| Citation |
BEP(F.768.033
22 Aug 1768:23,31 (1717)
On Monday the 15th inst. the anniversary of the ever
memorable fourteenth of August, was celebrated by the Sons
of Liberty in this town, with extraordinary festivity. At
the dawn, the British flag was displayed on the Tree of
liberty, and a discharge of fourteen cannon, ranged under
the venerable elm, saluted the joyous day. At eleven
o'clock, a very large company of the principal gentlemen and
respectable inhabitants of the town, met at the hall under
the tree, while the streets were crowded with a concourse of
people of all ranks, public notice having been given of the
intended celebration. The musick began at high noon,
performed on various instruments, joined with voices; and
concluding with the universally admired American Song of
Liberty,* the grandeur of its sentiment, and the easy flow
of its numbers, together with an exquisite harmony of wound,
afforded sublime entertainment to a numerous audience,
fraught with a noble ardour in the cause of freedom: The
song was clos'd with the discharge of cannon and a shout of
joy; at the same time the windows of the neighbouring
houses, were adorned with a brilliant appearance of the fair
Daughters of Liberty, who testified their approbation by
smiles of satisfaction. . . [Then 14 toasts were given, and
listed here.* On page 4 of this issue are the words to the
American Song of Liberty.]
Which being finished, the French horns sounded; and after
another discharge of the cannon compleating the number
ninety-two, the gentlemen in their carriages, repair'd to
the Greyhound Tavern in Roxbury, where a frugal and elegant
entertainment was provided. The musick played during the
repast: After which the following toasts were given out, and
the repeated discharge of cannon spoke the general assent. .
. [45 toasts listed, and 9 lines followed] At six o'clock
they returned to town; and passing in slow & orderly
procession thro' the principal streets, and round the state-
house, they retired to their respective dwellings. It is
allowed that this cavalcade surpass'd all that has ever been
seen in America. The joy of the day was manly, and an
uninterrupted regularity presided thro' the whole.
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