Constitutional Whig

Dinner a la Francaise to the Guest of the Nation.

Among those who have reason to feel proud, and actually are delighted at the reception given to La Fayette, may be ranked the respectable French citizens, residing in our city. They beheld their countryman welcomed by us, to our shores—they beheld the flags of France and America united—they witnessed the splendid military displays, the shouts of triumph and gratitude and they stood aloof and enjoyed the sight; but when the measure of affection and respect was full, they modestly stepped forth to congratulate their compatriot—to take by the hand a veteran soldier from the country of Henry the Fourth, and Louis the Sixteenth, the ancient friend of our country and its independence. The French, always delicate in their attentions, and Frenchmen still in every quarter of the globe, on this occasion forgot their local politics and all distinctions ceased.

The Dinner given to the General on Saturday, is represented to have been splendid beyond description—got up with all the taste and ornament which distinguish the nation. It was given at Washington Hall, one of the most spacious and elegant saloons in our city, and the table was spread by Mr. M'Intyre in his very best style.

The room was superbly ornamented. Arches composed of festoons entwined with every species of flower in bloom, not forgetting the laurel, were thrown across the Hall at a proper elevation, representing the four quarters of the globe, and resting on four marble columns, placed in each corner. In the centre of the arch was a brilliant revolving sun, shedding rays of light beneath. The French and American flags entwined, formed a kind of canopy, under which the General sat. Two large transparent paintings were placed at each end of the table: one on the right represented the Genius of Liberty presenting to the Goddess Cybele, Washington and La Fayette, with the Goddess Minerva presiding over the scene. The painting on the left was a figure of Liberty, sustaining in one hand the cap, and in the other a scroll inscribed, 'Honneur a mon Soutien.'

One of the most interesting devices and ornaments, was a miniature representation of the Grand Canal, seventy feet in length, and running through the middle of the table, which had been made of double the usual width for that purpose. The canal was filled with water, and on its bosom were miniature canal-boats, flocks of water-fowl, &c. &c. The banks of the canal were formed of beautiful green sward, two feet wide, cut and fitted with the utmost exactness, and ornamented with groves of trees, variegated with blossoms, &c. &c. Looking at this representation from the head of the table, the effect was indescribably fine. You saw, as it were, a long line of canal, running through green pastures and meadows, now winding its way through ledges of rocks, (placed there for the purpose) and now running at the foot of a gentle hill—now passing under a bridge, and now lost in the midst of a little forest or behind a miniature mountain. This representation of one of the great sources of wealth and prosperity, and enterprise of the state, was much admired for its taste and neatness. and it is said, was got up under the direction of a person formerly in the employment of the King of Naples.

Mr. Monneron presided as Chairman, assisted by Messieurs Dias, Depan and Mallibran, as Vice Presidents. In addition to the suite of the General, were invited as guests, the Honorable Recorder, General Morton, Captain Rogers, and several other officers of the navy and army.

Several appropriate toasts were given, which we may publish hereafter. Some poetic odes were recited, and the whole entertainment went off in a splendid manner.

In the evening, the General attended Chatham Garden Theatre, and was received in the most enthusiastic manner by the audience.