Tweet
Louisville Journal
July 6, 1860
The Citizen Guards. – Very decidedly the most imposing as well as important demonstration in the State on the 4th was that at Lexington. Its consequence and interest was hightened by the presentation of a magnificent flag to the Lexington Chasseurs, under command of Capt. Sanders Bruce, by the ladies of that city. For many years there has not been such a brilliant military demonstration, and it is gratifying to know that among all the companies the Citizen Guards took the precedence for excellence of drill and general deportment. Louisville count not possibly send abroad a more creditable representation than that which shouldered arms and marched forward under command of that very superior and elegant officer Capt. Alex. Casseday.
The celebration at Lexington was a very unique affair.
A few companies arrived on the evening of the 3d and were received in true military style by the Chasseurs assisted by the Lexington Rifles, the town being in great excitement. The visiting companies were all quartered in high style at the hotels, except the Citizen Guards, who camped in the college lawn and messed at the office of the Adams Express, where Capt. Harper, that whom no better caterer can be found, provided them with the most sumptuous fare.
The morning of the Fourth was ushered in by the ring of bells, firing of canon, beating of drums, and the other means of expression by which this great people are went to show their joy. At an early hour the town began to fill with citizens and soldiers from the adjoining country, the trains bringing in thousands, and the streets being blocked up with the private carriages. All stores were closed and everybody intent in making the greatest demonstration possible. Companies and squads were marching every where through the streets preparing for the parade, drums beating and bugles “sounding the assembly.” About 10 o’clock the Adjutant’s call was sounded and the companies formed on Short street in the following manner:
The general offices formally inspected the regiment and then came the lovely ladies on open carriages, who rode down the line, the companies presenting arms. The regiment was then wheeled into column and took up the line of march to the fairgrounds, where the crowd was immense, greater perhaps than had ever been on the grounds before. The regiment was marched into the amphitheater, where, after some maneuvers, it halted and ranks were broken.
Prayer was offered from the stand erected in the amphitheater, where the ladies who were to present the flag were. Hon. D. C. Wickliffe read the Declaration. Miss Stephens in a beautiful speech presented a stand of color to “The Chasseurs,” and was responded to by a member of that corps. Then the companies marched to dinner set in the grounds, where the faire was sumptuous and according to the Lexington style of hospitality.
After dinner – dress parade; then the column passed by Gen. Combs and his staff in review, in common, quick, and double quick time; then the parade was dismissed and the companies were marched to their various quarters-every-body delighted.
After the parade the Chasseurs visited the Citizens Guards in their camp and were entertained with a champagne re-union, the contribution of Major Thos. H. Hunt, of the Louisville Battalion. A little later in the afternoon the Citizen Guards were entertained by Henry M. Curd, Esq., at his residence, where there where bright eyes to greet them, and after tea were again entertained by Miss Stewart, who presented the flag.
July 6, 1860
The Citizen Guards. – Very decidedly the most imposing as well as important demonstration in the State on the 4th was that at Lexington. Its consequence and interest was hightened by the presentation of a magnificent flag to the Lexington Chasseurs, under command of Capt. Sanders Bruce, by the ladies of that city. For many years there has not been such a brilliant military demonstration, and it is gratifying to know that among all the companies the Citizen Guards took the precedence for excellence of drill and general deportment. Louisville count not possibly send abroad a more creditable representation than that which shouldered arms and marched forward under command of that very superior and elegant officer Capt. Alex. Casseday.
The celebration at Lexington was a very unique affair.
A few companies arrived on the evening of the 3d and were received in true military style by the Chasseurs assisted by the Lexington Rifles, the town being in great excitement. The visiting companies were all quartered in high style at the hotels, except the Citizen Guards, who camped in the college lawn and messed at the office of the Adams Express, where Capt. Harper, that whom no better caterer can be found, provided them with the most sumptuous fare.
The morning of the Fourth was ushered in by the ring of bells, firing of canon, beating of drums, and the other means of expression by which this great people are went to show their joy. At an early hour the town began to fill with citizens and soldiers from the adjoining country, the trains bringing in thousands, and the streets being blocked up with the private carriages. All stores were closed and everybody intent in making the greatest demonstration possible. Companies and squads were marching every where through the streets preparing for the parade, drums beating and bugles “sounding the assembly.” About 10 o’clock the Adjutant’s call was sounded and the companies formed on Short street in the following manner:
FIRST DIVISION.
Gen Leslie Combs, Chief Marshal, and Aids;
Governor of Kentucky and Staff,
Ladies of Lexington assigned to present the flag on carriages;
Official delegations of Ladies adjacent counties, in carriages;
Chaplin and Orator of the day,
Soldiers of the War of 1812,
Soldiers of the Mexican War,
Mayor and Council of Lexington,
City and County Judges,
This division formed on Cheapside, the right resting on Short street.
------
SECOND DIVISION
Forming on Short street, the right, resting on Mill street, fronting south.
Band of Music,
Citizen Guards, Louisville;
Harrison Rifles, Cynthiana;
Union Greys, Georgetown;
Band of Music,
Woodford Blues, Woodford;
Governor’s Guard, Frankfort;
Governor’s Red Artillery, Frankfort;
Flat Rock Company, Bourbon;
Bourbon Rangers, North Middleton;
Band of Music,
Lexington Rifles, Lexington;
Lexington Chasseurs, Lexington;
Gen Leslie Combs, Chief Marshal, and Aids;
Governor of Kentucky and Staff,
Ladies of Lexington assigned to present the flag on carriages;
Official delegations of Ladies adjacent counties, in carriages;
Chaplin and Orator of the day,
Soldiers of the War of 1812,
Soldiers of the Mexican War,
Mayor and Council of Lexington,
City and County Judges,
This division formed on Cheapside, the right resting on Short street.
------
SECOND DIVISION
Forming on Short street, the right, resting on Mill street, fronting south.
Band of Music,
Citizen Guards, Louisville;
Harrison Rifles, Cynthiana;
Union Greys, Georgetown;
Band of Music,
Woodford Blues, Woodford;
Governor’s Guard, Frankfort;
Governor’s Red Artillery, Frankfort;
Flat Rock Company, Bourbon;
Bourbon Rangers, North Middleton;
Band of Music,
Lexington Rifles, Lexington;
Lexington Chasseurs, Lexington;
The general offices formally inspected the regiment and then came the lovely ladies on open carriages, who rode down the line, the companies presenting arms. The regiment was then wheeled into column and took up the line of march to the fairgrounds, where the crowd was immense, greater perhaps than had ever been on the grounds before. The regiment was marched into the amphitheater, where, after some maneuvers, it halted and ranks were broken.
Prayer was offered from the stand erected in the amphitheater, where the ladies who were to present the flag were. Hon. D. C. Wickliffe read the Declaration. Miss Stephens in a beautiful speech presented a stand of color to “The Chasseurs,” and was responded to by a member of that corps. Then the companies marched to dinner set in the grounds, where the faire was sumptuous and according to the Lexington style of hospitality.
After dinner – dress parade; then the column passed by Gen. Combs and his staff in review, in common, quick, and double quick time; then the parade was dismissed and the companies were marched to their various quarters-every-body delighted.
After the parade the Chasseurs visited the Citizens Guards in their camp and were entertained with a champagne re-union, the contribution of Major Thos. H. Hunt, of the Louisville Battalion. A little later in the afternoon the Citizen Guards were entertained by Henry M. Curd, Esq., at his residence, where there where bright eyes to greet them, and after tea were again entertained by Miss Stewart, who presented the flag.