Muscatine Weekly Journal

An invitation having been kindly tendered the citizens of Muscatine to participate with the citizens of Fairport and vicinity in the celebration of the glorious anniversary of American Independence, quite a number of our citizens left on the good boat, "Declaration," Capt. Fisher, on Saturday morning at about 10½ o'clock, for the grounds.

A fine breeze was stirring all day, and the river trip was indeed pleasant. Unger's celebrated brass band accompanied us and during the day discoursed to us most excellent music. The clear notes of the leader's bugle, as they swept o'er the waters, seemed to possess an unusual sweetness.

Our arrival was welcomed by the booming of cannon, the waving of banners, enthusiastic cheers, and the smiles of Fairport's fair daughters. Capt. Creah acted as Marshal of the day. Under his direction a procession was formed and we repaired to a beautiful grove adjoining the town to witness the festivities of the day. As we passed through the groves Unger's band made the woods vocal with national anthems. We found the Sunday School children and a large number of persons from the town and vicinity. It was estimated that at least five hundred persons were assembled to unite in paying homage to the memory and deeds of the patriots of '76.

The Declaration of Independence was read in a clear and audible voice by Dr. Love, of Fairport. After which the orator of the day Hon. A. O. Patterson was introduced to the audience and entertained them with one of his most happy and eloquent efforts. He depicted in glowing terms the injuries that compelled our patriot sires to throw off the yoke of British tyranny and declare themselves free and independent. He sketched with a master hand our unprecedented growth from thirteen small colonies to our present proud position; our privileges, civil and religious, and reminded us that if we would enjoy them unimpaired we must be true to the precepts of the men of the Revolution. A patriotic spirit pervaded the entire address, and the orator, with a beautiful and touching allusion to the Union--its immense cost, and inestimable value, retired amid the plaudits of the people.

He was followed by C. G. Hayes, Esq., who delivered a brief but appropriate address to the Sunday School children. The audience then repaired to dinner. A prayer was addressed to the Throne of Grace by Rev. Jno. Ufford; after which we proceeded to enjoy the rich entertainment prepared for us. The table literally groaned under the weight of generous hospitality. Much praise is due to Messrs. Spencer, A. and H. Sweet, E. and Jno. Sparks, D. Morris, Geo. and Wm. Lee, and Mauckmore, for the abundant viands set before us.

The culinary department was under the management of Mr. Burrill, assisted by Stevenson, the Franklins, and young Mauckmore. As to their proficiency in the art of cooking, those who indulged in the roasted ox and pig are competent witnesses.

The ladies, also, (among whom we would mention Mrs. Sweet and Mrs. Sparks) displayed great taste and skill in the various delicacies they furnished us, as well as in the arrangement and decoration of the table.

After dinner the audience divided themselves into parties—some singing the star-spangled banner, others social and religious anthems.

Judge Woodward, in a neat address, thanked the good people of Fairport and vicinity for the abundant feast they had prepared for us, and indulged in some happy reflections relative to the social and festal pleasures of the day.

The procession was again formed and we returned to the Declaration and prepared to bid adieu to the gay scenes we had witnessed.

As the boat was moving off, Judge Parvin was called upon by the throng who stood upon the shore. He briefly responded in his apt and happy style, again thanking them for their generous hospitality.

At length the whistle of the boat was heard—cheer after cheer arose from boat and shore—the bugle, followed by the band uttered its sweetest notes, and soon Fairport, with the busy crowd that stood at the shore, was lost in the distance.

The day will be long remembered by all present as one of the most pleasant anniversary celebrations witnessed in Iowa. Party and sect seemed forgotten, and all met upon the platform of social American equality.

MUSCATINE.