Washington telegraph., 1855-07-11
The Celebration,

sary of our NATIONAL TNpEpENpENcE was
announced in our village by the ringing of
bells. firing Of guns. and the display of the
Stars and Stripes from the top of very tall
flagstaff erec:ed by our patriotic citizens for
the purpose and the occasion.
At an early hour, notwithstanding the
heat and dust, the citizens of the surround
ing country commenced assembling in large
numbers to witness and participate in the
ceremonies Of the day. Extensive prepar-
atoms had been made-inyitatiun had been
extended to all, and our town was crowded TO
an extent never before known Among
those who availed themselves of the geneT-
Gus hospitality of our citizens. but whose
appearance was not announced in the pub
lIshe6 programme. were the "RackeuSack
lnvincibles.' or "Iron Sons 9f Ssren by
SiI, "a Military Organization. of whose
members or whereabouts nothing was
known until they appeared upon the streets
in full feather. From their grotes9ue and
indescribable uniform, it was strongly sus-
picioned that they were Know Nothinss or
Sag NIGHTS, but the frompfness and 7'reci-
sion of their cvolutions, and the readiness
and skill with which they handled their
firearms, dispelled these suspicious. and
satisfied all of the truth of the motto on
their unique banner-"Our Country's Safe -
The affair was well gotten up. handsomely
executed and afforded the spectators no lit
tie amusement
At half past ten o'clock. the procession,
consisting of the Sons of Temperance. the
Order of Odd-Fellows. and the Masonic
fraternity with their devices, banners, and
in appropriate regalia. and large concoarse
Of citizens was formed in front OF the court
house. by the energetic Marshal of the day,
Col Ii. P. Johnson. and to the sound of
soul-stirring music. moved to grove in the
edge of the village. where an extensive ar
Dor and other tasty and appropriate arrange
ments had been made for their comfort and
enjoyment.
The ceremonies of the day were opened
by the President. Mr. L. j. JoyNER, who
in few brief remarks the appropriateness
and classical beauty of which we have never
heard excelled. and rarely equalled. intro.
duced the Rev A. J. HAYNES. the chap.
lain of the day. Mr.. HAYNES addressed the
throne of grace in a strain of ear.l2st. fer
vent, and impassiOned eloquence in behall
of the peace and prosperity of our country,
and the permanencc of its institutions, which
was responded to By every heart present
The Declaration of Independence was then
read in clear. forcible and impressive man.
ner by JOHN d. TRIMBLE. ESQ after which
the orator of the day-ORvILLE Jennings,
Esq, Was introduced to the as<emblage, and
delivered speech beautiful in style. appro-
PIRATE in sentiment. and in every way suit
ed to the occasion. At the conclusion OF
the GRAFTON. all we're invited to partake ol
sumptuous barbecue prepared in a style,
and with spirit of lberality that done
credit to the occasion.
We have witnessed many celebrations of
a similar character. here and elsewhere, but
We frankly confess. we never witnessed one
where the same peace. harmony. and good
feeling prevailed, or where greater eviden-
ees of deep and enlightened patriotism
were manifested When looking over the
large assemblage. graced as it was by the
bright eyes and cheering smiles of the hun
dreds of ladies who joined in the festivities,
brought together by the common impulses
of pure patriotism. animated BY the same
ardent love for their country and veneration
for its institutions. we indalged the conf
dent hope. that centuries hence, in spite OF
bigntiy and fanatici>m. our descendents will
continue appropriately to celebrate the ami.
versnry of the glorious day that gave u:
birth as nation.