Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-10-03
THE ANCIENTS
From London Are the Guests
of Ancients Of Boston.
Cordial Welcome on Arrival, Friday,
on the MayAower.
a Round of Pleasure Mapped Out
Which May Tax Capacity.

Boston, oct. For the first time in
guarded by British muskets, was borne
through the streets of Boston, Friday
by the Honourable Artillery Company
of London as special guests of Il SINH
lar organization, the Ancient and Hon
orable Artillery Company of this city,
and the two escorted by several regi-
ments of Massachusetts militia.
Landing at Charlestown, almost on
the very spot where their ancestors
started on their memorable attack on
Bunker Hill. 12S years ago, the Red
coats of the 20th century marched from
their steamship, the Mayfower, over
the bridge to Boston, and then through
the streets respondent with American
and British flags, to their hotels which
Will be their home during their sojourn
in this city. For five days they will be
feted and entertained and then, after
Il weeks tour, which will include New
York, Washington, Niagara Falls and
Canada, they will be sent back to their
own shores, with it is hoped, d feeling
of respect for American hospitality.
The Mayflower was sighted coming
into Massachusetts bay, early Friday
morning, and before she had reached
Boston light, a little steamer from the
city ran alongside and Col. Sidney NJ.
Hedges, the commander of the Ancient
and Honorable Artillery and accompa-
MED by several of his staff, boarded
the Mayhower and welcomed the visi-
tors through their commander, the Earl
II Ntrrl, lott a TOY &
ing his pleasure at reaching Boston,
said that the trip across the ocean had
been an uneventful one, although the
last two or three days the weather, was
somewhat boisterous.
Through the courtesy of the govern
ment officials, the customs house trans
action was practically omitted, SO that
with little delay the steamer proceed
ed up the bay. The ovation began be
fore the Mayflower entered the ship
channel and from that time until 1t
reached the dock salutes from the har-
Dor fleet We're continuous.
Before the visitors landed the May
flower was boarded by Adj. Gen. Dali
Bates, the official welcome Of the COM
i1CllWPtllln Oh NJSoIclluSctts5 " LILY
Earl OF Dcnbish and the company.
AS soon as the visitors landed and
had formed their line the procession
started.
The morning was threatening IS far
rs the weather was concerned and
there had been one or two showers.
Still there were patches Of blue sky
'the size of a woman's apron to give
promise of fairer conditions during the
day The atmosphere was warm, with
a light northwest wind.
The parade was one of the most spec
tacular that has been seen III Boston
streets for some time. FIRST came the
Corps of Cadets in their uniforms of
white and blue followed by the deep
blue of the militia which included the
list Regiment of Heavy Artillery and
the 5th, 9Th, Sth and 9th Regiments of
Infantry. The National Lancers Of BoS-
ton then slashed the line with their
brilliant scarlet. but again the process
sion faded into deep blue as the Brit
ish and naval veterans came along.
This concluded the escortEg column, for
Immediately following came the Boston
Anccnts. The various uniforms of the
staff of this old organization have he.
como traditional and include types which
date hacl. to the blue and buff of Revo-
lutionary days. The main body of the An
GENTS however, have n distinctive uni
form of blue with rcd facings. and there
were nearly 500 members of the Organiza-
ton in line.
The British red of tho Royal Garrison
Band of Halifax. \. S.. once more added
brilliancy to the line and finally came
the visitors, also in the red Of England
topped with noddinG bearskins. Such a
variation of color made the parade one
long to be remembered
After Il march through the principal
downtown streets and across Boston COM
British general had been Vanquished by
Boston school boys. the visitors We're eS-
eortcd to their hotels and the parade was
dismissed.
Along the route Of march nearly all the
business houses were gaily decorated and
the great crowds which thronGed the
streets frequently cheered and applauded
tnc visitors
At the conclusion of the parade the Wis
itors changed their heavy uniforms and
beapskin hats for fatigue GFeSS ara after
lunch had been served, the carl Of Den
high. with several of his staif, acGompan-
Itu DN 1oi. iittStN tiiju .7'iii~ " 'hN
ing officers of the Boston Ancients, paid
their respects to Gov. Bates at the State
House and Mayor Collins at City hall
The balance of the afternoon was spent
in sightseeing and after quiet dinner
at the hotel the two organizations met
again in Faneuil hall. where the entire
assembly enjoyed smoker which incl:
ed variety entertainment by members
If nearly all the theatrical com no"
Tomorrow. the two companies will goI
TO Providence. where they will be enter
tanned at a Rhode Island clambake as