The Mischianza (pronounced [miˈskjantsa]; Italian for "medley" or "mixture"), or Meschianza, was an elaborate fête given in honor of British General Sir William Howe in Philadelphia on May 18, 1778.[1]
Howe, the commander-in-chief of the British forces in America during the early years of the Revolution, had resigned his post and was about to return to England.[1] The ball was thrown by his corps of officers, who put up a sum of 3,312 guineas to pay for it.[2] The events, which were planned by Captains John André and John Montresor and others,[2] included a regatta along the Delaware River, accompanied by three musical bands and a 17-gun salute by British warships, a procession, a tournament of jousting knights, and a ball and banquet with fireworks display.
The site was Walnut Grove, the mansion of Joseph Wharton.[2] The crowd of over 400 guests[2] included Admiral of the Fleet Richard Lord Howe, the general's brother; General Henry Clinton, commandant at New York and Howe's replacement;[3] Peggy Shippen, future wife of Benedict Arnold; Peggy Chew, daughter of Benjamin Chew;[4] Rebecca Franks, daughter of loyalist David Franks;[5] Lord Cathcart;[6] Banastre Tarleton; and Wilhelm von Knyphausen, a General of the Hessians, a mercenary unit of the German Military.
André, who was "social director" to the army in winter, was known as a poet, actor, etc. He was also well known as a competent violinist. As stage director, he painted background scenes for plays produced by acting members of the English Army.
References
- ^ a b Ellet 1849, p. 182.
- ^ a b c d Stern 2011, p. 128.
- ^ Ellet 1849, pp. 182–183.
- ^ Stern 2011, p. 240.
- ^ Ellet 1849, p. 180.
- ^ Ellet 1849, p. 184.
Bibliography
- Ellet, E. F. (Elizabeth Fries) (1849). Women of the American Revolution. New York, Baker & Scribner.
- Stern, Mark Abbott (2010). David Franks : colonial merchant. Pennsylvania State University Press. ISBN 978-0-271-03669-4.
External links