Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1861-07-10
Hudson Correspondence.
July 8, 1851.

Fourth, in this city, WAS by far the lar
rest and most brilliant demonstration OF
the kind, ever held in the Northwest
The number in attendance was at safe
estimate, 1000. Although the weather
was .unfavorable during the early part OF
the day, the arrangements were carried
out in accordance with the published
programme. The Procession, which FORM
ed on Second ST., was the largest have
ever seen in the West. 1t was escorted
by the Fire Department, headed by tho
Brass Band, under the supervision of the
Marshall and five assistants. At the head
of the Procession, just behind the escort,
was mammoth car, beautifully decora-
ted with evergreens and draped with
Red, White and Blue, and oter which
floated splendid flag, which car contain
ed thirty four young ladies, appropriately
dressed. and wearing badges of the sew
eral States, while in the centre Of the
charming group sat another young lady
representing the GODDESS OF LIBERTY.
Upon arriving at the grove a prayer
was offered by the Chaplain, Rev. s.
WOODRUFF, which was eloqu Mt with
patriotic and christian tterances--implo-
ring that God who inspired the Revou-
tionary fathers with their love Of Liberty,
and gave them hope, and fortitude, and
valor, and faith, to awaken in our hearts
slch glorious memories and sacred asso
Citations as should thrill tho soul and reach
the inner life. inspiring n devotion TO
| country and to God, that should nerve
us for the present conflict, and prepare
us for the blessings of a coming peace.
The Declaration of Independence was
then read by Mr.. STARR, in an eloquent
and impressive manner, aftor which the
Grafton was delivered by NJ. A. FULTON.
| On account of the rain, was unable to
hear all Of the Grafton, but judging from
what did hear, and from TIE opinions of
those who listened to it, it was well
worthy of the occasion, which is the great
est praise that can be bestowed upon it.
cannot speak of all the exercises in
detail, but will simply mention some Of
the more noticeable features of the occa-
sion. The Roasted Or was q success, ne
hundreds who partook of it certify. The
dinner was got up in the finest style, and
was bounteous and overfewing. Just af-
ter dinner, paper from St. Paul con-
tanning the telegraphic ncws of the NOR
ming, with tie account of the advance of
General Patterson, and the routing of
10000 rebels, was brought upon tho
grounds and handed 10 tho President,
who after restoring silence as far as pos
sible, had the dispatch read. The news
was received with the widest enthusiasm
Cheers went up from four thousand
lips, the tumLlt lasting many minutes
Many happy speeches and responses were
made over the presentation and reception
of mammoth cakes bich were brought
by the delegations from different places
among which were River Falls and Lake
land. A large party of excursionists
from St. Paul arrived late in the after
noon, and were escorted by the Firemen
and Band to the grove just in time to get
seat at the last table, and hear the
toasts and responses. which concluded
the exercises at the grove. In the
evening Union Ball was given at Rick
arts mammoth new hall, attended by
about one hundred and twenty-five cou-
pie, and which was a most brilliant affair
TIE fact is, the celebration here was
far better than we had ever hoped for
1t was day never to be forgotten. The
whole affair was complete success ir all
its details, and gave glorious evidence of
the patriotism of the people. The en-
thusiasm exhibited or the Fourth is &
happy omen. The people came together
not only to perpetuate the memories and
g'ories of the past, and hallow the names
of our revolutionary heroes. but they
thus testify their devotion to the great in
terests of human liberty, kindle anew
the smouldering fires Of patriotism, and
nerve their hearts to meet tho perls OF
the present, thus giving fresh sigor to
our national existence.
The Hudson City Brass Band have
| had call from the Governor to join the
Fourth Regiment, as Resimental Band.
A portion of the members here respond
ed to the call, and start for Racine this
morning. A latge number of gentle
men from It's city also start for Racine
- Ia, AL.