CHAPTER XII.

February 22.
T HIS anniversary, so fondly cherished by our na- tion, auspiciously dawned upon us here ; and our patriotism was stimulated by the brilliant celebration at the residence of the American Minister. The assem- blage numbered nearly a thousand persons, including a few foreigners who united in doing honor to the memory of the immortal Washington. The balustrade leading to the salons was wrapped with the Stars and Stripes, and a flag of huge proportions draped the doorway. Tasteful hands had decorated the rooms with garlands of red and white camelias, and with pendant baskets of flowers. The entwined colors of France and America graced the portrait of Washington, whilst a beautiful banner — presented to General Dix during our country's late struggle — was conspicuous with its Goddess of Lib- erty, and its motto — the General's own words, attesting his love of the flag. This morning several American residents and sojourners in Paris presented a handsome marble bust of the “Father of our Country" to General Dix, as a testimonial of the high esteem in which he is held. The ball-room was appropriately decked with numerous flags — not confined to the glory of one nation
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— and under their variegated folds met the brave, the gay, and the beautiful, to mingle in the dance. ' That pleasure, however, did not last long, for the surging crowd that swept into the grand salon broke up the order of quadrilles, nay, even the usurping galop , that always enforces space. Dresses were damaged beyond reparation ; headaches became a sort of patriotic mar- tyrdom ; complexions faded in the toilsome circuit of the salons . A veteran, who in the early part of the evening had admired the carnation-glow of cheeks, said at a later hour, “ The only colors that remain true are those of our banner— the red , white and blue J” France was represented by M. Rouher, Minister of State, and