No. 290.
Mr. Read
to Mr. Fish.
Athens, March 8, 1875. (Received April 5.)
Sir: A magnificent ball took place at the palace on the 3rd instant. On that occasion the American minister had the honor to be selected to lead a contra-dance with the Queen.
[Page 658]The spacious salons were filled at half past nine, and the festivities continued until half past five in the morning. The arrangements throughout were of the most admirable character. An elaborate supper for eight hundred guests was laid in the royal salle á manger and in the two large adjoining rooms, while the ministers of state and the diplomatic corps were entertained by the King and Queen in the beautiful private apartments of their majesties.
The palace is well adapted for social assemblages upon a grand scale. The ample entrances and stately corridors are adorned with rare plants and flowers. The crimson carpets bring into brilliant relief the white marble floors. On either hand a double row of attendants display the splendors of the national costume. The two principal ball-rooms are of vast size. Their highly decorated walls and lofty ceilings stand revealed in the soft rays of two thousand wax-candles. The hall of Greek portraits and historic pictures is likewise invested with a special interest, when one sees walking therein not only the descendants of heroes, but sometimes even a hero himself, like the venerable and illustrious Admiral Kanaris.
The names of Mavrocordato, Kolokotronis, Botzaris, Capo d’Istria, and many more which long ago became household words in America, have now in Greece living illustrations in the second and third generations. These representatives of a glorious past pace to-day beneath the paintings which tell in graphic ways their ancestors’ heroic story.
Truly, the near and the remote history of this nation teem with such examples of lofty patriotism and enduring courage as may well beget confidence in their present condition and inspire hope for their future progress.
I have, &c.,