The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1870-08-30
VIRGINIA NEWS.
Correspondence Of the Richmond Dispatch.
ReCKRRIDGE ALUM SPRINGS.
THE PICNIC A SUCCESS-CAPTAIN HOW
COTTS BANU-TOURNkMENW AND CO.
RocEBRIDGE ALUM SPRINGS,

August 9th, 1870.
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 tho 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-
cideut arrived safely ut the Furnace"
about two miles from here. Crhis 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 bv, 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
sets were formed under the shades OF the
trees. and dancing was commenced and
continued until very suspicious looking
object was discovered encalnped In the dis
the commissary wagon. This was enough,
and all declared that their appetites must
be appeased SO, with the aid of the gen.
tlemen and q corps Of walters under the
efficient and obliging Hayes (Who Is the as
Si>taut steWard), from the alum, everybody
was soon supplied with a plenty of fried
chicken, ham, mutton, beet, bread, cakes,
ice-cream, and watermelons, The eatables
were all very nice, and in abundance,
There We're two amusing features Of the
picnic which we will try to relate. The
Howcott band and grand (Otournament-a
mule of immense y proportions was attach
ed to cart of like size, ana within were
seated the band. Captain W. Fl, Howcott,
E>rN I,l,n r,,Hn 1,lax fInt 4
Mr.. T. P. Langlon, of Baltimore, the alto
Mr.. c. 7. Chamberlain, Of Natchez, Miss,
the first bass; #. q. Glendye, Of Virginia,
first bass S. II. Letcher, of Lexington,
Va, and t. Il. 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 the wagon was suddenly upset and
the poor band scattered to the four-ginds !;
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 u began. Mounted on the mule,
with spears IN their hands, were Captain
Howcott, Of n ew Orleans James A. Fra
zier, j. S. Clark, OF Mobile, Ala. :: and T.
II. Glendye, of Virginia. After 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 payll-
lion to RECEIVE the charge from mir, i, How
ard Farrar, of Louisiana, who, in $ clear
and distinct voice, delivered eh4 same,
This charge was remarkable for its up,
priateness. It was sent to us by our cores.
pondent, but we omit 1t.
The following are the names Of the