The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1898-12-16

two AnaeTIcans wao So .oiy .eSaesent-
ed and nobly exemplified the radi-
tional bravery OF u beloved south
land.
Just after the exercises at the thea
ter the reception at Mr.. Smiths ele-
CANT home took place. The house was
abiaze with light, and the brilliancy
which flooded out through the hand
some windows lit up the scene for
yards around and bid you a most royal
welcome. Two long rows of in
c~andescent electric lights were dis
played on the troad piazza n added
radiancy to the merry spectacle. When
you assembled the wide stairs and ap-
preached the entrance the glass front
doors were pompously thrown open
by a stylish attendant. ~fashionably at
tired, and o were graciously re-
ceived.
The interior view was one OF lowell
ness. The spacious, finely appointed
halls and the commodious, we'll equip
ped rooms were brightly liz up, n
beautifully festooned with bamboo. In
the center of the main hal was n por-
there artistically formed Of two costly
United States flags. and deftly looped
apart SO as to form a charming arch
way to the sumptious supper room be-
yond.
The first room to the left as you en-
tered was the smoking room. n here
the guests cozily ensconCed themselves
in easy chairs, INDUCED in interesting
topics of conversation n made the
air dense with smoke, which attested
to the nostrils the high fraSrancy OF
the weeds. The large double drawing
rooms to the right were also most in
willingly fitted up, and furnished a re-
sort of luxury to all. Each of the
rooms were dazzling in their brilliancy,
and the light shed Upon the attrac-
tive, green decorations were p~rettily
contrasted with the magnificent blue
tinted wall m~ouldings.
The banquet tables, and there were
quite a number, skillfully arranged in
the halls and the rear of the drawing
rooms, were most cordial and grand
in appearance. They were spread with
white linen, around which was grace
fully trailed bamboo Upon the tables
were several shining silver candelabra,
supporting many wax candles, which
blinked and sputtered as If fully cog
infant Of the duty they were perform
ing on this festive occasion.
Hidden from sight was the Italian
string band, and their incessant, jolly
strains f1oated through the entire
house, enlivening the occasion and ad-
ding much to the feeling of enjoy
ment of every one.
Upon the second loor was the wrap
room, and it was a comfortable apart
ment.
MERRY, MERRY BANQUET.
During the early part Of the evening
social chat was INDUCED in, and the
health and prosperity of the two
heroes pledged and repledged. Freedom
and hospitality prevailed everywhere.
Shortly before IL o'clock the guests
were all assembled at the banquet
tables, and an elaborate luncheon was
served by the Ministering Circle OF
The Kings Daughters. 1t consisted of
a number of courses, and included
oysters, chicken said, hot coffee and a
variety Of COLI meats, while all condi-
ments were in reach. Other liquid TRIM
mings, conducive to happiness on an
occasion of this kind, were easily OBJ
tanned and in quantities to suit.
Lieutenants Anderson and Blue were
placed at the long banquet table in
one Of the drawing DON and this
festive board was presided over by
Mayor Waddell, in his usual happy
manner. while our genial commander
Of the Second regiment, Colonel Wal
ker Taylor, smiled graciously from the
opposite end. Here, as at all the other
tables, jokes were cracked and witty
anecdotes related. Merriment reigned
supreme.
Loud calls were made for Lieutenant
Blue to tell of his gallant reconnoitre
expedition in the bay at Santiago. This
he declined to do, but the assemblage
would not consider a negative answer
and finally, after the most earnest
urging, he reluctantly consented. In
an exceedingly modest he re-
lated the experience of his two scout
ing trips in h bay. His last expedi-
finn VIC N n To $500
boat attack on Cervera's fleet, but the
fleet came out Of h bay and was de-
stroyed before the attack could be
made
Lieutenant Blues story was intense
ly interesting, and during his nara
tive he introduced many witticisms.
which were greatly enjoyed by his
auditors and loudly applauded.
At h conclusion of the Iieutenants
remarks, Junius Davis, Esq. in a tol-
ly style, proposed a toast to Lieutenant
Blue, which was heartily endorsed.
Then DR.. T. s. Burbank offered a.
toast to and called upon Lieutenant
Anderson for an account Of his fear
less deed.
Lieutenant Anderson gave a vivid
description of the cutting Of the three
cables off C~ienfuegos, while shot and
she'll were screaming above and
around. He said they had to go near
the shore in shallow water, so that
they could see the cables, as il was i'm
possible to grapple for them on ac-
u Of coral heads. They went within
forty feet of the beach and cut out $50
fathoms of the cables. He spoke about
the terrible n in which the
Mauser bullets Of the Spaniards had
terribly manned his crew. The cox
swain was shot through the back, and
other members OF the crew were shot
through the brain. liver. neck. arm and
legs. Further, he related how brave and
cool his crew was under the most try
ing circumstances. and told several
amusing i~ncidences.
When Lieutenant Anderson conclud-
ed Mayor Waddel, was called upon
and delivered quite an eloquent ora
TON Other addresses followed. until
the reception was reluctantly brought
to a close.
Among those present at the banquet
were Mayor A. NJ. Waddell, Command