2-969-912 - /Heritage Images

The Ball given by the Minister of the United States, at the Hotel du Louvre, Paris, 1856. Party '...in commemoration of the anniversary of Washington's birthday - the 22nd of February. It took place in the magnificent apartments of the new Hotel du Louvre. The saloons were thrown open at ten o'clock; before eleven not less than 500 or 600 persons had arrived, and up to an advanced hour company continued to flow in. The ball-room, which is one of the finest in Paris, was most brilliantly lighted. At the further end, and immediately over the gallery where the orchestra was stationed, hung the portrait of Washington...In the ante-room the Minister of the United States, and the gentlemen who acted as commissaires - a rosette of blue ribbon on the breast being the distinctive mark of their office - received the company...Among the guests were members of the Cabinet and of the diplomatic corps'. From "Illustrated London News", 1856.