Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1878-06-25

AND INCIDENTS OF THE TRIP-HON
THE BOYS IN BLUE WERE ENTERTAIN
Il ED.
From the Lynchburg Virginian.l
This handsome company, numbering
some thirty-five men, rank anG file, un'
der command of Capt. Frank L. Lee
and accompanied by distinguished
honorary member, and few citizens
left for Staunton on the 1.20 o'clock train
last Thursday night to participate in the
memorial celebration which took place
the following day,-They were escorted
to the train by the Home Guard, who
through their commander, Col. Otey,
wished the boys in blue pleasant trip
to the little city in the valley and
safe return home. After a good de-
al of hand shaking and parting
farewell with their old Home Guard
friends, they boarded special coach
which was awaiting them, and were
soon gliding swiftly over the Midland
road with hearts full of joyous expecta-
tion at the many pleasures to be offered
the coming morn. The Danville Grays
were on beard and a general comming-
ling of the blue and the gray was very
pleasant They are fine looking body
of men, and their department during
the whole trip indicated that they were
gentlemen of the very highest order.
In couple of hours the train reached
charlottesville, where the special coach
| es were transferred to the G.. & O. rail-
road, and again the boys went on their
way rejoicing. AS the sun arose from
its eastern bed, casting radiance over
the beautiful and fertile valley, present.
ing such picture of peace and happi-
ness as was rarely ever before seen, the
beating of the long roll announced our
near approach to Staunton. On arriv-
ing at Staunton we were met by de-
tachment from the Stauntou Artillery
and Augustata Guard, who welcomed us
IN asklndlymanner, and offered the hos
pitalities of the city during our stay. The
companies were then marched to Grange
Hall, on Main street, one of the largest
and most commodious buildings we have
even seen, where bountiful repast was
set, to which full justice was done by
the soldiers. After partaking of this re-
past, they were marched back to the
Virginia House where comfortable
quarters were assigned them for the
day.
AT nine o'clock companies from Win
chester, Harrisonburg, Woodstock, and
other places in the valley, headed by
some four or five brass bands, arrived,
promising one of the grandest military
demonstrations ever witnessed in this
State. The little city was all ablaze
with excitement, and business was al
most totally suspended. Crowds flock
ed from every quarter, bringing with
them some floral offering to place on the
graves of the heroic dead. Banners and
flags OF all nations were floating to the
breeze cn the principal streets. Beauti-
| ful archways festooned with garIands,
upon which were appropriate inscrip-
ttions suchas these :"Dead yet they live"
ITO Our HOnored Dead" &c., spanned
the streets, and in all, the city present.
ed most beautiful spectacle. Prompt
ly at ten O'Clock, the procession began to
move, with the battalion of infantry in
front, headed by the old Stonewall Band
and under command of Major Burgess
of the Winchester Light Infantry. The
Blues next followed, and the military
part of the procession was brought up
by the Staunton Artillery. Then came
the different fire companies, benevolent
societies, public schools, citizens, on foot
DC. After parading through the prlnci-
pal streets, the procession wended its
way to the City Of the Dead, some two
miles distant from Staunton, where APP
propriate speeches were made by dis
tingulshed orators, and salutes fired by
the Infantry and artillery. AT the con-
clusion of the speaking the graves of the
brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives
for their country were strewn with
flowers, amidst the deafening roar Of
nusketry and cannon alike.
The ceremonies being concluded at
cemetery, the line Of march was taken
back to the city, after which the parade
was dismissed. After dinner the soldiers
visited the different places of interest in
suburbs, such as the Deaf. Dumb and
Blind, and Western Lunatic Asylums,
where we were greeted by all, especially
by that genial and pleasant gentleman,
Dr. Baldwin, of the latter institution
This institution has undergone decided
improvement in the past few months in
the erection of handsome left wing to
the main building, making it now one
OF the most complete in its appoint
ments we know Of Of course the boys
were not satisfied until general inspec.
ton was given the different female col
leGaa, and many were the compliments
showered upon the bold soldiers by the
fair sex. Later in the evening the old
Stonewall Band discoursed sweet music
to 8 large assemblage on Main street !;
conspicuous among them was the gall
liant captain of the Blues, who being
so infatuated with the sweet strains of
that grand old Band, that he extended
them cordial invitation to visit our
city at the approaching Fair, and be
the guests of his company, which was
accepted. Thisis one of the finest bands
in the State, and will doubtless attract a
large crowd. The military are also ex-
I TNnatAI .irrI1L I'll
somely Illuminated with calcium lights.
and fire works were in abundance.
The long roll was beat at II o'clock,
and with sorrowfIl hearts the Blues
marched thence to Grange Hall to par
take for the last time of the generous
hospitality of the good people Of Staun-
ton. On arriving at the Hall, Col. E.
E. Portlock, in behalf of the Blues,
stepped 10 the front and in chaste and
elegant little speech, thanked the mill.
tary for the abounding hospitality they
had shown the military of Lynohburg,
assuring them that the visit TO Staunton
would long be remembered by the Blues,
and hoping that at some future day
they might be able to reeiprocate by
having the Staunton Military In the
Hill City. After the conclusion of Col.
Portlock's speech, Mr.. Hutchings, of
the Danville Grays, made a few we'll
timed remarks full of gratitude for the
kindly manner in which his company
had been entertained. The two comma
MES then marched to the depot where
they took the train for home. Captain
Bumgardner, Colonel Harman, Captain
Fultz, and other citizens acting as es-
corts. The Blues arrived in the city at
} 5:S5 Saturday, and after giving three
cheers for the Danville company, march
ed to their armory, headed by Company
P, composed of the citizens who accom-
panied them on their trip, where.they
were dismissed. Thus ended one of the
most enjoyable occasions our boys have
ever had. Long may it remain fresh
in their memories. The Blues desire to
return their sincere thanks to Mr.. G. NJ.
[ ROrum A oent of the Midland railroad