The New York herald., 1863-11-11
Grand Entertainment on Board the
Alexander Nevsky.
"A sSIAN NAVAL BALL.
Eleven Hours Of Dancing and
Enjoyment.
A Brilliant Night Scene on Board the
Russian Flag Ship,
&c..

The officers OF the imperial Russian friga,c Alexander
Nevsky. flagship of Rear Adira Iisonsky gave an en-
tertannent board of their vessel Yesterday which
began al tHc O'Clock in the afternoon and ended
socisl bal at near midnight Il mprompta af.
far and designed only TO crafty tho friends OF the
pSosrs
\ From early dawn unti tho crew we're employed
70 putting the ship In condition receive the large
sry which graced her decks during tho latter par, OF
bAs day aud evening All the guns both spar and gun
Geek asl Tar as the waist forward and slowed
pstween the forward guns. Everything which could
1ender the deck more roony was removed, and largo
opace each side OF the cabin, wardrocm and engine
atches were thus secured FOR the purpose OF prone
padiug and dancing.
. Tho quarterback and mandeck awnings were spresd
with ther attendant side curtains which rendered tho
deck not only dow proof bat Kept out tho chilly air OF
dn November day. IL addition TO those projections tho
Gags Of all nations were hung from the ridge ropes max
sng huge ball room With yaregaed aud attractive sides
On the sides OF the vessel the sailors hammocks we're
oiled % "a 10 form long line OF very comfortable lounges
and seees these being covered by the dropping folds Of
khe side decorations
The pivot gun aft forward 10 ts forward socu.
ring bolt. and over 1t arranged evergreeus and ags
tastcfuiy blended TO make beautiful bower the
branches OF tho trees being dcd with miniature Russan
tres.
Over each hatchwoy we're marine chandeliers formed
OF hoop, In which number of bayone,s reversed
candle bong placed in the socket of each the hoops
were trimmed with overgreens relieved by bright
c0l0rs OF our starry flag.
Forward Of tho engine hatch flags were sus.
rended scross tho deck either side shutting out
&hs view OF the forward part or tho deck and thereby
giving Jack place to dance he kod, to DO away
nm feA li.oct IN
pate limo was stretched high head each sido
S the dock from which hung OF paper lanterns
or tho American flag pattern, ard each bearng tho
symbolic words, "Uaion forever" Tho copstan shin.
eng Ike gold, stood out Ike huge centre table amid all
shis bright display OF bunting and other decorations
Passing down TO the gundec found tho sanle taste
was displayed in the arrangcment OF the decorations Hero
Furnished small arms and other paraphernalia o. war
fare was made to take share in the decorations The
nfter cabin was fitted exqlisitcy adea' dressing
room with every convenience FOR lady's toilet Moth
. ing seemed 10 have been forgotten.
Next comes the commanders cabin the saloon Of
The Admiral, which used for The reception OF tho
guests Everywhere and in every dotai the most sxqui-
site taste was displayed In the decorations and the ar
tanSements for excellent social could not he sur
passed BY anything OF the kind OF shore The gangway
fre the water's edge up tho sides and the spar
deck was carpeted, making thereby sure foohod for
largo ship score Of boats. manned by neatly dressed
and hardy sailors, was tho transportation be-
tween ths ship and sho re.
Moon csme and everything was ready, and after the
crew bad parakeu OF their midday meal tho boats ~
rhAses OF the attentive ndshipmon OF tho rgate wore
sent 10 Tho landing at pier North river to await the
rival Of tho invited guests and take them board
One O'Clock had not Tong been sounded from the bells Of
ths vesssls-of.wsr lying at anchor In the stream be-
ma
tsighted with the young and beautiful or the fair eex
Rostload sster boatload quickly set or 70 the hip
and By two O'Clock quite party had gathered tho
decks Of tho noble fgate, having beon cordially re-
evsd By tho ocors OF the ship and those OF the feet
whose duties did not compel them remain on board Of
tber own vesss's The guests continued rive during
tho entire afternoon which VAS spent In various ehoy
suts, erivsncd by the band q Tho rya.o and thai Of
dne Of tho corvettes.
A the dawn ushcred in the mooulo., night a. II BY
magic the lights VI tho ports Illuminated and in
uomeut tho ship was in blaze Of light aud beauty.
hundreds OF lanterns suspended from the roofing the
AAr deck and scattered among the green braucl the
xees &c shed their light gay and brilliant ss.m
pzuof youth aud beauty No signs Of shcddy were TO
DO seen among them, ard tho gay trimmings cs the
oacsrs a they mingled in the throng lent air Of
somApc effect seldom tho waters ef our ex
cansivs ssy.
NogAre Of diamonds trails OF costly silks and aces
10 airs put on, no l-bred upstsrts-nohlng OF dis.
tasteful appearance present 10 take from the beauty
sociablisy and onjoy Of tho time and place.
grand assembags of seusble social people, whs came
TO do honor 10 their hosts and enjoy such never
will, probably, take place sysn under such crcuu.
stances.
While tho guests were cnioyin themselves tho spar
deck long tables bad been spread tho gun DECK loaded
with the delicacies Of the Rare nowsrs wore
scattered among the fruit giving W The tables
mental appearance. BY tho way, speaking Of owers
reminded that each lady, she board, was
prsssassd with . bouquos. miniature silk Russian sag
spl beautiful card, which printed tho order of
dancing But 70 return 10 the suprer s richness full.
sas and variety would vic with DsmonIco's best Tho
chill sr gave all appetite, and tho vianss wsrs ds
ousssd devoid o tosts speeches and those other details
which sometimes prove % irisoms. An hour spent Iu
tbs OF nourshmcnt, and that part oe shs
tanmcns over; and In less time sinos, than takes
70 writs the tabiss were cleared and removed.
Next = ords the regular dancing q the evening
No rsdAsssd rssss of tho setting lett upon
western horsoa when Il begun. Nature had spread bsr
velvet sas bcdecked mantle In the sky tho sound OF
the pastssiug paddle wheels of the evening
osascd TIE dark forms Of the buildings q city had
merged ato shaeoss mass the beacon lanterns Of tho
ships a snchor had been set while upon tho dark
tors bsspangsd here aod there By lights shoro stn
piled the boats ss the ship engaged bringing of tbcse
Sho were 70 tin IN the festivities of the evening.
TIE card giving the order Of dancing read az iol.
iews--
- A.