Saint Paul weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1858-1859, 1859-07-09
Celebration Of the Fourth.
FULL PARTICULARS OF THE GRAND EXCURSION
TO SALTWATER.

Celebration OF the F0urth.
FULL PARTICULARS OF THE GRAND EXCURSION
TO SALTWATER.
While the fine weather on Sunday the 3rt
gave everybody hopes that the succeeding
day would be also pleasant one, it turned
out quite differently, to everybody's chagrin
The day opened with chilling wind, and TIN
sky was overcast with dull murky, cast-iror
looking clouds, which threatened still worse
weather before the day should be over, whle
the thunder muttered in the distance. But
could such trivial matters dampen the enthu
siasm natural to every citizen of this gel-lori
Gus land on Independence day. Nary a
time Everybody had calculated to celebrate
it, and celebrate it they did, rain or shine.
At an early hour the streets wore lively
appearance. Groups and knots of persons
were hurryng along, each bent on their own
particular scheme of enjoyment-while carri-
ages full of pic-nicers rolled by continually en-
route for some locality of promised sport.
The Pioneer Guard assembled early in the
morning, and at seven o'clock emerged from
their armory preceded by their Band, and
with about forty muskets in the ranks. After
marching through some of the streets, they
proceeded to the Levee, and embarked on the
Itasca, where hundreds of their friends were
already awaiting them. The Guards looked
splendid in their new 'bear-skins," and their
fine movements and gentlemanly bearing won
much praise.
The Itasca was gaily decked out with flags
and streamers, festoons of evergreen, mnia-
ture groves, &c, and with the throng of ex-
cursionists on board, presented gay scene.
There were probably from three to four humid
red persons on board, fully one half of whom
were ladies'.
At about half past o'clock, the Itasca
backed out, and amid strains of martial mu-
sic from the band, volley from the Guards,
and salvos of artillery, turned her bow down
stream, and left the city out Of sight in a few
minutes.
On board all was gaiety and festivity, and
as the rain which had now commenced to fall
right smartly drove everybody in, the cabin
was noisy with the hum Of many voices, and
merry laughter, and snatches. of song, show
ing determination to be happy in ''spite of
wind and weather"
The Itasca made good tire, and sped on
her way with commendable speed. AT Has
tings the artilerymen on board fired few
salutes while the boat rounded to in heavy
shower. Notwithstanding this, large crowd
on the Levee greeted the Excursionists with
three cheers. Taking on few passengers,
the Itasca resumed her course, and in few
minutes landed at Prescott, which point we
made about 1O4 o'clock.
Here the skies ceased to weep, and sundry
rents appeared in the dun canopy above us,
giving hopes of brighter half day before
us. which to some extent was realzed-at
least it rained no more.
The party were also reinforced by about
thirty couple from Prescott, which must GER
tainly be capital place to live, if all the la
dies are as handsome as the delegation that
came on board. Frank Pratt, where are
you
THE RECEPTION AT HUDSON,
The reception at Hudson, where the boat
landed about twelve o'clock, was cordial and
commendable The Pioneer Guard formed,
and marched, accompanied by the Excur-
sionists in body,) to the corner of Third and
Vine streets, where Mayor Staples and the
Common Council of Hudson, Colfax Lodge
No. 50. LOOT and st. Croix Lodge No. So
F. A. NJ. in regalie, were drawn up to meet
and receive the party. After the interchange
of the usual formaities, Moses S. Gibson
ESQ, welcomed the Excursionists on the
part of the citizens, in few well-chosen re-
marks. Private A. B. Curry responded or
The part OF the Guards and Excursionists ir
BETTING terms, which were enthusiastically
applauded. The Hudson-ites were headed
bv fine band called the "People's Saxhorr
Band" which played a tune, when the col
amn reformed, and the Hudson-ites escorted
US back to the boat, stopping at the Hoy
House few moments for some mysteriou
purpose, on the way down. The Hudsonite
are clever folks, and received us in whole
souled style, showing that though the res
ources at hand were limited, the good uW wa
not wanting. Three times three for tn
aqdsonttaG.
ARRIVAL AT SALTWATER.
The roar of the two guns on the deck OF tn
boat few minutes afterwards, betokened on
approach to the beautiful little city Of Still
aater, and on rising from beautifully sprea
table, the Guards and their guests found tt
Itasca moored to the shore, and the Stillwat'
Military drawn up to receive them.
RECEPTION BY THE MILITARY.
The Company thereupon disembarked, al
and after the usual military ,formalities of
ception, the companies formed a fine-lookil
column in the following manner:
Staff Officers.
Pioneer Guard Brass Band.
Pioneer Guards-Captain Western.
Field Band.
Saltwater Guards-Capt. Lumis.
Washington Light Artillery-Capt. Thorn
And after parading through one or two
the streets, proceeded to the pic mic groun
on Nelson Hill, south of the city, aibeauti
spot, overlooking the city and lake.