New Hampshire Statesman

For the Statesman.

SANDWICH FOR FREEDOM.

The Sandwich boys had a grand torchlight procession, Tuesday evening, last week, in honor of the recent victory in New-England for our gallant leader, John Charles Fremont, in which more than three hundred of the citizens participated. The procession was formed at Sandwich Center, by Col. D. G. Beede, Chief Marshal, and Assistant Marshals Col. James M. Smith, Daniel H. Folsom, Joseph C. Wiggin, and Jonathan E. Hilton. The procession was led by a cavalcade of nearly forty horsemen, followed by nearly fifty ladies, drawn in two open carriages, (most of whom belong to the Jessie Club) following whom was the Meredith Village Brass Band, leading the procession of footmen. The procession passed around the square in the village, and thence to the lower village, where they were drawn up in solid column around the flag-staff, from the head of which was gracefully waving the stars and stripes of our country, on which are yet the names of Fremont and Dayton. Here the music ceased, and James French, Esq., of Moultonborough, was called upon to sing a song, which had been prepared by him for the occasion. He was frequently cheered during the performance; at the close of which Hon. Ira A. Bean was called out, who addressed the citizens from a carriage, some forty minutes, in relation to the minority President elect. His speech was well received, and frequently cheered during the delivery. He closed by proposing three cheers for Ohio, which were given as if our throats were made of brass. Col. D. G. Beede was then called out, who spoke some twenty minutes to the Jessies, and to the citizens in general, urging them to be prepared for the Ides of March. His speech was also well applauded.

The clarion note of the bugle then brought the procession into line, when the whole line for nearly a quarter of a mile was one marching blaze of light, en route for Sandwich Center. Arriving at the latter place, they marched the entire length of the village, around the square again, and arriving under the flag belonging to the Jessie Club, three cheers were proposed for the sentiments thereon inscribed which were given most heartily. Being 11 o'clock the company then dispersed in good spirits, and all seemed to say in their hearts, "it is good to be here."

The evening was beautiful; made more so by the moon's effulgent light, although it detracted much from the blaze of near three hundred torches, which waved to and fro as the company marched through the streets.

Viewing the line of procession from an eminence, it resembled a mighty belt of stars in a blaze. The occasion surpassed anything of the like in this section of the State, and it will be long remembered by our youth.