From Florida Gazette (St. Augustine, East-Florida), of August 4,
1821:

SPLENDID BALL

On Thursday evening last a Ball was given by the American
Officers of this Garrison, and Gentlemen now in this place, to
the Spanish Inhabitants. The old Government House was selected
as the most suitable place.--A suit of rooms on the second floor
was most splendidly decorated with the respective flags of the
United States and Spain, entwined with, and partially concealed
by wreath of laurel, vines &c. with which the walls and ceilings
of the room was likewise elegantly festooned--The whole having
the effect of almost transporting the spectator, in imagination,
to some enchanted grove, and giving the tout ensemble the
appearance of a fairy scene. A cold collation, &c. was prepared
for the gentlemen, and the art of the pastry--cook and
confectioner were put in requisition for the ladies.

We think there must have been nearly two hundred ladies and
gentlemen present, and a greater display of elegance and beauty
on the part of the fair set has seldom been witnessed in this,
and we may almost add, in any other place of equal population.

Among the guests we noticed his excellency Gov. Coppinger--
the Marquis de Fougere, French consul at Charleston--the Mayor of
this city, and several of the civil and military officers of the
late government.

The whole was conducted with the greatest possible harmony,
and nothing occurred to mar the festivities of the night. Aurora
had already gilded the eastern horizon ere the lingering votaries
of this dance had retired.

The gentlemen to whom the management of this ball was
entrusted, deserve great credit for the style in which the whole
was got up and conducted.





Susan R. Parker
May 27, 1987