Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1825-09-02
NORFOLK, August 90,
NATIONAL COMPLAINANT

NATIONAL COMPLEMENT
As a national compliment, no less than mark of their
individual consideration and respect for the officers of
his most Christian Aaesty's Squadron, at present on
visit to our waters, the Officers of the United States
army stationed at Fortress Monroe, gave them Bail
on Friday eNcnng last which iValcd in spiendour any
thing OF the kind which we have been accustomed to-
Nothing that taste could devise or berahy supply was
omitted 10 give ccat the occasion and TO render M
honor intended to be paid 10 the gallant Frenchraen no
the highest degree distingu sed and impressive Tie
invitations were very extensive, including the ijshona
Die society and many respectable heads Of families VI
THIS town aud the vicinity OF the Garrison EcraIl,
and the officers OF the u. 5. Navy. ne he gas gi-
ven i'll the newly erected large brick building CONT
gIous to the parade ground iii which are apartments
hnciy adapted for the purpose. The hall which
is OF lofty pitch, and sufficiently large 10 accommo.
date, with ease forty couple time was prepared in
an elegant style for the OCCASION and handsomely de-
corated with flags of which lie banners OF the two
nations intertwIncd disposed liz lestoons along tie
corncc of the room otherwise tasteul!v displayed
number of chandeliers suspended from the cell
ing and clusters OF lights supported by gilt forms repre-
sentlng the ime'1cnn Star, and the FIeur de Las of
France, were arranged alternately along the walls the
whole shedding, as may be supposed, brilliant light,
and giving full effect 10 tie charms of beauty and
the rich display Of splendid dresses.
By O'clock, the Guests, in honor of whom the fete
was given, probably 100 in number) and the invited
company generally had embed at the ball room and
the music struck up from excellent orchestra CON
Quoted by Lochesi. Except at the ball given in this
place in honor Of Gen LAFAYETTE, we have never
witnessed in part of the country any similar oc
casion, so large and brilliant assemblage-the nun.
Der, as well as could Judge at least 300. The
auIes among whom were many who might vie with the
h0urS were elegantly alfred, and would be impos-
Slbc TO overlook the fine appearance of the French aud
American officers in their superb full dress uniforms;
with whom they mingled i'll the graceful movements of
tie dance.
The French officers, though generally strangers to
the company, appeared TO enjoy themselves 10 the ut
most OF their wishes and their turn extremely
agreeable Ii was subject Of much regret that Admi
raj URIEN first i'll command of the squadron, pre-
vented by his indsposit;on from hoBong the ball with
his presence.
into The supper room, in passing which they de-
tanned for few minutes in tue portico to exhibit
Ton OF lire works which had been repaired for the
cason. The supper set apartment of the
same dimensions The ball room, and by judcious
arrangement of the tables, all tue ladies
dated with seats at e same time The supper table
beautifully ornamcntcd and exhibited an admirable dis
play OIL It's various de!caCics and luXurics The room
was decorated with number of cuIbeInatical Devices
and the between tie tables surmounted with
arcways, eDtwined with leaves of the oak, the grape
and the IVY. Supper ended the ladies again repaired
TO the ball room, and tho dancing continued until two
O'clock at which time tic company retired, delighted
with their evenings entertainment, and more especial
! ~ with the elegant style in which was conducted
and the genuine hospitality and distinguished politencss
with which they entertained.
But while adtniriny the exterior splendor of the
scene, IL is impossible 10 be regardless of its mor effect
To peace those whose duty II is i'm to meet
only in deadly strife nngling together IN nterChanges
of cordial Cvility hospitality and good feeling, is calcu
lated TO exat The military character in subordinate
degree TO the fame acquired by achievements in arms.
The squadron being tie of IFS departure, Sc
veral parties Of ladies and gentlemen who had made
acquaintance with the officers, visited it the next day
to take their leave and received with great cor
diay and warmth of feeling Their stay here has been
short but sufficiently protracted to admit of their maxi
ing the favorable impressions and exciting gene
raj and sincere regret at their departure.
! The French squadron in Hampton Roads arc all un.
moored and hove short and will put the FIRST fair
wind. w e understand that all except the Venus, 60
gun ship the Nymph and Themis 44s, will sail direct
for France, and that these will accompany the rest as
far the Western Islands, whence they will return TO
! the West India station.
! WAsHrNGToN, August 80.
! 1t will be seen by report under the head Of