Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1877-07-10

ton Artillery to Covington, on The Fourth of
July, Grand Success.
The excursion of the military of staunton ac-
companied by the Monticello Guard of Char
louisville and the Charlottesville Brass Band
to Covington on the 4th inst, carried about four
hundred people from our city, and was in
creased along the route. - ff-ss.-. - I
The train left here q few minutes after six
with as merry party of delighted maidens and
admiring youths as did ones heart good to see
together, and besides there was no lack of older
persons who lent the. dignity of their greater
number of years to the pleasure Of the trip
With merry laugh, bewitching smiles and gay
conversation the few hours to Covington were
whiled away.
Arriving there at half-past nine o'clock, the
train was soon emptied, and the military COM
panies, forming into line, were received by
committee of the citizens of Covington, which
was courtesy as much unexpected as appre-
ciated; though it was a mere intimation of the
numerous other acts of kindness, courtesy, and
thoughtful attention, which our military and
citizens received during the day, at the hands
of the kind-hearted and hospitable citizens Of
Covington.
The military marched from the depot to the
Courthouse yard, where under the spreading
branches of an ancestral elm, large enough to
shelter three or four hundred persons from the
heating rays of a July sun, the military broke
ranks, and an address of welcome was delivered
by Robt. L. Parrish, ESQ.,, Commonwealth S
Attorney for Allegheny county. The address,
short, neat, appropriate land patriotic, was
listened to with marked attention and greeted
with hearty applause.
The military, after refreshing themselves with
cooling draughts from the barrels of ice-cold
water, which the Thoughtful attention of the
citizens of Covington had prepared for them,
again formed into line and marched into an
open campus when having formed into bat
talon Of four companies, were drilled for a
short time by Capt. c. G. Wertenbaker, of the
Monticello Guard. Though it was the first time
that either the Charlottesville or Staunton
company had been put through battalion drill,
they did very well and were highly compli-
mented by Capt. Wertenbaker at the close of
the drill.
In the meantime many of the citizens re-
paired to the Courthouse, where the second
floor had been prepared for dancing, and during
the rest of the day all who chose enjoyed them
selves in threading the maZes of the joyous
dance to strains of music from Coontz's string
band.
At the McCurdy House most excellent din
ner had been prepared by the proprietor, and
though the crowd present was much larger
than had been anticipated, all succeeded in
getting good dinner at the moderate price of
fifty cents. Rooms were also furnished at low
rates. and everything was done by the gentle
manly and efficient clerks for the comfort and
accommodation of their numerous guests.
The evening was pleasantly spent in fishing
boating, bathing and dancing as the choice of
each one prompted.
TARGET PRACTICE.
In the afternoon Capt. Parrish, whose cour-
teous attentions were the theme of praise by
all the excursionists, conducted the two infan-
try companies to their target ground at one end
of the town, while the artillery was shown
theirs by the committee at the other end near
the depot. The artillery target was set up on
the opposite side of the river and $500 yards
distant each member taking shot with {. Alb
ball. The target was struck three times by Ser
gent Cook, E. r. Moon and ]. A. Newman, the
last named being an old artillerist, but not a
member of the company. Private Moons shot
was the best one and was also his first shot
with a cannon. He received the medal, silver
Maltese cross with ''Best Shot" on one side and
y "Staunton Artillery" on the other. It was a
present of Capt. A. II. Fuitz to his company.
The Monticello Guard shot for a prize offered
by Capt. Bumgardner, and the West Augusta
Guard for prize offered by Capt. Wertenbaker.
Private W. 7. McCue of the West Augustus, q
son of Judge John H. McCue, won the prize of
the West Augustus, a box of fine cigars, and
made the best shots that were made by both
companies during the day. Private w. Q. Wat
son, a son of Judge Watson OF. Charlottesville,
won the prize of the Monticellos, which was a
demijohn of"old Bumgardner." Corporal Tom
Burke of the West Augustus got the leather
medal for the worst shot. ert.
Just before the hour of departure the COM
panies were drawn up in front of the McCurdy
Hotel and Capt. Wertenbaker delivered an adj
dress of thanks on behalf of the military and
citizens ofStaunton and Charlottesville for the
many courtesies and acts of kindness and
hospitality shown them during their visit.
Being loudly called for Capt. James Bumgard-
ner, Jr., of Staunton, added few words of
thanks on behalf of the West Augusta Guard,
to which company he had once belonged.
Three cheers and tiger were then given for
the people of Covin:gton, the companies en-
barked and soon the iron-horse was speeding
the happy visitors away from this pleasantlittle
town on our western borders. 7fi .Da
The train reached here at 10 P. M. and the
Charlottesville visitors went on two hours later
New FLoUR!-The first new flour of this sea-
son was sold in this market last week. Mr.. C.