National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1875-05-07
THE MADRIGAL BOYS.
Their Visit to Mount Vernon a Pleasant
Event.

Their Visit to Mount Vernon a Pleasant
Event.
Through kind invitation Of Capt. Frank Hol-
Iingshead, commander Of the steamer Arrow,
the "Madrigal Boys" now singing at FOrd's
opera house, under the charge Of Mr.. Williams,
visited Mount Vernon yesterday morning. The
little fellows were early at the boat, and while
waiting for the hour Of departure they amused
themselves by fishing from the wharf In sddi-
ton to these there were as passengers about
seyepty.fiv ladies and gentlemen, composed of
some Of the most prominent citizens Of Washing
ton and Georgetown. At 10 O'Clock the whistle
alter the ARROW had got under way the boys
sung several songs in the most pleasing manner.
Captain Frank with his usual thoughtfulness
concerning the pleasure Of his passengers, had
the upper deck cleared, and to the music Of
string band. dancing was enjoyed until nearing
Mount Vernon, when the boys TOOK possession Of
ner and America, at the same time the bell Of the
steamer was tolling.
The effect was grand. When the boat reached
the wharf at Mount Vernon the boys sung
another patriotic air; after which the passengers
were received on the wharf BY Colonel Holdings
worth, superintendent Of the estate, and escorted
10 the tomb. There the boys formed IN line in
front of the gateway, and sung an anthem. He
next took them to the mansion, and, after show
ing them the relics therein, he took them over
the grounds. The boys then returned to the
dining-room Of the mansion, and sung several
more airs in such q mastery style as to receive
the front portico, and sung another song; after
which they strolled over the grounds and enjoyed
themselves in various ways. A large portion Of
the passengers who had brought lunehcons with
them collected in groups under the shade OF the
time honored oaks, and ate the contents Of their
baskets. The boys were provided, through the
courtesy Of Colonel HollingsHorth, with meals
in the lunch room, aud the little fellows were
provided with all they desired. On the conclu-
sion Of their meal they sang another song: afCer
which they went in search Of trophies, and every
boy could shortly be seen with stick In his hand,
which he was whiting.
The picnic parties were not so successful for be-
fore they got through with their meals tremen-
dous hail storm came up and caused q general
scattering for the houses. The storm was fearful
and lasted fully fifteen minutes Jumps OF hail as
HollingsEorth was soon on the scene and made
those disturbed as comfortable as they desired TO
be. When the storm ceased the visitors again
strolled over the grounds and enjoyed themselves
until the hour for returning home. On the way
up the boys sang many songs, and the other
passengers seemed by their manner never TO
grow tired. The boys were frequently eongrat-
ulsted, and all throughout the trip they behaved
in the most handsome manner. After the wharf
was reached in Washington, as each passenger
disembarked they thanked Captain Frank for his
kindness and attention, and each and all ex-
pressed themselves to the effect that Frank was Q
good fellow and knew how to provide for the
comfort and pleasure OF his passengers. But one
opinion was expressed, and that was that the ex-
cursion was IN every respect one Of the most
agreeable and that the Arrow was noble craft.
estate have undergone many Improvements, and
Colonel HolIingSWorth purposes making them
still more beautiful and attractive than they are
at present.