The Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1822-1829, 1824-09-28
PETE AT CASTLE GARDEN.

II was the most magnificent one ever given
we are indebted TO the Evening Post fol
the following acronnt.
TO give an adequate description nj any
time, would be impossible, aud, al present.
a very feeble sketch indeed must serve Ia
convey an idea of festival, which realize.
al that we read vi in the Persian Tales or
Arabian Nights, which dazzed the eye nnd
be" ildcred the Imagination, and winch
produced 40 many powerful combinations,
by magnificent preparations, as to set de
seription nj defiance.
Orig nally, Castle Garden was not gene
rally approved, OF considered suitable
place tor the festival Juttins sto the sea
at some distance from the line Of the
Battery, aud connected with the shore by
Il long bridge, II WAS supposed that the
bleak air from the water finding its way
through tine emhrasures of the Battery,
would have chilled the galaxy of beauty,
expected mt the festival, and rendered the
whole dull and monotonous. The approach
also ola dark night, was considered inaus
picous, If not dangerous. But all these
disadvantages faded al The touch
of the magic wand which dir .cied the whole
arnan gements.
The managers having obtained permits
sion from the Corporation TO have entire
command Of the battery for the occasion,
ordered hong corridor for carriages 10 be
built leadin. from Greenwich street, and
another leading TO Bridge street for foot
passengers, which enabled each tn reach
the grand portal Of the Castle without the
least delay ar confusion the crowd ncces-
sdrly asse Inblcd On The occasion being out
side of the fences, and having a full view of
the company entering and departing. =
Lamps were placed en lhe.corridor AT equal
distances, aiiUrdlug n clear. iull light To all
and in front Of thu Castle a triangle of great
height was erected, filed with colonred>
lamps, and having brilliant star oa top
The bridge, which was rooted with canvass
aud carpeted, oruamentcdnilh branches of
cyprus aud cedar, and well lit up, served as
: pleasant promenade. On the top several
Lays were displayed, the large white one of
France Hoatcd proudly on the breeze. On
each side of the nassive entrance of the
Castle, were twoneat houses, furnished for
the accommodation of ladies' & gentlemen,
,ua place of deposite for hats, shawls, &c.
Arriving in the centre of the Castle, the
3aze Of beauty and ornament which met
he eye 0nevefy side, trausiixed the bchol-
lPrwith wonder aud admiration. The area
,f the Castle had been ilDorrd for the occa
won In addition to the broad circular walk
IN the parapct or terrace, q kind Ofhangpg
gallery was erected, having seats With light
palisades at the extremity were
flied with brilliantly dressed females, aud
the coup d'Cii on entering vas strikingly
magnificent. In the centre Il heavy column
Was erected, To which was attached the
cords ~ the canvass covering the whole of
the Castle. No part of The canvass was
seen, being lined with iiags of every nation,
{, Sarohs colored bunting Thirteen large
illuminated pillars composed Of colurcd
linen with conical tops were placed at equal
distances, 'reaching froln the base of the
gallery to the summit, and producing "A
beautiful and almost magical effect be-
tween each there were medalions bearing
inscriptions and flags of every state in the
Union. The centre pillar or staff which
supported the highly ornamented roof,was
tastciully decorated with Gags, aud Z circlct
ran. which was suspended a lumber OF
brilliantly cut chandeliers. At the top of
the Illuminated pillars, were clusters Of
brass lamps and beautiful glass lamps,
with painted landscapes, were ntersperscd
throughout the Castlc-the whole blaze
consisting of about FIVE thousand lights,
being at once full, dazzling and ef!et tive
Opposite the grand entrance, was superb
Marquee erected for the General and suite,
composed OF white aud blue muslin, orla
mented and embelllohrd with great taste -
il was elegantly furnished and decorated
with paintings, busts, SC. &sc. On each
SIDE was piece of hrfss artillery, rammers,
spunGcs, sc. A substantial brick building
he'd been erected over the portal, having
rooms for refreshments, &c. 4 large pain
ting was exhibited over the entrance, rep
rescniing cmbcms of Liberty, sc. bit after
the General had entered it was rolled up,
and behind it was exhibited a Transparency
representing the Castle OF La Grunge, in
France, undrl meath was written has home
1he effect of this well timed and delicate
mcmento, WAS very pleasing - In the midst
OF his national family, IL reminded him of
his native land and those inmates who sha
red IN his pleasure Ivy anticipation. A range
OF summer houses cooled Ivy the air through
the cmbraSurcs rau u;idcr the walls Of the
Castle. The music was in gallery ever
the entrance, aud the superior baud from
West Point, played their best pieces be-
tween each coli lion. The dancing com
menced at an early hour, and although the
numhrrpesent was considerable, we should
say between six and 7oOe, there was still
abundant room for the display oftaste and
skill in those who upp'd ii on the " light
fantastic toe"
We never -saU ladies more brilliantly
dressed-eVery thug that fashion and Gle
gance could devise, were used on the ucca-
sion. Their head dresses were principally
OF flowers with urnamen,ed combs, aud
some with pnmes OF t,sttich frathrrs.--
White and black Irce dresses over satin,
were mostly worn, with profu.ion Of steel
ornaments aud aeck chains Of gold, .uspen
dcd To which were beautiful gold and silver
badge medals, bearing correct likcuss of