PETERSFIELD
12th Hants Rifles, Petersfield Division.—It is an old adage that says, ‟It never rains but it pours” and truly was it verified Monday, the 23rd ult. it had been arranged to march to Eastmeon, by way of paying a visit to enable those favourable to the “national movement,’’ in that locality to enrol themselves, so as to form a drill station there. But alas! “Saint Swithin” held his own, with a vengeance from morn till eve, so as to prevent the contemplated march from taking place. The division however assembled in the Town Hall, where they received their military instruction, from Sergeant Major Allen, for making ball cartridge, &c. The weather now clearing up, about 8 o’clock the volunteers escorted the ammunition from the Railway Station, to the Heath Lodge, where it was safely deposited. It was then arranged to meet the following Monday, at 5 pm. to carry out the previously named visit. In accordance, the Volunteers assembled on the 30th ult.. under the captain and ensign, in full force, (with the exception of 3 or 4) at the Town Hall, where having received their rifles, they fell in, formed “fours,” and marched off to the inspiriting tune of ‟the British Grenadiers.” played by ‟the merry fifes and drums,” through the town, and by the Railway Station to the Rushes, due west; bright sol shining full in their faces, and giving the Volunteers a glorious and warm invite to proceed on the tramp. After reaching Langrish height, on the top of which on the left, stands the hospitable cottage of Richard Roberts, Esq., (after a good pull against collar) they were agreeably gratified to see the worthy proprietor in all the majesty of years and good nature, on the Lawn, with his Lady and household assembled ready to give a soldiers welcome; having himself been one the “Old Volunteers” at the time of the first Napoleon. The arms were now piled, and “Cheer Boys Cheer” was visibly depicted upon the countenances of each Volunteer, as the first run of “nut brown ale” fell from the spout of the cup to the glass. Some may smile! but its no joke to be well locked up, for two long miles (saying nothing as to inhaling dust, and the oozing out of moisture) without feeling a relish for a good draught under such a sun!!! The Captain (Chawner) having formed line, proposed 3 cheers to Mr. Roberts for his hospitality, which he led off, and which was responded to in a way that probably “old Langrish hill” never before witnessed.—“Fours” were again formed, and the march resumed. —After reaching the top of ‟Pidham Hill” and descending on the Eastmeon side of the same, the fine old spire of the church was described on the right—rising as it were—out of the very margin of Steep “Park Hills” on the North—with the smoke of the village on the left—and the road running between seemingly choked up by the outpouring of the place, composed of all ages, and sexes; and bedecked in all the colouring for a “village green meeting.” On nearing the Vicarage and entering the gate to the meadow in front of the same, a scene in the large parish of Eastmeon presented itself, the meadow was surrounded by a margin of human beings calculated at least from 1,000 to 1,200 and composed of all classes, old and young, on marching round from below to the rise of the meadow, near the lawn of the Vicarage, the Volunteers formed line; opposite to whom stood the Rev. T. C. Kemp, who feelingly gave them a welcome. Arms being filed, the attention of the Volunteers was directed to some tables, upon which was placed refreshments, and which, as a matter of course was paid respect to. On the right we observed the great acre men of the Parish, viz; Messrs. H. Barnard, Christmas, Sock, Ray, Vinn. Atkins, and others, and on the left Mrs. Kemp, her family, and lady visitors. After falling in, and going through a variety of evolutions, the Volunteers were drawn up in line by the Captain, who proposed and timed off, three cheers for the Vicar, and one cheer more; which was done full justice to. The Vicar having returned thanks, ‟fours” were again formed, the band struck up, and the Volunteers marched through the village, cheered continually by the inhabitants of this ancient and rural district. The division were allowed to be easy in Eastmeon-street, for a short time when the Bugle sounded the fall in, when three lusty cheers were given by the Volunteers upon parting to the assembled crowd who there took up the cheering through the village to its outskirts, when they left their visitors on their homeward march. This division reached Petersfield at 11 o’clock after one of the most cheering and delightfully seen afternoons, since the establishment of the 12th Hants Rifles; and we are gratified to hear that 19 names were enrolled, all of whom will find their own uniform and accoutrements.