Delaware inquirer. (Wilmington, Del.) 1859-18??, 1859-08-13


gued delightful day and much to our hap
piness, their astronomical calculations wer
abundantly verified. But the uncalculatini
masses looked the very picture of incredul
ity and suspicion, and struggling their shoui
ders talked troublously of 'storms," "huri
canes,n ''heavy rains, /" and such other pleas
ing natural phenomina. Everything in read
mess and loads of delicious refreshments lum-
bered on board, the bell rang out the joyful
proclamation that our departure was at hand.
From its deep throat too, l could hear pro-
nounced the Heaven born bond of the noble
Order, "PEAcE ON EARTH AND GOOD WILL TO
MEN. -
Simultaneous with the casting off of our
meorings, the great band struck up one of our
national airs-the steam whistle shrieked and
screamed in the air, and cheers and huzzas
went up from more than a thousand threats
on the shore and boat.
The steamer was gaily declSed with flags,
streamers and ensigns, and from a towering
staff amid ships proudly floated the unsullied
emblem of this mystic order-the MALTESE
Cross. Longmayitwave, anunerring landmark
to honor uprightness, Christian charity and
manly virtue, teaching all who look upon it
Alright, the humane lesson of doing unto others
as We would that others should do unto you.
As soon as possible after leaving the wharf,
the refreshment tables were arranged and ey-
erything in the way of CONNECTIONS and similar
delicacies was presented to the excursionsts-
not like the bread of life, without money and
without price, but for the accustomed fee
In the bills and advertisements of the excur-
sion, it was said that ''no spirtnous liquors
would be allowed ON board" and the bar was
therefore closed, but from the Character of the
company and their standing in the community
we do not believe that there were three per
sons in this large assemblage, who, if the river
of water in which we iloated had been trans
muted into river of whiskey would have
drank to a noticeable extent.
We had scarcely emerged from the Christi
ana. and into the Delaware river, when the
dense fog in which we were enveloped began
to rise slowly from the surface of the water
and to dissipate itself in the air. gentle and
invigorating breeze at the same time springing
up and lending an air of cheertulness to every
face. After the excitement and confusion of
starting had fairly subsidized, and the atmos-
phere had become clear and dry, preparations
was made for the light fantastic" part of tho
entertainment. Decks were cleared away,
the band was divided-ten of the musicians
being placed forward of the machinery ON the
main deck and the remainder aft. And now
commenced the fun-ssthat which pleases and
hurts not.' The gentlemen wreathed up their
countenances in most bewitching smiles, and
the ladies--dear good creatures-dressed their
pretty faces in those ignis tatuus graces
which iatter but to kill, and arranging them
selves in educ FORM started on the may
rounds. There were good many ceremoni-
GUS introductions, agood many very low bows,
wonderful plenttude sweet expressions,
and such an abundanc of formal good man
ners as was never befo re seen. When every
thing was ready in either end of the boat, the
musical leaders ordered the pilgrimage to
proceed" and at the first draw of the magic
bow the giddy galaxy was in motion. Several
ladies of our city, and others of New Castle,
noted for their accomplishments and personal
beauty, distinguished themselves on this oc-
cason by the gTacefulness of their movements.
They did dance beautifully and correctly, and
no doubt before the day ended, added largely
to their already large list of conquests. The
dancing was continued with but few interrupt
tons throughout the morning, so that ALL in
any way inclined for the sport, had ample OPP
portunties for indulgence. There were a few,
like your poor correspondent, who, owing to
an intermixture of excessive piety and natural
laziness, preferred looking meekly and mo-
tionessly on and philosophising upon the van-
ties and weaknesses of this gay and frivolous
world. But such is life, and We are charita-
Bile enough to let every chap follow his own
bent, just as the dairy maid did when she
kissed the COW. Some people love dancing, and
others are foolish enough to love to work, but
for ourself we prefer leaning against posts and
sitting down i'll chairs, to performing any kind
of manual labor under the sweet Heavens.
Everything went as merrily as marriage
bell and about IL o'clock we came abreast the
Revenue Cutter FORWARD anchored near the
Cape May pier, whose able and gentlemanly
commander is so well and favorably known in
our city. True to his well earned reputation
and love of the Diamond State, he had made
every preparation in his power to do honor to
the Delaware representation. His vessel was
decked in her best attire, his officers in full
uniform and both masts, from spar deck to
royal mast head, was garnished with every
color of flag. Just as we passed, salute OF
four guns was fired from the Cutter and the
Union Jack flying from the peak, was dipped
three times in kindly salutation. The
honor was acknowledged by blast from our
steam-whistle and three dips of the Maltese
Cross In behalf of the Order we would here
return to the distinguished commander and
his popular officers our thanks and gratitude
for the high distinction which he was thus
pleased to show us.
Upon reaching the pier, the usual rough
and tumble excitement and scrimmage ensued,
but nothing out of the usual order took place
no cross words spoken, and no accident oc-
Cured to give sorrow to the occasion. At the
landing there were in waiting large number
of carriages to take the excurtionsts down to
the city, and the scene which here presented its
elf can neither be imagined nor described, but
to be realized must be witnessed. Such run
ming among horses and lodging through