Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-09-17

Portland Light Infantry, 347
Crosby Guards, Hampden. 339
Biddeford Light Infantry, 33s
Jameson Guards, Bangor, 326
Mechanic Blues, Portland, 32O
Douty Guards, Dover, 3l2
Frontier Guards, Passport, 3l2
Waterville Light Infantry, 2s5
Montgomery Guards, Portland, PA
The Dexter company captured the first
prize, a group of statuarv entitled 1.-The
Council of War;" The Skowhegan Light
Infantry were awarded a Rogers group "The
Battle of Gettysburg" The Rockland COM
pany won the album. The Norway boys got
'Evangeline" in statuary, and the Gardiner
company will have ballot box to use in
their armory.
The CLOSING SCENE.
Another immense crowd assembled to wit
ness the formal closing of the Muster, in the
afternoon. The streets leading to the field
we're very dusty, and a canopy of mist hung
over the parade ground. At two o'clock the
guns of the battery belched forth their vol
legs, and the thick smoke blew across the
rain began to fall. Both regiments were
drawn up into line, and the CONSOLE
dated bands poured forth torrent of
melody. The artillery was drawn up at
ri ght angles with the first battalion. The d.
vision was formed by Assistant Adjutant Gen
eral ODonoghue. ''Prepare for review"
came the order from Major General Chamber
lain. The long line of men, straight as an
arrow, awaited the inspection. Then Gov
ernor Plaisted, mounted on a magnificent
iron grey charger, and staff, and General
Chamberlain and staff, rode down the lines.
The command then passed in review before
the Governor, and were next formed
in hollow square. At that in
slant the sun struggled through the clouds
and bathed the whole field in its glory. tip
ping bayonets with its CLEANS and surround
ing the banners with an aureole of fire. The
prizes to be awarded to the companies for
their proficiency in Workmanship, we're ar
ranged in the square in full view. The
Governor and staff and members of the Ex-
ecutive Council with Gen. Chamberlain and
staff. moved into the centre, and Governor
Plaisted, being introduced to the troops
said: Soldiers of Maine. / desire to
congratulate you. take deep
satisfaction in the result of this encampment.
In the short period in which you have been
on the Muster field, you have won the favor
of all men. But what would they say if they
should see you on the field OF battle! But
peace hath her victories no less than war;
and it is my high pleasure to present to you
the trophies which you have won.' His
Excellency then presented the banners and
other prizes to the companies, and the review
terminated.
Immediately after review the bugle sounded,
one gun from the battery was fired. and the
tents fell. This was beautiful spectacle,
and V as received with resounding cheers.
At four O'Clock the regiments formed into
line, preparatory to marching to the depot
The march Of the column from the Muster
field through State, Bridge and Water
streets to the depot. formed most i'm
prcssiva sight--a thousand uniformed
mon being in line, better drilled than when
they went into camp on Tuesday, and GER
,ainly with an added soldierly appearance
The column was headed by Major General
Chamberlain. and two superb bands furnish
ing stirring music. Thousands OF citizens
along the line of march viewed the gorgeous
n,geant. The various companies departed
for their homes on special trains, leaving
Augusta about six o'clock.
The Encampment has been successor. :.
every respect, and the troops are IN the oe''
of humor from the manner with which '"e'
have been treated. The weather mas oeen
uniformly fine. Good order has been pre-
.erved on the Muster ground and through
the city. There has been little insoxleat'0n
The Muster of 1881 can pass into history IL
a colossal success.