The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1885-07-08
PORTLAND CHILDREN
Entertained by the Drummer Boy of
the Rappahannock.

No better entertainment could have been
given the children of Portland than that of
last evening Robert Henry Henderson, the
drummer boy of the Rappahannock assisted
by Shaw's double quartette right royalty en-
tertained the young people for more than an
hour. The entertainment was given under
the auspices of Thatcher Post, G, A. r.
The doors were opened at seven o'clock
and the floor of the hall was soon completely
filled with eager Sunday school scholars.
Many people were unable to gain an en-
trance to the hall although provided with
tickets. For their benefit COmrade Hender-
shot has kindly consented to give a public
exhibition in City Hall this evening. When
Mayor Deering called for order last evening
every seat in the large hall was occupied and
many persons were standing in the aisles
His Honor said that in behalf of Thatcher
Post he had the honor to present Gov. ROBBIE
as the chairman Of the evening. The Gov
ernor was greeted with loud applause and
spoke as follows:
GOV. ROBES REMARKS.
Boys and Girls of Portland,-I have been
invited to preside over this meeting and ac-
cept the position with thanks for the honor
and your kind greetings. This large and
respectable audience has come here for a
purpose, not to listen to speech from me,
but to enjoy the interesting and almost mar
Vicious exhibition ON the drum by a dis
the full capacity and power of that old and
historic instrument which is associated with
all military parades, and connected with
many of the eventful phases Of army life.
The beat of the. long roll of the drum is
recognized by the soldier as call to his
highest and most responsible duty. 1t was
the stirring beat of the drum and thrilling
fife which aroused the enthusiasm of our
Revolutionary heroes in earlier times, and
the familiar sound of the drum is no less
soon learn. | have the honor to introduce to
you Robert III. Henderson, known through
out this nation, as ''the drummer boy of the
Rappahannock. He represents remark
heroism is worthy of emulation by the youth
of our land. He enlisted at the early age of
twelve years as drummer boy in Michi-
gan regiment, but afterwards changed his
service to the use of the unerring rifle of a
soldier, which he practiced with signal effect,
and tonight he appears before you bearing
the marks of honorable wounds. Listen to
his skill on the drum, but honor him the
more as one-of the humble but no less meri-
torious defenders of our national flag.
The drummer boy received warm well
come from his audience and opened the en-
tertainment by a capital representation of
the Maine Central locomotive Payson Tucker
drawing a train from Bar HarbOr to Port
land. The imitation of a battle was the
second number given by Mr.. Henderson, and
was perfect representation of the sound of
desperate conflict. The long heavy roll of
the musketry reverberated through the hall
and the crash of shot and shell was realistic
in l,o l, irrba 70,
orite gave the drummer an excellent oppor
tunity to display his talent and in this and
other pieces he was ably seconded on the
bass drum by Drummer Murray of the Mexi-
can War Veterans band. The delighted
children applauded loudly at the drumming,
but when the drummer boy showed the YER
satility of his talent by singing to them in
good camp style, the hall resounded with APP
plause. The song of The Army Bean as rem
dered by Comrade Henderson, drew forth
shouts of laughter.
The singing by the double quartette was
of the highest order and afforded great
pleasure to all present. The quartette is
composed of Mrs. Warren P. Chase, Miss
Lizzie M. Brown, Mrs. L. A. Goudy, Mrs.
Jennie King Morrison, Messrs. Samuel
Thurston, VIM. w. Colby, John B. Coyle
and John L. Shaw. Kotzschmar presided at
the piano. The grand notes of Keller's
American Hymn and the inspiriting strains
of the Star Spangled Banner received a
splendid rendition by the quartette and
their singing of the piece, "Our Nations
Hero" held the closest attention of the au-
dience. The closing piece America" was
sung by both the quartette and the audience,
and the voices of the 1000 children made
sweet music under the leadership of the
quartette. Abundant applause was given
the quartette after each of the songs.
During the evening, the inscription on
the silver drum presented by the Tribune
Association to Comrade Henderson, was
read by Comrade F. N. Smith, and the
Drummer Boy spoke a few words to the
children, mentioning the large number of
gatherings at which he had used the drum
and speaking in the highest terms of the
hospitality of Maine.
The behavior of the audience would have
done credit to children of larger growth
The children paid good attention to all that
was done and said and applauded at the
right places.
The entertainment tonight is under the
charge of the same committee of arrange
ments. There will be a change in the pro-
gramme and the fifers who did not appear
last evening because they were lost in the
fog between the city and the islands, will be
present and assist Comrade Henderson,. No
tickets will be issued
Mr. Henderson, does not return at once to
his home, as many suppose. The popular
Drummer Boy will remain in the State
about two months, making Portland his
headquarters where he should be addressed
by parties wishing to arrange for his pres
cnce at entertainments and reunions.
1t was estimated after the entertainment
last evening that 224O children were on the
floor of the hall and that 1900 persons were
turned away.