Page:The autobiography of a Pennsylvanian.djvu/57

 At a later period he invited Mr. Webster to visit again his home, to which the Senator replied:

, July 1st, 1852.

Isaac A. Pennypacker, Esq.,
 * Phœnixville, Penna.



I am quite obliged to you for your very friendly letter, for the cordial sentiments which it contains, and the hospitality which you proffer me. I shall hardly be able to visit Pennsylvania this season, otherwise it would give me great satisfaction to visit the section of country in which you reside, and witness the improvements that are in progress around you.
 * With great regard,
 * Very truly yours,

There were likewise visits from people in other lines of life. Signor Blitz, the conjurer, gave a private exhibition of his skill, in the sitting-room, in the presence of my father and mother, of us amazed children, and a medical student or two. He took a silver dollar, marked it so that it might be recognized and placed it on his knee as he sat on a chair. Over the dollar he then put a kid glove; after a slight manipulation, the glove was lifted and the dollar had disappeared. One of the party pointed out by Blitz found it in his vest pocket. Of course the difficulty of such performances was increased by the absence of implements.

Charles H. Stratton, “Tom Thumb,” on exhibition by Barnum, came to the house, was carried to the roof and told us in a feeble voice with sprightly manner the details of his kindly treatment by Queen Victoria, whom he had lately visited. The dress invented for women by Miss Bloomer began to attract attention and lead to discussion. One afternoon my Aunt Gertrude K. Whitaker, then a young lady, and her cousin, Mary A. Bavis, came to the house on a sort of an escapade dressed in short skirts and baggy breeches, but the recollection I have is made 4