File:New-Year's Eve Ball on Board HMS Caledonia, at Malta, 31 December 1868 - ILN0-1869.jpg

English: New-Year's Eve Ball on Board HMS Caledonia, at Malta. a grand ball given by Lady Clarence Paget wife of the Vice-Admiral commanding the Mediterranean fleet on his flagship. Illustration for The Illustrated London News, 23 January 1869.

Volume 54, Issue 1522
Read the ILN

NEW - YEAR'S-EVE BALL ON BOARD THE CALEDONIA AT MALTA., On the night of Dec. 31 a grand ball was 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, and the arrangements were such that it turned out a splendid success. The upper deck of the ship presented a magnificent scene. The space enclosed and covered with awnings was more than 200 ft. long; the awnings were suspended at the height of above 60ft., 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. The ship, which had been removed from the grand harbour to the quarantine harbour a week before, was connected with the shore, at the foot of "La Maison Bastion," by means of a temporary bridge, covered in with sails and flags, so doing away with the necessity of the guests having to come off in boats. Carriages began to arrive at about half-past nine pm., and as the guests entered the gangway on board the ship they were received by Lady Clarence Paget and the Admiral. Dancing commenced at about ten, and lasted till half past two am. on 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, who were stationed in the hammock-nettings and in various other part of the upper deck. 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. Among the company were his Excellency the governor, Sir Patrick Grant and staff, Lady and Miss Grant. Major-General and Mrs. Newton, Brigadier-General and Mrs Lysons, Rear-Admiral, Mrs., and Miss Fanshawe, Sir Victor 'and Lady Houlton, Sir Bruce and Lady Chichester, Dowager Lady Chichester, Sir James and Lady Domvile, Mr. M'Iver, Sir Adrian Dingli, and Count Sant. We are indebted to an officer of H.M.S. Caledonia for the sketch we have engraved.