Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1886-02-25
FLEM1NeroNs. eALA DAY.
How the Gallant OId Liberty Troop
Celebrated Washingtoh's Birthday.

! -r----~H
4 How the Gallant OId Liberty TrOoI
] Celebrated Washington's birthday.
Tuesday was a gala day in old Liberty
! county. The famous Liberty Troop, one
1 of the Oldest military organizations OF tbs
State, the founding Of which was contem
/ poraneous with the birth OF the 70 chatham
! Artillery OF Savannah, celebrated Wash.
ington's birthday in superb style. The
occasion brought together the beauty and
chivalry Of the county and many visitors
from distant points. Savannah, Atlanta,
and Macon contributed their quota to
swell the gathering.
The festivities OF the day began
with a company drill, in which the
fine horsemanship OF the gallant corps
was we'll illustrated. This was fol-
lowed by an excellent dinner pre-
pared by the ladies Of Pennington village.
The dinner cheered the sinner man" and
the better fitted the assemblage To enjoy
the intellectual treat which was presented
in an GRAFTON by Capt. y. DOwse
Bradwell, of Hinesville, editor of
the Hinesville Gazette and princi-
pal OF the Bradwell Institute.
The speaker referred in glowing terms
to the character aud career of Washing
ton, his ardent patriotism, public spirit,
obedience to law, and unselfsh devotion
to the country which his brain and sword
redeemed from the yoke of a foreign
potentate.
After the Grafton the annual tOurna-
ment of the gallant old troop took place,
following which the prizes were awarded
to the successful contestants. The first
prize, handsome gold pen and pencil,
presented by Davis Bros, of this city,
with the company medal for the year, was
won by Mr.. j. e. Norman, the young
gentleman who made such fine record
at the Hussars tournament last year, on
a score of $50.
The second prize, a beautiful album,
was won by Mr.. Thomas Mallard, on
score of "a.
The third prize. an elegant cake, was
captured by Mr.. Wait, OF Dorchester, on
a score of 90.
The fourth prize, also cake, but of
smaller magnitude. was won by brother
OF Mr. Wait. The NEWS is unable TO state
the distinction in the names Of the bro
theirs Wait, but the credit Of the family
was we'll sustained.
The festivities of the evening were the
browning feature Of the days pleasure.
Mrs. j. Fl. Alexander threw open her
spacious mansion--in fact, surrendered
1t to the use Of the troopers and their
friends. General Enjoyment assumed
command, and to the strains Of fine or
chestra, taken out from the city for the
occasion, "tair women and brave men"
tripped the light fantastic until Old Sol
issued the premonitory warnings of his
approach yesterday morning. The rooms
were handsomely decorated with num-
Der of large banners loaned to the ladies
by Mr.. "A. Bates, Of this city. The gather
Ing aside from the anniversary it CON-
memOrated, was utilized for the purpose of
raising funds to enable the troop to cele-
brate in fitting manner the centennial
anniversary of its organization, which
will take place in April or May.
The tables were presided over by
the ladies of the county, who cherish a
warm feeling for the corps, individually
and collectively. Mrs. Alexander being
the hostess of the evening, was indefati-
gable in her efforts to promote the happi-
ness Of all present. Mrs. Reppard, Miss
Martin, the Misses Way, Mrs. Fraser,
and many others, worked diligently from
early until late with the same good object
in view. Capt. Fleming, the late COM
mander OF the troop, was also active.
Indeed, 1t would be unjust to discriminate
as all worked actively for the general
good.
The present officers of the Liberty Troop
are: f. p. Miller, Captain; Josiah l..
Fleming, First Lieutenant; James B.
Fraser, Second Lieutenant; W. j. Way,
Junior Second Lieutenant.
One of the minor enjoyments of the day
was shooting contest" conducted by
little Norman Beckett, of Savannah. who
took his rifle TO the grounds, and, under
the auspices of the Troop, gave prizes to
the best marksmen. BY this means alone
a neat little amount was added to the
Troops Centennial fund.
Prominent among the fair ladies from
abroad who graced the festivities with
their presence we're Miss Ellie Walker, of
Macon, Miss Fraser, of Atlanta, and Miss
Minnie Box, OF South Carolina.