The Portland daily press., 1862-07-07
The Fourth of July Celebration.


The last tick of midnight had but just died
away, ere the approach of the eighty-sixth an
niversary of our National Independence was
announced by the shooting Of rockets, the fir
ing of cannon, and all the Accomplishments by
which young America is wont to usher in the
Fourth Of July. From this time until sunrise,
the streets were promenaded by eager and en-
thusiastic bands, each vieing with the other
as to who should burn the most powder from
the humble scracker" and errstic "squib -
70 the more majestic cannon.
A lovelier day never broke upon the face of
nature; and it seemed as If the sun smiling
upon the joyous aspect of the "dear old town."
- 1t stood bathed in the golden light, had de-
termined that nothing should be wanting upon
his part to chase away the rude vapors of the
east, even as our brave young general, shall
dispel the doubts and fears of his admirers at
the north.
The sga peeped over the expanse Of ocean
upon the Portlanders,-just in time to witness
the commencement of the jubilee of the 'peo-
pie" as manifested by the firing of artillery and
they merry Ginning of bells, throughout which,
the glad faces of man, ovoman and child, bore
token of their joy at the return of this day,
and their appreciation and faith in republican
institutions.
The streets were now filed by gay multi
tude in holiday attire, and as the time drew
near for the forming of the procession, the
avenues and thoroughfar leading to the City
nu;l,y;r<e ,.,ara M ctod a, en- f,cof ton lv mar,
bers Of the various civic and military bodies,
as they sought out their different stations in
line.
The procession now being formed, took up
its line of march through the most public
streets of our city, hating on the route at
State Street, at which place were assembled en-
masse, the Sabbath School children, under the
supervision of their respective Superintend-
ants. This was to us the happiest feature of
the day. The blending of those youthful
voices, in correct unison and harmony-the
happy faces of the children-the pleased looks
of the spectators-all combined to render an
effect not soon to be forgotten. Neither could
we do justice to this most creditable part of
the ceremonies. Suffice it to say, that such
sights and sounds to be appreciated fully, must
be seen and heard. Said Gov. Washburn, in
his brief remarks to the children, "this celebra-
ton, or rather this feature Of it will compare
with anything of the kind in the world" Let
us now speak of the Idbledux Virdnts Thirty
four young ladies, bearing shields, indicating
the Arm of the different States were placed in
the centre of the group, and under the centre
arch, also, was representation of the goddess
Of Liberty in the person of young lady. The
costume of this bevy Of damsels, was most
appropriate, and the splendor of this repre-
sentation was not lost sight of by the assem-
blage, it being the centre of attraction, for
every eye.
Mr.. S. Thurston, to whom was due the pc
culiar force and grace with which this thing
was carried out, is deserving of much praise.
The speech of His Excellency to the children
was of that flowing and soul awakening char
acter SO eminently the forte OF the Governor.
The procession now moved forward with in
creased animation, and after passing through
the balance Of the route, entered the City
Hall.
We were much struck with the appearance
of a company belonging to the 18th regiment,
accompanied as they were by their popular
band. In the immediate vicinity of this band.
the streets were almost impossible, thus show
ing the taste eyinced by the multitude " for
good music.
We cannot help making particular mention
of the excellent and soldierly appearance of
the High School Cadets, under command of
Captain +. X. Harris, which company num-
bered ia muskets. The precision with which
all Of their movements were executed, and the
erect and manly bearing of the lads, would
have done honor to the veteran soldier; the
positions Of arms, together with the steady and
unwayering step, ELECTED many remarks of APP
probation from the spectators.
The procession now took up their line of
march up Congress to Dow street, through
Bracket and down Pine to State street, and
Danforth to High street, up High to Free,
down Free to Middle and India, down Smith
to Cumberland and Elm to Congress street.
Here the procession was divided, portion
moving on, and those to lake part in the
City Hall ceremony, passing directly to the
Hall.
AT no former time in the history of Portland
has any celebration given such universal salts
faction to the mass, than that of Friday, and
more especially the forenoon part of it. Ev-
cry face seemed lightened up with pleasure at
the demonstration OF patriotism on the part of
our City Fathers, and all felt determined to
furnish their quota to the general jubilee
Space will not allow us here to give the order
of the different bodies as they appeared in line,
and as the programme has already been pub
lished in another column, it would be unneces-
sary TO mention it in this connection. 1t gives
US much satisfaction to pay deserved compli-
ment to the National Guards of Buxton. York
county, commanded by Capt. Jno. ID. Hill,
formerly Colonel of LIST regiment, I'd Brigade,
First Division of Maine. This company, num-
bered forty-three muskets, appeared to decided
advantage, and by the precision of their drill.
executing as they did some of its most difficult
evolutions, won golden opinions from all OBJ
servers. 1t was their good fortune, also, to re-
ceive compliment of the highest order from
His Excellency, Governor Washburn. They
have been organized but one year, and com
manded by veteran officers of great ability
will ere long, we doubt not, prove themselves
TO be the crack troops of the State Captain
Hill is over fifty years of age. We are inform
ed that to the exertions of Lieutenants Gerry,