Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1870-07-29
The steamboat excursion and Pic
MIC


-rhe steamboat Excursion and Pic
nice
The GOOD steamer Umpire left the
upper wharf about half-past o'clock
Yesterday with a goodly number of
pleasure seekers. She had been char
tered for the occasion by some Of the men,
beers os Edgefeld Lodge /. o. o. F. for
grand excursion down the river Landing
at KeeviIs wharf, on the Edgefeld bank
OF the river, large accessions were made to
the excursion party, and directly opposite,
at the lower wharf, the boat again landed
to take aboard those who were In waiting
at that point BY the time these several
additions were made, the steamboat was
comfortably crowded, and away she steam
ed down the Cumberland. There was no
halt until reaching Hyde's Ferry, where
the boat again touched the shore to take on
q party from that neighborhood.
1t was near about haf-past ten o'clock
when the lines were thrown out at ro-
mantle looking spot on the east bank OF
the Cumberland, where it was Immediately
understood that the boat was to be tied up
for tho day. As far as the eye could reach,
the bank was thick with trees and under
growth, extending down to the waters
edge, and to all appearances the woodman's
axe had never been brought into use in
that locality. La comparison with the
scorching rays of bright sun, the cool,
shady retreat was indeed inviting, and the
boat was soon relieved Of its precious
freight, and the excursionists were soon
where the 'woodbine twineth." On
reaching the top of the bank, we found
beneath the elms and oaks of the forest
nicely arranged circle, supplied with the
necessary amount of saw-dust. 1t was en-
circled with branches, and on one side was
a stand, which was shortly occupied
by the noted Bill Wilson and his string
band. This. of course, meant business,
and TO the tune of ''Shoo, Fly" and other
popular airs, the large assemblage were
soon keeping time to the excellent music
furnished for the occasion. Within thirty
yards of the ''bran dance" was one of the
finest springs the country affords, and the
committee of arrangements are entitled to
unanimous vote of thanks for being SO
considerate in their selection of the
grounds. Who owns these delightful
grounds was the inquiry we heard on
more than one occasion. We soon ascer-
tanned that the party were indebted to
James Cockrill, Esq, for the shady retreat
they were then enjoying. OF the many
places suitable for just such gatherings
in all parts of the country, we have never
seen a better location. And right here we
must return the thanks of the committee
10 MIR. Cockrill for his many courtesies
during the day. From first to last he
rendered efficient service, and did all he
could to make his visitors feel comfortable.
While the majority of the party were
enjoying the pleasures of the dance, there
were few who had provided themselves
| with the necessary fishing tackle, and ad-
| hered closely to the sport during the day.
| By the usual amount of patience and in
| dustry, they succeeded in hauling in a
| string of the fnny tribe, which was &C
ceptable, and no doubt furnished good
| fry for more than one of the party for sup
\ per last evening.
The baskets were emptied of their con-
| tents about the usual hour, and there was
no reason to believe that any one prese mt
lost his or her appetite from appearances
1 about lunch time. Under the superin-
| tendence of Ben Wallace and w. II. Wood
| there YVES an abundant supply of lemon
| ade, ice cream, mineral water, etc., for
| those who visited their tables. They were
| kept busy during the day, and their SER
| vices could not possibly have been dis
| pensed with.
A heavy rain commenced falling about
\ 2 o'clock, and broke up the dancing on
| the grounds, but the ardor of the merry
| party was not to be dampened in this way,
for they repaired to the boat and entered
| into the terpsichorean festivities with re
newed vigor.
Late in the evening" steam was again
| raised, and the boat proceeded down the
| river several miles to Robinson's Island,
and from that point turned back and re-
| turned to the city, reaching the wharf
about z O'Clock, the excursionists enter
tanning the opinion that the day had been
most agreeably and pleasantly spent.
A little episode occurred on the boat
which, although a profound secret, man.
aged some way to leak out. Shortly after
the craft left the lower wharf, and while the
young folks were tripping the light fantas-
| tic in the cabin. q stateroom was occupied
by a magistrate CT the county, bride,
bridegroom and two witnesses. Quietly
the silken knot was tied and man and wo-
man pronounced husband and wife. 1t
was a runaway match, and for the time be-
ing the names of the parties must not be
mentioned Sosaid the justice who officia-
ted, and we never tell what Esq. Tardiff
confdes to us as a secret. Our German
friends this morning will, no doubt, hear of
the mysterious marriage of residents of the
| Ninth ward.
We cannot close without mentioning in
complimentary terms the attentions TO the
excursionists from Capt. Morris and the
| other officers of the boat They are not
| only safe and reliable men in their respect,
i've positions, but exceedingly courteous
and obliging.