The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1840-07-01
The Celebration.

which was happily fulfilled. ola glorious day
With his first rays, the bells burst forth in mer-
ry peels TO welcome the advent Of the snniver-
sary Of the day on which Rhode Island adopted
that compact. which has proved TO have been
so wisely framed TO secure the rights, happiness
and prosperity of a nation Of freeHen.
Our streets soon began TO wear the appear
anee of a gala day Flags were suspended at
all points and hoasd freely in the breeze from
every mast. Througs OF citizens and strangers,
bearing the aspect Of pleasure and excitement,
passed in rapid succession; and soon the sound
Of martial music gave evidence that the militia
ry were preparing TO commence the perform
ance OF the ceremonies ofthe day. First among
the arrivals in the morning, was the steamboat
Telegraph from New Bedford. bringing between
three and four hundred of our friends aud nei gh-
Dor, to rejoice with US on the occasion.
Next in order came the Bristol Artillery, in
Sloop from that town, who were received on
the wharf with the usual etiquette by the New
port Artillery. Hardly had these ceremonies
been completed when the Balloon, with about
four hundred. and the Massachusetts, with about
|
Providence. In the Massac chusetts came the
the Companies Of Providence Artillery, and Ca
diets, and Inc Pawtuxet Artillery. They were
also received by the Newport Artillery, in due
form, and then escorted to the Parade, in front
of the State House.
! Precisely al 10 o'clock a salute Of I3 guns
was fired by detachment of the Artillery Com
s,bo
the flag of the State was unfolded to the breeze.
on the top Of the State House, aud the bells a
gain commenced their pees.
The Military Companies having formed
line on tho South side of the Parade. taking
post according to he date of their charcrs-the
oldest company on the right-Col. SWAN, Of the
Newport Artillery, assumed the command OF
the Battalion. and the escort was formed in a
column by him. in front of the State House.
Col. THos. STACY, Jr., the Chief Marshal,
then formed the civic procession, agreeably 10
the published order of arrangements. and the
march, through the streets designated, com
menced
Grand indeed and impressive was the sight TO
every conempatve observer. large num-
Der of the FreemeR Of sovereign State, in
cludlng the whole body of their Legislature.
and preceded by their Governor. were marching
IN solemn procession 10 celebrate an event.
which formed a prominent era in their history.
and which had powerful influence in produc-
! ing their present happiness and preserving their
rights and liberties unimpaired The es,
cort, composed Of large body of our citizen
soldiery-ireemen themselves, or the sons of
Iireemen-clad in the brilliant uniforms Of their
respective corps, marched on before them
while strains OF martial music filled the air, and
excited the thrill OF enthusiasm in every patriots
breast.
AT the head of the Military column rode
the Commander, Col. SWAN, aided by Ad-
jutant WEEOEN.
Then followed the Military Companies, in the
following order:
| Newport Artillery.
| Pawtuxet Artillery.
| Providence Artillery.
! Bristol Artillery.
Company of Volunteers, Providence
National Cadets. do.
Providence Ligh, Infantry, do
The Chief Marshal mounted, followed at
the head of the civic procession. the arrange
'nent Of which it is unnecessary for us 10 re-
peat. 1t is sufficient TO say that it was very
long and highly imposing in appearance.
The ceremonies at the Church were per-
formed in very pleasing and creditable man
nsr, particularly the song of the Pilgrim
Fathers" sung by Mr. Molten. The Grafton.
delivered by Judge. Staples, was a most excel
lent and very interesting historical discourse.
auditory for nearly two hours.
At the conclusion Of the exercises the pro-
cession reformed, returaed to The Parade,
and was there dismissed.
Immediately after, a Salute Of so guns
was fred by the Newport Artillery, from 'heir
field pieces, stationed in the Mall and the diff
feren, corps then retired for time, 10 obtain
Refreshments.
At O'Clock, in compliance with the request
Of the Committee OF Arrangements, the Provi-
denee Artillery very obligingly fred the Ma
tiooal Salute, to relieve the Newport Artillery
from portion of ths arduous duties OF the day;
and the very handsome style in which they
performed this service, elected much admra-
ton from TIE spectators.
The military never appeared to better ad-
vantage than they did on this occasion (; and
every Rhode Islander mus, have viewed them
with pride and satisfaction. Where all per-
formed their dutiss and evouiions so well. II
would be invidious in US TO parieularize, and
We therefore refrain from any expressions of
individual preference.
The ceremonies Of the day were all COM
pleied without any accident. and considering