San Andreas independent., 1858-07-17
Yours, truly,
CELT.
FROM MURPHY'S:
Correspondence of the Independent.

Correspondence of the Independent.
MURPHY's, July 10Th, 1858.
Mr.. Editor Some time ago l was in doubt
as to the Fourth being able to reach this place,
but the question has been solved to the salts
faction of all, for it was here, and has been
celebrated in manner worthy of the descend
ants of the noble and the good, by the fair and
the brave. A grand picnic was held upon
the ranch of G. & A. Brown, and the place
selected was delightful one, it being beneath
the pleasant shelter of several magnificent
and patriarchal white-oaks, upon whose hoary
limbs were hung numerous swings, to the
great delight of both old and young. AS the
Bulletin contains the order of the day, will
pass on to other things which came more i'm
mediately under my own observation. The
dancing room was a beautiful little building
in the shape of an arbor, covered over and
latticed in with chapparel, pine, &C., mingled
with tissue paper of various colors, cut in a
variety of strange devices. AZ the further
end ofthe room, neat stage had been erected,
from whence the band dispensed sweet music
until almost day dawn, on the morning of the
9th. At short distance from this fary-like
structure, beneath glorious old oak, long
table fairly groaned under its load of tempting
and choice viands; and even after all were
satisfied, there was sufficiency left to have
served as many more. Huge boxes of empty
bottles gave proof of the extreme dryness of
the atmosphere, while a generous store of con-
fectioneries added their sweets to the unmar-
ladies in the camp graced it by their presence
during the day, but fearing the effects of the
night air, great many returned in the even
ing, much to our disappointment; had they
remained, | am certain that they would have
been amply repaid for doing so. Just as the
mellow shades of twilight were deepening
into those of night, we were startled by the
quick roll of drum, and Immediately after a
beautiful rocket went Kissing upward, far into
the ebon sea, and after describing graceful
curve, foated slowly earthward in shower
of brilliant sparks, like gems of spangles pro-
fusely scattered upon the dusky robes of night
Time and again was the archway made to
smile with the rockets dazzling flash, and the
mellow light of Roman candles each succeed
ing one being more beautiful, and attaining
greater elevation, until it seemed like a star
wandering amid the wavy blackness of upper
air. This time we have no cause to blush,
but are proud of our fireworks. But of short
duration, they were really superb, and every
one present was delighted, and turned away
at the close with sigh of regret, that the
beautiful should ever fade as a dream of bliss.
Having seen the last tiny spark rocked to OBJ
livion upon the wings of the night-wind en-
tered the dancing room, and having selected
rather an exalted and prominent position,
ford me a view-I stood mute and lonely,
gazing like Moses of old, upon the promised
land before me. Sylph-like forms with angel
faces, and robed in stainless crinoline, were
floating about in the may dance like loosened
blossoms upon an evening zephyr forming a
strange but pleasing contrast with the manly
persons and black dresses of the sterner sex
Various favorite dances were executed with
ease and grace. Then came a waltz but
whether caused by recent illness, or being un-
able to bear the sight of so much loveiness.
cannot tell, but at that moment silvery
mist arose before my admiring gaze, and
through its dreamy waves l beheld them
waltzing; the stand and musicians were waltz
ing the house was waltzing; was waltzing;
we were all waltzing. This was rather too
much, and believing it to be an illusion. |
walked out but what was my surprise to find
that those venerable trees had laid aside their
dignity and reserve, and were whirling each
other around at a sweeping pace. The distant
mountains were waltzing; everything was
waltzing, wheeling, turning, flying, bobbing,
or something of the kind, with the exception
of the little stars overhead, and they were
twinkline. winking, and blinking, as if over
loved. seeming to say, that's right, only keep
it ND until morning. and then We'll all retire.
You smile. Mr.. Editor, but your surmises are
incorrect, for | never indulge; and If had
wished to do So it would have been impossi-
BILE; for, to the best of my belief there was
nothing stronger than soda upon the ground,
with the exceptions of a few bottles of brandy,
and they came as unlimited guests during the
evening. The feeling of faintness being but a
momentary one it soon passed away, when