The New York herald., 1871-02-21
THE GRAND BALL.
Brilliant Gathering in Aid Of the Washington
Monument Fund-The President and Family,
the Cabinet, the Diplomatic Corps and
the Army and Navy in Attendance.

WASHIN6TON, FeO. ~ 1871.
The grand vent Of the carnival was the ball given
at the Corcoran Art Gallery. The most fashionable
element OF Washington society was represented, and
there was large invoice Of strangers from all parts
OF the United States. On entering the building the
ladies' ushered into reception the left Of
the staircase, which opened into the dressing
room. The arrangements here were very
complete. On the right were the gentlemen's
dressing and coat rooms, and near these were the
rooms Of the committee Of arrangements. In a
spacious ante room, adjoining the dining room,
cotree chocolate, lemonade ana punch were served
A long table extended the length OF the dining
room, which was beautifully decorated with flags
and flowers and laden with the choicest
yiands. Flags. inscribed with moftoes OF
H e wa the sacass Ia to the Ss
room Was lined on both sides with choice eXotics.
Above the arched entrance the kindly face of WASH
ingtOn looked down from the guided frame work,
eyergreenS and national draperleS surrounding 1T.
Americans apparently cling very faithfully to Che
memory OF Washington. Seldom does a public
demonstration lesiivlty occur that the picture of
the Father OF his Country does not occupy promi-
Entering the spacious ballroom, O scene of be.
wildering enchantnent meets tne eye. Innumorabe
gas Jets aud l23 burners flashed flood OF raulance
over the scene. The sweet breath OF rare flowers
was waited from every corner OF the room, and gay
strains OF exnerating dance music peaed forth from
the band, which was stationed on stand above the
entrance. This stand artisticaliy draped with
flags and intertwlned with evergrecns. Opposite 1t
was large mirror m In gls frame e. ana On either
Clay, embedded In flags and wreathed IN greens.
Above these large gilt eagles supported the national
coiorS, and prOfusOh OF quartermasters'
flags were thicky strewn about on the right
was dals covered with crimson cloth, q satin dam
ask lounge and chairs with gilded framework.
These were ankei on either side by two high white
nuted columns twned with Ivy and ornamented
the right and left OF these were pedestals covered
with flags and supporting rare tropical plants.
with
ali the Stars and Stripes fell in graceful folds from
the talons of large eagle. This dais assigned
attractions OF the room. Opposite it the portraits
Of Grant and Lincoln peered out from their gorge.
golden-fringed banners and exquisite Mowers.
The mirrors n were brought e, from the Trea.
sS the Iree ase Se senze e
in the octagon room over the main entrance The
invited guests were received by Mr. Corcoran. This
portrait OF Mr.. Corcoran painted By Elliott, hangs
on the WALL, The attractive, noble looking, pic
look smiling welcome down upon the guests. ON
either side Of this apartment are suits OF rooms, pre-
sentng very inviting appearance with their satin
floors Of these rooms were waxed, and afforded q
pleasant retreat for many who became weary OF the
heat, whirl and glitter OF the ballroom.
AT ten O'Clock the grand promenade march began
and gallant men and beautiful, magn6centy dressed
the music: Every one, apparently, was filled with
carnival frolic and fun, and when the dancing
the gay young reas Dees wao usually
get that they were too fashionable to enjoy any.
thing, and went through the figures with genuine
Zest and pleasure. The scarlet and blue and gold.
the rich perfume OF beautiful flowers. the gorgeous
paintings the soft strains of music. and the birds
piping their sivery notes from gilded cages formed
as enchanting scene as piece o. description out
OF q fairy tale.
arrived at half.past ten. Mr.. Corcoran escorted
Mrs. Grant, and the President was accompanied Dy
Mrs. Drexel, OF Philadelphia: They Immediately
dnd tn ofl n nd fnr
them. and were soon surrounded by many or the
Cabinet Ministers and their wives ana members
white silk dress with rose colored brocade court
train, trimmed with band OF pink ostrich feathers
neck headed WITH harrow band Of osrc6 % ie
ming pearl necklace encircled her neck and in
her ears and on her neck diamonds sparkled o
spray OF pink and white. Pink and white flowers
were fastened in her hair.
Mrs Drexel looked magnificent, in white silk,
with deep black thread nounce and overskirt.
Large diamonds blazed on h0r neck and In he r
ears, and white feather waved In her hair.
> Miss Nellie wore ll2at blue SILK, with white muslin
Mrs. Fish looked perfectly regal in q crimson
satjn with deep black thread nounce aud oversklrt.
She wore a magnificent display Of diamonds and
pearls, and coiffure oil crimson velvet and flowers.
Miss Swayne, daughter OF Judge Swayne, wore
lemon colored SILK with white muslin and lace over
skirt
Mrs. Governor Mccook looked as pretty as usual
in corn colored silk with web OF same color tissue
over It, sprnkled with scarlet flowers.
Mrs. Roberts, wife OF the Spanish Minister looked
handsome IN cream coored SILK, with ruDy silk
trimmings.
The tail form Of Miss Dix was gracefully robed In
white silk, with q blue overskirt and white point
trimmings.
Lady Thornton was attred In rose colored silk
with white point trimmings and diamonds.
Mrs. Freyre, wife or the Peruvian Minister was
one OF the most elegantly dressed ladies In the room.
She wore green gros grain, with two deep white
point 1ounces and profus0n Of diamonds.
Mrs. Fernando Wood wore blue and white bro
cade, with muslin and YalencIennes overskirt and
diamonds.
In silver green six, trimmed with oulings 0f arla