Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1816-07-31
From The Boston Daiig .qRycniser.
Splendid Fete.

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Splendid Fetc.
II was known some time that the cur.
teous, as we'll as gallant, Commodore Balm.
bridge had issued cards of invitation to
very large circle OF ladies and gentlemen
OF ms acquaintance To visit the line of bat.
tie ship independence, during the present
Iweek--and that accordingly great prepa.
ra;ioAs we're making for the reception of
the company. Thursday Lass was the day
selected Tor this memorable occurrence in
the fashionable wUrld :, and as It proved to
he delightful weather the boats of the shin
as early as four o'clnck in the afternoon.
IN mi:nirable order for their accommodate.
On, be2aa 20 fill with the guests destined
TO Fartakc OF Ike Cummodore's entertain.
ment. The carmen were handsomely
dressed aad decorated Tor the ,lay, and The
boats continued to ply with great raDii,iity
nctweeG the ship s.L the oirpre uuti about
seven in the evening, at which period
nearly three hundred and fifty fashioaa5ies
both LADIES' and gentlemen had been con-
Quoted on beard.
The arrangements &c the vessel were
equally remarkable for hospitality and
good taste. All that part OF the upner
deck as Tar forward as the mainn,ast. was
completely lined and covered with the
ha9s oil different nations, disposed in such
manner as to produce a sudden and str-
KIM, as well as novel and beautiful eject.
Convenient seats for the company were
placed along the sides OF the deck. and the
Sun-carriages were embeIls5ed with flow
ers--wirile large band OF musicians were
stationed upon an elevated seat. half sur.
rounding tire inanmast thus converting the
whole area, between this spot and the stern
galleries into splendid naval ball room. of
one hundred feet in length.
The cotillions commenced as soon as The
company had gegerally assembled. and
continued with occasional intermissions
Until about eleven o'clack in the evening,
Numerous ships lanthorns, and crest
multitude OF candles disposed tasteIullv
round the capstern, (which transformed it in.
TO q brilliant standing chandelier, Droduc-
ell an abundant and appropriate light for,
the ball deck. Below, the Comniudores
two CABINS were prepared for the company,
The alter one was fitted up for the ladies
apartment. and the gentlemen had a cold
c"iiationln the forward cabin, at which
both welcome and abundance presided.
a succession OF agreeable refreshments nm.
onthe upper deck, comprising all tile yarie.
ty oil fruits which the season affords. cakes.
choice wines and other liquors. seemed 10
be almost unreInitted. The evening wa,
uncommonly mild aud delightful, and
series oil splendid fireworks displayed from
a small u. >. vessel anchored near the In
dependence, cCntributedmuch to heiehten
the spirit of the scene.
Tue excitament of this OCCASION. arising
from the singular gnd s.mewhat contra,i
ent associations, which the novelties usces-
sarily attending it, was calculated TO ava.
ken, was extremely interesting and power
full
The deck of man of war, theatre of
combat aud Of slaughter, converted into
place OF all others best adapted to superjn-
duce ideas OF the pleasures of peace ana in. ,
nOcent recreation the consciousness that
such deck bad during the late war thus
become the scene OF bloody conflict, and
the conviction that happy Ieace had now
almost obliterated the inpression--the We.
ry guns 0f the ship and their carriages
into easy and elegant seats for I
ladles ;-the muskefs, boardlng-pikes and
pistols. cOntrasted with the beauty. taste
ADD fashion of the bellies their wit and
animation as well as the gsieIy presented
TO view over the whole area the eenerous
feelings OF the commodore aud his officers.
beamlng from The eye. and expressed IN
then polite ard Sentemanike demeanor.
opposed to tine rugged, weathe beaten vi I
sages OF the sailors. many Of whom were
allowed the iorwardpart Of the deck to wit.
ness the festivity, and among whom
groupes OF ladies were frequently intermix,
ed-were circumstances we'll suited IN the
OF great animation of feeling
without leaving much leisure to analize the
causes by which it was p,oduced.
The ship Independence is one of the
most Thoroughly built as well as most ee.
CANT specimens OF architecture which This
count y has yet, or probably ever can offer
to the admiration Of naval conpoiseurs. As !
she was erected in our vicinity, we feel
some pride IN behoding her and contcn.
plating her beauties. And we are as free IN
express The hope, as to indulge the expec.
tatiOn, that ike or own Constitution she |
will on ssmG fortunate day, delight the ia.