Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-12-12
NO. 293.
Miseellanspns.
ALEXIS AT TINE BALL.

The entrance, appearance and doings
of Alexis at the ball in Boston Theatre on
Friday evening, given in his honor, and
also the proceedings in general, are thus
reported in the Journal - f.9a
The welcome cheers which greeted the
Duke upon his entrance to the theatre re-
assured the anxious ones, and as he ascend
ed the staircase all eyes were bent upon
him. He passed Immediately to his pri
vate box, bowng to the spectators as he
entered. Upon entering he shook hands
with several gentlemen whom he had pre-
viously met, while others were presented
to him. Among them was the wife Of
His Honor the Mayor, and the daughter Of
Hon. Robert G. Winthrop, General Ben
ham, Lieut.. Gov. Tucker, and Judge Big
Glow.
In a minute or two after reaching his
private box the Grand Duke appeared at
the front the box in full evening dress,
in full view of the company. His appear
ance was the signal for an outburst Of ap-
plause from the floor and balconies. At
the same time, at signal from the mar
shall, Mr. Gilmore's baton waved for the
opening by both bands of the grand music
of the Russian hymn.
The company in the balconies, previous
ly seated, all arose to their feet and made
the welcome scene one of rare beauty and
spirit. Alexis bore with every grace the
gaze of the company, and remained in full
view until the music closed. Almost the
first object which met his eye was the
large Russian scene at the back of the
stage, previously described, and at the ap-
propriateness of which he expressed his
pleasure. The company appeared salts
| tA1l tn IAs, h,1< ovI
gazing at him, and he appeared satisfied
to have them. The welcome was hearty
and appropriate one.
No time was lost after the formality of
the Grand Dukes reception had ended
with the last notes of the Russian hymn,
in opening the ball, already delayed an
hour The music sounded for the first
quadrille, and Alexis left the private box
in company with Mrs. CASTOR, Mayor Gas
toms wife, followed by Minister Gatacazy
and Miss Winthrop, daughter Of Hon.
Robert {. Winthrop, Dr. j. c. Warren,
and Miss Shaw, daughter of the late j.
Rowland Shaw, and Mr.. Francis Braggi-
otti with Mrs. Frank Peabody. The par
ty proceeded to the centre of the par
quette floor, where a set was formed as
above stated. The Grand Duke, with
Mrs. Castor, danced ris-a-cis with DR..
Warren and Miss Shaw No other sets
were formed, either upon the parquette,
or stage floor, and the company gathered
in large circle about the distinguished
set as they went through the changes of
the opening quadrille.
At the conclusion of the first quadrille
the Duke conducted his partner back to
his private box, where he remained until
the call was sounded for the second dance,
waltz, when he descended with Mrs.
James Lawrence upon his arm. The sett
was composed of the Duke and Miss Law
renee, who danced vis-a-vis with Mr.. Au-
gustus I. Perkins and Miss Steedman, the
eldest daughter of Admiral Steedman, the
side couples being Mr. Frank Peabody
with Mrs. John l.. Gardner, Jr.. as part
ner, and Mr.. Louis Stackpole, who danced
with Miss Steedman, the second daughter
of the Admiral Without leaving the floor
the Duke was introduced to his third part
ner, Miss Mason, and danced q quadrille
vis-a-vis with Mr.. Richard S. Fay and Miss
Annie Tucker, the side couples being Mr..
f. Peabody and Mrs. F. W. Bradlee. Mr..
Thomas Motley, Jr', and Miss Borland,
daughter OF DIR. Borland of Beacon street.
Several variations were made in the Or
der of dances, quadrille being substitute
quadrile for galop in the fifth galop
instead of the Lancers in the sixth;
quadrile for waltz in the seventh, and
waltz in place OF a quadrille in the eighth.
At little past midnight the Grand Duke
and suite left the floor, and the dancing
was temporarily suspended. The party
which also included select company of
ladies and gentlemen, whose acquaintance
Alexis has formed since his arrival here,
proceeded to the private saloon, previously
described where an elegant supper was
served. At the same time, in the saloon
on the floor of the dress circle generous
supper was served to the company gener
ally, who thronged the place to refresh
themselves for the remainder of the ball.
Refreshments We're served there earlier in
the evening, and in fact. throughout the
night.
| Not more than an half hour was occu-
pied by Alexis and party in the refresh
ment saloon, after which it was thrown
open to the company generally. The dis
tinguished party returned to the private
box, and at the call of the music, soon
aiterward again descended to the floor and
engaged in the dancing, which had become
general. The scene about one O'clock,
when the ball was at its zenith, was one
OF rare attractiveness. The superb deco
rations, the rich toilettes, the delicious
music, the perfume of flowers, and the
aggregation of beautiful sights and sounds
made it almost a fairy spectacle. The I'M
perial party left the ball not far from two
O'clock, and were driven directly to the
Revere, where it is presumed some sound
slumbering was done till morn. BY half
past two o'clock the last dance had termi-
mated, and tired forms were speedily en-
cased in wrappers, carriages were taken
as quickly as possible, and sleepy humani-
ty was rolled rapidly home. Mr.. Gilmore
and his grand corps of musicians enclosed
their fiddles and horns in their protectors
and left for home, sweet home. Sleepy
workmen turned off the last gas jet, and
the desoation of banquet hall deserted
and ball room without u dancer was
complete. Fale Alexis ball.