The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1859-04-08
Tho Fancy Tilt,

| We had the pleasure on Friday lnst'of atten-
ding the Fancy Tilt, given by the young gen
tlemen Of the Abbev lille Male Academy. on the
Old Field between the village and tho Upper
| Long Cane Church. As we anticipated there
was large attendance on the occasion parents
brothers and sisters were all present to lend
the encouragement of their kind, approving
smiles. and sympathizng presence. There
was quite an array ofyouthfnl grace and beau.
ty. IN handsome equipages from the Villnge,
many gay cavalier on prancng coursers. and
besides large party Of pedestrians who avail.
Ell themselves Of II pleasant walk to participate
IN the attractions of the occasion.
The Tilt consisted offour rounds. The pr ize
was beautiful Silver Goblet prov ided by the
young ladies Of the Female Academy. and to
be awarded to the gallant young knight who
should bear off. oftenest the suspended ring.
Twelve young knights entered the lists Of the
tournny. to strive for this guerdvn of youthful
beauty They were we'll mounted. were On ily
dressed in neat aud tasteful fancy costumes,
and were each provided with beautiful lancee.
tipped with streamers Of blue ribbon. At the
given signal each took his position, and putting
his courser to his speed. with poised lance bore
gaIl"ntly on for the promised prize. Occasion
ally some mettlesome stced would bolt the
track, and come charging in dangerous prox-
unity to the line Of carriages, but generally
they were we'll trained and bore their riders
nobly. The riding was remarkably fine and
astonished every one South Carolina has the
character of furnishing some of the best riders
South Of the Potomac. and the young men well
sustained its character. The "The Young Amer.
icas fairly ecliPsed itselfand would have we'll
disputed the palm with older heads and stronger
arms. After spirited contest the prize was
awarded to Master JOHN McCAw, who had per-
formed the rare fact of taking the ring at every
round, without n single failure. lie was pro.
claimed the victor of the tournny, and was
greeted with enthusiastic cheers bv his com.
rades in arms
The crowning Of the "Queen of Beauty ar d
the bestowal of The prize were deferred until the
Party which was given on that evening BY the
Young knights at the Female Academy. Here
were assembled n bright array of young and
joyous spirits. The victor crowned his lady
love. making An appropriate speech, and re.
ceived at her hands his well-earned prize, nc
comPanied with fitting words. Then follow ed
the merry dance. The young men wore the
os'umes of the day. and they had as partners
gay beauties, personating the file de Regiment
highland lasses and shepherdesses. Mirtl,
and glee Inspired each heart and joy and
gladness ruled The hour. Older heads looked
on with kind approving smiles and weary
spirits were refreshed at his rich banquet OF
the affections.
handsome supper was served in due time
to which the party did ample justice. The fes
tivities were prolonged till about II o'clock
when the company dispersed. The whole af
fair was one of those outbursts Of youthful JOY
and good feeling. which nre equally pleasant
in the anticipation, in the enjoyment and in
the retrospect. They present cup of i'm
mingled bliss without one drop Of lifes corrod-
ing cares. The youthful spirit ba thes itselfin
the elysium Of its own bright dreams. aud diff
fuses lit own joyousness upon all around.