The Soldiers' journal. (Rendezvous of Distribution, Va.) 1864-1865, 1864-02-17

A PLEASANT SURPRISE AND PREsENrArIoN.-The
detailed of the LIST and "a Divisions of this camp
perpetrated surprise " on Capt Harry B. Paxton,
theicommanding officer, on Friday evening, 9Th inst,
which reflects credit alike their heads and hearts
committee appointed by them for that purpose, re-
ceved their contributions amounting to one hundred
and sixtyone dollars ($16l COY and purchased sword,
belt, SASH spurs and shoulder straps and at the time
mentioned, presented them to him with appropriate
ceremonies The presentation speech was made in be-
half of the detailed men by SurgeonS B. Hunt Medical
Director of the camp in few pertinent and well
timed remarks, which at different times when refer
ing to the official and personal coureses received by
them from their commanding officer, elected rounds
of applause. The Captain replied in few brief re-
marks, in the expression of which he evnced degree
of feeling too deep for utterance thanking the
for the distinguished consideration with which they
had favored him. and pledging them his faith that he
would endeavor to administer discipline that they
would regret the confidence they had reposed in
him. The sword is supurb affair, the price indi
Gates, and the accompanying paraphernaia is
pondingly beautiful and valuable plate on the
scabbard bears the following inscription:
5th Regt Penna. Reserve Corps by the detailed men
Of LIST and I'd Divisions, Conva1escent Camp, Va Feb
The occasion was graced with the presence of Col
McKelvy and a number of his staff, who seemed to
partake largely of the spirit of hilarity for which it
was remarkable.
SUBSTANTIAL KINDNEss-Capt. John A. Ellison, U.
s. A.. Acting Assistant Quartermaster at this camp,
has rendered us valuable and substantial aid in the
establishment of our paper by providing with the
necessary tables, etc., for office, for which he will
accept our thanks To Mr. Keefer the master carpen-
ter, and those under his supervision, much for
the prompt and efficient manner in which our direc
tions in reference to building these indispensable
tices were executed and we pay them no undue COM
p1iment when we say that we are under positive
obligations for their friendly cooperation and assist
ance Captain Ellison, and those connected with the
carpenter and smith shops, in his department. will
consider our hat off,
FEsTIvAL.-On Saturday evening (6th) the detailed
men of the LIST and I'd Divisions assembled in the
ception of the Invalid Corps Headquarters in
response to invitation from Capt. Harry b. Paxton,
their commanding officer, and partook of substan-
tial entertainment which he had prepared for them
The evening spent in eating and smoking, with
occasional musical interudes, accompanied at times
by more on "heel and toes" We have never
witnessed occasion of the kind pass off with less
that was demoralzing in it's tendencies the whole
affair being characterised by the srices sobrety and
decorum.
CoNvALEsCING-It will be gratifying intelligence to
the soldiers to learn that Miss Amy M. Brady, the
Associate Editor and Proprietress of this paper and
Agent for the u S. Sanitary Commission at this post
is convalescng rapidly from the effects of her late
we're illness. Since sickness necessitated the relin
qushment of labor her friendly counsel and direction
have been greatly missed by those who had accounts
to adjust different departments at Washington,
and the boys will begin to look up when they learn
that she will be sufficiently recovered to resume
business
Soldiers Hireftory tnr aVashimgtnm.