Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1856-03-26
ORIGINAL PAPERS,


For the Spirit of the Age.
DEAR BRo. GoRMAN: 1t has been
sometime since l penned a line for your val
uable paper, not because of any Indifference
TO the interest Of the Age, or the cause il
so nobly advocates, butsimply because | had
nothing worthy Of its columns. But now
think it not amiss, to give a small notice of
the Celebration Of the Battle Of Moore's
Creek Bridge, on the 9th Of February,
1856. being the S0h Anniversary and the
first Celebration. The Celebration was one.
| think, worthy the occasion, notwthstand
ing the morning was an unfavorable one,
BY the hour Of IL o'clock, there was large
concourse Of Gentlemen and Ladies (say
from 1900 to2000) assembled within the en-
trenchment occupied by the American Army
80 years ago, and though that period has
elapsed, and is now numbered among the
things that were, vet the entrenchment can
be distinctly traced The present Bridge
stands on the same spot where tie old one
was when the battle was fought. The
speakers stand was erected at or near the
place where the American feId-piocc was
planted on the day of battle, with seats
hastily arranged for the accommodation of
the Ladies. The Militia Companies and
Cadets from Wilmington, were in atten-
dance, and performed several Military evo-
lutious.
About l o'clock, the speakers took the
stand, and the order of the day being an
nounced by T. II. Williams, ESQ, Rev.
Mr.. Tate made some Introductory remarks,
and offered upan appropriate prayer. Hon.
W. s. Ashe, followed with some general
and instructive remarks relating to the
times that tried mems souls, d., &C.. con-
cluding with the Battle of Moore's Creek,
and highly complmenting Gems. Moore,
Caswell and Ellington, but claiming Lii
lington as the real hero of Moore's Creek,
whereas history gives the honor to Caswell.
lie was followed by Geo. Davis, ESQ, OF
Wilmington, in an address founded upon
the state of affairs in N. c., previous to the
Revolution, &C., &c, concurring with Mr.
Ashe, in assigning the first honor of the
Battle Of Moore's Creek to Ellington. Mr.
Davis exhibited a small silver crescent
worn by Lillington on his cap, with the
initials of his name, and the words hber-
ty or DEATH inscribed upon it. He wa,
followed by JAS Banks, Esq, of Fayettc
vii ,, in some general remarks, including
movements Of both a,mies previous to The
engagement at Moore's Creek the position
taken by the Scotch Highlandcrs, &c. &c.
as we'll as the Battle of Moore's Creek
Mr.. Banks adduced arguments to prov,
that the defendants of the Scotch had re
deemed the error of their predecessors, il
the war of 1912, and the late Mexican war
and that none are more true to the Coun
try than they. Mr. Banks exhibited
sword purporting to have been in the Bat
tie of Moores Creek.
After the speeches were concluded, som
preparations were made for celebrating tn
9th Of February, 1857 The large as
sombly then repaired to the table, whic
was amply laden with the good things G
this life. Every thing passed off pleasant
ly. No disputes arose, no accident occur
red Of a serious nature. But one of th
most pleasing features was, there was nC
n single Whiskey wagon, nor any liquor
ut all in public way. And though thel
was little of the critter among privat
individuals, yet no person was overcom
and but few under the influence of liquo
Should the Anniversary of the Battle
Moore's Creek continue to be celebrate
from year to year, may it always be
free from the pollutions of strong drinl
aud even more so; and may gentlemc
cease to think they ought to take o lit
these nafrintic times III 8