Daily Republican., 1879-08-13
IETTER FROM DELAWARE CITY.
A Grand hall At the FOrt-Peaehes
q Rartty-A Midnight Serenade
Delaware City Girls and Thor
Attractiveness, &c.

Delaware City Girls and Their
I. Aitractivoness, &c.
Special Correspondence &c.
DELAWARE Cry, Aug. 18th, '79.
About one Of the most agreeable re-
unions, or rather hops, of the season,
came off on Thursday evening last
The steamer "Nellie Prior" took over
to Fort Delaware the c. G. c. Club,
and their friends. The boat was not
only filled, but crowded, there being
scarcely standing room. Upon enter
ing the dancing hall at the Fert, was
soon convinced that the ladies and gem
tlemen of the Island had not been idle,
and in anticipation of a happy time
with the excursionists from Delaware
City, they had tastefully festooned and
decorated the aforesaid hall. The grand
march was led by Mr.. Frank Kirby end
Miss Mollie Frarier, no less than 60
couple participating. Dancing was
kept up until 3 o'clock on Friday
morning, and such dancing! To wit
ness it made my blood tingls with re-
newed life, and l was almost sorry that
| had crossed the rubicon. Previous
to leaving the Fort vote of thanks
was unanimously given to Sergeant
Maxwell, for the royal manner he
treated his guests.
Notwithstanding the severe physical
exercise gone through with by the ex-
cursionists, they gave no sign, as they
passed through the postern gate home.
ward bound, that they were in the
least fatigusd, but silvery toned laugh
ter from maidens tair, rose and fell on
the morning air, whilst their gay gal
lants trudged along with merry mirth
and cheerful song. Altogether glo-
rious time was had, not what people in
Wilmington call glorious, for very
many Of your people cannot have what
they call a glorious time unless they
fill themselves full to overaowing with
that which Shakespeare called-when
he had no other name for it-devil.
The excursionists did not court his &C.
quaintance.
Peaches around Delaware City
are a rarity. l have not as
yet seen any Of this delicious ar.
ticle, though am told few have
made their appearance in aristocratie
portions of the town. Prices are OF
course high, so high that your humble
correspondent has not the most remote
thought of indulging in the luxury, un-
less some one should, in the generosity
Of his heart, present him with a basket.
Oh, shoe fly! Whilst on the subject Of
high prices, ms.y as well mention that
there is scarce an article purchased but
what we are compelled to pay at least
one or two cents more on the pound
than we did in Wilmington, most es-
pecially is this noticeable in the staff
of life. Loaves that we paid in Will
mington three cents piece for are
nearly double the size they are here
for the same price. The price of meat ii
even worse than that of bread. Stew
ing pieces that you pay from seven te
nine cents a pound for in Will,
mington, we are compelled to pay
twelve and half cents for. II this is
not extortion, it looks very much like
it.
No wonder people get rich here, and
rear their sons and daughters in idle
ness. What is most especially needed
here is competition if few live men
were to come here, especially butchers
and bakers, they would not only make
money, but considerably change the
manner of doing business in every 9TH
or branch. | am opposed (and so ought
every one to beg to monopolists every
business man should bs allowed to
make a fair profit, but he should ask
his conscience few questions before
he extorts money from those who are
compelled to purchase from him or 60
without those things they need.
On Wednesday, at the witchiny hour
of night, when ghosts and hobgoblins
are supposed to hold high carnival,
and when and the madam, and our
little olive branches were fast locked in
the arms of morpheus, we were suddenly
aroused by sweet strains of music that
tloated on the midnight air. The mad
sm is a great lover of music, and as
soon as he brought back her wander
ing thoughts to the fact that she die
not dwell in marble halls, she wa'
about to rush to and open the door "er
dishabille. imagining that the enchant
ing sounds proceeded from some bant
on board of one of the many boats tina
pass up and down tle canal, imme
mediately in front of our domicil.
restrained her from opening tn
door, and we were soon convinced tha
the serenade was actually intended 70
us, as Kirby's Quartette Band was per
forming some of the sweetest airs OF
their instruments we ever listened to
| A. R. Kirby. the leader, handled tn
' bow in a manner that would have dom
credit to any Professor; he made hi
> violin almost talk. J. Cook, in
, matchless manner, played second vic
! lin, and Il. Van Culn on the bass violil
t is not to be excelled. G.. E. Clarl
: touched the keys of the cornet in
mastery manner, ana prougnt oll
every note perfect. The performer
were of course invited in, and after be
ing seated we listened with rapt atteh
ton to several more enchanting tunes
and my only regret is that Twas so com
pletely taken by surprise that l wa
unable to have set-out. This band i
engaged by all the parties that com
off here.
Yesterday the weather was quit
, chilly here, and heavy clothing wa
not at all uncomfortable, and even no'
while | write il is still rather chilly
and lads and lassies are promenadinl
our streets in their best bibs and tuck
ers.
DR.. Mitchell, formerly of your city
has located himself here, and has al
r raadv secured a fair practice. Til,