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Grand Dinner in honor of Queen Victoria's
marriage
On the 25th inst., H.B.M.’s Minister Plenipotentiary, John Henry
Mandeville, Esq., gave a grand dinner in commemoration of the anniversary
of the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Victoria and in honor of her Marriage,
at which were H.E. Brigadier General Juan Manuel de Rosas, Governor and
Captain General of the Province, Don Felipe Arana, Minister for Foreign
Affairs, Don Manuel Insiarte, Minister of Finance, Generals Soler, Guido,
Pinedo, Rolon and Corbalan, the Chevalier Don Luís Souza Diaz, Envoy
Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary from H.M. the Emperor of Brazil,
Don Manuel Sequiera Lima, Chargé d’Affaires from H.M. the Emperor
of Brazil to the Republics of Peru and Bolivia, Don Antonio Diaz, Minister
of War and Finance of the Oriental Republic, Captain Robert Russel of
H.B.M.’s ship Actaeon, Captain William J. Belt, of the United States
ship Marion, and Dr. James Lepper, Physician to the British Legation.
H.E. the Governor, in full uniform,
accompanied by his Ministers, proceeded to the residence of
Mr. Mandeville, at the entrance of which they were received
by that gentleman, also in full uniform. The dinner was of
the most sumptuous description, and the dining-room was
decorated with the Argentine and British flags entwined
around the portrait of H.M. Queen Victoria.
At the termination of the repast, H.E. the Governor requested
Mr. Mandeville and the other gentlemen to accompany him in the following
toast—“To the health and glory of H.M. Queen Victoria; To H.R.H.
Prince Albert her Illustrious Consort; and to the prosperity and happiness
of the British Nation.”
Mr Mandeville then gave—“To the Argentine Confederation,
and may the friendly relations which subsist between them, under the auspices
of its Illustrious Chief, and Great Britain be perpetual.”
Government-House Entertainment.
In the evening of the same day a magnificent Ball and Supper were given
by H.E. the Governor at the Government-House, in celebration of the above
mentioned interesting events. The invitation cards issued on the occasion
were highly complimentary to our Sovereign and Country, and to our Minister,
J. H. Mandeville, Esq., in particular; stating that, in acknowledgement
of the kind feelings the Government of H.B.M. have ever evinced towards
this Republic since its independence, their friendly interest in behalf
of the Argentine Confederation, especially in the present question of
the blockade, the constant expression of sympathy of the British Nation,
the distinguished and kindly offices for which this country is indebted
to J. H. Mandeville, Esq., H.B.M.’s Minister Plenipotentiary, and
other unequivocal proofs of his friendship towards the Republic and the
person of H.E. the Governor; the latter had accepted his invitation to
dinner, and, in reciprocity, would, at its conclusion, give a Ball at
the Government-House, to which the British Minister and his guests would
accompany H.E.
From 8 o’clock to 11 the rumbling
of carriages proceeding and returning was incessant.
Ascending the brilliantly illumined staircase of the
principal entrance and passing along the equally well
lighted gallery, the ladies were conducted to a handsome
ante-chamber provided with every article necessary for the
reparation of any derangement in the toilette. From this
apartment they were ushered by gentlemen in waiting
indiscriminately into one of the three ball saloons. At the
extremity of the gallery a place was fitted up, with every
convenience, for the reception of the hats and cloaks of
gentlemen, who, upon divesting themselves of their
encumbrances, repaired directly to the ball rooms.
H.E., with Mr. Mandeville and company, did
not arrive till 11 o’clock. Upon the announcement of
his approach, the gentlemen in the saloons ranged
themselves in a double line, in order to greet his arrival;
but H.E. avoided the éclat of the intended reception
by entering by the private staircase. In the meantime the
band of the guard of honor in attendance in the court-yard
struck up the National Air and God save the Queen. His
Excellency, Mr. Mandeville and the accompanying guests,
seated themselves in one of the elegant drawing-rooms,
where they were waited upon by several of the company, and
after a short time had elapsed, the Governor and Mr.
Mandeville advanced to the door of the adjoining ball-room,
when many presentations took place, among whom the ladies
formed a large proportion. H.E. received their compliments
and gratulations with a complaisance and cheerfulness
peculiar to himself, having something jocose and piquant to
say to each and every one of them.
THE BALL.
Immediately on the arrival of H.E. dancing commenced. The three spacious
saloons appropriated for this purpose, were fitted up with the greatest
taste and elegance, the Argentine and British flags entwined being conspicuously
displayed in each. A large-sized portrait of H.E. decorated the front
wall of the second saloon. In one of the other rooms the Declaration of
the Independence of the Argentine Republic enclosed in a rich frame, was
suspended; and, in the third, that of the United States, similarly placed.
Each ball-room was provided with a forte-piano accompanied by an efficient
orchestra conveniently located in an adjoining lobby. The blaze of six
chandeliers emitting the light of nearly two hundred spermaceti candles
of pink and white colour, cast a soft and luxuriant brilliancy throughout.
The votaries of Terpsichore must have felt well satisfied—and so
it seemed they did from the untiring alacrity with which they skipped
on the “light fantastic toe.” The grave minuet, the gay quadrille,
the mazy contre-danse, the whirling gallopade, and the sprightly Federal,
alternatively afforded occasion for the display of the sylphlike figures
and graceful motions of the lovely females who glided before the eye of
the enraptured beholder.
Amidst such a scene of loveliness and amiability
it is impossible for us to particularize, yet we cannot pass over in silence
the admiration excited by the fascinating manners of Doña Manuelita
Rosas, the accomplished daughter of H.E. Her hand was generally sought
in the dance, and no request was rejected, so that she had not a moment’s
repose—indeed, she seemed most happy when contributing to the happiness
of others.
Each ball-room was successively honored
with the presence of H.E. and Mr. Mandeville, who traversed
the saloons arm in arm, cordially returning the salutations
and compliments addressed to them.
During the whole evening refreshments of every
description were served to the ladies and gentlemen, in the
different handsomely arranged apartments appropriated to
this purpose. Nothing was wanting that could contribute to
the enjoyment of the company, and every thing was of the
first quality and served in the very first style.
Other rooms elegantly adorned, and provided with that
much prized comfort of the Englishman—the grate and
fire—were reserved for card-playing and tertulia, but
every gentleman present evinced his good taste by
preferring the society of the charming ladies who graced
the ball-rooms.
LADIES’ DRESSES.
Sensible as we are of the interest which the fair portion of our readers
will feel to have a correct description of so important a part of a Grand
Ball, as the ladies’ dresses, we regret that our incompetency to
do it justice, forces us to confine ourselves to the following general
remarks.
The ladies, one and all, displayed on this occasion,
more than their accustomed taste and elegance in their
attire. The dresses of the married ladies were generally of
plain and figured silks and satins of dark tints, such as
the claret, violet, and fawn color, with rich trimmings of
blonde or velvet and ornaments to correspond with the color
of the dress.—The most prevailing colors of the young
ladies’ dresses, were white and rose, with a few
exceptions of straw and other delicate fancy hues, and
consisted chiefly of muslin, tulle, gauze or blonde lace,
whose ample folds, while they set off to great advantage
the nymph-like forms of the wearers, waved gracefully as
they glided through the mazes of the dance. These dresses
were generally worn over a white or rose colored silk or
satin under-dress.
The daughter of H.E. the Governor and other ladies of
the family being still in mourning, wore rich black velvet
dresses.
The ornaments most worn consisted of ear-drops and
necklaces of brilliants, (some of them of great value,)
pearls, topaz, gold, &c.; and a profusion of finger
rings of brilliants, whose glittering sparks literally
dazzled the sight.
The head-dresses were generally low, agreeably to the
prevailing fashion, the temples being covered by braids of
hairs or clusters of curls:—a few white or rose
colored flowers, or silver, pearl or brilliant ornaments
completing the whole. The native ladies wore the Federal
device, consisting of a small red bow placed at the left
side of the head—two ladies only wore feathers.
COMPANY.
His Excellency the Governor and the Señorita Manuela Rosas.
Don Felipe Arana, Minister for Foreign Affairs, lady and the Señorita
Mercedes Arana.
Don Manuel Insiarte, Minister of Finance, lady and daughter.
John Henry Mandeville , Esq. , Minister Plenipotentiary of H.B.M.
The Chevalier Don Luis Souza Diaz, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary from H.M. the Emperor of Brazil, and private secretary.
Don Manuel Sequiera Lima, Chargé d’Affaires of H.M. the Emperor
of Brazil to Peru and Bolivia, lady, and private secretary.
Don Antonio Diaz, Minister of War and Finance of the Oriental Republic,
lady and the Señoritas Alsira, Fatima, and Micaela Diaz.
Baron Picolet d’Hermillon, Consul General of H.M. the King of Sardinia.
Charles Bunge, Esq., Consul of H.M. the King of Holland.
Alfred M. Slade, Esq., Consul of the United States of North America, lady
and Miss Agnes Slade.
John C. Zimmermann, Esq., Consul for the City of Hamburgh, lady and Miss
Leonora Zimmermann & Dr. James Lepper, Physician to the British Legation.
All the Diplomatic and Consular Agents were in full uniform.
Officers of H.B.M.’s ship Actaeon. Captain Robert Russel, Lieuts. Alfred N. Fairman and James A. Mends, Lieut. of Marines Henry Arnold, Surgeon John Dunlap, Purser John H. Hutchings and son (Captain’s
Clerk), and Midshipman Lambert.
Officers of United States ship Marion. Captain William J. Belt,
Lieuts. George A. Prentiss and Edward Middleton, Purser E. A. Watson,
Passed Midshipmen Thomas A. Mix, Francis Winslow and George Wells, assistant
surgeon Wheelwright.
Officers of H.B.M.’s brig Camelion. George Martin Hunter, Lieut. Commanding, Surgeon Edward Johnson. All the above-mentioned officers were in uniform.
The Rev. the Vicar General of the Diocese,
President of the Honorable House of Representatives, Dr. Don Miguel Garcia.
Don Agustin Garrigós, Under Secretary for the Home Department, and
lady.
Don Manuel Irigoyen, Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs, and daughter.
Señor Bernardo Victorica, Chief of Police, and lady.
Generals
Miguel E. Soler, lady and daughter,
William Brown and lady,
Tomas Guido and lady,
Lucio Mancilla and lady,
Agustin de Pinedo and lady,
Mariano B. Rolon and lady,
Jose Ruiz Huidobro and daughter,
Felipe Heredia and the lady of the deceased General Alejandro Heredia,
Corbalan,
Pedro Lenguas, lady and two daughters.
Colonels Pedro Ramos, Francisco Erezcano, Francisco Crespo, Nicolas
Martinez Fontes, lady and daughter, Bonifacio Ramos, Valerio Sanchez,
Martin Hidalgo, Julian Gonzalez Salomon, Mariano Maza, Casto Caceres,
Andres Sagui, Francisco Biedma, Francisco Quevedo, Roman Quevedo.
Lieut. Colonels
Ramon Bustos, Martin Santa Coloma, Manuel Maestre and lady.
Don
Miguel de Riglos and lady,
Pedro Vela and lady,
Vicente Peralta and lady,
Nicolas Mariño and lady,
Pedro Plomer and daughter,
Joaquin Revillo and lady,
Rafael Bosch and lady,
Juan Manuel Larrazabal and lady,
Dr. Gonzalez Peña and lady,
Pedro Romero lady and daughter,
Gabriel Munilla and two daughters,
Jose Antonio Anavitarte, lady and daughter,
Nicolas Martinez Fontes and lady,
Eleuterio Monteagudo and lady,
Eustaquio Jimenes and lady,
Juan Rafael Oromi and lady.
Señoras
Doña Mercedes Fuentes de Rosas,
Maria Josefa de Ezcurra,
Juana de Ezcurra,
Carmen Quinanilla de Alvear,
Virginia Alvear,
Joaquina Alvear,
Dolores Fernandez de Qua, Jesus Quiroga, Mercedes Quiroga,
Maria Antonia Belaustegui,
Señora de Arrotea, Mercedes Arrotea, Amalia Arrotea,
Eusebia Lasala,
Juana Guillerma Irigoyen de Castellanos,
Magdalena Olavarria,
the lady and daughter of Col. Joaquin Ramiro,
S. Blanco and J. Inchaurregui,
Corina Rosas,
Dolores Marcet.
Don
Felipe de Ezcurra,
Francisco Belaustegui,
Alvaro Alsogaray,
José Ezcurra,
Felipe de la Paz Arana,
Luis Belaustegui,
Tomas Guido,
Torcuato Alvear,
Dr. Fernando Cordero,
Manuel Mancilla,
Benedicto Maciel,
Vicente Corbalan,
Victorino Peña,
Eulogio Blanco,
Tomas Garcia de Zuñiga,
Bonifacio Huergo,
Lorenzo Torres,
Marcos Agrelo,
Juan Antonio Agrelo,
Emilio Agrelo,
Jose Maria Irigoyen,
Fermin Irigoyen,
Manuel Irigoyen,
Emilio Irigoyen,
Pedro Pinedo,
Federico Pinedo,
Agustin Pinedo,
Adolfo Mancilla,
Manuel Nuñez,
Fernando Cordero,
Elias Buteler,
Sr. Llerena.
Messrs.
Thomas Duguid and lady,
Jonathan Downes and lady,
Thomas Armstrong and lady,
George Dowdall and lady,
John Dalton and lady,
Robert Macalister and lady,
John Macfarlane and lady,
Edmund Mackinlay and lady,
William A. Rhodes and lady,
Joshua Thwaites and lady,
Bartholomew Foley and lady,
Nelson Hartwig, lady and Miss Aurelia Becke,
James Kiernan, lady and Miss Catherine Kiernan,
John B. Kiernan and lady,
George Frank and the Misses Sophia, Louisa and Clara Frank.
Mrs Mackinlay and Miss Mackinlay,
Mrs Macdonnell,
Mrs M’Dougall,
Miss Morrison,
Miss Barton,
Miss Ellen Campbell,
Miss Cliff.
Reverend William Brown.
Messrs.
Peter Sheridan,
James Sheridan,
Hugh Sheridan,
John Harrat [Harratt],
Patrick Maclean,
Thomas Sillitoe,
William Gilpin,
David Smith,
John Smith,
Thomas Jones,
William Stewart,
Richard Hargreaves,
Daniel Mackinlay,
Samuel R. Phibbs,
Stephen Puddicomb,
Angus Wright,
F. A. Clint,
Stephen Hallet,
Henry W. Gilbert,
George S. Fairfield,
Freeman H. Bangs,
Joseph Mohr,
D. B. R. Dickinson,
Stewart Douglas,
Richard Carlisle,
Thomas Shaw,
George Walker.
The company consisted of about 500 persons, including 200
ladies. We can offer no other apology for the numerous omissions which
will be noticed in the above list, than the impossibility to supply the
deficiencies from memory.
THE BANQUET ROOM.
This splendid saloon, with its gorgeously garnished table presented, at
the entrance, a most delightful coup d’oeil, the effect of which
was enhanced by the brilliancy of the illumination produced by three large
chandeliers and numerous other lights, some of which were placed in a
magnificent candelabria of exquisite workmanship. Over the mantle-piece
hung entwined the National flag of the Republic and the Union Jack of
Old England, and beneath them a rich frame in which were enclosed, on
a pink damask field, the portraits of H.M. Queen Victoria and H.R.H. Prince
Albert, and those of H.E. the Governor and his late Consort, the lamented
Doña Encarnacion Ezcurra de Rosas.
Along the centre of the table
rose up in stately grandeur five large ornamental pyramids of fruit and
confectionery, that in the middle from its colossal proportions towering
above the rest in Chimboraso-like majesty. About half past 2 o’clock,
a portion of the company, preceded by H.E. the Governor and Mr. Mandeville,
were ushered to the supper-table, at the head of which H.E. took his seat,
supported on the right by J. H. Mandeville, Esq., and the Minister of
Finance, and on the left by the Inspector General and the Minister for
Foreign Affairs: the rest of the table, which could accommodate about
sixty persons was occupied by ladies, upon whom the gentlemen waited with
becoming gallantry and courtesy.
On the entrance of H.E. two military
bands stationed in the adjoining gallery struck up the National Anthem,
followed by God Save the Queen. One party of ladies being served, another
was conducted to the table—and when all the fair portion of the
company had been duly attended to the gentlemen supplied their places.
Ten successive parties, four of ladies and six of gentlemen, sat down
to the festive board.
H.E. the Governor and Mr. Mandeville remained until
all the ladies had been served, the Minister for Foreign Affairs presiding
whilst the gentlemen partook of the sumptuous repast. The table groaned
under the profusion of the choicest viands, prepared in a manner to defy
the criticism of the most fastidious epicurean. The wines—from the
exhilarating Champagne to the gentle Bordeaux—were of exquisite
quality, and circulated freely round the board. The whole service of the
table was of the most elegant porcelain and finest glass. Indeed, every
thing was grand, and on the grandest scale of taste and magnificence.
The two military bands in the gallery continually enlivened the convivial
scene, by playing select and popular airs, symphonies, &c., of the
first composers.
THE CONCLUSION.
Whilst one portion of the company were regaling themselves in the banquet-room,
those who remained in the ball-saloons enjoyed, with unabated enthusiasm,
the bustling amusement of the dance. Refreshed by the substantial cheer
of the festive board, the whole company, on returning, successively joined,
with new vigour, in the mirthful exercise.—Thus continued the joyous
scene till the rays of the rising sun of the 26th burst in upon the indefatigable
votaries of the nimble-footed goddess, who were at this moment heartily
engaged in the gambols of the merry Cielito. The appearance of the great
luminary—the tutelary deity of the antient Incas—was hailed
with the sublime strains of the National Anthem, chanted by the whole
company standing, including H.E. the Governor. On the conclusion of this
heart-stirring composition, God Save the Queen was struck up by the band,
and sung by the English gentlemen present in chorus. Enthusiastic cries
of Viva S. M. la Reina Victoria! Viva el Ilustre Restaurador de las Leyes!
Vive el Sr. Ministro Britanico! followed this majestic air, accompanied
by a grand discharge of rockets. The company then took leave of their
magnificent entertainer, H.E. and Mr. Mandeville departing shortly afterwards
and thus concluded a festivity never surpassed on any previous occasion
in the capital of the civilization of the South.
H.E. and Mr. Mandeville were received with due honors by
the guard belonging to the battalion Libertad stationed in
the court-yard, the balconies fronting which, we should
have before stated, were handsomely decorated with flags.
H.E., accompanied by the Minister of Finance and attended
by an Aide-de-Camp, proceeded directly in his carriage to
his private residence. Mr. Mandeville was escorted to his
dwelling, by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, attended by
another Aid-de-Camp.
We could fill pages with what has been related to us
respecting the impression produced on the company by the
dignified frankness, jovial discourse and quick repartee of
H.E. the Governor. He seemed greatly to enjoy the scene,
rallying by his kindness, his affability and his example
those who did not enter fully into its spirit. He was
viewed with intense interest by all, not only from its
being the first public occasion on which he had appeared,
since the melancholy bereavements with which he has been
visited, but from the celebrity which political events have
given to his name in all parts of the world. He was truly
“The observ’d of all observers.”
No eulogium can be too great on the Managers of this
grand entertainment. Through their well concerted
arrangements and selection of expert attendants the most
admirable order prevailed, and general satisfaction was
given. Nay, the company were more than satisfied—they
were grateful for the marked attentions which each and
every one received. The gentlemen who composed the
Committee of management were General Lucio Mancilla,
Colonel Mariano Maza, Major Pedro Ximeno, Señor
Agustin Garrigó, Señor Juan Manuel
Larrazabal.
The Masters of the Ceremonies who, under the active
superintendence of General Mancilla, officiated most
efficiently on the occasion, were Colonel Francisco
Erezcano, Señores Benedicto Maciel, José
Maria Sagasta, Luis Aldao, Adolfo Mancilla, Carlos
Ezcurra.
The need of praise is likewise due to Mrs. Smith for the
excellent manner in which the viands were prepared. Suffice
it to say that the well-earned fame of the late Doctor, was
fully sustained by his representative. Nor must we withhold
the commendation to which M. Monguillot is entitled for the
delicate and first-rate style in which the sweet-meats and
pastry were furnished. He might fairly compete with the
far-famed Gunter of Berkely-square.
During the night of the 25th, until past 7 in the
morning of the 26th, flights of rockets, ever and anon let
off from the court-yard, threw a glow of brilliancy over
the festive roof till the final close of the enchanting
scene.
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