The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1867-05-20

Picnic AT WILTON.-On lnursday
large number of the young Of both sexes
gathered at Wilton, the beautiful resi-
dence of Colonel William C. knight, situa-
ted Immediately on the river, about seven
miles below Richmond. The company
consisted mostly Of the neighbors, but
Richmond was we'll represented, and Ches-
terrified sent some of her fair and brave to
join the festive throng. At an early hour
the guests began to come in, and the num-
ber increased until about IL o'clock, when
it was estimated that there were one hun
dred on the ground. The talk usual upon
occasions of this kind, when friends who
seldom meet greet each other, consumed
some time, and the company then ad-
journed to the room prepared for the dane
ing, in an old commissary building left by
the Confederate army, which suited the
purpose for which it was now to be used to
T." And now, the violin strikes up, the
dancers take their places, and at the sig
nal all fall in, and whirling round and
round, crossing and recrossing, the mi
nutes winged their way wi pleasure" until
about o'clock dancing was suspended, and
dinner was announced. This meal consisted
of eatables brought by the different parties
who formed the company and as they ga
thered in groups, and with merry jest and
hearty laughter discussed the good things
which had been prepared for them, the
scene presented was one of the happlest
which it bas ever been our pleasure to
witness. Much time was spent in this
meal, and at its conclusion the party again
repaired to the shed, and the dancing was
resumed.
THE mirth and fun grew fast and furious,
The pipsr loud and louder blew,
The cancers quick and quicker hew,"
until the approach of night drove them to
seek other shelter. The company then
repaired to the elegant mansion of Colo
mel Knight, which the hospitality of its
inmates had put in condition for the en-
tertainment of the large number of guests
who were present. Here, after supper had
been disposed of, the dancing was again
resumed, and the festivities of the occa.
sion were continued until a late hour OF
the night, when the guests separated
every face beaming with happiness, and
all delighted with the proceedings.
A few words as to the old Virgini;
mansion may not be uninterestiug to those
who enjoyed themselves so much within
its walls on Thursday. In other day
we have roamed through its halls ant
chambers, and felt in doing so almost a
if we trod on holy ground. Our thoughts
ran back to period nearly 200 years be
fore, when Mr.. Randolph, father of the late
Robert Randolph, bought this estate, and
importing bricks from England, built this
fine residence. No prettier spot could
have been chosen on which to erect {
family residence. Standing on a little
knoll about 100 yards from the river, anc
surrounded by beautiful and majestic shade
trees, it is one Of the most delightful fami
ly seats on the river.
After the death of Mr.. Randolph, hi.
widow married Mr.. James Brooks, of the
New York Express. Mr.. Randolph left al
only daughter, who was married afew years
since to our fellow-townsman Edward
Mayo.
Wilton remained in the Randolph family
until 1859 or 1860, when it was subdivided
and sold under decree of court-Colone
Knight becoming the purchaser of tn,
mansion.
Though the estate does not comprise a
many acres as it once did; though the
princely equipages of old do not roll Owe
the gravelled roads, nor the long retinue o
servants stand ready to obey the masters
beck and call, visitors are welcomed witt
that genuine hospitality which marks the
Old Virginia gentleman and no one of the
party which assembled there on Friday
will ever regret the day so pleasantly
whiled away beneath its neighboring
groves and within its ancient walls.