Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1841-07-29
81 Is w p @ G 10
The Centennial Celebration.

passed off in manner worthy the very
interesting occasion.
Early in the morning we had strong
indie ations Of an unpleasant day; but
before the time arrived for the process
sion to form, the dreary clouds rolled
away and the sun shone forth with un-
common brilliancy. A salute was fired
at daylight by IA detachment from the
corps at nine o'clock the Company
assembled in front Of their Armory, in
Clarke street, and at ten marched down
to Townscnd's Hotel, accompanied by
the American Brass Band, where they
received the Governor and his aids,
and escorted them back to the Armory,
where the procession was formed by
VIM. II. Douglas, Esq. Chief Marshal
Of the day. The procession consisted
Of the Orator and Clergyman Of the
day, the Goyernor and his aids, Rev.
Clergy, Army and Navy officers, past
members Of the Company, revolution
ary soldiers, citizens, strangers, sc. &c.
The whole body moved through the
rrinci pal s,rec,sto Zion Church, where
the following services were performed: 1:
Voluntary on the organ by Prof. q. B.
Taylor; Original Ode, by w. II. Grams
ton, Esq; Prayer, by Rev. Mr.. West,
Original Ode, by member Of the Com
pany Oration, by Col. Henry y.
Cranston; Original Ode, by G. Turner,
Esq; Benediction. The music OH the
occasion, which was most excellent, was
under the direction Of Mr.. Silsby, and
those who participated in that part of
the exercises, earned for themselves
great credit.
The ora,on by Col. Cranston was a
highly finished production, and gave
universal satisfaction TO the audience;
it was indeed admirably written, md
delivered in Col. C.'s usual impressive
style. We hardly dare give even an
outline of the Grafton, lest we should do
injustice to the orator, and shall make
a few remarks only at present, as we
presume the oraiion will be printed
The orator commenced by some happy
comments on the day, and the purpose
for which SO many had come up to the
temple Of religion. He then gave
concise history Of the corps from its
incorporation down TO the present time
laid before his audience many histor-
ical "reminiscences, and spoke Of the
very large number Of members Of the
Company who had held high and res
ponsible stations in the gift of the State
and general Government. This fact
was undoubtedly new to most Of the
congregation; we, at least, were sur
rrised to find that So large number of
the members Of our ancient and honor
able artillery had, and still held rcspon-
sblc stations in the American govern
mcnt.
The orator then addressed particular
ly the younger members Of the corps.
not only regarding their duty os sol
diors, but citizens, also; and gave them
such wholesome advice, which, if fol-
lowed, will make them useful members
OF society, aud an honor TO the Com
pany. Hc closed in a very forciblc
manner, and left an impression OH the
minds of tho audience which will not
soon be forgotten.
The orator addressed his numerous
hearers about an hour and n quarter,
and we arc sure that they would have
as much longer and listened
to his eloquence, without the least
fatigue.
AT the close Of the exercises, the
was formed, and moved upl
Spring street, down Broad street, TO
the parade, where i. was dsmisscd.--I
The music by the Brass Band was most
exquisite, and only increased the high
reputation of tho musical gentlemen
who compose it i; and the Arlillory
themselves never made better appear
ance than on this occasion.
AT half past three o'clock, The Com
pany, together with n large number of
invited guests, sat down TO dinncr, Il,
their Armory, in Clark street. We
barely had an opportunity 10 step in for
n moment and view the happy group as
they took their seats tho hall was
very handsomely decorated, and The
tables were loaded with the richest
winds. Letters, with accompanying !
toas's from absent members, were read /
aud received with much applause. Nu-
merous toasts were also given by those |
and we very Inurh ICrrct that |