The Sun.
London, England, 1822-05-15 00:00:00

THE GRAND CALEDONIAN BALL.

Under the high patronage of so many Ladies of the first rank,
what might not be expected ? The Ball, for the benefit of the
Caledonian Asylum, at ALMACK'S, on Monday night, was one
of the most splendid fetes we have ever seen. The three rooms
were crowded to an excess, for,there were present 1200 persons.
The saloon, at eleven o'clock, presented a spectacle of the
most imposing description, the walls being covered with the
tartons of different clans, surmounted by their proper names
in the Gaelic : this excited an interest and enthusiasm which
words can convey but a faint idea of. What added to the
coup d'ceil, were the objects of the godlike Institution, namely,
the children : they were all boys, from four to fourteen years
of age, the orphans of Scottish heroes, who fell fighting for their
country during the revolutionary war. They were drawn up
before the Duke of "Wellington, who was pleased to express
his satisfaction at their appearance.
The dancing commenced at eleven o'clock, with the Reel of
Tulloch, by the elegant daughters of the House of Wemyss,
the Ladies Charteris. Dense dings 'a, that old and favourite
Highland air, followed. All were Scots tunes, and the qua-
drilles were taken from the most admired pieces of olden
times. If the Head of every Highland Clan was not present,
there was his representative. The Duke of Argyll was in
full costume; and, among the Chieftains, was Macdonald, of
Sky, bearing the celebrated sword of the Pretender. The
Duchess of Buccleuch was splendidly dressed, and a' Lady (a
stranger) was as glittering as the starry firmament.
The crowd and heat were so oppressive that but few could
dance till two o'clock (many then retired), and then the spirit
of the scene commenced. Mr. Stuart Nicholson (who has long
borne the belle) then threw off with the true Ili,ghland
Unhappily a rival appeared (a stranger) who excelled. His ac-
tivity and grace surprised the best judges. The Ladies were
extremely impatient to gain a knowledge of the performer, but
their curiosity was not gratified.
There were three hands of music : the first, and principal,
was led by Messrs. Gow. There was music in the supper-
room, and even in the tea-room. The boys marched up to the
Directresses, headed by two pipers playing, in full costume ;
the boys also w9re Highland dresses. The veteran Gow wore
a medal presented to him by the Hhland Society, bearing this
inscription :—" Presented to Mr. John Gow, in testimony of
their approbation of his long services, and of the delight which
his eminent and hereditary musical talents have never failed to
inspire." On the reverse—the Duke of Athol's Arms.
The ball did not break up till half-past four o'clock. There
were present :
The Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, Duchess of
Beaufort, the Foreign Princes and Ambassadors, the Marquis
and Marchioness of Lothian, Marchioness of iondonderry—
in short, all the first people in the United Kingdom.
Every Lady was attired in a rich fancy dress; and the Gen-
tlemen were either in the Highland garb, or were in military or
naval uniforms. There were two exceptions--these Gentlemen
wore Turkish habits, with turbahs and vests, covered with
diamonds. The number of General Officers was wonderful :
the Rifle Brigade formed a striking contrast, in splendour, to
the former.

TEE COUNTESS OF JERSEY'S ASSEMBLY.—On Mon.
clay night, the above Lady, so much distinguished in the
higher circle of fashion, opened her elegant mansion in
Berkeley-square to the fashionable world, fen; the first time
thiS season, with a 'brilliant "At home," Her Ladyship's
taste and munificence are well known. The most splendid pre-
parations were made. The magnificent suit of drawing rooms
were a blaze of dazzling splendour, as were also the conserva-
tory, in which tables were laid out with the rarest ices, fruits,
confectionary, and choicest wines. The company were nume-
rous and of the first distinction.

The Marquis and Marchioness of Cholmondeley gave an
elegant entertainment yesterday to the Duke of ,York. The
distinguished party invited to Meet his -Royal Highness were
Prince and Princess Esterhazy, the French Ambassador, Count
and Countess Lieven, Count and Countess Munster, the Am-
bassador of the .Nether%-ids, the Marquis and Marchioness of
Londonderry, the Marquis of Anglesey, Earl of Westmor-
land, Lord Sidmouth, Lord St. Helen's, and Lord and Lady
Mar borough.
Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Clarence,
and part of their suite, will leave Bushy Park to-morrow, or
on Friday, for Walmer Castle, where their Royal Highnesses
intend to pass a few weeks preparatory to their embarkation for
the Continent, where they intend to pass the remainder of the
summer and ensuing winter.