The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1883-02-23
NATAL DAY.
The rwenty.second OF February.
The First General Observance OF the Day b,
the Military since Is6o-Street Parade and
Review By the Governor.

The anniversary OF the birthday Of
Washington opened with cherries morn
as could be. The atmosphere was icy-cold,
almost, and leaden sky hid the sun, and
Il was hard TO say which was most immi-
neut. a rain or n snow-storm. Once or
twice about midday scattering rain-drops
fell and spread themselves out in wide spots
on the sidewalks.
IL was an anxious matter with the mill
tary, who were much interested in pre-
parations for a public parade, the pomp
and pageantry OF which would have been
materially interfered with had there been
falling weather. As the day wore on, how
ever, the indications changed, and 1t was
evident that the soldiers would not be ilI-
terfered with by storms OF any sort.
Away toward the west riffs in the dark
clouds let out streaks OF light, and dis
closed the welcome sight Of patches OF
blue sky-large enough in many cases to
make the largest Dutchman pair OF pants.
THE BLUES.
By o'clock in the afternoon large
crowd had collected in the vicinity Of the
arm0ry OF the Richmond Light Infantry
Blues, on Seventh street, in front OF which
Voelker's band, in full uniform, was stand
ing. The small boy was out in strong
force, but he was not alone, as hundreds
OF grown-up boys were also on hand.
Promptly on time the Blues, fifty-siX
strong, rank and file, moved out from the
armory under the command OF Captain
Andrew Pizzini, and marching down
Seventh TO Grace street, moved down
Grace to the st. Clair Hotel. where the
command halted, and was formed in line
and photographed.
Resuming the march. the gallant COM
pany passed through the Capitol grounds
and past the Executive mansion, in the
porch OF which stood Governor Cameron,
who, with uncovered head, reviewed the
company. Standing near the Governor
was his estimable lady, Miss Freeman, and
other members OF his family.
THE FIRST REGIMENT.
The First regiment, under command OF
Colonel Charles j. Anderson, formed at
their Armory and marched down Broad
street to Tenth. where they were Joined by
the Blues and their band OF music
The field aud staff were well mounted,
and showed spirit and dash that has been
much lacking on former occasions. The
regiment was headed by Voelker's band
and the Blues, under command OF Captain
Pizzini. The following companies turned
out: Company A Richmond Grays), Lieu
tenant Phillips commanding, 80 men; Com
pany ID (Old Dominion Guard), Captain
Brown, 81 men; Company Il Governors
Guard. Captain Parater, 30 men; Com
pany +, "A men; Company c, Captain
Davis, % men; and Company B Walker
Light Guard, Captain Jones.
DresS-paiade in the Square followed the
march, the companies reaching the Square
through the Governors grounds and sa-
luting him rs they passed the mansion.
A large crowd in the Square witnessed
the dress-parade, and marked improve
ment in the appearance and drill OF the re-
giment was the verdict OF all.
After the parade in the Capitol Square
the command returned to their armories.
the First regiment being dismissed, and tn
Blues remaining to enjoy lunch. One
table held the punch-bowls, over which the
soldiers slaked their thirst, and another
presented n solid array OF tempting edi-
bes. Noelker's band made merry music
while the Blues and their guests made the
punch and cdibles disappear in hurry.
OTHER oBsERyANCEs.
The Richmond Light Infanty (cOlored),
Captain Tinsey, also parsded, presenting
full turnout, and headed by brass
band.
The observance OF the day was more
general than it has been since 1860, and the
display OF bunting was better, United
States flags being thrown to the breeze on
all the principal streets. The custom
house, post-ofiice, State offices in the Capt.
tol, banks, and public buildings were all
closed. On one Of the Capitol flag-stafis
the flag OF the State Of Virginia lloated,
and on the other the United States flag.
More interest was shown in the obsery-
ance OF the day than has been seen for
years, and It is fair to presume that the old
custom connected with the day will be re-
vtvad and kent nm.