| Citation |
NYEP(D.748.012
7 Nov 1748:32 (181)
New-York, November 1st. 1748. Mr. De Foreest,
Sunday last being the anniversary of his Majesty's birth
day, it was yesterday observed throughout this city, with
great demonstrations of loyalty. . . [17 lines, review of
troops, healths, cannon fired.]
In the evening there was a private entertainment and ball
at his Excellency's [Governor George Clinton], consisting of
a snug silect company of the choicest fruits of the town,
that were particularly invited for the purpose, the only
entertainment of the kind, that his Excellency's leisure has
admitted of upon such publick occasions during his
administration; the company was very sociable, and the night
concluded there as usual.
The gentlemen that had not the honour to be invited to his
Excellency's ball, resolved not to be behind hand in their
demonstrations of loyalty on this occasion, and therefore
ordered a publick entertainment to be provided against the
evening, at Mr. Ramsey's tavern, where there was a very
splendid and beautiful appearance of ladies, such as would
have graced an assembly in England, there were several
gentlemen of the council, and corporation, and most of the
principal merchants and other gentlemen in the city, that
made up a gay and numerous assembly.
The ball was opened about six o'clock the city being
illuminated from one end to the other; the supper was served
up about ten, and notwithstanding the short warning given,
there was the greatest variety this town or country could
produce, and the tables were decorated in so neat and
elegant a manner as raised a general admiration and 'twas
declared by good judges, there never was a more magnificent
entertainment in this country, the whole tables were taken
up with ladies the length of two rooms laid into one, that
the gentlemen's time were generally employed in waiting on
them, and when they done, the gentlemen supply'd their
places: After supper His Majesty's the Prince and Princess
of Wales, and the other Royal healths were drank, and then
prosperity to the province, a speedy exportation of it's
enemies &c. &c. &c.
The whole affair was concluded with the utmost decency and
decorum, there was the greatest gaiety, chearfulness and
complacency in every countenance; the ball was concluded
about five in the morning, and the night was passed in the
general satisfaction; without the least uncivility offered
or offence taken by any one, which is scarce to be said on
the like occasions. We are told this was distinguished by
the title of the Country Ball. I am, your's &c.
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