The Southern Press

A Curious Scene For New England.—A writer in the Boston Traveller, who recently visited the muster field, or what they would call in other parts, the training ground, at Newtonville, gives this description of the scene:

"At numerous booths were vended eatables and drinkables, and of the latter, ardent spirits bore no small proportion. Shows of various kinds were in full blast, attracting crowds of spectators. In one tent were a number of negro singers, and in another an exhibition of wax figures and wild animals. At a little distance an auctioneer was endeavoring to sell an accordion, but for lack of a bid he was treating the crowd to a tune. Country lads and lasses were crowding around in every direction, seeing sights and scenes they never saw before.

"Where are the gamblers? was a general inquiry. Turn down a shady lane, and after a few minutes they will begin to appear. At first their tables appear under the trees at the side of the road, with heaps of silver and a few bills to tempt the passer. To hear them one would judge that their money was waiting for you to come and take it, but oftener the result is an addition to the glittering pile. The game of props seemed to preponderate, though roulette tables were pretty plenty. The keepers were generally calm, unless some desperate gamester had a 'run of luck,' which would speedily reduce their gains, and even threaten an entire ruin. The chance of these, however, to judge from what was going on, was but small. It is an established fact, that in most cases, the keeper of the table must be the winner.

After passing, perhaps, fifty of these tables, you come to a place where the business is more systematically carried on. In a field, a shanty, a large tent, and numerous small ones have been erected.

"Appropriately, numerous drinking booths guard the entrance, where ardent spirits are dealt out to the thirsty throngers to the scene. Some of these dealers, with an eye to change, have their bars located in wagons and other vehicles, ready to flit upon the first alarm. One shanty has upon it a large piece of cloth, upon which is painted, in large letters—The Shaker's Home. Upon the large tent is the significant sign of 'The Elephant.' At the door of the former stood a man who, in a loud tone, when customers were scarce, cried out, 'Come in and gamble.' 'Ah, yes,' shouted a liquor seller from without, in joyous tones, 'come in and gamble,' for my trade will flourish; with gambling comes drinking.'

The scene within can hardly be described. Heated and flushed men stood about the tables, making their bets and watching with feverish looks for the fatal throw. Boys of a tender age, and hardened ruffians, were mixed together. Men, whom one would fear to meet in a dark night, urging on those who had never or seldom seen such a sight before.

"An attempt was made early in the day to disperse the gamblers, but, driven from a location near the muster ground, they hired the field as above stated. During the night a number of men sallied from the lane in a body, and forcibly robbed two of the booth keepers of all their receipts during the day. An attempt was made to rob a third, but he saved his money by throwing it into the grass. One person was robbed of a watch, and an unsuccessful attempt was made upon another."