The spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1840-1844, 1842-07-22
MtHreIIatlfott ~.
*VOltaire.
For The Spirit Of The AGE.

.Norwich, July 5h, 1912.
Mn Error:
Dear Sir-Should this brief correspondence
not be entirely unacceptable, you will please give
il an insertion as it may be Interesting to some of
your readers.
On the eve of the 3D. visited Norwich for the
double purpose of seeing an old friend and wit
Messing the spirited manner in which the nlabltans
OF that district celebrate the anniversary Of our in
dependence. The commemmorution of such events
is to me always interesting, and when conducted
with due regard to temperance and good order,
must he particularly gratifying to all interested in
our civil and religious liberties.
1t was late at night when arrived at the village,
coming day, and the good humored looks Of the
Inn keeper denoted more than an usual number of
travellers. Feeling weary, retired to rest soon
after my arrival, and in all probability would have
slumbercd til, noon, had moi loud peal of ar-
iery at sunrise, reminded me Of my duties as a
citizen. ! accordingly sailed forth designing to
enter into the spirit Of the times. 1t seemed in
truth holy day, out of doors old and young
were decked in Sunday apparel, care and anxiety
had vanished from every brow, aud contcntment
and joy reigned in their stead Crowds of country
people were hurrying TO and fro, whose rugged
forms and ruddy faces spoke voumns in favor Of
our mountain air. The scene was cxhlcraling ,and
all around seemed to feel its effects The weather
was unusually fine with just wind enough TO dis
fend the folds of the star spansled banner which
was elevated close by the village church.
The morning soon whiled away, and o'clock
found me in front Of the University witnessing
with much pleasure, the solder like bearing which
the cadets of that institution displayed in their re-
view, which was then taking place under their
worthy president, whose talents as military pre-
ceptor, & accomplished scholar are too well known
to need eulogy. bave never seen more noble,
martial looking band than the young gentlemen
alluded to. Each one seemed Il personifcalion of
health, and the dextery they displayed in various
military evolulions reflects the utmost credit on
themselves and instructors. The cadets band were
IN full force, and lively strains of martial music
floated upon the breeze. The charms of beauty
lent their graces to the scene, for on the opposite
side the windows and balconies were alive with
our green mountain lasses who inspected the ci,i-
zen soldier with an air Of peculiar interest, as
soldiers coat is u powerful passport 20 lady's
heart. At 0 A. NJ. the cadets fired the federal
salute Of thirteen guns and soon after formed
linz Hc
from..the University. They were in full uniform and
marched in front, next followed the heroes of the
revolution ,a!er those the faculty Of the University
and professors Of other Institutions and large
number Of citizens brought up the rear. The whole
was under the command Of Capt. Partridge who
acted as Marshall Of the day. The band struck up
Hail Columbia and the whole procession moved
forward to Church. The exercises opened with
Independence was read in an impressive manner
by Cadet w. Lee of N. Y. Music followed, after
which Cadet J. c. Wright also Of N. Y, ia young
gentleman Of high intellectual acquiremens) dcliv-
dctlon and classic style was equal to any have
heard on the like OCCASION His enuncialion was
distinct, and gestures emphatic, and evidently
showed that the education of the Cadets of Nor |
wich University is not limited to shouderng mus |
'icts or military tactcs but embraces all tina; forms
the accomplished scholar the practical man and
useful member of society At the conclusion of
The exercises Rev. Mr. Cogwell pronounced the
benediclon, when the procession returned to the
University, where a salute of twcniy-sx guns was
ireh. A military Convention was then held and
no pr"scn, militia 7y7'cw wa taken into consider