The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1824-09-21
rErE AT CASTLE GARDEN.

The followiugi is an extract from the descrip-
ton in one of the New York papers, OF the
splendid fete given in honor of General ba
Favette, al Castle Garden, the evening OF
the 18th inst.
The Castle, which is circle, and covers a
surface of about 600 feet, was enclosed with
an awning al an altitude of IS feet, the dome
of which was supported in the centre by Co
lumn dressed with pale blue and white, and
inscribed with the names of men immortalized
with that of lafayette 10 the cause Of free
dom. This column was encrcled with an
Immense cut glass chandelier. composed Of 10
separate ones, representing the thirteen orig
inaI States while il formed at its summit, the
centre whence hung the flags, signals an
standards Of various nations, looped and fes
TONED with mech good taste, making a Gov
ering for the company, and a splendid militia
nv and naval dress for the coarser canopy a.
boye. This object, which was the first that
met the eve, and formed al the base but
slight obstruction, had a very imposing APP
pearance, and produced very fine effect.
The roof was supported by IS transparent
columns capped with circle oflight. and bas-
ed with an armorill insignia of the several
State under a shed of the Union to denote
their dependence on the same, AMI richly flank
ed with falling drapery. Between the col
unns were to be seen The names Of the orig
inal States in gilded letters, encircled By lau-
rel wreatbs and suspended between Ameri-
can ensigns, and profusion of striped bunt-
ing
The General made his appearance about
ten o'clock. The band struck up military
air. and Lafayette was conducted through
column Of Ladies and Gentlemen 10 splen-
lid pavilion, Immediately opposite to the great
entrance. Not a word was spoken of gratu
latlon--so profound, and respectful, and in
teIectual was the interest which his presence
excited nothing but a subdued and unver-
sal clap broke the general silence, and that
out for moment. The interior Of the pavii
ion, which was composed of white cambria,
.,stOoned and otherwise varied with sky Dine,
nd surmounted with an American Eagle over
the letter f. was richly furnished. Among
other interesting objects, was bust OF Ham
ilt on, placed upon Corinthian pillar, and IL
Illuminated with a beautiful lamp. But the
most interesting Of all the exhibitions were
those presented in front Of the pavilion, AM
seen from il. Immediately over the entrance
70 the Garden. triumphal arch of about
ninety feet square, adorned with laurel, oak
and festoons Of flags, &C. was seen based up
on pillars fifteen feet high. A bust of Wash
ington, supported By golden eagle, was pla-
ced over the arch, as the presiding deity.--
Within the arch was painting nearly % II.
square. Of 6ne colossal figure, representing
The Genius OF our country, rising II her na-
tive majesty and strength, supported by the
American Eagle, and exhibiting a scroll in
scribed to Lafayette, with the words" Hon
CURED be the faithful patriot"
soon after the General entered. the paint
ing Just alluded to was slowly raised. which
exhibited to the audience beautiful trans
parency, representing LdGra1ge, the mansion
The effect was as complete as
the view was unexpected AMI imposing. A.
mother subdued clap Of admiration followed
this tasteful and appropriate aud highly inter
esting display.
Eighty sets Of cotillions were frequently
on the floor al the same time.
There were in the Castle $500 lights-200
servants we're employed during the fete.