Rensselaer Republican, Volume 15, Number 2, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 September 1882 — “The Mocking Bird." [ARTICLE]

“The Mocking Bird."

According to a Washington correspondent an old attache of the White House relates the following incident: “The first time ‘The Mocking Bird’ was ever played,l believe,was by the Marine Band. It was during Buchanan’s term, and his niece, Miss Harriet Lane, presided with a grace rarely equaled at the White House. The leader of the band bad requested Miss Lane to allow him ro dedicate * the piece to her, and she had consented, inviting a large company to listen tp the first rendition. The band leader, following the programme, first presented Miss Lane with a card, on which was painted a mocking bird and the inscription ‘To you.’ The composition was played in splendid style, and I have never heard it since but wliat that scene was recalled. I can see Miss Lane bow her acknowledgments again and again, and almost hear I lie murmur of applause from the assemblage. The flavor of that evening hnng about the band concerts for maqy a day.” Over 9,000 new farms were started on Government lands in Minnesota and Dakota during the year ending June 30, 1682.