Massachusetts Spy And Worcester Advertiser

Fete at Castle Garden.

The company commenced entering the Garden last evening about half past six, and closed about ten o'clock, consisting of very near six thousand Ladies and Gentlemen. They were, in general, elegantly dressed, especially the ladies, and all seemed equally pleased and astonished with the taste, variety and splendour of the decorations.

Immediately in front of the gate which forms the first entrance to the Garden, was erected a pyramid of the height of 75 feet, brilliantly illuminated, and surmounted by a double triangle likewise illuminated, presenting the appearance of a star encircling the letter F. The bridge leading to the castle from the Battery into the Bay 250 feet, was an immense covered way, carpeted the entire distance, hung with numerous lamps, and decorated with evergreens.--Through this magnificent entrance the company found their way into the interior of the Garden.

The Castle, which is a circle, and covers a surface of about 600 feet in circumference, was enclosed with an awning at an altitude of 75 feet, the dome of which was supported in the centre by a column dressed with pale blue and white, and inscribed with the names of men immortalized with that of La Fayette in the cause of freedom. This column was encircled with an immense cut glass chandelier, composed of thirteen separate ones, representing the thirteen original States; while it formed at its summit, the Centre whence hung the flags, signals and standards of various nations, looped and festooned with much good taste, making a covering for the company, and a splendid military and naval dress for the coarser canopy above. This object, which was the first that met the eye, and formed at the base but a slight obstruction, had a very imposing appearance, and produced a very fine effect.

The roof was supported by 13 transparent columns, capped with a circle of light, and based with an armorial insignia of the several states under a shield of the Union, to denote their dependence on the same, and richly flaked with a sailing drapery. Between the columns were to be seen the names of the original states in gilded letters, encircled by laurel wreaths, and suspended between American ensigns, and a profusion of 'striped bunting.

The General made his appearance about ten o'clock. The band struck up a military air, and La Fayette was conducted through a column of Ladies and Gentlemen to a splendid pavilion, immediately opposite to the great entrance. Not a word was spoken of gratulation--so profound, and respectful, and intellectual was the interest which his presence excited: nothing but a subdued and universal clap broke the general silence, and that but for a moment. The interior of the pavilion which was composed of white cambric festooned and otherwise varied with sky blue, and surmounted with an American Eagle over the letter F. was richly furnished. Among other interesting objects, was a bust of Hamilton, placed upon a Corinthian pillar, and illuminated with a beautiful lamp. But the most interesting of all the exhibitions were those presented in front of the pavilion, and seen from it, immediately over the entrance to the Garden. A triumphal arch of about ninety feet square, adorned with laurel oak, and festoons of flags, &c. was seen based upon pillars fifteen feet high. A bust of Washington, supported by a golden eagle, was placed over the arch, as the presiding deity.--Within the arch was a painting nearly 25 feet square, of a fine colossal figure, representing the genius of our country, rising in her native majesty and strength, supported by the American Eagle, and exhibiting a scroll inscribed to La Fayette, with the words--'Honoured be the faithful patriot.'

Soon after the General entered, the painting just alluded to was slowly raised, which exhibited to the audience a beautiful transparency, representing La Grange, the mansion of La Fayette. The effect was as complete as the view was unexpected and imposing. Another subdued clap of admiration followed this tasteful and appropriate and highly interesting display.

Eighty sets of cotillions were frequently on the floor at the same time. There were in the Castle 5500 lights -200 servants were employed during the fete. It is stated the seats now erected around the area will accommodate about 3000 persons.--The calculation is that about 30,000 people were assembled on the Battery in the evening.

General La Fayette was heard to remark, while sitting in the Pavilion, 'I have never before seen an exhibition equal in all respects to this; I am incapable of expressing feelings of gratitude. It was a scene of enchantment, which the mind could not bring itself to believe was a reality, and which left the beholder mute, bewildered, and gazing in astonishment.'

The General left the Castle and embarked on board the steam-boat James Kent, about half-past one in the morning, and proceeded on his excursion up the North River.