| Citation |
IL.783.071
18 Aug 1783:21 (6/276)
Charlestown, (South Carolina) July 5. Yesterday, the 4th of
July, afforded a spectacle equally awful and grand. The
inhabitants of the whole continent of America eagerly
devoted in commemorating the anniversary of the greatest
revolution that ever took place. . . [4 lines] We may
venture to say, the people of South-Carolina were not behind
their brethren in the sister states in demonstrating the
happiness they feel, from the full completion of the grand
work of Independence. The morning was not ushered in with
the ringing of bells, for, amongst other property wantonly
and wickedly taken away by the British, these made a part. .
. [7 lines]
At half past nine, the militia, and a detachment of the
Continental Artillery with field pieces, and a band of
music, colours, &c. paraded in Meeting-street, and then took
their station in Broad-street. . . [27 lines, procession of
dignitaries and officers, dinner, then toasts:]
1. The United States of America. --Artillery firing 13
rounds, music playing, God save the Thirteen States.
2. May this state be as wise, happy and great, as free,
sovereign and independent. Artillery 13, the band playing.
3. The Congress. Artillery 13, the band playing, Jove in
his chair.
4. Our generous and illustrious ally, his Most Christian
Majesty. Artillery 13, the band playing, The King of
France's Guard March.
(It must have afforded uncommon pleasure to the numerous
French gentlemen present . . . [10 lines]
5. The United Provinces of Holland. Artillery 13, the band
playing.
6. His Excellency General Washington and the Army, thanks to
them, and may they be enabled to retire with satisfaction .
. . [4 lines] Artillery 13, the band playing, the Hero
comes.
7. Our ministers abroad. Artillery 13, the band playing.
8. With agriculture, commerce and liberty, may morality,
learning and science flourish. Artillery 13, band playing.
9. May we profit by the errors of those nations who have
experienced the effects of ambition, vain glory, tyranny,
deceit and treachery. Artillery 13, the band playing.
10. May candor, truth, good faith, justice, honor and
benevolence, ever be the characteristics of the United
States of America. Artillery 13, band playing.
11. May there be no strife among the United States, saving
that of excelling each other in a wise policy. Artillery
13, band playing.
12. This glorious day, by which we secured, among the powers
of the earth, the separate and equal station, to which the
laws of nature and of nature's God entitle us. Artillery
13, band playing.
13. A lasting and happy peace, and to the memory of our
patriotic brethren, who greatly fell in obtaining it, by sea
or land. Artillery firing 13 minute guns, the band playing
a very solemn dirge, for the space of 13 minutes.
At number of other excellent toasts, were given among
them the two following: . . . [16 lines, toasts, fireworks
with no casualty, fire engines placed in different parts of
the town.]
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