| Citation |
NYJ-P.779.005
15 Mar 1779:12 (1816)
Trenton, March 3. The anniversary of our alliance with
France was celebrated on the 18th ultimo at Pluck'emin, at a
very elegant entertainment and display of fire-works given
by General Knox, and the officers of the corps of artillery.
It was postponed to this late day on account of his
Excellence General Washington's absence from camp. General
Washington---the principal officers of the army ; Mrs.
Washington---Mrs. Greene--Mrs. Knox; the gentlemen and
ladies for a large circuit round the camp, were of the
company. Besides these, there was a vast concourse of
spectators from every part of the Jersies. The barracks of
the artillery are at a small distance from Pluck'emin, on a
piece of rising ground which shews them to great advantage.
The entertainment and ball were held in the academy of the
Park. About four o'clock in the afternoon, the celebration
of the Alliance was announced by the discharge of thirteen
cannon. . . [6 more lines describing dinner and toasts] In
the evening was exhibited a very fine set of fire-works,
conducted by Col. Stevens---arranged on the point of a
Temple of one hundred feet in length, and proportionably
high. The Temple shewed thirteen arches, each displaying an
illuminated painting.---The centre arch was ornamented with
a pediment, larger than any of the others;---and the whole
edifice supported by a colonnade, of the Corinthian order.
The illuminated paintings were disposed in the following
order: The 1st arch on the right, represented the
commencement of hostilities at Lexington, with this
inscription. The scene opened.
2d. British clemency. Represented in burning of
Charlestown, Falmouth, Norfolk and Kingston.
3d. The separation of America from Britain. A magnificient
arch broken in the centre, with this motto. By your tyranny
to the people of America, you have separated the wide arch
of an extended empire.
4th. Britain represented as a decaying empire---by a barren-
--birds of prey hovering over its mouldering cities---and a
gloomy setting sun.---Motto.
The Babylonian spires are sunk---
Achaia---Rome---and Egypt mouldered down.
Time shakes the stable tyranny of thrones,
And tottering empires crush by their own weight.
5th. America represented as a rising Empire. Prospect of a
fertile country---harbours---and rivers covered with ships--
new canals opening---cities rising amidst woods---a splendid
sun emerging from a bright horizon. Motto.
New worlds are still emerging from the deep,
The old descending in their turns to rise.
6th. A grand illuminated representation of Louis the
sixteenth. The encourager of letters--the supporter of the
rights of humanity---the ally and friend of the American
people.
7th. The centre arch. The Fathers in Congress. Motto. Nil
desperandum reipublicae.
8th. The American philosopher and ambassador, extracting
lightening from the clouds.
9th. The battle near Saratoga, 7th October, 1777.
10th. The convention of Saratoga.
11th. A representation of the sea fight off Ushant [?],
between Count D'Orvilliers and Admiral Keppel.
12th. Warren---Montgomery--Mercer---Wooster---Nash--and a
crowd of heroes who have fallen in the American contest, in
Elisium, receiving the thanks and praises of Brutus--Cato--
and those spirits who in all ages have gloriously struggled
against tyrants and tyranny. Motto. Those who shed their
blood in such a cause, shall live and reign for ever.
13th. Represented peace with all her train of blessings.
Her right hand displayed an olive branch---at her feet lay
the honors of harvest---the back ground was filled with
flourishing cities--ports crowded with ships---and other
emblems of an extensive empire, and unrestrained commerce.
When the fire works were finished, the company returned to
the academy, and concluded the celebration by a very
splendid ball.---The whole was conducted in a style and
manner, that reflects great honor on the taste of the
managers.
|