Morning journal and courier., 1881-09-07
Groton Centennial.

A Grand Oceasion-Fifty Thousand PeO- ple Estimated InNeyvLondon and Groton A Great Day in the OId TOwns-The Many NOtabIss-The sham Battle-Dec- Orated BuildinRs-TheC Connecticut Na- tfonal Guard.
 NEW LONDON, Sept. 6. To the Editor of the JOURNAL AND COURIER:
 The dress parade last evening was pro- nounced excellent The distances were good and the men were very steady. The consol- idated bands gave forth g volume of sound that was inspiring and the whole effect was very fine.
 The camp was little noisy last night and the boys were too full of fun to keep quiet. It is stated that some of the boys visited the camp meeting which is in progress near the encampment, and returned with some tro- phies.
 There were but few visitors yesterday. l.. D. Chidsey of Stone. $ Ohidsey, F. c. Bush nell of J. D.. Dewell & Go and ex-Lieut. N. M. Bassett called on us and are greatly pleased with camp life. They remained over night and are loud in their praises of the treatment they received.
 The American band serenaded the Governor last evening, discoursing some very fine music.
 The officers of the Second regiment called on His Excellency during the evening The officers of the Third regiment called on Gen. eral Smith
 On account of the trip to Groton guard mount was ordered for 6:15.
 The detail from the Fourth regiment was Jako TaI o11 &o- ceed without them.
 Breakfast call was sounded at 6:30 and soon after o'clock the regiments started for the depot. The train consisted of forty plat form cars, fitted up with seats, and two loco motives.
 The Third regiment disenbarked at the culvert on the outskirts of New London, and personating the British forces under Benedict Arnold, marched up and took Fort Nonsense skirmishers were then thrown out and fol lowed up the hill by the main body captured the battery on the hill.
 Continuing up the main road they took Fort Manwaring where section of the bat tery was stationed as defence. From this point they advanced to Post Hill and after SAAo AOAO oA1CJ AOSbOA. SOOA d1GC1 the regiment proceeded to Groton to take part in the proceedings there. The rest of the brigade went through to Groton.
 The harbor presented beautiful appear tance.
 The gunboats Kearsarge, Wyoming, Min nesota, Constitution and Tennessee were stationed at intervals, and an endless number of smaller vessels filled every available place. All were gaily decorated with flags and the whole formed beautiful picture.
 The city was in holiday attire Profuse displays of bunting and elaborate decora. tions met the eye on all sides. Private resi-. dences were handsomely trimmed.
 The streets were crowded with strangers and all was hustle and excitement.
 Chief Webster and Detectives Brewer and Reilly were on hand and their services were greatly appreciated.
 General Sherman, Vice Admiral Rowan, Governor Bigelow and staff, Chief Justice Park and Judge Granger are among the prominent arrivals at the Crocker House.
 About noon the battle on Groton Heights began. Lieutenant T. H. Bliss, of the First U. s. artillery, had command of the garrison which consisted of B artillery and 125 in. fantry.
 The regiments began to close in, and soon captured gun which had been placed on the hill some five hundred yards southeast of the fort. the gunner escaping to the fort. The battery opened fire, and soon after the infantry poured volley into the advancing forces: The firing soon became general, and the roar was almost deafening.
 The Third regiment entered the fort through the pass on the north in double time, and immediately after the Second and Fourth regiments mounted the breastworks and the battle was over.
 This engagement was a very interesting feature to those who had never seen any thing of the kind and the veterans who were familiar with such scenes seemed to be in their element. It carried them back to former days, when they fought for all they loved and held dear.
 The arrangements were admirable and well carried out. As far as could be learned. no one was injured, and nothing occurred to mar the occasion.
 At one o'clock the men were marched to the dining tent, where the committee had provided bountiful spread which was fully appreciated.
 At 2 o'clock, in the pavilion, the exercises were carried out according to programme.
 At o'clock the troops returned to New London and took part in the parade.
 The boys returned to camp about o'clock pretty well tired out. It is safe to say that there will be no noise in camp tonight.
 The people who came from New Haven were unfortunate The Elm City did not ar- rive until two o'clock, being detained some three hours on account of the fog. The ex- cursion train, which should have reached New London at 9:3O, was overtaken at Stony Creek by the regular train and joined to it. At Saybrook several cars were taken on and at Lyme they were obliged to wait until an- other engine could be brought from New London to help them out. The train, con- sisting of three engines and thirty-nine cars, arrived about noon.
 Many of the people who came on the boat returned on the express. Mayor Robertson, nent citizens were among the disappointed ones.
 Captain Stevenson reached camp this even- ing completely tired out. The fact that so many men were moved safely and promptly to-day shows that he is the right man in the right place. He used the wires so much this forenoon that all commercial telegrams were delayed until noon.
 Quartermaster Redfeld wears that same genial smile for which he is noted. He has had great deal of hard work to do and has performed all his arduous duties promptly and satisfactorily. The officers and men thoroughly appreciate him.
 Press Dfspatch-Later-The Review and
 Evening illumination.
 NEW LONDON, Sept. 6.-The centennial celebration of the battle of Groton Heights, commonly called ''the Fort GriswoId mas sacre," commenced this morning under somewhat unfavorable auspices. The sky was overcast and a light fog prevailed. About 10 o'clock it lifted and the weather was very hot and sultry. Vast crowds were in attendance. Bunting of every shape and color is elaborately displayed everywhere, the City Hall, old court house, the New Lon don Northern R. R. building, the Crocker and Belden Hotels being prominent in this respect. Excursion trains and steamers brought large influx of strangers from various surroundings. At 5 o'clock minute ouns were continuously fired from Fort Gris=