Daily union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1865-1866, 1866-08-08

KINGSTON SPRNes-GAY AssEMBrAGF
&c.-One Of the most delightful summer re
sorts in the country is certainly Kingston
: Springs, situated at a short distance from
our city, and at ali times accessible by an
hours ride on the Nashville and North
western RI. We knowof no other place
more inviting to the weary, and city worn
than its cool and refreshing shades. Here
nature exists uninterrupted by art, save
where art touches to render its charms the
more beautiful; and one almost fancies while
wandering through the sylvan aisles of it.
groves that the golden age of the poets had
returned
When young love stopped to kiss the flower.
cup
And joy wautoned in the spicy gale"
On last Friday, a gay and conyiyial party
Of professional gentlemen left the city for
this pleasant destination. All thought Of
the ordinary occupations of everyday life
was cast aside. They were boys again, and
were moved only by the spirit Of frolic and
fun. The erich mans pride, the proud
mans conIumely," and especially "the laws
delay" were remembered no more. There
was to be, on that evening, Grand Fancy
Ball, and they were to take characters
kings, princes, soldiers, gallants of the old
en- time, knights, who were to appear, if not
with the age, yet certainly with something of
the air Of chivalry. The costumes and ward
robe Of the Old Theatre were speedily ran
sacked and pronounced poor-not suited to
the occasion and they were in despair, but
fortunately gentleman suggested a member
of the theatrical profession as the last resort,
and he was Immediately visited, and literally
taken possessson Of; expostulations were of
no avail, and he finally surrendered, con-
senting to furnish the party with costumes
and they went on their way rejoicing.
Meeting on their route to the depot a gal
liant legal brother from our little sister city
Of Lebanon, he was speedily induced to join
them, and the locomotive soon bore them
with hearts full of boyish delight to their
destination, where they were welcomed by
the kind and genial host to the famous room
No. 40, first floor. The gallant Col. b,
from Arkansas had already preceded them in
its occupancy, but he was found to be one of
the most pop!-ular men they had ever met,
and they all felt under the peculiar charms
of his society entirely at home.
A luxurious supper awaited them and the
way the gentlemen disposed of the delight
ful fish, showed that their constitutions re-
sponded readily to the bracing influence
Of the pure atmosphere.
Laughter and pleasant jest were prolonged
until they were warned by the approach of
musicians that the hour of the ball was near
and it was time to don their princely habili-
ments. A rush was made for No. 40. JOHN,
the king Of all darkies, was placed in requi-
sition, and the Transformation was soon COM
plete--quiet citizens even by the magic of his
changed to naughty kings,
with nodding plumes and princely robes. |
No. 40 wore an animated appearance, filled |
with every imaginable character-Zouaves, |
Arabs, Turks, Highlanders, were standing
about in picturesque groups until the in
'piriting sounds of music announced that
he ball had commenced-arm and arm
DOWN the stairway they poured upon the |
brilliant scene in solid phalanx. 1t was a
very beautiful spectacle and would have
we'll repaid twice the exertion used in its
The costumes Of the ladies were exceed |
ngly well chosen and appropriate, and they
ooled lovely and radiant with happiness
md amiability. The beautiful little queen
If the fairies, upon whose golden wings may
10 mildew damp Of misfortune ever fall, |
loated around the room like Titania voy-
ging on a moonbeam, and the little star
yed sorceress of the South as " Madame la
Duchess" was so attractive that a certain
noble duke" fell captive to the power of
Ter charms; she breathed the aroma of the
and
Golden simmer Of her native skies,
Bsaming IN the glances Of her eyes"
A certain little Highland lass was charm
ngly beautiful, but we did not get near
uough to tell her so, or we would. 1t
S almost inyidious to draw comparison or
o make distinctions where all had such
laims to admiration. The ball lasted until
he "wee sma' hours" of the morning and
7as scene Of constant enioymentunmarred.
The approach of day compelled the gay
evelers to return and bid Kingston, with
II its pleasure-its refined and gentle ladies
its gay and genial gentleman, alden.