The Daily Dispatch: February 28, 1861., [Electronic resource]

Lincoln in Washington.

‘ Last night, between 8 and 10 o'clock, there was a noticeable swarming up the stairways, at Willards', leading to Mr. Lincoln's apartments, indicating that he and Mrs. Lincoln were "receiving," which proved to be the case. Gentlemen, unaccompanied by ladies, however, found considerable difficulty in effecting an entrance to the presence, and bachelordom was thus at a decided discount. The fine second-floor promenade passages and halls of this hotel we found brilliant with ladies and their attendant cavaliers. Threading a devious way amongst the crinoline difficulties of the path, the parlor in which Mrs. Lincoln was holding her reception was attained. Her pleasant face won readily upon her visitors, as did the unaffected kindness and ease of her manner. The verdict of the ladies, who, of course, critically scanned her, as is the wont of their sex, was that "she will do," for the White House.

’ The path to Mr. Lincoln was rather more rugged; for, after his room was reached, lo! he was backed up in a corner, and so button-holed by successive squads of eager individuals -- each of whom, by his earnest gesticulations, had something of vital importance to communicate --that quiet folks who went there simply to pay their respects to him as citizens, contented themselves with a bow and a look at the coming man. The eye, in glancing around his apartment, could not fail to note the large piano literally loaded down with the cards showered upon the President elect by those who would button-hole him.

In the course of the evening, Hon. John Bell, of Tennessee, by request of Mr. Lincoln, had an interview with him, which was of some length.

After dinner there was some turning of eyes in the direction of the smoking-room at Willards', it being noticed that Mr. Robert Lincoln was enjoying a cigar there, in company with some friends. A couple of well-known harpists were performing there at the same time, and a group of disunionists had the bad taste to induce the harpists to play "Dixie," the adopted national air of Secession, for the benefit of young Lincoln. The musicians, however, on ascertaining the purpose for which they were being used, made the thing even by performing "Hail Columbia," with all the extras.

This morning Mr. Lincoln was occupied with engagements with his friends, many of whom called from 9 A. M. up to 2 P. M. At 10 ½ o'clock Mr. Lincoln rode out, and was gone till 12 M.

Among those who called upon Mr. Lincoln to-day, were Gov. Seward, Senator Sumner, the New York, Pennsylvania and Indiana Congressional delegations, Judge Harris, Vice-President Hamlin, and others. Gov. Hicks, of Maryland, also called upon Mr. Lincoln, and held a protracted consultation with him.

The only exception made to the rule prohibiting the admission of strangers, was the case of a number of Virginia gentlemen who called and were at once admitted to an interview. They afterwards expressed themselves very much pleased with the President elect.

The States gives the following about one of the prominent attendants of "old Abe:"

‘ One of the most indefatigable workers against Cameron is said to be Mr. Judd, whose name has got into the papers rather extensively of late in connection with that of the President elect. Judd is here, Judd is there, Judd is everywhere. At Willards' one hears nothing but Judd. " Have you seen Judd?" -- "Where's Judd!" "There's Judd!" "Better see Judd." "Judd knows." "I'll tell Judd."--"Judd says so." " Judd's very busy." "Saw Judd just now!" "Judd won't do it!" -- "Judd'll see to that." " Judd'll do it, if man can." "Show this man to Judd." "Letters for Judd." "Ask Judd to take a drink." -- "Judd's coming." "D — n it, Judd's gone!" "I want to see Judd. " "Hallo, Judd!" "Good day, Judd." "Good bye, Judd." -- "Don't forget, Judd." "Now's your chance with Judd." "Judd's great." "Judd's immense." " Must see Judd!" "Judd's engaged all day, sir, all night, to-morrow, and the day after." "One moment, Judd." In fact, it is Judd, Judd, Judd.

’ I had a great anxiety to see this wonderful man. He is a chunky gentleman, of about five feet five inches. Has a broad, ruddy face, which shows well from the contrast of his grey hair and flowing beard approaching to whiteness. He has a dark blue eye, hooked nose — rather short, and a mouth neither expressive nor forcible. He is evidently a character of much more tact than talent, and is fully impressed with the onus of the mysterious position he occupies in relation to the President elect. The shrewd ones slyly say he managed to make Mr. Lincoln believe that he nominated him, and so puts in for a large share of the spoils.