Litchfield enquirer., 1831-11-24
From the N. Y. Advertiser, Nov. Is.

From the N. Y. Advertiser. Nov. I5.
 ReUiew EzfraOrdinGry.-The parade and review of the SO called Invincibles,' '' invited in the papers, was held yesterday. Three or four hundred mock soldiers as- esembled at 7 o'clock in Canal streets, east of Broadway, where a crowd of spectators soon collected. 1t has been often stated, that the militia system of this state has long been considered as excessively op- pressive and injurious-expsnsive, of im- moral tendency, calculated to give the young false ideas of empty show, and all this without accomplishing the arming and accoutreing of the people, or fitting them, morally or physically, for the defence of the country. As the Legislature appear to have considered the opinion of the public as unworthy of serious regard, many of those who have suffered the evils incident to the system, have thought that public ridicule might attract their attention to the subject, with success.
 The array presented in the streets it would be very difficult adequately to des- cribe. The leader rode at the head, dres- sed after the fashion of Napoleon, with small statues of the late Emperor of France upon his shoulders. He was presented with large silver sword, which had been exhibited at the Exchange, about 4 feet long and 7 or inches wide. The dresses were SO various in his army, that no two alike, it is probable, could have been found. Caps were made of all shapes, sizes, col- ours, and materials, from light wig to bandbox and cone with steepls and flag 6 or 10 feet in the air. One was made of 'a pumpkin shell, and bore carrot with its long leaves for a plume. A lieutenant, as he appeared to be, wore chapeau about five feet long, which gave him somewhat the appearance of Gullver at Brobdignag. Speciacles of tin and leather were seen in great numbers; whiskers were worn of an enormous length, and frequently red, and even white. Moustaches were enormous. Coats were seen of bright scarlet, brown woollen, deer skin, split cane, &c. &c. with lappels, cuffs. and Things often excess sively carica,ured-being made of red. vel low green ,baize. white muslin. 6sc. Frocks, scarves. jackets, spencers, long waisted coats, of different hues and vari- ously patched, met1the eye in every pla- "toon; and pantaloons, boots, and shoes. displaying no less variety, were assorted with as much disregard of harmony and precedent.
 One soldier.as if remembering the many unfortunate mistakes committed on previ- ous parades. by many militia man, in set- ting the wrong foot foremost, had his legs marked right" and "left," in large char acters. One personated an ancient warrior. with scale armour, and shield covered with glittering tin. Another bore an in,- mense knapsack, inscribed ammunition for the stomach" The Black Knight. :" as he was dubbed by the crowd, was dre.- in black throughout-his ornaments were black bugles. his very buckles were of iron, and his face rubbed with coal. One wore cap of great height, tarred and feather. cd; many had very prominent noses painted bright red, as if to intimate one O the real tendencies of the militia system The officers were generally distinguished by the splendour of their dresses. (some o which must have been very expensive. auC tho enormous size of their arms.
 This body of strange beings proceeded
 aown Broadway to the Battery, wher,
 they wefs reviewed by their leader: an,
 ai'efwarm proeesded through Beavs street, Broad, Wall, Pearl street, Ssc. t
 the. Washington Parade Ground. Th
 exhibition excited much curiosity. and nro adacsd a great deal of merrimens. Pea street, for along distance, was quite crow
 ded in anticipation of the passage of tho D,
 geant. for an hour or two; and a larf
 company of plain dress guards wss reeruii
 cd iom tho idle boys on inc way, vi headed the, procession, with birch broom
 dke.
 s,'A fantassical dePutation was ,prese