The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1877-07-07
''The Day We Celebrate. .
Fourth of July in DonaldsOnyille.
How the Oannoneers of Donaldson Com
memorated their Own and the Nations
MISUNDERSTANDING Mill

How the UannoneerS OF donaldson COM
memorated their Own and the Nations
Anniversary---Mass-meeting Mill
tary Display. Banquet and Ball.
Uncle Sans one hundred and
first birthday, being also the second
anniversary of the reorganization Of
the Cannoneers of Donaldson, will
long remain red letter day in the
history of this town, and q brilliant
feather in the caps of our gallant Can
noneers, under whose auspices the
great holiday was commemorated in
such hearty and patriotic style.
AS early as eight o'clock on the
morning of the 4th, the booming of
cannon announced the commencement
of the celebration The reverberation
proceeded from the pet howitzers of
the Washington Artillery, which COM
mand had arrived nearly opposite the
town on the steamer C. II. Durfee,
and were signalling their approach
by a salute of fifty guns. The steamer
st. Mary, having on board detach-
ments of the Continental Guards and
Rex's Royal Guards, arrived at the
landing while the salute was being
fired, and the Dulfee was soon along
side.
As the twelve. FOUNDER of the Cam
noneers belched forth its boisterous
response to the ArtilleIy's howitzers,
the visitors were cordially welcomed
by the citizens and soldiers assembled
to receive them. Half an hour later
the st. John arrived from Baton Rouge
with the Zouaves of that city, who
were greeted with no less warmth
than the New Orleans troops had been.
One of the earliest and most pleas
ant incidents of the day was the pre-
sentation of beautiful banner to the
Cannoneers, at the residence of their
late lamented commander, Major
Victor Maurin. The presentation
was made by the ladies of Ascension,
through little Miss Ella AIaurin. in
whose behalf Judge r. N. Sims spoke
as follows:
CANNoNNERs OF DoNALDsoNvILLE The
conmemoration here to-day Of the anniver-
sary Of our country's independence is des-
tined to adorn with many pleasing memories
pages i'll the future history of your splendid
organization.
In the contemplation of the glories of this
occasion, the dearest among them all to.
you aust be the regeneration of our beloved
State, by means of which the angry passions
of party have been dissipated and the smiles
and sunshine of peace have returned to
gladden. and brighten the souls of our people,
and the reappearance upon this scene of
your noble band for the first time i'll many
years, i'll all of its ancient splendor.
The ladies of Ascension, catching quickly
the inspiration of the hour and holding ever
III fresh remembrance the heroism Of our
CannOneers on many IL bloody battle field
have prepared for you this beautiful and "a
diant ttag, and they have very appropriately
selected and appointed to present it to YOU,
little Ella Maurln, the charming and lovely
daughter OF your lac commander, who led
you safely through the perils of SO many
hard fought BATTLES. 1t is III her name,
therefore, that | now present to Won this
beautiful token OF esteem aud affection from
the ladies of Ascension. On its folds is bla.
zoned the motto of your brave company
those stirring words which have given a
charm to danger, and made You forget the
peril of the battle field
know that you will treasure and guard it
jcalouslY. Let it be to you the emblem of
peace andigOod will, and whatc'er bptitlc-
whether ii. peace or in wur-may it ever
inspire you with that high and ennobling
sentiment which should animate every pa
trlotic heart: Love OF country and devotion
to duty.
Capt. Il. Prosper Landry, command
ing the Cannoneers, replied in elo-
quent andappropriate terms, express
ing the warm gratitude and apprecia-
ton with which his soldiers received
the splendid gift.
The banner is of costly blue silk,
edged with gold fringe. On one side
is the inscription
Cannoncers Of Donaldson.
En- Ayant.
In the centre is the device of the
State scala pelican feeding its young,
encircled' with the motto, " Union,
Justice and Confidence" On the re-
verse of the banner is Inscribed:
Presented by the Ladies
of the
Parish OF Ascension,
July 4tlI, 1877.
Beneath the inscription appears the
familiar representation of two cannon
CROSSED, over three cannon balls. The
taste of design and artistic execu-
ton are in keeping with the richness
of material, making the banner one of
exceeding beauty and considerable