The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1859-05-24
THE CELEBRATION
On the 20M of Mau.

|
That day being the Anniversary of the Hornets Nest
Rfemen, well the Anniversary ofthe Mecklenburg
Declaration of Independence the Company made
| ample arrangements for a celebration.
The day opened with heavy showers of rain, which,
together with the rain that fell three days before
made the streets very muddy and disagreeabe for
marching; but about o'clock the sky cleared off and
| the balance of the day quite pleasant.
The Newbern Light Infantry Company, Capt Jordan,
having arrived on Thursday night; Friday morning
the Hornets Nest Rifemen accompanied by the
Newbern Company and the Elm City Cadets, together
with number of ctzens) repaired to the Depot for
the purpose of receiving the Salisbury and Iredell
Companies.
RECEPTIONS.
AT 10 o'clock train arrived bringing the
Rife Guards commanded by Col. H. L. Robards the
Rowan Artillery commanded by Lieut.. Myers, and the
Iredell Blues commanded by Capt A. h. Simonton.
The Battalion formed, and headed by Gen. S. II.
Walkup and Col. w. Edw'd White, marched to the
Public Square, where a welcoming Address was deliv-
cred by Gen. Walkup. After which, the ladies of
Charlotte through Dr. C. j. Fox presented the Hornets
Nest Ritiemen with handsome Flag, which re-
ceved by Capt J. Y Bryce in behalf of his Company
The speeches of Dr. Fox and Capt. Bryce were appro
pirate, in good taste, and well delivered.
TARGET EXERCISES.
After the ceremonies attending the presentation of
the Flag, the Battalion accompanied by quite a num-
Der of citizens proceeded the beautiful grove of the
N. c. Military Institute building where the Target
ercises to take place. Owing to heavy shower
of rain which fell after the firing commenced, and
which of suspended the exercise only two Com
panes succeeded in firing once around. These were
the Newbcrn Light Infantry and the Rowan Rifle Guards
In the former, Orderly Sergeant, H. B. Lane, the
meda-dstance of shot, nches in the latter, Private
r. mi
lance inches from the centre. These Shots however,
must not be taken specimens of the craftsmanship
of these excellent companies for the guns they fired
not only strange to them, but of different make
and calbre from those to which they used; and,
indeed, considering the dsadvantageous circumstances
surrounding them they deserve credit for doing well
as they did The Newbern Light Infantry used the
Hornets Nest Rifles, and didn't know well their
owners, how to direct their E'sngs." The Rowan Rife
Guards have recently procured, and used this
sion, the beautiful minnie Rihe-it is magnificent
gun, and in the hands ofthe Guards, with its terrible
looking -bayonet would speak anything else but
"pcace" to the enemies Of our country. The Rowan
Artillery exercised with their beautiful pieces of Brass
Ordinance, but owing to engagements another
part of the field, prevented from witnessing
the exercise; but chunks, shaped like hole in the
ground made by lightning, struck from the small tar
gets the regular distance for Field Pieces evden
leIymen.
The Medals were presented in front of the Mansion
House by Lieut.. L. S. Williams, accompanied with ap
pirate remarks.
. Those Companies that prevented from
peting for the prizes the field received medals be
shot for whenever it may suit their convenience.
SALISBURY BRASS BAND.
During the firing, and intervals, the Salisbury
Brass Band under the leadership Of VIM. Neeves, ESQ.,
dscoursed most excellent music. Indeed it soul
thrilling and sufficient to inspire one, possessing less
courage than Lannes Ney, to seek the than
bubble reputation, charging up to the very lannon's
mouth This Band is q credit not only to Salisbury,
but to the State We think that for concord of sound
fine taste, cxactness of execution and musical talent
generally it cannot be cxceed anywhere. We believe
there are - gentlemen composing the Band.
AT the residence of DR.. Andrews, Miss Amanda Shaw
presented the Band with splendid Boquet, which
received and responded to by Col. Richards.
PRESENTATION OF BOQUETS
After the target exercises over, the Battalion
formed and in marching up Tryon street, halted in
front of Mrs r. Carsons residence where handsome
boquct was presented by the ladies to Lieut. L. S. Will
liams for the Hornets Nest Riemen: and at the
time at the adjoining residence of VIM. E. White Esq,
the Rowan Companies were presented of flowers
By Miss Della White, accompanied by address, but
unfortunately too far off to hear. Thence to
the Mansion House. where Miss Rebecca Elms present.
ed the Newbern Cadets with beautiful boquet, which
was received by Capt Geo. C. Lewis in neat little
speech. Thence down Trade street to the residence of
Cen Young where the Iredel Blues received SPLEEN
did wreath of flowers from Miss Mollie Young 1--WE
cannot report the address accompanying the boquet,
nor indeed any the presentations, for it impos
sible to get in hearing dsarce) and proceeding then
to the residence of Capt Lucas the Rowan Rife Guards
:f,1 a.
wreath, bearing the of their Company. Thence
up Trade street. the residence of Mrs. Alexander,
where Miss Sophia Alexander presented very beaut-
boquet to the Newborn Light Infantry and also one
by Miss Maggie Blake to the Hornets Nest Rifemen.
Thence up Trade and down Tryon streets to the resi-
dence of VIM. Phifer ESQ., where his Lady presented
handsome boquet to the Rowan Artillery, who returned
thanks for the compliment by the glorious and eloquent
booming Of their loud mouthed cannon.
DINNERS.
panied by number of invited guests, proceeded to the
Charlotte Hotel and Mansion House and partook of
Dinner Of the proceedings at the Mansion House we
report follows:
Regular Toasts.
l. The Ncwbern Light Infantry: They worthily re-
present the honor of Speght of Stanly and of CASTOR
Dr. Primrose, of Newborn, responded in a handsome
manner.
2 The Rowan Artillery: In the struggle for Liberty
Rowan furnished her Rutherford, her Branron and her
Locke The valor of the fathers has not degeneraed
in their
g. The Rowan Rife Guards The Rife protected the
footsteps of the pionecrs-t still protects the liberties