Once, on the occasion of a state dinner, President Arthur came to
the door of the main lobby of the White House, where the Marine
Band was always stationed, and beckoning me to his side asked me to
play the "Cachuca." When I explained that we did not have the
music with us but would be glad to include it in the next
programme, the President looked surprised and remarked:

"Why, Sousa, I thought you could play anything. I'm sure you can;
now give us the 'Cachuca.'"

This placed me in a predicament, as I did not wish the President to
believe that the band was not at all times able to respond to his
wishes. Fortunately, one of the bandmen remembered the melody and
played it over softly to me on his cornet in a corner. I hastily
wrote out several parts for the leading instruments, and told the
rest of the band to vamp in the key of E flat. Then we played the
"Cachuca" to the entire satisfaction of Mr. Arthur, who came again
to the door and said: "There, I knew you could play it."

The ladies of the White House were always interested in the music,
and frequently suggested selections for the programmes, Mrs. Hayes
being particularly fond of American ballads. During the brief
Garfield administration there were no state receptions or dinners
given by the President, and the band did not play at the White
House, except for a few of Mrs. Garfield's receptions immediately
after the inauguration. While Mrs. McElroy was mistress of the
Executive Mansion for her brother, President Arthur, the lighter
music was much in favor, as there were always many young people at
the Mansion.