Daily Richmond times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1849-1850, 1850-05-15
CITY AFFAIRS.
CELEBRATION OF THE 57TH ANNIVERSARY
OF THE RICHMOND LIGHT INFANTRY



FRIDAY May 10TH 1850
The occasion mentioned above was one which will
live forever in the memories of all who participated with
this ancient and honorable Corps the festivities at their
far-famed place OF resort, Buchanans Spring Year
alter year tor two generations it has been the custom of
TINS noble and tme-honored Company (ustIy called the
frde OF our Clty to repair thither with their guests
and mlnge together around the festive board and in the
iull communion of heart with heart to enjoy
"The feast Of reason and the flow of SOUL"
to exchange congratulations to grasp the hand of friend
ship, and in the free exchange of thought and feeling,
whilst in the full enjoyment of the present. to recall
midst smiles and tears the many happy "reminiscences
OF old associations connected with the glorious past and
to look forward with bright hope to prosperous and
happy future.
The Company paraded in full force at 10 o'clock, A.
NJ on the Capitol Square and marched in company with
their brother volunteers the Greys, Eagle Infantry Ar
tlery, Richmond Light Dragons &c. to the fields in
the western suburbs Of the city, where the Regmenta
training took place, Major Thomas J. Evans command
ing Training over, the Blues took up the line of march
Tor the Spring, where they arrived at2 O'clock P M
They were then dismissed for short time to await the
arrival OF their guests, who very began to make
their appearance. .faf
After partaking Establishments, the Company formed
again. and In accordance with the custom of the day
proceeded to tire at the target for beautiful silver med
al engraved and presented to the Company by their first
captain, w llllam Richardson, who was commissioned
on the 10th OF May, 1898.
After the firing, the target was brought in for exami-
nation and the shots which struck having been desgna-
ted, it was ascertaned that Corporal Thomas Wheeley
had made the best shot, his ball having entered the
black. The medal was then presented to him, accom-
panied with an appropriate address by Major Evans an
invited guest Three cheers were then given for "1om
Wheeley, of the Rough g. Ready" and the Comnanv
again dismissed to parake of more refreshments At4
o'clock, nearly all the guests having arrived the Com
pany again formed the right occupied by the honorary
me,nbers alias the "lnvncibes, under the command Of
Col Thomas b. Bigger, and marched to the table
which fairly groaned under its tremendous burthen.-
Among the guests present were the Hon. John NJ Bots
MAJOR Evans, Capt Scott Of the Petersburg Greys Ex-
Captain Tompkins, OF the Blues and Col Thomas B.
Bigger together with many other old and tried Blues of
the days Lang Syne''
Hardly they seated and the battle of the knives
and orksbegun when an incident occurred otbe most
exciting and deeply interesting character. carriage
drove up to the gate and venerable looking old gentle
man was seen to alight from Immediately there was
genera rush towards him, and amidst the enthu
slastc shouts OF joy and welcome he fairly borne to
his seat at the head OF the table All hands being again
seated, Capt. VIM. Y. Sheppard rose and said that he
had the pleasure OF Introducing to the assemblage one
who was now the only living representative OF the Old
Blues: honorary member George Watt the last of the
glorious band OF 1893 and OF the sgners of that con-
stItuon adopted BY the Richmond Light Infantry Blues,
by of that noble band of patriots had departed
until only was left to tell the story of by gone days
and that one was present o-day to join with the of
his former comrades in doing honor to their memories
and to celebrate the day, the birth day of the Richmond
Light Infantry Blues.
Capt Sheppard spoke with much feeling and when
ne ceased nine hearty cheers were given for George
Watt, the cold Blue"
Honorary member, John NJ Bott, was then called
upon 10 read the old constitution, which produced
by Sergt Cary and he did so in distinct and forcble
manner interspersed with comment al his own which
only made the reading the more interesting, He then
read out the OF the sgnes and when he came to
that OF George Watt the company could not restrain
their enthusiasm, but gave vent to it in repeated and
hearty cheers The reading over, Capt Sheppard in
troduced, with appropriate remarks to the company
Capt Scott Of the Petersburg Grays, corps which the
Blues felt proud to call their brothers. Many happy
ptality in company with their brother volunteers of
Fredericksburg and Norfolk. Capt Sheppard then pro-
posed toast "Ihe Petersburg Grays," which was
| drunk with tremendous cheering.
| Capt. Scott responded in a particularly happy man.
ner He said speaking not his vocation, but the
present occasion recalled so wildly to his mind old
times and old associations that he felt bound to acknow-
ledge the compliment just paid to the corps he had the
honor of commanding The Grays had always en-
terained feelings Of brothery affection, nav more of
veneration for the Richmond Blues they were ALWAYS
proud to meet them and to extend to them the hospi-
tally OF the cockade; and he ie sure, that whenever
their country needed their servces-that where the roar
OF the cannon was heard the loudes where the clash
ing OF arms was the fercest, and the fight ragged the
hottest there, in the front OF battle, the white plume
would wave the proudest and the Grays would ask no
higher privilege than to be side by side and shou
w
common cause and common country fTrenen-
dous cheering Capt. Scott concluded by offering the
following sentiment:
"'rhe Volunteers of the State-With proper laws and
encouraging legislation, Virginia would find in her citi-
zen-sodiers standing army once the least expen-
sve and the most nvincible."
After dinner the Blues again formed to Join with the
honorary members in shooting for a beautiful plume
procured for the occasion. Previous to the firing
Blue proposed that the Company should waive their
right, and that the Honorary members alone should
shoot for the plume. This proposition was unanimous
~ carried. Col. Bigger hereupon formed his "Invnc
bles into line and marched the shooting ground and
the firing took place The target was then brought IN
aud 1t was asceained honorary member John NJ Bolts
had made the best shot, and the plume was then pre-
sened to him in the name of the company by Col Big
ger Mr. Bolts received it in a very graceful and be-
coming manner. 1t being then late in the after
noon the Blues with their guests their head reuc-
family lett the scene other enjoyment and after march
ing through the principal streets OF the city, and ex-
changing salutes with their guests were dismissed
Thus ended one OF the most pleasant and delightful
occasions ever enjoyed by those who participated in it
Long live the glorious old Blues and may they cont
nue. to be they are and have always been the pride
otthe State, and ornament of our city