Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-09-02
ALBEMARLE FESTIVITIES.

Brilliant Masqne-Baii near HoWhrds-
VILE List or Characters and Personals
Bass-FishIns, Etc.
Correspondence ofthe Richmond Dispatch
HowARDsvILLE Sept. l, 1885.
The three noble counties Of Abe
marie, Buckingham, and Nelson join
their territory within q stones throw
of this village. 1t was formerly a ira
ding-post for the wealthy farmers OF the
neighborhood "a Saturday meeting
ground where the old folks met to
interchange the new notions OF the day
and time, the young to sport. 1t IS
said many an hundred has been lost
and won on a quarter of a mile dash
run through the principal street Of the
village.
On last Friday evening the social
world in this community was stirred
I'D indeed, the sea into which society
piunges was agitated to the bottom. At
the residences Of Captain Camm Patte-
son, Mr.. Y. Lewis, and others. and at
the hospitable country home Of Colonel
A. s. Buford, many distinguished guests
and beautiful ladies had gathered to par
ticipate in the grand event of masque
bali. The place, the beautiful home Of
Mr.. Nicholas Mills, in Buckingham !;
the hour, sunset; when from various
directions came vehicles of every imagin-
able character, from the selfish one
horse sulky to the four-horse wagon,
rafting up the hills. Laughter
and song told Of the coming
festivity. The warm-hearted welcome
beggars description. The band began
at s o'clock. The grand entry opened
the festivities of the evening" gor-
geous sight. But pity it was that for
SO short while a masque should hide
so much Of loneliness. This compli-
ment does not include the gentlemen
The night sped along on swift wings !;
the grace of the young and courtly ele-
gance of the advanced in years-for
none were old there--made an eve
ming never surpassed in this re-
fined and cultivated community.
Three times the table was spread,
and the gay and gallant company
gathered to refresh themselves, and not
until the sun came out, warming the
cool morning air, did the jewellers re-
tire. Your correspondent cannot men,
ton the gentlemen. 1t is sufficient to
say Hamlet was mob present. But
many a goodly knight made obeisance
to fair lady. The magnificent costumes
Of the ladies bankrupts language, and
personal mention must leave out many
most worthy of special comment.
Through the halls, hung with tapestries
and evergreens, moved the accomplish
ed Miss Lizzie Roddy, Of Richmond, in
white lace, becomingly decorated to
represent the character she had select
ed. Then came the handsome daughter
of Captain Camm Patteson, Miss
Anna, winning by her grace and lovely
manners those polite attentions from
the sterner sex which women hole
in high esteem. Miss Mary Pat
teson, in her rich and becoming
costume, will long be remembered
Next Miss Bette Deanc, Of Richmond
and Miss Mary Lewis, of Nelson
beautiful all. Then amid the thronG
glided the graceful and lovely Miss
Elise Strother, Of your city, as "Fol
ly." Folly it was to sigh for smiles
which all could not win, and yet some
OWNED that folly did not accord will
so winning and lovely face.
Here is list of the ladies and theil
respective characters, and the fancy
can better conjure up the scene than
can paint it in words:
Miss Sully, Petersburg, Maud Muller
Miss Elise Strother, Richmond, Folly
Miss ROddy, Richmond, "Comin
Thro' the Rye"
Miss Dean, Richmond, Jockey.
Miss Patteson, United States Flag.
Miss Anna PattesoD, Scottsyille Cou
rier.
Miss NJ. c. Patteson, Apothecar,
Girl.
Miss Lewis, Buttercup.
Miss Mary Lewis, Swiss Peasant.
Miss Louise IIorsely, Shepherdess.
| Miss Stage, Nun.
Miss Hopkins, Undine.
Miss Mary Horseley, Night.
Miss Nanny Horseley, Flower Girl
Miss NJ. j. Horseley, Gypsy.
Mrs. Tyler, Lynchburg, French Maid
Mrs. Hancock, Lynchburg, SPANS
Lady.
Miss Hartsook, Lynchburg, Cigarette
Miss Noting, Richmond, Peasant.
Miss Cabell, Moonlight.
On the dance went-the gay an
joyous and the strains Of music close
with the night. Moore says:
The best OF all ways
Tolepgthen our days,
| Is to steal @ few hours
From the night, my dear.
| Such companies as that which hay