The New York herald., 1874-11-07
RECEPTION ON THE ROANOKE.

The huge iron.cIad which has been ancnored on
the Battery Tor some time past as the flagship OF
the station was yesterday afternoon the scene Of
an exceedingly agreeable entertainment In the
shape OF reception rendered by Commodore
George II. Cooper and the onlcers OF the vessel.
The Roanoke. many Will remember, was promptly
fitted out nearly year ago at the Navy Yard to
stake hand" In the wariKe encounters which
seemed likely to be brought about by the capture
OF the yirginius. Her prowess was to be directed
manly toward the defence Of the harbor, and,
Judging By the armament With wnlcn she was fur
ntshed, there Is reason to believe that Spanish
visitors would have been quite warmly re.
ceived In the vicinity OF the Narrows
in case the gauntlet had been thrown
down oy 1tve sae govssnmens on behalf Of
Cuoa In November last. The arrangements for the
reception YESTERDAY, 1t is almost unnecessary to
the characteristic taste and elegance which rem
der sOcia0e reunions on war ships so generally
adorned with a proiuse though artlstic display OF
nags, and In view OF the broad spirit OF the con-
stitution, no patriot rom any land could nave
feeling that his nationality was rememS
bered and honored. galaxy OF fashion,
civilians who, appreciatng the charming features
which ever attend refinement and wholesouled
hospitality, entered most enthusiastically into the
pleasures which the occasion suggested. Com
modore George H. Cooper, as sterling ana popular
a cOmmandant as ever trod the deck OF q man-of-
war, welcomed the numerous guests with hearth
ness, and without mucn ado the my sterles OF the
terror-strlking turret, the simplicity OF oreech-
loading rines sight gauges, spirit levels and the
lnnumeraole other interesting features IN con.
nectlon with the great vessel were clearly ex-
planned by courteous anu palnstaking officers,
But while all the decks, all the elegant state
rooms, all the hooks and corners OF the ROANOKE
were full oil interest to the student OF naval archt-
lecture, the strains on the quarterback were far
too tempting to be resisted, and as time was
somewhat OF consideration, the officers and
their guests adjourned to that tastefuiiy decorated
part OF the vessel where, amid choice and pleas
ing morceaux by the band from the receiving ship
Vermont, the brilliant gathering engaged IN the
dance. II IS needless TO add tnat this occasion
was an exceedingly joyous one. Famed by de-
hghtul breeZe-not dazzled by the glare OF hot
aud glitterng illuminauons-tne assemblage had
reason to remember the bright and cheerful fes-
tiyitles which marked the event. The Roanoke
VIII shortly quit ner present anchorage and pro-
ceed TO the Navy Yard Tor the winter. The list Of
officers at present attached to her are:-Commo-
Picking, Executive Oficer;., Lieutenant Com
mander, E. 5. Keyser, Navigator Lieu
tenants;, VIM; B. Newman, W g. Gibson.
Chief Engineer, +. Laws; Passed Assistant Pay
master, F. !. Harris; surgeons George II. Torney
and @. FL. Hall Chaplain, Rev. r. Hudson; Lieu
tenant OF Marines, NJ. G. Goodwell. II Is under.
stood that yesterdays reception, which, by the
way, proved Q brilliant success, will be followed
by others during the present month.