Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1876-02-25
The cold Families on the
Rampage.

The event at Richmond, on the 22d. was
the grand representation at the theatre, lat
night of the vice regal court at Williams
burg, in 176S, at the time of the reception
of Lord Botetourt as governor OF the col
ony Of Virginia, including tho monies
incident to that occasion. The dramatic
personal consisted entirely. of. lineal de-
every old family in Virginia being re-
presented, wearing costumes OF the days
Of Queen Anne. Many costumes OF olden
time were resuscitated, and valuable heir
looms, family trinkets and jewelry brought
to light. The ceremonies embraced the
reading and presentation of an address of
welcome to the colonial governor, gorgeous
tableaux, singing, dancing, &C., the whole
concluding with a grand colonial ball. The
orchestra and parquette of the theatre had
been hoored over, and that, together with
the stage, on which the court scene was
represented, were used for the ball. From
a most interesting account in the Wing, y
we take the following:
COLON Ell w A0dlN01ON
was late in coming into the court, and
when he was announced there WAS round
of applause MI. George Washington Bas-
sett, next to the family of General Lee, the
nearest lineal descendant, represented the
lonial uniform of those days, and bore the
well-known cooked hat. In appearance
Mr.. Bassett bears a striking resemblance
IN hiS illuStriOuS ancestor.
Mr.. Robert Taylor represented his great
grandfather,
PATRICK HENRY.
He wore simple black velvet suit Of the
colonial date, over which hung red vel
vet cloak; silk stockings and low shoes
with buckles. The powdered wig and
black queue, and three-cornered hat COM
pleted the costume. Maj. Taylor is strik-
ingly like the portraits OF his ancestor.
Henry Taylor Wickham attended as his
great-great- grandfather, Sir John Ran
dolph, Attorney General and Treasurer
of the Colony. He was in wine colored
velvet suit, trimmed with silver lace. silk
stockings, pumps and diamond buckles,
point lace cuffs, and ruffies Of his time.
He retained the dress sword of his age.
Thomas Nelson Page represented his
great great-grandfaJher General Thomas
Nelson, Jr., of Y ork, afterwards Govern
or OF Virginia and signer of the .Declara-
ton Of Independence. He had on dark
green velvet cut-aWay, somewhat after the
military fashion, with an edging Of straw
berry leaves, and a deep border OF oak
leaves and acorns embroidered in light
blue silk, extending all around, covering
the entire breast and sides; flesh colored
satin vest, light blue velvet pants trimmed
with silver lace, silk stockings and low
shoes with silver buckles. His ruffies and
cuffs were of Mechlin lace, and he wore a
dress sword.
Byrd Warwick came as his great-grand-
father, the second Col Byrd, Of Westover.
He wore dark green velvet cut-aWay
coat, heavily trimmed with god, green
velvet pants to match, and Powered vest.
His buckles were handsome alca marine,
and his ruff1es and cuffs Of old lace. He
wore a dress sword.
Miss Imogine Warwick appeared as Miss
Mary Byrd, the sister Of Col. Byrd: She
wore corn-colored silk, brocaded with
pink flowers. Her ornaments were old
family pearls; q pair OF pearl buckles
graced her dainty kid slippers.
Miss Anna Carter Wickham represented
her great great great grandmother. = the
wife OF VIM. Nelson, gent, OF York, presi-
dent OF the Kings Council, who succeeded
Lulu DOUCUOulu elo N1ONClllOl VI UiiC OO1CAy
She wore Mrs. Nelson's own dress-a quill
ted pink satin petticoat, with court train
of crimson and gold brocade. The dress
was made i'll the style Of that date, having
square neck, with deep tucker Of Mech
lin lace and broad trimmings of the same
lace on the train. Pink silk slippers of the
old style completed the get up. Her orna-
mentS were miniatures which belonged to
Miss Nelson. Her dress Was one of the
handsomest in the Court.
Miss Mamie rutherford represented
her great-great gr ndmother, Lady Duer.
Miss Elizabeth Byrd Nicholas appeared
as her great-great aunt, Lady Sarah Fair
fay. Her dress, q white brocade silk, pet
ticoat with pink bro. ade COURT train, Her
ornaments pearls and gold, and heavy
point lace trimmings.
DR.. James B. McCaw came as his great
great-great grandfather, DIR. McCaw, of
the British army; wore British surgeon s
uniform.
w. Scott Darlington represented his
great-great uncle, Col. Edward Caring.
ton. He wore the blue and scarlet cos
tune of the Continental colonel. He wore
top boots. The 'cclonel commanded the
artillery at the siege at Yorktown.
General Henry Heth, d British officer IS
costume.
Frank Nelson represented his great-great
grandfather, President Nelson, of Y ork.
Green satin coat and pants with deep trim
ming of gold lace, gold buttons, and point
lace 'ruffles and cuffs.
Mr.. J. B, Bland represented bis great
grandfather, Col. Richard Bland, of Jor-
dams member of the House, and author of
the celebrated letter to the clergy; an in
quiIy into the rights Of the colonies.
THE NIINUET DE LA COUR.
At the conclusion of the announcements
the orchestra struck up, and the six cou-
pies, under the lea dership of Mrs Dobbin,
ladies taking part in this were Mrs. Dob
bin, Mrs. Caskie Cabell, Mrs. Blount Ma
and Mrs. Russell Hobii son, Tie gentle
men were Messrs. Banistar. Byrd, War
wick, Thos. Bollin, VIM. Thorn, Edward
Price and VIM. Royal. The majority Of
the vast assemblage had never seen the
minuet danced before, and they looked on
eagerly at the dance of their ancestors, of
which ancient chroLiclers have raved as
being incomparably above all others. It
was stately dance. .rhe couples, all In
line, would first advance together in time
with the music, then make low courtesies
to their partners, then the lady would hold
up her hand, the gentleman would hold up
his, and then both would clasp. Then the
gentleman would raise the hand of the fair
lady and look in her face. Jhan suddenly
both hands would be lowered. This was
repeated. This is the only part Of the
dance that sm cks of leYity, for when the
hands are thus raised the faces OF the two
are brought in such close proximity as TO
suggest what might easily be done. The
rest of the dance, or walk rather, is hut d
repetition of what has been described, ev--
cry step being accompanied by courtesy,