| Citation |
IL.782.066
15 Jul 1782:11,12 (4/219)
St. Pierre's (Martinico) March 14. The first idea of giving
an entertainment to the Marquis and Marchioness de Bouille,
was taken up by the merchants of this town with an
earnestness and unanimity which were the surest indications
of the sincerity of their intentions: and as the
inclinations to render every honour to the protector of our
colonies, and the conqueror of Brimstone Hill, universally
prevailed, so was the scheme of entertaining him, before his
departure received by every one with transport. . . [12
lines, opening of the evening]
The hall and gallery of M. d'Elhorme, which was entirely
appropriated to the use of the dancers, were already
ornamented with several circles of ladies, the natural
brilliancy of whose charms was heightened by the elegant
diversity of their dresses. A prodigious concourse of
officers of all ranks, and of citizens, had already filled
the room, when M. le Compte de Grasse, and M. and Madame le
Marquise de Bouille made their appearance. The roof then
resounded with a thousand acclamations; after which a most
harmonious concert for some time suspended these flattering
demonstrations of joy. The singers celebrated the powers of
love, the valour of our heroes, and the influence which they
have over the fair. The choice of the airs was greatly
applauded, because they pictured to us virtues which we
admire, and the models of which we had then before our eyes.
To the concert succeeded a ball, which was opened by our
generals, and the company then partook of the different
amusements which presented themselves. At half an hour
after eight, every body repaired to the terrace walk on the
opposite side, to see the fire-works . . . [1/2 column,
detailed description of decorations of ballroom] The dew
having wet almost all the fireworks, this part of the
exhibition did not gratify the admires of such
entertainments with the pleasure they had promised
themselves; the dancing, however, brought the whole company
into spirits. At the hour of supper they gain returned to
the grove . . . [4 lines] The healths of M. and Madame de
Bouille, which were drank on all sides, were accompanied by
the flourishes of military instruments. The universal
gaiety, the politeness and gallantry presided at this
entertainment, gave it the appearance of a family feast.
Everything was conducted with the greatest order and
decorum, notwithstanding the prodigious number of guests,
and the crouds of spectators which so beautiful a sight had
drawn together. The musical instruments which had struck up
in the ball room, soon, however, called off the younger part
of the company, who continued dancing till day-light. If
anything was wanting on this occasion to perfect the general
happiness, and to compleat the satisfaction of the merchants
in particular, it was doubtless the presence of M. le
President de Peinier, the labour and increasing cares of
whose employment had detained him at Fort Royal. . .
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