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L J),ENTE 27,1851.:t.r*,I*iderdale.rroll.'limit, strict.]MASONIC CELEDRA TION A T JIO KY SPRINGS.If.y girc notice h at Stet-Ie 1 o'clock. A. Circuit will llth of Julyanother col-rt lfou*o, a ». Tbi* A*-ikc aanocia-id a central juuty. We emeut, and I take such * will effecti of ‘‘one ofu received, ut the **ig-ttcr, were ded would e are eom-m.-t be ac-idi plutfu attention. America i, asi akoOn Tuesday last, the 24th inat., Claiborne Lodge of Free and Accepted Maituns located nt Rocky Springs, celebrated the dnv as the anuiveraary of St. John the Baptist. We had the pleasure of attending. Leaving Port Gibson at an early hour of the morning, we took the road nnd after a very pleasant ride arrived at a very seasonable time among those who were to join in the festivities of the day. On our way we noticed the effect of even slight Rhowers upon the crops, when they had been bo fortunate as to be visited by them. All cotton seemed to need rain, some fields more than others. Indeed we were told that in some in-stances the stRlk had ceased growing for the want of it We learned also that the corn crop in that region would almost inevitably be but very meagre.On arrivii^j at the Springs we found a large number congregated from all parts of the surrounding country of those who, as we, came to enjoy the day. We found, too, that every arrangement had been made by the Masonic brethren and the people, to welcome their guests and hospitably entertain them; and right well did they fulfill their purpose. Between the hour of our arrival and the time for the delivery of the oration, we had ample opportunity of being confirmed in our opinion, which by our visits before had been impressed upon us, that intelligence, industry and good order at all limes reign among the people of Rocky Springs and vicinity. This was mndo apparent by an air of neatness, comfort and gentility which pervaded the w hole village. For there is scarcely a better and surer index of the social condition of a town than its appearance. Show us a dirty, dingy, and filthy one, and we will show the inhabitants to be an immoral, vicious, and unintelligent people. Outside ornament, it may be said, only conceals defects; but we know that the houses, yards and gardens of a town will give a stran-gar an idea of the character of the place in which they are situated, which a Jong time only of close observation of character can dissipate. But there can be no doubt that every stranger who visited Rocky Springs on thatday left impressed as we were—most favorably. . - •At 12 o’clock the members of the Masonic Lodge formed in procession at their room, under the direction of A. H. Bobo Esq., as mar-siial of the day, and marched beaded by members of the Raymond Brass Band to the villageID-on tbit is i new |canva purpc to til Uste think they \ the si tions told, ingen; tion h loose on a s ventio We si; truth i duty tlt; and h; again, apart i harrno not mi have s; tion in secessi that pa tainly i nurnbei Their [ people, course, stratngi thy of stand a sure, dlt; pure, t laid asic trariety we are |count ol we canr will not That thiseeessioJ style, uienda-jnds to them-of the iged in ad bend, we rfectly s, that ilwaysy pob-pon it taking g that which in this I early, field a it ex-tid by inking •apilal ct se-lat noeffectexer-order way.1 that, intergreate the. Leri ng oaed, shing o say,hememay plan We vr re-5 may! at Grandeu roceh-r tho bar- _ _late con- i church, where they were joined by visiting uoni u.t i members, and thence to the place of speaking —an arbor which had been erected for the pur” artists, | p03e. We counted nearly 120 members in s »n our , the procession, and we were told that, this was are gen- less than their number. The address was de-ure all livered by the Hon. A. R. Johxson, of Ray-iers see mond, and was appropriate to the character of to give the fraternity and to the occasion. It was in m will every point well conceived, and the drapery of language in which his ideas were clothed, was such as to please the taste of the most fastidious critic. There seemed to be no desire to impress hisauditors with high-sounding words, without impressing them with some important idea. Rhetorical simplicity, the perfection of any style, as well as aptness of expression characterized his whole effort, while occasion-ally sentences of deep import would reach our ear. It was decidedly a chaste, well planned, and highly polished address. It went into a defence of the fraternity, its merits, and the benefits conferred upon mankind by the institution of it. It was well delivered, and the attention of the audience was gained and held throughout. Indeed we do not recollect ol’ hearing an address, upon any kindred subject and upon a public day, where hearers were more universally attentive to the speaker. At the close of the speech, and after a little political maneuvering—not by any means, as we were tuld, to the taste of the charitable body, to whom the order of the day had been committed—the procession was again formed, the the ladies having been requested to join it, and proceeded to the barbacue ground, where we found every thing which any one could wish provided in great abundance. The tables looked elegant, and showed that the ladies had spared no pains in making every preparation for the celebration. We would assure them that their efforts were very highly appreciated, of which undoubtedly they were convinced by the gusto with which all present attacked the viands. It was most emphatically a superb dinner; plenty crowned the board. After all had partaken to the full extent of theif wishes, and felt perfectly well satisfied with themselves and all the world, a motion was made to another arbor, where dancing was commenced and*kept up with much glee. Any remarks expressive of a writer's appreciation of the merits of ladies present on sc eh occasions is so frequently construed into mere open flattery, tl«t we j sbould not speak of their charms at this lime,of, or j wure 0 not certain that they were such ns to g the eIfeit t!,% warm admiration of all present. Beauty and elegance graced their persons; The attention of strangers was particularly attracted to several, but it would be invidious inD’ the ce us. ri in it, \ Urn tr correc the res ing to loss or that tl: rest to States.A labile ArkamCali forConneiDelawsFloridaGeorgi;IndianaIllinoisIowa,KenlucLouisiaMaine*MassacMary laiMississMichigaMissoN. HaNew 'NewN. CaOhio,PensyRhodeS. CarTeniwTexasVerunVirginWisccthevipitalentlyBrit-Seottzena lt;iflSL, I Assoc On unanii Mr. T Mr. ate re raeetir On i dleton were a tution Associ The recomi the Ai The !y ch»»sS. Fora f.were ction.On ius to express a preference, where all were so at, tractive. • - • ‘ *Pending the dancing we were compelled to make our exit, leaving the dancers still “trip-We i Pin£ ‘he light fantastic toe,” and all enjoyingandweliLind free-4 ofwiHforkVemwithnni-s of MUn kr\— ^ t w ■— V J ©themselves greatly. We made our way back to Port Gibson in good time, perfectly well convinced that we had made a very profitable investment of our time. We have heard but one and the same expression with reference to tho ceremonies of the day, and that tho most complimentary to the Masonie members, to the good people of Rocky Springs, and especialiy to the ladies. We would express'otir decided approbation of the manner in which the mar-shall of the day performed his duty, but bis modesty might be offended, and we repress the exhibition of ourfriepdly inclination. The number of persons present was estimated variously at from 1000 to 1600. Whervanoth-er similar oocun ence may take place “may we be there to see.” *Jto thegenen ary A cincteOn Eisely comm to this On i of this Heraldfriend! • • Mov adjonriT. VIt.ii eitizer from sistem active po{t t gated Andrealwayithe pin have r posed the De
Newspaper Details
The Port Gibson Herald And Correspondent
Port Gibson, Mississippi, US
Fri, Jun 27, 1851
Page 3
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Clipped by
Joel J.
USA 29 Jun 2021
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