The Select Committee of the Corporation, specially appointed to attend the ladies who were the invited guests of the Corporation, in the late Canal Celebration,

That every due precaution was made by the Committee, to render the passage of the ladies, to the ocean, safe and agreeable. The barge Lady Clinton was securely attached to the steam-boat Commerce, so as to prevent any possible accident. The barge was elegantly decorated with flowers, evergreens, and other ornaments. A superb band of music was provided, which played, at intervals, national airs, and the finest pieces. A splendid collation, with every delicacy, was prepared, in the greatest profusion.

A little before eight o'clock, A.M. on the morning of the fourth of November, the Committee repaired on board the barge Lady Clinton, and the steam-boat Commerce, lying at Pier, No. 1, east side of the battery. Before nine o'clock, A.M. the barge and Commerce were filled with the most respectable ladies of the City to overflowing. Amongst them were Mrs. Governor Clinton, Mrs. Cadwallader D. Colden, Mrs. Dale (late Mrs. Fulton), and the wives and daughters of the Members of the Common Council, together with many ladies of distinction, from our sister States.

Upon a signal being given the whole flotilla were in motion; the barge and Commerce, placed in the most distinguished situation in the line, proceeded up the East River, to the Navy Yard, where a national salute was fired, and the officers of the United States Navy united in the Celebration. The flotilla then returned and passed the Battery, and slowly and majestically proceeded to the ocean; the barge Lady Clinton, receiving from the whole Aquatic Procession, and every ship and vessel which she passed, the most marked attention, as a token of the profound respect which is due to the matrons and daughters of the Republic.

Upon reaching a certain point in the ocean, the whole flotilla were grouped together in a circular form, and his Excellency, Governor Clinton, poured the waters of Lake Erie into the sea, and Doctor Mitchill the waters from different parts of the world. The flotilla were then thrown into squadron and line, and proceeded on its return toward the City.

The sound of the bugle then announced to the ladies that dinner was ready. They repaired to the Cabin, where a sumptuous repast was prepared by Captain Seymour, in his best style. The Committee, assisted by several gentlemen, who had attended the ladies on board, did all in their power to render every thing acceptable to their distinguished guests.

In passing the British vessels, the same marked respect was shewn by their officers and crews, our most favourite national airs were played by their bands of music, and the polite civilities shewn by them, were duly acknowledged and returned by the whole flotilla.

Upon reaching the Battery, the ladies formed a procession, Mrs. Clinton and Mrs. Colden at their head; the band of music proceeded them, and the Committee conducted the ladies from the Battery to the Bowling Green, where they were handed to their carriages, and proceeded to their respective homes.

It affords the Committee the utmost satisfaction to add, that not a single accident occurred to mar the pleasure of the day.

Too much praise cannot be given to Captain Seymour for his gentlemanly deportment, - his constant efforts to render every thing agreeable to the ladies, - the splendid decorations with which the barge was ornamented, - and the richness and delicacy of the repast.

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Transcribed from the original text and html prepared by Bill Carr, last updated 5/21/99.