The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1863-07-24

the Generals tent, ana the star-spangled
banner fioated out upon the breeze, for the
first time, perhaps, upon this spot. As
soon as the colors were visible to the outer
camp, q section of the battery under COM
mand of Capt Jones pealed forth a ma
tional salute of thirty-four guns; after
which, by special invitation of Gen. Sibley,
the field and staff officers of the different
regiments composing this command, assem-
bled in large tent, used for headquarters
mess, and partook of the Inequalities of
the commander Two large fruit cakes,
put up for this especial occasion by loving
hands at home, adorned the table; and,
judging from the rapidity which charac-
terized their disappearance from the festal
board, they must have been more than
good But somehow it always happens
that fruit-cake produces dryness of the
throat; and the water in this neighbor-
hood not being of the best quality, the
commanding General, with commendable
thoughtfulness, had provided suitable
substitute for the aqueous fluid aforemen-
toned. After this fact became known by
the presence of some long-necked, peculiar
shaped specimens of glassware on the table,
it was truly surprising how many officers
were troubled with a ''crumb in the
throat" and equally astonishing was it to
witness the magic effect of the oath, "
taken with little sugar, and stirred with
a spoon The first regular toast was pro-
posed by Dol. Crooks:
"The health Of the Brigadier General Com
manding," (to which Col Baker added) land
that of his most estimable lady,"
General Sibley responded in brief but
appropriate terms, expressing his thanks
for the kind mention of his name and that
of his better half He said: 81 trust
there is no gentleman present, or in this
camp who would shrink from any sacri-
flee needful to accomplish the proposed
objects of this expedition. For myself, I
am not only willing to make any personal
sacrifice, but am determined so far as |
am concerned. Twill endeavor to exc
cute to the utmost of my ability, the i'm
portant trusts devolved upon me. shall
take no backward step that can avoid,
until have secured Little Grow and his
band of murderers.
Toasts were then offered in honor of
the President of the United States; the
Major General commanding the Depart
ment of the Northwest, and the Govern
or of the State of Minnesota, after which,
the General apologized for intruding again
to propose the health of two members Of
of his staff, one of whom Oieut. Fan-
drau,) was about to return to St. Paul,
in consequence of declining health. The
other was Mr.. Beaver, a subject of her
Majesty Queen Victoria. Both of these
gentlemen had rendered very efficient SER
vice to the COMMANDMENTS Chief. The
General alluded to an application made by
himself to her Majesty, through her Min
lister at Washington, for permission to al
low him to enter her territory in pursuit
of Little Grow, should he take refuge in
the British Possessions The next mail he
hoped would bring him that privilege.
Col. Jennison of the 10th regiment made
the remark, that when we approached the
British line, no doubt like that of the tel
egraph in a thunder storm, we should find
it do,cn. Oaughter.)
Messrs. Beaver and Flandrau made brief
responses to the mention of their names.
Aejor McLaren offered:-
1.-The soldiers of Minnesota, ever willing to
OlC iOT vi tilCti OtettC, vi VI eAiO
old Union itself"
After a string piece of instrumental
music by the full band of the 9th, the fol-
lowing poem composed by G. 81. Sweet
ser, Esq, correspondent of the Spring
field, (Mass.,) Republican, was read, and
received with universal approval:
OUR TOAST TO-DAY.
A fer rickety lines respectfully inscribed TO Gen
erm .SiJley.
Come, gay little goddess, We Parnassan fairy,
And tune up note on the harp of the prairie !;
Come, flly of Pegasus, kick in your traces;
Well give you the lines for the widest Of races
We're away from Saint Paul and away from
Saint Peter:
And can pardon a very unscriptural meter.
A song for the day, and song for the hour;
A toast for the land whose mystical power
Fails not on the ocean, fails not on the plains,
To thrill to the harp. with its magic refrains.
We know not to day but the ruby-red tide
Is staining the porch of our national pride:
We know not what sorrow has ladened the
breeze,
To float Ger the prairies and wing DER the
seas;
But the old flag is flying; we can feel in the
That the stars and the stripes are still glittering
there;
| And wc1l drink to the health Of our brothers
away,
Who are true to the glorious old banner to-day.
| Theresa great commonwealth lies under the
moon,
| That never was written in measure or tune;
| Its rivers sing music far into the sea;
| Its acres hold riches unbounded in fee;
| Its sons were struck from the Puritan candle,
And are orthodox bricks, straight up to the
| handle.
| Her daughters are fair Is the fairest that shine
| In the heart of the North, or the Land Of the
Pine.
Her soldiers are brave as the bravest to fight.
| God bless her. true friend of Freedom and
Right!
Well fill to her name, out here in DakOtah,
Aud join in toast to our own Minnesota.
] A health to every good son OF his mother
| That is thinking ut heart of his warrior brother
To every fair hand that is twinlng to-day,
! The wreaths of remembrance for loved ones
away;
To all that are loyal, at home or affair."
May they stick to the Flag and follow the Star
Ave. auaff to the State that is traitOrOus never
Nav her name be as fair and AS golden forever
Where the flowers are the faircst the cypress
is hung;
High over an archway its tendrils have chung
And the sorrowful music that floats through