The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1860-03-20

FESTIVITIES ON BOARD THE FLAG.SHIP
MACEDoNIAE.-From a letter dated "Harbor
of Genoa, Feb. %, ls60," written on board the
U. S. flag ship Macedonian, we make the fol-
lowing extracts:
The past week has been an eventfnl one
with us. On the 10th, Captain Levy received
orders from the Navy Department to hoist his
flag as flag officer of the squadron. On the
2ist the flag was hoisted with all the honors. At
II O'Clock the Captain came on board. He was
received upon the quar- ter deck by all the off,
GERS in full uniform, with a Lieutenant's
guard of marines. The blue flag was then
run up 10 the miZZen royal mas head, and Il
salute OF thirteen guns was fired. AT the
firing Of the first gun the stop to the flag was
broken and the flag thrown to the breeze The
sound OF our last gun had not died away be-
fore the Sardinian vessels in port saluted; then
4 large Russian frigate in the harbor followed
suit. II was an exciting scene, l can assure
you.
The next day was the birthday of our i'm
mortal Washington Although windy, the
day was a splendid one. Our flag officer had
previously notified all the captains Of the
ships-of-War in port OF the day; and at A.
M we dressed ship in our best style. Five
Sardinian ships and the Russian frigate which
Were in port We're dressed most beautifully
At II M. we fired ~ guns, rs did also the Sar-
dinian and Russian vessels. It was a day
long to be remembered by all good Americans
The day closed with II performance by our
theatrical company. This was witnessed by
number of American ladies and gentlemen,
including Consul Patterson, wife and family
and several English gentlemen and ladies'
When our flag officer, with his beautiful wife
upon his arm, made their appearance a sailor
in the audience called for three cheers for the
flag officer of the Mediterranean squadron.-
This was responded to by three AS hearty
cheers as ever came from the throats of Jack
tars. Mrs. Levy was also heartily cheered
The performance commenced with an origi-
nal ode TO Washington, which was we'll de-
livered by one Of the tars. Then followed
appropriate song by one of our clever amateur
performers. The remainder Of the programme
was the Rent Day and Box Il Cox. The
plays were well cast and sustained, and their
performance gave the most entire satisfaction
to the strangers who witnessed it.'
THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION
A member of Congress received letter a day
two since. in reply to an application for
quarters, stating that he could have a room
provided he would agree to pay the enormous
price of ten or twelve dollars for it from the
18th Of April-eight days before the Conven-
ton meets. He declined taking it. A CORES
pondent Of the N. Y. Herald writing from
Washington, says friend has shown him a
letter which he received from citizen of
Charles ton, TO whom he applied for rooms
with board for himself wife and son, inform
ing him as follows:
II went 10 tue pTluClP0I Aottls W see WuIt 1
could do for you, but all refused positively to
have any ladies in the house, as in each hotel
drawing rooms, parlors Snd halls, will be
packed with beds and cots, and each occupant
will be charged ten dollars per day. next
went to all the private boarding houses, and
found them all engaged. Next went to sever
al private houses, and at last induced lady
to say she would accommodate you, if yon and
your wife will take bedroom aud let Charlie
sleep in the parlor on sofa. She will charge
YOU eighteen dollars per day tor the three. l
assure you you cannot do better il you wish to
come. have never seen such An exciting time
here as there is about the Convention board
at the - House, but had to give up my room
last week until the Ist Of May, for the land
lord told US that we must pay during April
fifty dollars per week, and then allow him to
nut some one else In our room. This ! could
not afford. and went To a friends house, and
now find must change again, and God only
knows where shall 60. The reason why
board will be 20 enormous Is, that everything
in market IL very high. Beef now sells for tif-
ty cents per pound. and every thing 10 In that