Norwich bulletin., 1909-07-03

Independence Day has been celebrat- ed in various ways and with varying enthusiasm in Norwich. In the clos ing years of the eighteenth century 1t was customary to open subscription papers in order that those persons who are desirous to celebrate the 4th July may have an opportunity to con- tribute toward the expense of so do-. ing. The celebration took the form of processions, the firing of cannon, ora tiOns, and always a dinner followed by toasts, from which the company were wont to disperse "in perfect order"
 The Chelsea Courier gives the fol- low account of the celebration in 17S9:
 Yesterday beJng the anniversary Era of American Independence, the same was celebrated in this city with that respect and dignity becoming na- tive citizens-The dawn of day was and the morning sun rose to a salute of Is guns-at II o'clock, a large and respectable number of Gentlemen con- vened at the Chelsea Hotel, and at 12 o'clock moved in procession. preceded by Capt. HuntingtOn's company of Artillery, the flag of the United States. and a band of music to the Meeting House-after a pertinent prayer on the occasion. the audience were enter tained by patriotic and judicious ora ton from James Lanman, Esquire, and the ceremony interspersed with two pieces of vocal music-the process sion then returned to the Hotel; and on it's leaving the Meeting House, an- other federal salute was fired-at 3 o'clock, the company sat down to an elegant repast provided by their lib- erality, after which the following Toasts were drank, under the discharge of Cannon.
 "The 4th July. 1776-May its anni- versary celebration inspire no feelings, but those which are congenial with American Independence.
 ''The United States of Anerica-may their constitution never be undermin- ed by insidious friends, nor overturn- ed by open enemies.
 "The President of the United States may his patriotic exertions to vindi- cate his country's cause, find a zealous support in every American breast. 3 cheers.
 "The Vice President, Senate, and House of representatives con- cord guide their councils, and the arm of Thunder execute their laws.
 George Washington-in the retreats of Mount Vernon. may he ever reap the laurels of his country'S gratitude dHu lONe. . CHeeIS.
 Immortal memory to those patriots who framed the act of Independence; and may those heroes whose lives were sacrificed in securing that illustrious event, be borne with affection on the minds of successive generations.
 ''The Governor and State of Connec- to it's unanimity and success sto its local concerns.
 Preservation to the peace-vindi- cation to the right-apd satisfaction to the dignity of our country
 May millions of swords be ever ready to leap from the scabbards' of in defense of their country's freedom.
 ''The Militia of the United States may it's system of organization be per fected, and become the bulwark of American Liberty.
 rThe American F1ag-may it be re- spected through the world; and may the hardy sons of America be inspired with patriotic enthusiasm when fight ing under its banner.
 "Comnerce. Agriculture. and Manu- factures-may their invaluable rights be firmly secured by protecting laws.
 '.The late Envoys to the French Re- their dignified exertlons for their country's honor, insure them a just retribution in the gratitude of America 3 cheers.
 External enmity to foreign influence -'nay the hand that would submit to a foreign sTackle, wither on the arm that supports it..