The New York herald., 1876-02-23
VIRGINIA AND THE BIRTHDAY.
A Grand Historical Representa-
tion at Richmond.
A VICE-ROYAL COURT BALL.
Brilliant Display OF Centennial Costumes by
Lineal Descendants.

RICHMOND, Va, Feb %, 1915
The birthday OF George Washington never cee-
brated with eeld and enthusiastic display than II
has been the capital OF his State on this ami
versay occurring in the Centennial year OF American
Independence
The lneal descendants OF the forefathers of
Virginia and the historical representation OF
those who did much to achieve the
liberty of our country night assembled in the
Richmond Theatre in presentation OF Vice Royal
Court ball at Williamsburg, OF the time OF Lord
Botetourt one OF the Colonial Governors of Virginia
The Inhabitants Of Richmond and. indeed Of the whole
State are Interested and enthusiastic In this grand
pageant and the theatre doors thronged
with crowds seeking admission early as
seven O'Clock. The house crammed from
pit to dome with the most brilliant assemblage ever
seen in the building Despite the inherent democratic
spirit Of the Vrginians there was palpable incli
nation their part boast that pride Of heradry not
exactly in keeping with the ideas OF this
Centennial period In she courtly colonial throng
discovered many youthful ''blood'
ana fair dame nttired in the costume OF
over q century ago who would willingly the
tile OF "My lady" 'My lord, "His grace" "His
hIghness" :" The opening scene was brilliant and re.
splendenL The theatre never magni6ccnty
decorated The throne occupied by Lord Botetourt
was draped strictly after tho style OF the colonial
period, and all sides suspended wreaths
and festoons the flags Of Great Britain and
ireland. There the Cross OF St. George
the Union Jack the lion and the unicorn, the
Thistle, the Shamrock and the Rose; while promin
emily visible also the flag of country. 1t
Is impossible 10 describe mention the histori.
eal relics that displayed tonight, and they OF
themselves furnish sad and serious OF regret
hat virgnias Legislature refused TO appropriate
pary sum toward the exhibition of her resources
and historical "reminiscences nj the Nations Centennial
Among the historical relics would especially mention
cup borne by Mrs General Harry Heth. This cup
carried by the bearers at the opening Of the
House OF Burgesses, at Williamsburg, by all the
colonial Governors after the reign Of Charles the Sec
Ond by whom the cup presented TO the colony
Nvirgina 1t is massive concern OF solid silver
handsomely engraved, and literally plated with gold.
It bears the of OF old England and the old
Virginia Colonial Coat OF Arms. " Virttlet et Lahore
forent Ces pgbcae To this is added the OF
which Charles H. gave the State when he presented
this cup with the motto " En- Dat Virginia eiartanL "
rruy sneh valuable relic this should be preserved
Tor the Centennial There innumerable other
relics ef century ago which would be impossible
describe fully
Mr. Page Mccarty appeared as a courtier of the
period Of Queen Anne, and wore u large pure diamond
brooch and imitation diamond shoe buckles which
we're brought by his ancestor, Lord Clan Carly,
who was Speaker OF the Williamsburg House OF Bur-
yesses for several terms.
THE COURT OF LORD porErouRr
grand pageant OF the old colonial times repre-
sened the stage of the theatre before the bill
menccd illustrative OF the reception OF Lord Botetourt
~ Governor Of the Colony
HISTORICAL COSTUMES
Mrs General heth, the principal OF the lady mana
gers to whom great credit is due for the admirable
management OF the ball. appeared as Lady Cary In a
dress l20 years old which imported to this
try for christening. II was Of crimson brocade
figured with bright flowers white satin peticoat
ancestor Colonel Heb, distinguished English officer
aud IN aid to General Washington. He carried in his
pocket letters OF regard and confidence from General
washington torignal and on his watcn chain wore
seal which the General wore and aterward presented
Colonel Heth. General Heth,s uniform copied
from portrait OF hs ancestor.
Lord Botetourt represented by Colonel r, B.
Bcrkley, a lineal descendant.
George Washington Bassett, OF Hanover llneal de-
scendant of the General on both sides, appeared
Colonel" George Washington, and wore sword belt
shch formerly belonged 10 the Father of his Country
Lady Fairfax represented by lady who had in
her pocket n love letter from General Washington,
Thom She refused 10 marry because her father said
hat Colonel Washington did not ride In his own
,oach." The dress worn 100 years old.
Lady spottswood and Sir Alexander Spottswood were
represented by .lnea descendants residents OF this
tity They wore dresses brought over by tho first
uuguenot settlers from France
Mrs Washington represented Mrs. Colonel George
Washington, her ancestress, and wore dress the
Sxact copy OF by her. It consisted of blue
revet dress, with court train over white satin petit
toat
Miss Rebecca Brumel, Thomas Jerersons rnamOrata,
was represented young ucSCend2nt, VINO wore the
wedding dress OF Slrs Chief Justice Marshall
Colonel g. W. Bassett, who represented "Colonep
George Washington, has in his possession George
Washngton's family table and other family relics.
The following linea descendants represented distin-
gushed ancestors
Miss Lloyd as Mrs Thomas Lee OF stratford
Miss Brooke as Mrs. Robert Carter Nicholas. all In
colonial costumes
Miss. Emma Chamberayne Mrs. Nellie Conway
Madison, the mother or President Madison and the
great great -greaLaunt Of her representative this
OCCASION
Nrs Randolph ,BarksdaIe rs Lady Pcyton
Mrs Drewry MS Mrs Colonel Byrd, of westover.
Miss Douthat AZ Lady Gooch, atiired in original CO.'S
Miss. saie Aylctt as her grandmother the daughter
Mrs DR. c H. Smith as MIRA Campbell, a colonial
belle, who was kept prisoner by the Indians for
four years
Robert Taylor ma mis- great grandfather Patrick
Henry.
James Mason Jameson, OF Baltimore, as his great
uncle. George Mason, OF tho Revolution
Philip Norborne Nicholas Of Geneva, n. Y, ss Ro-
carter Nicholas
Ethelbert Fairfax q Lord Fairfax, OF Groenway, his
great great-uuclc
Endcrs Robinson his great great grandfather
Speaker OF the House OF Burgesses at the time OF Lord
Bolletonols administration.
Captain Samuel Maccutbin appeared In the rather
unique costume OF Chief OF the Greek nation IndiAn
which IL was thought was somewhat ante colonial
oruER NOTABLE
Where everything faultcSs and resplcndant It
but | will attempt 20 give idea OF
what was worn on this famous Centennial
occasion. Among the gentlemen. l would mention the
costume OF MT r. b. Bcrkiey who assumed the char.
hcter Of Lord Bostourt the Colonial Governor OF yir-
gnia lie suit OF blue, embroidered. and
trimmed with scarlet and silver.
Mr.. r. Taylor appeared As Patrick Horny the orator
Of the Revolution IN dress Of dark green, which
tracted great attention.
Mr. " d. Price was attired In q handsome costume
OF blue of tho time OF George III. Mr. /. T. Moore
lavender-colorcd suit, trimmed with cherry,
which very handsome, and he assumed the
character Of Charles H. greatly observed and ad-
mired Mr j. B. Bland graccd the floor IN gold en-
broidered winecolored suit which was very rich aud
attractive.
period OF Queen Anne.
Mr. NJ Page had on dress OF blue satin OF the style
OF George Ill.
Mr. John Booker, though elderly gentleman, looked
quite youthful in a handsome suit OF the period OF
George Ill
Mr. T. NJ Banister wore beautiful dress OF black vel
vet and gold OF the period OF 1740.