The New York herald., 1870-01-28
THE BALL OF THE SEASON.
Royal Light fantasies at the
Capital.
The Misty Mazes Of the Dance Among The Re-
publican Aristocracy.
An Immense Crowd and Gene
raj Jam.

WASHINGTON. Jan. a. 1870.
To-day has been looked forward to as the great
royal day here in Washington. The Prince was ex-
pected to do several things extraordinary. He was
expected to walk generally about town, but he did
not do II SO extensively: he was expected TO go to
the Interior Department, but he did not he was ex-
pee ted go to the Soldiers Home, which he did he
was expected 10 do several other things likewise.
Now, let us see what he actually did perform. In
the early morning he spent several hours reading
and writing letters. Report says he has been smit-
ten already by New Jersey gr and that one OF
the letters was TO the dear angel.
VISIT TO THE SOLDIERS HOME
AT half past eleven O'Clock, IN company with the
gigantic Fame and the prncey suite, Arthur started
for drive to the Soldiers Home. The drive was
delightful, the day being balmy and spring like and
the roads being mudless. The Home was reached
about halfpa twelve O'Clock, and the Prince was
received with all nonors by Colonel Lee, his
plisned lady and daughters. The veteran Lee. who
has the Home under his paterna charge, escorted
The Prince and suite through the Home explained to
him its origin and object. and gave MIN a
detailed list OF the present number OF In
mates, with some interesting "reminiscences OF
their history. The party were subsequently driven
through the grounds, and the Prince expressed him.
self much gratHed He thought the site had been
admirably selected, and came TO the conclusion that
the United States takes very good care OF It's sol
ders both In and o1 the army. After thoroughly
inspecting the Soldiers Home the Prince and suite
drove around the northern boundary Of the city.
viewing the surrounding country which is beautl-
iul and picturesque, and expressing his admiration
OF the wisdom OF Washington in selecting beau
tifu location for the Capital. The Prince returned
10 the residence OF the British Minister about half
past one and regaled himself with lunch.
VISIT TO THE ARSENAL
AZ two O'Clock. accompanied by Mrs. thornton,
Mr.. Thornton and the members OF his SUITE he
started Tor visit 10 the Arsenal upon the invita-
ton OF General Ramsay, commandant of that post.
Arriving at the Arsenal they were received by
salute, and after introduction to the officers
under the command OF General Ramsay, they were
taken In charge by that ofilcer and shown through
the Arsenal and grounds Subsequently they were
handsomely entertained at the residence Of General
Ramsay. The distinguished party returned to the
residence OF the British Minister about five O'Clock,
and prepared attend the dinner given by Secretary
Rish.
DINNER AT SECRETARY FIsH's.
The Secretary's dinner party was pleasant AFFAIR
IN every particular Mr.. Fish Is In his element pre-
clsey when II comes to that. No one can contrive
better entertainments no one can conduct them
more connse yuut than our American Premier,
ancient Knickerbocker stock. or course the Prince
was there OF necessity, for he was to be the Gen.
rral figure. without him 1t would have been
like any lively play with the principal part
omitted. The Prince was happy, good hu-
mored, talkatIve ana willing to be adored.
Besides his Royal Highness Chief Justice Chase,
Speaker Blaine. Secretaries Boutwell, Belknap,
Robson, Cox and Creswel: Attorney General
Hoar, Senator sumner, General Banks, General
Sherman, Admiral Porter, Mr.. Thornton, Colonel
Elpninstone. Lieutenants Packard and Ftzroy aud
Baron Gerolt the Prnsslan Minister, were in at
tendance. The Wee President OF the United States
was invited, but declined. The dinner commenced
Mt nx and lasted some hours, wnen the Prince and
suite ert prepare for the great event OF the nigns
The Ball.
And now to the bali-that great event, which for
ten days, at least, has agtated our fashionable
circles, 70 which pspas and mammas and their dear
sons aud daughters have looked forward with ex-
pectancy Of the keepest relish, which mas driven to
the very verge OF desperation naodstes salseuys and
faaieuses; which has well nga been the death of
Trench Of the British Legations who had charge OF
the details OF invitations aud all that sort Of thing
you know" which caused such an upheaval of all
,he dancing and pretty girls in search Of cards
OF admission; which occasoncd . perfect food OF
pteous applications for invitations upon the equabe
and large-hearted Thornton, and which made gene.
rally very punctilious peraonages very reckless OF
appearances regardless OF the cardinal principles Of
etiquette Let me stop just here to explain my
ailusions for the benefit Of the general public.
Imagine the amiaDle British Minister looking
hastily over his morning mail any day within the
week pastor, say ten days. Perhaps the very first
note that he opens rms in this way
MI pEAn sIs-I know l may trust in your discretion
when write 70 yoa on such delicate subject as hA:
prompted this no's know you are very much occupied
therefore come TO tine point without yerbsse
my sSa % aSa % %
last winter, are very anxious 70 90 the ball not Of
hu. you Vim me on .eeogn, OF ,he sI'r.oaina
ss yoa win n.r se tenor Il no saS. Ss honor
oe' 'n' yours very 9aiyyoRcr WASHINGTON aRAss
ANY, ySr pes can may
vitation tor myself shall be pleased.
On perusing this model communication perhaps
Mr.. Thornton may remember to have met Charles
ana Augusta, and even George Washington Brass
himself, some occasion other remote or other.
wise; but the perhaps Is likely to be the other
way. Mr.. Thornton is far more likely to think to
himself, "Well, upon my honor, have no recollec-
tion OF this gentleman at ALL" and then proceed 10
open another letter, which Is couched In about this
style:-
MY DEAR THoESTor-I may surely presume upon our
acquaintance to remind you OF llc which,
in the extrsordnary press OF
your position present tme must have escaped your
have yet received an invitation 10 the bail
Ledeer mutual friend, told me was TO be invited Has
and miscarried has yoar secretary forgotten
Please and oblge Truly yours, ,,,,
PSI have good story to tell about Fame whsn ne1s
you.
Mr. Thornton discovers he has about ~ misty q
recollection OF the identity Of Cheek as Of the man
with the very patriotic and very metallic designation.
The next note he pores over s to the same purpose
and the next and next and next He finds some of
them directed to Mrs. Thornton, few specimens Of
which VIII sunlce Here is one:-
MY DxAB MADAMR-I need remind you. The bail.
Salie, Josephine myself and Mr.. Blank. Don't forget
Yours, hn BLANk-
No. to Mrs. Thornton Ia decidedly more cleyery
conceived, as witness:-
MY DEAR MADANE-I nm mad enough, almosi TO bite my
little finger. Would you believe IL have msaid In
vaton some how other after searching high and
can't ind H. Will you kind enough to send duplicate
ca myself aud Bcase our daughter, who 10
dyng for the bail Ever yours, -