The national whig. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1847-1847, 1847-05-10
LOCAL INTELLIGENcE.

we cannot withhold brief notice OF the evenI
especially as it was the anniversary of the
battle of Palo Allo, in which Colonel Taylor
gave foretaste of the glorious victories which
have succeeded under him as Major General.
Preparations had been made TO eight up" the
public Departments, but we are told, officially,
that the order was countermanded, because
they contain the valuable records Of the Coy
eminent, and most of them are not freproof,
and it was not considered proper TO make any
discrimination between them" As the greater
portion of our readers have doubtless already
read accounts of the illumination, and saw the
brilliant sPectacles exhibited on the avenue,
and many Of the by-streets, it would be an act
of supererogation to specify any particular To-
cation except the City Hall, the part of which
occupied by the corporation was dazzling, con-
trary to public expectation! 1t looked cheer
| full for once, in contrast to its dingy appear
ance. The newspaper offices, without distinc-
| ton OF party, were not deficient in display
The streets were crowded with ladies and gen.
tlemen, and, of course, children from year
and upwards.
But what afforded us the greater grati6ca-
ton, was the almost unanimous spirit that per-
vaded our friends at the Navy Yard. We did
not see two houses on Garrison street, that
were in darkness. The large brick, as well as
the humble frame, bore testimony that they
contained inhabitants who, while they publicly
expressed the estimation in which they held
he victories, accompanied it by tasteful ar
rangement of transparencies and luminaries.
Not a window from the Colone's house 10 the
last room in the Marine Barracks was in dark
ness: lanterns were hung on trees, beacon
| lights surmounted the tallest poles, rockets
were let off, and the boys, in keeping with
the reigning enthusiasm, gratlhed themselves
| by throwing balls of fire. The houses Of the
citizens, we were told, were thrown open to
the visiters. But this was only in keeping
with their general hospitality. The command
ant Of the Navy Yard, illuminated his quarters;
and officers of the army and navy in the neigh
borhood, responded. The streets were crowd
ed with pedestrians, carriages, and borsemen.
People came from Alexandra and adjoining
counties in Maryland, from the central portion
of the city, and from Georgetown, 70 witness
the exhibition. And all expressed their delight
with the manner in which the illumination
was conducted. The arch, representing Cork
legs" and displaying two splendid Transparent
cies, was in good taste: the artist who super
intended this part Of the exhibition, elected the
praise of all. The fire works, the closing
scene, surpassed any former demonstration.
Those who did not witness them cannot con
ceive of their extraordinary beauty and novel
ltv. Distinguished gentlemen were on the
platform, but those who were not SO favored
could see equally as well.
| We did not sit down to give description
of all that delighted US; our limits as well as
the two days which have elapsed since the
event, forbade US. Butwe must say the Navy
Yard bore off the palm, and no people on earth
could have done better; perhaps not SO well.
There were many houses scattered here and
there, in the neighborhood, and in elevated po-
stions, that added beauty to the scene. Can
non were fired, during the day, and bonfres
| lit up at night, which, with the rockets dis
charged in several portions of the city, have
continued TO afford us theme of which we
have not yet become weary.
1t commenced raining at ten O'Clock on Sa-
turday night, and continued, with few inter-
missions, until this morning. The weather
has been SO long dry, that the farmers especi-
ally will most gratefully return thanks for the
lprovidential visitation. From the appearance
of the clouds this afternoon they have moi ex-
hausted their moistening treasure.
! At eleven o'clock on Saturday night, the
new frame house near Seaton's Garden, own
ed by Mr.. B. T.. Morsell, was fred by an in
cendiary, and burnt to the ground.
An inquest was held this ing over the
the body of Richard Harry, in the First Ward.
The verdict Of the jury was that he came TO
his death by wounds occasoned by gun in
the hands of George Usher, on the 9th instant.
Usher was staying at house with Elizabeth
Mattingy, in the vicinity of X and 2lst street
near the avenue; and having endeavared to ef-
feet an entrance, was shot by him. The load
entered the poor fellows heart, and killed him
Instantly. Usher was committed to Jail, TO
await his trial at the next term of the Crimi-
nal Court.
CT The Guernsey, Ohio, Times assures VS. that