Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1886-05-08
THE BLUES.
The Gallant Corps Banquets Its
Guests.

quests.
The Republican Blues added new lustre
to their brilliant social fame and time
honOred record last night. Their recep-
tiOn and banquet to a number OF specially
assigned companies of the visiting
soldiers was in some respects. probably,
the most elegant and enjoyable affair of
the kind that has taken pace during the
Centennial week. 1t is well known that
the Blues never do things by halves, but
they fairly surpassed themselves on this
occasion. Their armOrY was beautifully
decorated for the event, and
the four long tables spread by
the deft hands of number
of lady friends OF the corps looked lnVIt-
ing enough to tempt the appetite of the
most tastidiOus epicure. Chicken salad,
shrimp salad, broled chicken, sliced ham,
cold tongue, and all the etceteras that
caterer might imagine, were bOunteously
spread, while dozens upon top OF dozens
of extra dry" Roman punch, and varl-
Gus wines served to wash away tie linger.
ing sweetness of excellent cream and
luscious straw berries.
Early in the evening the cOmpany's
guests assembled in Madison square,
short distance away, and forming in
columns of twos marched 10 the armOry.
rhey were the Columbus Guards, Mil
ledgeyille Light Infantry, Louisiana
Rifles, and w Washington Light Infantry.
Later in the evening the Gate City
Guards, who were previously engaged
elsewhere, put in an appearance. The
number OF guests seated was little less
than $50.
The Blues gallant commander, Capt.
George A. Mercer, occupied the head of
the table, while near him on either side
sat the Captains of the banqueted COM
panies. Capt. Mercer opened the banquet
with the remark that in behalf of his COM
mand he welcomed their guests to their
armOry and to the festal board, and all
they wanted was to see them fall to and
enjoy themselves. No second in
vitatiOn was necessary, ana for the
next half hour the rattle OF
knives aud forks upon well-flled plates
told with what hearty relish the superb
banquet was enjoyed.
Hardly was the repast finished when a
spontaneous burst of applause announced
/ the appearance of Gen. A. X. LawtOn,
/ Savannah's honored citizen and an ola
| member of the Republican Blues. When
/ the applause partly subsidized, Capt. Mer-
/ Ger arose and introduced the General.
Gen. LawtOn said the scene upon
which he looked and the presence
OF the Republican Blues brought back to
his memory some of the most cherished
and pleasant TecollectIOns of his life. 1t
recalled the time When be vas an active
| mem Der Of the cOmpany-a time which
! encompassed some of the dearest associa-
tions and companions hips of earlier
DAYS. He had been introduced TO the
good people of Savannah through
the noble organization and rank of the
1 Repu blican Blues. He referred in beau
tiiul and touching language to the mem
DRY OF Capts. Anderson and Barlow
and Lieut.. Davis. and paid a glow
ing tribute to their memory. "Never
was any company commanded by
more honored, more useful, nobler
men than John W. Anderson and
Francis ;. Barlow. 1t was such men
"a these who had carved cut the splendid
history Of the company, and those here TO-
night" he said, "haye right TO be proud
of such predecessors"
Gen. LawtOn was followed In turn by
Capt. Mercer, Capt. John l.. Hardeman
OF the Floyd Rifles, Capt. Haywood Of
the Milledgeville Light Infantry. Lieut..
I Muckenmss OF the Washington Light In
| fanirv, Veteran Z. NJ. Russell Of the
Blues, and other speakers. The banquet
will long be remembered by all present
ms one Of the most memorable events Of
+ the Centennial.
Gov. Mcdaniel was invited to the ban
quet, but expressed his regrets that he
was unable 10 attend.
Tue presence Of number OF gray
haired veterans of the company, some OF
whose active membership dates back over
fifty years, was a striking feature OF the
entertainment. First OF these was
veteran p. Nj. Russell, whose
snowy locks told Of 70 win
/ tiers, 81 OF these an active member Of
the organization. Others nf lesser
PERIODS were veterans j. T. COmpagniac.
/ John T. Glatigny w. Proctor, Capt. Thos
| Fitzgerald, and others.