Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1833-10-28
ALEXAND RIA GAZETTE
MILITIA MUSTER.

Commerce that humorously sets forth the humors
Of Militia Muster, in that city.
Passing through John street last Friday wit.
messed one Of the most ludcrous scenes. Ap-
preaching large collection OF people found
that the gathering was on account Of militia
training. l understood that the officer had ex-
perienced no little difficulty in causing his com.
pany to halt. This word halt which should
render soldier instantly stationary, not only
failed to produce that effect upon the troop, but
on the contrary rather accelerated their march.
The officer followed on crying Halt. Hall,
H. but without effect; until getting out Of
patience he exclaimed, If you don't halt I'll
march you fue miles, This produced the desr-
ed effect. aud the company haited,-thongh pref
ty much out Of a line.
When came up, the Orderly Sergeant was
doing his best to call the roll. In this however
he found it next to impossible to proceed; for no
sooner was name announced than the crowd one
and all responded HERE and the Orderly was
unable to determine whether or not the man was
on the ground. Finding it necessary 10 adopt
some other course. he tod the men that when
name was called, If the individual wished 10 avoid
fine, he must Immediately march in front Of the
company. But no sooner had he announced this
mode of proceeding than hurrah was raised, so
loud that the Orderly could not even hear his own
voice. At length name was heard, and there
was a general rush towards the front. The
movement completely disorganized the company
and mingled soldiers and citizens altogether in
one general hurry .burly.
At this juncture counsel Of war was held,
and the conclusion seemed to be that the officers
should make the best of their way of and get
the men to follow. 1t was amusing To hear the
soldiers giving advice to their superiors. Come
Captain says one. why don't you send up
to the Police office and get an officer to take care
of these folks, for they will run over US. sure as
a gun One advised to this thing, and other to
that, until the officers found themselves about
as much inclined to do one thing as another.
As the corps had on music. no time was beat,
and of course each one marched on his own
hook The captain was not in uniform, and.
seemed to possess much less authority, than the
Orderly, who was completely accounted from top
TO toe.
His new cap all polished and shining, somehow
during the rushing and pushing OF the crowd
received a bayonet entirely through II. and the
amused themselves by pulling the skirts Of his
military coat Indeed it was only by the dint
of watchfulness that he was enable to preserve
his perpendicular elevation; for various assaults
were attempted upon his limbs, with the intent
of bringing him down to the level OF those who
were SO unfortunate as to find themselves upon
the pavement.
A grand effort was at length made to take the
company to some more quiet part OF the city,
where they might enjoy the benefit of being
drilled without interruption.
To this end the military skill and authority OF
the officers was exerted TO form the ranks. Two
or three were formed, and the plan was about to
succeed, but it unfortunately happened that just
then coacbman drove up and ordered the com
PAW out Of the road. Itell you, said the Off
Ger, you cannot pass.' i tell you,' SAID the
coachman that can pass Turn about con.
tinued the officer, tell you again you shant go
through .Shan't hap replied Coachee, 'Pll
see if | shan't.' So each party prepared tor the
onset. Muskets glisteued, bavonets. horse pis-
tolls, rifles, and other deadly weapcns were rails
ed TO stop the enemy. The officer looked as IT
great consequences were suspended upon the is.
sue Of the contest,
"Firm paced and slow, horrid front they form,
Still MS the breeze. but dreadful as the storm"
The coachman, confident Of the superiority of
cavalry over infantry, gave orders tor charge,
and cracking his whip, the long lash OF which
drove back the soldiers, and urged on the horses,
" no being good metal, broke through the thick
arrav,' and LETT the ranks IN fragments
When the coachman had got fairly through.
he paused to enjoy his triumph. The diseomft-
ed officer shook his head and looked things unut.
terable, while the multitude on all sides, led BY
the conquerng hero, gave three cheers, and the
victor passed on. The farce at this stage was
quite beyond description.
A retreat, the last resort Of the brave, was
now meditated. Hard as it was, it appeared the
only alternative. Accordingly push was made
for Broadway, some in the road, while others
nreferred the side walk understood that when
opposite the American Hotel, the company were
seized with a glow of enthusiasm, and gave
three cbeets to Henry Clay! What other deeds
of valor they performed am not able to state.
H. B. g.