The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1872-04-16

ANsIvEHsARY CELEBRATION OF THE W AtKER
LIGHT GUARD--This company B, First Vir-
ginia volunteers,) celebrated their first ami
vcrsary by grand banquet at Virginia Hall
last night. The company assembled ut the ar
nory, corner of Ninth and Main streets. at II
o'clocS P. M. Fifty-eight nen were in line in
Efiill-dress uniform. completely equipped.
After the roll was called, the officers, COM
missioned and non-commissioned, were duly
sworn into the service of the State OF Viz
ginia in accordance with the provisions of
law. The company then marched, under the
command of Captain Bass, and headed by
-Kessnich's band, to First Market Hall, where
they were duly inspected by Colonel Sloan,
Lieutenant-C Colonel Whitehead, and Major.
Ordway, in the presence of a large crowd of
spectators. A drill then took place, display
ing the proficiency Of the men in all the
movements undertaken.
The inspection over, the company marched
back to the armory, and, being relieved of
their arms, proceeded to Virginia Ball.
Here they were met by the invited guests,
consisting of the honorary and contributing
members, captains of the several companies
in Richmond, the field officers and adjutant
of the regiment. The appearance of Gov
ernor Walker was the signal for three cheers
and "tiger." After few minutes spent
in iDtroductions and social converse,
ahwere invited into another room, where
was spread, under the inlinitaklc supervision
of Zetelle, splendid banquet, embracing all
the dclicacies of late spring served in the
highest style of the culinary art. The din
ncr was served in courses by a well-trained
corps of walters. kessnich's band in the
meantime enlivening the entertainment by
well-seiected and wel-played airs.
After the sherry was disposed of the cham
paSne made its appearance. Captain Bass,
who presided, called the company to order,
and inauguratcd ''the feast of reason and
flow of SOUL" by proposing "The State
OF Virginia: The sovereignty to which our
allegiance is first due---ably represented on
| this occasion by 1 chief magistrate whom all
| Firginians delight to honor"
LII response to loud calls Governor Walker
| replied to this toast in a spirited and elo-
| quent speech, in the course of which he
acknowledged the truth Of the first part of
the sentiment proposed. He then spoke
with pleasure Of the present tlourishing state
Of the volunteer militia Of Virginia, and
particularly complimcnted the Walker Light
Guard, whose health he concluded by pro
posing. -
| To the sentiment Of the Governor, Captain
Bass first responded, and he was followed, a
1 his request, by Lieutenant Handy. Voluntee
toasts then followed in quick succession, ant
were responded to by Colonel Sloan, Colone
I. +. Owens, Adjutant-General Richardson
Licutcnant-Coloncl Whitehead. Major Ord
way, Mr.. Baker of Rhode Island, Sol Smitl
Russell, Captain Carter, and Lieutenan
White, of the Howitzers; Captain Imboden
Of the Blues; Captain Taylor, Of Compan,
y; Captain Kellum, of Company G; Adju
tant Laughton, Of the Grays; j. G. Davis
Esq., Major Poe, Captain 5. Maccubbin
Z. II. Starke, Esq, Captain 4. G. Bah
cock, Lieutenant Bland, Lieutenant Watt
Sergeant Binford, and others. Mr.. Russo
made a neat speech and sang "Rhine Win
Charley" i'll his usual happy style. -..
The banquet was wcll-conducted, and th
best order was maintained. The festivitic
were closed at about O'Clock this morning