked into parts of the house
or palace; saw a very noble room where about 1500 attend five or six
times a year. Rode in the same carriage to the Capitol; and were shown
into the Hall of Representatives; a great many members present but not
easily heard in consequence of the muttering in the House. Thence walked
through the Dome containing several pictures, the _Declaration of
Independence_, _Surrender of Burgoyne and Cornwallis_, and _Washington
giving up his Commission_. Thence went to the Senate; was introduced to
Mr. Clay who could not tell me respecting R. Monks, as the cholera had
made terrible ravages last year at Lexington.