Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1857-10-02
THE PRESENTATION.

OAIt IAOL4 d
letter written by Mr.. P. B. L. SMITH. for
merly Chshier of the Bank of Kanawha,
and who is now sojourning in Europe:
On the 18th of February last my sister
and SELF received a note from the Hon.
]. Y. Mason. American Minister at Paris,
stating that their Majesties had signi6ed
to him that he might present his coun>
trymen to them on Sunday. Feb. 10th,
between l2 and g O'Clock, in the Palais
Of the Tuilleries. We put ourselves in
motion for the necessary costumes. My
sisters to be genteel street toilette. ex
cspt the hat, which should be of white
satin. two white plumes, and thread lace
q Ia discretion. Mine to consist of black
cloth pants. with gold lace binding three
inches broad, and extending the length
of the legs outside. Coat similar TO those
worn by officers in our Navy. being per-
chance, more richly embroidered with
gold ChaPeau like militia General
A straight sword, white gloves. vest aud
cravat, not forgetting the linen, composed
the suit. The l6:h was cool and clear
We were the last who arrived at Mr.. Ma
sons as his party was smaller than usual.
He was charmed to see us. We were
dozen American gents en- grand tenu (full
costume. some ot whom looked stiff and
awkward, and were so delighted wilh
their elegant appearance they could not
think OF anything to say. Then, there
were three or four ladies' genteelly a'tir>
I'd but all did not sport white chapeau.
therefore concluded it was not dc rigUe, :
Soon We we're of in our respective carri
ages. the minister leading. We arrived.
ascended the grand stair cuse Of the pal.
ace. (the finest in the worldly were met
by officers and soldiers on duty at the
palace. and by troops of tall, clean SER
wants in tights and snowy liyelies, who
we're placed ut. intervals, as erect rs gren
adiers and quiet. as statues. We entered
the great reception room, stood on car
pet that cost $95. 900. observed that the
furniture corresponded. and that the
room was magnificent.
After placing our chapenu under our
arm, wiping our nose, examining our
tight gloves and coming to perperdicu,
lar, we took view of the living mass be-
fore and around US. There were the
Prussian. English. Belgian and other
Ambassadors and the Russian charge, all
with their "suites," in full court costumes
Of great richness and beauty. Most OF
them wore the insignias of various high
orders to which they belonged, in the
form of scarfs and medals. Then we be-
held people who we're to be presented by
the various legations; among whom
were military individuals in full dress.
aud distinguished gents in court suits
similar to mine. Then there were young
onSl all foI 0oI Il,Sn No1l onI slim lo1inc
ia grand street toilette with very tight
gloves and tighter shoes. and several
white bonnets! Then there were the
the grand servants and their assistants
whose dresses were more dashing than
those of the visitors.
After standing stif1y around, feeling
silly. looking wise. talking fiat nothinge
now aud then to break the monotony
and waiting till our back reminded US o.
an Indianapolis party where there are nc
chairs, We were all msrshaled into ar
oblong circle. each Amb asSador being
the captain Of his squad. The squads
were placed according 10 the seniority oI
the Ambassador: and ours formed the
first. and the Russians formed the last
section of the tail. Entfn the rooms and
halls resounded with the august sound
FERlpereur. This was q notice for all to
straighteu up and look smiling. The En-,
peror and Empress. pteceded by several
great officers of the house, made theil
grand entree.
The Emperor made graceful saluta,
tion to the wise multitude standing be.
fore him. He Immediately commenced
(at the head with the squad of English
ambassadors and was presented to each
The Empress commenced at the tail, with
that Of the Russians was similarly intro
duced, and soon arrived to the Ameri.
cans. She bowed gracefully, spoke
French or English alternately. said a few
words. bowed again. and finally was pre-
senIed TO me. We had learned CONVEX
satlon, comparing the weather of N. Y.
and Paris. tried to be very agreeable,
but spollt the thing. said no "Hadanae,
yes Madame" J." instead Of mo. your Ma,
jesty. yes, your Maiesty!" MIR. Mason
gave US no instructions how to talk. She
left with a bow. Soon the Emperor
reached our section. The Minister final
ly presented two gents from Boston, and
self. Napoleon commenced an agreeable
conversation with the Boston men. and l
was listener. He told smart .anecdote,
and Laughed aloud! 1t being the frst
bright thing that heard that day. Here
! was at fault again: never laugh at
court. but smile. Va He passed me3 twas
PROBABLY little iaafohs hecanea ESfSenfa