| Citation |
BG.779.001
18 Jan 1779:13 (1273)
Philadelphia. . .. On Monday the 12th of this instant
[mss. line drawn thru "this instant, and "December" written
between lines above], a most splendid ball was givin, by a
society of French gentlemen, to the principal ladies and
gentlemen of this city, at the New-Tavern. His Excellency
the Governor of the state and his lady -- the lady of his
Excellency Gen. Washington, and his Excellency the French
minister honoured it with their company. Both the outside
and inside of the ball-room were handsomely decorated with a
number of ingenious devices and mottos, signifying the
present happy alliance between the Court of Versailles and
the United States. Too much praise cannot be given to the
French gentlemen for the order, politeness, and benevolence
with which they conducted every part of this entertainment.
The evening was spent in the most agreeable manner. Joy
appeared in every countenance, and every heart seemed to
exult in safety, freedom, and independence, which have been
ensured to our country by the friendship and magnanimity of
the Protector of the Rights of Mankind.
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