Washington City
Dec. 14 1845
Mary
I hardly know of what to make up a letter
to you. Of matters which agitate the political
world, if you choose to take interest, they may be
better learned from the papers than from a letter.
As to the matters in female society here and of
fashionable society movements here, I know but,
little of them but can say there has as yet been
no parties at the houses of the public functionaries
and very little display or movement has been made.
There are very few of the ladies of whig members here
this winter as yet. Mr. Crittenden has not his lady,
of whom you have often heard me speak, here this
season. The Mrs. Potter house is wholly possessed by
Locofocos & the old mess dispersed.
I went on Saturday to the Presidents house
with Mr. Foot, it being a pleasant day. It was
cabinet day & the President not to be seen. We looked
about the house which has been repaired & refurnished
and now looks quite well, the great parlor, the
east room especially. The Circular Parlor too has
actually been cleaned and refurnished elegantly.
We were introduced to Mrs. Polk in her
parlor. She is a very well appearing lady of
apparently between 45 & 50. I had heard she
was habitually plain in dress but, I now learn,
from very good authority , that it is entirely otherwise
and certain it is she was when I saw her much
dressed for so common an occasion. She is un-
doubtedly a gay lady for one of her age & who is
a member of the Presbyterian Church.
Our Congressional prayer meetings have not yet
been resumed, no chaplain having been elected.
My letters and papers from the north have
thus far come from the north exceedingly slow,
generally. I presume the winter arrangement
of mail has not become complete. Your
mothers letter is the only one I have recd. from the
family. I cannot but think that the exertions
of all of you combined might afford in more
letters than I alone write you.
Please to give my respects to Mr. Wright & lady
and other friends. I observe by the papers
that Mr. L. Marsh is appointed Probate Register
in place of Mr. Billings. I should think that
make family disturbance, How is it.
With my love to your mother & parental
affection to you & commending you to
the Divine guidance & protection I remain.
Your Affectionate Father
J. Collamer