Louisiana capitolian., 1880-07-03
ST. JOHNS DAY AT CLINTON.
A pLEAsuRABLE EXCURSION.

A PLEAsuRARLE EXCURSION.
Through thecourtesy ofsomef friends,
members Of Olive Lodge No. 81, F..
and A. NJ, Of Clinton, we had rceiv-
ed an invitation some two weeks ago,
to attend the grand ball, given in
honor Of st. Johns Day, OH the Oath
inst. The necessary arrangements
having been made to facilitate the
coming Of members ofthe Order from
this city and West Baton Rouge, we
determined to seize that good oppor-
tunity to pay visit to our charming
ncighboring town. :.
At2 a. H., we embarked on board
the tugboat, generously furnished by
Messrs. Wood and Wilney, in COM
pany with some twenty other excur-
sionists. The moon was shining
brightly and a cool breeze was break
ing the surface Of the waters as the
swift little vessel was steaming up
the broad Mississippi. Every man
was looking out forhimself. Old SOL
dier like, we assembled to the pilot
house on the hurricane deck, hoping
to find some secluded corner whereat
to enjoy quiet nap. Alas, Col. X.
had already preceded us and had un-
tremendously taken possession OF
the Pilots couch, under the plea OF
sickness. Pretty soon Judge W. ar
rived, followed by an officer Of the
law, whose good clothes were covered
by a long white duster. 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 he 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 lengt 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 ta1e seat alongside OF
us, where he could admire the poesy Of
the scene, to his hearts content. A
cup Of coffee was passed around to
all hands, andthe GesellshGG G(associa-
tion) was quieted. In the midst Of
pleasant conversation the whistle blow
for Lobdells Store for the purpose Of
taking aboard Blazing Star Lodge Of
West Baton Rouge. There was some
trouble in approaching the shore, SC
that Messrs. l.. X. LC. and two others
had to walk the plank while they held
on tightly to the end Of an umbrella
extended them from the boat.
Some of our excursionists had car
ried valises, trunks even, though fol
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 ont vial of per.
fume for the handkerchief, for the USE
! of the ''ladies' men, Of the party, anj
| a flask of ''red eye" for the others
OF course we wouldn't indulge, but
some did, who soon went asleep OIL
the bench till daylight, when Capt. 5
took compassion Of the group anG
passed around his lunch basket, the
! contents of which were demolished il
the most approved style. The effec'
was magical, everybody woke up il
| the best humor conceivable. We soo1
effected a landing at Slaughter's, a
the foot Of the Port Hudson Plateau
where some years ago Gen. Gardner
gallant command, behind earthworks
kept at bay Banks army for many
weeks. All around the historical sit.
can be seen the traces of the fortifica
tions behind which stood the heroi,
garrison, who after repe]liDs every
assault of the enemy, surrendered onl!
when hunger made it imperative st
to do. At 3, We took the cars for Gin
ton. All along the route we gazed a
green fields bearing splendid crops
also the pretty landscapes that greet
ed our eye at every turn.
Indeed the name Of Florida parishe
is not misappliel in relation to Eas
Baton Rouge and the. Felicianas
Undulating and fertile lands well tim
bered with pine, magnolia, oak ant