Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1825-06-23
From the Boston Statesman, June IS.
GRAND CELEBRATION.

IoTih an AheSiSSshhS PoSS AZ ehS hioeoif
of our country. The laying OF the
corner stone of BUNKER HILL MoNu-
MENr, and the peculiar attendant cir
cumstances will long be remembered
by the frceborn sons Of the American
Soil. There, where fifty years before
a few daring spirits of those times,
defended the rights of their country
and bled for the independence their
children inherit; there, where British
yalor received a memorable and unex-
pected check from asmall band of har,
DIV husbandmen; there, where the brave
Warren, and his gallant associates
sealed the cause Of their country with
their hearts blood, we saw assembled
thousands Of the sons and successors
of those patriarchs, and with them,
the few surviving remnants OF that
glorious achievement. They were as
sembled old and young, grave and gay,
to consecrate to the names Of their de-
parted ancestors, the protectors and
defenders OF their country, momu-
ment of lasting Affection; beacon for
future generations, and pole star for
the present, at which, when an Anne
rican looks he may know and feel the
great obligations he is under to his va
loreus and patriotic forefathers. The
reflection that the very spot, which
some half century before presented a
scene Of war, desolation, and bloodshed
BY the exertions of conflicting foes
the one and by far the smallest, for
freedom and equal rights, the other for
the king and oppression,-was now
famed as the birthplace Of liberty and
crowded with her devoted followers,
thrilled in every breast and feelings Of
the deepest gratitude to their great and
glorious bcnefactors predominated in
every frceman's heart.
Numerous distinguished strangers
arrived in the city during Thursday,
together with several military compa-
uits from the neighboring towns, and
early Yesterday morning our streets and
public ways were, as indeed :hcy had
been for two or three days previous,
crowded with people. Our public hou-
ses were all literally crammed, and ma
nv, very many, were Obliged to seek
lodgings in the surrounding country
towns. As the day advanced the crowd
increased and curiosity became intense
in the same ratio. Every street was
filled with the passing multitude NOV
ING in various directions; wherever the
eve turned it encountered dense mas
of living bodies; and wherever the ear
listed the sound Of martial music was
heard. In short, We were wholly nun
daied with soldiers, musicians, citizens,
carriages, horses, SC.
AT about half past 10 o'clock the
procession moved from the common,
escorted by sixteen companies ofinian-
try and one Of cavalry, belonging TO
this city and the adjoining towns
The bells in this city and those in
Charlestown were kept ,olling during
the moving Of the procession; and sa-
iutes were 6redin the morning and du-
ring the day.
The order of procession was not ma
terially altered, and the route directed
in the order was strictly followed
The worthy and patriotic veterans OF
the battle were conveyed in carriages
Immediately after the escort, one of
whom we observed with a pouch used
in the battle, another with drum, sc.
Gen. Lafayette was conveyed in beau
tiful barouche with four elegant white
horses, accompanied by several dis
tinguished gentlemen.
The military were in fine order, in
deed we never saw them make better
appearance. The Masons made most
splendid appearance. They were'from
all the New-England states, and we be-
heye some from the other states. A
similar, and SO large a procession OF
Masons was never witnessed In this
country before, and we believe, there
has not been so great number assem-
bled on any occasion in any part Of the
world, since the building of SoLoMoN's
TEMPLE. The number is not exactly
known, but is presumed to be between
four and fUe thousand,
When the whole procession, which,
without doubt, exceeded seven thous-
and persons, was in motion, it made a
most splendid appearance, and we ha-
card nothing in saying, was never E.
qualled in America. The houses win
COWS, doors, and roofs, in the streets
through which the procession passed
we're filled with spectators. No eleva-
ton Of any kind where it could be seen
remained unoccupied.
The procession arrived at Bunker
Hill, Charlestown, at about half past
twelve. After the necessary arrange
ments the Grand Lodge Of Massachu-
sets then proceeded to lay the corner
stone in ample form. After which,
the cOmngnv assembled at tho r1ace