On Monday, May 18 1778, a lavish farewell party was thrown in Philadelphia for the commander-in-chief of the British Army, Sir William Howe. Loved by many of the officers and his men, it was suggested that a party should be thrown in his honor before he sailed back to Britain. The funding came from amongst the officers but much of the planning was done by Captain (before he becomes Major) John André, who took it upon himself to organize the events of the day, paint scenery, and prepare the costumes to be worn by those attending. He called the event, “The Mischianza,” meaning a mixture of activities that would be participated in throughout the day.
The day began with a procession of boats carrying the men and women of Philadelphia down the Delaware River. Music was played by minstrels in boats beside them. Once carried down the river, they disembarked and paraded to an open field prepared for a spectacular show of jousting, reminiscent of an 18th century version of a Renaissance Faire today. There were two teams of seven knights: The Knights of the Blended Rose and the Knights of the Burning Mountain. Each knight had been given the favor of a lady at the event and had created a personal crest and motto to be placed on their shields. Captain André rode out with the Knights of the Blended Rose, bearing a crest depicting two fighting cocks and the motto, “No Rival.” Though each knight had their own crest and motto, there was also an overall crest and motto for each team of knights. The symbol of the Knights of the Blended Rose depicted two intertwined roses with the motto, “We droop when separated.” The symbol of the Burning Mountain depicted a mountain surrounded by flames and the motto, “I burn forever.”
The Knights of the Blended Rose stated that their women were more beautiful than any other women in the world and issued a challenge to those who might think otherwise, at which point the Knights of the Burning Mountain appeared and challenged their vanity three times. At this challenge the jousting commenced, consisting of multiple rounds. First, the knights on horseback bore lances, and then fired at each other with pistols, then sword play, and finally hand to hand combat. This continued until the ladies interjected, begging the men to stop, being satisfied with their proofs of love.
The party then proceeded to a home with a lavish ball room. Here the company would dance and witness a display of fireworks planned by the British Army’s chief engineer, Captain Montresor. At midnight, another hall was opened for a feast of 1,200 dishes. At length, the herald of the Knights of the Blended Rose proclaimed a toast to the king’s health, the queen, the royal family, the army, the navy, their commanders, the knights and their ladies, and the ladies in general. The dancing then continued until 4am. The Mischianza was certainly a party to remember, and one that America may not have seen the like of before or ever again.
Walnut Grove, property of Joseph Wharton and site of the Mischianza in Philadelphia.
Captain (before he becomes Major) John André acted as "Social Director" of the Mischianza and its various events.
Who is ready for the Mischianza? The ticket shown above is your ticket to the most lavish farewell party to ever be seen in America. A shield with a view of the sea with the setting sun, and at the top the general's crest. Around the shield a vignette, and various military trophies along the ground. So take your ticket and come to our farewell party for Sir William Howe.
