Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1853-08-03
Plymouth CeIel,ra,tcn.

Post Of the "a inst.
The celebration Yesterday, seas the most spirited
ever Witnessed in the Old Colony. The changing
Of the day from bleak December to summer-com-
memorating the departure OF The Pilgrims from Delft
Haven, rather than their arrival at Plymoulh-was
a happy thought, and thousands we're attracted
thther TO join in the ceremonies, who at the season
formerly observed, would have shrunk from the TN
derIakiug As one of the notices expressed it, Pill.
grim Day had thawed out, and the people seemed to
have thawed likewise, and run down TO Plymouth
The town was thronged with strangers, and as much
interest was manifested by those from abroad as by
those more immediately associated with the memory
and The home OF the Pilgrims The streets and
houses were prolusely and elegantly decorated with
flags, evergreens and flowers, and welcoming salua-
tons CLEANED from every quarter
The weather was propitious A refreshing rain
the evening previous, had laid the dust most eiiec-
tually, and The sun was felt but leebly through
veil of INST.
The procession through the delay of the cars on
the Old Colony road, in bringing guests, far be-
hind the time Intended for IFS movement, and il was
until II O'Clock that the line OF march was taken
up large portion Of the town was marched over,
the route leading through such localities were
associated with the of the pilgrims; and dotted
along the names held sacred for their his.
t0rlcai lame-such as Gov. Bradford and Elder
Brewster, and Peregrne White. The march led
over The old town brook, the sweet water of which
first won the Pilgrims, and in view of the hill of
graves where they sleep, and round over the rock
upon which their feet first trod; and every pilgrim
and pilgrims tock off his hat reverenly, as his
feet rested upon the shrine.
The procession entered the spacious pavilion pre-
pared for it at one O'Clock, where plates were laid
for twenty five hundred guests. A nice calculation
had fixed the precise number, and hence no crowdug
Or discomfort prevailed. A large proportion of the
guests were ladies', and more beautiful sight than
they presented, it is hardly permitted to look
upon. 1t was new feature in celebrations, and the
daughters OF the pilgrims formed splendid embel-
llshment to the feast Of their sons
The dinner was an admirable one, prepared in
style that did credit to John Wright, the caterer,
who excelIed himself in the merit Of his cookery
and the quality Of his vaHde.
The table arrangements led the way to the regular
toasts These, under the charge Of the President Of
the Pilgrim Association, Mr. r. Warren, were very
happily introduced, and, led OF by eloquent speech
from himself, the speeches by the guests were as
happily uttered, and gloriouSly received
Mr., Warren stated one object of this great cell
ebratlon to be the erection of a monument to the
virtues of the pilgrims and expressed strong hope
of the fulflmept of theobiect.
Governor Clifford spoke for Massachusetts, and
by some happy contrasts of the old and new in
religious, political, and commercial matters clio
tied warm applause.
Mr.. Scudder, president of the Cape Cod Asso-
citation, in the absence of Rufus Choate respond
Cape Cod.
Edward Everett arose to a call made upon him,
and delivered speech of much power and beauty.
He was decidedly progressive in his idea of Amer
lean destiny, in opposition to Gov. Clifford, and
was as ardent in his anticipations as the yeriest
young American to be found.
A sentiment in memory of Webster, was re-
sponded to by the performance of Pleyell's hymn
In mastery manner by the Brigade Band, the
audience standing.
An ode sung, written for the occasion by
Rev VIM. P. Lunt of Quincy, by S. B. Ball. of
this city, and a band of singers under his direc-
ton. Hon. Charles Sumner, Hon. John p Hale
Mr.. Yeaden of South Carolina Hon. G. w. Up
ham of Salem, Rev. George w Blagden and
Rev. Dr. Osgood OF New York, made speeches of
much power and great beauty.
Letters were received from Hon R. c. Win
throp, Hon. David Sears and others, sympathis-
ing with the object of the celebration.
The hour for departure having arrived, his ex-
celleney the governor and invited guests arose
from the table, and returned to the city after
passage of three hours and half over the rail-
road.
Much Of the credit for the tasty decoration
Witnessed is due to Mr. VIM Beal, Of this city,
who was employed for the purpose The ladies
were very enthusiastic in their efforts to beautfy
the town, and their delicate taste was manifest in
many beautiful and unique design. We regret
exceedingly, that our limits will not admit of
morelthan general paragraph concerning what
was really so elegant.
The military escort performed by the Bos-
ton Cadets, StandIsh Guards, Halifax Light In
fantry, Plympton Light Infantry, and Arlington
Artillery, the guns of the latter corps being used
to fire the salutes during the day, and the n Y.
Light Guard, Capt Vincent. The military show
was very fine, and the fremen in their various
uniforms, made an attractive feature in the pa
geant.