Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1865-09-21
Tournament at Middleway.

The Tournament, of which notice had been given
in Free Press came of, and those presentcan voueh
As to It's complete success. The Knights numbering
twenty-six, handsomely mounted on steeds that can
"suutf the battle afar off, with the gay and varied
costumes, presented an imposing appearance. We
regret cur time and limited space forbid an insertion
of the names Of all the contestants. Our readers
must be content with the mention only of the sue
cessful ones.
The riding commenced at 8 o'clock. Henry
HuSrER, ESQ.,, of this place, President Of the day,
delivered the charge somewhat as follows:
SIN KxIGHrsi II becomes my pleasing duty to
address you in the way of aPreliminary charge as
to your duties and responsibilities on entering the
lists Of Chivalry. From your gallant ana manly
bearing there is high assurance that full justice VIII
be rendered BY you to the Historic grandeur that
invests that noble and deeply interesting institution
An institution, having accomplished us Important
mission in advancing human refinement, and deYel-
oping those splendid Virtues of heroic and gener-
Gus manhood which surround it with glory so
bright and beautiful, has passed down the solemn
aisle of history, and lives only in the memory of
men. Yet, the spirit which animated the ancient
knight in his lofty aspirations after martial re-
no,s1 doubtless still lives in undiminishcd strength
in the bOsoms of those who are now about to con-
tend for the reward of Knightly skill and proves.
These are as attractive and encouraging as those
which cheered and reused the enthusiasm, and pro-
yoked the daring energy ofthe gallant warriors Of
old either in the of rivalry, or in the
bloody combat on the burning sands of PALESTINE
These glOriousrewards were found in the echoes Of
fame, in the paudits of the brave and noble as EN-
bodied in the glowing strains of the Medieval bard,
and in the swelling song of the Troubador; but,
above ALL the gallant Knight found his dearest and
most cherished need of praise in the approving
Il l.- 10 ffr axt-il ph
guarded his path and kept his feet from treading
the way of dishonor. In her weakness be found
his strength and in the hope of her favor he prac
tced every virtue ofsefdiscipline sustained cheer
fully every privation, and performed deeds ofspen-
did daring. BY the bright memory OF the sacred
Past, and by every consideration OF honorable i'm
port charge you to bear yourselves, to-day, as
become the representatives of noble and honored
manhood; that you prove yourselves worthy OF the
lofty character you have assumed, being careful to
do nothing that may tarnish the brightness OF your
honor or suly the lustre of your fame. Everything
around you encourages TO gallant effort. Gener-
Gus criticism will discern your individual mer-
it, and render each one the full measure OF justice.
Bright eyes sparkling, andgentle hearts beating
high in the Joyous expectation of your triumph.
Feeling that YOU will give immediate demonstra-
ton of your entire wOrtlmess of chivaric honOrs,
now, most confidently, dismiss you to the lists.
At o'clock, P, NJ. all repaired to an adjacent
Grove and partook Of the good cheer provided, af-
ter which the Coronation of the Queen took place.
Mr.. CHARLES PRAroR, Knight of Berkeley, be-
slowed the crown upon Miss. MARY LEWIS, where
upon the President said:
BY direction of the Knight of Berkeley, and in
token Of his Knightly choice, place on your fair
brow this beautiful garland of flowers, and proclaim
YOU QUEEN OF Love AND Beauty. In performing
this grateful duty, but give expression to the gen
eral sentiment when declare that this tribute of
Chivalry eoHid not have been more worthiy be-
slowed; and, that we, your subjects, declare our
loyalty and dutful service TO your Queenly charac
ter, and all acknowledge your gentle sway,
Mr.. C. W. HARPER, Knight of Lexington, pre-
sented Miss. MoLLIE BARNES, as LIST Maid of Honor.
The President said:
By request of the Knight of Lexington, permit
me to crown you First Maid of Honor, and assign
YOU to position in that bright circle Of youth and
beauty which surrounds our fair Queen.
Mr. r. w. GROVE, of Maryland Knight of Wood
burn. announced Miss. SALLrE WYsoSG, as his
choice for 2nd Maid of Honor, and the President
happily said
The Knight of WOODBURY. commands me to place
on your graceful head this beauteous chaplet Of
flowers This selection of the gallant Knight allow
me 10 add, does as much credit TO his taste, and
Knightly perception of true grace and beauty, as
his bearing in the lists to his character as brave
Mr. JoHN L. LEWIS, Knight of MiddIeway, select
ed Miss. MARY DECK, as Srd Maid of Honor, and she
was addressed as follows:
In the name of the Knight Of Middeway allow
me to place upon your brow this unmistakable evil
denee of his homage, and choice. You will be
warmly welcomed to the Royal Train.
Mr.. CHARLES HARDEsrY, knight of the Old Do
miniOn, made choice of Miss. LIZZIE SHERMAN, as
4th Maid of Honor. The President remarked:
The Knight of the Old Dominion desires me in
his name to confer upon you this emblem of Royal
honor, and to declare you 4th Maid of Honor-a Sc
lection, permit me to say most acceptable to all.
Mr. TnoMAs s. WATSON, JR., Knight of Cherry
Lake, proposed Miss. LAURA LAMAR, who received
her honors and was addressed thus
The Knight of Cherry Lake through me begs
your acceptance of this Floral Crown-the fruit of
his gallant efforts, and invite YOU 10 position of
honor in the gentle band of beauty and grace.
THE remarks of Mr.. H. are necessarily imperfect
ly sketched, for which we tender apologies.
The Coronation ceremony over, Music and Dan
cling made the sunny hours fit by until Nights
dark curtain closed the brilliant ne,"-and we
came home with the choicest flower Of that festive
-