Chapter I: Preface

This small volume is the first of a series, which the author proposes to write for the amusement, and he hopes, for the information of his countrymen. This is “Mysteries,” the next will be “Humbugs of Washington city” and the third volume if deemed necessary, to reform the public morals, will be “the crimes of Washington city.” Whoever reads this little work, will find in it no malice, nor even ill will towards individuals, whom the author wishes to reform, not to destroy, by exposing vice and recommending virtue in its loveliness and beauty. He is happy to be able to say, that the people of this district have been growing better during twenty years past. Several of the Departments, perhaps all of them, are better conducted than formerly. There is in them a better system. We refer more especially to the Treasury Department--the General Land Office and the Department of the General Post Office. The State Department is and always was well enough. All party spirit has been carefully avoided in writing this little book. Feeling no ill will towards any one, for opinion’s sake, the author has expressed none towards the good men with whom he has freely associated during several months past. Treated kindly himself by men of all parties, he has endeavored to treat them as they have treated him, during this protracted session of Congress. In his _next volume_ he proposes to describe the Patent Office, the War Office and the Navy Department. He hopes to be able soon to begin his visits to them, and continue his visits until he understands fully what is in those departments, so that the people can learn correctly whether _common report_ be true or false respecting them. THE INDIAN BUREAU WILL BE EXAMINED.

Errors in this first edition of an original work could not be avoided, and the reader, it is hoped, will correct them as he reads the work the first time. Unless this volume is soon sold, his next work, “THE HUMBUGS” will be put to the press when Congress rises. The author will _take off his gloves_ when he writes that volume during the dog-days.

The reader’s humble servant,
THE AUTHOR.
WASHINGTON CITY, June 1st, 1844.

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

Journey to Washington City.--A day at Wheeling, in Virginia.--
Ride to Cumberland over the Alleghany mountains.--Extremely cold
weather in a crowded Stage.--Arrival at Cumberland two hours
too late to take the Rail-road cars to Baltimore, through the
management of stage drivers and tavern keepers, on the route.--
Arrival at Washington City on New Year’s day.--Reflections on the
change in every thing, in the city, since that day fourteen years.
--Interviews with the President, Major William B. Lewis, Governor
Woodbury, and many old friends, at Mrs. Hamilton’s, on Pennsylvania
Avenue.--Biographical Sketch of Levi Woodbury.