dress.
In his reply, Mr. Van Buren made his only known _lapsus linguae_
by addressing them as the "Democratic corps." It was not until
after his attention had been called to the mistake that he corrected
himself, and stated that he had intended to say "Diplomatic Corps."
In that evening two inauguration balls were given.

Many strangers had been unable to find conveyances to take them
away and could not obtain lodging places. It was interesting,
toward nightfall, to witness the gathering anxiety in many a good
citizen's countenance as he went from boarding-house to hotel, and
from hotel to private residence, seeking lodgings in vain. Money
could indeed procure the most luxurious dishes and the rarest
beverages; but while the palate could be gratified there was no
rest for weary limbs. "Beds! beds! beds!" was the general cry.
Hundreds slept in the market-house on bundles of hay, and a party
of distinguished Bostonians passed the night in the shaving-chairs
of a barber's shop.

General Jackson soon left for Tennessee, relieved from the cares
of the Presidential station, and exhibiting an unwonted gaiety of
spirit. During the previous winter he had not expected to live
until the conclusion of his term, and he could but feel buoyant
and happy in finding himself sufficiently recovered to undertake
the journey, with the prospect of enjoying some years at the
Hermitage, in the midst of the agricultural occupations of which
he was so fond.

President Van Buren was the first President who had not been born
a British subject, yet he was at heart a monarchist, opposed to
universal suffrage, and in favor of a strong central government,
although he had reached his exalted position by loud professions
of democracy. He endeavored to establish a personal intimacy with
every one presented to him, and he ostensibly opened his heart for
inspection. The tone of his voice was that of a thorough frankness,
accompanied by a pleasant smile, but a fixed expression at the
corners of his mouth and the searching look of his keen eyes showed
that he believed, with Talleyrand, that language was given to
conceal thought. He found himself saddled at the commencement of
his Administration with national financial embarrassments, bequeathed
as a legacy by his "illustrious predecessor," as he designated
General Jackson in one of his messages. The destruction of the
United States Bank had forced the transfer of the national funds,
which it h