Middletown transcript., 1868-11-28
LOCAL AFFAIRS.

a .
CoNaRAruLAroRy MEETING. "A large
number Of the friends and supporters Of
Major b. L. Biggs, our representative
elect, assembled at his house, on We'd
nesday evening last, to tender their con-
gratulations upon the successful issue of
the campaign in Delaware; and upon his
own election to Congress. Appoquini-
mink, St. Georges, Red Lion, New Castle,
Pencader and White Clay Creek Hum
dreds were represented. Aboutten o'clock
the dining-room was thrown open, reveal
ing an ample table, spread with all the
good things the season affords. Behind
this barricade of tempting viands, stood
the smiling host, and when the order came
to charge, right vigorous was the assault.
The breast-works of fat turkeys, with their
crisp celery abattis were stormed and car
ried at the point of the knife and fork.
Luscious Crisfeld oysters, with their ac-
companying pickles and sauces; hams,
which rivaled the best Westphalia; salads,
salmis, and sundries, formed no impede
ment whatever, to the gallant auant- t-gdrie,
which was reinforced. from time to time,
until the whole were brought into action
The battle nobly fought and won, then
came the 10 triumphe of the victors. Mu-
sic, song and sentiment, beguiled the
swift-winged hours, which the guests
would have stayed in their flight if they
could, that they might quatf to its depths
the cup of social enjoyment, and more
fully and freely indulge in the inter-
change of kindly sentiments and feelings
which lent such charm to their inter-
course. But, the farewell hour came, and
after taking leave of their host, who made
a brief but appropriate speech thanking
them for the honor they had done him,
the guests separated for their respective
homes. stt..4t rfE
This most agreeable social reunion
brought wildly to mind the sentiment Of
>the familiar little song, which many of oul
readers may remember, and which nc
doubt entered largely into the experience
of our host ON that occasion:
There is a power to make each hour
AS sweet as heaven designed it,
Nor need we roam to bring it home,
Though few there be who find ii;
| We look too high for things close by,
| And lose what nature found us,
! For life has here few charms so dear
| AS home and friends around us.
The following speech and sentiment
were given by Col. Joshua Clayton, il
response to call of the gentlemen pres
ent:
My friends, as to speech-making, there
are, and have been men, the latchets O
whose shoes | am unworthy to loosen
who could not make speech. So it il
with your humble servant. l never hav,
been guilty of pretention to which lay
no claim. Providence has not so giftec
me. But in place of speech | will offe
you sentiment; ...
The great Democratic party +" Th,
Tyrant's foe, the Peoples friend" Th
exponent of correct principles. The es
pecial defender of the Constitution and tn
rights of man. May its shadow. and tha
of our old friend and worthy standard
bearer, the Representative elect. neve
grow less Three cheers for our popula
file-leader, the Hon. B. T. Biggs, tn
man who has obtained the greatest major
ity ever given in the State for any man
The company responded with heart
cheers at the conclusion of Col. Clayton
remarks.