The Portland daily press., 1877-08-09
". G. A and p. G.

| had several editions, revised and corrected =
of thunder storms, we concluded not to pitch ii
last evening, but depend upon the hospitality
| of Capt Strout for shelter from the storm.
| We could not have sought better haven. To
the untiring attentions of himself and family
we are very largely indebted, nothing being
left undone that could enhance our pleasure
and comfort. The soaking we all got, instead
of dampening, had an enlvening effect on the
| spirits of all. 1t would be difficult to crowd
more real enjoyment into the hours than we
| experienced last evening. Robinson seemed to
uncork himself for the occasion, and all the fun
and humor bottled up in that brain and heart
of his were freely dispensed to "wing with joy
the fleeting hours"
We have been told that you had no high
wind in the city at the time OF our mishap.
Here tornado ragged, accompanied with the
pattering of hail On little side hillock our
flagstaff was raised 1t was strongly guyed up,
and you would hardly believe that the wind
could have Frustrated it. But it was the first
thing that gave way. Then the tent began to
sway to and fro, and despite be efforts of dozen
men, down 1t soon came with crash. Brother
Lowell had rather narrow squeak as the
ridgepole in falling struck his hat, knocking
it from his head. OF course when the tent
came down we all went down with it, some
creeping under the table for the poor shelter
it afforded. The more I,think of the conduct
of the ladies-prostrated beneath the canvas.
deluged with rain, th5 lightning flashing, the
thunder pealing and the tempest howling-the
more admirable does it appear.
Last evening was wild one. There seemed
to be succession of thunder storms, some
coming down the Saco and some the Presump-
scot, and finally, meeting at Portland Head
they ragged battle with each other. The light
ming flashed necessarily and there was
continuous roar of thunder, while the rain fell
as if second deluge was at hand. Just before
the commencement of the storm ex-Collector
Washburn with his lady and daughter arrived,
and sought shelter with our host. They re-
manned with US two or three hours, and to
while away the time the boys treated them to
various part pieces from the Pirates glee
"Blow on, blow on" to, music of less
boisterous character, occasionally. introducing
some familiar hymn tune, in which all joined
singing with the spirit and the understanding
"'9O' NAAs Aoooi nSohs you AAaJ WIZ SoHS'o3 80
not backward in contributing to the fund of
enjoyment, giving US unnumbered specimens
of his NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS., sstories and songs,
ranging from the grave to the gay, from the
sublime to the ridiculous. Notwithstanding
the storm raging QUITO door, never did a party
more thoroughly enjoy themselves The ex-
Collector entered fully into the spirit of the
occasion. Before he left he remarked to US
that he now fully comprehended why the
V. G. AS looked forward with such interest to
their anniversary. His party left as in a lull
of the storm. But before they could have
reached home the elemental warfare recon-
menced with undated fury, and not little
anxiety was expressed in behalf of the party.
We had rather a late supper, owing to
general disarrangement of affairs, after which,
until the wee sma' hours, merriment was in
order, not boisterous, yet of character. though
quiet, decidedly side-splitting.
This morning the new tent was pitched, but
we took our breakfast in the light-keeper's
dwelling, and glorious Que it was, thanks to
the good offices of the lady of the house. A
heavy fog set in just then, and we were RECALLED
for some hours with the music of the fog-horn.
As variety is the spice of life, this fog-blanket
helped to season the experiences of this iaunt
of ours. 81
business meeting was called soon after
breakfast, at which w. A. Winship, G. o.
Leach and G. G. Tolman were chosen a COM
mittee to provide new tent for the associa-
tion. A vote of thanks was passed to "Mabep'
for her beautiful floral gift; also to retiring
Commissary Winship for the admirable and
every way satisfactory manner in which he had
discharged his duties Permit me to add that
the compliment was eminently a deserving one,
as all who are acquainted with that genial
gentleman, and his happy tact in the perform
ance of his official duties. will testify.
Among our guests at dinner today we had the
pleasure of welcoming the honorary member
for whom the camp was named, who was &C.
companied by Surveyor True, whose presence is
always hailed with hearty zest. The former
was greeted on his arrival and departure with
the usual round of cheers. Quite bevy of
young ladies with their gallants also visited us
and partook of a late dinner, the boys mean.
time rendering them a serenade. Our old visi-
tor, the fog. about this time took possession of
the camp. AS its company was not very desir-
able, at rather an earlier hour than usual pre-
parations were made for departure-the tents
struck. the colors lowered accompanied by the
cheers of the boys, each of whom, by the way,
wore badge made from the remnants of the
old tent, fancifully fashioned, and bearing ap.
bropriate devices and inscriptions, one of the
former being the representation of balloon
taking flight.
Att o'clock we all embarked in Chase's team
for home, rendering the keeper of the light and
his amiable family hearty cheer, which was
but feeble expression Of our sense of the kind
ness they had shown Us.
In closing my report az above, had suppos.
ed that the festivities of this anniversary were
over; that nothing remained but the ride home,
which we hoped would be speedily accomplish.
ed indeed our indefatigable commissary had
given the notice that the ''view upon the Ken
nebec'' would not be exhibited again until next
year. But we had not proceeded far upon our
way when the genial face of our friend, George
S. Hunt. ESQ.,, of your city, greeted US at the
entrance of his cottage by the sea, and with
words too persuasive to be resisted, invited US
to tarry awhile and partake of his hospitality.
The invitation could not be declined, and we
entered his hosptable mansion and received
from his family cordial welcome
1t soon became evident that the measure of
jollity had not been all exhausted under the
canvass. After partakng of bountiful COLA
ton, served by the ready hands of the ladies of
the house, an hour of song and story telling
passed most agreeably. II really seemed as
though the songsters of the club hado"tuned
their Tyres anew" and the "Larboard Watch
never heard the sororous "Ahoy" in more ring
ing tones than fell upon the delighted ears of
the listeners and the story of the Dutchmans
party, told especially for the children, will
cause them to remember with pleasure the &C.
casion which gave them an opportunity 70 post
pone to late hour 'the time for bed But
all things and times must end, so this, one of
the best times on the road, had its ending by a
speech of Commissary Winship, who, in we'll
chosen words in behalf of the CLUB, returned
thanks to our host and his family for their kind
reception and generous entertainment. we.
took our leave amid the kind adieus of the
friends who had added SO much to our pleasure,
and were soon driven to our homes. there to re-
ceve the welcome greetings of the loved ones