Alexandria Gazette & Daily Advertiser

THE GAZETTE
MONDAY, FEB. 25, 1822.

WASHINGTON'S BIRTH DAY.

The last anniversary of our Washington's birth-day was ushered in by a salute from Capt. Moore's company of Artillery, which was several times repeated in the course of the day.

The companies of Captains Blaisdell & Moore with the other uniform companies belonging to the town, paraded in honor of the day;—and at 11 o'clock, the Washington Society met at Claggett's Hotel, where they received many valuable acquisitions to their numbers. An accident beyond controul having prevented the gentleman, who had been appointed to deliver an oration from reaching town, our worthy and eloquent friend Mr. CUSTIS, of Arlington house, was persuaded to officiate in his stead.

The orator marched in procession with the Washington Society, who were escorted by Capt. Thompson's well equipped and well disciplined company of Independent Blues, to Christ's Church. After the religious solemnities suitable to the day, had been impressively performed by the Rev. Mr. Norris, an oration was pronounced by Mr. Custis, which for animation elegance, classical taste and patriotic enthusiasm, deserves the highest rank among the extemporaneous effusions. On the return of the Washington Society, to the Hotel, Mr. CUSTIS received the well merited honor of being elected their President.

After the remainder of the day had been passed in the usual festivities, a national Ball was given at Mr. Claggett's Hotel, at which the orator was present, and which was remarkable for the brilliant beauty of the ladies who attended it, and for the taste with which it was prepared.