Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-02-05

of the Terror. There was but one officer of
the Plymouth, whose name we failed to OBJ
tain. The guests were under the care of
Thomas f. Twitchcll, Esq, of the House
committee of arrangements. The whole ride
from Portland to Augusta was one of unal-
loyed pleasure. At most Of the stations
large crowd was gathered, eager to catch
glimpse of the party. At Brunswick was
large gathering of the people; but there was
no detention Of the train, and very little time
for sightseeing. Here the party was joined
by Gov. Chamberlain and Mr.. Rogers of the
sought the presence of the English officers,
by whom he was at once recognized, and en-
tered into an agreeable conversation. Capt.
Commerell expressed quite freely his delight
with the country through which he had passed.
One of the American officers, a native of
Michigan, said that the Kennebec valley re-
minded him more of the West than any other
part of the country which he had visited. At
Brunswick a delegation of fourteen from
Bath awaited the arrival of the train, among
tlie HuiuUcF, dlT. W titHIiu VI tuc Ddtu iiilcS3
and lady, Mr.. Houghton and Mr.. Bailey.
The former was introduced to the officers, and
cordially welcomed them to the Kennebec,
assuring them that liberal hospitality awaited
them at the Capital. Col. Bailey entered in
to pleasant and profitable conversation with
one Of the officers, who was conversant with
the subject, in regard to the shipb building in
terest At Gardiner there another large
gathering of people, anxious to get peep at
the party.
Previous to the arrival of the train at the
depot in this city, large crowd had gathered
at the depot, both the gentlcmen's and ladies'
rooms being crowded with ladies', all eager to
get good sight Of the representatives of the
navies Of the two great nations. On alight
ing from the cars, the crowd gave way and
the officers and Governor Chamberlain took
seats in two double sleghs that had been pro-
vided and at once repaired to the Augusta
repast. The dinner was a private one and
was passed without any speechmaking or
toasts The bill of fare savors strongly of a
table laden with luxuries ''ft for a king" or
even the officers of a queen or an American
President.
On entering Granite Hall in the evening the
first thing that attracted attention was the
quite elaborate and tasty decoration, under
the supervision of Mr.. j. H. Cochrane. The
front Of the stage was tastefully and artist
cally hung with the flags of both nations, on
the right of the stage large American flag
and on the left British banner, in the centre
of which an English flag was suspended in the
form of a shield. At the corners of the hall on
two nations, the stars and stripes blending grace
fully with the proud ensign of England, and
the south end of the galleries were similarly
decorated. The American flag hung from
each corner of the hall Red and blue bunt-
ing was twined and caught up from several
parts of the ceiling overhead, running from
one end of the hall to the other.
White streamers ran from the centre of the
ceiling to each corner of the hail. The front
of the galleries were trimmed with red, white
and blue festoons.
The dressing rooms were provided under
the hall-the Aldermens room for ladies and
the Common Council room for gentlemen,
while two or three other apartments were
called into requisition.
Nearly thousand invitations had been is
sued, and about o'clock the company filed
into the hall presenting a magnificent appear
ance, the splendid dresses of the ladies show
ing to good advantage in the brilliant
gas light and attracting, with the grace and
beauty of the ladies themselves, the undivided
attention of the spectators in the gallery. After
entering the hall the ladies and gentlemen
engaged in a general promenade led by the
inspiring music of Chambers Portland Band,
best pieces. All parts of the State were
represented in the gay throng, grave and dig
nifed senators and representatives acting as
galants to the beautiful daughters of the
Kcnnebec valley, who were decked in their
richest attire. The stoical representative of
the Indian tribes took an elevated position in
the gallery, and looked with wonder and as
constituent upon the magnificent scene before
him. Our city clergymen left the close air
of their studies and joined with the gay and
festive throng. Indeed like scene of mag
nificence and beauty has not been witnessed
at the capital for many years.
About o'clock Gov. Chamberlain and the
British and American officers, accompanied
by several officers of the army who won glory
and honor in the late war, came into the hall,
the band playing ''God save the Queen"
Gov. Chamberlain was in citizens dress, wear
ing the badge of the fifth corps. The naval
officers were in full uniform. Taking posi-
ton in the northeast corner of the hall, the
ladies and gentlemen had an opportunity of
being presented by Gov. Chamberlain to Capt.
Commerell and the other officers. The pre-
sentation lasted for about an hour, at the
close of which the guests mixed freely with
the company, and during the promenades
seemed to be engaged in pleasant converse