See quotation.
1827. Patgoes are a kind of introduction to a dance. A wooden bird is fixed on a pole, and carried through the city by some slave; on presenting it to the ladies, they make an offering of a piece of riband, of any length or colour, which may suit their fancy or convenience. This is fixed to the bird, which thus becomes decked with an abundant and gaudy plumage. A time and place is then set apart for the fair patrons of the patgoe to assemble, who are usually attended by their beaux, armed with rifles or fowling pieces. The patgoe is shot at; and the fortunate marksman, who first succeeds in killing it, is proclaimed king.—John L. Williams, ‘View of West Florida,’ pp. 78–9 (Phila.). [This is somewhat like the KING-BALL.]
