The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1870-08-30
VIRGINIA NEWS.
Cores poudence Of the Richmond Disprtch.
R0CKBRRDGE ALUM SPRINGS.
THE PICNIC A SUCCTSS-CAPTAIN HOW
COTTS BAND-TUURNAMENH AND CO.
i:DNATIUN BALT.-A CROWD Il ERE.
RockBRIDGE ALUM SPRINGS,

August 9th, 1876.
The pic-nic which came Off few days ago
proved to be very pleasant affair. Every
BODY was delighted, and declared on their
return here that our proprietor, Mr.. James
A. Frazier, knew how TO reach the hearts
Of his guests. On the day OF the picnic the
stages and other conveyances were loaded
with their fair freight, and without any ac-
cident arrived safely at the Furnace"
about two miles from here. (This is an
iron furnace which has not been worked for
several wears tits on the Lexington road
soon the parties scattered in all directions.
Some could be seen gathering flowers !;
others were after the apples which were
near by, while others preferred sitting
under the beautiful oak trees.
A band of music accompanied the party ,
and very shortly after their arrival their
sweet strains called forth the dancers and
| trees, and dancing was commenced and
| continued until very suspicious looking
| object was discovered encamped In the dis
lance, and, on examination, proved to be
the conmssary wagon. This was enough,
and all declared that their appetites must
I be appeased; 50, with the aid Of the gen.
tlemen and corps Of walters under the
efficient and obliging Hayes (Who Is the as
| sistant steward), from the Alunl, everybody
was soon supplied with plenty of fried
chicken, ham, mutton, beef, bread, cakes,
ice-cream, and watermelons, The eatableS
were all very nice, and in abundance.
There were two amusing features of the
picnic which we will try to relate. The
uowcott band and grand q tournament
mule Of immense II proportions was attach
ed to a cart of like size, ana within were
seated the band. Captain W. Fl. Howcott,
of New Orleans, who played the tenor
Mr.. T. P. Langaon, of Baltimore, the alto
Mr.. c. T. Chamberlain, 81 Natchez, Miss,
the first bass; T. Il. Glendye, of Virginia,
| first bass; S. III. Letcher, Of Lexington,
| Va, and +. IT. Singleton, of Mississippi, on
the clarionet. The mule and wagon were
decorated regardless of expense or taste,
the mule being surrounded with flags OF
many NATIONS. On their way to the picnic
grounds tie wagon was suddenly upset and
| the poor band scattered to the four:winds {;
| they, however, rallied and again proceeded
| on their way rejoicing, for, with the eXcep-
ton ottorn pants and muddy clothes, the
band ~ were again themselves,
| The grounds being reached, and just
amid the eating of good things, the tourna-
ment ~ began. Mounted on the mule,
| with spears in their hands, wore CAPTAIN
Howcott, OF New Orleans james A, FRA
zier, j. s. Clark, Of Mobile, Ala. and T.
H. Glendye, of Virginia. Aftsr several
attempts, Captain Howcott was declared
the successful knight, who, without form or
ceremony, and ip few words, crowned Miss
ella Harper, of Brandon, Miss, as Queen
Of Love and Beauty.
The tournament came off yesterday AFTER
noon. The riding took place on the lawn.
Everybody was present to witness the
sight.
The knights, about O'clock, under com.
| mand OF the marshal, Cadet Hamilton, OF
North Carolina, rode up to the music payil-
lion to receive the charge from Mr., L, How
ard Farrar, of Louisiana, who, in 8 clear
and distinct voice, delivered tho same,
This charge was remarkable for Its ap,
priateness. 1t was sent to us by our cores.
pondent, but we omit it'll
The following are the names Of the