Morning journal and courier., 1886-08-28
GOVERNORS DAY AT CAMP SMITH.

The Review by the Governor of the
 States Militia Yesterday-Ten Thou
 sand People Witness the Ceremony
 Many Prominent Men Present-The
 Appearance of the Br1gade-The1r
 Last Night i'm Camp-The mOrtars-
 The Examinations of Omcefs-M ajor
 Catlln,s Story of the Artillery Service
 The Soldiers to go Home This Morn.
 fng-A Very Successful Week-Other
 Items.
 CAMP SMITH, NIANTIc, August 27, 1SS6.
 The camp was to- day reviewed by the Governor of the State, Henry B. Harrison. This was the most important event of the Connecticut national brigade's encampment. On the green camping grounds of Mantle ten thousand people witnessed the pageant presented to-day by two thousand men in the full uniform of the State militia.
 The ceremonies began upon the arrival of Governor Harrison. Preparations had been under way ever since the boys in blue and gray came to camp. The paraphernalia of the different companies was given finishing touch last night and frightened for to-day's review by the States highest official. The little village of Mantle put on her best holi- day attire for the occasion. Governor liar | rison and his party boarded the special train at New Haven this morning at $50 o'clock. A special car which was attached next the engine was assigned to his excellency and party. The party was made up of the Gov ernor Mayor Holcomb, Thomas R. Trow- bridge, jr., Secretary Osborne, Miss Geral- dine Lowe, the Governors niece, Miss Har- rison, his sister, and Miss Osborne. The special with ten cars attached rolled out of the Union depot at nine o'clock. With the National band of Wallingford heading the r6S 1 a short march was made from the rmory to the depot, with music by the band, by the eighty members of the Guard In passing l the Shore Line tin bridge the Governor, who ' was sitting on the left side of the car, turned to President Thomas R. Trowbridge, ! jr, who was seated beside him, admired the soldiers monument, which loomed up on top of East Rock and expressed himself in regard to it as follows: "The monument is one of the best and most appropriate monuments travels. The spot it is erected on is just the place for it." At White Beach the ladies of the party exclaimed in unison, Oh, what 8 lovely view. The train arrived at Mantle at 10:30 o'clock. The First company Gov ernor's Foot Guards came down the Valley road from Hartford, leaving there at 9:15. They preceded the Governors party. Upon their arrival in camp they were drawn up in line and waited for the Second company's arrival. The Governors party were greeted by an inspiring scene as they alighted from the train. The First and Second companies Foot Guards were drawn up in lire, the cannon on the camp grounds were boom ing and Niantic's streets were filled with the States fairest daughters and their gallant es- corts. The carriage in which the Governor was taken to the camp ground was drawn by four horses. The National band of Walling- ford and the Weed band of Hartford were in line. The Foot Guard did some excellent tn ha Uh ing was almost perfect. Arriving at the camp ground the Governor was escorted to his quarters, where he was greeted by 8 quota of old army officers and State officials Among those who greeted him were Mai jor Lynde Catlin of the regular army, ,ex-Senator Governor Bulkeley of Hartford, Mayor Bu1ke- ley of Hartford, ex-Postmas ter Hubbard of Wallingford, Major Clapp, General Colt of Norwich and others. His excellen- cy dined at 1915 o'clock and remarked on the extreme heat as he prepared for his re- view which was booked for 2 o'clock. At 1:55 the bugle was sounded for the assembly. The brigade was quick in coming together. All of the regiments had been making prep arations for the day and all of the men were in the best of condition. Fully ten thousand people witnessed the review. Governor Harrison was in a carriage drawn by four horses. The bands struck up "Hail to the
 
 line. The two companies of Foot Guards took up position at the foot of the line, to the left the artillery were drawn up with unlimbered guns. The spectacle was grand one. The Governor first rode down the front of the line and then up the rear. The brigade was then put through the manual of arms for fif- teen minutes The reveille lasted for about three quarters of an hour. The Governor was then driven to his quarters and prepara- tions were made for the mortar firing. The parade ground was cleared and two detach- ments were sent to the mortars under com mand of Lieutenant Jones' It took consid- erable time to prepare them for firing. When the command was given the ninety pound shells went hissing and screech- ing through the air. They landed up little to the right of the brigade head ing the ground, making report about as loud as rife shot. The thousands of peo- pie who witnessed the shelling for the first time were agreeably surprised at the scene. Old army officers who were present were re- minded of the times of war when they were at the front facing death. They all expressed themselves as surprised and pleased at the efficiency of the national brigade of Con- necticut and say that they cannot be equalled by any civil body of men in the country. Many interesting stories were told by these old war officers as they sat about brigade headquarters ana witnessed the panorama or brigade dress parade this afternoon.
 Although the visiting hosts have been pouring into Mantle for several days past the big crowd was not present until to-day. The gay crowds of people crowded into the thoroughfares all day to-day, intermixed with the blue and graycoated soldiers, and about the camp strains of martial music could be heard on every side. Each arriv- ing train brought in additional delegations from neighboIing towns and cities. Hand shakings and the familiar "How are you, old comrade," were frequently exchanged, and the hearty recognition of old warriors who had not met probably for many years by the military bands and all was hustle and enthusiasm. The brigade and Governors headquarters presented scenes of life and animation this afternoon. Visits were received and paid and hospitality was freely dispersed. Many regular army officers paid their respects to the Governor during the day. Anecdotes of war times, feminine laughter and military music were commingled in pleasing con fusion. The display of the different regi- ments as witnessed from the Governors quarters was inspiring. Vistas of bright col ors, changing and moving, marching and countermarching, the sun shining and gilt tering on their sabres and rifles.
 The brigade dress parade took place at the usual time this afternoon and the troops presented splendid appearance. The Gov ernor passed down the line in review. The dress parade tonight was perfect in every respect and absolutely faultless. The brig ade was especially quick in formation of line to right, although tired out by the reviews, and the heat had very depressing effect. The men appeared in white trousers and hel- nets this afternoon. Immediately after the parade to night the two companies of Foot Guards together with the Wallingford and Hartford bands took up the line of march to the depot where they took special trains for home. The Governor remained in his quar- ters. At about 5:30 o'clock the thousands of spectators broke up for home and the outgoing trains were filled to overfowing. Tonight more than the usual amount of fun will prevail in camp as this is the soldier boys last night in camp until another year with it's changes has come around. The camp Smith of 1886 will be long remembered by the brigade and those who witnessed it as the most successful camp week ever held since the war.
 Gen. Graham was interviewed by CoUR- TER reporter tonight. He said: This has been the most successful camp in regard to f