Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1855-12-19

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE
Movements Of thu Amo.ksss vs.sran,.

W., yeoeeNVdyI gave fuI account OF the |
movements of our gallant visitors up to their |
cmbarcation for Mount Vernon, on the steamer
George Washington. So many citizens wished |
to join the excursion, that the steamer Thomas
Collyer was, also, called into requisition, and
never was the weather, at this season, more
propitious for q trip down the beautiful Poto-
mac. Mr.. Gusts, wearing the epaulette
placed on his shoulder by w ashington,) &C.
cOmpanied the Veterans, aud pointed out the
various objects Of interest, many of them
marked sPsts on the pages of our nations
history.
At Alexandria a large cOnoourss of citizens
assembled, Who listened with qualification to
the stirring strains of the band. Fort Wash
lngt0n was soon afterwards reached, and land
Ing to the tune Of" Yankee DOODLE the party
soon took possession of the stronghold, not even
solitary sentinel appearing to challenge
them.
As the boat approached the wharf at Mount
Vernon, the band played the dead March
in Saul, but on landing, at the especial re-
quest OF Mr.. Gusts, the solemn notes were
changed into the more inspiring Washing
ton Grand March," Ascending the hill, the
long column uncovered, and with reverential
tread passed the halIowed spot
Where rest the ashes Of the noblest man
I6at ever Freemen mourn d, since Time beoan.
Whose lofty virtues, in no age surpassed.
Have blessed cur era, and shall bless the last
Countermarching, the battalion repaired to
level space near the tomb, where it was
formed In hollow square, and ably addressed
Dy Col: Potter, who impressed on every mind
the privilege IN being permitted to gaze on
him who was " first in war, first in peace. and
hrst In the hearts of his countrymen" He
dWelt upon his virtues, remarking that he
knew mo North, no South, no East, no West, -
and concluded by introducing the only sur
Tlvlng member Of the family, Mr.. g. w P
Loud applause greeted Mr.. Gusts. who was
listened to with deep attention, as he recalled
MS interesting "reminiscences Of the illustrious
owner OF the locality, near whose last re sting
place they stood. 1t was an interesting scene
to see this living relic of the past, surrounded
by the Veterans, many of them near their last
campaign. We were glad to notice Messrs.
VannersoE, Of this city, and Bennett, of AIex-
andr1a, eminent daguerrean artists, obtaining
correct views of the group
Before leaving the vicinity Of the sepulchre,
an earnest and fervent prayer was offered up
by the Rev. Mr.. Tillotson, chaplain Of the
Veterans.
Marching to the front of the mansion. the
military were dismissed and had an oppor-
tunlty to inspect the house and grounds. Al
most every enc collected some mementos to
carry away, and were the canes cut or bought
piled up, they would make good-sized wood
pie; Returning towards the boat ut the
ougle-caii, the Veterans were agreeably sur
Prised at finding collation., spread by Mr.
John Pettibone, of this city, whose hospitabIe
courtesy was duly appreciated.
he-emoarking on the steamer, the Veterans
returned to this city, reaching the wharf about
i've O'Clock. They at once marched to their
quarters, where many friends called on them,
and time passed quickly away until the warn
ing drum announced that the hour had arrived
Tor repairing to the festivities Of the evening
THE BALL.
At the old-fashioned" early hour Of seven,
the veterans again fell into line and marched
TO Carusl's Saloon, escorted by the Washing
tan committee. 1t was a lovely evening, and
the fne strains of the band attracted crowds
into the avenue, even depopuIatine the politi-
eel rendezvous at the National. On reaching
the hall, the column opened to the tight and
ieft, then countermarched around and faced
inward, forming an imposing square, behind
which, on the elevated platforms, were the
gay bellies Of the metropolis.
Col Hickey, in behalf of the Volunteers of
the District, extended a cordial welcome to
the Amoskeag Veterans, and concluded his
eloquent remarks by introducing the venera
bic q w. p. Custis
Dir. Gusts, in speech of some length
expressed his delight at again meeting the
patriotic sons OF the Granite State, who had
NACAA dpptCCldtlOu OI the 1luStrlOus
W ashiDgton by this visit TO his tomb, and to
the city which bears his name. Ages might
pass away, the proud Capitol itself might fall
into ruins, but there would ever be monu-
mont Of true patriotism in every American
heart, Dedicated to the glorious Union
Col. Potter, in an eloquent speech, expressed
the qualification Of his command at their re-
ceptiOn. In no other land, he said, could
body Of armed have thus visited their ruler,
without hindrence. Now, conquered by kind
ness, overcome by the beauty around them,
the Veterans could but 80 surrender at dis
cretion.''
Col. Hickey responded, and the Veterans.
after countermarching, broke ranks" The
E.Gsic then gave the signals for the dance, and
coon the poetry Of motion was admirably dig
played:
Twas a bright scene, methinks view II vet,
The flashing eyes, the curling locks CT JET
The rosy lips, the fair encircled brows,
The laughing glances and the graci us bows
The Veterans-men ofpr I'D and stalwart forms,
The Volunteers in splendid uniforms
The nying feet upon the heaving door,
Ihe admiring groups around the open door;
Inc garments floating round the fairy forms,
The snowy necks, the softly rounded arms
All twas scene which cannot soon depart
A scene that cheered each gallant soldiers heart
Congress was well represented by Messrs
Butler, Crittenden, James, Jones, Banks, Bur-
lingame, and others, from the Senate and the
House, evidently freed for the moment from
the cares of State. Officers of tho Executive
and Of the Departments, distinguished citi-
gems and strangers, military men in brilliant
uniforms, and busy members Of "the fourth
estate" formed varied yet interesting con-
trast to the dazzling beauties. All around
the hall were groups Of old and new friends,
engaged In pleasant conversation, and en-
shrining the dancing crowd, which circled
about IN various changes, like the figures in
kaleidoscope.
After an hour had been thus agreeably
passed, the ladies were ushered into the hall
where bountiful supply of refreshments had
been provided for them, and the invited guests,
including the Veterans, were escorted down
stairs. There they were seated at three long
tables, loaded under the superintendent Of
Potsntinl with luxurious profusion Of pOul-
try, meats, oysters, jellies, confectionery, and
potent beverages. The knife and fork exer-
cise' was creditably executed, and the cham