Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1833-11-15

make any mole to my memory mat VIII ano" ING
10 be more minute. The elevation OF high rank and
princely birth generally add fresh charms to eve
~ gift Of nature, and throw an aerial perspec
five,' if may be allowed the EXPRESSION around
those possessing it. that tend greatly to an ILLUSION
of the imagination; but aside from this, ! mink
the Processes Of the French Court would be con-
spicuous for beauty and Ioveliness in any station
Of life.
The benevoleuce and amiable affections Of the
Queen are well known, and she rendered herself
to all our party quite as interesting as his Males
ty. The princess Adelaide too is perfectly &C.
esssible, and contributed equally with others to
make the entertainment one long to be remem'
bered with pleasure.
All renamed standing in Q kind OF circle
around the most illustrious Of the group, I'LL the
distant breathngs Of the sweetest music announc'
ed the dinner 10 readiness; and Capt. Ballard,
conducted BY the King to the Queen, led her
Majesty through Saloon furnished as billiard
room. into the dinner hall-the King following
with his eldest daughter, and Mr. Harris leading
! the Princess Adelaide, succeeded by the Prince
de JoinviIle and the Princess Ciementina. Eve
~ thing was SO admirably arranged, that not the
slightest confusion or embarrassment in being
seated occurred, and notwithstanding the NUN
Der of officers 10 our party, each believe recelS
ed chair according to his rank. The Queen
occupied the centre Of the table one side. with
Captain Ballard, the Princess Clementina and
the Prince dc Jonvile, one of the Ladies OF the
Household and Lieut. Macomber Of Marines, on
the right; and Admiral de Rigny, the Marchion-
ess Chanteret. and Leutenants Seton and Lee
on the left. The King sat Immediately opposite
with the Princess Mary. Lieut.. Buchanan. Ma
dam Maet, and myself. on the right; and the
Princess Adelaide, Mr.. Harris. one Of the Maids
Of Honour. and Lieut.. Magruder on the lett,
while General Rumissy and his Aid, and the
Count st. Maurice, were at the head. and Gene
raj Bernard and his suite at the foot-making
about thirty plates.
The dining room is a magni6cently painted
| and lofty hall, with an admirable representation
Of Bonaparte on horseback crossing the Alps as
a chief ornament At one end, and the table IN Its
plateaus Of gold, its vases, various figures Of the
same material holding baskets and bouquets OF
flowers, its lofty candelabra and entire display.
all that could be anticipated IN the festal board
Of the Monarch of nation yielding precedence
! to scarce any other in the world. There was a
servant at each chair-one half 10 full livery OF
scarlet and lace: with powdered head. small
clothes, stockings and shoes. and the other in
plain dress, in the same style OF plain black, each
! wearing white gloves and holding a napkin in
his hand, and all uncommonly fine looking men
will mention one dish only Of the hundred
passed round during the two hours we were at
the table-and that expressly ordered by the
King, in compliment to his guests and in remem-
brance OF fare which he had met with in our own
country. 1t was preparation Of Indian meal,
very excellent in its taste, but differing from any
of which had before partaken.
The music formed one Of the most delightful
parts of the entertainment. 1t was the most
perfect performance of some Of the finest comPo-
sitious Of Masters 10 the art, by band stationed
at the extreme end from the able Of masnifi-
cent gallery or bail room add ing to, rather than
interfering with the pleasure OF conversation.
Fortunately for our party, one only Of whom
speaks French, almost every ono OF the company
spoke English; and was fortunate in having a
most intelligent and interesting companion at
table. in Madame Malet, possessing this acquisl.
ton so difficult to a foreigner. 10 rising IRON
the table, the King gave complimentary toast,
which lost at the time, to Captain Ballard and
our country, and each presenting an arm to the
lad beside whom he had been seated, returned
to the drawing room Isupposed that we should
at once take leave; but the most interesting and
ming part OF our visit was still in reserve.
Coffee was served, OF which all partcok standing
Inc dukes OI orleans anu iSenOuEss ciucst
sons Of the King, are at present in Belgium; but
the two youngest Princes, the Dukes D'Aumale
and Monpensier. eight or ten years Of age, no"
entered. each running to the King, who was at
the time conversing with me in the recess OF
window, and kissing him, fastened with the
same salutation to their mother.
This seemed signal for the domestic amuse.
ments of the evening The ladies became seated
NJ q work fable and each. from the Queen to the
youngest Princess. produced some fancy article,
which she was completing for fair. or something
Of the kind, for the benefit Of a charity. The
gentlemen became grouped around, eonversing
with the ladies whilst at work, or falling into
clusters with each other; and in the perfect sim
pIicity Of every thing in view. we forgot almost
that we were the guests Of one Of the most bril-
liant Courts Of Europe and the world, and not in
the midst Of some long known and we'll beloved
circle Of elegance and refinement in private lite.
No hauteur, no frivolty, no afectaton OF dignity;
but the highest dignity itself. with sweetness.
intelligence. smabiIity, kindness OF heart, aud