The National tribune., 1882-05-20
DISTINGUISHED GUESTS.
A DELAWARE CAMPFIRE,
Special Correspondence National Tribune.

WILMINGTON, DEL, May 16.-An open Camp
fire was held al the Opera House in this city,
under the auspices of Smyth Post, few even
inss since and proved signal success. Theaudi-
torium was filed with members of the Grand
Army and their friends, and the exercises were
of the most entertaining character The cere-
monies commenced with the bugle call, by
Prof. Ellinser, which Was followed by some ex-
cellent music by the City Cornct band A
chorus sang Come with the Gypsy Bride"
The Painter Of Seville" was recited in an ex-
cellent manner by T. o. Cooper. Little Ada
Jones, of Philadelphia, sang "God Save Our
President" which was received with round
after round of applause, and the little song
stress was compelled to come out for the third
time to satisfy the audience. The guard was
then relieved by the firing party of the Post,
and the chorus, under the leadership of Mr..
Shank, sang Little Mountain Church, Miss
Laura 4. Bigger rected, in an effective mannor,
Searching for the Slain"
Master Frank Thompson recitcd "Our Boys
in Blue" and was loudly applaudcd Mr..
Shanks chorus again appeared and sang "List
to the Trumpet" An eloquent address was
made by Past Commander J. Wilson Norris of
Philadelphia, which was followed by Miss Big
ger, in The Bird Song" and in response to
the applause she gave The Lady Euctionecr,"
and upon being called cut the third time, sang
WAS it Fair" The tattoo taps wero then
sounded, and the grand rounds made. After
music by the band the second part OF the pro-
gralnme was commenced by Past Department
Commander w. S. McNair, who then announced
that he came as substitute for Colonel Albert
s. Nones, who was unable to be present. Cen
cral McSair, on behalf of J. Paul Brown who
furnished the picture and the Ladies AuIil-
iary Corps who had it framed, presented to
the Post Il beautiful crayon portrait of General
Thomas A. Srnyth, after whom the Post is
named. The General made few appropriate
remarks, and the gift was received on behalf
of the Post by Commander Thomas \. KeabIcs,
who replied in a fitting manner. Charlie d.
Rhoads as an aged negro, came Iimping in and
was halted by the guard, who would not allow
him TO pass until he had called the corporal Of
tho gard, and the latter prevailed upon him
to give song, which was cncored He was
followed by Prof. Ford, who told the people
81 How Ruby Played" and for an encore gave
Brother Watkinss Farewell Sermon" which
brought down the house. The fayorite little
Ada Jones then appeared in a long train dress
and sang "Awfully Awful" which was received
with shouts OF laughter and prolonged applause,
during which she came out again as a Young
man of the period, and sang Lardy Dab " and
another selection. The guard was relieved. |
and while the curtain was down the tableaux
for the presentation Of the stand of colors was !
formed. When the curtain was raised a detail |
Of tho members OF the Post was arranged in : !
scmcirclc each bearing a handsome silk CORPS
flag, the one at each end bearing guidon. !
The set of flags consisted OF Post, National and
State flags, Of the regulation size, twenty-five |
corps flags, and two markers or guidons The !
Post flag is Of fine white silk with blue silk |
fringe. 1t has the regulation Grand Army |
badge in the centre and the name OF the Post |
on scrolls above and beneath. The staff is sur |
by gilt spear. The National and |
State flags are OF the finest material and manu-
facture and trimmed with yellow silk fringe.
The coat Of arms upon the blue silk field of the |
State flag is admirably executed and the flag |
is also lettered with the name Of the Post. The |
stats of the National and State flags are sur
mounted by gilded eagles. The cords and tas-
sells of the three large flags are OF blue and
white silk, and each staff bears a silver plate
with the following inscription:
presented by the Ladies' Auxiliary Corps
to General Thomas A. Smyth Post No. l, De-
of Delaware, G. A. r., May s, 1882"
The guidons are Of blue silk bearing the
name of the Post in gilt letters The CORPS
flags are Of different coors of silk, bearing corps
marks in red, white, and blue to represent the
divisions in which the members
served.
Corporal James A. Tanner, of BROOKLYN, n.
T., who lost both his limbs at the battle of Bull
Run, made the presentation speech on behalf of
.he Ladies' Auxiliary Corps. The colors were
received by Commander Keablcs, on behalf of
,ho Post, in a brief and appropriate speech
Miss Laura Bigger sang Flag of tho Free"
D. l.. LeGraHgc gave an original poem, The
Brandywine by Moonlight" and Miss Bigger
end 'Arche Dean" The chorus then sang
Good Night" and the band played as the au-
licnce dispersed.
Letters of regret at their inability to be
present were read from a number of distin-
yuished members of the Order. Secretary of
Var Lincoln said: