The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1876-08-25
A PEACEFUL MIDNIGHT MARCH by MEMBERS OF
THE SEVENTH REGIMENT.

A PEACEFUL MIDNIGHT MARCH BY MEMBERS OF
THE SEVENTH REGIMENT.
People returning from tho theatres last night were
surprised TO largo body of men marching silently
along the srccts in column of fours. Tramp.
tramp, they moved forward evidently under
direction Of supcrors w Broadway from
Union square until they arrived at
Twcrty-sccond street, through which the
litle army marched to Sixth avenue, and thence 70
Twonty. third street. Suddenly marking tme in tho
shadow of tho houscs, tho strange company waited
until Grnfullas Seventh regiment band had taken up
position front of tho house No. 100 West Twenty.
third street. Then three calcium lights suddenly
flashed their brilliant rays ON tho sccnc and II waa
discovered that the serenads to Captain
George William Smith, commanding the Eighth Com.
pany Of the Seventh regiment
Captain Smith has for many years been conspicu-
feature of tho Seventh, having held his present
rank in the Eighth company Tor thirteen years. after
commanding other companies In the same regiment.
or late years he has been tho senior captain,
succeeding Colonel Shumway in taking tho right Of
tho line. or commanding presence and bearing
markablo resemblance to tho lato Major General
Meade, It n pleasant sight to Captain Smith
marching at the head of his company Ho
entered the Seventh regiment In 1885, and
has been In active service since. But
no has retired by rcsigning his commission, and
tho scrcnadc night tho purpose OF inducing
hun reconsider his action, and remain with tho
command he has been SO long connected with.
Tho band played very iinc selection OF music, tho
sweet strains attracting an immense crowd OF curious
spectators. The number OF the sercnadcrs about
800, the eighth company being joined by members
IRON other companies in making the demonstration.
\ committee, consisting OF Mcssrs. John X. An.
drews Charles Francis Bcebo and J. L. Camerdau,
went present the request on behalf Of tho menu
bers The banc struck up ''Sod Men to tho Front"
Us the Committee entered During tho conferences
they played FIFTY Years Ago" "Hold tho Fort"
and "a medley Of enivening airs. This
followed BY cheers and tho "histl BOOM hal"
familiar among colcgans. The committee made
long delay, during which limo the music continued,
alternating with cneers from the invariably
Guiding with The vocal pyrotechnics Loud cries
made for Captain Smith, but he made no appearance.
One hundred and eight ratified railing
and sidewalk and cheer followed cheer, but
Captain Smith. rho boys began to be impatient
Grafula to play almost Persuaded" I've Meet Thee
Every Hour !" &c. Captain smith finally appeared on
the balcony, attended by tho committee. He
greeted with loud cheering and another display vocal
fireworks lie expressed his thanks for tho spirit
shown with regard himself and thanked the
assembly heartily for the compliment paid him
BY their presence. Hc reminded them OF
what they had the past, and believed there
talent enough among them not only to retain tho
standing they had gained In tho past nut do greater
things for themselves IN the futurc. He took his
leave of them with kndcst wishes their prosperity
His adverse decision made the boys feel badly, but
they chccrcd him again aud dispersed to tho music OF
'Auld Lang Sync."