9,487
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
m
A '''patgo''' (also spelled '''padgo'''<blockquote>It is an amusement of ancient origin, '''pad-gaud'''and even at the present time seems to be held in high esteem in pensacola. The preliminaries are conducted in this way: a few days before the entertainment is to take place, the Host, having procured the figure of a fine chicken cock, of large size, fashioned out of a tough knotty block of wood, through which passes vertically an iron rod, whereupon the figure lightly whirls about like a weathercock. He sends this emblem of the gallant bird, mounted upon a staff, by a gayly dressed servant to the houses of the invited fair ones; and other variants) was each lady presenting a bunch of ribbons or a feather for his toilet, soon his varied honors floating from his sides clothe him with a Pensacola tradition dating back to plumage of the brightest dyes. Not less admired, in his own estimation, is the highly costumed negro, who bears aloft his brilliant banner through the streets, with the Spanish eraair of a hero leading his followers into battle. It This amusement, I am told, is not by any means so common as it was similar to some years ago, since the families of the older inhabitants have become merged into the Old World sport mass of "[https://enthe American population.wikipediaOn the day appointed for the fete, the Patgo or Game Bird, is mounted on a high flag-staff, and the gentlemen who are to contend for prizes, are assembled with their lady-loves under a spacious arbor erected for the occasion.org/wiki/Popinjay_(sport) popinjay]" wherein participants take turns shooting This is at the distance of about sixty yards from the mark, at an artificial which the gallants are to try their skill with their rifles. Whenever a ribbon is cut down, the fortunate marksman brings it into the bower, where it is acknowledges as her offering by the lady who had placed it on the bird atop a pole; the gentleman thereupon claims her as his partner for the first dance to succeed the final destruction of the Patgo; he is likewise entitled to wear the trophy of his skill at this button-hole during the day. …
In When all the guests had arrived, the doors of the breakfast-room were thrown open, and the disclosure of a plentiful and rich repast regaled the senses of the company, on whom the fresh air of morning had not failed to exercise its appetizing influence. A joyous hour was passed at the breakfast-table; and in the course of another hour the sound of a letter dated [[November 22]]bugle called together the scattered groups, some of whom were wandering in the garden in quest of bouquets, [[1822]]while others were strolling under the oak-trees, Uor seated on the terrace in contemplation of the scenery in front.SThis was the signal to repair to the field of action. Major General George AAll parties speedily collected at the house; here our host and hostess, followed by a large bevy of gallants and belles, led the way to the grounds, where a long arbor, composed of magnolia-branches, open on the north side, had been erected. McCall provided an account Here a band of music was playing a martial air; seats were placed for the accommodation of the ladies, affording them a patgo he witnessedview of the Patgo, hosted by [[Juan de la Rua]] at his estate ([[Gull Point]]) overlooking [[Escambia Bay]]:which was already elevated on its tall staff, sixty yards in front.
<blockquote>It is an amusement Immediately in front of the centre of ancient originthe arbor was a little projection, and even at the present time seems to be held in high esteem in pensacola. The preliminaries are conducted in this way: which shaded a few days before the entertainment is to take placepost, into the Host, having procured sides of which wooden pins had been driven for the figure purpose of affording a fine chicken cock, "rest" to those of large size, fashioned out the aspirants for distinction as marksmen who chose to avail themselves of a tough knotty block of woodsuch advantageous aid; though, through which passes vertically an iron rod, whereupon to the figure lightly whirls about like a weathercock. He sends this emblem credit of the gallant birdhunters of Florida, mounted upon a staff, by a gayly dressed servant it must be acknowledged that but very few of them deigned to ask the houses of the invited fair ones; and each lady presenting a bunch aid of ribbons or a feather for his toilet"rest, soon his varied honors floating from his sides clothe him with a plumage of " — "off-hand" shooting being the common practice amongst those whose martial tastes led them to prefer the brightest dyesrifle.
no edit summary
In a letter dated [[November 22]], [[1822]], U.S. Major General George A. McCall provided an account of a patgo he witnessed, hosted by [[Juan de la Rua]] at his estate ([[Gull Point]]) overlooking [[Escambia Bay]]:
</blockquote>
==References==
* George A. McCall. ''Letters from the Frontiers'', 1868.
