Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1872-08-13
Picnic at La Grange.

flenlc al LA TRANCE.
AUGUST 9Th, 1S72.-The morning of the
18th instant was ushered in by a sun that rose
in cloudless splendor, and as he climbed the
eastern sky, gave promise of a fair and pleas
ant day.
a quiet and shady grove had been select
ed, and the energetic and efficient :s Commit
tee of Arrangements" had made all possible
preparations for the convenience aud comfort
of all who should attend Two ample plat,
forms for the dancers, seats for the spectators,
and substantial table gave evidence that
business was meant
BY 10 o'clock the arrivals commenced, aud
in less than an hour the grove presented a
busy and happy scene. Jack, the colored
Beethoven of Harper's Ferry, and his breth-
rem of the bow, tuned up and soon their ey.
hiarating strains sent an electric current into
many pair of youthful feet, which culmina
ted occasionally in an involuntary SHUTTLE
Jack is an old hand, and knows exactly what
pieces are best calculated to raise an excite
ment-such lively notes as foated from that
old wagon were utterly irresistible, and in
few minutes the platforms were crowded with
the lovers of the dance. The sturdy young
Virginlan threw his whole soul into his boots.
tor his own Dulcinea was floating around him
like sylah upon the evening wave. Care
was forgotten, the world was shut out of view,
and all, young and old, gave themselves up to
the pleasures of the day. No "caunon's OPEN
ing roar" broke in upon the pleasant scene,
but call went merry as marriage belp' with
out interruption.
"And now the set hath ceased-the bows
OF fddiers taste a brief repose,
While light along the rustic floor
Arm within arm the couples stray,
Talking their stock of nothings DER
Till-nothing's left at last TO say
And while they are thus engaged, uncon~
scious of the scrutiny they are undergoing, let
us throw our critical eye upon the couples as
they pass-in review.
Miss NJ, her os1eenly figure displayed to the
very best advantage in white skirt with blue
Polonaise was the Subject of many compli-
body with black grenadine skirt, her modest
manners and lovely features, was striking
personifcntion of the truth of the old line.
that "beauty unadorned is adorned the most"
Hiss w. was dressed in handsome white
swiss, pure and spotess as the current of her
own young life. A figure rather petite, with
face whose every expression gave evidence
of an amiable life, she foated through tho
dance as gracefully as swan upon the rip
ping waters of the Chesapeake Hiss BIS
appearance needs DO comment, rs it was
simply perfect: black alpaca skirt with white
Polonaise trimmed with brown velvet and
white fringe-her dress, though elegant,
added but little to her own native beauty
Miss j. wore neat white and blue Calico
Her handsome italian face with its ever-yary-
ing expressions bespoke sincere child Of
uature with warm and loving heart. Miss
u. paid her devotions at the shrine of Terp>
sichore in gray and back-though sober
colors, her bright eyes sparkling with mcrri-
mcnt and fun showed that sho partook but
little of the serious on that day. Miss N.
gracefully tripped the mary dance in an ex-
quisitoly fitting black and white calco-a dis
position Vivacious and sprightly combined
with character as unselfsh as that of dove.
she applied herself to the task of making ali
enjoy themselves with whom she came in con-
tact; many were the expressions of sympathy
when headache compelled her to take refuge
in carriage. Miss 7. did not dance, though
no amount of scclusion would hide SO shining
a light, and many and devoted were her adj
mirers.
Space would fail wero I to attempt notice
OF nil who figured before ME on that platform;
suffice it to say that no community in this
broad land could produce more beauty, cle-
gance aud grace than trod tho measures of
Prof. Jacks violin on that occasion.
at L. NJ. the company partook of boun-
t'ful repast which will be long remembered
to the credit Of the generous matrons by whom
provided.
Slowly the orb of day ncared the western
horizon, as If unwilling to leave tho glorious
vault above, and as tho shadows of tho old
oaks grew long, with many tender adieux, the
party separated
Through all coming time will this day DO
green spot in tho memory of those who par
took of its pleasures at la Grange. T.
CHILD K1LLED.-From tho Winchester
Ne'os we copy the following:
On Thursday morning, LIST instant, Mr..
James Elliott who lives in Clarke county.
near tho Wadcsvile camp>mecting ground.
went into woods near by to haul some pine
poles to mako feed stand. Having loaded
them ON his wagon-a young man driving-he
put his little boy on the off>wheel horse In
going down steep hill the horses ran off, the
driver walking at the time, let go the line, and
away they wont, the little boy clinging to the
horse Upon reaching narrow lane leading
to the camp-ground, the poor little fellow fell
and was almost instantly killed. DIR. Best ar
rived in few minutes, but could do nothine.
he lived about twenty minutes.
The little boy was aged about five years,
and is said to have been remarkably spright-
ly and intelligent child. He was son of Mr..
James r. Elcyett
BRAINARD's MUSICAL WORLD for July is
on our table, and is a noteworthy number
Brimtul of good things to the unsteady dis
posed, it contains in addition to its usual
amount of interesting matter, on cight-page
supplement, giving full and complete report
of the Boston Peace Jubilee and the ST. Louis
Saengcrfest, with full programmes of each