"Buck" in seat of honor on way to the Capitol (Courtesy Library of Congress LC-USZ62-331)
Wrapping It Up With The Old Public Functionary
The Procession to the Inauguration
150 years ago today the Lincoln administration was taking over in Washington, D.C. Here’s a bit more about outgoing President James Buchanan from The New-York Times March 6, 1861 (The New York Times Archive):
From Our Special Correspondent.
NATIONAL HOTEL, WASHINGTON, Tuesday, March 5, 1861 — 3 o’clock A.M.
Though the streets of the city are deserted, and no noise, save that of the occasional rapping of the watchman’s club, is heard, the busy feet of the merry dancers still trip gaily on the floor of the Inauguration ball-room. Monday was, as you may imagine, an exciting day, and as well an interesting one…
A brief resume of what has fallen under the eye of your correspondent may be of interest to the readers of the TIMES, who have not found all that they require under the telegraphic announcement of this evening. …
After breakfast I sauntered up towards Willard’s…
Soon the sound of brass and leather announced that President BUCHANAN was approaching, and sure enough, looking from the window, we saw the old man in his barouche, surrounded by soldiers of a sanguinary appearance. In a few moments Mr. LINCOLN was with him, promptness and exact obedience to engagement being with him imperative rules of life. As he took his seat in the barouche, Mr. BUCHANAN occupying the seat of honor, Mr. LINCOLN was saluted with cheers of the most enthusiastic nature, which were continued the whole ride from the hotel to the Capitol.
The procession was like all other similar performances, gotten up for the delectation of some grand or chief marshal, and the prospective tickling of an indefinite number of assistant marshals and aids, and so on. There was a good band, a car-load of pretty girls, thirty-four in all, each one of whom personated a State; militia-men, who walked like country paupers on a semi-diluted spree, and that climax of absurdities, “citizens in carriages.” However, the road was lined with people, was crowded with people, and every place was occupied by some man more or less distinguished in the world of science, politics, learning, or nothing. The brass band exhausted its capabilities and the endurance of the throats of the musicians. Patriotic airs were generally played, though I noticed that “Way down South in Dixie” was a great favorite with anybody who knew what a good tune was, and, as slowly the procession moved on, the President elect was obliged, in response to repeated calls, to rise and bow with hat in hand.
“Buck” Changes Mind One Last Time
A couple days ago we noted that President Buchanan had decided to court-martial Captain John Pope for insubordination. There’s been an update in the March 6th issue of The Times (The New York Times Archive):
WASHINGTON, Tuesday, March 5. …
Mr. BUCHANAN, yesterday, ordered the proceedings for the Court-martial of Capt. POPE to be discontinued. The reason he assigns for so doing is that he don’t think the Captain’s reflections upon him in the Cincinnati lecture did him any harm. That is pretty good. …
Wheatland - Place where Old Public Functionary retired
WASHINGTON, Monday, March 4. …
Ex-President BUCHANAN departed on his journey to Wheatland this afternoon. He was escorted to the railroad station by two mounted and two infantry companies, together with the Committee from that locality and prominent citizens of Washington. He exchanged many farewell hand-shakings, appearing to be deeply affected by the manifestations of friendship; and when be bowed adieu to the large crowds, as the train was about to start, they further testified their respect by vigorous cheers.
At least during the secession crisis President Buchanan seemed very indecisive.
For a balanced view of Buchanan during the secession crisis check out Disunion
Wheatland was inherited by Harriet Lane. Harriet sold it in 1881.
The photo of Wheatland is licensed under Creative Commons
