Wilmington journal., 1874-07-03
The Excursion Down the River.

lOuI tluCAs our /:
were escorted on board the steamer
North State by members of the Cham
ber of Commerce and other citizens
the Cornet Concert Band discoursine
most excellent music. The good steamer
soon afterwards steamed down the
river in fine style. Captain Green anG
the North State were both in fine con
dition, and rom the outset it was evi
dent that a good time was il
store for the party. A more delight
full trip was never enjoyed. Oul
guests were doubtless glad to leave
the heated city behind, and snuff the
refreshing breezes upon the river
The afternoon was charming. A stiff
Southern breeze, striking us in the
face, made the downward trip delight.
full.
The usual courtesies were paid tC
the Dram Tree, for which most ample
and pleasant provisions had been
made, courtesy which was repeated at
other points besides. Indeed, we began
to think that some thought that there
were several of these historic trees
en- route. When we say that this ex-
cursion was under the immediate
charge of Mr.. T. W. Kerchner, we
have said all for the completeness of
arrangements and the liberality of the
entertainment, which we can.
The many points of interest, of his
toric association, attracted the atten-
tion of our visitors. Orton, Lilliput,
Old Brunswick, with the ruins of the
church and Fort Anderson, Sugar
Loaf, Fort Fisher, Battery Buchanan,
and the Government Works at New
Inlet, all received due attention, and
the strangers were soon Informed of
the local Importance and history of
each.
When opposite New Inlet, the hour
growing late, we rounded and began
our homeward journey. Our guests
were now invited to n bonntiful re-
past, for which the salt air and the
passing of the Dram Trees, had given
them keen relish.
During the return our band, OF
which we are SO Justly proud, gave
us frequent and most delightful cvi-
dences of their proficiency, and the
guests and entertainers amused them
selves in collecting i'll groups, talking,
singing, cracking jokes, telling yarns,
and discussing politics. Anyhow,
each and every one enjoyed himself to
his own notion and managed to keep
in jolly good humor.
Steaming past the city, when near
Point Peter, we turned and landed our
guests at the wharf of the Wilmington,
Columbia and Augusta Railroad. The
visitors having landed, Capt. ". IL.
Ii. Gregory, in 4 few timely remarks,
introduced Mr.. George Wilson, Who
would formally take leave Of lis.
Mr.. Wilson said, in substance:
GcnFcnea Of tie C"n"lbcJ Of Gnu
qacrcc and cfHtc CaI,l Eta,' C7"b:
wish that the task Of bidding you
good bye had fallen to the lot OF some
one more competent to DO SO than my
self. 1t is impossible to express oItr
appreciation of the hospitalities to us.
A few mornings ago q private tele-
gram was received, inviting us to visit
Wilmington, and we came withnO expec-
tat1on of being the guests Of the Cham
Der of Commerce; we had no idea that
we should be received as q body, rep
resenting the city OF Charlotte, but rs
private individuals III quest Of pleas
ure. Our visit has been turned into
an excursion-our reception and en-
tertainment has been an ovation. The
railroad authorities gave us every IA
cility for visiting your city, not only
furnishing us with free tickets, but
providing every comfort for orr well
fare
The resources of onr State, especial
" those Of Western North Caro-
lima, are great and increasing,
and no port on the whole coast was to
be more benefited by railroad eonnec-
tions with the interior as Wilmington.
Grain, tobacco and cotton were pro
duced in the area of country of which
Charlotte was the trading centre, and
all of these, with proper understand
ing between the merchants OF the two
cities, would be shipped through this
port, giving business and adding
wealth to both. The geography of
the State will show that Wilmington is
the natural outlet forthe Northern and
Western portions of this State, and
when the Carolina Central Railway is
completed the entire products of our
country will be poured into your laps
We hope soon to see your broad river
and beautiful bay filed with vessels
from every port in the civilized world,
their tonnage making depth equal to
that which your ancestors found in
these waters. May your prosperity be
equal to your generosity, and may We
always be friends in business and in
the social relations of life.
Mr.. Wilson closed his remarks by
extending cordial welcome to our
people to visit Charlotte. We were
unable to report Mr.. Wilson more ct
length.
Mr.. Kerchner introduced Major T.
D. Poisson, who responded very feel
ingly to the address of Mr.. Wilson,
and bidding the party farewell in be-
half of our citizens.
At the conclusion of his speech Mai.
J. A. Engelhard, being called upon, re-
sponded briefly, wishing God speed to
the parting guests, and safe return
to the loved ones at hCme.
Repairing to the cabin a parting
drink was taken. Col. J. I. Bryce, i'll
a few remarks, proposing toast to
the new relations between Charlotte
and Wilmington, zone bumper at
parting and the North State let loose
from her moorings, and the last good
bye" was said.
Sunday school Missionary ss0sI..