Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-12-14
LETTER FROM BOSTON,.
GRAND DUKE ALEXIS IN BosToN. RECEr-
TIoN-V1sITs-GRAND BALL.


BosToN, Dec. IL, 1871.
The last week has been one of uncommon
interest to the citizens of Boston and vicinity.
When it was certain that Alexis would visit
Boston, meeting was called and committees
were chosen to make preparation for his re-
ceplion. Those who served on the commit
tees deserve praise for their arduous endeav-
ors to make his visit pleasant one.
Alexis came, saw and conqucred--the fair.
Row he has gone, but will ever be kindly re-
membered. The impression which he made
on the minds OF Americans was good one
Some called him handsome, but he was more
than that He was sensible and noble look
ing young man, tall of stature, well built, OF
light complexion, and Lad manly look. He
arrived in Boston Thursday night at ten
o'clock, and quietly retired to rest in the
apartments which had been admirably fitted
Up for him at the Revere House. Friday fore
noon he visited the City Hall and State House.
In the afternoon he visited Harvard. Where
ever he went crowds were gathered to meet
him, and cheer upon cheer rent the air as his
carriage moved along, which were responded
to by him with a tip of the hat and graceful
bow. The weather was fine which made very
pleasant both for Alexis and the spectators
The Duke seemed to be interested in what he
saw, and took pains to inquire into the minu-
ta as his attention was called TO this or that
particular topic of interest. But all his re-
ceptions and visits were eclipsed by the Grand
Ball at the Boston Theatre, to which pass
was furnished us by the kindness of the Treas
urer Mr.. Geo. Wheatland. No pen is made
that can do justice to the occasion. 1t was
enough to look upon it. The eyes were daz-
zled at the gorgeous splendor of the decora-
ted Theatre, and the diamonds that sparkled
in the gas light. The floor extended from the
rear of the stage to the front OF the auditori-
um. On the sides of the stage mirrors OF
gigantic size reflected back the delicate hues
of silk and satin that wheeled around on the
light fantastic toe. Thus to the eye of the
spectator double sets of dancers filled the
floor. Around the balconies were hung the
stars and stripes, and the Russian blue caught
up with figures of bronze, of rare and ancient
model. In the centre opposite the stage was
the box fitted for the Grand Duke Alexis.
Luxuriant carpets covered the floor; curtains
of satin and gold overhung the sides, and
from the glittering coronet of the Duke which
covered the top, hung fabrics of costly text
ure. In front was the black eagle of Russia.
p. S. Gilmore, who had just returned from
Europe, led the two bands of music. When
Alexis entered they both struck up the Rus
sian hymn. 1t was ten minutes before eleven;
time for honest people to be in bed, but
not so on this occasion. Without delay or
ceremony, as the music sounded for the first
quadrille Alexis left the private box with
Mayor Gastons wife, and with her danced
ris-a-ris with DR.. Warren and Miss Shae.
The rest looked on and Toasted their eyes on
the chosen four who did the motions so grace
fully. Other sets were formed consisting OF
larger numbers, and by one O'Clock the floor
was the scene of lively BALLROOM. AT half
past two o'clock the last solitary one had LETT
the hall and poor humanity sought rest from
''tired natures sweet restorer, balmy sleep"
Saturday Alexis visited Lowell, and in the
afternoon returned to Boston, and saw the
school children reviewed in Music Hail. But
we must not intrude on your space. 1t is all
over with now. Everybody was glad he
came-so easy, agreeable and pleasant, SO
noble, sensible and manly. May he live long
anI prnsDpr ia the wish
Yours truly.
l.