The Sun.
London, England, 1844-10-11 00:00:00

PORTSMOUTH-THURSDAY.

This morning, a few minutes before twelve o'clock,
the French war steamer Elan came into harbour from
Treport, which she left last evening, with dispatches
from her Majesty the Queen of the French to her Royal
Consort. It will be recollected that this was the vessel
that was dispatched by his Majesty Louis Philippe imme-
diately after his arrival on Tuesday, with letters to the
Queen. It appears that they were to announce his
having reached the shores of England in safety, and the
enthusiastic reception he had met with from the British
people. The accounts brought by the Elan state that
nothing could equal the delight of the Queen upon
perusing his Majesty's letters, and that she expressed
her gratification in the most unmeasured terms at the
flattering manner in which his Majesty had been re-
ceived. The dispatches brought by the Elau were imme-
diately forwarded to his Majesty at Windsor.
The gale, which had blown heavy all night, moderated
this morning. It yet blows fresh, with occasional squalls.
The brigs, however, have their top-gallant masts up.
The commencement of the series of the elegant fes-
tivities took place last evening, when the Lieutenant
Governor of Portsmouth, and Commander-in-Chief of
the South-Western District, Major-General Sir Hercules
Pakenham, entertained the French Admiral, Baron de
la Susse, the French officers of the squadron, and 'a
select number of naval and military officers at dinner. Thebests included the following:—Duc d' Harcourt,
Couritd'Harcourt, Admiral Baron de la Susse, Baron
de Larencien, Aide-de-Camp ; Captain de Maucroix,
Captain Dieudonne, Captain Goubin, Captain Bonet,
Lord Yarborough, Lord Adolphus Fitzclarence, Colonel
Cardew, Colonel Trevor, 59th; Hon. Sir F. Stapleton,
Lady Stapleton, Admiral and Mrs. Hyde Parker, C. 8.,
Lady Louisa Noel, Miss Hyde Parker, Sir James
Schoedde, and Miss Chamberlain.
Lady Pakenkam afterwards gave a soiree dansante, at
which were the above noblemen, gentlemen, and ladies.
The following also joined the party:—Sir Thomas and
Lady Hastings, the Vice-Chancellor, Hon. Captain Byng,
Colonel and Mrs. Barnard, officers of the 59th and 76th
Regiments, &c.

This evening the naval Commander-in-Chief (Admiral
Sir Charles Rowley) entertained at dinner at the Admi-
ralty House in the dockyard the following company, the
gallant Admiral having arrived from Windsor this after-
noon for the purpose:—Sir Hercules and Lady Paken-
ham, Rear-Admiral and Mrs. Hyde Parker, Lady Hast-
ings, the Right Hon. Lord Yarborough, the Right Hon.
Lord Adolphus Fitzclarence, the Russian Rear-Admiral
Putyatin; Colonel Jones, Royal Marines; General, Mrs.,
and Miss Mercer; Colonel Rowley, Captain Moubray,
Captain Martin, Captain Corry, Captain and Mrs. Row-
ley, Captain and Miss Pakenham, Commander Glanville,
Richard Ilaig, Esq., secretary • Lieutenant Prevost, flag-
lieutenant; Vice-Admiral le Baron do la Susse; Lieu-
tenant Renciere, aide-de-camp; Capitane Goubin, Capi-
tane Bouet, Lieutenant de Valmont, Lieutenant Dieu-
donne, Lietitenant de Maucroia, Lieutenant le Comte
d'Harcourt.

Captain Laurenciue was prevented by indisposition
from attending.
Mrs. Rowley, the lady of Captain Rowley, the flag-
captain, had an evening party of the above, and about
150 of the officers of the garrison, of the royal navy, and
the civil authorities.

The residence of the gallant Port Admiral was bril-
liantly fitted up for the occasion. The passage leading
to the ball-room was covered with crimson cloth, and
the ball loom itself was the pattern of neat and simple
elegance. There were eight lamps fixed to the sides of
the flag festooned walls, around which were garlands of
evergreens, decked with dahlias of every colour. But
the most worthy of notice, and that which attracted ge-
neralit elicited the admiration of the
assembly,dis-
tinguished was a beautiful transparency, nt
ienrga ul
sh e attention,
ex-
hibiting in the brightest relief a rare combination of the
.choicest dahlia flowers, from the garden of Sir C. Rowley.
It was about six feet long, by four feet wide. On the
top was a semi-circle, formed by rows of these elegant
flowers—first row, red ; second, yellow ; and another
deep strong purple. This came down to a straight
border, whole length, of single white dahlias, with a ro-
sette in each corner. Then in the centre were tastefully
formed the letters

The letter L. was composed of deep red flowers, the V.
of the kind of dahlias called " Queen of the whites," and
" virgin queens," and the P. of a delicate salmon
colour. Another border consisted of a single row of
deep coloured flowers, and underneath this was the other
half of the circle, composed of three rows of brightest
colours ; a corresponding rosette of dahlias being worked
in each corner completed the piece. On one side of this
exquisite design was the royal standard of England made
of rich silk,- and on the other the royal standard of
France made of an equally valuable fabric. This in-
comparable transparency, as well as the entire fittings
of the ball-room, was the result of the highly formed
taste of Lieut. Prevost, the flag-lieuteuant of the gallant
Port Admiral.

The Royal Marines' band was in attendance, and the
pleasures of the dance were prolonged to a late hour.
To-morrow the French officers, with a select number
of official authorities, &c., dine with Rear-Admiral Su-
perintendent Hyde Parker, C. 8., and afterwards attend
the grand ball at the Royal Naval College.
But the ball—the ball—is the theme of every one.
More than 1,300 it is likely will be present. It is im-
possible to pay too high a compliment to the officers
who have got up this grand affair, which has already re-
solved itself into a national one—a tribute of respect
from the gallant officers and subjects of one powerful
monarchy, to the brave and gallant officers and subjects
of another most puissant crowned head. The most in-
defatigable labours, the most excellent taste, and indo-
mitable perseverance, in spite of all obstacles, in respect
of the one great grand object, have marked the conduct
of the Committee of Naval Officers. Four days since,
and there was the naked quadrangle of the college, cold,