61 



On the first of May 1812, always distinguished as a 

 gala day, at the Castle, a numerous company of members 

 and visiting friends as usual, assembled early. 



The old Flag of State was displayed, and the Frigate 

 Manayunk^ moored in the stream opposite, was handsome- 

 ly decorated. 



An elegant china punch botvf, of mammoth size, exibi- 

 ting emblematic devices of the staple commodity of the 

 river, around its capacious interior, containing nine gal- 

 lons, made expressly to order in Canton, for the Compa- 

 ny, and brought thence by a valued, highly esteemed 

 member, the late Captain Charles Boss, was generously 

 presented by him, and forthwith christened the Boss boiol. 



Its delicious contents, were no less attractive than the 

 splendid vessel itself, on account of an unseasonable sul- 

 try day. 



Two superb Mandarin hats were likewise presented by 

 him J which are on every return of Flora's joyous day, deco- 

 rated with the wild flowers of many hue, from the neigh- 

 bouring wood, intermingled tastefully, with the blossomed 

 branches of the dog wood and judas trees. They are sus- 

 pended as ornaments over the chairs of the presiding offi- 

 cers, at either extremity of the merry banqueting hall. 



Baron Rundle presented at the same time, two splen- 

 didly gilt cliina plates of antiquity, stamped 1692. 



On the 18th of June, the venerable Governor attended 

 a numerous meeting at the Castle, of members and visi- 

 ters, after an indisposition of some continuance; it was 

 the last meeting he was ever permitted to attend. 



