The New York herald., 1862-12-05
MiI1tary Hall On Governors Island.
Row QuR sOLpIEHR ENJOY THRNsELYEs.

m1nG0ry Hall On 0OVerm0r'o ISI0n0s
A0w QUIZ SOLDiEhs ENJOY THEMSELVES.
very excellent custom prevails among the COM
mssioned oeers OF me regiments stationed on Cover
nor sland and which tends greatly TO promote the
esprit a. coe and general harmony and friendship among
the men. This 10, once In each year 70 give military
oal by general subscription among themselves, which
they invite their friends Of both from the neigh
boring cities At these annual reunions good deal Of
run and mcrrmont prevail and the give themselves
up 10 the enjoyment OF the occasion with all the
ness and happiness which well be conceived They
spare no pains or expense in celebrating the joyous
versary and for the comfort enjoyment OF their
guests they exen themselves the farthest extent o,
their ability. On these occasions the commissioned OIL
GERS Of the regiments the lay as de for tho mo
ment all their privileges Of rank and mingling
freely with the subaItern officers. give higher tone to
the festivities while fully participating te recreation
thus insnrlg perfect decorum and goud order amorg
their sabordnates scme persons have bected 70 this
familiar condescea sion ON the ground That destruc
tive TO good discipline and tends bordin alton in
the army This far from being true; for experience
has show the very opposite has been the result No one
can doubt that the highest state OF discipline
french army and yet, at balls and parties given
by non commissioned officers in Paris and other French
miitary stations, It is no uncommon thing TO
brilliant uniforms and decorations OF the very highest
grades OF officers Not long sncc may be renembercd
one OF these non commissioned officers balls given
In France at which the Emperor Impress were pre-
sent. Iner Majesties opened the. bal-the Emperor
umncpg Win corporal wife, and the Empress leading
OIL with the corporal himself No wonder the soldiers
called him "Our Emperor.n
On wednesday evening last the annual ball to which
we nave thus alluded took place Governors Island,
and was very successful affair. The ballroom was
beautifully decorated with flags and banners the roof
being completely covered by these national emblems.
The fine band of the Eighth Infantry was stationed at one
end Of the room, which was Illuminated by bayonct
canucaoras-tnat is bay onets reversed 10 repfe-
sent candle. cks, and bound together ngonously the
light reflected from the brilliant blades shining with
dazzling briancy The portrait Of Washing ton drapcd
with hags was hung in the west Of the room and that OF
General Mcclellan surrounded by rifles, swords and other
inedatey facing Westinghouse In the ballroom
lected Dumber ot LADIES' from New York and other
places and the amusements OF the evening began with
me inspirng music from the band.
Among the regular lire officers who were present
the veteran commander Of the post COL Ioomis Of the
Fifth Infantry. The Colonel, however, only remained
the Eighth United States infantry, officer Of the day;
Lieut. Chiids, Sixth Infantry; Lieut. Fisher, Eighth
Fhth infantry Lieut.. Purcell First nianry, and Captain
E. r. Van Bfunt, Of the Anthon Battalion. and lady.
Lieut. Weaver arrived and soon entered with much spirit
into the amusement OF the hour Her presence lent
dis,onai life 70 the increasing crowd Of dancers.
The Committee OF Arrangements deserve great praise
TOT the ample provision made for the convenience AID
comfort Of their guests. tie supper table loaded
with everything solid and substantial that could be
sired and the parties present. is needless say, did
ample justice to the delicacics spread bcore them This
committee consisted Of Sergeant p. II Guerr Corporal
George Ee Sergeant Sotsc, Sergeant Majors Scrvoner
and Taylor and private Taylor
Among the noncommssioncd officers present we TO
tced Sergeant Dewey, who corporal at tho battle
OF Cedar Mountain, but promoted the field that
occasion by Captain Pitcher OF the Eighth infantry
who commanded all the regular troops that battle
for his bravery in action. Sergeant Dewey is quiet
looking young man, and wear his honor with
bee ming modesy. His officers glvo him tho character
Of good soldier.
Music and dancing were kept up with zest all tho
ing, and some of the soldiers and their lady friends
determined to keep at II till the sounding OF the revee
Those Of the guests who not enthusiastic il
their devotion to Tcrpschore left at earlier hour but
still the dance went on and the happy party Of fair
women and brave continued ''to chase the hours
with Tying feet" The call OF the soldier to duty alone
brought the festivities To o close.
TO Lieutenant Weaver and his excellent lady, wel
as to the other line officers present. to Captain f. X. Van
Bruht, OF the Anthon Battalion and TO Corporal VIM Rc
and the other non officers reporter begs
to return bis sincere thanks for all the kindrcss and
the island at this really enjoyable ana successful ball.