The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1896-12-24
REUNION OF THE VANCE GUARDS
A Delightful Time ftaA by them and
their Guests ut the Armory
Monday Night. Z

1neaf OoeStS II Iue ArnnOFy
Monday Night :
The reunion of tho Vance Guards
Monday night was q most delightful
occasion to every one present. The
hours were from to IL and their spa
cious and comfortable armory was the
scene Of the festivities.
As the Company has 30 many friends
it was impossible to invite all and in
vitations at home were confined to ex-
members, honorary and contributing
members only. In addition to these
the Granville Grays, under command
of Capt. Skinner, came over from OK
ford, 48 strong, and with them were
Maj. B. S. Register, Assistant 1nspec-
tor General. Adjutant J. Crawford
Biggs, of the Third Regiment, John
T. Britt, of the Public Ledger, and
others.
The time having arrived for paying
tribute to the feast that had been so
bountifully provided Capt. P. T. Jones,
of the Vance Guards arose and in ring
ing tones called out 'sAttention, Com
pany.'' But he had no military COM
mands to give, no special orders to
read. The manual of EARNS" he
wished to put the company" through
was a more pleasant task than the
handling of guns, and he realized that
they were well enough ''drilled" in the
duties required Of them. and emily too
anxious to take up the line of march
and charge upon the 'breast-works''
that lay before them. In few vel!
chosen words he welcomed the Gran
vile Grays and other guests and ex-
pressed the pleasure that he and his
Company felt at having them present.
He then called on Lieut.. J. Fl. Bird
gers, of the Third Regiment, who
would deliver the address Of welcome.
Mr.. Brldgers spoke in his usual vein
and our regret is that his remarks
could not have been heard by every
patriotic, home-loving citizen of Hen
derson and Vance county. He paid a
merited compliment to the efficiency
and Importance of the State Guard,
in the diadem of which he declared the:
Oxford and Henderson companies
formed two of the brightest stars, and
said it would be bad day for either
town when its local military company
should cease to exist. What they need
is the moral support of every good citi-
zen and if the people did not want
such an organization in their midst it
could be got rid of very quickly by fail
ure on their part to stand by it and
give it the encouragement it dese rved.
Mr.. Bridgers' address was we'll timed
and to the point and his words were
fully appreciated by those who heard
him.
Maj. Register was called upon to re-
spond in behalf Of the visiting soldiers.
A graceful and ready speaker under
all circumstances his address on this oc-
casion was ono Of his happiest efforts.
1t abounded in good sense and was
punctuated with wit and humor
throughout. He dwelt upon what
Lieut.. Bridgers had said concerning
the Importance and effectiveness Of the
volunteer soldiers Of the State and
urged them to remain true to them
selves and their State in future as they
had been in the past. Our citizen SOL
diery be said had for the cause Of its
existence truer and purer motives than
making display in brass buttons and
having good time. It was founded
upon the principles of loftiest patriot
ism and whenever there was occasion
for showing its true character the VOL
unteer militia had always measured
fully up to its requirement in sustain
ing the strong arm of the law and pre-
serving the peace. Maj. Registers ad-
dress bespoke the loyal soldier from
which it emanated and was warmly ap-
plauded.
The armory was brilliantly lighted
and appropriately decorated for the
occasion, pictures Of eminent soldiers
and famous battles, Waterloo, Gettys-
burg and other scenes, Ornamenting the
walls. There were three tables run
ming full length of the room, each of
which fairly groaned beneath its weight
of savory viands. At the first the Wis
Ting company were seated Rev. M. D.
Hex taking position at one end while
Capt. Skinner was seated at the other.
The second table was occupied by the
other guests the third being taken by
the Vance Guards.
Mr.. Hix being requested to invoke
Divine blessing Capt. Jones gave the
command to ''fall in,' and never was
an order more promptly or cheerfully
obeyed by soldiers or others. Oysters,
stewed or raw as preferred, and hot
coffee-as fine as was ever brewed from
the aromatic berry-were served by
ready and obliging assistants, and then
followed such feast Of good things as
one rarely sees equalled at an, ban
quet. Turkey and cranberry sauce.
celery and pickles, chicken salad,
meats, breads, and other things to
tempt an epicure or satisfy the appetite
of soldier or his friends. Everything
was cooked in the best manner and the
service was all that could be desired.
There was an abundance and to spare
and never did we see persons more
thoroughly enjoy meal.
After supper the time was spent in
social converse, smoking, etc., until
the hour for breaking up came when
the drum tap Of the Oxford company
reminded the guests that the time had
sped all too swiftly. Then there were
warm handshakes and expressions OF
pleasure experienced at being present
and the sense Of obligation felt to the
Vance Guards individually and collect
lively, and one Of the most succ essfu|
and highly enjoyable events in the his
tory of our gallant military organization
became a part Of its proud and houora'
Bile record.
When most needed it it not unusual FOL
your family physician to be away from
home. Such was the experience of Mr..
Y. Chenck, editor of the Caddo, Ind. Ter.
Banner, when his little girl, two years o
age, was threatened with a severe attack o
Group. He says: "My wife insisted that
90 for the doctor, but as our family physi
clan was out of town purchased a bottl
of Chamberlain's Cough remedy, which re
lieved her Immediately. l will not b