| Citation |
BG.773.048
16 Aug 1773:22 (958)
Boston. . . On Saturday last, being the anniversary of the
memorable 14th of August 1765, when the primitive free and
independent spirit of uncorrupted British subjects in
America made a second successful effort against tyranny and
oppression--the Sons of Liberty, with their fathers and
friends, from this and the neighbouring towns, convened on
Roxbury Common, to the number of 400 gentlemen. There was a
superb tent erected, sufficiently capacious to contain the
numerous guests--Unfortunately the forenoon was wet, which
prevented a considerable number of gentlemen who had engaged
their company, from sharing in the festivity of the day.
But at the hour of dinner it ceased to rain, and two ranges
of tables were filled--During the entertainment, a select
band of music patroled the tent and gladdened the hearts of
the patriots with the celebrated Song of the Farmer: The
banquet was worthy the occasion; the rich and fertile fields
of America, were profuse of the bountiers to " the Sons of
those venerable Britons who conquered and possessed the
grateful soil"--After an elegant repast, the following
patriotic toasts were drank, succeeded by a feu de joy from
the cannon, and the soft sympathy of collected musick. . .
[14 toasts]
Mirth and decency shook hands during the whole festival;
smiling joy animated every countenance, and, a determined
resolution to oppose to death every attempt to rob or
enslave them, gave a superlative dignity to the whole. At
six o'clock the company retired; having by their deportment
thro' the day established this sacred character, that the
enemies to usurpation and oppression are the great examplars
of order and decency.
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