Democratic Sentinel, Volume 2, Number 39, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 November 1878 — Miss Abbott at the White House. [ARTICLE]

Miss Abbott at the White House.

It is well known that Mrs. Hayes is especially friendly to artists, and always extends to them an invitation to call on her while staying in Washington. In response to her kind invitation Miss Emma Abbott informally A’isited her Sunday evening. On leaving her carriage at the White House Miss Abbott met Gen. Sherman and. his daughter, and the General said, “ Why, Miss Abbott, is that you? What a fortunate thing it is that I came this evening,” and he gallantly escorted the lady to the red parlor. President and Mrs. Hayes, Gen. and Mrs. Hastings and Chief Justice Waite were introduced, and later in the evening Attorney General Devens and Representative McKinley called, and a most delightful evening was enjoyed. As Mrs. Hayes had expressed a wish for Miss Abbott to sing some hymns, a pianist came in about 9 o’clock, and Miss Abbott sang the hymn, “Nearer, My God, to Thee,” especially prepared for her, Avith such pathos and power that it dreAv tears from her listeners. The President, anxious that his little daughter should hear Miss Abbott, had her waked up, and the nurse came doAvn to the parlor Avitli her Avhile Miss Abbott was singing. It was a great surprise to Miss Abbott to meet Chief Justice Waite, aa-lio heard her sing nine years ago, in Toledo, alter the eventful journey on AA'hicli she sold her dress to get money to reach that city. Miss Abbott related the incidents of that journey, her hunger, cold, cheerlessness, her desperation, and the temptation to commit suicide, so touchingly that it will not soon be forgotten. —Washington Star.