The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1878-05-08

THE r. l.. 7. BLUES'S ANNIyERsARY.-The
invitations are out for the eighty-tfth ami
versary OF the old Blues, to be celebrated
May 10th at Clarke's Spring. Bless the gal
liant old corps! What a rush of associations
OF "auld lang syne" their cheerful greet
ing brings forth. We dare say that not
citizen of Richmond will behold
them sally forth this bright May
morn in their time-honored uniform,
with well.flled and well-driled ranks, but
will feel gratified at their prosperity and
proud ut the vigorous old age OF this time
honored institution Of the city. The Blues
have always prided themselves upon the
bounteous hospitality Of their entertain
ments. AS they are far the oldest military
organization in the State, their handsome
support from their very numerous eN-menl-
bers, and the large attendance of such, has
always made their reInions very delightful.
This years frolic promises to be one nowise
falling short OF its predecessors. They
will make a day OF 1t. At half-past 10
O'Clock A. NJ. they will assemble ut their
armory, and, headed by full band, parade
the principal streets, and thence proceed to
Clarke's Spring. With the olden-time re-
gard for etiquette, every officer OF the First
Virginia regiment is invited to attend in
uniform, and such as honor them with their
presence will be given the right OF the CO.
lumn in the procession. The civilian guests
will be provided with carriages, and will
follow immediately after the company. The
company will compete for the medal in
target-practice. The invited guests will
shoot for a handsome saddle OF lamb, in ac>
cordance with time-honored usage.
Through the kindness OF Quartcrmaster
Bigger, OF the regiment, tents and flies will
be spread upon the grounds, under which
the guests can retire from the heat Of the
sun or for games. Quoit-pitchng, glass
ball shooting, foot-racing, and other amuse-
ments will consume the day. a handsome
dinner will be spread in the open air. and
any man who attempts to speak will be tried
by court-martial and shot. 1t is understood
that the services OF judges Joseph Chris
tian, f. Fl. FitZhugh, b. r. Wellford,
George Christian, and E. c. Minor have
been engaged for the court-martial. Judge
Crump for the defence and Captain George
d. Wise to prosecute. A prominent lawyer
of the city has been selected as the victim,
and whether found guilty or not will be led
forth blndiolded and shot by file OF sol
diers.
At 5a O'Clock the company will drill upon
the lawn OF Clarke's Spring. and thence
march back to their armory and be dis
missed.
Mr.. John T. Rcgnault, an old Blue, lately
returned TO them q handsome solid silver
punch-ladle, presented about 1850 by the
Artillery Corps OF Washington Grays, Phil
adelphia. 1t has been preserved during all
these years by lady. This will be used
with the old Blues's bowl on the occasion.
Among those invited are President Hayes,
the Secretary OF War, Secretary Of Navy,
|
Twenty-Second New York regiment, Fifth
Maryland, Washington Light Infantry
Corps; Washington Light Infantry, Charles
ton; First City Troops. Philadelphia; An
cient and Honorable Artillery, Boston; Old
Guard, New York, and all the Virginia
military, besides some $50 or 200 OF our
| leading citizens.