The New Orleans crescent. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1866-1869, 1868-09-22

from the Grand Encampment, we're in the most
fraternal spirit and were frequentiy greeted with
applause.
deputy Grand Master william 8. Gardner, of
Maine, then read very interesting report Of his
doings for the past three years, embracing an &C.
count Of the ceremonies OF the dedication of the
new Masonic Hall in Boston, and Of some valuable
papers relative TO the Order which he had dis
writing of Sir Thomas Smith Webb.
Tnese and other reports were appropriately re-
ferred, the standing committees were appointed,
and the Grand Encampment adjourned to accept
Missouri to an excursion upon the river, owing to
which, no session of the General Grand Chapter
was held. st-at-tA-J ~ 10 DI'T
The Masonic Templars had determined that this
excursion and Its attendant banquet should fit
tingly express the cordially Of the welcome ex-
tended by them to the Grand Encampment and il
was carried out on a scale of magnifcence rarely
eeualed and never excelled. Three Of the largest
steamboats, plying TO this port had been chartered
to convey the Rnights-the Mississippi. LADY Cav
and Belle OF Alton the visiting Templars had not
only been invited, but the invitation was extended
to their friends Of the fair sex, and at O'Clock p
NJ. me boats cast on nom their moorings. each
with living freight of about three hundred gen.
tlemen and half as many ladies, the whole under
the direction and superintendence of Sir George
Frank Gouley, grand commander Of Missouri who
hsd made the Mississippi his flag ship, with very
efficient leutenants on the other boats. Your cor
respondent, with the Louisiana delegation, were
comfortably provided for on board the LADY cav,
where our wants were more than satisfied BY
the courteous attentions of Sir Knight Stone,
eminent commander Of St. Louis Commandery No.
/, and sirlW. ID. Atwill, of Ivanhoe Commandery
OF this city TO the latter Of whom we are indebted
for very many and continued courtesies during the
whole OF our stay here. rrr.... 500
The excursion was delightful. II was such
day as New Orleans only sees in December; the
ar cool, bamy and bracing with sun enough to
be bright and not hot; overcoats were in demand
at starting. but were soon laid aside, not to be
resumed until our return. The boats, with but
short intervals between them, proceeded up the
river, giving MS an opportunity Of admiring the
fine panorama Of the city, stretched out in all its
grandeur, with its many railways lining the coun-
Try IN al directions, showing the chief source of
st. Louiss wealth, and indicating its future great
ness as the central city Of the Union. After pro-
ceedlng about five miles the heads of the boats
were turned down stream, and we were invited
into the cabin to partake of most luxurious and
sumptuous banquet. at which cordial and affec.
Tomato feeling showed itself among all con.
cerned.
Arrived at Jefferson barracks, some twelve
miles below st. Louis, the boats were landed aud
shore to enjoy the fine promenade of the parade
ground. Here the mingliDg of the uniforms of
the Iemparstwith the gay colors and brilliant
jewels of the ladies, presented q picturesque
view worthy to be retained on canvas; indeed,
during the whole trip, all seemed to enjoy them
selves and no incident of any kind occurred to
mar the harmony and delight of the party. At |
sunset, We witnessed the dress parade of the gar.
rison, and then re embarked for our return.
When within mile or two Of town, the Msss-
sippi struck a portion of an old submerged |
wreck and began leaking badly; her officers, |
however, with a very commendable promptitude, |
ran her ashore on bar, and the Lady Gay came |
alongside and took of her passengers; all was |
done without hurry or excitement, and no accl- |
dent occurred to either life or limb. We reached
the city about o'clock. p. NJ, fatgued with /
pleasure, and full Of admiration at the genial and
hospitsble manner in which we had been re- |
ceived and treated by our brethren of st Louis.
have been glad to learn since tina. the injuries /
received by the Mississippi were not as serious as
at first supposed, and that che will be able to |
leave for New Orleans next week.
Yours, MAGAZINE.