The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1881-07-19
Old NewnOrt Bellies.
GLIMPsEs OF THE GAY FRENCH DAYs-wAsH-
INGTON AND HIS BEAUTIFUL PARTNER.

GLIMPsEs OF THE GAY FRENCH DAYS-WASH-
INGTON AND HIS BEAUTIFUL PARTNER.
In Harper'S Magazine for August the
editor thus writes IN his Easy Chair: " In
the Newport of q generation ago there were
stIll many relics Of the gay French days.
The headquarters of Rochambeau, where
the Count received andsentertained WASH
ington when he came to Newport Just a
hundred years ago, in 1871, were at the
Vernon house, at the corner OF Clarke and
Mary streets. Ii was handsome mansion,
and IN the days when the Easy Chair
knew it the window panes were scratched
with the names OF beauX and bellies,
vanished with Rochambeau, Washington,
and De Tiernay, with Biron, the Niosme-
nils, De Vaubau, De ChastelluX, DE Cha
banes, De ChampceretZ, and BOzon dc Tai
leyrand, the fascinating group OF French
gentlemen and heroes, of whom the charm
ed Newport beauties knew only That they
came and went. There Is fine glimpse
OF Washington in one OF the French me-
mOirs, as he walked bareheadtd, with Ro-
chambeau at his side, from The wharf TO
his headquarters between the lines OF
soldiers OF both armies drawn up
three deep. Il regarded him. SAYS
the Frenchman, with the attention which
the sight OF great men always inspires. we
half expect to find IN their features the ge-
MUS which distinguishes them above their
fellows. Washington is adapted more than
any other man 10 produce this impression.
Tail, noble, -prOpOrtioned, with an
open, sweet, and calm expression, and an
entirely modest air, he impresses and inter-
ests French and Americans, and even MS
enemies
"Do the lOlierers on cottage piazzas at
Newport to-day know how full OF ghosts IS
the air around them 7 Do they smile al the
quaint old bellies and their stately minuets OF
a century ago? Would the lithest Of the
lovely figures OF this evening, floating on
air, exchange the turn with the imcom-
Dsrabie waltzer for a grave bow from
Washington as a partner? For he too
has danced in Newport. In honor OF his
visit the citizens gave a ball at the AS
sembly.room in Church street, and he
was requested to open the festivities. In
later DAYS, when the Prince de JOinvile, on
his way TO ST. Helena for the dust OF Napo-
leon. stopped at New York and went TO
private ball, there was great flutter OF eX-
cited curiosity as to the first partner whom
he would select after the hosts daughter.
IL is singular that the lady whom be asked
became afterWard the wife OF a French
gentlemaH, an adherent Of the Duchesse de
Berri. Tradition cherishes the name OF
wAsHINGT0N's PARTNER
at the Newport ball. He solicited the honor
of the hand OF the beautiful Miss Champlin
with high-bred, respectful courtesy which
the incompatible Walter OF to-day might
well emulate, and he asked bis partner to
name the dance. The lovely Champl!n Sc
Iected "A Successful Campaign "a dance
in high faVor-and as the hero led out
his partner upon the floor, the French
officers, with graceful CALAMITY, took
the instruments from the musicians
and played while Washington and the
Cbamplin bowed and stepped and courte-
sled 10 the minuet. She bad beauti-
ful ewes, said the Prince de Broglie, sweet
mouth, peFfectly-sbaped face. fine figure,
pretty foot, and an air altogether attractive.
She was dressed and coifed with taste J;
{ that is TO say adds the Partisan, "a Ia
FrancaiSe,' and she spoke the Princes
language.
IA quarter OF century ago tae grand
son OF that famous beauty was living In her
fathers house, where Washington took tea
on the evening OF the ball.