Elizabeth F. Ellet

“ It has been remarked that favorable sentiments towards the Americans are general among loyalists residing in England; while, on the other hand, the political animosity of Revolutionary times is still extant in the British American Colonies, A loyal spinster of four-score residing in one of these, when on a visit to one of her friends, some two years since, Raw on the walls, among several portraits of distinguished men, a print of "the traitor Washington." ”

“ Washington, possess the wisdom and sound policy, have ever attributed to him, he will not meddle with us at such a time. The excesses of the present hour are to him equivalent to a victory."
It is interesting to contrast too situation of the two hostile armies at this time; and to follow the destiny of the revellers. When the alliance was concluded between France and America, it was determined in Great Britain immediately to evacuate Philadelphia, and concentrate the royal forces in the city and harbor of New York. In one month knights and army marched from the city they had occupied. ”

“ When supper was ended, the herald and trumpeters of the Blended Rose entered the saloon, and proclaimed the health of the king and royal family-followed by that of the knights and ladies; each toast being accompanied by a flourish of music. ”

“ Admired in fashionable circles, and courted for the charms of her conversation, she must have found many opportunities of exercising her feminine privilege of softening asperities and alleviating suffering-as well as of humbling the arrogance of those whom military success rendered regardless of the feelings of others. ”

“ When the Americans, on their return to the capital, gave a ball to their own and the French officers, and it was debated whether the ladies of the Mischianza should be honored with invitations, the question was soon decided by the reflection that it would be impossible to make up an agreeable company without them. ”

“ She remained in Philadelphia after its evacuation by the British troops. Lieutenant-Colonel Jack Steward of Maryland, dressed in a fine suit of scarlet, took an early occasion to pay his compliments; and gallantly said-" I have adopted your colors, my princess, the better to secure a courteous reception. Deign to smile on a true knight." To this covert taunt Miss Franks made no reply: but turning to the company who surrounded her, exclaimed:----" How the ass glories in the lion's skin!" ”

“ Miss Franks, it has been mentioned, was one of the princesses of the Mischianza. This Italian word, signifying a medley or mixture, was applied to an entertainment, or series of entertainments, given by the British officers in Philadelphia as a parting compliment to Sir William Howe, just before his relinquishment of command to Sir Henry Clinton, and departure to England. Some of his enemies called it his triumph on leaving America unconquered. ”

“ That her talents were generally employed on the side of humanity and justice,-that the pointed shafts of her wit, which spared 'neither friend nor foe, were aimed to chastise presumption and folly-we may infer from the amiable disposition which it is recorded she possessed. ”

“ The names are in a shield, on which is a view of the sea with the setting sun, and on a wreath the words "Luceo discedens, aucto splendore resurgam." At the top is General Howe's crest, with the words "Vive vale." Around the shield runs a vignette; and various military trophies fill up the back-ground.
The entertainment was given on the 18th of May 1778. It commenced with a grand regatta, in three divisions. In the first was the Ferret galley, on board of which were several general officers and ladies. ”