The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-03-02
ON THE POTOMAC.

and BeaSiy TsEes 3 War vessel 6v Storm.
Last evening one Of the great events of the
season took place In the form of brilliant en-
tertainment given by the officers of the Phila-
delphia Navy Yard and of the receiving ship to
their friends both ladies and gentlemen. The
place where the party was held was the re-
ceiving ship Itself, the Potomac now lying near
the dock at the Navy Yard. Great numbers of
Invitations had been issued, and those having
charge of the affair had received large numbers
of regrets, so much so as TO make them doubt
the success of the entertainment. But the result
showed that the number present was fully rs
great as the large frigate could possibly accom-
modate. Had n greater number been present
there weuld have been serious interference with
the pleasures OF the occasion. AS 1t was, all
enjoyed themselves to the best of their ability
The greatest credit is due to those In charge.
The Navy Yard presented quite an unusual
appearance for that time of the night The
large entrance gates were thrown open during
the whole evening, and about o'clock an
almost uninterrupted line of carriages wended
their way through the entrance and down the
long street of the yard TO the wharf. The best
preparations had been made to show the way TO
those not acquainted with 1t. Long lines of
ships lanterns, burning brightly in all colors,
were hung upon trees and fences, and served to
show the path distinctly to both foot passengers
and those in carriages. On nearing the Della
ware front of the yard, after passing the large
ship house the sound of music directed the
guests to the gangway of the Potomac Entrance
was made either by the ships ladder over the
bulwarks or through poIt-hole in the side.
On entering the ship IL was found that sailors
were stationed at various points to direct the
uninitiated in which direction to go and where
to find the dressing-rooms. The ladies' dress
ing-room was in the Commodores cabin. while
that of the gentlemen was in the ward-room,
on the berth deck. The dancing saloon was
on the spar deck, which is usually open
to the air, but which for this occasion had been
covered with thick canvas and bunting, so as
to make il almost impenetrable to the cold.
The saloon TINS formed dppOratpd with
flags in the greatest profusion. The American
and English colors were displayed at various
points, while the ceiling was formed of several
large American flags placed so as to form a tent
like awning Several flags were placed around
the sides, and helped to give n rich appearance
to the scene. The band was stationed on a
temporary raised gallery at one end. Directly
In the rear was the bridge, which was crowded
with sailors looking on and thoroughly enjoying
the sight At the other end, near the stern of
the vessel, was the poop-deck, raised some dis
tance above the main deck, which was used by
those of the guests who wished to look on, and
which was also in demand for promenade.
Under the poop-deck, in the cabin, were three
large punch bowls, containing fluids of all
degrees of strength to suit all tastes, and here
those fatigued by dancing retired to rest and
refresh themselves.
The saloon was brilliantly illuminated with
ship-lanterns of all colors, and also with three
large chandeliers, each formed of three star
shaped rows of candles, and ornamented with
were arranged in appropriate devices.
The dancing commenced about o'clock and
continued until late hour. The floor was
thronged with officers in uniform and ladies in
full dress. The attendance embraced all the
noted bellies of Philadelphia, and many from
New York, Brooklyn, Washington, and other
cities. Many naval officers of high rank were
in attendance.
Among them the following were noticed:-
Miss Isabella S. Sherman, of Brooklyn, N. w. sky
blue silk dress with white valenciennes, hair parted,
with pink rose Mrs. Lands, green silk dress,
white tarietan overskirt ornament of golden leaves
in hair, diamonds and gold Mrs. Longstreth, pearl
@ rs Snmas % apo ana
cade; with embroidered muslin Overskirt, and dia-
| monds; crimson flowers in hair. Mrs Mitchell,
pearcolored silk dress, crimson velvet overskirt,
and diamonds, crimson flowers in hair. The Misses
| Crosman, daughters OF General Crosman white
taretan dresses trimmed with white satin looped up
with flowers. Mrs General Crosman, black velvet
| dress and diamonds. Mrs Judge Kelley Mrs.
| Coforth Miss Lewis, Mrs Captain N. b. Harrison
Miss Adele Z. Hrst and many Others
Mrs. Knickerbocker, Of New York, was present in
striped silk sack, low-neckcd dress, ana train
| She was adorned with the most elegant diamonds
| and was one Of the most beautiful women In the
room. Many naval officers OF high rank and distin-
| whom were Admiral Breese, General William Van
| Welt, Commodore Marchand, Major Joseph f.
Commodore De Camp Capt. A. Murray, Capt. N. B.
Harrison and ofieers OF the United States steam
ship Congress, Lieutenant Commanders e Hawlseyy
Sherman and Wiley; Mr.. whipple (Brooklyn> Pay
master Fulton, and Surgeon Mcclellan
The supper, which took place at about seven
| bells ship time, was served on the gun-deck,
| Immediately under the dancinghoor. The
| cooking was conducted in the forward part of
the ship, where women cooks performed their
| duties under the wondering gaze of hundreds of
sailors. The table presented a most tempting
appearance, but after the grand march had been
| played by the orchestra its beauties speedily
disappeared. The eating and eating materials
were in the most inappropriate proximity to the
ships guns and other Implements of warfare
One Young lady was noticed enjoying her sup
per while perched on the top of 9-inch Dal
gren.
The officers having charge of the affair may
be fully satisfied with the result of their exer
tions. Every one expressed themselves highly
delighted. and it was not until an early hour IL
the morning that the guests departed to thei
homes leaving the festive vessel to rest ant
quietness.
LOCAL ODDS AND ENDs.-Sergeant Gilchrist
of the Tenth district, is of the most efficien