The 20th of May, being the anniversary of that day on which the Mecklenburgers of 1775 identified their fame with that of American Independance, was celebrated in this place by the Layfeyette Artillery Company. This elegant military body, under the command of Capt. Thomas I. Polk, paraded on the college green, and after performing, in handsome style, the usual evolutions, they moved in order to the tavern of Robert Dinkins, where an excellent dinner, given in compliment to their commander by the Artillerists, was prepared. The company was honored with a few of those revolutionary veterans who yet remain with us; who, in the times that tried men's souls, shed their blood freely when duty and honor called, and who considered individual interest but as dust in the ballance when compared with their countries good. Gen. M. Stokes presided, and was assisted by Col. Thos. G. Polk in conducting the ceremonies of this day of public festivity. It was a public commemoration of the virtues of our fathers --it was a day of pride and gratification to the citizens of the country; and every bosom glowed with honest exultation, in the honor and glory paid on this occasion to the memory of our intrepid ancestors. The company was cheered with volunteer and patriotic songs from the gray-haired heroes, whose bosoms glowed with the fire that blazed so brightly in our revolutionary struggle. Mirth and good humour pervaded every bosom, and the feast was closed in harmony and good fellowship.
The following set toasts were drank accompanied with discharges of cannon:

1. The day we celebrate --Honoured and revered be the memory of those noble and fearless spirits who, in 1775, first broke the chain of colonial despotism, and trampling of the Brittish Lion in the dust, raised the banner of liberty
2. The Heroes of the Revolution --To their valor and patriotism we are indebted for the freedom we enjoy. Let us continue to venerate and cherrish in our hearts' core the scattered remnants that yet glimmer above the horizon of life.
3. The Constitution of North Carolina --Endeared as it is to those who have prospered under its simple republican principles, may it yet be so amended that population, and not geographical divisions, be the basis of legislative representation.
4. The South American Republics --Freedom has planted and unfurled its banner on the heights of Chimberazo; long may it continue to float "O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave."
5. Gen. Andrew Jackson --He needs no eulogy; for his name and his deeds, like his illustious predecessor, Washington, are engraved in vivid characters on the hearts of every true American.
6. Washington --Our common father, our protector, our benefactor. He stands in solidary grandeur the most sublime example of human perfection.
7. Lafayette --In the times that tried men's souls, the blood of the sons of France and Columbia flowed together in one brotherly current --a rich oblation on the alter of liberty.
8. The President of the United States --The wise and experienced statesman, the dignified and honorable man --a strict adherence to the principles of liberty and virtue will secure to him the applause of all parties.
9. The Constitution of the United States --May it be so ammended as to place the election of the President where it ought to be, and where it is safest --in the hands of the people.
10. The South and the North --United we stand; divided we fall: --Confusion to the man who would attempt a separation.
11. The Senate of the United States --The wisdom of the people concentrated in the discussions of all questions --may a true regard be paid to that dignity which should characterize that body.
12. The House of Representatives --More expedition in business, and fewer long speeches wil please the people better, and cost the country less.
13. The Greeks --May the beacon fire of liberty, rekindled in the land where Leonidas warred and Homer sung, quickly dispel the Cimmerian gloom of Euorpean and Asiatic despotism.

By Gen. M. Stokes --The citizens of Mecklenburg County, N.C. --they were the first in America to declare themselves an independent people and they have never ceased to support that independence.
By Col. T. G. Polk --Gen. Jackson --the glorious son of the Carolinas, moving on to his high destiny --he will ere long be hailed the Chief Exective of a free people.
By Capt. I. Polk --Gen. Edmund P. Gaines.
By Thos. B. Smartt --Trimble and McDuffie --The calumniator described by Trimble stands falsely charged; but the traitor described by McDuffie stands already convicted.
By Dr. Jos. Darnell --The Charlotte Lafayette Artillery --May they load with powder from pure hickory coal, with ball from metal of our own western mountains; their match the resentment of a sovereign people, and their aim the final overthrow of a corrupt Administration.

[We were not present at the above celebration; but we deem it proper to state, and we have been requested to do so, that the latter toast, by Dr. Darnell, of South Carolina, was not received with approbation. After the toast had been read, and the company was called on to cheer it, the President of the day, (Gen. Stokes,) rose and stated his objections, and depicted the.....

BACK

Carolina Observer Main Page
Go to the Table of Contents
Go To the Home Page