The Meridional. (Abbeville, La.) 1856-1906, 1889-05-18
The Excursion of Hook and Lad.
der Company No. L.

Editor Abbeville Merldional.l
The excursion of the above named
company to Southwest Pass on We'd
nesday, the 8th, was a grand success
in every respect. At a little after
4 O'Clock a. m. the steamer E. FL.
Barmore began to blow for the
awakening Of the excursionists.
Promptitude was an object; and the
boat played her part in stentorian
calls to the sleeping town. Her
whistles were unrclenting, and the
ear was callous that disregarded the
summons. At about 7 o'clock a. m.
nearly, or quite two hundred excur-
sionists fled On TO the boat, laden
with provisions, chairs, and sundry
spirituous equipments out Of sight.
Perry Bridge sent nearly, or quite
fifty and almost every place down
the bayou, at all conspicuous as a
landing, furnished a quota. The
moss pickers we're on hand and gave
a notable accession to the company
of gallant, handsome, and hungry
beaux.
at Shell Island a little company
were dropped in a skif to fish until
the return Of the excursion. At the
Pass fifty OR more men and youths
went up the beach, and in natures
best" took a sure enough bath. Near
the boat a number Of gentleman
frisked in the water for the delecta.
ton of those who did not leave the
boat. 4 few gathered shells and
sauntered along the beach. About
an hour was spent at the Pass, where
a number stayed to take an outing
for some time, and a small group of
ladies and gentlemen sailed for
Chenier a la Croix.
The day was an ideal one. The
breeze was steady, buoyant and ex:
hilarating. The sky was covered
much of the time, with large masses
of cunnuli, affording a pleasant inter
change of sunshine and shade, yet
not threatening enough to worry the
most nervous with any dread Of a
wetting. No a mosquito annoyed.
Only one sufferer was seen-that of
a lady enduring a headache. No
one was seasick-no one was hurt.
Provisions were in r%edundance, all
except with him who sold meals, and
he was happy with a peck of silver,
The excursion panned out superbly
under the Wise and energetic man
agement of those to whom it was
notwithstanding nearly four hun
drcd dollars.
The brass band furnished music
on the way down; but its band was
severed on the return by the depart
ure, at tho Pass, of some Of its
members. AS moonlight bathed the
earth, music awoke in many hearts
and singing lent its charms from
near sunset until the warehouse al
Abbeville was reached. Counting
was vigorous, and in some instances
seemed effective. Plenty Of sofj
eyes yearned for endearment, which
The crowd in many Cases forbade
and some fortunate ones, in shadow
places and sequestered spots, gave
vent to fondness in unmistakabl'
ways. 1t was quite plain that suci
excursions are a highway to matri
mony; and may they never cease
until the call to a better heaven thar
even loving arms.
The boat was handled with car
and expedition, and it's officers de
serve credit for their services; AM
got good, round cash. 1t was on
of the most saultlcss excursions
was ever our lot to witness Or enjoy
and we are hopeful that there ma,
be many such this season. The Hoo]
and Ladder company could Civ
enough to go far towards securing
the needed sum for their worth,
cause. Its members looked yer.
gay in their brave attire, and wer
gallant and jocund to a nicely, an
played host in brilliant style: The
were conspicuous in the dance, 70
which two violinists played wei
, and which almost the whole da
afforded a chance Cor the overaowin;
, spirits Of the beautiful ladies an
gallant men who "chased the glow
, inn honrs NTH Ayinr feetu in rrac.