Baltimore daily commercial. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1865-1867, 1866-03-17
CORRESPONDENCE,
LETTER FROM ANNAPOLIS.
Correspondence of the Commercial.i
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ANNAPOLIS, March l5 1866.
Official Visit Of Tie Governor Of Maqvlond to the
EavqL Ec1dcm5- -Bri}tiaat As8em5Jagc- EeUic,1 Of
the Mi9shjpmea-IrJan'rp and Boot Drills.
The monotonous roll Of time in this city Of pro-
found quiet varied to-day by an event pleasing
in It's character aud profitable in its results. 1
allude to the
OFFICIAL VISIT OF THE GOVERNOR OF MARYLAND TO
THE NAVAL ACADEMY.
Four o'clock being the hour fixed for the formal
reception OF The Governor, His Exceency, accom-
panied by Adjutant General John S. Berry, Chief:
Brigadier Generals Andrew ". Denison. Richard n.
BOwernan. and Lieutenant GolOncls Henry Tyson
and George Small, Aids Camp Of the staff: Sec
Secretary, Peter Leary Lsq, entered the grounds OF
the Naval Academy. The Governor and Secretaries
habited as civilians. The members Of the staG
were Ill full military costume.
RECEPTION OF THE GOVERNOR AND SUITE.
Prior to the entrance OF the visiting party, the
marine corps had been drawn up in line Immediately
adjacent to the main entrance way, aud the mdshlp-
men, acting as infantry, comprising eight full CON
panes facing the entrance To the left of the marine
corps. The presence Of visitors acknowledged
by the usual military salute from the midshipmen
and marine corps by SalyOs OF artillery and lu-
sprating strain from the fine band attached to the
school.
Rear Admiral Porter. surrounded by his staff, then
advanced, and in digniied though cordial manner,
welcomed his guests After mutual introductions
the long line of mdshipmen were reviewed by the
Admiral and Governor. with their staffs, and the
midshipmen then passed in review. With some fur
ther maneuvreing and drilling. the parade was dis
missed.
A BRILLIANT AssEgRLAGE.
Quite large number Of visitors had collected with
in the spacious enclosure comprising the ladies of
the Governors household the ladies of the families
of tho Professors Of the Academy. fair proportion
Of the fair Of 8Dnapo'is several prominent gentle
men. civilians and officers. strangers and citizens of
Annapolis. The officers, in their gay uniforms and
the ladies' in their gay dresses impaired brilliancv
10 the assemhlage over which the excellent music
shed q healthtul insniration.
STRIPPING SHIP.
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satisfactorily established by their manuuvreing With
muskets, the guests and visitors invited to wit
ness specimeu of their advancement in the nys-
tericS Of sailor craft The qrarte-deh of the fgate
Constitution selected FOR T. o auditorium, and an
adjoining vessel, the Marion. for the stage.
The gentlemen Of the party had no difficulty in
reaching this place Of observation, but to the ladies
there was presented a serious obstacle. The breeze
was fresh, and numerous steps had to be assembled
and those leading to the quarter deck especially very
much exposed. Some Quailed before this last trial,
bu majority, with that courage in disaster that
eminentiy distinguishes the resoluteIy faced the
difficulty, and the goal was quickly reached. They
were rewarded by most exciting exhibition.
1t being designed to exhibit the skill and activity
OF the midshipmen in what is technically termed
stripping ship tho command was given and in
stantly the rigging was alive with youthful forms
striving upward, upward, until away aioft tiny
figures clutched ropes and blocks, and busy hands
uDwound and let go ropes, spars and tackte-plece
after piece was lowered by those above and secured
by those deck, amidst din confusion of orders,
gesticulations and shilI Whistles until nought re-
manned Of the stately and graceful maSts but three
huge StunpS, covered win confused mass OF ropes
and tackling-its appearance literally expressed IN
their own forcibe parlance-stripped, operation
rendered necessary III heavy storms to prevent as
little resistance 10 the winds as possible.
This exhibition was witnessed with the most excit
ed interest," and at its conclusion due eommendatlon
awarded to the skiilfu tars for their proficiency.
SOCIAL TERAtEATIuN
Darkness growing on GpaCe the visitors retired,
and the guests conducted By the Admiral to his
headquarters where sumptuOus entertainments was
provided, and a short time Spentver agreeably in
social communion.
ITS BENEFITS.
Thisysit the Governor together with the splendid
entertainment provided by him for the Admiral and
Naval Committees of Congress on the occasion of the
latters recent visit to Annapolis were oyations to the
distinguished gent Ieman who presdes the Naval
Academy, and in keeping with the Governors well
known hospitality, yet taken III connection with the
carrying out by the Legislature, Of his suggestions
extend every facility to the General Government for
enlarging the area Of the Naval Academy, cannot
fail to materially enhance the good feeling already
existing with those most likely to influence the Gov
ernment IN the selection Of the present as pcrma-
ncnt site for the Naval Academy, a copSummaton
devoutly prayed for by every trae ADnap0igar and
] may add every good aitiGon of MARYLAND.