The New era. [volume] ([Portsmouth, Va.]) 1845-1847, 1846-08-18
THE FANCY BALL Ar OLD POINT, Sc.

THE FANCY. BALL AT OLD POINT, Sc.
We promised in our last TO give an extended
notice of the Feie that came off at French's su.
peru Hotel, IN Friday last. but we find the sub.
ject too much for our pen. 1t was beautiful
and splendid affair. real American. so Ear as grace,
beauty. and democracy were concerned-there
was but little fancy, but great deal Of reality in
| the scene-being, ourselves. no dancers, we had
fair opportunity of seeing what was to be seen.
and hearing what was to be heard. Early in the
evening. until nine o'clock, Bloomfied's Old
Point Band dscoursed most eloquent music, while
the mighty throng promenaded over the grounds,
and along the extensive piazzas Of the Hotel at
that hour the Ball Room. brilliantly lighted with
gas. was thrown open. when the eye was dazzled
with superior blaze of beauty, as the American
Fair filled the room. Very few of the ladies or
gentlemen had adopted other than the ordinary
costume OF the day. yet all showed superior adj
vantage. The Ladies were all beautiful Amonu
the numerous host of American gentlemen. we
observed the slight sprinkling of the Turk, the
Sailor Boy. and the Fejee Islander, and par,cu
larly noticed, as he commanded the attention Of
all. a g fine old English gentleman" of the four
teenth century. who appeared to enjoy the scene,
with his powdered wig, gorgeous silk coat, knee
breeches. diamond shoe buckles, silver headed
cane, and ever ready snuff box-this character
was ably sustained throughout by our cotempora-
~ and name sake of the Beacon Above the
crowd lowered the form Of the gallant Gaines,
with kind word and gentle recognition for all
also there nigh, be seen. the amiable and agreea.
10 ,II al NN,tb H.
Fort, with several other officers attached TO the
Garrison.
AT III O'Clock, supper was announced, and the
company proceeded 10 the extensive Dining Sa-
loon, where the Tables. most tastefully laid out.
groaned under the loads of Injuries, which were
piled upon them. and which did not appear to d.
minish, notwithstanding the vigorous attacks that
were made upon them.
The machinery Of the Hotel under the discreet
management of Gov FRENCH. is beginning TO
move as tremendously as clock work, and before
another season has passed away the Old Point
Hygela will be famed as the only place where
every want and wish is anticipated even
now, we wish for nothing while there.
II is already rumored that the First is to be
shortly followed by Second Fancy Ball. upon
somewhat different principles, and different regu-
laions." We feel satisfied that whatever they
may be they will be an improvement upon the
last, for FRENCH never stands still nor retro
grades.
We learned early in the present season. that it
was the intention of the Proprietor of the Hy-
geia, to have brought round the venerable Sea
Serpent from Nahant, but we have heard moth
ing of 1t lately, we presume the great press of
| company at the Point, has prevented him from
attending to his fshy majesty-athough we have
no doubt, that it would have added much to the
interest of the Point.
Many distinguished families are already at the
Hotel, where they have put up for the season;
and we learn that the President with his amiable
and accomplished Lady. and other members of
his private and public household, will. next week
give new interest and life to the Hotel. IL is
truly the point d'appui, where the great, the
beautiful and good do congregate