The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1875-05-19

A Visit to Vicksburg and a Ride on the
Mississippi River.

+ picnic at his place, Beech Grove, near the
railroad, four miles east of Vicksburg. The
/ party from here, which included many invi-
+ ted friends, numbered three hundred. A
+ special train, and the regular morning train
had been placed at their service, and at sew
en- O'Clock the locomotive started west, with
as happy crowd Of children and grown
folks as it has ever been our good fortune TO
mingle with With Mr.. John Clingan, as
conductor, aud our friend Shorty, as engi-
neer, and special guards on each platform,
we felt that were j. safe hands, and that
no mishap would occur 20 mar the pleasures
OF the day.
We arrived at the SWEET platform at 10
O'Clock, where we were met and welcomed
by Mr.. Geo. ID. Lawrence, the Assistant Su-
perintendent of the road by Mr. SWEET, our
host, and by the children and friends of
Vicksburg A procession being formed,
we were soon upon Mr.. SWEETS delightful
grounds. In passing thro ugh MS summer
house, we found young ladies with baskets
laden with sweet cakes and flowers which
were distributed to the visitors as they
passed through, This we thought very con-
siderate, for many of the little people had
forgotten their breakfast that morning.
TIE procession halted in a well-shaded
yard in rear Of Mr.. Swett's residence, when
Mr.. SWEET, in words and tones that indicated
his great jog, welcom ed his friends to Beech
Grove. He stated that this was the ninth
year in which the VIcksburg Sabbath School
had held its annual picnic at bis place, and
rcjoiced that they were Joined on that occa-
sion by the School from Jackson. Rev. DIR.
Hunter then offered prayer, several hymns
were sung, and brief addresses made by
Rev. Mr.. Price, of Vicksburg and Rev Mr..
Galloway, of Jackson.
Several young ladies', from the Jackson
School, now appeared upon the balcony, and
Mr.. SWEET, aud Mr.. lockwood, Superinten-
dent of the Vicksburg School, having been
invited to the front, were each presented by
the young ladies, with a large and hand
some bouquet. The recipients having made
appropriate acknowledgements, the follow
ing was then sung by the Jackson School:
TO DANIEL SWEET.
From the Children Of tie Presbyterian Sal
bath School, .jachson Mss
Bless, Lord, our friend, thro' whom this dav,
Such pleasures are afforded,
And keep him in that righteous way,
Which for him seems recorded.
Prolong, pray, his journey here,
To guide the way for others,
And take him to that blessed sphere
Where all in Thee are brothers
O, may his later years be blest
With joys too great to reckon,
And in Thy home assign him rest
When hence Thou shalt him beckon.
Smile sweetly ON his fading hours
May they beam bright with glory,
And take him to those Eden bowers,
To sing the old, old story.
Lord, bless to,us his Christian life,
SO rich in good example;
May we, like him, grow ripe and rife
May Christ be our Ensample.
Fill all our hearts with truth and love
May Jesus be the leaven;
And may this gathering in Beech Grove
Incite us all toward Heaven.
This was complete surprise to the old |
gentleman, and he seemed deeply moved
during the singing of the words.
The children were now notified by Mr..
SWEET that they had the freedom of'his
grounds on one condition, that they must
not disturb MS green IIuft, Uah,mg soUU
upon this proposition, and all answering
satisfactorily, they were dismissed to enjoy
themselves as each might fancy. They made
the best of their time. The children seemed
VIII Will uCll9Il3 anu HdppiHCSo anu JOY
was the expression on every cOuntenance
young and old.
We have never known such hospitality as
was dispensed by Mr.. SWEETS family.
Visitors had no sooner arrived upon the
grounds, than they were informed that cof-
fee, tea milk, bread, cakes, ETC., were at
their service in the kitchen and dining
room.
In the meantime, ladies and gentlemen
were busily engaged in opening baskets,
cutting up meats and arranging the tables,
and at one o'clock the regular diRner was
announced. The little people had been
seated on the grass near the tables, and were
first waited upon. The tables were several
times repIenished, and still the supply was
not exhausted.
The day abounde1 in surprises, and now
came the biggest surprise all. At half-past
two o'clock the Superintendent of tue jack
son School announced that Mr.. Lawrence
had kindly consented to extend the trip
to VickSburg. 50 rs 70 give the children an
opportunity of seeing the Mississippi Riv-
Grand the steam boats. And inasmuch as the
train was to leave at O'Clock, the Jackson
ians, after bidding Mr. SWEET and their
many Vicksburg friends goodbye, hurried
to the train, and in a few minutes were in
the Hin CITY. We found Mr.. Lawrence
again in waiting for US, and escorted by
him and Mr. Armstrong of the Herald, we
proceeded to the elevator. In a few min
utes the magnificent steamer Il. +. Lee
came alongside, and taking us all aboard
we were introduced to Captain Campbell.
/ We were then informed that we were to be
a. Lfl fInrE q
+ Waters. This capped the climax. Mr.. Law
renee and Captain Campbell had arranged
/ the programme. The generous act will
never be forgotten. Their names and their
kindness will be as ga green spot in memo
RVS waste"
/ We will not attempt to describe the amaze
| ment of the children, and of some OF the
grown people, too, on first beholding the
Lee, and their subsequent inspection of her
magnificent cabin. elegant state-rooms and
other appointments. Their comments and
their inquiries were curious enough. Capt
Campbell gave us a ride of ten miles up the
river, and expressed regret that he could
not extend it to fifty miles. We had fine
view of the National Cemetery and of the
CITY of VicksbuIg. We returned TO the
wharf at few minutes after five O'CLOCK
when three hearty cheers were given FOL
Capt. Campbell and the r. Z. Lee, whicl
the Captain gracefully acknowledged. a
similar expression of gratitude and good
will was given Mr.. Lawrence as the tran
moved out tor jackson. We reached home
at half-past eight o'clock. 1t will be Ions
remembered day.
l We have made our sketch as briefas posi-
HE. The occasion abounded in incidents tina