The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1866-06-14
Sixty-Third Anniversary of Portland Light
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This celebration came off yesterday on
Clapboard Island, one Of the many beautiful
gems that stud our glorious harbor. The
morning broke bright and beautiful, and the
weather was all the most romantic could de-
sire. "A g9odly number Of this ancient and
honorable company, including some sef the
aged gentlemen who commanded it days gone
by, and several invited guests, were upon the
wharf at the time appointed, and took pas
sage On board the Casec, which brought us
safely to the Island. All hearts were light and
all faces smiling There seemed to be but one
thought, and that was to have good time
and enjoy themselves. And none were disap-
pointed ...z',....
Although more than three score years have
passed since the organization of the Portland
Light Infantry, yet the esprit du corps does
not flag in the least degree. The young men
who are now active members, are determined
that the spirit that animated those who first
organized this company shall not die out, and
the aged Captains whom with them yester-
day, counted their scars and told what deeds
they had done, while the younger ones listen
ed and fully resolved to tread in their foot
steps, and keep alive the spirit of patriotism
which has characterized it through two gen
erations.
! Soon after they landed, the table was spread
by Mr.. Partington, who gave them lunch
which was relished with great gusto. This
caterer viii not soon be forgotten by those
who partook of his excellent viands. All was
raised and the stars and stripes flung out to
the breeze, the sight of which animates all
hearts more than it ever did before in the his
tory of our country. We have nationality
now which all feel most sensibly, and may it
never be felt less.
One Of the sources of amusement on this
occasion was target shooting. in which all en-
gagged with life and spirit. The target was set
up about 100 yards from the shooters, and the
work commenced in good earnest There
another that win be spoken of anon. The
firing was very good as the well-riddled target
shows. The first prize was won by Charles
u. Varney, and the second by Frank Libby.
who bore their honors with becoming mod
esty.
While on target-shooting courtesy compels
us to say, that Capt. Knight of the Star made
the best three shots and would have won the
first prize had he been member of the COM
pany. Somehow, @Nox" drew fine sight and
hall otaadv hand nd fbic
comes of our recent war for tbs Ratis8S 81 ddf Sf
young men have been educated up to many
good things besides target-shooting. Our war
has been a good educator, and the instructions
received show themselves in many quarters
We imagine our worthy Captain was not
great shot before the war, but on this occasion
he would have killed rebel at every shot,
After all, he did not receive medal, but the
largest one, gilt edge, beautifully stamped,
with crimson string, and red, white and
red rosette attached, was won by the writer of
this article. 1t was presented to him by the
editor of the Transcript IN neat speech,
but it is feared the response was hardly up to
the occasion. The writer can now find breath
to say at was the happiest moment of his
life" tI Etf "
Captain Jonathan Smith presented the 9TH
er medals, and did it, too, in handsome style,
and with a true military spirit. Responses
were well made. Several short speeches, and
the occasion passed off with great enthusiasm.
The dinner was a grand affair, and the chow
der was all the epicure could desire. On the
whole, this celebration was quite up to the
mark and quite satisfactory to all concerned.
Much credit is due to A. d. Reeves and DIR.
Mason for the management of the affair.
Nothing was lacking, and the party left the
island about o'clock P. NJ, highly gratified
with the celebration. May all succeeding an
niversaries be characterized by the same spirit
that marked this occasion. hFa "a