Waifs from Washington VIII. The Premier

In this "Waif," Umos focuses most of his attention on the Secretary of State, Lewis Cass. First, Umos discusses his failed presidential bid in 1848 and his current personal and professional habits and demeanor. In the second section of his column, Umos writes for the "Ada Clares" and the other female readers of the Press (as well as regular readers of his column) about his attendance at one of General Cass's salons at the home of his daugther, Mrs. Henry Ledyard. Umos describes the home, the artwork, the assembled company and dignitaries, and the manners and dress of all attendees, with a particular focus on the women towards the end of his column.