198 THE WIFE OP BENEDICT ARNOLD. course, he was averse. His pretty daughter was naturally of her father's politics, and, probably, owing to her age and sex, she was a Tory of a more positive cast than he. Her loyalty could not but be much strengthened by the opportune arrival of a large body of victorious troops, whose officers showed every disposition to appreciate her devotion to their cause. Her father's house soon became a popular resort with these gentlemen, who always found a welcome there ; , and the most frequent and favored visitor among them was Major Andre. In the gorgeous festival given in honor of Lord Howe just before his departure for England, both Major Andre* and Miss Shippen were conspicuous figures. The celebra- tion, which from its mingled character was named the Mischianza, included a regatta, a mock-tournament, a ball, a supper, and a display of fireworks. In the tourna- ment, which was the most novel and brilliant feature of the occasion, Major Andre" was one of the Knights, and Miss Shippen one of the fourteen chosen damsels in whose honor the jousting took place. The two sides, as we learn from an elaborate account which Major Andre wrote to a friend, adopted for their distinguishing devices, the one a Burning Mountain, with the motto I burn forever, the other a Blended Rose, of red and white intertwined, with the motto We droop ivhen separated. A distinguishing costume was worn by the knights and ladies of each party, in addition to which each knight bore a shield with his private motto and device, and each lady wore a favor intended to be given as a reward to her champion. The costumes — at least, those of the ladies — were made in accordance with designs prepared 'by Major AndrC*. He refers to them as Turkish habits, although there was nothing beyond a veil and turban to indicate such a nationality. Trowsers are not mentioned, and he
