The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1883-05-26

Joined their voices with them in song and
mirth, were absent yesterday, never NOR,
to answer to the cali OF their names. or re.
spond TO sentiment offered by the LIVING
still there was good attendance. and even
on the $3.50 boat which left the Old.Domln.
ion wharf there was goodiy number who
went oI.t with the commissariat. These
gentlemen were on barge, which was
towed TO "Wilton on the James, and
were there anchored at the wharf. Every
preparation had been made for a good time.
and these anticipations did not In any re-
spect fall short OF the mark.
At LAO O'Clock p. NJ. a number OF in
vited guests and old comrades went down
to the wharf and there found Captain
Frank Cunningham with his tugboat ready
to take them to Wilton. HIS presence was
enough to enthuse the crowd. and the way
he welcomed them to his ship and took
them down the river was by no means the
smallest part Of the enjoyment OF the trip.
Whether it be in singing brave song or
dscharging the duties OF host, Frank
Cunningham Is always In good taste, and
never at sea in regard to the comfort and
pleasure Of his guests.
WILTON.
Could the old ancestral home OF the Ran
dolphs and Bcrkeleys talk, what story
would il tell. Now the old homestead is in
dilapidated condron; but even while
decay is written on linten posts. while moss
clings TO roof and bower, and neglect in
glaring colors shows its hateful face on
every tree and shadow, and hovers with its
dusky wing over field and homestead, still
there is gathered here so much OF old-time
grandeur, so much that is rich in
recollection, so much that takes thought
back to "auld lang syne," and the splen-
dOrs OF the primitive days Of old-that
the reflective mind is pleased and excited
when looking upon the majestic halls
their square proportions, the wainscotted
walls with only plastered ceiling, and
the ample fire-places, and significant relics
OF the greatness and glory OF the days
when some OF the proudest beauties OF
this good Commonwealth and some Of the
bravest spirits OF our knightly men met
and in accordance with the usages Of the
times bowed submisSiyely to the yoke OF
society.
How changed now!
In the parlors no grand furniture; in
the ladies' chambers no elegant surround
ings.
Only bachelors furnished rooms. Gone
are the pictures OF the Randolphs and the
knights, and in place OF costly furniture
bare walls now present their bold face to
the gaze OF the visitor.
out yonder, where now squad OF old
" F'' Company veterans are testing their
craftsmanship at a young owl. whose plu-
mage precudes the possibility OF flight,
"F" Company spent its first night OF war
experience in the Pawnee panic. An old
member points out the tree he slept under
that night. and a. he was 4 boy then. and
now has whitened mOustache aud hair. he
emphasizes lis statement by saying, IL re-
collect that house, except that the porch is
gone"
OF all the dinners enjoyed this season
that Of the Association surpassed any. The
appetite was completely satisfied: nothing
was wanting. and whether il was owing TO
John Dabney (thc colored caterer), Captain
Maxwell T. Clarke, Major BrandeI. or any
other man OF the many good fellows pres
ent, vet the truth remains-it was the din
ner OF the season.
The shooting for the prize was open to
all. and was won by Mr.. j. +. Meredith,
who made speech when presented with
the company's medal.
Mr.. Il. Il. Gum. the manager OF the
Wilton estate" Hospitality welcomed the
guests 10 the farm, and threw the house
open for their accOmm )dation.
At s O'Clock the eXcursionists reached
Richmond. and il there was any one That
did not spend 4 pleasant day no one knew II.