The Portland daily press., 1876-08-02
v. G. A. and p, G.


Chow happy they,
Who from the toll and tumut of their lives
Steal to look down where naught but ocean strives
From our heart of hearts do we respond to
this sentiment of Byron. All through the late
swetering season, dwelling as we did in one of
the hottest places this side of-well, suppose
that we say purgatory,-we have been longing
for and dreaming of the sea and the old camp
ground; and here we are this fine morning on
the verge OF old ocean, amidst the rugged seem
cry of the coast, with the familiar surf churn-
ing near and afar, and the familiar roar
resounding in our ear. Sight aud sound how
grateful he only can fully appreciate who has
been for long time debarred from their en-.
joyment.
A "new departure" was taken by the club
this season. Instead of starting in the early
morning of the ''day we celebrate, as has been
our wont, this year we started for camp at six
o'clock of the afternoon previous. This inno-
walton. which strikes US favorably, is one OF
many pregnant signs that the Veterans, as they
increase in years, have growing disposition to
avoid every possible discomfort in their holt
day season. As with youth generally, in their
more juvenile days they were apt to make a
toll of pleasure but wisdom has come with
gray hairs, and the elders of the club now seek
| to make the most of their brief breathing
| SPELL" by avoiding all undue excitement, and
like sensible men by enjoying to the full theil
otiuna cum dignitate.
We had fine ride out last evening, making
brief halt before the residence of the late
Capt Waldron and singing "Auld Lang Syne. u
The first thing in order on our arrival was tent
pitching. This being centennial year an extra
tent was provided by our worthy commissary-
one of the mammoth order, capable of seating
about one hundred and fifty at table. The old
tent looks like pgmy in comparison. 1t was
| late before things were got into shape-quite
o'clock before the welcome call to supper was
made, and full midnight before the members
began to think of turning in. From the spirit
| manifested the Veterans really seemed to have
taken new lease of life. The bursts of laugh.
| ened the fish in the neighborhood, for not a
Gunner could be caught from the rocks this
| morning. Mr.. Robinson, the guest of the
club, contributed largely to the sport of the
evening. You may be sure the fun did not
cease with our retiring, but was kept up in a
| quiet way through the night.
Notwithstanding our late vigils we were ali
| up bright and early this morning. rejoicing in
the perfection of the weather. for which vote
of thanks was passed to OH Prob Since day.
light there has been a constant passing of yes.
sells, the ocean in every direction being thckly
dotted with them. At 10 o'clock in the fore.
noon the regular meeting of the club took
place. Letters were read from absent mem
bers, and the Secretary and Treasurer made
their reports. The finances of the club, we are
happy to state, are in very prosperous condi-
ton. A communication was received from
Stephen H. Tarbell, Esq, of Boston, begging
the club to accept an accompanying fag-a fine
American ensign. A vote of thanks was pass
ed to the gentleman, after which the flag was
run up amidst the cheers of the members
Following this came the election of officers
We append the list: Commissary, William A.
Winship; Vice Com, G. O. Leach; Treasurer
Samuel Thurston; Secretary, Henry G. Lowell
Secretary Boston Branch, II. S. Edwards
Firemen E. P. Staples, f. A. Lsavitt; Water
men, G. q. Tolman, F. 81. Cloyes; Potato
Slicer, VIM. Ross. Jr.
On motion of Brother Smith it was voted
that the camp be named in memory of the late
Henry Robinson.
After the adjournment of the meeting the
members disposed of themselves as inclination
prompted, all in the best humor to enjoy to the
full the beautiful weather with which we are
favored. There is quite full delegation of the
club present, among them brother Eaton of
Cambridge, who is seldom if ever absent from
our gatherings, and Edwards of Natick, whom
we greatly missed last year.
Cunners and clam chowder were the staple
articles at our noon-tide meal, the latter gotter
up in Commissary Winship's unrivalled style
Little MabePs beautiful floral tribute gracet
the dinner table as usual, for which she receiv
| ed the accustomed vote of thanks.
AS close my report, the members are scat
tered here and there, all making the most Of
our pleasant holiday. PIC.