The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1866-01-05
Tournament at SuffOlk-The Beauty
and Chivalry of Nansemond-Inter-
esting AneCdOte of General Grant.

esting Anecdote of General Grant.
Glorious old Nansemond The proud record
of her early settlers was an earnest that her
sons and daughters of succeeding generations
would ever be found in the paths of honor and
virtue, aud the familiar names that came to
us, associated as participants in the recent
Tournament at Suffolk, remind us that they
have been commingled with the history OF Nam
semond county for a century and half In
deed, we doubt if such county would ever have
existed, but for the opportune arrival Of a
Riddick in company with John Smith. But,
to the Tournament. The place selected for
the joust was "Allen's Lawn" near the town,
and though the ground was too heavy for fast
riding, the contendng Knights won the APP
probation of all A merry crowd had collected
to see the sport, and heartily enjoyed the dis
comfture of the unsuccessful. The Champion,
or First Knight, was he of Somerton," Mr..
Edward R. Smith, and chose as Queen of Love
and Beauty, Miss Lila Walters.
Second, Knight of Star and Garter" Mr..
Robert r. Smith, who selected as First Maid
of Honor, Miss Laura B. Daughtrey Third,
Knight of the" White Horse, Mr.. Willitm A.
Riddick, who chose as second Maid of Honor.
Miss Emily O. Arnold. Fourth, Knight of
Seminole" Mr.. Fl. j. Smith, who selected as
Third Maid of Honor, Miss George Mcclure.
The Knight of the "Water Fall" and (K)"Night
Blooming Cereus' caused considerable amllse-
hx,f b,,r n
city. At night the dining room and paror of
the Washington Hotel was densely crowded to
witness the coronation, and in order that the
participants might enjoy dancing, many were
compelled to be outside lookers-on. The-hos-
pitable host, Col. Frank Holiday, had prepared
splendid supper, such one as only he can
get up, and right heartily did they appreciate
his substantial aid to their enjoyments. After
supper the dancing was continued until ebay
light did appear Among the participants at
Norfolk, aid pleased were we to see her so
ably represented.
The following is the charge delivered by Col.
Richard o. Whitehead to the Knights assem-
bled -
'It is pleasant to be assured, Sir Knights, that
each one of you is a worthy asprant for the love
of some fair beauty. Your aspirations are lofty,
but it is my duty to inform you that the love of
no true woman was ever yet won by the quality
of the perfume you use, nor by the brilliancy of
the butterfly worn on your neck tie, nor by the
length and sweep of that dependency known as
the tail of your Shanghai so called. A no.
BILE display of true chivalry always appeals to
true woman.
Touching our assembly to-day, Sir Knights,
it is pleasant occasion that calls together the
Beauty and the Chivalry Of our own and the
surrounding counties The rude alarums of
horrid war have died away over the hills, and
its last terrifying blast sounded through the
valleys of the Appomattox when the Great
Knight of our Age yielded, laid down his arms,
and waved his hand in token of Peace And,
now, instead of mounting barbed steeds to fright
the souls of "fearful adyersaries," we mount
them in friendly contest to win the priceless
but capricious smiles Of Beauty
In the olden time, each gentleman held HIM
self ever ready to joust against any opponent
for the love of God and the ladies; and remem-
Der, Sir Knights, remember, that whether a.
round Arthurs Ground Table, listening to the
sweet rhymes, or on the burning plains of Pa
lestine with Saladdin and Cour de Leon, or ira
versing the bright wales of France, with Bayard,
the knight whose shield would never receive
tarnish, at all times, in all lands and in every
cause, the bravest and the truest, have ever been
the gentlest and the purest.
But we need not go for proof of this beautiful
truth to where these great lances are flashing in
the mellow lights of middle ages, and the battle
| cry of "God and the Ladies' resembling from
lusty threats, echoes far along the corridors of
Time. Now, even now, the bravest and the
gentlest-tor who more gentle and brave than
our own Lee, whose tenderness to ladies is
proverbial whose manly and delicate apprecia-
ton of every feminine virtue is such that Beauty
itself feels beautiied and rewarded to touch
with sweetest lips, his grizzled and war-worn
beard.
And Gen. Grant, too whose splendors in war
stand eclipsed by his magnanimity in peace his
tender care of defenceless ladies places him be-
fore the world as one of the truest Knights and
gentlemen. Will you excuse rough anecdote
for illustration.
In the dark days which concluded our recent
struggle when strong men We're opposing each
other in the last trial of arms, a tender lady
whose circumstances had compelled her to fol-
low our army until worn out with hunger and
fatigue was found exhausted on the road, by
Gen. Grant. Though the stupendous move
ments of mighty armies were upon his mind, her
beauty and distress at once claimed his attention
and the first duties of Christian gentleman and
true knight were acknowledged. With the
tenderest solicitude, and most cheerful alacrity,
he enquired the cause of her grief he brought
her ample provisions from his rude soldiers
stores with almost tear of regret that they
were not more delicate; nor did his kindness
cease until a guard of honor had seen her safely
sheltered with friends in Farmvile
This simple act of Knightly Courtesy, in the
light of true Chiva ry, which we meet to COM
,memorate to-day, forms brighter page in the
history of this Hero, than any ever penned for
him by the Goddess of Victory.
Yes, the bravest are ever the gentlest Ride,
| then, Sir Knights, for the love and honor of
God and the ladies; and be assured bright eyes
| ay,1 Gil