The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1877-07-12
SOMERSET, OHIO, JULY IL, 1877.
The Fourth at Junction.
PRESENTATION OF THE FLAG TO
JACKSON TOWNSHIP BY CAP
TAIN A. p. SHBRR0OK.
COLONEL HITCHCOCK'S REPLY.
THEoDDFELLoW's CELEBRA-
TION.

arrived on the $50 train and were heartily
welcomed by the people of Jackson town
ship. At half past ten the procession
formed and marched to the grove, which
had been fitted up for the occasion. The
meeting was called to order by Mr.. Brice
welch Captain Ashbrook was then intro
duced, and presented Jackson township
with the flag which they won at the GEN.
tennial celebration at Somerset:
REMARKS BY CAPTAIN AsHBRooK.
Ws have meet together for the purpose
Of appropriately celebrating this the first
anniversary Of the second centuary Of our
National existence.
II is not my purpose to attempt to deliv
er an oration on the subject of our Nations
progress, but a. a special duty has been
assigned me, that OF presenting a flag
from Reading to Jackson township, shall |
attempt to give a brief history Of the |
different flags which have been from time |
to time used by the Nation
When General Washington took Com
mand of the Armies gathered around
Boston in the summer oi l775, there was no
particular flag which represented the great
patriotic cause in which they were about
to engaged. In the battle of Bunker Hill,
which had just been fought flag with a
red field, and a pine tree in white field
for the Union had been used.
Another red flag with the words, "Come
il you dare" on it was also used In the
battle.
On the lst day Of July, 1775, the col.
lonial assembly of Connecticut passed nm
Act making the flag of the colony red
flag with the nottoi. "Qui trinst,M sus-
tinet" in golden letters. This flag was
raised by General Putnam at prospect
Hill, July 18th, 1777. On one side of the
flag were the words GAN APPEAL TO
HEAVEN"
The first flag hoisted by an american
Man Of War was of this design and had in
addition the words. "Liberty tree" at the
top. This was in December 1775, on the
Alfred twenty eight guns, commanded by
Commodore Hopkins then laying in the
Delaware.
The necessity of having flag OF some
particular design for general nse received
the attention of Congress and was referred
TO the Committee having charged of the
general organization of the armies: namely
Benz. Franklin, Thos. Lynch and Benz
Harrison, who designed the great Unior
flag which was first displayed by Genera
Washington at Cambridge, January 1st
l776, little over one hundred and on
years ago.
Thi" flag consisted Of the Union of tn
British flag, cross Of st. George and 81
Andrew, in the blse feld--with thirtee
stripes alternate red and white designe
to represent the Union of the thirtee
colonies. The Union represented allegi
ance to the British crown.
The idea Of separation had scarcely yt
been conceived. The great Union flag wa
the standard Of the colonies for nearly on
and half years. With it Washingto
marched into Boston. Under lis tolds th
battles of Prncetown and Trenton wei
fought and under this flag the Declaratio
of Independence was signed. As the eau:
Of Independence grew there grew with
the desire TO Danish every symbol Of Bri
ish rule aud colonial allegiance to II
crosn.
Our hundred yenrs ago on the 14
day Of June, 1877. Congress passed Il
re.ontion adopting the stars and stripes
the flag of the New Nation. This FL
which has remained the mblem Of liber
10 this day was unfurled for the first tin
in the army on the surrender of Bnrgoyl
at Saratoga, October 18th, 1777.
Hence the flag Of our Country, tn
glorious emblem Of freedom and liberty
the sight Of which has inspired 40 maj
men to deeds of valor, which has been
often stained with blood ard which b
foatcd in triumph over so many fields
gore and glory, which to-day is respect
by all the Nations of the earth, on 4
lanl and on the sea every where, where ev
the American flag floats. the Americ'
Nation stands pledged to protect those w
place thenSelve' beneath it, ample folds
My friends. now in this the beginning
the second century of our National life,
US try to appreciate the great blessin
bequeathed to us by our fatrotrie fol
fathers. Let us remember the trials al
privateous through which they have pass
90 purchase the liberties we now enjoy
hat Gao ,yho.a CT. h.
increased from thirteen to thirty eight a
let us enheavor to leave it to our childr
insulied with not single sttn obliterat
or obscred
Ny friends Of Jackson township ha
thp honor on behalf Of the citizens
Reading township to present to yor
representation Of our National flag VIII
YOU 80 nobly won and so justly merit
sending the largest delegation TO Somel
on the occasion of the celebration of
one hundredth anniversary of our
tional Independence. Trusting that il I
severe as n cement to that bond Of affecl
and good will which has always existed
tween the townships of Reading and ia
A.
possession.
Colonel Hitchcock then responded as
lows:
Mn. SPEAKER:-ln receiving this p
ent from the good citizens of Read
township words can but feebly express
thanks; be assured that no other pre-,
would have been moFe highly apprecia
than this one. This beautiful "Ensigr
America Liberty" under which our
neer Fathers have located our towns
boundaries, cleared away the fore
schools, churches, societies and ntel
relations have been establish and enjo,
Yet this beautiful! Ensign" whose
spranglea banner were throw to the br'
on, auadred years ago; and whose ct