Daily American Organ

CITY INTELLIGENCE

Excursion of the National Guard to Piney Point.—According to previous announcement this much talked-of excursion came off yesterday, the boat Mount Vernon, Captain Wm. Mitchell being chartered for the purpose of conveying the company and their friends to the Point and back. Large crowds of persons were around the wharf early yesterday morning, and at 7 1-4 o'clock the boat was crowded. The agent of the company represented that there was too great a crowd on board for the capacity, and a few, influenced by his representations, remained at home. The boat started from the wharf,—however, with at least three hundred persons more on board than she ought to have taken, and the natural consequence was soon made visible by the stern-guards drawing through the water at least four inches, and the heavy laboring of the craft. Many ladies became alarmed, and the boat stopped at Alexandria, where eighty-two persons landed preferring to go no further on. No perceptible difference being made by this occurrence, the boat was again brought up at the White House Pavilion where about seventy persons landed with the intention of returning to this city by the boat George Washington. The remainder on board determined to see Piney Point or sink, if need be, with the boat. Under these circumstances, the worthy captain took such measures as would insure a safe, though not speedy, arrival at the original place of destination. The speed was regulated at about nine miles per hour, and men were kept at the chain boxes constantly, to keep the boat in trim. Progress was thus insured, and the passengers began to enjoy themselves. Prosperi's Band were engaged in furnishing music for those who "tripped the light fantastic toe," and groups of chatterers were formed at different places around the boat. Several showers, succeeded by sunshine, greeted the excursionists on their voyage down, but the "even tenor of their way" was kept up, and the best of humor prevailed. At last, with every passenger safe and sound, the boat was moored at Piney Point, landing at five minutes before 8 P. M., or twelve and one-half hours from Washington. The Ball-room of the Hotel was immediately taken forcible possession of, and Mr. Dix, the popular host, was assiduous in his attentions to the company. Not a room could be procured, however, the place being full, and dancing, bathing and general hilarity occupied the excursionists until half past 12 o'clock, when the whistle from the boat announced the hour for returning. The moon had arisen, the fresh breeze was blowing, and all promised themselves a jovial and pleasant passage up. Two gentlemen amateurs amused themselves and an admiring crowd with their violins until daylight. It was kept up, we may say, until the landing at the wharf, and we deem their performances and endeavors to afford amusement really worth noticing. The committee of arrangements deserve especial credit for their exertions in arranging everything in the best manner possible; we feel we speak the opinion of a large majority of their patronizers on this occasion in thus according them merit. The only drawback and subject of complaint, was the slow progress of the boat, which it was impossible to increase, on account of the roving propensities of live freight, who leaned the boat first on one side, then upon the other, in such a way that an increased speed would have certainly originated casualties to be dreaded. Captain Wm. Mitchell, the gentlemanly and elegant commander, will receive our most sincere thanks for the many courteous favors received by us at his hand. A more polite and popular officer we are confident never "trod the deck," and we assure him we shall ever hold him in grateful remembrance. His measures taken upon this occasion were, in our opinion, most wise and practicable, and the best which could have been adopted. The boat arrived at her wharf in this city about noon, and a fatigued company landed on terra firma. But little sleep was had by many of the company last night, for two reasons: First, there was not sleeping room for more than one-half: and second, the other half did not want to sleep themselves or let any one else "court the balmy," and a "good old time" was had generally.