The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1852-06-09
Correspondence Of the Ledger.

oonat Ahoy oVS ioc1.
DEAR LEDGER Since my last have had
the pleasure of attending the examination
of the pupils Of the Salem Female Academy,
for which am indebted to my worthy host
Of the Mansion, (who, besides the other
"good things" he has on hand, has lot of
fine horses, kept for the accommodation of
his guests,) and purpose giving you some
short account of the very interesting exerci-
ses there witnessed.
The crowd there assembled was immense
and the most Of us were slowed away three
deep" in the garrats of the Salem Hotel.
1t will be impossible for me to give you
the entire programme Of exercises in the short
space of letter, and shall therefore only
notice such portions rs l thought most in
teresting. On entering the chapel, a most
fascinating scene was presented to my view,
and one which caused the hearts of all the
bachelors in the room to go "pit-a-pat " $50
lovely young ladies' dressed in virgin white
(the emblematc color of Love and Purity,)
were seated in the spacious Hall, waiting
with intense anxiety for the examination to
begin, and doubtless, with hearts trembling,
for fear of missing their "queen." Alter
the usual exercises, the examination opened
with Round"-" Sweet is the breath of
morning." which was beautifully sung by
all the pupils. Several ladies' were then call.
ed on to sing. all of whom acquitted them
selves with great credit. Miss M
T of Richland District, 8. c., then sang
the "Sweet Sunny Islc," accompanied by
Miss J-S-, Of North Carolina, on the
piano, and most sweetly did she sing. Her
low toned, but soft and mellow voice, caus-
cd thrill of pleasure to pass through the
dense audience, and each with listening
ear" tried to catch the "last dying strain"
She took an active part in all the glees, in
the French Dialogue, ala Fete de Mai" and
also spoke n German recitation, entitled
" Bethlehem in Golgntha." Miss M
SIS, of Charlotte, N. c., cxccutio of
" Ccncrentola," upon the piano, also Boch-
sa's March," performed by Miss M-K-
of Union, S. c., were mastery efforts, and
excited much applause. The "Welcome
to Kossuth," sung and performed by little
Miss S., of N. c., was also beautifully
done.
The questions in Grammar, Ancient and
Modern History, and Geography, were
promptly and correctly answered, and would
put many of the sterner sex" to the blush.
The Conversation on Astronomy, in which
many of the pupils took a part, were very
interesting and instructive. Miss K, of
Virginia closed the debate" and hoped
that at some future day the study of this in
teresting subject would be renewed" The
" Committee then rose" and the amusing
comic song, "Mrs. Watkins Evening Party"
where there were lots of
" chickens and turkies, and ofducks no lack,
Who, like, dead doctors had ceased to quack."
was sung with much effect by Miss Mamie
R, assisted by several ladies' and accom-
panied by the piano. The closing songs,
The hour of parting draweth nigh," "Good
Bye" and the " Farewell Hymn" (Which
were sung by the entire School,) drew tears
from many Of the performers, and the exer-
cises closed, many leaving with buoyant
hearts, singing "vacation had come" and
" am going home," while others who were
not going home, left with sorowful hearts,
and returned to their secluded retreat, there
to spend another long twelve months, at
which time may they all be able to reach
their long wished-for homes. The sPal-
metto State" was we'll represented in the
Academy, both in talent and beauty.
At some future day you may hear from
me again but from what point, | cannot say,
for birds of passage have no settled rooSting
place. Meanwhile remain,
Yours, para siempre. GUERrLLMo.