Mobile register and journal. [volume] (Mobile, Ala.) 1841-1849, 1845-04-30
From the Selma Free Press,

FROM the selma free FresS.
Col. KING IN PARIs.-We were certain, when
distinguished fellow citizen, Col. King, took up
his quarters the French capitol, as American in.
lister, that he would not be wanting IN any of the
cpurtesies and inequalities which become the Repre-
sentative Of our g. vernment abroad. The following
account is furnished by the Paris correspondent Of
the Newark Advertiser. of Ball given by him on
the 22d February last, in honor Of the birth day oil
Washington.
We are sorry to perceive that the Colonel has been
in bad health during his residence in France. We
had heard 50 before:
Last evening (Feb. 22d) was passed by most OIL
the Americans in Paris in the same manner as they
have been accustomed to spend at home the ami.
versary Of the birth day of Washington. Mr.. King
excellent Minister at the Court of France open.
ed his house on this occasion for the reception Of the
Americans in Paris, and such others as were inter.
ested in the welfare Of America. This was the first
ball that his health has permitted him to give this
winter, and, think, since his arrival 10 the country
Unfortunately the change f ON the dry and warm at.
mosphere Of his State to this constantly damp
and cold city, prevents his seeing his countrymen so
often as his natural hospitality would dictate. A,
this time however, the Americans in Paris col.
lected together for the first time. found several
old acquanIances and townsmen, who imag med to
be still at home, where had left them. 1t was quite
late, near ii O'Clock, when ] arrived, having been
detained by the breaking down of my hack. As
entered the spacious apartments, and saw the grace.
u
not thipk the Americans far behind the French
either IN beauty or any other respect. The only or.
nament to the rooms was portrait Of Washington.
copy by Heay from the celebrated original, be-
longing, believe. but am not sure, to Lord Lans-
dOwne. IL was at any rate portrait Of the incom-
parable Washington. and tina, was enough to arouse
all our patriotic ardor. IL is strange how little the
French Know Of this great man. One of them, on
reading my invitation which stated that il was IN
honor of the birth of Washington, very inqusiiivey
asked, Washington, Washington, qui est Get Wash.
Ington, laF'
Here were fair examples Of the grace and beaury
OF The cities Of New York, Philadelphia, Boston
Charleston. New Orleans, well as specimens OF
nobility and station in the persons Of the Prince and
Princess de Joinsille, Duke de Montpensei, the
Austrian Prussian and Other representatives. tiis
Court, and many Of the nobility Of England aud 9TH
er countries. The Of the decease OF the brother
OF the British Ambassador prevented the attendance
OF Lord Cowley had the honor Of dancing the
Polka several times with pretty, graceful and ami
mated grand daughter Of Gen. Lafayette. The pres
ent Consul, Mr.. Walsh, the ex-Consui. MIR. Draper,
and their families, among the guests, Monsieur
Guizot, whose health would not allow him to be
there in person, sent his regrets, stating his great
respect for the memory Of the ilIustious American
patriot
An excellent table IN an adjoining room loaded
with every delicacy, allowed the guests to refresh
themselves as they wished. Behind it the head SER
want of Mr.. King directed his assistants. He is a
tall intelligent negro and appears devotedIy attached
to his master. said to him one day, "f am very
glad to see you, |, looks TO me much like home I"
"Ah yes," said he, shut it 10 not home; shall be
glad TO return" This man, though free, and in a
country where the blacks and whites are an equal
footing. and beautiful white women occasionally
seen promenading arm in arm with them in the
streets, and though gratied here with having hume
rous white servants under his direction, still prefers
his southern home with all the degradaions 10 which
he is there exposed. Al four O'Clock the ball broke
up, the orchestra play ing '.Hail Columbia.
The American Minister is about to exchange this
house for a smaller. H's expenses, though giving
few dinner parties and no balls amount scarcely
less than seventy dollars day. The wood bill alone
for year is fourteen hundred dollars! l was on the
point of enchanting, increase the salaries Of the
French and English ambassadors, or else abolish
their Offices, when sudden thought checked my in
dgnation. How many men have sacrificed, and are
perhaps this moment sacrifc ing their ease, and am
afraid in some cases their consciences too, at home,
in order to obtain these same costly but honorable
Offices abroad.