Birthday Celebrations: January 1811

Yesterday, being the Birth-Day of OUR MOST GRACIOUS QUEEN, was observed as a Holiday throughout the Colony, The usual salutes were fired, and Presents made to the Non-commissioned Officers and Privates of the 73d Regiment, of half-a-pint of spirits and a pound of fresh beef a man; which latter complement was also extended to the prisoners, who were excused from attending to their usual avocations in honor of the day.

At 12 His EXCELLENCY appeared on the Parade, and inspected the 73d Regiment, who fired three vollies in honor of the day; His Excellency expressing the highest satisfaction at their appearance, and the precision with which the evolutions were performed; and afterwards returned to Government House.

At one o'clock His Excellency the GOVERNOR in CHIEF received the Compliments of the Officers Civil and Military, and other Gentlemen on the return of the auspicious season. An Ode for the occasion (which we have the pleasure to offer to our Readers), was presented to HIS EXCELLENCY by Mr. Michael Robinson; who, at His Excellency's desire, recited it in the presence and much to the gratification of the Assembly, who joined, in the warmest language of encomium, to compliment the Author on the excellence of his performance.

The Anniversary Ball given by HIS EXCELLENCY was very numerously attended. Government House was brilliantly lighted, and the apartments decorated in an exquisite style of taste and novelty.

In the center of the ballroom were the Royal Initials in chrystal, beautifully worked, suspended between festoons of leaves and flowers extending across the room, the north end of which was covered with a transparent painting (executed by Mr. Lewin in a highly finished style), the subject local, and the design peculiarly appropriate, being the representation of our Native Race in their happy moments of festivity, contrasting in silent admiration their amusements to the recitations of a polished Circle; and instead of expressing dissatisfaction at the humility of their condition, earnestly anticipating the blessing of civilization, while a striking full-sized figure, drawn in one of the most animated attitudes of the corrobori pointed with his waddy at the Church of St. Philip, of which an accurate perspective view was given, as symbolical of the Christian Religion inviting them to happiness. Each of the portraits bore so accurate a resemblance to some familiar native as scarcely to leave a doubt that the representation was taken from the life, in whichever attitude the Artist considered best adapted to his subject; the whole of the scene receiving a warmth of colouring from the judicious representation of their fires, and the softness of expression produced by the reflected rays of the rising moon. As this part of the preparation was unexpected, the admiration was the more nervous, and none forebore the meed of praise to the performance.

About nine commenced the 'airy dance'; which submitted not to interruption until the Company were requested to withdraw to the Supper Room, which furnished a new subject of delight to the admiring eye. The spacious new apartment prepared for the occasion resembled in its interior the center of a grove, with its boughs formed into bowers regularly arched, and ornamented with variegated lamps between the pillars; the fascinating effect of which could not do less than charm. The tables were formed into an oblong square, with an open end, and about one hundred persons sat down, among whom were all the principal Office's and Ladies of the Colony. After supper the dance resumed, and continued till a late hour, when His EXCELLENCY the GOVERNOR and MRS. MACQUARIE received the farewell compliments of the Company, much gratified in the testimonial of happiness that had universally been given on the Celebration of the happy Event.

Top of page

Provenance
Sydney Gazette, 19 January 1811 p.2b.

Return to: 1811 | Documents