20The White House
Washington, D.C.
November 1904
Lieutenant Junior Grade Stephen Morrison, naval aide to Secretary of the Navy Paul Morton, hated wearing his mess dress uniform, but for a White House reception, it was mandatory. He had been warned that formal dress functions would become part of his job, and tonight would be the first time he had to attend such an affair. Standing near the far corner of the East Room, he surveyed the throng of guests, all elegantly attired. As the orchestra played quietly in the background, the guests mingled as waiters offered both drinks and heavy hors d’oeuvres to them. On the far side of the room, Morrison could see President Roosevelt engaged in animated conversation with a small crowd of admirers who gathered around him. Although Morrison had not
