Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1842-09-01
a3lsHYlal2lsAIra INl1gs3a Is.ftJr, Amy.

GLIMPSE OF LIFE AT WARRENTON
SPRINGS--THE TOURNAMENT.
WARRENToN SrINcs, Aug. 0, 1912.
Saturday 10Th instantly witnessed one
OF those scenes Of romantic festivity in
some measure peculiar to this popular wa
tering place, and not the least among its
many attractions. alIude, of course, to
the tournament, which had been widely
advertised as intended to be held on the
9th, but which the incessant, though re.
reshng, rains Of that day had compelled
US to postpone.
The next morning, however, rose fair
as the bright eyes which awaited its APP
proach and buoyant as the aspiring hopes
which beat in the bosoms Of SO many
young and gallant competitors. The
sounds Of the clarion gave, during the
morning, repeated intimation Of the ap-
preaching contest, and by eleven O'Clock
gay and festive groups might be seen
moving in all directions towards the up.
pointed place.
But in order to give IN ineligible idea
of the ceremonial, mus, transport the
reader in imagination to a sequestered
meadow on the banks Of the neighboring
river Zone of the upper branches OF the
fair Rnppahannock,) shut in from the moi
sy world by semi circle Of gently swell
ling hills, and familiar heretofore only
with the songs Of birds, or the voice of
the peaceful husbandman. But soon the
Dryads and Hamadryads of those tran-
quill shades were made aware of some un.
wonted event, for shapes more graceful
than those fiction has bestowed on the OBJ
jects Of its idolatry. might be sven gather.
ing beneath the overhanglng trees, and
occupying-tier above icr-the seats of
the amphitheatre. And now the notes Of
the buglo might be heard from the far
ihest extremity of this picturesque arena
and band of gallant knigh,s-such as
Spencer would have reJoiced to describe
issued upon the plain. The array was
led on by the gallant Mr.. G. W., ofPen-
sacola, assisted by Mr.. J. c., of Culpep.
per, "a gentleman too well known for the
urbanity of his manners, and the rarest
qualities of the head and heart, to need
any labored eulogium) while Mr.. A., of
Richmond, discharged, as herald, those
duties TO which the endowments Of q COM
handing person and fine voice seemed
especially to destino him. Among the
Judges appeared distinguished foreigner,
and gallant commodore, ably supported
by several gentlemen of this and tho ad.
Joining counties. Blu, the graceful and
gracious assessors OF this distinguished
tribunal, constituted, undoubtedly, that
portion Of the Judiciary" to whom the
Knights appealed with most sensibity,
and yc. with most confidence. 1t is to
the svmpathies of woman that the brave
and the unfortunate may equally appeal,
with a confidence never misplaced, aud
never disappointed.
The Knights-ten in nuuibcr-may be
distinguished as follows, in the order in
which they entered upon the career:
No. III. S. q. Esq, Of Rappahannock.
81. F., ESQ, OF Loudoun.
as. B. f., Esq, of Fauquier.
Nv. S. D., Esq, of Fauquier.
81. G. L., Esq, of Falmouth.
6-J. s. r., Esq, of Alexandria.
~. Il. s., Esq, of Mobile.
81. Il. F.. Esq, Of Baltimore.
On. II. Esq. of Fredericksburg.
I0-W. ii. Esq, of Warrenton.
1t is not my intention to describe-as
it is not in my power to do justice to the
gallant bearing and mastery horseman-
ship of the different compeitors-suthce
it to say, that after repeated trials OF skill,
in which all evinced great GOODNESS, con
duct, aud courtesy, (many of the unsuc
cosslu aspirants displaying not less OF
these properties than the more success
full the whole cortege, led on by the
marshal, and attended by the herald,
drew up before the judges, who commu'
nlcated to the last mentioned officer the
name Of NJ. W., Esq, Of Fredericksburg,
as victor, a decision which was immediate.
Iy announced in words ofthe following i'm
port: sit becomes my duty, sir knight,
TO proclaim you successful competitor in
this scene Of corteous aud gallan. emula-
ton. 1t is your enviable privilege "a
privilege won by your knightIy bearing,
and confirmed By the glance Of all the
bright eyes, ant tho sympathlcs OF all the
loyal hearts around you, to select from