Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1844-07-11

IIy an end 10 the further shedding Of blood
az we'll as the riots.
THE CELEBRATION OF THE 4TH.
The Sixty Eighth Anniversary Of American In
dependence was celebrated in this place with great
spirit. The glorious Sabbath of Freedom
was heralded in amidst the firing OF guns, the
soul stirring strains Of martial music and The
jocings of the People. The day was delightful,
the sun never rose more beautifully, nor were the
breezes of Heaven ever more balmy. Nature and
Natures God smiled on the children Of men," and
cheered them their way TO the temple Of civil
and religious liberty. The aged, the middle-sged
aud the young turned GU, together to mingle their
smiles and their thanksgiyings to the great
God of the Universe, under whose divine guidance
our Fathers wrought the mighty deverance ofthis
Nation from bondage, and under whose providence
we have gone to this time prospecting and to
prosper"
The first thing that attracted our attention on
going into the street, the busy note prepare
ton, which seemed every where to be going on
among the children. Here and there, hither and
yon, they seemed to be hurrying, dressed in their
"best bib and tucker'-ther hearts as light as air,
and their countenances big with the fate of the par,
which they tina. day to play in the grand dra-
ma Of life.
We very soon learned from the movements that
the different Sabbath Schools were about joining
in the celebration Of the day. They turned out in
considerable numbers. and were formed into pro
cession under the charge Of Mr. Philip Offender
fer, Chief Marshal, and marched to the Presbyteri
an Church, where interesting religious exercises
| appropriate to the occasion were held After the
exercises were opened by singing and prayer, the
teachers and children of the Sabbath Schools were
addressed by the Rev. L. F. Wilson in an eloquen.
and impressive speech.
There were several beautiful banners carried by
the children, tastefuly decked with flowers, which
gave very pretty effect to the procession. After
the exercises in the church, the procession again
formed and marched to the Willow Grove, east Of
town, where the Declaration of Independence was
read by Mr.. ]. NJ Wolf and an address delivered
by Mr.. James H. Lepps, which we understand re-
asc,ed credit on this promising young gentleman.
II After the exercises were over the children sat
down TO sumptuous repast of good things, such
as cakes, raisius, &c. which being finished, they
returned to the Church, where they were dismissed
sGer prayer by the Rev. Daniel Marker, highly de-
lighted with the proceedings of tho day.
CIVIC PROCESSION.
The citizens of Martinsburg and Berkeley Coun-
ty formed in procession under the direction of Dr..
John S Harrison, Chief Marshal, and Mr. Hiram
Bowen, Assistant, at haIf-past 10 o'clock, A. M,
and marched to the Methods, Church, where an
Grafton was delivered by David Holmes Conrad,
Esq, and the Declaration Of Independence was
read by Maj. Lewis B. Willis. We canno, better
convey our ideas of these performances than TO in
ser. tho remarks Of Mr. Faulkner, the President of
tho day. when introducing the regular ,oasts to the
Orstor and Reader of the day, at the dinner, which
we're fully responded to by DIR. John S. Harrison.
Vice President of the day.
The President, in announcing the toast" The
Orator of the Day" said che took occasion to ex-
press his own qualification, and he might add. that
of all present, at the very able eloquent and Patri
otto address which we heard to-day. The senti.
ments of that speech we're worthy Of Republican
and lover Of his Country, and if responded to by
US all in practice, were well calculated to make us
better men and better citizens"
"Tae Reader Of the Declaration. THE Presi.
dent in announcing this toast, remarked that emo
man was certainly so worthy to read the Declare
ton Of Independence as who had himself sup
a n. - L. -, IL laf
of the honor and Independence of his Country"
The address of Mr.. Conrad is to be published.
and our readers can Judge better for themselves
We commend its sound and wholesome views to
their consideration.
The Rev. L. F. Wilson opened the exercises in
the Church by offering up most solemn and i'm
pressive prayer. very respectable audience were
in attendance, many Of whom were ladies, who al.
wsys shew their good sense and enlightened patri-
otism by gracing these interesting occasions with
their presence.
After the exercises in the Church were closed,
the procession again took up the line of march to
beautiful oak Grove, the residence of Mr..
Faulkner, where the remainder of the day was
spent in harity and good feeling-nll without dis
tnction of party sect, minghng together as chill
dren of one great National family.
very suitable dinner was prepared for the oc-
easiou, of which upwards of 100 persons partook.
After the cloth removed, number of very spir-
tied and patriotic toasts drank, the most OF
which we endeavored TO collect, and which will be
found below. About 4 o'clock the procession was
again formed and marched into town. The pro-
proceedings of the day passed oifquietly and in
der-not single accident or unpleasant occurrence
took place to mar the harmony Of the occasion.
Our young men deserve great credit for the efici-
ent corps of "Citinen Soldiery," which they rails
ed for the occasion. They added much to the
pleasantness of the day. and Capt. Jas. S. Brown
did himself much credit for the gallant manner in
which he commanded his "true and trusty men "
Capt. John II. Blondell, our very worthy citizen
and unrivalled musician, collected together a rem
nant of his once excellent Band, and dseoursed
much elegan, music throughout the day. By the
way, what are our young men about that they do