The Woodville Republican, and Wilkinson advertiser., 1853-07-12
Fourth of July at Natchez.

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Fourth of July at Natchez.
We had the pleasure of attending the eele-
bration of oul Country's Independence, at
Natchez, (by invitation from the 'Fencibles.' y
and we would say, that it was as fne cele-
bration as we have witnessed for long time.
The different Military Companies began to
assemble at their rendezvous, about o'clock,
A. NJ, and by 10, took their line of march to
the Bluff, which over looks the Mississippi
river. Arriving on the Bluff, each company
fred a general salute. The Fencibles, then
marched, under the command of Capt VIM.
Fl. Wood and Lieut. Edwd. Pickett, jun, to
the Old Institute Hall, where house full Of
young ladies' awaited their coming. The Rev
w. H. Watkins, who was appointed Chaplain
of the day, opened the proceedings with
solemn prayer-of this gentleman's ability, it
is needless for me to say anything, as he form
erly belonged to our county, where he was
well known for his eloquence and piety. Af
ter the prayer, some of the Professors sang and
played, mastery and melodious Chaunt.
Next the reading of the Declaration of Inde-
pendance, by Mr. Gaines, who performed it
ably, as he finished, about fifty of the yonng
ladies' rose from their seats and sang that
beautiful old song, Hail Columbia, Happy
Land" in a most magnificent style, making
the Old Hall ring with their merry voices, af-
ter which, Lieut. Pickett, took the stand, he
being the Orator of the day, and delivered
most appropriate Grafton on our Independence,
and as he commented on that memorable day
that first gave us liberty and broke the tyrants
bonds, and trampled to the dust royalty, it
might have been traced in his noble bearing
that his heart was with every word he had
spoken, and his lofty bearing denoted that of
brave soldier "ready to do and die" He
was loudly applauded throughout his Grafton,
and whsn he finished, those young ladies un-
expectedly, sang the Fencbles motto, "Try u.s."
The Chaplain closed the proceedings with
prayer and the Fencibles then took their line
of march to Minors Grove, 10 contend for the
Prizes, annually given the best marksmen.
lst. Prize, beautiful silver cup, won by Cor
poral Hunter. I'd. Prize, a silver medal, won
by Mr.. Wilson, same young man who took
the medal last year. Gen. Huston, and
Major Elward, were appointed to Judge the
best shots. Gen. Huston, in giving the
Prizes, deliver an excellent address to the com
manders and men, on our Nations favorite
war instrument "the deadly Rifle" After the
address, the drums beat muster and the in
vited guests were marshalled in front of the
Feneibles, to the dinner table, by Lieut.. Pick
ett-Capt Wood taking command Of the CORP
The dinner was most sumptuous one, all the
dainties of the season being provided, and i.
proves their motto, TRY us" to be a very adj
equase one for that gallant corp-the Feneibles
In she evening we had a complementary
ticket handed us by Lieut. Pickett's brother
to attend Grand Civic and Military Ball, in
the New Institute Hall, and although the in
clemency Of the weather prevented many at
tending from the country, yet the room was
filed by the elite of town, and the dance
went ferrily on, and all seemed gay and hap
py. The supper was excellent, and reflects
q great deal Of credit on the gentlemen who
were Managers The Hall is a spacious one
and well ventilsted both on she floor and cell
ing, 50 as to Be able to do away with the sse
of the fan, and giving every comfort to the
dancers. The amasements were well kept up
and morning began 10 dawn ere they retired,
So passed the day in Natchez, not single
accident mar'd the days amusement, and we
return our sincere thanks to that noble corps
the "Fencibles," also, to Col. Hillyer, Of the
Courier, Mr.. Kimball, of the Mirror, Major Ell.
ward, Of the Post Office Department and oul
old friend Mr.. Marschalk, for their Kindness
and hope TO meet them at many a 4th ofJaly
celebration. X.
The aNEw NorAnos."-The man whc
attempted TO whistle bar Of soap has injured