Hay Adams' Select Author Series featuring Robert W. Merry

Colette Marquez and Douglas Camp

Kay Enokido, president of the Hay Adams and author Bob Merry

Barbara Kapusto and Sylvia Symington

Guests braved the rain for the Hay Adams' Select Author Series featuring Robert W. Merry, author of A Country of Vast Designs---James K. Polk, the Mexican War and the Conquest of the American Continent. Merry was introduced by longtime friend David Ignatius, associate editor of The Washington Post.

Those lunching at the event dined on a menu adapted from a public dinner given by the Honorable James K. Polk in the St. Louis Hotel in 1849. The main course was roasted salmon, lemon caper sauce and fresh vegetables. After lunch, Merry signed copies of his book.

— Report and photographs by Kate Oczypok

Author Bob Merry signs his new book

Susan Porter, Ellen Bennett, and Willee Lewis, members of the Hay Adams Women's Advisory Group

J.F. Seznec and Ginny Lezhnev

Aram Bakshiam, former aide to Presidents Nixon, Ford and Reagan who reviewed Merry's book in The Wall Street Journal and Sue Merry, Bob's wife.

Former Rep. Jim Symington, Carr Davis and Jill Davis