The future orator and reformer is plainly foreshadowed in this burst of
indignation, to which Mr. McLean replies in part:
I was agreeably disappointed in Van Buren's personal appearance.
From what I had heard of him as a little, smooth, intriguing
arch-magician, I expected his looks would bear that out but it was
far to the contrary. He is quite old and gray, very grave and
careworn. His dress was perfectly plain, not the least sign of
jewelry save his watch seal which was solid gold. I saw him drink
no wine, although there was plenty about him, nor did your father
and mother who saw him dine at the United States Hotel. If you do
not like him because he tastes wine, how can you like Henry Clay
who drinks it freely? Mr. Webster drinks wine also. At a Whig
festival got up in Boston in his honor, at which he and 1,200 other
Whigs were present, there were drunk 2,300 bottles of champagne,
two bottles to each man. Mr. Clay attended balls at the Springs. He
had a slave with him to wait on him and hand him water to clear out
his throat while he was speaking; and this while he was preaching
liberty and declaring what a fine thing this freedom is!
While at New Rochelle Susan becomes greatly interested in the culture
of silk-worms, upon which the principal was experimenting. She writes
home full descriptions and urges them to ascertain if black mulberry
trees grow about there; she herself knew of one. She insists that the
sisters can teach school and take care of the silk-worms at the same
time, but evidently receives no encouragement as no more is heard of
the project. She retains the keenest interest in every detail of the
life at home. She sends some cherry stones to be planted because the
cherries were the largest and best she ever ate. A box of shells is
carefully gathered for brother Merritt, and sent with a grass linen
handkerchief for sister Mary. She sends back her mother's shawl for
fear she may need it more than herself. In the currant season she
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