Newspaper Page Text
Tor the Daily Sun.
TUo Guards’ Trip to LaGrange.
Editors Daily Sun: We ask the privilege of
a place in your paper, to correct an error which
appears in the iSuu of the 12th inst., with res
pect to the result of tbo shooting for prizes
between the Montgomery Blues, ('apt. Owen,
and the Columbus Guards, Capt. Bemmes,
during their late encampment at LaGrange ;
as also to give you some account oi our trip,
its incidents and pleasures.
The first prize, a beautiful and large Silver
Pitcher, reflecting credit upon the taste of the
committee of Voting Ladies who selected it,
representing the “Heutz Society” of LaGrange
Female College, was awarded by tlio Judges
to the Guards. The Judges consisted of an
equal number of the friends of each company,
our cbivnlric Mayor being at the head of ours;
on which occasion permit ns to say, mpassant,
that he nobly sustained his fair repute at
home, and evinced the generous impulses of
his heart, by a solicitude for, and interest in,
the Guards, which meets as our response, a
thousand heartfelt thanks. From this time
forth we welcome Col. Wilkins ta our assem
blies and pa. ades as one of us. The beautiful
prize above mentioned, was to be taken by the
best average company shot—the shooting re
sulting in favor of the Guards, by two inches
to the shot. Our target showed seven balls in
the bull’s eye, and inciudiugthese seven, eigh
teen balls within the first black ring encircling
the eye. Private Benton of our corps, made
a contral shot, the best single shot of either
company. We do not recollect, nor is it ma
terial, the total number of halls in the board,
though there were a large number as compar
ed with the whole number of shots.
The second prize, a handsomo silver goblet,
selected by tbo “ Judsou Society,” of the same
College, was awarded to a member of the
Blues, for the best single shot in his own
corps, being reported three-eighths of an inch.
These were the only prizes contested. The
grounds selected for the target firing was an
enchanting spot, opposite the College, envi
roned by magnificent old oaks, which sheltered
under their umbragoous shade, a vast con
course of citizens and strangers, gentlemen
and fair ladies, attracted thither by the nov
elty of the occasion, and sympathy with the
companies respectively, to which their attach
ments led them. To illustrate this feeling,
we mention an incident. The writer, after
having made his own shot, took a young
“ Hentz,” a sweet little girl of ten summers,
in his arms, in order to give her a fair view
over the heuds of that part of the assemblage
whose sympathies were with ourcorps, during
the contest, and who had formed a serried
rank of gentlemen and ladies around our men,
leaving only an avenue to the target. The
litde angel, who promises to boa fair repre
sentative of the beauty of Georgia’s jewels,
when she saw a Blue level his musket, would
hold her breath in painful suspense, her bril
liant black eyes intently fixed upon the tar
get. If the board was hit, gloom for a moment
gathered over the unparalleled lineaments of
that brilliant face. It’ missed, she clapped her
hands in joy and was the first to announce the
result. The Blues aud Guards fired alter
nately. My sweet little charmer watched with
even more emotion, the result of the shots
at our owu target. When a Guard leveled his
gun, sho trembled like an uspen, till her quick
eye detected and reported the result; and
when the final result was made known, she ex
claimed at the right of our company, in the
exuberance of childish joy, as if the happiest
hopb oi her life’s morning dream was realized,
Us beat them! Us heat them!” This is a
simple little incident, but it differed only in
degree, from the sentiment evinced by our sis
ters, the older members of the lleutz Society.
Ib it remarkable that w,> should love those who
man Jested such deep solicitude for the corps,
during the trying contest—for the metal op
posed to us had the genuine ring—and joy at
our success ? God bless the members of tho
lleutz Society, one and all. They honored the
head of their Institute in all their arduous ex
ercises, aud specially reflected credit upon
thoruselves by their excellent compositions
with which they euchaiued the attention of tho
large and intelligent audience who thronged
the spacious chapel front day to day durtug
the Commencement exercises. We are proud
of them, a distinction won, if they value it, by
their uwu merits.
Our arrival at LaGrange was on Monday,
after two days sojourn at West Point, where
wo were treated with truoUeorgia hospitality.
P. 0. Harper, Lsq., received us with a wel
coming ad tress, alter a response to which, we
were escorted to tho Hotel, where a bountiful
table laden with good things and flanked with
an abuudanco of ehnmpague, awaited us.—
Sentiments and speeches followed, and we then
returned to camp, bearing with us the highest
esteem lor the people of West Point, to be eve
ry moment heightened by constantly recurriug
acts of hospitality and kindness. They are a
noblo people, Croft, lleese, Rood and all; and
their kindness is rehearsed wherever Guards
do congregate, and cau never fade from their
memory. The ladies who visited our camp at
West Point, received a soldier’s cordial wel
come, aud many a beautiful face of daughters
of tho town, and visitors , is stored up in mem
ory, to be often recurred to in the future with
lingering delight. Sunday at West Point was
marked by tho following correspondence :
Camp Reese, Shah West Point, \
July 6, 1856. \
Rev. Mr. Cunningham—
Dear Sir: With your permission it will af
ford the Columbus Guards signal pleasure to
attend upon Divine Service, at your Church
to-day. Respectfully,
PAUL J. SEMMES,
Cupt. Columbus Guards.
At Church, l
Sabbath Morning, July 6, 1856. J
Capt. Semmss—
Dear Sir : It will be gratifying to tne, and
1 doubt not to tho Church, to have the Colum
bus Guards engage iu the worship of the Cap
tain-General of our Salvation—the Lord God
Omnipotent, is his name—in our Church to
day. Respectfully.
W. A. CUNNINGHAM.
Wo attended the morning service lu dress
uniform, without arms, and listened to a most
impressive aud eloquent discourse ou the life
and character of St. Paul, full of instruction
and replete with noble thoughts.
Our reception by the citizens of LaGrange,
was most cordial. Wo were conducted by
Capt. T. Evans, by whose name our camp was
desiguate J, to Court House Square, where we
were tendered the hospitalities of the city, in
presence of a large multitude of citizens,
through their distinguished citizen aud able
jurist, lion. E. \. Hill. Our Lieut. Hodges,
ready foe duty, however remote front
ms habits and vocation, responded. Nobly I
did the people of LaGrange fulfil the pledges
made for them by Judge Hill. Their doors 1
were thrown wide to receive us. While the |
camp chests were continually the recipients of
most substantial favors, embracing the many
good things for which this section of the
State is famous. LaGrange itself is a beauti
ful wood-environed city, with lovely gardens,
yards rsiioteat with the fragrance of flowers
! and adorned with embowered vines—all syni
i bolic of the generous hearts and noble impulses
jof her people. May her borders enlarge, her
good citizens increase and multiply, and never
Jack for any good thing.
Our first appearance with tho Blues was in
Battalion, the Guards on the right by courtesy ,
of tlie Blues, tbe Blues forming the central ,
column, and the Fredonia (Ala.) Cadets on the
left, presenting a beautiful contrast in the va
rious neat and rich uniforms of the respective
Companies. In this order we marched through
the principal streets, the ladies saluting us
with waving handkerchiefs; our gallant (Jap- 1
tain, .Sennues, being in command, recognized |
the salutes by ordering the column to “carry 1
arms,’’ at which order tho officers promptly !
saluted with the sword. Forming in parade
order we saluted and received the beautiful
representatives of the Hentz and Judson So
cieties, who, after placing their insignia of
each society upon the respective companies,
moved in procession, two in two, arm in arm,
and forming on our right, opened ranks upon
the right and left of the Company, through
which brilliant avenue of lovely forms and
beaming eyes, our column marched. This oc
casion furnished the only instance of the
slightest disobedience of orders, during our
encampment. It is a well known rule of tac
tics that the soldier must maintain head and
eyes square to the front, during “attention,”
and preserve the strictest silence. But on
this occasion so lovely a spectncle proved too
much even for the habitual observance of or
ders by our column. There was a magnetic
attraction ou either side of us, more potent
than the fascinating objects which invited the
attention of the children of Israel, when after
many days journeying through desert wastes,
they promised to fix their eyes upon the land
of promise, turning neither to the right nor
left, if a certain King would grant them a
passage through his fertile domains. We
formed again on the right, and the procession
of teachers and pupils moved through our
open ranks, the column presenting arms, and
the music playing the while, inspiring national
airs. Stacking arms, we marched into the
large chapel and were entertained for two hours
by tho reading of compositions from young
ladies of the Junior Class, interspersed with
delightful strains of music by the Chase fami
ly aided by their pupils.
We would like to speak of these composi
tions seriatim, but have not space at present
for more than general comment. They were
all good ; those representing our Society, to
say the least of them, maintaining a favorable
comparison. We aro almost tempted, at the
risk of being tedious, to speak of several
productions by those wearing the Hentz
Badge, which evinced a maturity and solidity
of thought, and a correctness of style which
would be creditable to the best female pens of
the day. There was a prominent feature in
all these productions of this intelligent class;
the points made were apposite, alid tho subject
discussed appeared more and more distinctly
to the finishing sentence, when the impression
left, was, that it had been exhausted; while
the mind retained the outline and filling up of
a fair fabric of intellectual effort. The un
questionable inference is that the young ladies
have been sedulously trained in such intellect
ual exercises as were best adapted to elicit,
dovelopc and strengthen the faculties—a de
served comment upon the system and order
maintained in this growing college. Book
knowledge is nothing, unless in the use we
make of it, we acquire the habit, as these
youug ladies have done, of appropriating the
knowledge gained to the elucidation and de
fence of positions assumed, and a proper ap
plication of it.
At the close of the Junior Exhibition, the
Rev. Mr. C utior, formerly of tho Methodist
Church in this city, presented the prizes to
the succe'sstul candidates for reading, a con
test which had transpired before our nrrivul,
accompanying the presentation with some elo
quent and appropriate remarks to the Class.
In tho afternoon we attended a joint session
of the two societies, at which several address
es were made, and $350 subscribed, by the
Blues and Guards chiefly, for the purchc ;e oi
books for the Societies’ Libraries.
Tho evening of this day being the only one iu
which there were to be no exercises at the
College, some of our men who had notice of
tlie fact, commenced putting tho Camp in or
der for tlie reception of the citizens of La-
Grango, invited guests, and the officers and
pupils of tho College. This, while the Com
pany as such, were absent, being in attend
mice on a session of the Hentz Society. The
work commenced about 4 o’clock P. M., under
the direction of Seurgents Hodges and Gager;
aud tlie Company was not less surprised than
pleased on their return at nightfall to find a
commodious platform in Camp, brilliantly
lighted by an hundred lanterns, suspended
from temporary posts or the boughs of over
hanging trees,—the tents, all neatly arranged
mid every thing in short, iu excellent order.”
The Blues, we shculd meution, had performed
the same feat, having in view the comfort and
pleasure of their invited guests.
This was the evening selected for the pre
sentation by the Guards to the Hentz Society,
of a number of magnificent volumes, among
which were the Holy Bible, and an uniformly
bound edition of the complete wovks of the
lamented Caroline Lee Hentz. Would that we
could wield the artists’ pencil, that we might
give some faint description of the spectacle
presented, when tlie table was placed upon the
platform, bearing upon it, in addition to
the books, the most perfect specimen of chi
rography wc ever beheld—a complete muster
roll of the Guards, honorary mid regulars,
contributed from his own baud by Private J. W.
Barden, and framed by Surgeon lugmire. The
Hentz Society tor whom these gifts were in
tended, gathered nround the table in a circle,
and a throng of other guests crowded around
them, thus tilling the entire camp with a dense
mass of loveliness and beauty. Lieutenant
Hodges represented his companions and occu
pied half an hour in a presentation speoch
which was responded to iu happy style by
Miss Ware of the “Hentz.” We should exag
gerate nothing iu commenting ou her effort,
did we use the highest encomium. It was
delivered in good style, gracefully and with
just sufficient confidence: and was received
with unbounded applause. This youug lady
| bears a name that wears like a charm with the
i Guards. When the applause had subsided,
! the music, by n preconcerted arrangement,
j struck up a cotillon, transporting the specta
tor ns it wero into enchnuted land, where
scene after scene succeeded iu panoramic view
with ever-varying effect. A sheen of mellow
light, blending the silvery moon-beams with
the rays from an hundred lanterns, threw its
brilliance upon numerous setts, ardent devo
tees at the shrine of Terpsichore: while oth
ers in couples promenaded the grounds, en
: banced in beauty by so many sparkling eyes—
! one while making the copse vocal with song
and merriment, and now resting fora moment,
| admiring the details of soldier’s life as recount-
I ed by those of us who could not dance. Here
| the conduct of our companions who had al
ready won plaudits for their precision in evo
lutions under arms, attested their claims to
the “proprieties” in their attention to the fair.
Here the Guards proved themselves accustom
ed to these festal re-unions. During all this
time similar scenes were being enacted in the
Camp of our friends, the Blues, who also won
goldeu opinions from their guests. The night
was well nigh spent, when sweet strains of
music in dying echoes greeted tho approach
of day. A happier scene was never witnessed,
j Even the most diffident Guard was called out
I by esprit i/e corps to sustain the reputation of .
his Company. The Guards yielded by scores
to the attractions of the lovely representatives
of our “Hentz,” that night indelibly engraven
on our memories. But few had tasted the
comforts of “tired nature’s sweet restorer,”
when the reveille beat to duty at the succeed
ing sunlight.
The following day we went in a body to the
Chapel to witness the Exhibition of a very i
large graduating class. Here our favorites,
tlie Hentz representatives gave us just cause
for pride, aud as each young lady finished the
last net of scholastic life which just held her
on the dividing line between school-days, their
exercises and sports, and the “boundless world
untried,” the full hearts of tho Guards sent
out their silent orisons embalming in their pe
titions the well-beiuf; of tho loved and honor
ed who so nobly sustained our Hentz, aud be
speaking for them a shield to encompass their
destinies and defend them from misfortune
and sorrow. Miss Wave read tlie concluding
composition, a just and eloquent tribute to her
“brave old native State,” Georgia, whose fame
stood out in bold relief under the ready and
eloquent pen that painted the scenes in her
past history, linking them with her present
resources and the brilliant future that awaits
her.
Prof. L. J. Smith of Emory College, deliv
ered the first part of an able address this
day, he being the substitute for the Hon. J.
Clancy Jones whose letter accounting for his
absence on of important public bu
siness which he could not neglect, was read,
and received with much applause.
In the afternoon the target-practice pre
viously described was the engrossing theme and
principal act. At night a brilliant concei tby
the Chase family and their pupils contributed
much to our enjoyment. In this connection
we must not neglect to mention a side act,
which for the cordiality that prompted and
the merit that deserved it, engraved itself in
delibly upon our hearts. Miss Cunningham,
daughter of Rev. Mr. Cunningham of La-
Grarige Presbyterian Church was induced
amid great noise and confusion to repeat for
us a song which her vocalization bad render
ed very pleasing on a previous occasion dur
ing the exercises. Modest and diffident,
though anxious to oblige us, she was yet re
luctant amid such a buzz, to attempt the task.
It was at the moment when tlie two Societies
were adjourned Seeing the difficulties of her
position the Guards simultaneously formed in
a figure not known in military tactics—a cir
cle around the piano, on the stage, thus de
claring themselves a phalanx to prevent inter
ruption from without. At this deserved com
pliment our lair young sister gave forth her
song in tones so sweet, that at its close, an
enamored officer, in a moment of enthusiasm,
crowned her with a wreath made from his
sash.
Thursday was a bright day, and our Captain,
proud of the Corps, who in reciprocation have
the utmost confidence in him as an officer and
finished gentleman, marched us to the public
square, where, iu presence of a large con
course of citizens and strangers, we went
through tho entire Company-drill, in common
and quick time, and with the good fortune to
get through with perfect precision. Hence
marching to tlie Chapel we listeued to the con
cluding portion of Prof. Smith’s address. His
remarks to the graduating class were eminent
ly sensible and practical in the main; full of
g od advice and saving cautions, interspersed
with pathetic appeals, bringing tears to the
eyes of many of the audience as well as the
gradutes. Tho able Principal, Rev. Mr.
Montgomery, delivered the diplomas, with
some pertinent and touching s emarks iu fare
well to the Graduates.
Next came tho award of the prizes shot for
the day previous. Miss Margaret A. Cox
came forward with tho Pitcher and delivered
an address well calculated to excite the gene
rous emulation of contestants, resembling iu
this respect, the preludes to the Olympic
Games, to which she alluded. Her enuncia
tion was clear and distinct—her manner charm
ing ; at her first appearance, tlie hearts of the
Guards were at once captivated. Long as our
organization continues, that Prize will be pre
served, and associated therewith forever, shall
be the name of that lovely daughter of Hentz,
in our memories aud hearts. Her beauty is the
least of her attractions—yet is she beautiful.
Lieut. Hodges responded on the part of the
Company. A young lady representing the
Judson Society, presented the cup to the Blues
in a very pleasing address, responded to by
Private Holtzclaw of the Blues, with much
eloquence and feeling.
In the afternoon of this day, the citizens of
LaGrange, through James M. Russell, Esq.,
presented each Company with a Silver Cup.
To Mr. Russell’s highly appropriate remarks,
Lieut. Hodges responded for the Guards, fol
lowed by Capt. Owen of the Blues. This pre
sentation was a handsome compliment to tlie
Companies aud was highly appreciated—a tes
timonial to their gentlemanly and soldierly
bearing during Encampment. That Blues and
Guards, brothers in arms, and in their frequent
trials of skill alternating in the honors of the
contest, and quitting it in good fellowship,
made a favorable impression, none can doubt.
Amoug the other attractions at the. College,
the singing of little Miss Forbes, only ten years
of age, was prominent and excited universal
remark. Though so young, her voice has fine
compass, is already highly cultivated, rich,
sweet, melodious, and filled tho spacious ehnp-
There were many other pleasing incidents
worthy of note, but it would require a volume
in which to give the whole history of our ex
cursion—tho happiest one in which we have
participated. In this wo speak advisedly.
Our military life began in 1844, in which year,
ns one of the Guards, we encamped at La-
Grange, iu a beautiful grove fronting tho resi
dence of the bouoml and distinguished repre
sentative of that district in Congress, now,
alas 1 for the fortunes of his constituents, en
rolled among the illustrious dead. Wo have
been in camp with the Guards almost every
year since. We have enjoyed many occasions
when our happiness seetuod full; but there
was a feature in our last, it may be the liga
ment binding us as brothers to the lovely sis
tci sos lleutz, that made our late excursion
1 pre-eminent above ail others.
Ihe presentation of a magnificent boquet
through Capt. Setumos, to the Guards, was not
the least feature in our late trip. True genius
is invariably modest and retiring, in our
Captain we have a proof of it. We had hoard
in the company room, and at other places, his
efforts ns an orator, which any man of intel
lect might be proud to claim as his own. And
yet upon all occasions during our encampment,
he preferred to rest his claims upon his merits
as an officer, and yielded to subalterns, posi
tions in wlnch he could ousilv have won dis
tinction. xt is not the t*stiinouy ot the par
tial friend alone, that we offer in this connec
tion. It will be acknowledged a correct esti
mate of a soldier and gentleman, by all who
can appreciate those elements of character I
which constitute each, when they once ob
serve the efficiency of the corps under his com
mand, the perfect arrangement and manage- I
merit of all the appliances to complete the
neatness, order and symmetry of his encarnp
, ment, and his gentlemanly bearing in good
‘society. Strict discipline was observed, yet
no soldier was precluded from hearty partici- j
patiou iu inuocent amusements, in which the j
Captain himself cordially joined when they did
not conflict with duty. We speak on this top- !
ic con amove, aud what may seem exaggerated .
praise to some, is understood by the initiated, !
to he but the just meed due our gentlemanly
first officer. An opinion prevails to some ex- |
, tent that these excursions are made the occa
sions for dissipation and debauchery. Not so, j
where Capt. Scmmes commands. No man, we ;
, care not what his pretensions us a moralist or
teacher of morals, has a higher knowledge of
I those proprieties which mark tbe gentleman,
any where and everywhere. And the influence
of such a man is felt for good in restraining
his men, and leading them to recognize that
1 the highest style of soldier, as well as gentle
man, must be sought in him who prides him
| self upon his deportment iu the parlor as in
i the camp. While therefore, our proficiency
i as soldiers is due to the superior information
| of our first, officer, the gentlemanly bearing of
our men when not on duty, is a reflection
caught from the manly conduct of one who
while he can command and instruct his camp,
walks himself sans reproche, before men. The
late encampment renewed and increased our
confidence in our officers—their ability, inter
est and zeal for tlie corps ; and their recipro
cal attachment for their men. Outsiders may
suppose that precision and order, can only be
acquired under strict and rigid discipline.—
But the implicit obedience rendered by the
men, has become so much a habit, no order
from our chief could seem a hardship. With
such a commander we fear no comparisons.—
What he does not teach is unknown to any
treatise on tactics.
“Last scene of all in this eventful history,”
came the levee on Thursday at the College, by
the Hentz and Judsou Societies, under the di
rection of their Principal, Mr. Montgomery.
Here all was joy and hilarity. Those gentle
hearts which had been burdened during Com
mencement with the responsibility of impor
tant parts assigned them in the public exhibi
tion, were now free from care—their efforts all
accomplished—the congratulations of friends
concluded—and they devoted themselves to the
entertainment of their guests. Tho scenes at
this last re-union were like the music of Char
ryl, sweet though melancholy to the soul 1 It was
a farewell meeting. The Guard took his leave
of the fair Hentz. When we were to meet
again, but One alone could know. How many
faithful asseverations of friendship, aye, and
of affection, were given and received, we have
no means of knowing. Aisles and passages,
portico and colonnades, indeed every accessible
place, graveled walks and shady avenues were
filled with couples to every appearance pleas
antly ninted. From the chapel sweet music
welled up, and every recess was vocal with
song or sentiment. The staid matroh, the fas
cinating Miss, the young girl, all contributed
to make this entertainment the crowning one
of the Commencement; and the College build
ings ample as they were, could not accommo
date the assembled throngs. An elegant re
past was spread for that evening, at which our
corps were presented with a magnificent fruit
cake, richly embossed and inscribed with our
name—a gift from the Hentz Society, through
James M. Russell, Esq., of LaGrange. Lieut.
Clemons acknowledged the compliment, and
we need hardly say that it was brought home
with us to be discussed with those young la
dies of our city who attended the Commence
ment with the Guards for their escort, at
which discussion wc may renew the pleasing
recollections of our excursion. We lingered
at the College to a late hour, and when our
Captain at length summoned us from the
scene, the festivities were still progressing
with spirit.
Some notice should be taken of the several
Mess entertainments at which a number of
outside friends were present. It is perhaps
sufficient to say that every attention was paid
our guests, who left us pleased with Camp life
and its courtesies.
Next morning (Friday) at the “call of the
General,” our men reluctantly struck their
tents, aud after saluting the College and the
residences of many of our LaGrange friends,
we embarked on the cars for home. Never
cau we forget the good people of LaGrange,
nor the charming young ladies who sojourn
there during the days of their pupilage. Hea
ven smile upon them! Auspicious gales attend
those young life-barks, so recently launched
upon life’s ocean of untried and fathomless
depths.
Are we expecting too much in hoping that
the vacant niche in letters, once adorned by
the lamented Caroline Lee Hentz, will yet be
filled by some of those lair young ladies who
during their scholastic life, have borne her
name? Sufficient warrant have we for such a
hope, in several productions of the Ilentz So
ciety ; should the knowledge already acquired
be sedulously added to, aud the cultivation
continued which has been commenced, we may
yet see our anticipation become reality.
Without accident or a single case of sick
ness, tho Encampment of 1850 has ended—an
encampment fraught with delightful incidents
to be garnered in memory amid all the chances
aud changes of life ; when we look back over
the long journey of life for an oasis to cheer
our weariness, here can we turn with the cer
tainly ot gratification. Such has been our en
campment under the supervision of a mind
which draws at a glance the just distinction
between pleasures permissable and improprie
ties ; and not by counsel but by example, di
rects to rational joys in lieu of unseemly mer
riment aud forbidden amusements.
And now, Messrs. Editors, permit tne to
close with a big gun in honor of Sergeant Bur
rous of our city, and his artillery, to whom
the Guards are very grateful for their cheer
fully rendered aid and assistance and uniform
soldierly conduct and bearing. The Sergeant’s
salute to the Ilentz Society, of thirteen guns,
was fired in 1 minute 0 seconds! a fact which
requires no comment, from
Yours, &c., HIGH PRIVATE.
OOLUMBUB GUARDS’ ARMORY, I
July 14th, 1850. /
1 In- Committee appointeil tu draft Resolutions expres
sive oi the Gnnr.ls’ appreciation of the many courtesies
leceived by them durian their late excursion, submit the
following:
• i hereby tender to the management of
the w est I’oiut A Montgomery Railroad, their thanks
bir the attention and kindness shown them, on tlielr re
cent excursion to LaGrange.
- n d : lo the citizens of West Point we desire to ex
press our appreciation of their most kind and unexpect
ed hospitality, on tho occasion of our recent sojourn in
their midst. Coming among them without previous nu
tter, unit looking for nothing but uuftlcient space toabido
one day. tvu were the recipients ot kiuduess which inis til
led the heart of every member of tbe Corps. The Soldier
never forgets the spot whereon tlie Haines 0 f hospitality ‘
have mingled with his own cump-flres.
To tlie fair ladies of that community, we make the sol
diers tender: in these piping time , of peace our hearts
in sympathy; in war our anus for their defence. Loug
will their bright eyes and kindly smiles be remembered. !
as having encouraged us to excel, as men. as citizens,
and us soldiers.
3d. That the incidents of our late visit to LaGrange,
are embalmed in our hearts. Words but feebly express
tne feelings w® entertain for its citizen*. We can ouly
say that the kind feelings, the friendship, and the hospl
tuiity shown us. will never be
uot in our hearts alone, but shall be transom. - 1 ‘!**•
posterity in (he archives of the Corps. ,0 pr
4th. That to Judge K. Harris our thanks ■ „
the kindly-tender of liis grounds ou which >l* ’
ed 1 * enu,M|
Oth. That the bond of union formed years a™ t
the Blues and Guards, hus been strengthened i T"** n
ened by our late meeting. To the Blues we .It
arms as does the lover to his mistress. otir
6tli. That the Guards are deeply indebted to
tizeus of LaGrange and vicinity, for timely ~
fresh provisions. The corps beg to thank’ tile,,, T lj! ! M
acceptable and liberal aid. 1 ,or
7th. That to the Rev. J. T. Montgomery ms- • I
LaGrange Female College, and through him t! • I># **
cers and members, are due our most cordial ti* *i*
tlie uniform attention ,and numerous acts of k*- H
tendered our corps ou all occasions. Thev l n ' i °B
most ardent prayers for their individual ‘sue!*'* 161
multiplied blessings of Heaven, and the utra/lv
of the influence of their worthy institution— th. ‘fl
Western Georgia. May; her springs of loaruG
and undefiled, l>e also perennial. “Si I >*
Bth. That above all, tbe members of our . H
first in our thoughts and hearts. Our sisters ♦TV’’ ’f*
highly gratified us by the credit they retlected b?
on their instructors and their society, in every ex j! J |! ‘P~ I
before the intelligent audiences width they have . 1
ly entertained. Wo are proud of them, and 1
cherish sweet memories of the many happy im u 1
it was our privilege to enjoy with them. What
command, tlie Guards obey. Obedience thus
is no duty, but a privilege and pleasure.
Bth. That the Hentz Society Badge be adont l I
part of the dress uniform of the Guards duringV,” ’*■
ments and on National days—to be Worn on
breast of the coat; and that each honorary month
tlie company be supplied with a Badge to he won •’ j
same manner as a mark of distinction. ln
Lieut. W. C. HODGEg I
“ R. c. Forsyth
Sergt. V. MARCUS. ’ I
“ M. G.McKINNer I
“ W.M 83KPHARD I
6. h. GAGEII,
Corp. TIIOS. RAGLAND. ■
The above report was unanimously adopteß
TELEGRAPHIC ITEMS. j
Further from California. 1
By the Daniel Webster at Now Orleans wfl
have Sun Francisco dates to the 20th ult ’ B
The George Law takes to New York STotj
in specie, and despatches from the ComniissioH
ers relative to the Isthmus difficulties. V
There is no decrease of the excitement B
San Francisco. Very few respond to the Govl
ernor’s proclamation of June 4th. The \'i<B
iliinee Committeo have opened books for 78
emits, and have received the names of tliouS
sands. They have also 6,000 stand of arms anß
ten pieces of artillery. Their force is divideß
into ten regiments. Strong breastworks lmvß
been erected iu front of the Committee’s roomß
on the top of which is an alarm bell, and therß
are several pieces of cannon on the adjaeenß
roofs. I
The Governor gathered together a few limß
dred men and went to Benicia to get arms unS
ammunition from the arsenal, but Gen. IVooB
refused to give them,. The Governor’s lorcß
are encamped near the city.
Six more rogues have been banished by tkofl
Vigilance Committee, who continue their mB
rests.
On receipt of the Governor’s proclamation,l
nearly all the towns in the interior held cntlm-l
siastic meetings and endorsed the action of thel
Committee, and formed organizations to assist*
in carrying out their measures. 1
The crimes and casualties are numerous.-*
There is no interest whatever in politics. 1
The reports from the mines are favorable,*
and agricultural pursuits prosperous. I
There were no arrivals of vessels from At *
lantics ports.
The advices brought by the Daniel Webster■
from Central America are important. 1
Gen. Walker was elected President of Nica-B
ragua on the 24th ult.—Rivas and his Minis-1
ter of War left Leon on the 12th; Rivas after-1
wards appeared at Chinandagua, collected a ■
force of 600 natives, called in the outposts and I
ordered the American troops to evacuate Leon. ■
The order was obeyed, annd Rivas took posses- ■
sion of the town with 120 men. Walker has I
declared the Rivas party traitors. The officers I
of the former cabinet stand by Walker. 1
A strong revolution lias brokeu out at Costa I
Rica, headed by the party that opposed tbe in 1
vasion of Nicaragua
Advices from Gautemala state that the ad-1
vance guard of the army had arrived on the I
11th, and Santa Anna was cordially received. I
It is reported that Col. Gomez and other offi I
cers of the Mexican army had gone to Gusto- I
mala.
Hostilities have been commenced by Leon I
and Chihuahua Tamulipas.
Later from Mexico.
New Orleans, July 12.—Vera Cruz dates to I
the Bth inst. state that the Spanish fleet bad j
left that port. Commonfort has decided to sell I
all lands belonging to the Church and other I
religious corporations. The new Constitution I
and Church Property Decree are applauded.— I
Anew State is to be formed, called the Valley
of Mexico.
Later from Texas.
New Orleans, July 12.—Galveston date",
10th inst., say that the Rio Grande has over
flowed higher than has been known for twenty
years, and that much damage has been the re
sult.
Congressional.
Washington, July 12.—1n the House oi
Representatives to-day, the Brooks and Sum
ner case was discussed. Mr. English wished
to offer an amendment expressing disapproval
of the assault, and disapprobation of the u iC
of personally offensive language in debate.—
The motion was objected to. Mr. Campbell
of Ohio, moved the previous question, with the
view to bring the matter to a vote on Monday
witli the understanding, however, that he would
withdraw his motion if the members implies
ted desired to speak.
New York Markets.
New York, July 12.—Cotton is firm, mm
1500 bales were sc Id to-day. Flour aud W heat
w-ere lower and quotations were irregular
Corn has advanced from 1 to 2 cents per bush
el: Spirits of Turpentine is dull at 37 cents.—
Rice is firm, and Freights are easier.
Republican Convention.
Detroit, July 10—The Republican State
Convention met here yesterday, and ro-nonn
nnted Gov. Bingham, and all the present State
officers. They also appointed Presidential
Electors.
♦’
Military.
Tho Blues retutued on Friday’s evening
train from their week’s excursion to LaGrange
in fine health and spirits. They speak in high
terms of tlie hospitality of the Georgians aim
of the beauty of the ladies. Tlie influence of
the latter ou the nerves of some of the best
bachelor shots of the corps was, it is stated, the
cause of their defeat by the Columbus Guards
in a trial of skill nt the target. However, the
corps is well satified with the result. They
beat their brothers of the Guards last season,
and are well content that turn about isfair pl’iy •
and do not feel any mortification that the sau
gallant corps have obtained the laurels.
The excursion was, in all its ipcidents, a plmi’
sant one and the corps will long regard it a
an occasion to be marked with a white K tonc
—Montgomery Journal, 14/// inst.
From Mexico and Panama. ,
Fifteen of the officers of Tamarez capß |l( ’
at Puebla and seut to Acapulco, have b L ' e “
ordered to be shot for conspiring to escape
and get up a revolution for the sake of p UJ
dor. _ _ .
Mr. Corwin had concluded his nT £ s *.{
tions of all questions connected with the ■ a
naina riot.