The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1866-09-11

there was not table room enough Tor all, and
MANY formed eroupes under the shade of the
trees, and thus passed an nouf OF TWO IN
pleasant chat, during refreshments.
Alter the collation. and music by the band,
the following resolution was presented to tho
meeting, which was unanimously adopted
after the assurance of Gen. Rodman that 80
long as he had command of the Island the
old settlers would be welcome visitors there. |
Resolved, That Union Picnic be held annual
" by the Rock Island and Scott County Old
Settlers Societies upon this Island, provided
permission can be had of the commanding officer
on the first Wednesday in September of each
year.
W, Barrows, of Davenport, was next called
to the stand-but, owing to recent illness,
made but few remarks, He reminded the
audience of days past, of the great changes
taken place on both sides of our river, of the
Improvements on the Island, under the skill
full and scientific management of Gen. Rod
man, who is emphatically q man of genius
our government is indebted to him for the
'Rodman gum" and are now paying tribute
for the same The Gar Of Russia has also
sent recently an ambassador to negotiate for
making this gun, in his own country. Mr..
Barrows then proposed three cheers for Gen.
Rodman, which were given with wiA, and
then simply remarked that he should like to
hear that gun fired.
| Cries for Gen. Rodman followed, who an.
| swered IL few pertinent remarks, affirming
his love for the west his interest in the i'm
provement of the Island, its present beauty
and future destiny, his good wishes for the
Old Settlers, their future happiness and well
fare He confirmed the assertion of MIR.
Barrows, of the sale of his patent for the
Rodman gun to the Autocrat of Russia.
James Thorington, Esq, of Davenport. was
the next speaker, and he not only spoke IN
his usual happy style, but he fairly outdone
himself in his remen1scensss of the bygones
and in relating many anecdotes of the olden
times.
David B. Sears, Esq, of Noble, was then
called for but excused himself from occupy
ing the time.
} Two songs were then sung by James Nc
; Gosh ESQ.,, president of the Scott county SO
ciety, after whlch, remarks were made By
| George Mixtsr, Rev. Mr.. Hitchcock and 9th
} ers, chiefly composed of anecdotes and nara
tives of early life-some quite amusing.
, Mr.. Mixter appropriately referred to tn
death of two members Of the society durin
!, the past year-John c. Powsrs and Geo. R
MoMurphv.
: A vote of thanks was passed to Gen. Roc
. man for his courtesy IN giving them permits
/ sion to come upon the Island, and for hi
= kindness in attending the Pic Mic and aie
ing in it's success Also to Mr.. Knox for hi
address.
The President then announced that Gel
Rodman would, with his carriage, escort tn
entire party around the whole Island, Sn(
with Mr.. Norris in his carriage) he led th
9 way, while the others, in carriages, made tn
circuit of the Island. Thepsrty then brok
up, happy In the reunion of old friends, som
of whom had not met for twenty years.
There was q universal expression of prais
in regard to the very able and satisfaction
manner in which Mr., Norris discharged ii
T duties ofpresident of the day, the duties
which SO unexpectedly deyolved on him Il
the absence of DR.. Gregg.
Never before had there been such a gat
d ering of Old Settlers in the far west. The
was nothing to mar the festives of the occ
sion. All seemed happy, and returned HON
with feelings of satisfaction at the exercise
of the day, and with determination to mai
a. each annual Pic Mic, hereafter, as pleasal
g. and successful as possible.
We tender our thanks to the society for
N complimentary invitation, and regret thi
a. business prevented our attendance.