Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-12-10
THE CONFEDERATE BALL.
Gathering Of Chfva1fy and Beauty
Grey Boards, natrons ana
Maldens.

A0t00m1s
The Confederate hop, at the Overton
Hotel, which began late in the evening
and continued until late in the dark
hours of the morning. was as complete
and happy . success as the most enthusi-
astic dreamer could have predicted. The
affair possessed double interest, for it
was given in behalf of sacred charity
which all classes and conditions OF socie-
" indorse and encourage, and at the
same time it was the opening soiree dan
sante of the season. The invitations
had not been out long, but the ladies
many Of them had time to prepare very
tasteful and elegant toilets, and the styles
of last evening may be taken as prsce-
dent for the season.
At eleven o'clock-a fashionable affec-
tstion Of laieness which We hope will be
discarded in future-the music Of Smiths
excellent band sounded the opening call,
and the programme began. The assem-
bly, Of beauty, grace and fashion was
equal to any we have ever seen in the
city. The elite of society was largely
represented, though some were absent
who usually grace such gatherings.
Although styled Confederate hop. it
was not go in an exclusive sense, for our
best people were in attendance, regardless
of civic antecedents. The central figure
of observation and respect for an hour
was Mr.. Jefferson Davis, who had an
agreeable word and smile, in his own
happy way, for all who were introduced
to him. he retired early, accompanied by
ex-Gov. Harris and several other friends.
Among those who shared the general en-
joyment and gave dignity and eclat to
the occasion, were Hor. Henry G. Smith
and Mrs. Smith, Colonel Thomas Il. Al
len and Mrs. Allen, Frank 8. Davis,
Eso., and Mrs. Davis, Colonel and Mrs.
Bickford, Colonel and Mrs. Nathan Ad-
ANS, Colsnel VIM. R. Moore, Coloael
and Mrs. John W. Dawson, Captain John
Oyerion and Mrs. Overton, Colonel Pick
EFT, formerly of General Hardee's staff;
General G. W. Gordon, Colonel Jno.
Donovan aud wife, Captain Parker and
wife, Colonel Mike Cornell and bride,
Mr.. and Mrs. jesse Psge, Major Jack
Hays and Mrs Hays. Colonel ]. M.
Tomeny and wife, Captain Belcher and
his St. Louis bride. Major Severson and
Mrs. Severson, Colonel E NJ. Apperson
and Miss Maggie AppersoD, and many
others. The leading bellies of society
we're present in their fascinating inno-
cence and beauty, and it was remarked
that all were dressed in exceed
ing good taste The Committee on
Entertainment performed faithful ser
vice and acquitted themselves with all
honor. They deserve the highest praise
for the manner in which this. the inaugu-
raj ball of the season, was conducted.
The supper was taken in the ladies or
binary, and lasted from twelve to two
o'clock. We cannot enumerate the or
namental and substantial visnds that
were so temptingly arrayed, but pro-
nounce the supper an elegant success.
There was the greatest abundance, and
that presented in the most seductive
form. The cuisine arrangements of the
Overton are the ne plus ultra Of the art,
not exeelIed, perhaps, in the country.
This feature of the evenings entertain
ment 1.-THE supper) reflected much credit
on the liberaliiy and good taste of the
worthy proprietor of the house and his
efficient corps. and was highly sstisfac-
tory.
AZ matter of general interest TO the
ladies, who are always anxious TO know
the coming styles and what every lady
wears at ball, we would like to give
some description Of the dresses, the
ornaments, and the tout ensemble pre-
ssnted when hundred musical pairs of
feet kept time to the inspiring thrill Of
music. Bat the task 10 too delicate and
arduous. A mere mention Of The mate
rial composing q lsdy's dress is not a
description, for there is something in the
manner. 90 10 speak, of dress and
the mode which the pan cannot catch.
The dance continued until thTss or
four o'clock this morning. when the
ladies', with their Arabs folded about
them, Joined their gsllspts aud were
wheeled away in their carriages. The
ball was over, and we believe all will re-
member it with sincere pleasure. The
members OF the press acknowledge
special cosFtesies received from the gen.
tlemanly attaches Of the hotel.
Imporfant Law-No Voting Outside
ef the District or ward In which