3-021-257 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

New-Year's Eve ball on board H.M.S. Caledonia, at Malta, 1869. Grand ball given by Lady Clarence Paget, '...wife of the noble Vice-Admiral commanding the Mediterranean Fleet, on board his flagship, H.M.S. Caledonia, to her ladyship's friends in Malta. It was attended by a company of nearly six hundred guests...The upper deck of the ship presented a magnificent scene. The space inclosed and covered with awnings was more than 200 ft. long; the awnings were suspended at the height of above 60 ft., decorated with the flags of Old England and all nations, and brilliantly illuminated with gas; all this being laid out in the best possible taste...Dancing commenced at about ten, and lasted till half past two a.m. of New-Year's Day. At midnight a gun was fired as a signal or announcement that the old year had passed away for ever, and immediately after a few verses composed by the gallant Admiral were sung with great energy by the bluejackets...This had a very fine effect...On the guests leaving, it was manifest that all were delighted with the treat afforded them, and many declared it to be the handsomest affair that had ever taken place on board ship in Malta'. From "Illustrated London News", 1869.