The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1843-08-15


Whose foot spurns back the oceans roaring tide"
and from the fashionable haunts of her eldest daugh
ter, whose attractions already rival the mothers
Proudest day, we are not yet entirely beyond the
pale OF social enjoyments and fashionable pleasure;
we have occasionally Iftes which would, in either,
attract attention.
Last night the United States Consul, Mr. John
Parrott. gave ball to Commodore Jones and the
officers of the Pacific Squadron, which was by all
admitted to be the most magnificent ever given on
this coast-t was in fact one of tie most splendid
had ever attended.
The room in which the ball was given, is 80 feet
long by 30 wide, and l8 high and was in all respects
admirably adapted to the purpose to which it was
appropriated, with one exception-the brick floor,
which is almost universal here. But even that OBJ
lection was obviated by covering of Cotenca,
over which was spread splendid ingrained carpet,
of the most tasteful figures and brilliant colors. The
walls and ceiling were decorated with flags Of all
the various maritime nations. On the ceiling at
the head of the hall the star spangled banner and
Mexican flag were extended from the centre, and
fell in festoons on either side; then followed the
the Spanish and Danish the Neapolifan and Swedish,
and the Portuguese and Russian, all displayed in
similar manner. The upper end OF the hall was d.
vided into three arches OF flags; that In the centre
occupied by the portrait of Washington, lhe only
portrait in the room) and two mirrors. The arches
on either side were completed with the Colombian
and Buenos Ayrean flags, and also occupied with
mirrors. These flags were met In either corner by
the English and French, also suspended from the
ceiling and gathered in festoons. Sixty feet from
the head OF the hall, drapery was formed by the
flags of Chilli Bolivia and Guatemala, which left an
drapery, on either side, on platform two feet high,
the music was staIioned-on the right the band from
the fgae United States, and on the left very fine
band from the orchestra Of the "Tearo Principal"
The space beyond was appropriated to refreshments
and was decorated in keeping with the dancing
hail. At the extreme end, and opposite the en-
trance, was displayed the flag OF New Grenade, with
its appropriate motto, "Libertad y Orden." Nor
were the flags and decorations all of which this
apartment could boast. more liberal supply of
all kinds OF refreshments never graced the saloons
Of Saratoga or Washington. or the boosted marts of
A drapery of flags extended all around the hall,
falling three feet from the ceiling, and gathered up
in estoons at certain distances. The Peruvian flag
formed Torn, a. the draRery at the upper END o. the nall
arch. In addition to ten splendid mirrors and the
portrait of Washington, the walls were also deco
rated with Six beautiful views OF American scenery.
by Fisher.
The chairs, sofas, and other furniture, were all
mahogany. In each corner were placed appropriate
tables, bearing vases of flowers and chandeliers
filled with wax candles. The pillars which support
pennants of various nations and surrounded by
chandeliers brilliantly Illuminated. The dancing
hall alone was lighted by more than four hundred
candles.
At about half past o'clock the ladies began to
assemble. The first that attracted my attention
were the Senoritas Vegas they are by many con-
sdered the bellies of the port, and they certainly
never looked more lovely than on the present occa-
sion Rosarita is true specimen OF Spanish beau
ty; her soft black eye and bewtching smile, to-
gether with an expression peculiarly interesting,
made irresistible her slightest look, and drew
attractions, she has powerful rival in her younger
sister, Rafaelita though at first the style of the
younger is less fascinating than that OF her sister, i!
is more briliant-with a complexion bright and
clear the farest of the Saxon race, she possesses
the Castian eye, and an expression that
"Would draw
second host from heaven to break heavens law"
lyounger sister, also in the train and brings
up the rear; Miss Laura is child in years, but ma
ture in beauty She follows more the style OF the
second than tina, Of the eldest sister, but with an
expression peculiar to herself, and an eye
ovid as the Gazelle's,
Now brightly bold or beautifully shy"
This group was followed by the matronesses of
the ball, Sonora Schober, accompanied by her two
beautiful nieces, and Senorita Negrete, who were
of the Governors staff, and Lieut.. G. w. Robbins,
ot U. s. Marine Corps, to their appropriate seats
at the head Of the hall.
Sonora Duque, lady of the Governor and Com,
mander General of Sinaloa, soon after arrived and
conducted by Mr.. PARROT TO the seat of honor,
at the right OF the lady matronesses.
After the music had played a few appropriate airs,
The
conducted by Mr. Parrot to the head Of the hall
and presented to the lady matronesses, Mrs Duque,
General Ochroa, Commander and Acting Governor,
officers in attendance. Captains Armstrong. Strib-
ling, and Nicolas, together with nearly all the other
officers Of the United States Squadron, had also ar
rived Though all appeared to contemplate with the
pleasure to the silver tones of those already pre-
sent
"For only in the sunny South,
Such sounds uttered and such charms dsplayed"-
the general attention was turned, on the announce
ment of the Senoritas Wales. These ladies are
both very beautiful, and were dressed in the most
exquisite taste. They resemble even more the fair
daughters of the AngloS Saxon race, than either OF
the ladies' before alluded to. In the elder you see,
"The light, the love, the purity Of grace
80 peculiar that style beauty But the younger
is still more brilliant.
ooh! she doth teach the torches to burn bright
Her beauty hangs upon the cheek of night,
Like rich jewel in an Ethiop' ear"
But it were vain to attempt description Of all the
beauties present--they were numerous as the leaves
Of the Forest and various as the flowers OF their own
sunny Cline II were equally vain TO attempt a de-
scription of all which now combined to please; and
utterly impossible to coACey any adequate idea OF
the appearance which the ballroom presented-the
gay and brilliant colors of the ladies' dresses-the
variety and testeu arrangements the decorations
and the numerous and splendid uniforms Of the
Consuls, and officers OF the U. s. navy, and Next
can army, Composing full one.haf OF the gentle.
men present, presented) formed altogether a scene
which is seldom surpassed.
II could not escape observation that some of the
bold sons Of Neptune, who are ever ready
ITO pluck bright honor from the palefaced moon,
Or dive into the bottom Of the deep,
Where fathom line could never touch the ground"
were ready to surrender at discretion, on the first
summons Of Cupid's artillery, especially they, who
from some previous acquaintance with the language,
wers in addition to the gances Of bright eyes, ex-
posed to the influence OF tongues
Vas sweet and musical
A bright Apollos lute strung with his hair"
Had not the knot of Hymen bound fast the heart
and hand of q hoid Captajn he might well have