Delaware State journal and statesman., 1863-07-07
LOCAL AFFAIRS.
The Fourth of July in Will
minpton.

mington.
The Eighty-Sevenlh Anniversary of
American Independence, passed off very
quietly in our city. There was no parade
of any character, and our streets wore an
unusually quiet appearance
The day was ushered in by the firing Of
cannon and ringing of bells, the explosion
of fire crackers and the discharge of small
arms Of every character. Throughout the
day, our ears were constantly saluted with
the reports from pistols and guns and the
explosion of tre-crackers. Besides this
nothing took place worthy of note.
THE MEETING Az THE CITY HALL.
AT ten o'clock, the hall hell rung under
the auspices of the committee of Public
Buildings of the Council, with view to
bring our citizens together to listen 10 the
reading of the Declaration of independence.
But few responded to the call and the COM
mittee deemed it advisable to postpone the
ceremonies until eleven o'clock. At that
hour, the audience was somewhat larger
but not such ms should have assembled in II
city like ours to hear the charter of our
liberties read. The meeting was organized
by calling II. II d. Naf to the Chair, and
appointing Il. r. Taylor Secretary MIR.
Taylor then read the sublime and thrilling
poem by Drake, entitled 1.-THE American
Flag" which was received with loud APP
pause. lie next read that sacred instru-
ment, the Declaration of Independence.
The Star Spangled Banner" was then
sung by Messrs. Joseph W. Day, EFT. Tay-
lor, II. II, j. Nati' aud others. with fine effect
We regret exceedingly that the meeting
was not more numerously attended, and can
only attribute it TO the fact that sufficient
notice was not given. Our people are pa
triotic, and we believe they would have
filed the hall to its utmost capacity had
proper notice been given. The time
is past when the people can be called to-
gether without the aid of printers ink, ant
we would advise committees in future whel
they desire to get up a demonstration q
this character, to give publicity to tho
matter through the press.
DINNER Al HOSPITAL.
AT the United States General nospta
the Executive Committee of the Ladies
Aid Society prepared splendid dinner 70
the convalescent soldiers. The table wa
o literally loaded down with the good thing
y Of the season, and everything was done IL!
!, in IL style which was highly creditablc t,
those having the matter in charge. Abou
n $50 men sat down to the repast, who eN
: pressed themselves much gratiied with it
and enjoyed bountilul dinner. TIL
brave men richly deserve this mark of lavo
at the hands of the ladies for their gallan
services on the field of strife, and we ar
gratifed at this evidence that their labor
are fully appreciated By our citizens.
d Several pic MICS were held in the wood
\ in this vicinity on the Fourth. The Sal
q bath Schools attached to ST. Mary's Roma
Catholic Church in this city, held a pic nj
u in Andrews woods in New Castle 1undre,
r which was largely attended The partici
pants passed the day in pleasant name
nothing occurring to mar the festivities
pic mic was also held at Squirrel Ru
on the Brandywine, and two in Riddle
woods. Everything went of in fine style.
Our city was unusually quiet and few al
n rests were made. Several fights occurre
!, but no one was seriously injured. We hay
:, not heard OF an accident OF any character
d THE DISPLAY or FIREWORKS.
Towards evening, dispatches were re
ceved in our city, giving the intellgenc
that our gallant army under the yalial
Meade had repulsed the rebel horde at a
points on the battlefield of Gettysbur
. and that the traitors were in full retrea
The result was that our streets by nightla
were filled with u jubiant crowd, aud
scene of JOY presented itself worthy Of I'll
glorious deeds of our brave army. The di
. play of fire works in all parts of the city VT
It very imposing indeed. The committee fire
Il salute of fifty guns in the evening, and II
is bells throughout the city rang forth meri
Is peal.
: Towards eleven o'clock our citizens gem
n rally retired to their homes, aud quietne
$. pervaded our streets
e %S~~~-
+ GENERAL llosrirAL.-Thc following nam
volunteers, have been admitted TO tha Unit
~ States General Hospital III this city, since Frd
It last
a admitted -Sergt Samuel Bond, II, 2nd Wi
al cousin Samuel I. Bigger, c, LIST Del. cayalrl
lie William Boyer, b, l5lst Pa; Thomas j, Burn
D, 18th II. Y. S. NJ; Theodore r. Broker.
NHl.