The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-04-04
THE REPUBLIC.


The Philadelphia Inquirer contains an ex-
tract Of a letter dated Naples, February q,
which furnishes the following interesting ac-
count of magnificent bah given on board the
U. 5. steam-figate Mississippi in that harbor:
owe have had continued round OF gaieties dur
ing the carnival season. The city has boen throng
cd with strangers, large portion Of whom are
Americans. The great fsts Of the winter season,
however, was given on board the steam frigate
Mississippi. by the gallant captain and officers Of
that vessel, on Wednesday last. Invitations were
extended to the nobility and diplomatic corps, as
well as to the English, French, and Russian naval
oficers in port and to all the American travellers
Att p m. the boats of the squadron began to carry
the company off to the chip. The ball began at s,
and was kept up until the morning hours. The
company amounted to nearly four hundred per-
sons, of the elite of the resident and stranger socie
ty Of Naples.
"The scene on shipboard was magnificent. The
spar deck and upper deck, as well as the poop,
were all appropriated to dancing, and were COM
pletely covered in on the top and sides by thick
canopy composed of sails, with exposed lining
OF the flags of all nations. Fanciful chandeliers,
composed OF arms and laurel wreaths, shed bril-.
liant light on the company, while band of the
best performers discoursed most bewitching mu-
sic. Below decks q cofee-room was arranged, and
the captains cabin was surrendered TO the ladies
for the mysteries of the toilette. At midnight,
supper was announced in tho enclosed space for
ward the engine. Captain Long entered the
loon first, leading in Mrs. Norris the lady of the
United States charge d'affaires. The sumptuous-
ness OF this part of the entertainment the prousion
ofluxuries, including wines ofthe most costly kind
excited the liveliest admiration. The dancing was
renewed after supper, and revived with rather in
creased fervor. At 3 a. m, when left the ship,
the ball was in full life. We pulled ashore in a
lew minutes, over a sea smooth q lake, under
bright moon. and an atmosphere as soft as that
of an American June.
"The beauty of the American Indies was one of
the most striking features of the BALL. their delcacy
Of manner, feminine grace and sweetness Of ex-
preston, contrast favorably with European ladies.
This ball. 30 successful in every respect has created
marked sensation in Naples. II reflects the high
est honor upon the liberal hospitality of the captain
and officers of the Mississippi, and will leave be-
hind q most agreeable impression of American
character. The Mississippi was much admired for
the beauty of her proportions, and the mastery
workmanship of her engines and machinery. They
were built ten years since BY Merrick & Towns, of
Philadelphia, and, although in service for all that
period of time, have suffered any injury, and
are now in as good condition as the day they were
placed on board.
'The American flag has been flying all day from
the kings vessels. and the American, English, and
Russian war, while the cannon has been
laundering on all sides, in honor of the birthday
of Washington If the fanatics at home could see
with what respect and admiration the American
Union is regarded abroad, they would be able to
appreciate the infamy which would descend upon
their names from the success of their unhallowed
schemes
sxf.- l.. AZ.
with an elegant dinner in the evening.
"The winter at Naples has been extraordinarily
mild. II has been almost one continued succession
of warm winds and bright sunlight days. need
not say that we have had neither snow nor ice. Po-
litica tranquility is being gradually restored, and
the city is resuming its accustomed gaiety, or
Their exceeding it,