The New Hampshire Gazette

Washington's Birth-Day

The anniversary of the natal day of our illustrious PRESIDENT, was celebrated on Wednesday last, in every place we have heard from, with testimonials of the most unfeigned gratitude. The feelings which inspired every tribute of respect, emanated from the purest source of sensibility and adoration.
A very large and respectable company dined at Concert Hall, and the festive glass moved round at the annunciation of sentiments which nothing but the occasion could inspire.
At Faneuil Hall, a company of near two hundred, among whom we were happy to recognize the fathers of the town, partook at a sumptuous collation given by the victualling society—preceded by the firing of cannon, martial music, and display of flags; and succeeded by songs and sentiments.
The Theatres were crowded, and a praise-worthy emulation produced various and dignified displays of respect.
The Museum was well attended: and Mr. Bowen deserves well of his fellow-citizens for the honorable notice of the day.
At the Washington Tavern the day was noticed by a number of citizens, in a discharge of 16 rockets—and libations to the following toasts: —
1st. George Washington—
We thank him for his services while General and Commander in Chief, of the Army of the U. S. of America. 2d. George Washington—
We thank him for his services as President of the United States. 3d. George Washington—We thank him for his Address to the people of the United States. 4th, GEORGE WASHINGTON—We bid him an affectionate farewell.
At Charlestown, King Solomon's lodge was opened on the occasion; and exhibited the uncommon prospect of a circle of near an hundred ladies.—At the opening of the lodge, the Rev. Dr. Morse, made an appropriate prayer; Dty. Bartlett pronounced an handsome address and a variety of songs and toasts made it emphatically a "feast of reason and a flow of soul."
At Salem the day was brilliantly noticed.—We lament, that the paper of yesterday was not received as usual—That we might be particular.
At Concord, in the evening, the largest number of ladies and gentlemen ever known to have assembled on a similar occasion, from! that and several other towns, attended a splendid ball, and evinced by their hilarity, that they felt by the cheering influence of our American Joshua, who not only forced "the Sun and Moon," of Europe "to stand still and see our political salvation," but has since directed the great federal constellation, by his unequalled wisdom, virtue and assiduity.
At Plymouth and Hingham, the celebration was splendid. Indeed, we scarcely know a place wherein attention to the day was omitted. Every one seemed emulous to honor the Man,
"Whose early youth
The verdant laurel crown'd; for deeds of arms
That reason's voice approves; for courage, rais'd
Beyond all aid from passion, greatly calm!
Intrepidity serene!—In days of peace,
Around his brow the human virtues wait,
And fair adorn him with their mildest beams
Good without show, above ambition great;
Wise, equal, merciful, the friend of man."