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Martinsburg, Berkeley County, West Virginia
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On July 4, 1826, in Martinsburg, the Rifle Rangers under Capt. Robert M. Erskine and citizens celebrated the 50th anniversary of U.S. Independence with a parade, reading of the Declaration by Dr. Thomas Davis in a grove on Capt. Matthew Ranson's farm, a repast by John McCleary, and patriotic toasts amid musketry and music, attended by 80-100 people.
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MARTINSBURG, JULY 6, 1826.
Fourth of July.--The Jubilee of our Independence was celebrated in this place by the fine company of Rifle Rangers, commanded by captain Robert M. Erskine, and a number of highly respectable citizens. The military paraded about 12 o'clock, and escorted Dr. Thomas Davis, the reader of the Declaration of Independence, from town to a pleasant grove on the farm of capt. Matthew Ranson, where an excellent repast was prepared by our worthy fellow citizen, John McCleary, jun. After the Declaration was read in an impressive manner by Dr. D. the company consisting of from eighty to an hundred individuals, of all parties, partook in harmony of the festivities usual upon such occasions. The following toasts were drank, amid discharges of musketry and soul-stirring music:
1. The first Jubilee of our Independence.--Let us rejoice and be thankful.
2. Washington,--The Canals of the nation unite our interests; but the virtues of Washington united all hearts.
3. South-America --In adversity she has given an illustrious example of patience and firmness: in prosperity, may she show moderation and wisdom.
4. Glory to the Greeks--Shame to the craven chivalry of Europe.
5. Bolivar.--May he continue to emulate the example of his prototype Washington.
6. The Constitution.--"Fly ye profane; if not, draw near with awe."
7. The Militia.--May our country in time of war find a soldier in every citizen; in time of peace, a citizen in every soldier.
8. The next Congress --Shorter speeches and fewer of them. More business and less faction.
9. The Administration.--Let them do right and fear nothing.
10. Internal Improvement.--If we must have tariff for the benefit of the manufacturer, let us have roads and canals for the benefit of all.
11. Old Virginia.--May she retain her ancient ornaments of hospitality, liberality and talent, and lose her ancient foibles, vanity, arrogance and prejudice.
12. The Navy --The glory of our nation-the scourge of our foes-the best defence of free trade and sailors' rights.
13. The Fair--We cherish in our 'heart of hearts' their smiles and approbation.
VOLUNTEERS.
By Capt. Robert M. Erskine.--The 50th Anniversary of our Independence--May the shouts of to day's millions of freemen reach the shores of struggling Greece, and revive in that nation the spirit of their forefathers Leonidas and his three hundred followers.
Lieut. W. N. Riddle.--Our country. "Breathes there a man with soul so dead. "That never to himself has said, "This is my own, my native land?"
Dr. Thos. Davis.--The author of the Declaration of Independence--May the evening of his days be as serene and happy as his revolutionary services were important and splendid.
Moses T. Hunter, Esq.--The vile soldiers of fortune who have sold their swords to the Crescent against the Cross--to tyranny against freedom--the Dugald Dalgetties of modern times, may they have neither provant pay nor plunder.
Mr. E. K. Friend.--The three surviving signers of the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson, Carroll of Carrollton, and John Adams --May their memories be perpetuated in the heart of every patriot.
Mr. Jas. Goddard.--The occasion for which we have met.
Mr. S. A. Bailey.--May the free citizens of the United States not forget the past services of Gen. Andrew Jackson.
Mr. Davenport Orrick--The hero of New Orleans--May we not forget in the time of safety, he who was our pillar of strength in the day of danger.
Moses T. Hunter, Esq --The memory of Lord Byron--The soul of poesy and song, the martyr of liberty-- "Breathe o'er his sacred tomb our sorrowing sigh, "And in his glory let his frailties die."
Henry A. Byrne, Esq.--The officers of the Berkeley Rangers--When our country calls, they will remember what can be done by willing freemen.
Mr. John H. Blondel--The contemplated Bard of Music in Martinsburg--success to it. Our place is a rough one--"Music has charms to soften rocks."
Lieut. Anthony S. Chambers.--Our fellow citizens and fellow soldiers, James Gallaber and George Toup, who marched on foot twenty miles to celebrate this day in their native village.
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Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Martinsburg
Event Date
July 4, 1826
Key Persons
Outcome
harmonious celebration attended by 80-100 individuals of all parties, with toasts, musketry, and music.
Event Details
The Rifle Rangers, commanded by Capt. Robert M. Erskine, and respectable citizens celebrated Independence Day. The military paraded at 12 o'clock, escorting Dr. Thomas Davis to read the Declaration in a grove on Capt. Matthew Ranson's farm, where a repast was prepared by John McCleary, jun. The company partook in festivities and drank toasts.