Fayetteville observer. [volume] (Fayetteville, Tenn.) 1850-1966, 1877-06-07

| praise, lnOSe 10 whom we owe
'OurIndependenee.
These are,some of the retro
spective recapitalations, of the
visitor as he approaches Old In
dependence Hall, the cradle of
American liberty, which still
maintains its venerable situa-
tion on Chestnut street, be-
tween fifth and sixth, Philadel-
lphia. We now invite the read
er to follow us as we direct our
Footsteps toward this building,
(which is known as far as Amer
lea herself is known. Passing
up Chestnut Street from the
Delaware our attention is at
tracted by a structure Of no
mean appearance situated on
the south side Of this street, a.
bout midway between third and
fourth. Although surrounded
by edifces in which more mod
ern architectural skill is dis
played, yet this building has a
look of modesty and beauty
peculiar to itself, which is ad-
mired more and more, as we be-
come familiar with its history.
The building to which we refer
is Carpenters Hall, which prob
ably deserves the proud title of
being the cradle Of American
Independence proper. Here, as
an inscription on the wall bold
ly testlties to the patriotic pill
grim, is the place where "Han-
cock and Adams first inspired
the delegates Of the Colonies
with nerCe and SineaU for the tolls
Of acar." Here the first Cont
mental Congress convened. Here
The famous ''first prayer in Con-
gress" was offered on the morn
ing following the bombardment
of Boston. This Hall is now
fitted up to represent its for
mer glory. The walls are dec
grated with mementos appropri-
ately selected and arranged.
Let lis now pass from Carpen-
ter's Hall into Independence
Square. This was formerly the
old State House yard. 1t is
beautifully shaded by variety
of. trees, with grass plots here
and there. Let us call to mind
the history of what we survey.
The same ancestral trees whose
boughs wave above us. a centu-
ry ago protected the members
Of the Continental Congress
from the rays of the July sun.
We walk the same path, per-
haps, that Adams and Dickin-
son walked, as they discussed
in animated debate, the theory
of liberty. I This same spot
was on the Fourth Of July, ,1776,
crowded with a multitude of
eager listeners, assembled by
the joyfu peals of the liberty
bell,' where they received the
welcome Declaration with loud
acclamations, as it was read
from the front steps of the
building, which from that time,
received the appellation Of In
dependence Hall. We are now
in front Of the venerable struc-
ture. 1t is of brick two sto-
ries high surmounted with a Gu
pola, and presents an antique
appearance not only on account
OF the marks Of time, but also
in the style of its architecture.
A rod or two in front Of the en-
trance is large marble statue
of George Washington, stand
ing with the constitution in his
right hand, while his left rests
on his sword. This is a master
piece of art and the character
it represents renders it doubly
interesting. We now enter the
Hall which ispreserved as BELTS
the glorious deeds with which it
, is associated. 1t like Carpen-
ter's Hall is made 10 represent
as nearly as possible its ap-
pearance in Revolutionary days.
1t is kept as a repository for the
relics of our early history. Hav-
ing entered theroomto the right
| let us notice some of the arti-
cles made Invaluable on ac-
count Of their age and former
owners. The old tables and
chairs of the Congress of 1776
arc on the right Of the entrance.
Near by is the old drum that
made part Of the martial mu-
sic, which gave new courage to
our forefathers, as they marched
boldly into the battle of Ger
mantown. In the same collec-
ttion is.a limb of the old Char
Ter Oak, the historical tree Of
America. The next to attract
our attention is the old 'liberty
) IN ,1l;oh .,,o. tho al,;,,,o., of