The Portland daily press., 1878-06-07

For the first time for dozen years the Port.
land Light Infantry were enabled to celebrate
their anniversary without a rainy day. The
weather man seemed yesterday to try and
make up for any shortcomings in the past, and
there can be no doubt of his success in this
direction. The morning opened clear and
pleasant, with cool breeze, which continued
throughout the day. The Infantry were early
at their armory, where they received their
invited guests and honorary members They
were honored with the presence of Benjamin
Ilsley, who was formerly commander of the
company, and also served in the war of 1872.
The procession formed soon after o'clock in
Market Square, and headed by the Cadet
band, marched through Congress, Exchange
and Commercial streets to Custom House
wharf Capt. 1lsley, Gen. Jonathan Smith, a
former commander of the company, and Gen.
s. J. Anderson occupied carriage in the pro-
cession. Arriving at the wharf, the entire
party embarked on the good steamer Henrietta,
Capt. Kicker, and soon were on the way to
Little Chebeague The run to the island was
short and very pleasant. Arriving on the
island, the Sunnyside House was soon reached
and Landlord jerks invited all to partake of a
hearty breakfast. The sail down the harbor
had given the company good appetites and they
fell to in remarkably clever manner. The
feast lasted for about an hour, and then came
various out of door sports. A small game of
base ball between the active and honorary
members took up good portion of the time.
The target practice was, however, perhaps. the
most interesting. Both the active and honor
airy members had targets and they blazed away
with great delight. With the actives there
were twenty-four men fred. Only one
man, Capt. jackson, made bulls eye. E e.
Littlejohn, however, scored the most points (1O)
and took the first prize, while J. 7. Carter
followed with nine scores and took the second
prize. Both of them were gold medals. G. A.
Dow bore off the leather medal for making the
poorest shot in the actives. With the honor
aries there were a number of contestants.
Col. Cobb took the frst prize. fine gold cross,
and Dr.. Edward Mason the second. Mr..
Joseph Stickney took the leather medal for the
poorest shot.
A special prize was offered for the best
shooting at 200 yards. There wers eleven con-
testants, but e. T. Cook carried off the prize,
scoring II in five shots out of possible %.
The honorary members effected permanent
organization By the choice of Gen. s. J.
Anderson, President; Chas. E. Somerby, Secre-
tary and Treasurer.
A second boat from the city at o'clock took
down few stragglers who could not get away
in the morning, and on the arrival at the
island grand dinner was served. This meal,
like the former one. occupied considerable
time, and when it was completed outdoor
sports were resumed. Football appeared to be
a favorite practice, and actives, honoraries and
invited guests Joined alike in the exercise
Thus passed the afternoon until six O'Clock,
when the sound of the bugle called the COM
pany together and the line of march was taken
for the wharf. The steamer arrived at the
city at 6. As and the company marched to their
armory and were discharged 1t was one of
the best excursions that the company have
ever enjoyed. The Cadet band, recently or
ganized, furnished excellent music on the
occasion. Chas. W. Bean oficiated as drum
m aior.