Louisiana capitolian., 1880-06-29
ST. JOHNS DAY AT CLINTON,
A pLEAsURABtE EXCURSION.

Through the courtesy ofsomo friends,
members of Olive Lodge No. 50, +.
and A. NJ, Of Clinton, we had recciv-
cd an invitation some two weeks ago,
to attend the grand ball, given in
honor Of st. Johns Day, on the Gath
inst. The necessary arrangements
having been made to facilitate the
coming Of members Of the Order from
this city and West Baton Rouge, we
determined to seize that good oppor-
tunity opay q visit to our charming
neighboring town. ,a t.h..
At2 a. H., we embarked OH board
the tugboat, generously furnished by
Messrs. Wood and Widncy, in COM
pany with some twenty other excur-
sionists. Tho moon was shining
brightly and cool breeze was break
ing the surface of the waters as the
swift little vessel was stcaming up
the broad Mississippi. Every man
was looking out forhimsclf. Old sol
dicr like, we assembled to the pilot
house on the hurricane deck, hoping
| to find some secluded corner whereat
to enjoy a quiet nap. Alas, Col. r.
had already preceded us and had un-
ceremoniously taken possession OF
the Pilots couch, under the plea of
sickness. Pretty soon Judge w. AZ
rived, followed by an officer of the
law, whose good clothes were covered
by q long white dustcr. With us they
viewed the Colonel in his snug nest.
He seemed to be too comfortably fixed
to be allowed to remain alone in his
glory, SO nc was informed that he
would not be permitted to rest in
peace, while others had to take spot
luck" While the situation was being
discussed at length and the lucky fel-
low was begging for mercy, two ladies
came up, when of course the Colonel
had to get up and come forward the
pilot house to take seat alongside of
us, where lie could admire the poesy of
the scene, to his hearts content. A
cup of coffee was passed around to
all hands, and the Gcsc1lshGG,( (associa
tion) was quictcd. In the midst of u
pleasant conversation the whistle blow
for Lobdelrs Store for the purpose Of
taking aboard Blazing Star Lodge of
West Baton Rouge. There was some
trouble in approaching the shore, SO
that Mcssrs. l.. X. LC. and two others
had to walk the plank while they held
Oh tightly to the end of an umbrella
extended them from the boat.
Some of our cxcursionists had cur
ried valises, trunks even, though for
a single days journey, whereas. We
had but an umbrella to care for. Col.
r. after while opened u carpet sack,
from which he took out q vial of per-
fumc for the handkerchief, for the use
of the "ladies' men" of the party, and
q flask Of "lcd eye" for the others.
Of course we wouldn't indulge, but
some did, who soon went asleep on
the bench till daylight, when Capt. s.
took compassion Of the group and
passed around his lunch basket, the
contents of which were demolished in
the most approved style. The effect
was magical, everybody woke up in
the best humOr conceivable. We soon
effected a landing at Slaughtcr's, at
the foot of the Port Hudson Plateau
where some years ago Gen. Gardncr's
gallant command, behind cartlworks,
kept at bay Banks army, for many
weeks. All around the historical site
can be seen the traces of the fortifca-
tions behind which stood the heroic
garrison, who after repclling every
assault of the enemy, surrendered only
when hunger made it imperative SO
to do. At 8, we took the cars for Clin-
ton. All along the route we gazcd at
green fields bearing splendid crops,
also the pretty landscapes that greet
ed our eye at every turn.
Indeed the name Of Florida parishes
is not misapplied in relation to East
Baton Rouge and the Felicianas.
Undulating and fertile lands well tim
bered with pine, magnolia, oak and
other useful trees, await the advent