The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1850-12-20
"---loud and shrill,
Like Cos hawks whistle on the hill"

to the entire satisfaction ofevery one present
The soldiers then formed themselves into a
hollow square, firing with the matchbox from
all sides: and as the pieces were levelled at
only few PAGES distance from the spectators,
this would have been perhaps dangerous prac-
tice for anything but the small charge of match
lock, not rammed down, and as it was, made us
feel nervous enough to seek a retreat behind,
having a slight recollection of people sometimes
being wounded on these occasions. The firing
continued for some space, not in volleys, but
every man blazing away as fast rs he could load.
After this they were formed into two open pa
raIlel lines, and began firing in platoons First
the front line fired, then knclt down to reload,
while the second rank passed through them with
Il sort of crouching STEP fired at the invisible
enemy, and they knelt down 10 reload in their
turn. This exercise was performed with consi-
derable quckness and regularity, and was not
only very effective as show, and satisfactory to
his ExceIency, &c, but would, doubtless, be
found equally so in ptacticc, if the enemy would
only stand still and not charge upon the braves.
Thus firing, line after line they crossed over the
ground, and then followed the operation Of
pitching camp. In less time than write this,
Il square line of white cotton canvas curtains, to
simulate small tents, was erected, with hand
some tent pavilion in the centre within, and
grand entrance of the same materials, with suit
able guardians painted thereon. From this camp
various sallies and marches We're made, with
trulnpcts wailing, and conches sounding. In
the meantime the sun had risen high, and the
heat became very oppressive; nevertheless few
among the eager spectators seemed disposed to
reIinquish the pleasure the scene afforded, by
retiring and so pressing was the crowd, that
the eQuanimity of the half dozen Old servants,
hard at work, in keeping the people back with
their willow switches, was sorely tried. They
exhibited due courtesy towards the few foreig
ners present. permitting us to remain under the
shelter of the musicians stand, where we had
the full benefit Of their harmonious notes. The
last exercise we remained to witness, was that
Of the sword and spearmen; but so grotesque
an exhibition bafes description, and must be
seen to be enjoyed. The champions assuming Il
very savage aspect Of face, came forward in pairs
with the sword, and after cutting some strokes
in the air. little thrusting and porrying, they in
variably ended by both parties rolling on the
ground, which was effected with more or less
agility, when they got up and trotted away be-
hind. Having all gone through this rather warm
exercise, the officer of the corps, man Of re.
mlraIable appearance, bronzed face, and stalworth
frame, wearing armor, put himself ut their head,
and marched round ut II double quick trot, which
Increased the grotc9lue appearance OF his toll
lowers Shortly after, saw his servants divest
him of his armor. No wonder he looked cx-
hausted and gladly took the protftred tea, 'or
! by this time the heat had become intense and
dangerous, 50 that | took my departure without
waiting to see the shooting with the bow ana
arrow from horseback, which understood was
to follow. | heard subsequently, that young
GIRL among the crowd hid received mortal hurt,
from being kicked or trampled on, by one Of the
horses.
The only thing like artillery on the ground,
was two dmiuutive mortars, which were fired
several time as signals.