The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1859-03-04
Life in Washington.

Douglas:
Mrs. Douglas ball on Thursday night
was quite an event in the fashionable circles
here. Everything that money, taste, and
personal prestige could contribute to render
1t attractive, was observable in the result.
may trul ly say that more elegant or enjoy
able entertainment has not been given in
Washington during the present, nor, indeed,
any former season.
Senator Douglas mansion is situated in
Minnesota row, in block Of three six story
residences, all Of which are, from their capa.
c'ousness, well adapted to these fashionable
receptions. In the present instance the
proportions, which no doubt the architect
conceived would be equal to any Of the ex-
genc'es OF the most extended hospitality,
were found barely sufficient to meet the
claims which the social position of the host
ami hostess entailed upon them. There
could not have been far short OF thousand
persons present, including all that are most
distinguished in official, diplomatic, political
and social circles Of the capital.-You can
TORN some idea Of the eagerness manifested
to be present at this entertainment. from
the fact that up to l 1 o'clock the street was
SO blocked up with carriages, that guests
arriving were compelled to descend from
their vehicles at the distance OF several
blocks from the mansion.
Emerging from my vehicle at some dis
lance from the house, and picking nv way
g'ngerly through the muddy pathway, at
last found myself in the entrance-hall, car
r'ed forcibly along by living stream. On
entering the reception rooms, the scene was
perfectly dazzling InnumeraLle lights
dftused their radiance over the brilliant ,oi-
lettes and sparkling coiffures Of the ladies'
and brought into ful! effect the charms Of
the wcarers. Tie variety of nationaities
represented, invested the scene with adJ;.
t'o"al 'rierest, making up altogether such
cou;, dell as is only to be witnessed in n
Washington assembly.
Mrs. Douglas received her guests seated,
as she was laboring under the effects of in
disposition.-She was dressei simply in
white tude. with trimming of volets and
wore but few ornaments. Her husband
stood beside her, and presented to her the
guests WHO pressed forward in crowds to be
introduced to her. Amongst the ladies in
the parlor when entered were the follow
ing: Mrs. Cults, mother Of Mrs. Douglas,
dressed in purple, white and gold colors
Mrs. Hoover, wife Of the ex-MarshaIl of the
District, dressed in corn-colored silk; Miss
Badger, Of Phi!a1el phia, one Of the bellies of
the evening, attirad in white tulle, white
flowers, roses and lilies of the valley; Mrs.
Lyons, Of Westchester county, New York,
dressed in blue silk, covered with profu-
sion of recherche lace; Mrs. Sickles, of
New York k, dressed in white silk, covered
with tulIe, and trimmed with innumerable
loops of white ribbon and natural flowers;
Miss Morgan. Kentucky belle, dressed in
blue tarleton Miss Penniman, of New York,
dressed in white silk, covered with rich
black lace; Mrs. Bishop, Of Connecticut
dressed in rich white silk, trimmed very
Mrs. Conrad, Of Philadelphia,
and Mrs. Bass, do, dressed in white en-
broidered muslin. trimmed with purple
Miss. Howard, of Baltimore. an interesting
young lady, dressed in white; Mrs. Lott, of
New York dressed in salmon -colored MORE
antique, with rich head dress and bouquet
De corsage of crimson. and gold flowers
Miss: Bridge, Of New York, dressed in
white tarIeton, with flounces Of blue Of the
'ame material, and head.dress Of blue vel
yet ribbons; Miss Bayard, daughter Of SEN
s'or Bayard, simply dressed in white, with
pink trimmings. ~
Lady Napierswas expected, but was i'm
ortunateIy prevented BY illness from being
Napier had another lady on
,is arm, whose appearance attracted gener-
admiration, but whose name could not
lscertaiI.
On the Same floor, directly back of The
'arlor, is the dancing room, spacious and
Iegant apartpent: The crowd here was so
:reat that it was with the utmost difficulty
hal the dancers could find room for their
volutions. The walls are decorated With a
lumber Of paintings, which are said to be i.
rst class in their character, bit Of course
nder the circumstances it was impossible
'r any one to examine them. Not being al q
ancing man, soon made my Escape from
1e hsat and crush and proceeded TO, the q
brary. Amongst the company asseT3blsd Q
issd found the. Hon. John Letcber of yjr. =
ia,the coap. DE- sartigss, Senator Ward !,
|. .Texas, tbe Heb: Iexander ssspbens Of Il
'eorgia' Preston te Nag, Roger A, Pryor, ".
}. Bishop OF Connecticut, Posma.ter .Fav- !,
,sRiehafd Connolly and Nj. sBat.esuo4a; lF