The weekly Mississippian. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1859-1864, 1860-11-21
NUMBER 48.
Central District Fair.


Friday was ushered in with clouds an,
rain' and this state Of weather continued I'll
about II o'clock, when indications of a pleas
ant evening gave hope and joy to the peopl
who had assembled to witness the militar,
seEiormaces which were the day preyionsi,
ai1soHaeed to come off on the grounds ada
cent to the enclosure.
AT 2 O'Clock the Rankin Guards and IN,
Dragons were drawn in line on the fed
and proceeded with the drill for the prizes
during which the Cavalry charged on the In.
fantry, creating much excitement amonc the
numePps spectators.
Alter the Guards withdrew the Rifles be-
ing relieved by them from guard duty. pro-
ceeded to make preparations for the drill
winch decided the contest This drill being
Light Infantry, the movements wcrc lively
and animating; quite tue reverse Of the In.
filtry drill Ia this resPect. ,Kile soldiers en-.
tered most vigorously into the spirited com,
mands of the officers, and when the skir1nish
with the Dragons began,--the heavy horses
bore down slowly at first, tell the word charge
was given,-when they advanced at full speed
on the Rifles amid the clank of scabbards and
the glitter of sabres. One unaccustomed to
the rifle drill would have thought the route
OF the company complete but the order TO
receive cavalry in plattoons was given and in
an instant, apparently, the Cavalry were re-
ceived by volly, and kept off at the point of
the bayonet-which by the way, the Governor
has furnished the company.
These exercises were continued till sun
down, in diversity Of maneuvers, to the
amusement and satisfaction of the spectators
There were three prizes originally offered
as follows:
For the best drilled Infantry company in
State, prize $500.
For the best Cavalry company in the State,
prize silver bugle.
For best military company in the South,
including Infantry, Cavalry and Artillery,
prize $500. The first of these prizes was con-
tended for by the Vicdsburg Southrons, Capt.
Moore; Rankin Guards, Capt. Thornton, aid
The Mississippi Rifles, Of jackson, Lieut.
Smith in command, the latter receiving the
prize.
The Capitol Dragons, Capt Burt, took the
silver bugle
There being no competition out of the State
or the 3rd prize Of $2o0i it was withdrawn.
JUDGEs.-Ben. Askew of Vicksburg;
Col. 10. Davis of Madison;
Col. Griffin of "
Capt Lay ton of Rankin;
Capt, Harper
Capt. Griffith being United States Marshal
or this District and that Court being in session,
was prevented from taking command of the
Rifles during their drill for the prize
The exhibition of stock in the arena was
lotas entertaining as on the two previous days,
he ground being soft and unsuitable for show
ng off animals.
FOURTH DAY.
Saturday was beautiful morning, and at
IN early hour our city was thronged with
visitors
The Guards were escorted to. the Depot at
Zen O'Clock by the Rifles. when they took the
'ars for Brandon. The friendly and cordial |
pirit in which the several companies hayo |
net and parted during the past week is high
y commendable and we trust that should the |
and patriotic volunteers of Mis- |
issippi ever be called to dwell together on the |
entsd field, it will be in eqnal harmony and |
concord.
The contest for the prize TO tile best boy
ider between eight and twelve, was annonnI
ed in the arena, and the prize was awarded
70 Master Miller of Rankin. Then followed
he riders from twelve to sixteen years Of age.
We did not learn who was the successful COM
petitor in this contest.
The exercises in the arena were now con-
,ludsd for the season, and the delivery of
primiums Immediately commenced. We learn
hat it will continue for several days, till all
,rizes shall have been delivered, and all arti-
les which did not receive premiums.
The officers of this Fair are to be congratu-
ated for their admirable police regulations and
general arrangements.