The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1852-02-24

THE cEL.EBKATioN.

4nE GEtA6DMA INV
The dawn Of yesterday presented very IN.
favorable aspect forthe recommendation ola day,
hallowed in the heart Of every American Pa
triot, Washington's birth day. A drizzling rain
hung over the city until about nine o'clock,
when il ceased, leaving dark and threatening
clouds to awe the pleasure seekers with the
carriage OF umbrellas and rubber shoes
Nothing daunted, however, by the melancholy
looks of the sky, at an early hour, our gallant
citizen soldiery, bedecked in their tasty ac-
croutrements, were seen Fastening to their DIFF
ferent places Of rendezvous. At half past 8
o'clock, the Light Infantry Blues and Rich
mond Greys repaired to the depot of the Rich
mond and Petersburg Railroad. and received,
with great cordially, their noble visitors from
Petersburg, the Petersburg Greys. This COM
pany presented a very fine appearance under
their gentlemanly commander, Captain Joseph
Scott, turning out some thirty muskets, and
were suitably escorted by their entertainers
to the Washington Hotel, where they partook
of a sumptuous breakfast.
|. At about IL o'clock the different city com
panies, together with the visiting companies
from abroad assembled in and about the Capt.
tol grounds with full ranks. The grounds of
the Capitol and the streets in the vicinity were
| crowded with delighted spectators, among
| whom the ladies, by their presence and smiles,
presented a most interesting and attractive
feature. There seemed but one feeling to an
innate the hearts of our military and citizens,
| and that desire to mark the celebration by an
appropriate and patriotic display. We will
not comment upon the appearance Of the mill
tary further than to say, that more gorgeous
and united gathering, of the true-hearted SOL
diery Of Richmond, has never before been wit
messed. Many thanks are due to the Peters,
burg Greys, Captain Scott, and the Union
Light Guard, of Chesterfield, Captain Thwent,
which latter company marched all the way
here from Clover Hill Pits, for their kind par
ticipation in the ceremonies of the day. After
| brief period of time had been spent by the
different companies in executing, in mastery
manner, their peculiar military maneuvres,
they deployed into line in the Capitol gro unds
and fred grand feu-de;joie. The scene at
this moment was truly thrilling one. Amd
| laundering salvos of artillery and the waving
! Of the superb banners of the military, and'the
deafening cheers of the immense assembling e
Of speetators-another day, pregnant with the
| hopes of liberty, was consecrated to the SER
vice Of repubicansm and an enlightened hui
mainly. After the roaring of the loud nsouthed
cannon, and the quick sharp rat-ta-to of the
musketry had been hushed, the military caval-
cade formed in the following order:
Richmond Light Horse. et
| Chesterfield Light Horse.
| State Guard.
| Petersburg Greys.
Richmond Greys.
| Light Infantry Blues.
Union Light Guard Of Chesterfield.
Young Guard.
Eagle Infantry.
| Fayette Artillery.
| Caledonian Guard.
| Montgomery Guard.
German Rifles.
The several companies then marched through
our principal streets, dismissing themselves at
the different hotels which they had selected
for their inviting gastronomic entertainments.
Not being Ubiquitous, we were obliged to de-
cline the many kind invitations extended to
] participate in the respective festivals, and are
| therefore compelled to pass over the many
scintilations of art" and sparklings of elo-
quence that shed halo Of good-feeling and
happiness over the convivial banquets of the
different companies. Contemporaneous with
the marching of the procession, Old Sol APP
peared with beaming face, adding much to the
general hilarity by his warm and cheerful de-
i.meanor.
The Petersburg Greys being the guests OF
the "Blues" and the "Greys," partook of a
rich dinner at Lafayette Hall about half past
three o'clock in the afternoon. The Union
Light Guard and the Chesterfield Light Ora
goons dined together at the Union Hotel. We
would here remark, in passing, that had the
Richmond soldiery been more fully aware Of
the satisfactory and grateful visit Of their friends
from the "Pits," they would have received them
in manner more pleasing perhaps to them
selves. We congratulate our Chesterfield
friends upon the truly martial appearance oil
their soldierly representatives. The other city
companies partook Of very fine dinners provi.
ded at the respective places selected by them.
A portion of the visiting companies of Peters.
burg and Chesterfield remained in our city
last evening in order to take part in the State
Ball. Those who thus remained will leave
for their respective homes this morning.
We say, in concluding this briei article, that
the exhibition of the volunteers was in the
highest degree credi,abIe to that right arm Of
The public defence; and that the celebration
was in every respect worthy Of the day.
AT late hour in the afternoon the Eagle In.
fantry and the Young Guard passed our office
paying marked attention TO the dispatch.
We can only return thanks for their politeness
earnestly hoping that their drills and disci
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