| Citation |
NJG-T.782.013
12 Jun 1782:22,23,31 (5/233)
Fish-kill, June 6. On the 31st of May, the birth of the
Dauphin was celebrated at West-Point, by the American army,
stationed on the banks of the Hudson; . . . [27 lines]
After dinner, the following toasts were drank, under a
discharge of cannon. the band of the 3d regiment of
artillery, with the other martial musick, playing
alternately the whole time. . . [13 toasts, description of
bower and fireworks, about 50 more lines. Then a letter
describing the event follows; much detail of attendees,
decorations which] did infinite credit to the ability of
Major Villefrance, who projected the plan, and under whose
direction it was so happily executed. - The area of the
building which was supported by one hundred and eighteen
pillars ornamented in the antique manner, was 220 feet in
length, 80 in breadth and so capacious as to contain tables
for more than five hundred people, leaving room for the
orchestra at the north end, the side boards at the
extremities, and an ample vacuity at the centre. . .
[detailed description of various regiments drawn up]
All the officers of the army assembling, the company now
became more numerous and respectable . . . [5 lines] The
entertainment was nobly hospitable, and the fine musick
which breathed all the while from the orchestra, added a new
relish to the repast. After dinner, thirteen toasts,
particularly adapted to the festival, were drank, under a
discharge of thirteen cannon each, accompanied with that
martial musick which attunes the soul to rapture, and
inspires the breast with every elevated sentiment. . . [37
lines, fireworks after dinner]
I enclose you a list of the toasts, and a copy of the song
which was sung after dinner, accompanied by the musick of
the band; and am, my dear friend, &c.
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