The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1844-06-28
xa GALA DAY.-Yesterday, though exces-

Ka GALA Day Yesterday, though exces-
svely warm, was brilliant day among the fash
ionable movements of the times.
Judge Wilkins, the very able and popular Secre-
tary of War, with his suite, was the lion of the
day. The following constituted the party in bar
Dor excursion The Honorable, the Secretary Of
War, his private Secretary, s. Humes Porter Esq.,,
nephew of the late secretary OF War, and without
exception, the most rapid and beautiful &c tsmpore
penman in the District OF Columbia, most respon-
sible clerk, and fashionable young man in Wash
ington Mrs. Wilkins, Miss H. wilkins, Miss
Pleasonton, Captain Hetzell and Captain Casey
This party, accompanied by the Hon. Moses G..
Leonard, Hon. Mr. Rodney of Delaware, Hon.
Charles G. Ferris, and Alderman Hart, paid visit
to Governors Island, where salute and review
were given to the Secretary. After paraking OF a
collation. at the quarters of Col. Bankhead, the
parry proceeded TO the old North Carolina,
with a turn about the harbor. The usual salutes
were fired upon the occasion from Governors Island
and the Old North. The party, lead on by Com
modore Jones, inspected the North Carolina, and
were highly grati6ed with the appearance of the
ship, and the attentions they received.
Several ladies' were on board, among whom were
McNuy, (whose husband is the handsome Clerk
of the House of Representatives, Miss Ledyard,
very beautiful young lady from Newburgh. party
was formed land cotillion danced with great grace
and beauty, in cool breeze, upon the sturdy
decks of the old line of battle ship.
After partaking of a cold collation. the party
turned to the city
We might have added, however, that portion
H. m Of
ter, of The Revenue Gutter Ewing, were invited on
board the latter vessel, where salute was fired,
and dinner given.
This ended the morning excursion.
After dinner, another excursion was made to Fort
Hamilton. The leading individuals of which this
party was composed were as fellows: The Hon
the Secretary of War, Judge Wilkins and suite, the
same who accompanied him in the morning, the
Hon. Jas. G. Clinton and lady, Gen. Henry Storms
and staff, the gentlemanly and popular Commissa
ry general and chaperon Of the party, Lieut.. Gov
Dickinson, Senators Backus,. Bartlett, Bockee,
Clarke, Denniston, peyo, Faulkner, Hard, John OH,
son, Lawrence, Lester, Plat. Porter, Put
mum, Rhoades, Scott, Smith, Strong, Wright of
the Court of Errors, ex-Mayor Robert H. Nor
ris, Recorder Tallmadge, ex.Dlstrct Attorney
man Of the Fourteenth Ward, whole souled
noble hearted gentleman OF the old schools Elk
Collector Hayden, of New Orleans; Judge Breesee,
Senator from Illinois; Gen. Sanford, Gen. Lloyd,
COl. Nermllytd, MAJ. WdteTS, anu odlt
of the National Guard; Cen w. l.. Morris,
James G. Bennett, of the New York Herald; Capt
Smith, of the Army; Captain McKesson, Captain
Swartwout Adjutant Townsend, Leutenants Lu-
Their, Daniels, Sedgwick, Hayes, Walker, Sitgraves,
and Anderson Captain Hunter, of the Cutter
Ewing, and Lieut.. Rowan, OF the North Caro-
Ina
The above party were received at Fort Hamilton
by Col Tanning, an old veteran OF the last war;
who was blown up at the s0rtte at Little York he
was the officer in command of the station.
After receiving the hOspltaities OF Lieut.. Dun
can, Commander of the Flying Artillery at Fort
Hamilton, the Batteries were mounted, and the
usual evolutionswere gone through with, much to
the qualification of the Honorable Secretary Of
War, and the large company of spectators who
were present.
Much credit is due to Lieut.. Duncan, and his as
sociates, Lieuenants Shac keltord, Hunt, Will Jams
and Lossee, for the perfection to which they have
brought that branch of the service.
Among the party we must not omit to mention
Lord Willoughby, of Brooklyn, and his beautiful
and accomplished daughter.
After couple of hours review and examination
of the Fort, the whole party embarked on board
the "Thomas Salmond," and returned to the
city, where they arrived about dusk.
The party were attended going down con anlore
by DodswOrtl's celebrated band, who were bound
on an excursion to The Ladies' Fair at Clifton.
The Secretary of War and suite return this morn
ing to Washington. The main object OF his visit
has been to attend the examination at West Point
Thus ended one of the most elegant Excursions
of the season.