Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1853-12-14
MARTINsBURG, vAy WEDNESDAY MORNING. DECEMBER a. 1853

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Conception. The various national colors
were festooned around the quarter occk
guns run forward awnings spread; bright
work cleaned, ect., and with inverted bayo-
nets for chandeliers, the capstan for grand
Chandeliers, the lower steering-sail foe a
curtain amidships, aud other similar contri-
vances to meet the exigencies Of the case,
they succeeded in arranging as charming a
ballroom as could be wished for by those who
are true votaries of Terpsichore.
During the whole day all was anxiety and
preparation, for be it remembered that il ad-
dition to our natural desire to ssastonish the
natives" we had the incentive Of q courtc-
Gus rivalry between our national vessels and
those of other nations, Of which England and
France were both well represented in the
harbor.
When the momentous hour arrived, and
Talcahnana poured forth her rays Of spark
ling beauty and unrivalled grace, all were
most agreeably surprised that SO small place
could contain such race of fairies as our
decks presented to view, all ages, sizes and,
l had almost added colors; for indeed we
had every shade, from the pallid hue Of the
northern bellies, to the dark, violet tint of the
daughter of CASTLE The ball was large and
was kept rolling until nearly morning, when
the guests departed, all highly delighted
BY natural course of re-action, a depression
corresponding to the superintendent anima-
ton Of the night previous pervaded all, on
the following day, until the evening, when
all were reused by the arrival Of H. b. MS
Steamer "Virago," with one hundred and
ninety-one prisoners, taken on board the pi-
ratical schooner, Florida. She took the
schooner in the Straits of Magellan, and found
considerable money on board. Here was food
for weeks gossip, discussion and surmise.
Assuredly they were the dirtlest set | ever
saw, tout of Lisbon) unshorn, and ragged
indeed, they were as fine a delegation of the
"great unwashed'' as ever met.
Many Of our officers attended ball on
shore oni the night following ours our
band was in constant requisition, but towards
morning their music land very possibly, them
selves, too,) became SO spirited, that it was
unanimously agreed to adjourn, though a
moment after, might have been heard, by way
of proviso, | suppose, eve won't 60 home till
morning."
The following day was the 22d Of Febru-
airy, and was ushered in by old Sol with
gloomy countenance, but whether he had been
carousing the night previous, or took this
frowning method to express his dissatisfaction
at the indifference Americans display now-a-
days, to the proper celebration of the birth
day of the pater patria, am unable to say
certain it is that when at noon national sa-
Lutte was fired, with our colors at the fore, he
frightened, and during the rest of the day
smiled his warmest smiles. On the 23d we
bid a final adieu to Talcahuana, and stood
out to Valparaiso, and though all must allow
that the Commodore's promise of rc-visiting
the port, robbed adieu of stings, yet sorry
were we afterwards that circumstances pre-
vented the fulfilment of the promise.