Kentucky Gazette And General Advertiser

Paris, May 14th, 1804,

On Saturday, the 12th inst. being the day recommended for commemorating the acquisition of Louisiana to the United States, a large and respectable collection of citizens from Paris and its vicinity convened under an arbour prepared for the occasion, where great hilarity prevailed, and the utmost decorum was observed during the day. After an elegant dinner, the following toasts were introduced:

1. The 30th of April, 1803, the day that added Louisiana to the United States of America—May the wise policy which acquired it, ever be duly appreciated by a grateful people.
2. The President of the United States, the true patriot and benefactor of his country—May his calumniators learn that "error of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it."
3. The present administration—May we never forget the wisdom of its measures.
4. Livingston and Monroe, the able envoys, who negotiated the treaty for the acquisition of Louisiana.
5. Our brothers of Louisiana: May they soon feel the benign influence of freedom and equal laws.
6. Governor Claiborne and Gen. Wilkinson: They have our thanks for their meritorious conduct, when receiving possession of the newly acquired province.
7. The farmers, mechanics and merchants of the Western country: May their labour, while they add wealth to the union, be reciprocally beneficial to each other.
8. The ship-builders on the Mississippi and its tributary streams: May their enterprize and industry receive the patronage of our country.
9. Our fleet in the Mediterranean—success to its operations: May it speedily reclaim our captive citizens from bondage, and terminate the war with the Tripolitans, or teach them justice from the mouth of the cannon.
10. Peace to the deluded nations of Europe: May they learn happiness by imitating our institutions and example.
11. The liberty of the press: May it ever be free as at present, to investigate the official conduct of the officers of government, it being a good corrective of political errors.
12. The freedom of religion, and freedom of election; blessings we cannot too highly estimate: Let us always exercise, protect and preserve them, with the temperance and patriotism which become freemen.
13. The deceased hero and statesman George Washington: May his memory ever inspire Americans with gratitude.
14. The venerable Benjamin Franklin, the patriot and philosopher: May his virtues be recorded in the hearts of all true lovers of their country.
15. The heroes who fought and bled in defence of American liberty: May their descendants ever be as prompt in opposing tyranny.
16. The Congress of the United States: May its deliberations always be guided by wisdom, and a desire to promote the welfare of the people.
17. The Kentucky fair: May they bestow themselves on the deserving only.