The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1865-04-29
Impromptu American Thanksgiving.

lmprOmptu A merIcun Thanksgiving.
Scarcely had the echoes of the guns which had
been fred in honor Of the fall Of Petersburg and the
surrender of Richmond. ceased to be heard before
the American clipper .drcher, Capt, Greasy, arrived.
bringing the thrice joyful news that General Lee and
his army had surrendered to General Grant.
The intelligence was rapidly circulated throughout
the city, and out few the " Stars and Stripes |" from
the stores and houses Of all Americans, AMI some Of
other nations. No sooner had the news reached the
ears Of our. Minister Resident, than n handbill was is
sued by him, requesting Americans and all others
favorably disposed to the carse of the American I'm
ion, to assemble at Fort Street Church, at II NJ, to
give thanks to Almighty God for the great victories
vouchsafed to the Union Army under General Grant,
and in causing the surrender Of Gen. Lee and the
Army Of Northern Virginia. AT the time appointed
a crowded house indicated that the hearts OF the
American residents were with Mr.. Mcbride in CALL
ing the meeting. An immense American Flag was
suspended in front Of the church. and another was
hung in the rear OF the pull pit, whilst the beautiful
silk flag Of the Legation was thrown over the desk.
While the audience was assembling the choir sang,
with much animation, the . Star Spangled Banner
MIR. Mcbride then arose and announced to the audi
ence his reasons for conveningt the assembly, remark
ing that he felt an honest pride in meeting so many
Of his fellow countrymen on so joyful an OCCASION.
and he could think Of no more appropriate method
OF giving ex Expression to their JOY than by assembling
in the house Of God, and there rendering thanks to
Almighty God.
J. w. Austin, ESQ, was then called upon to read
the correspondence which had passed between Gen.
Grant and Gen. Lee. preliminary TO the grand sur
render. During its reading the audience frequently
gave expressions Of appreciation. The choir then
sang a chorus.
The Rev. Mr.. Corwin followed by reading some ap-
~propriate passages of scripture. when the choir sang
:" My Country tits Of Thee SO. A few remarks
were offered by the Rev. S. c. Damon, followed with
u thanksgiving prayer. Another performance by
the choir, and the Rev. DR.. Gulick delighted the
audience for about ten minutes with an impromptu
address, which for adaptation and point could NOS
have been surpassed-the audience frequently testi-
flying its appreciation of the entiments 10 which he
gave utterance. Mr.. II. A. 2. Carter then arose and
moved that the thanks Of the audience be given TO
Sir. Mcbride and others who had contributed TO
make the hour pass go agreeably.
We have never attended a gathering OF Americans
in Honolulu where so much heart felt satisfaction was
expressed. Our hearts were full Of joy, and it
needed some occasion like this to give expression to
that feeling. One strong Union man remarked that.
he was not accustomed to pray, but he could say
" Amen" Many had a similar feeling, which came
yelling up from the very depths OF the heart. and It
must in some way find uttersuce. We will only add.
" Praise the Lord"