Delightful excursion.
--Pursuant to invitation of the
President of the Richmond and York River Railroad, over two hundred members, officers, reporters, &c., of the General Assembly, accompanied by
Gov. Letcher,
Mayor Mayo, and others, left the city at 7 o'clock on Saturday morning, on an excursion to
Yorktown and
Old Point.
On reaching the terminus of the road at
West Point, the excursionists found the steamer
West Point,
Capt. Rowe, awaiting their arrival.
The whole party embarked, and in a few moments were steaming rapidly down
York river towards their destination.
The bosom of the
York was spotted with the sails of oyster craft, and fairly alive with millions of wild fowl.
We counted fifty-five oyster boats in the neighborhood of Cappahoosic wharf.
The day was as genial and balmy as could have been desired, not a cloud appearing in the horizon, and the whole party in the highest spirits.
Well-spread and bountiful tables, and a superabundance of wines, liquors and cigars, were not among the least gratifying assurances that we were on a "small-sized spree." Reaching
Yorktown about 11 o'clock, the excursionists were allowed half an hour to remain.
Accordingly, all disembarked and proceeded to the once superb mansion of
Gov. Nelson, thence to the old field in which Lord Cornwallis surrendered to the great
Washington.
The next point visited was the cave under the hill, directly facing the river, in which it is said Cornwallis endeavored to conceal himself from the "rebels." This place has been enclosed, and a door, with lock and key affixed, for the purpose of preventing depredations by visitors and curiosity- hunters.
The lady in whose possession the keys were, informed us that she required every one who entered to pay her a fee of 12 ½ cents, which sum was for keeping the premises in order.
We think the town would do well to have some such guardian angel to keep it order.
The half hour having expired, the party returned to the boat, and were soon again under way, and arrived at
Old Point Comfort about 2 o'clock, P. M. As soon as the
Governor and
Mayor Mayo had been presented to
Col. Dimmick, and the officers in command, the line of march was taken for the parade grounds in the interior of the fortification, where the troops, some three hundred, were on parade.
While on our way hither, a salute of thirty-four guns was fired.
After reviewing the troops, the latter were dispersed, and the visitors allowed to examine the whole fortification to their heart's content.
On our return to the
Hygeia Hotel, we found a most bountiful repast spread by
Mr. Joseph Segar.
Here, after eating and drinking freely, toasts were drunk, and speeches made by
Governor Letcher.
Wm. F. Gordon Jr., and several others.
About 4 o'clock the visitors returned to the wharf, from whence they were favored with several trials of the great
Floyd gun, from which some half a dozen shots and shells were fired.
The leave-taking at the wharf was truly interesting.
The Marine Band played the Star Spangled Banner, Dixie, and other pieces, with great spirit, and the heartfelt thanks of the excursionists for the hospitality and kindness of the officers and soldiers of the fort, were expressed in speeches by
Messrs. John T. Anderson.
of the House of Delegates, and
Mayor Mayo.
The boat moved from the wharf about 4 o'clock, and a few moments afterwards a report like thunder was heard and a ball went whizzing over our heads from the Floyd gun and fell in the bay four and a half miles from where the gun lay. The jollification was kept up on board the boat in eating, drinking, speaking, singing, &c., until our arrival again at
West Point, where the party again took the cars and reached
Richmond about 11 o'clock at night.
Not an accident or unpleasant incident occurred during the day to mar the pleasure of the excursionists, and all were eloquent in their praises of the officers and all concerned on the road and river for gentlemanly bearing, and kindness and untiring efforts to make the time pass pleasantly.
With regard to the rumors of warlike preparations, we can only say that we saw a number of mortars and guns "pointing inland."-- We presume this matter was more thoroughly investigated by the Legislators in the party, and from them we may yet hear a "report."
York river is a majestic stream, and every one was enthusiastic in speaking of its advantages for commercial purposes.
On the return trip, suitable resolutions were adopted, in acknowledgment of the courtesies bestowed upon the excursionists.
The meeting was held on board of the steamer
West Point.
On motion of
Dr. Thompson, of the Senate,
Maj. O. M. Critchfield was called to the chair.
Maj. C. spoke of the pleasure afforded the excursionists, &c. Remarks were also submitted by
Messrs. McCue,
Thompson,
Christian,
Crane, and
Mayo.
W. F. Gordon, Jr., offered the following resolutions:
‘
Resolved, That the thanks of the officers and members of the General Assembly, and of the other guests, be and are hereby tendered to the
President and officers of the Richmond and York River Railroad, for the kind invitation extended, and for the collation and generous hospitality which has been extended to them upon this occasion.
’
Resolved, That the thanks of this meeting be also tendered to the officers of
Fortress Monroe, for the manifestations of respect and attention shown us during our visit to that Fort.
Resolved, That our thanks are likewise due, and are hereby tendered, to
Messrs,
Willard and
Segar, proprietors of the
Hygeia Hotel, for their handsome collation prepared for us.
Resolved, That the
Secretary be requested to present copies of these resolutions to the
President and officers of the Richmond and York River Railroad; to the officers of
Fortress Monroe and the proprietors of the
Hygeia Hotel,
Messrs. Willard and
Segar.
Resolved, That the
Secretary furnish copies of the proceedings and resolutions of this meeting to the Richmond
Dispatch and other papers, for publication.
The resolutions were adopted unanimously.
