The Elk Mountain pilot., 1909-07-08


ing of the Declaration OF
Independence was cele-
~D brated in that city. and
yet 1t seems well. now
that the anniversary OF
our country's birth is so near at hand.
to read once more of that which was
done in the principal cities in the
way of rejoicing by those who stood
within the shadow Of the scaffold. be-
cause OF daring to declare themselves
free from all allegiance to the king.
AS matter of course. the first re-
rejoicing was indulged in when the
old bell in the steeple Of Independ-
ence hall rang out its notes which
proclaimed Liberty throughout all
the land. unto all the inhabitants
thereof" but 1t was not until the
eighth of July that any grand demon
stration was made by the people.
Then, as we are told from the plat
form of an observatory erected near
the Walnut street front of the state
house by Rittenhouse many years be-
fore for the purpose of observing a
transit OF Venus, John Nixon read the
Declaration to a vast concourse OF
people gathered from the city and sur
rounding country. When the reading
was finished the arms over the seat
of Justice in the courtroom were torn
down and burned In the street: In the
evening bonfires were lighted. the
houses were Illuminated and 1t was
not until thundershower at midnight
compelled the people to return to
their homes that the sounds OF glad
ness were hushed."
Washington received the Declare
ton at headquarters In New York. on
the 9th Of July. and caused It to be
read at six o'clock that evening at
the head Of each brigade. II was
heard with attention. and welcomed
with loud huzzas by the troops.
Mr. Todd In his STORY OF New
York writes regarding the scene:
"One Of the brigades was honored by
the presence OF the commander-in-
chief 1t was drawn up in a hollow
square on the historic Common.
Within the square Washington sat on
horseback. while an aide in a clear
voice read the Declaration. Next
morning, at White Plains. the pro-
vincial congress listened to the read
ing. and at It's close pledged them
selves to sustain It at risk of their lives
and fortunes and then sent swift
messenger to the New York delegates
in congress. empowering them to vote
for the Declaration. They had II pro-
claimed by beat OF drum in White
Plains. and ordered that It should be
publicly read from the city hall in
Wall street, within reach OF the guns
OF the British fleet"
In Boston on the 18th OF July the
Declaration was publicly read, and
concerning the celebration. Mr.. Gil
man says in his STORY Of Boston,"
The day of the Thursday lecture
was set apart for the reading Of the
Declaration, and after n good sermon
the congregation followed the crowd
to King street The town was
thronged by crowds in holiday suits.
with Joy beaming from every eye. Ar
tillery was drawn up In front Of the
Jail on Court street, and infantry lined
the adjoining streets. Exactly as
the clock struck one. Col. Thomas
Crafts appeared on the balcony Of the
the great audience listening with at
tention to every word. When he sat
down a shout. God save our Amei1-
can states!" was heard in the hall. to
which the throng below responded
with three hearty cheers: the bells
rang. cannon were discharged from
the shipping and from the forts and
batteries, the infantry followed. and
Mr.. Bowdoin gave the sentiment, Sta
bility and Perpetuity to American In
dependence!' The better class of
citizens attended banquet in the
council chamber; much liquor was
distributed to the populace. according
to the old custom, and the kings arms
were taken down from the town
house, custom house. courthouse and
other places and consumed in gen.
eral bonfire In front Of the Bunch Of
Grapes tavern"
There was rejoicing throughout all
the "rebellious colonies;" but, unfor-
tunately, no detailed account of the
festivities can be found. Watson, in
his Annals of Philadelphia" writes
regarding the first Fourth of July cell
ebration in that city. 1777:
The 4th of July, being the first
anniversary, was celebrated at Phila-
delphia with great display and joy.
About noon all the armed ships and
galleys were drawn up before the city.
with their gay streamers flying. At
one o'clock. all the yards being
manned, they severally fired 13 guns.
An elegant dinner was given to the
congress. the civil and military Off
GERS, etc. The Hessian band played
some fine music. and at each toast
there was q discharge of artillery