Mountain Democrat. [volume] (Placerville, El Dorado Co., Cal.) 1854-1860, 1859-01-15
For the Democrat.

RED HILL, Jan. 3, 1852.
EDIToRs MoCNTAIN DEMocRAr: In gratitude 10 the
citizens OF Placervilte, deem it duty devoIying
upon me, through the columns Of your Journal ~
congratulate them upon the spirit Of progress and
hospitality which pervades every department and
circle of society, in your fair and hOurishinR city,
which is admitted by all to be first in prominence Of
all the mountain towns in California. As an hum.
bic citizen Ot the Empire county, have been led to
these conclusions on more occasions than one, but
particularly on the occasion of the invitation
by Confidence Engine Co. No. ], of your Fire De-
partment, on the lSt inst, to citizens generally to
participate with them IN free and bOuntifu cola.
tiOn at their neat and elegantly decorated rooms on
Main street. II being our birthday we concluded
to leave, for the time being, our quiet mountain re-
treat, and proceed to Pacervie for the purpose of
greeting our old acquantanccs with tho usual
warmth Of "lang syne," and the customary saluta.
object Of interest which presented itself to our view
WAS the stars and stripes 1Oating gracefully and
proudly from tho top Of Confidence Engine House.
and in playful gee capplng its glad iolds to the
occasionally burst forth from the hearts Of ioyous
youth, or sweeping with graceful dignity over and
around the hearts Of the fairer sex, some of whom
were adorned with prOfIson Of TinRlets that seem
ed TO challenge the admiration Of every mOrOse
bachelor.
Our first salutatiOn being with your highly es.
teemed and much respected City Marshal. "A. Hun.
ter, were reciprOcated by him in cordial manner.
we accepted MS lnVltauOn 70 partake Of the hOSni-
talites and join in the festivities given by COlG.
dence Company, of which, understand, he is u
Jealous and active member. Aflcr various greetings
among groups of merry hearts and smiling faces,
we were again invited to the feast by your worthy
citizen Thos. Hogsett, whose praise-worthy excr.
tiUns on that and all other occasions to make bis
friends, especially his lady friends, comfortable and
happy, and whose lberaiity Of spirit aud true gal
lantry must commend the encOmiums of all good
citizens.
While perambulating the streets of your CITY in
company with our friends. the sOft tones Of sweet
music would ever aud anon fall upon our delighted
ear, taking US back in fancy to the sweet holiday
joys around the happy homes which gave US birth
till ut last the swelling notes Of the Eremen's bell
reminded US that It time to repair 10 the ban.
quoting house. On drawing near, wO observed
crowds Of ladies and gentlemen vending their way
to the festive scenes, while the Placefville Band
standing on the veranda of the Keoknk House. di.
rectly opposite the Firemens Hall, discourDed thei,
sweetest music, for WHICH they are famous. Ia
front Of the Hall, drawn1Gp In line sto0d your gal
lant Firemen, dressed 10 their neat uniform TO re
ceive and welcome their guests. assure you q
more gallant looking body of men never honorcd
the prOudcst city Of the Atlantic States On enter.
ing the bnnGuctting hall, where every member o.