Ulysses S. Grant was inaugurated March 4, 1869, in the disagreeable weather that had become traditional for these ceremonies in Washington. The weather, however, could not dampen the hilarious spirit of the vast throngs that had descended upon the city. No man ever came into the office more thoroughly approved and honoured by the American people. He was the idol of the military through the war; and the military, in dispersing to their homes, carried and spread the fame of “Unconditional Surrender” Grant to every city and hamlet and crossroads. The President elect rode with General Rawlins, escorted by eight divisions of organizations of military regulars and volunteers (among them several companies of coloured men) and numerous civic and patriotic organizations. Never did Washington witness such packed streets. Trains had been unloading thousands daily, and every Washingtonian able to leave his bed was out to do his bit to honour the President elect who had so greatly endeared himself to the people of the district in his four years of residence among them. President Johnson did not accompany him, but went to the capitol early to sign bills. Mr. Colfax, with the senatorial committee, followed General Grant, and after the installation of the Vice President, the presidential oath was given to the incoming President by Chief Justice Chase in the presence of the multitude assembled around the East Portico. The inaugural address was brief and direct and set forth the fact that he “would have a definite policy of his own upon all subjects to recommend but none to enforce against the will of the people.” The General’s prideful family sat close by. His little daughter Nellie, startled at the confusion, ran with childish instinct to her father for protection and, after getting hold of his hand, remained contentedly at his side. The climax of the day’s events was the ball held in the north wing of the Treasury Department. The President and Mrs. Grant and Vice President and Mrs. Colfax attended. Mrs. Grant wore an unusually rich and handsome gown of elegant white satin elaborately trimmed in point lace with pearl and diamond ornaments, while Mrs. Colfax was especially lovely in soft pink satin, with a profusion of pink illusion (tulle), offset by pearls.