Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1860-05-26
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THE CLEVELAND LIGHT GuARDs.-The audi
ence that gathered at the Aeademyof Music
! last evening upon the occasion of the com
plimentary benefit 10 Mr.. Peter Richings
and his beautiful and gifted daughter Caro-
line, was one which might well cause the
hearts of both the worthy benefciaries TO
/ glow with pride and happiness. At an early
hour every seat was occupied, and standing
places were ct a premium. Beauty and
fashion were there, and not one that did not
feel personal interest in the stars which
formed the chief attraction of the occasion.
"Court Favor" "Love in '76," and the
splendid allegory Of "Washington," were all
presented to the delight and admiration of
the entire audience, and not one went away
otherwise than thoroughly pleased. We
regret that want Of space prevents parteu-
larizing. ts rrrrf
But the chief feature Of the evening was
the presentation TO Mr.. and Miss Richings
of an elegant testimonial Of regard from the
Cleveland Light guards, Capt. j. R. Sanford.
This testimonial was conceived and arranged
upon very short notice, but was one that re-
Aected the highest credit upon the enter
prizing and splendid corps in whose name it
was executed. The manner of presentation
was as unique as the articles themselves were
appropriate.
At the close of the first piece, ''Court Fs-
vor," Mr.. and Miss Richings were called be-
fore the curtain by hearty and long contin-
ued applause. Having appeared, beauti-
ful boquet, to which was attached one end Of
white ribbon, was thrown to Miss Rich
ings. As she raised it and drew in the
ribbon, a floral frame work descended from
midway between the two upper boxes, being
supported by streamers Of red, white and
descended to the stage it was seen TO be a
a splendid photograph Of the commissioned
officers of the Light Guards-Capt. Sanford,
and Lieutenants Wiseman, Bull and COnck-
lin-in gilt frame, surrounded by profu-
sion Of choice bOquets and flowers. Above
the picture was the word "Independent" in
terwoven in the flowers. From the upper
right hand corner hoated the stars and
stripes from the opposite corner the Light
Guards flag, and from the centre hsg bear
ing the words, compliments of the Cleye-
land Light Guards" From the under side
Of the picture hung the letters &C. L. g."
and from these depended the gifts. That
designed for Miss Richings was splendid
bracelet, upon one side of which was inscrib-
ed Independent Cleveland Light Guards
Excelsior" Upon the other, Presented to
Miss Caroline RiehingS, by the Cleveland
Light Guards, May 25, 1860" From an
other letter hung a seal or charm, inscribed
as above, Mr.. Peter Richings name being
substituted for that of his daughter. The
whole formed a beautiful display, attesting
the taste and ingenuity of the designers.
The escutcheon being lowered to the
stage, Mr.. Richings attempted to reply, but
for several minutes was so overcome by his
feelings that he was totally unable to speak.
When he did reply his voice was husky with
emotion. He expressed in feeling manner
his hearty thanks for the host of friends who
hCAN IA atNCAANa-AANG1 anu ~ AA-C AuAAbA AAN
referred to the time when he and his daugh-
ter made their first public bow in this City,
and of the uniformly kind attendance and
encouragement which they had ever received
from the public. His star was now fading
in the glimmering light, and not many more
years would he stand before the public, but
there was brighter star which he hoped
would illumine the sphere that the old man
would soon leave; the star of all his earthly
hopes and cares-his dear and cherished
daughter. He could not speak his emotions;
there was language in his heart that would
throb with gratitude and JOY that could not
be expressed. He could only ask that, for
their kindness, they would accept the thanks
of the old veteran and his daughter, and be-
lieve that voice was yelling from his old
heart, that spoke in true sincerity his great
and perfect happiness. To all kind patrons
of their efforts to Capt. Sanford and his ad-
mirably disciplined Light Guards, for the
beautiful and emblematical design, and
above all, for the certificates of Honorary
Membership in the Company; to the Press
of Cleveland for their many fattering no.
tiees; TO the Treasurer of the Company; to
the ladies and gentlemen of the Company
to the attaches, and last, though by no means
least, TO the many friends that had offered
him this benefit, and who filed the house
to one and al, he tendered his sincere thanks
and gratitude, and closed with the hope that
they might meet again under the same sun
of prosperity thst now smiled upon them.
Hearty applause frequently interrupted
Mr.. Richings, and followed his touching re-
marks The scene was an impressive one,
and was an evidence of the universal regard
that is felt by Clevelanders for the noble vet
eran and his daughter