The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1842-04-19
The hall given 10 Mr.. Clay.
The best account which We have seen Of this
splendid Jfk is found in a baltimore paper in the

The best account which we have seen Of this
splendid ffk is fouad in a baltimore paper in the
following words
WAsmSeroN, April 18Th, 1912,
"Wednesday night, 8 O'Clock.
The complimentary bail given TO Mr.. Clay last
night at the Washington Assembly Rooms was well
attended; and the company was composed OF a
great number Of distinguished individuals, members
of both Houses of Congress, foreign ministers, gen.
,lemen attached TO their respective legations, offi
GERS OF the army and navy, citizens OF Washington,
Baltimore. and the nelghboring counties OF Mary
land and Virginia. The display of female beauty
was remarkably fine. Baltimore contributed her
share in this respect. Amongst the fashionable par
ties from your city noticed Mr. and Mrs. Reverdy
Johnson and other ladies' accompanying them.
Although there were many distinguished officers
OF the army and navy present, as well as foreign
ministers and their attaches, vet as none of Them
appeared in uniform or in diplomatic costume, the
bali room did not appear as animated and brilliant
as on Soma previous public occasions which | have
Witnessed in the metropolis. The bail was however
a very splendid and brilliant ~assemblage of ladies'
and gentleIpen from different paris OF the Union-all
cordially un.ting to pay a deserved compliment to a
beloved and l%lustrious statesman, whose presence
and urbanity delighted every one, and gave life and
spirit to the dancing and other amusements Of the
evening.
MIR. Clay entered the ball room about half past
nine O'Clock, leaning on the arm Of General Seaion,
the Mayor of Washington, and followed by the Com
mite G OF arrangements. The distinguished tx Sen-
ator bowed gracefully, and smiled on every one as
he passed through the gay circles. | need not tell
you that Mr. Clay was at his moment 1.-THE obser-
we'd of all observers"
He was greeted by the smiles OF the entire compa-
ny. The looks OF every one, but especially the
ladies, showed that MIR. Clay is a decided favori;e.
Soon after Mr.. Clay's enfree the dancing commenced
with great spirit, and the room exhibited a gay and
brilliant scene. Those who did not Join In the
splightly dance were not, | assure you, undellghted
spectatofs of those who "tripped on the light ianlas'
tic toe" with so much apparent ease aad elegance.
CouIlons and waltZes succeeded each other In quick
succession. The dancers were a happy and agree
able mixture OF the young and middle aged; and
they all appeared to enjoy themselves exceedingly.
Among the most distinguished gentlemen whom l
noticed at this splendid Dali were q cannot pretend
to give you a full list) Major General Scott, Com
mander in-Chief OF the United States Army. Major
General Jessup, Count Bodisco, the Belgian Minis.
ter, MI. Hudson, of the British Legation, two other
gentlemen attached to Lord Ashbur, on's Embassy,
Mr.. Granger, Ex.POstmaster General, Senators,
Preston, Evans, Archer, nc. Most of the Honor
able Senators and Members Of Congress attended
with the ladies' OF their respective families.
The entertainments in the two refectorles were
abundant and excellent, dong great credit. to the
cooks and caterers. the dancing was kept up till
2%o'clock, and the company altogether spent a most
delightful evening.
1t is a delicious event to fad that while trade is
so depressed-money so scarce-so many merchants
breaking-Congress SO negligent of their du,y-and
the government go discredited-it is pleasant, we
say. to find a little coterie of happy beings some
desert. Although there may be a great deal of dis
content and distress, caused by Congress and the
politicians, yet these happy philosophers seem only
to raise IN JOY as the country sinks into trouble, This
is true philosophy. Let's have a Clay ball here.