We glided over the electric ground with the speed of lightning and smooth
harmony of music. The road over which we rolled was white and lustrous as
parian marble, and adorned on either side with most rare and beautiful
forms of foliage; ever and anon we passed gay cavalcades and bands of
spirits, who were evidently, from their festal garments, and the bright
emanations which they diffused through the air, bound for some harmonial
gathering on one of the numerous islands which dot the sparkling river
Washingtonia, so named after George Washington.

The distance from the point whence I started, according to earth's
computation, was over one hundred miles; but though I desired my guide to
move onward as slowly as possible, that I might enjoy the prospect before
me, we reached our destination in less than a quarter of an hour!

I had received a special invitation from Henry Clay to visit him on this
occasion, as he had called together some choice friends to give me
welcome; yet, although I knew I was expected, my surprise cannot be
described upon beholding the air filled with bevies of beautiful ladies,
like radiant birds, approaching, with the sound of music and flutter of
flowers, to receive me. Thus surrounded and escorted, I was borne to the
noble palace (for such it may be justly termed) of Henry Clay.

The structure is of white alabaster, faced with a pale yellow
semi-transparent stone, which glistened most gorgeously. The form of the
building is unlike any order of architecture with which I had been
acquainted. The avenue by which it was approached was decorated
alternately with statues of representative Americans, and a peculiar
flowering tree, whose green leaves and yellow blossoms, of gossamer
texture, resembled the fine mist of a summer morning. Terminating, this
avenue was the main entrance, surmounted by the grand dome of the