The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1883-08-15

tlOn Ol tuc ln1lincT III WHICH Tue u2y was
observed.
On the 4th OF July, 1s43, the Blues
numbering sixty men and commanded by
Captain George Wythe Muniord-paraded
at 10 o'clock in the morning in front OF the
City Hall, and marched down Main street
to the Market bridge, where they united in
forming line with the Chesterfield Dra-
goons, Captain Weisiger; Henrico Dra-
goons, Captain McRae; Richmond Dra-
goons, Captain Gregory; Richmond Fayette
Artillery, Captain Ellis; Richmond Scarlet
Guard, Captain John ID. Munford; and
Washington Grenadiers, Lieutenant COM
manding Richards. The three companies
OF cavalry were commanded by Captain
Weisiger, and the infantry and artillery by
Captain George w. Munford, Of the Blues.
These preparations had been made in or
der TO properly receive the Washington
Mechanical Ri0emen, who on that day
were expected TO visit their military brcth-
rem in Richmond and participate in the
celebration Of the sIXty-seventh anniversa-
ry of American Independence. Sure
enough the Riflemen came, and were re-
ceiyed with 4 salyo Of artillery, and after
wards escorted from the market-houSe
through Main street to the Second Baptist
church, in which the formal ceremonies Of
the day were to he observed.
READING TIE DECLARATION.
The house was flied to overflowng, and
hundreds OF people stood on the sidewalks
OF the street near by. The centre OF the
church was occupied by the military, the
side pewS and galleries by ladies and citi-
zens generally. The whole scene was ami
mating and impressive, and was highly en-
loved by those present.
According TO previous arrangement Cap
tain Thomas Ii. Ellis was TO read the De-
claration OF American Independence, and
Mr.. John s. Caskie was TO deliver the
Fourth-of-July oration. Both OF these gen.
tlemeu were escorted TO the stand by a COM
mittee composed OF the captains OF the
companies. The stands OF colors belong
ing to the companies draped the pulpit on
either side. giving it peculiar appearance.
In solemn and impressive manner Rev.
+. l.. Magoon. pastor OF the church, arose,
stretched out his hands, and said
LET US PRAY.
Soldiers, citizens, and ladies bowed their
heads while the minister fervently implored
the blessings OF the Almighty upon the
nation. The prayer ended, the fine band
that accompanied the Washington Riflemen
struck up Hail, Columbia, Happy Land"
after which Captain Ellis arose and pre-
faced the reading Of the Declaration with
a chaste and manly address. He bad fine
voice, and gave to the reading the fullest
emphasis. The band then played wash
ington's March," After which, says good
old man Cary, " Mr.. Caskie enchained the
attention Of the audience for upwards Of
an hour in an Grafton original in its con-
ception. rich in imagery. beautiful in style,
chaSte and eloquent. fertile in classic lore,
and replete throughout with the most pa
triotic and soul-stirIing appeals" Imme-
diately following these remarks Mr.. Cary
placed in small characters, in parenthesis,
the words (some cologne). Whatever was
meant by these cabalist words is not def
nitelv known, but it is shrewdly suspected
that it was intended to ridicule his eXtray-
agrant description Of the speech.
AT BUCHANAN's SPRING.
These ceremonies over at the church, the
line was again formed and the military
marched to the Capitol Square, where the
midday salute was fred after which the
Chesterfield Dragons, with their guests,
the Richmond Dragons, repaired TO de-
lightful retreat in Chesterfield, while the
remaining companies and their guests
went out to Buchanan Spring TO enjoy a
banquet. Before the announcement OF the
regular toasts Captain George w. Munford,
on behalf Of the volunteers OF Richmond,
welcomed in the most cordial manner their
guests, embracing the opportunity while
so doing to make few spirited remarks
appropriate to the day and applicable to the
occasion. He alluded to the fact, which he
had seen stated in some OF the public
prints, that all OF the arms and accoutre-
ment, OF the Washington Rifles had been
made by the members of the corps, and
concluded with the following sentiment.
which was received with greeting OF
three times three cheers:
""Tbe Washington Mechanical Rifle
men-Artisans, soldiers, equally honored
in making rs they are in WELDING their
arms, we give them brothers greeting
and a soldiers welcome"
OLD-TIME TOAsTs.
As soon as the cheering had subsidized,
CAPTAIN McClelland, OF the Rifles, returned
his acknowledgment in behalf OF his COM
pany for the hospitable and friendly recep-
ton extended them, and gave in reply TO
Captain Munford this toast: "The Sons
Patriot Sires: The mantles OF the fathers
OF the Republic nave fallen upon the shoul-
ders OF those eminently qualified to wear
them; they will be handed down safely to
posterity, and for ages to come this glo-
rious day will be remembered and COM
memorated."
Colonel Thomas p. Bigger gave the fol-
lowing: "The Richmond Light Infantry
Blues Like the aloe plant, may they show
as rich blossom in their hundredth year."
That time is rapidly rolling round, and
isn't far of, and the chances are that the
Coloneps hope VIII be verified.
Private George +. Pearson offered this
d" Colonel Thomas Z. Bigger-Big-Big.
ger-Biggcst."
The wine was now flowing freely, and
Mr.. Thomas Ritchle, springing to his feet
exclaimed, Who has a right to be bigger
than one Of the Petersburg volunteers"
Mr.. Caskie, the orator OF the day, in re-
snonse 10 calls, said: "Citizen soldiers
II ever they be called upon to meet for
eiep foe, may they be animated by the
same splrit that burned in the bosom o
brave old Starke when, glancing at q
British army, he said, 'Pll whip thos'
fellows, or Mary Starke's widow to
night"
A LADY HEARD FROM.
CAPTAIN John ID. Munford obtained tn
floor after awhile, and said he had been re
ouested by q lady TO read two toasts :,
| them at this meeting. The first was nd
dressed to the Richmond Blues, and wa
as follows:
4 "A conscript band,
| They fearless stand,
In Freedoms cause 20 hattie;
No craven dare