Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1884-08-11

THE RETURN OF THE LIGHT INFANTRY
The return home of the Alexandria Light
Infantry on Saturday night from the en-
campment at Lynchburg where they hao
taken the first prize for being The best drill
ed company in the rhtrd Wig lnia Regl-
ment, was an occasion long 10 be remem
bered The demonstration was brilliant
and enthusiastic one, and the citizens seem
ed to vie with each other III making the
welcome as hearty as possible Inc slreels
were thronged with people, the Iliumlna-
tions were brilliant and The display OF lire
works was never before cquaied i'll this city
Everybody lent ii willing hand III the prep
arations for the occasion, aud every one
seemed willing TO contribute something To
make the affair "a success
Athalf.past eight o'clock squad OF police
men; the Mayor and the citizens committee
of twelve, carrying brooms; the Old Do
mnion Boat Club, uniformed and carrying
oars, pixies and flags; the members of the
A. L. l. who were in the city, under COM
mand of Lieut.. Bryan; and Gordon oil
torch bearers, all headed by the Marine
Band, formed IN line in front OF the Opera
House, and, followed by an Immense crowd
of citizens and ireud- o the company,
marched up King street to the depot OF the
Virginia Midland Railway 10 await the
arrival of The train which was 10 bring batk
to the city the boys who had acquitted
themselves so creditably during their camp
life and who had borne off the first honors
in the prize drill. As tho train rolled into
the depot the band struck up Dixie" the
streets in the n-ishborhood were lit up
with immense signal lights, resembling bon
fires, aud the heavens were brilliantly II.
Illuminated by innumerable sky rockets and
other fireworks. Captain Mtshbacli and
dis command quick ~ disembalked from th.:
train and were heartily received ana well
coined back home by their friends. The
line was then reformed and the procession
started for the armory of the company,
via Duke, Patrick, King, Fairfax, Prince
and Royal streets. Along the line OF
march there was never seen in Alexandria
such brilliant demonstration. The houses
we've decorated aud Illuminated; ladies
stood on balconies, in windows and along
the sidewalks, waving their greetings ut the
return Of the company King street was one
blaze of light from Huol's run TO the wharf.
beautifully colored fires being kindled nj
each corner, while men who were stationed
at intervals sent oil brilliant Roman
candles, rockets, &c. The trophy. beaui.
full silver cup, surmouncd by an armed
soldier in full uniform, which had been won
by the company, was triumphantly carried
on q large silver salver in front OF tho cltl-
zeas' committee by II. M. Latham, and at
tracted general attention, while Sergeant
8laor Dunn, U. ). A., under whose iuslruc
tiors the company attained such perfection
in drill, marched proudly by the side of it
as esuted at the success OF This hoyS" rs il
the company was his own ouinnan"' on
arriving at the armory the company "is,
posed OF their arms and accoutremeniS, ana
line when the route Of march was taken up
tn the ,ipcrn House, amid shower OF lock
.ts and a blaze of light. When the process
sion reached the Opera House that large
and beautiful hall was already crowded with
people, the galleries being packed win Ia
dies. After music by the band, Mayor
Beckham introduced Mr.. Edmund Burke,
as the orator of the evening, who on behalf
of the citizens OF Alexandria, in short, ap-
propriate and eloquent address warmly
welcomed the company back TO their homes
and handsomely complimcnted them on
their success. The speech was deserved
and well-timed tribute to the A. l.. l., and
was received by them and the audience with
rounds of applause. Captain Mushbach, al
ter loud and frequent calls, happily respond
ed to MIR. Burke's address, returning his
hearty thanks and that of his command for
the cordial and unexpected reception that
had been rendered thclu, aud assured the
citizens that their interest and attention
would ever be appreciated hy the company
whose aim would always be TO meet their
emancipation. The soldiers and their escort
then partook of Il magnificent banquet
which had been most generously provided
h., Mr.. Louis Brill, proprietor OF the Opera
Honsa restaurant, and all did ample Jus
too tn, re feast. The menu, which consist
ed in nort If soft crabs, oysters, OK tongue,
frn;ts and su, Ii deicacies, were templlng!ly
dsnlaved ON ,"cttily set tables, which III
turn we're beauti,,' llv decorated with How
ers. The scene ut t..s banquet was mos'
festive one and hearty @oo@ ht:'no' l'.N"il-
ed during the entire evening. Az, nu
GUS toasts had been drunk me haii siauu
" thnned out, and by midnight lhe r'Is )
which bad been literally painted REQ,
snmed the accustomed quiet of that hour.
The turnout of the Old Dominion boat
Climb to welcome the return of the a. j.. !.
was q graceful thing, and their appearance
was greeted with applause. They mace
fine display. and in their new ana hecoh
ING Uniforms looked like ''old salts
The Baltimore SIN Of to-day says
..Tbe satisfaction of the people of AleNaHdr'a
with the Alexandria Light Infantry winch "'
beretofore reported in The Sun Lynchburg lellei ;
won the silver cup rs the BEST arileu M Nv a
the regiment, was exhibited Saturday n1Sh' oy o1 :
rncention of the corps upon its return Inc o.'',
tion. almost All impromptu one, was most cotu .'
and spirited. On the arrival of the train from
Tynchhury at 9 o'clock the streets were mica
with people and the returning corps was met al Inc
depot by the honorary members OF Inc .p, mnrea
down King street headed by the police aud = osnu
of music. Then came the bearel of the prize cup
on a silver waiter, followed by the civic guard
each carrying broom, and tho Ola Dom ininn'
Boat Club with oars and other aquatic lmpie'
ments The Light Infantry, Capt: Mushbach,
brought up the rear. King street was brilliant
with fireworks and Bengal lights from end TO eno
The corps after derositing itsarms at the armory
moved to Lannon's Hall, where large cro"o
had gathered They were welcomed in the name
of the citizens by Edmund Burke. esq. and then
nsrtook of handsome banquet on the invitation
MIR. Louis Brill, jr.
The Washington Post says: