Weekly commercial herald. (Vicksburg, Miss.) 1884-18??, 1885-08-21


misunderstanding in the command blurder
was made which was the beginning OF their
downfall and faulty maneuVers and movements
lollOwed, they making errors in some of the
movements in which they were most perfect
and confident, and to this in some measure is
attributed their defeat
Inc Rifles entered th5 field as the SOuthrOns
closed and commenced by making several bad
breaks which caused their friends to weaken
on Them as 1t we've, In the beginning but they
soon Strengthened up and put up Il beautiful
although in their firing several scores
against them were made. Yet it was
apparent long before they came to a finish
that they were the winning company, and very
lew who were present have any idea that the
score would be as close as 1t was, although Capt.
Levy tnelr commander, in his right oblique fir
ing was shot, he standing directly in the direc-
tlon MS men were commanded to aim.
Alter the Rifles retired from the
neld, the Judges announced that they would
render a decision at 10 O'Clock from the balcony
IN 'front.' OF the VickSburg Bank.
Inc Individual drill of both companies under
Lieutenant Dowdy for the handsome badge
gwen g by MI. Walter ); Barker, Of Macon, Miss,
l0rthe best drilled soldier in both companies,
resulted the winning ofthe same by Mr.. John
A.. stacy, deputy city marshall Of West
Point. Mr.. Charles Beer was the last
Sontllron, to go down, there being six Of the
hlnes In line when he made miss. Owing to
the late hour 1t was decided to defer the presen-
tatl0n OF the badge until o'clock, when it was
10 take place at the residence OF Mr.. Lee Rich
ardson. Miss Luli Hamilton, the beautiful
daughter Of DIR. Hamilton, of Clinton, and niece
to present the same. At 0 O'Clock Col.
Barker, Captain Levy, and Lleutenants Williams
and Coleman of the Rifles, Judge James r.
Harrison Of Columbus, and Mr.. John A. Stacy
who had won the honOrs, entered carriages and
drove to Mr.. Richardson's palatal residence on
Cherry street where were assembled a large
number of ladies' and gentlemen. After be-
ing introduced Mr.. Stacy was presented
by Miss Hamilton, with the beautiful med al
with the following remarks:
Sir-"l now place upon your breast the emblem
OF vic Qry. At the top is diamond star-em-
Dleil OF purest OF gems and the star Of hope
underneath, the "best drilled soldier" You
are the purest gem and the most hopeful
ildiyidual soliier Of your company. Under
meath that, is the soldiers emblem
beneath this the time of the award. 1t is need
less to say that all our hearts unite in warmest
cOmmendatiOn OF you, the victor, and have no
hesitation In adding, your plaudits to ours, to
those who did so well and failed to win the
starry emblem Of victory
At 10 O'Clock the following communication was
read BY Gen. Butts from the balcony in front of
VIeKsBURG, MISS, Aug. II, 1895.
Brig.-Gen. Z. ) Butts Volunteer Forces of the
State of Mississipp;
=, SlrLThe committee Of judges Of the competi
wv. ullt, hSlu uV-udy uOIWFVll Iut NOlullJtcE
Southrons and the West Point Rifles, have the
honor TO- report the following decision West
Point Riiles S3.3S, Volunteer Southrons II 50, out
OF a possible 1C0.
Very respectfully your obcdient servant,
+. l.. GUENTHIER,
Brey.-Col, and Major I'd y. y. Artillery.
A number Of The members Of both companies
were. present to hear. this decision, and after
hearing three cheers for the West Point Rifles,
the Southrons and their guests repaired to the
residence Of Col. VIM. Luln, where the sponsor
and maids Of the Southrons received
their guests in royal stvle A number of gentle
men and ladies were present to aid in the enter
tanning, and until late hour good cheer and u
genuine good time was had by all who was for
tunate enough to be present.
The Rifles remain in yicksburg to-day and
leave for jackson at o'clock tonight, where
they will spend the day tomorrow, paying
their respects to the governor, etc.
The sojourn Of the Rifles here has been brief
one though frought with many pleasant
"reminiscences and they will long be remembered
by the Vicksburg military for their prowess on
the. field and genial, gentlemanly department
While here.