The New York herald., 1879-07-06
MILITARY ExcURsIoNIsTs.

THE EIGHTH REGIMENT UNABLE TO LAND AT
TIE LONG BRANCH PIER-RoCKAwAY TAKEN
BY sURPRIsE-A BALL ON PIER NO. l NORTH
RIVER.
About two thousand men, women and children,
bent upon having their holiday at Long Branch.
were on board the Plymouth Rock yesterday morn
ing when she lett her wharf. In addition to these
the Eighth regiment National Guard. Colonel Scott
commanding for whom the excursion had been
principally arranged. went on board at the foot of
Twenty-second street. with drums beating and ban
ners flying. also determined upon spending the day
at the Branch. where all sorts of preparations had
been made for their reception. The depart
ure from the city was marked by con-
siderable enthusiasm. not only on the part
OF the military. but also among civilians. All
went along merrily until the Narrows were reached
when suddenly word was sent around by Captain
Martin that no landing could be made 1t the Long
Branch pier. the sea being too heavy. That the
latter was fact needed announcement. for those
who had walked observantly through the saloons
and cabin had noticed that Neptunc's victims
quite the reverse of what might expect %
holiday excursion. while outdoors in front Of tho
% Slowly but steadily q large. angry crowd.
apparently bent ON mischief. They had paid
to go & to Long % Branch; and ID to the B.. Branch
"Then take us to Sandy Hook. The Captain replied
that he would take them to Rockaway. where they
could enjoy themselves to their hearts content.
This raised another storm. in the midst OF which
gentleman who said he WAS a physician threatened
to bring suit for damages. The noise became louder
and angrer until finally q compromise ju-
diciously effected and word was once more sent
around that after landing mt Rockaway the steamer
would 20 to Sandy Hook and leave the Long Branch
passengers the dock. Colonel Scott, Lieutenant
Colonel Schilling and Major Young among the
passengers ana told them that they themselves
disappointed. but would surely have good time at
Rockaway.
MANRUvRED SHORE
When the regiment disem ked not moie than
hundred passengers cared 10 go to the Branch or
course Rockaway Beach suddenly burst out in ban
ners, doomed its cannon and became intensely en-
along its ricketty piers. A dress parade had to bo
given before the hour of return. anu while the beach
lined by thousands of people Colonel Scott put
his through u series of manuuvres, quite diff
cult owing to- the depth OF the sand. The return
trip made without particular incident and when
anxiously waiting there to join IN the grand mill
tary ball. ....
This was. indeed moet unique affair. The pier.
which is the best in the city. had been cleared OF
merchandise and freight. and over hundred police
guarded the Chinese lantern aud the festooned
platform that had been erected. Once landed. the
Eighth regiment formed square, and Colonel scott,
in the OF his regiment. thanked the owners
the Plymouth Rock for their courtesy The two
bands assembled on the platform, and all the boys
dance, even before the calcium light was
lit. by eleven o'c.ock the entire lower part
OF the city appeared TO be the floor
of the novel ballroom, and there
end to the quadrllc sets. to the gaops and to the
First ward mazurkas and polkas too. The sabbath
the Eighth ,ment had recovered their arms from
the Plymouth Rock the religious sentiment OF the
downtown masses forbade them to indulge longer
In the mazes OF the waltz