Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-10-07
ALBANy.Oct. s.

Military Parade Extraordinary On Thurs
day, the 246th regiment of this city, commanded
by Col Osborn, had the annual Review. Among
the prvates who appeared, were about fourteen
who were most Enthusiastically dressed. On their
being inspected in State st. Inspector Fasset or
dered them to be taken from the ranks. They
were accordingly marched OH; when some Of
them retired to their houses, changed their dress
to their ordinary fashion, and re appeared OH the
ground. However, about eight persisted in keep
Ing on their strange costume. When these ar.
rived at the parade field, they were placed under
the command Of drill sergeant, and. at their
request to the sergeant, as we understand, they
were marched through most of our streets, with
drum and fife, till near evening when they were
dismissed.
The 99th regiment. under the command of Col.
A. V. Fryer. assembled in Lydius st. on Satur
day, for parade and inspection. Of the privates
assembled, about twenty appeared in the most
ridiculous dresses. Some wore coats Of the cut
of those of their grandfahers; some coats Of many
colors; tr colored coats; coats made Of the skins
of wild beasts, and various other kinds Of coats.
Their under dresa correspondent in the outre APP
pearance. There were flat hats, round hats, cock
ed hats. high sugar loaf shape hats made of paper;
in short no two had hats alike. Some had leaves
and most had canteens and small casks in addi-
tlon. One had beard flowing down to his mid.
die. Many had false whIskers, made Of ladies'
curls. Ladies' artificial cast aside flowers deco
rated some of the hats. Knapsacks with ludic-
rous devices were numerous. 10 a few words,
every art was used to give rdicue to the affair
1t must, however, be observed, that all these
persons we're equipped with elegant and military
like guns, fnts, cartridge boxes, &c. and that
they strictly obeyed all orders, with exact dsci-
pline.
These men were taken from the regiment, and
marched up to the Washington Parade Ground,
under the command of Quarter Master Sergeant
Medium. There they were severely drilled;
but they were permitted 10 take a recess for din
ner. The main body Of the regiment were drill
led in the same field.
Towards night, they were dismissed. Prcvl-
ously, I" an escort" composed of those fantasti-
cav dressed" persons before mentioned as be-
longing to the 246th, had appeared in the vicini.
ty. with music, and by their manner. if not BY
their tone. expressed the Language of Shakespeare,
B.wk spirits and white,
Blue s,.iri', anal grey,
Minse, minne, mingle,
YOU that minge, may
Accordingly. the said persons belonging to the
S9th, "mlngled'' with them. Two persons were
mounted on horseback, as commanders, and the
cavalcade proceeded to the city, attended by
large number OF spectators. All the maneuvers
were conducted with strict military etiquette.
Just as the procession arrived at the ntersec-
ton Of State and Pearl SIS. the irregular body"
of the 89th, were coming up Pearl 81. The" fan
tasticas' presented arms, sad their music gave
the usual salute. They then marched through the
principal streets, and were dismissed in front of
the city Hotel and Mansion House. with an ad
dress from their principal commander
1t is proper we should state that the persons
concerned in this burlesque affair, dIscIaim being
considered as buffoons or even as such who are
described as morrice dancers in SCOTS Sc Fair
Maid Of Perth" They say they have suffered
from the effects of our militia system; that they
have petitoned the legislature in vain for relief;
and that they now intend if possible to destroy
that system, by showing it to the public, in its
uselessness aud liability to contempt.
We have little doubt that the project will be
successful; and If it should be, but few will sOr-
row, and many will rejoice The present system
Of trainings is not only useless, but it is pernici
,us and corrupting.