72 
called out in full uniform, to lire volleys in honour of the day. 
The artillery before mentioned, which gave thirteen discharges 
from two pieces, distinguished themselves again by their excel¬ 
lent discipline. The infantry was very weak, not exceeding 
fifty men, with a most monstrous standard. A company of 
riflemen of thirty men, who had done good service on the 8th of 
January, 1815, appeared very singular in their costume: it con¬ 
sisted of a sky-blue frock and pantaloons, with white fringe 
and borders, and fur hoods. This legion was established in 
the last war, and considering itself independent of the militia, 
it has clothed itself after the French taste, and is officered by 
Frenchmen. 
In the evening there was a subscription ball, in the ball-room 
of the French theatre. This ball was given also, on account of 
the festival celebrated this day. In former years, each person 
had subscribed ten dollars for this ball; the saloon had been 
decorated with Washington’s portrait, and a number of standards, 
and a splendid supper spread for the ladies. This year the sub¬ 
scription had been reduced to three dollars for a ticket, and 
hardly filled up at that price. It was attempted to be accounted 
for, by the critical juncture of commercial affairs, in which 
the city was placed; the true cause, however, might be traced to 
the incomprehensible want of attachment among the creoles to 
the United States. Although the city of New Orleans, and the 
whole state of Louisiana, has benefited extremely by its union 
with the United States, and daily increases; yet the creoles ap¬ 
pear rather to wish their country should, be a French colony, 
than annexed to the Union. From their conversations, one would 
conclude that they do not regard the Americans as their coun¬ 
trymen. This aversion certainly will lessen, as the better part 
of the young people acquire their scientific education in the 
northern states; at this moment, however, it is very powerful. 
Under this state of things, Mr. Davis, the manager of the 
French theatre, the balls, and several gaming houses, announced 
a masked ball, at one dollar admission, for Washington’s birth- 
night. The young ladies, however, to whom a subscription ball 
was in'anticipation, and on account of it had prepared a fresh set 
of ornaments, to assist their toilet, felt themselves exceedingly 
disappointed by this arrangement; as there would be a very 
mixed company at the masked ball, and they would not be able 
to distinguish themselves by individual ornament. For this 
reason, their parents and relations had exerted themselves, and 
happily brought it to pass, that instead of a ticket ball, there 
should be one by subscription. In fact, this ball was very 
splendid, so far as the dress of the ladies contributed thereto. 
Moreover, no battles took place. 
