The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1864-08-11
Congressional Exnnrsinn.


other members OF Congress and invited guests
assembled at the Prebe House at nine o'clocl
yesterday morning. They were Joined by thu
editors and publishers of this State, who wer'
present in the city, and then proceeded to the
City Hall, where they were introduced to the
Mayor aud City Authorities, and such citizens
as we're present.
After an interchange of mutual good feel
ings for an hour, the committee, at the invita-
ton of some of our citizens, rode around the
city, taking particular observations of all the
beautiful scenes and points that came under
their notice.
VISIT TO FORTS GoRGEs AND pREBLE.
At half past twelve o'clock, in company with
the Mayor and City Council and a large mum.
Der OF citizens, they embarked on board the
government steamer Tyro for the purpose Of
inspecting the harbor and Notifications. Mai.
Thomas L. Casey, U. S. Engineer, and Capt
inman, .. 5. Amy, had the guidance of the
party.
They proceeded direct to Fort Georges,
where the whole party landed-if landing
can be effected on solid grdnite-and spent
about an hour and half in inspecting that
strong and-destined to be-almost impreg-
nable Notifications.
Major Casey, who has charge of the works,
ordered Cabinet salute in honor of Mr. Sec
rotary Fessenden, who was in the city, but
owing to circumstances he could not conve-
niently control, only "construetively" a mem
Der of the party. The ordnance used in firing
the salute were the seven and eleven inch
mounted guns, fifteen 10 all. Their reverber-
atoms walked up the echoes from all quarters,
and might have suggested to the mel .hboi hood
another possible Alabama and Kearsarge
affair. Fort Gorges, when completed, will
mount ninety-seyen guns, of very heavy cali
Der. The fertilization elected the warmest
Communications from gentlemen competent to
pass judgment, and Major Casey was compli-
mented on all hands for the thoroughuess with
which he Is doing bis work.
Re-embarking, the party proceeded TO Fort
Preble, by invitation of the accomplished
commander of that post-Msjor Andrews
who met them at Gorges.
We noticed the following Members of Con-
gress Mr.. NORTH, of VT, Mr.. Hale, of Pa,
Mr.. Perry, of n. j., Mr.. Ames, of Mass, Mr..
Patterson, of N. H., and Messrs. Rice and
Perham, of this State. Besides these there
were Mr.. Hilgard, of the Coast Survey, Wash
ington; Mr.. johnson, Of Middetown, CT, a
distinguished Civil Engineer; Ex-Gov. Good
win, OF n. H.; Hon. Horatio King, of Wash
ington; President Woods, of Bowdoin Col
lege; Rev. Mr.. Ballard, of Brunswick; Rev.
Mr.. Haskell, of Boston; Hon. Noah Woods,
of Bangor, the Collector of the Port, the
Mayor Of the city, members of the City Gov
eminent, and many other invited guests, citi-
zens of Portland and Others, with representa-
tives OF the Herald and Tribune of New York
City and several papers of this State.
Arrived at Fort Preble, the party partook
OF bountiful collation., which was discussed
with relish known only to those who have
whetted their appetites by full inspirations of
fresh air, such as fans the face of old ocean.
After fall inspection of the fort and pleas
ant season spent in listening TO the soul-stir-
ring strains Of the Band of the 18th Infantry,
which played some or the choicest national
airs, the party was allowed the rare pleasure
OF witnessing specimen of target practice
with the 100-pound PARROTS, at range of one
mile and sixteenth. This was perfectly sat
isfactory, and calculated to impress all with
the fact that Parrot shell or solid shot of
that size would be no comfortable visitor to
be received unannounced on board an enemy's
vessel attempting to enter the harbor.
There are several l5-inch guns mounted en-
bdrbette at Fort Preble, the weight of which
Is about twenty-five tons each. Their solid
shot, lying stacked up, looked quite tempting,
but we apprehend none Of them were secreted
In the pockets of the company, and thus
fllched from Uncle Sam. They weigh about
500 pounds each.
After seeing the guard inspected, reviewed
and mounted, the party again embarked, and
sailed back to the city, arriving about six
O'Clock, all apparently well pleased with the
excursion. and delighted with the splendid
panorama afforded by our harbor and islands
In their August attire. The party was under
no small obligations to Col. L. b. Smith for his
unremitting efforts to contribute to their en-
joyment and to make everything pass off sue
cessfully.
To-day, at eiecen o'clock precisely, the
party will embark at Custom House Wharf
for the Islands and the Clam Bake. Delay
viii be dangerous.
The Levee given by the Merchants and
others Of the city, at the new City Hall last
evening, was, In many particulars, one of the
most brilliant affairs of the season. The at
tendance of naval and military officers in un.-
form was much larger than usual, which, with
the array of grace and beauty, gave an ap-
pearance Of splendor and briiancy of the
most pleasing character. The distinguished
visitors from other States, as well as those OF
our own State, entered into the spirit OF the
occasion, and either kept time to the music Of
Poppenburg's Band or looked on with evident
satisfaction. Refreshments were provided on
the most liberal scale, all having an opportu.
nifty to partake as freely as their capacity
would admit Of The Editorial fraternity were
In clover; with lemonade, ice cream, cake, et
ceterds for the stomach, with eyes feasting on
the beauty and fashion Of Portland, they were
tempted to indulge more freely and to later
hour than such staid, prudent men are expect.
ed to do. Nothing was wanting on the part
of the committee who had the matter in
charge to render the occasion one that will be
remembered with pleasure by visitors of our
own and from other States.
S. OF T. ExcURsIoN.-P Portland Division
No. 50 S. of T., will make an excursion to Sa
CO River on Tuesday, over the York anC
Cumberland Railroad Chandler's Quadrill'
Band, with Chandler himself to lead off, viii
furnish the music for the occasion. No effol
will be spared to make this one of the mos
entertaining excursions of the season. Sc,
advertisement.
EXCURSION TO THE IsIANDs-Tha ANNA