The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1863-07-14
For the Guardian.

'A'ih"oi' ouy o1hB iSoo'
1t is not my intention to give a
description Of the grand Celebra ton OF
the 4th at independence, as that belongs
to the Local, yet cannot help noticing a
few Of the incidents of the day as view
ed by common rustic from one OF the
country towns. The entry Of the Quas-
queton delegation was grand sight,
and accompanied by fine band of mar
lial music, and the display of number
OF flags, and wagons loaded down to
overlooking with the fair sex Of the Will
age and country, waving their tiny flags
as proof of their attachment to Union, in
every sense Of the word. When the la
dies turn out so finely as they did on the
4lh, and take an active part in a grand
jubilee, and in fact take the lead in en-.
couraging their lukewarm brethren in
sustaining the cause of freedom and hui
manity, think we may justly say our
Union is safe from destruction by the
hands of traitors. The Winthrop dele
CATION did not get together in full, in or
der to make so grand an entry as they
might have done, yet they made a fine
appearance with their flag and band Of
martial music, as conducted into town
by their gallant Marshal, Mr.. Rankin
Their League was fully represented, and
they fully sustained their name as lovers
of good order and true patriotism, in the
generous turnout they made.
The prayer at the opening of the GER
emonies, by the Rev. Mr.. Fulton, was
one OF the most fervent and eloquent ap.
peals TO Heaven fer Divine protection
and aid to our soldiers in l. is struggle
for freedom, that l have ever had the
pleasure to hear, and think that the
thousands that heard him would heartily
respond an amen 10 the sentiment. The
Grafton by Mr.. Wiltse, was more than ell
oquent, because the subject was not only
ably handled by words, but was deeply
manifested by the intense feeling that
actualed the speaker. 10 say that il was
good would be superhuous, but to be.
lleve that every one of the large throng
LETT tirmer, and more determined pat.
riot, would not be an exaggeration.
The music, both vocal and instrumental.
was really credit to the performers, and
was sensibly interspersed through the
programme, making it pleasing to the
audience and credit TO the gentlemen
who had it in charge.
The dinner table was splendidly and
amply furnished by all the substantals
and even Injuries OF the season, and
when we consider this was donated by
the patriotic friends of freedom and hui.
mainly, and tie donators all paid equal
~ with others for the privilege of parta,
king OF the bountful supply of good
things, | think it can well be set down
as one strong proof in favor of the un-
dying patriotism that pervades the whole
community. But here [ must say word,
not IN censure, but perhaps as fault, or
an oversight of the table committee. AZ
ter the first table full, Of about 800, |
should Judge, the table apparently was
left to run itself. There was not much
order for arranging and resetting, and
there was, as matter of course, much
confusion. much dissatisfaction, and
some lille grumbling, all Of which might
have been avoided by proper care and
supervision. The table was more than
hall the time destitute OF water, and Ell.
urely destitute of knives and forks. To
men this was not SO great an inconven-
fence, tut TO the rustic ladies Of the sur
rounding country, who have not been
learned the old adage by practical ex-
perience, That fingers before forks" is
common western sentiment, manifested
some hesitation and embarrassment, and
made some remarks that would not have
over pleased the table committee if they
had heard it. The toasts and responses
were some of them pleasing, happy, and
apt, especially the response Of Capt. Mil
Ter 10 the toast of the Iowa Soldiers
and Capt. Wright to the toast of the
Yankee Gunboats." And G. j. Reed
to the punishment of Vallandigham y
for his reasonable course, was indeed
one Of the most comical, pleasing, dolor-
Gus responses | ever heard, and | can
hardly, even now, keep down my rsi,
billties. whenever the subject comes to
my mind, in the laug liable way in which
he inflicted il on that large audience.
Ii is well he made it short, or the audi
ences would have wilted. The response
OF p. G. Wilcox TO the toast of the !" Slate
Of lows" portraying our present and flu
lure prospects, was indeed gratifying,
and his reference to acts Of individual
bravery of Iowa soldiers and others was
compliment our brave boys well merit,
and when they learn such noble acts are
duly appreciated by the people at large,
there will be a laudibe emulation among
them Of deeds OF daring and bravery on
the battle field. Many other responses
were really good and satisfactory, but as
| did not sit down TO write an account OF
the proceedings, | only speak of those
that particularly struck my fancy, be.
lieying lhat ADLER pens will do am
pie justice 10 all who participated in the
largest gathering ever assembled in Blu
chanan County, if not the largest west Of
Dubuque. have few words to say
in regard to the arrangements to hear
the toasts and responses, There was no
provision made TO seat the crowd, or
even those who were expected to speak