Isle of Wight Observer June 16, 1855
DINNER AND BALL – The officers of the Royal Oxford Militia previously to their embarkation for Corfu, gave a splendid entertainment to the ladies of their acquaintance on Wednesday evening last. Crossing the water from Portsmouth in a special steamer, they dined at the Pier-hotel; the viands and wines being of the most recherche description, for which this hotel is so renowned. After dinner the happy party adjourned to the Masonic-hall, which was previously arranged as a ball room, the musical arrangements being under the direction of Mr J G Jones. Dancing was kept up with great spirit until two o’clock in the morning, when the party returned to Portsmouth highly gratified with the proceedings.