of the
Diplomatic Corps wore their court uniforms. A few nights afterward
President Tyler gave a "parting ball" at the White House, his young
and handsome wife receiving the guests with distinguished grace.
Mr. Polk was prevented from attending by the indisposition of his
wife, but the Vice-President-elect, Mr. Dallas, with his splendid
crown of white hair, towered above all other guests except General
Scott and "Long John" Wentworth. There was dancing in the East
Room, Mrs. Tyler leading off in the first set of quadrilles with
Mr. Wilkins, the Secretary of War, as her partner. This entertainment
concluded the "Cavalier" reign within the White House, which was
soon ruled with Puritan austerity by Mr. Polk.

Near the close of the session of Congress with which the Administration
of John Tyler terminated, a joint resolution legislating Texas into
the Union was introduced. When it had been passed by the House
after determined resistance, it was discussed, amended, and passed
by the Senate. It reached the President on the 2d of March, received
his immediate approval, and the next day a messenger was started
for Texas, to have it accepted, and thus secure annexation.

On the morning of the 4th of March, 1845, Mr. Tyler left the White
House, not caring to assist in the inauguration of his successor.
As the Potomac steamer was about to swing away from the wharf,
which was crowded with people who were glad to see the ex-President
depart, he came along with his family, a squadron of colored
servants, and a great lot of luggage. As they alighted from their
carriages at the head of the wharf the whistle sounded, the boat's
bell rang, and she began slowly to move away. Some one in the
crowd sang out, "Hello! hello! Captain, hold on there, ex-President
Tyler is coming. Hold on!" The captain, an old Clay Whig, standing
near the stern of the boat on the upper deck, looked over the rail,
saw the Presidential crowd coming, but pulled his engine bell
violently and shouted, "Ex-President Tyler be dashed! let him stay!"
This scene was lithographed and copies hung for years in many of
the saloons and public houses of Washington.

[Facsimile]
S. A. Douglas
STEPHEN ARNOLD DOUGLAS was born at Brandon, Vermont, April 23d,
1813; was a Representative in Congress from Illinois, 1843-1847;
was United States Senator from 1847 until his death at Chicago,
June 3d, 1861.

CHAPTER XXV.
RESTORATION OF THE DEMOCRATS.

James Knox Po