The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-08-23
The Watering Places,

The Watering Places.
NANTUCKET, August 20, ls4S.
Fashion on the Sea Coast-Grand Fancy Ball
Grace, Beauty, Gallantry, &c. &c.
My visit to this romantic island has been pro-
longed far beyond my original intentions, that
might have the satisfaction of attending the first
fancy ball ever given at Nantucket
II was proposed some two weeks ago, but for
want of energy, inclination, or something, Con the
part of the beauX,) wavered, futtered and finally
fell through but the ladies, like General Taylor
"never surrender" and in an lnvlncible phalanx
charged upon Admiral Parker, and he who had
heretofore nailed his coors to the mast, now, with
nautical galantry, hauled down to the petticoat
ensign. The ladies were victorious, and the COM
placent admiral named Wednesday evening, the
10th, as the all eventful night for the mlngllng
of merry hearts and fanciful characters. Then
commenced the excitement of selecting and ar
ranging costumes, gay plumes, and bright ribands
fluttered among the cottages of " South .Shoram''
and =" Seward Siasconsii' Prints were inspect
ed, and long-ioIgotten novels re-read oil fell,
whalebone slightly rose, and all the gay and light
hearted went IN tor the hons "lay' of amuse-
ment.
Wednesday arrived-the cauldron boiled and
bubbled-the busy managers, big with important
events, tolled with the ballroom decorations with
remark able success tor more beautiful and per-
fectly arranged apartment have rarely seen AL
legorical transparencies were suspended in Doric
columns around the room, while Chinese lanterns
in rainbow form, lit up the beautiful musical pro-
scenlum. An immense chandelier of original
structure lllumined the central space, and orien-
tai candelabras we've tastefully arranged amid
flags and flowers the light was brilliant but beau
tfully sofened by the mellow tints of the ranspa-
rencles.
At nine the doors were opened, and gained a
favorable position to witness the cnrfe OF the diff
| ferent characters Smith and Bearscs band as
| sisted by the modern Sampson, IN full costume,
| who Hourlshed not the jaw-bone of an ass, but a
| superb tamborlne recently imported from SIAM
boul, burst forth in wild strain of Arabic music.
The guests entered-the minglIng of characters
being at once grotesque and beautiful. Time and
circumstance were annihIated-the different CEN
tures comblned-Turks and Christians, Harle-
gums and Mandarns, knights and Sailors, Were all
IN friendly intercourse; for in this great armstice
OF pleasure, national antipathIes allayed, and
Joy broke down all barriers TO delightful associa-
ton.
But TO the characters as they met my eye. The
first couple entering are Marco BozzarIs in a per-
feet Albanian costume of great beauty and worth,
and his superb partner, Mrs. M, dressed in ex-
quisite taste as D Vernon, her quick black eyes,
flashing with enthusiasm as she received the
hatteriDg greeting of her friends. Then came Mr..
q. r., OF New London, as the Red Rover, the
neat sailor rig displaying his manly form to great
demess, Miss B.. the fair and interesting Norma
came, but with no sadaess of sighted affection
shading her intellectual countenance. All, Dog
berry, thou prince OF watchmen, and wise ex-
FOUNDER of the law, sharp must be thy wit, well
honed upon an Attic razor strop, to play success
fully thy part with the merry Grace Darling, Mrs
S., who watches with mischlevOus eyes an oppor-
of being committed for rank burglary Enter
Conrad the Corsair, Mr.. A., of Georgia, his proud
eve sparkling with delight as the beautiful Medora,
Miss X replies to his greetings, and smiles with
and lightning. gents, exclaimed Tittebat Tit
mouse, Mr.. W., as he makes his obeisance,
"what dem fine time we will have, won't we,
sodger?" The military gentleman, Mr. NJ, as Don
then mnttered few words Of tender contempt for
all civil characters to Annette Lyle, Miss w., who
smiled with such bewitching sweetness, that
the Don's Ire speedily gave place to admiration
twanging voice of raw down-easter (who gazed
with open mouth and eyes upon the brilliant as
sembly): "by Iehosaphat! what screamers regu-
lar angels and all fired handsome fixines If
on ito Hezeklah Switched was soon cooking up a
most delightful ASSOCIATION with few Of the
angels who particularly struck his fancy. Mr. M,
one OF the managers, made his, appearance in a
niul and peerless Mrs. H., who appeared to per-
fecuon as Rebecca, the Jewess her friends were
full OF congratulations, and she seemed perfectly
happy with the charming prospects before her
s.
GIpsey Girl, were beautifully dressed, and at
tracted universal admiration; but none more cap
tivating than the pretty little Miss M, of Slas-
conset, who was exquIsltely dressed as Rose
Bradwardine, the flower Of Tully-vielan, Scotch.
character of tender simplicity and sweetness of
disposition that is natural TO the interesting re-
preventative her hand was eagerly sought for in
the dance and poor unfortunate Turk, ALI Pacha,
from STEAMBOAT, was victmlsed by the playful
gambols OF her laughing eyes. Much regret was
manifested tor the absence of Mr.. b., whose
cheerful counenance and agreeable manners rem
der HIM exceedingly popular with the ladies in
e neral his recent hymenial conduct has en-
tombed MIN for ever from the anxious hearts that
for years had basked In the sunshine Of his smiles.
lie was expected in the character of Long Tom
Coffin, from his intimate association with the
pretty as a bright May dawn, with the buds and
blossoms of hope. reposing on her bosom and all
devotion TO Morning was Mr. X, who appeared as
Paul Clifford. captive, not to France, but TO
pleasure, was the valiant Abd-eLkadr, whose
graceful salaam, perfect costume, and heroic APP
pearence, drew all eyes upon hun with looks Of
admiration
MIR. Mel, Of Baltimore, as Don Caesar de I}a-
zan, was an admirable representative OF the dash
iecily happy amid the bright and dangerous eyes
OF beauty that sparIed upon him with symptoms
o. regard. Miss X as the BRIDE, looked beautI-
iui, ana was much admired. Miss T., as the
bIde OF Abydos, was also quite pretty; and little
MISS T., lady Parker's niece. was admirably
drcssed as Swlss peasant girl. Selim, the
Prince OF Adrianople, Mr.. f., Of New London,
was supeibIy capansoned in a Persian costume Of
The most gorgeous description; his dancing was
much admired and pronounced 10 be decidedly |
French. .t.s INV.
Mrs. w, from New bedford, IN pure white, |
looked DE fresh and blooming as the rose of Sba. |
fon-while her husband, in the brilliant Uniform
II Tire :. guards was all galanlry and attention,
v bsfs q ssldser mos, was needed. Mrs. b., as
.sdy 'Gsy' sipsnkrr,, icpaed superb; her INJURY
rom eques,riap .eytrcise unfortunately prevented
ier enjoyine The dance t6'thc full bent Of her in
nliDati, n Mr. W., as La Marine, devoted hun
.el 70 the lsd:es with poetical enthusiasm DIFF
. f, ss Pelham, was quite -sdavht, Mr.. r., In
cem. military dlesE. WAS happy with himself |
IN ~ love with al tie ladies'