The National Intelligencer And Washington Advertiser

WASHINGTON CITY.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6.

The Anniversary of Independence was on Monday celebrated with the usual demonstrations of satisfaction. Business was generally suspended and the day devoted to festivity. The dawn was ushered in by a discharge of cannon at the Navy Yard, which was repeated several times during the day. The uniform companies of militia, and regulars, paraded early in the morning and went through various military evolutions. At noon the apartments of the President were opened for the reception of a large concourse of ladies and gentlemen, who partook of an abundant collation of refreshments, and were enlivened by the excellent music of the Marine Corps.

The President, in conformity to the spirit of the times, was dressed in a neat suit of homespun. We hope that, ere another return of this day, the example, thus patriotically set by the Chief Magistrate, will be universally followed, and that the fair sex, by the magic of fashion, will remove the strongest existing obstacles.

The author of the immortal Declaration of Independence had once more the gratification of seeing himself surrounded by fellow beings, enjoying the highest political blessings ever conferred on men, and reaping, in common with their fellow citizens throughout the union, the fruits of a prosperity unknown to any other nation. Compared to the feelings inspired by such a scene, what is the pride of kings or the triumphs of conquerors? Amidst the honors and glory that encompass them there is wanting that small still voice, without which fame and power are the sources of the acutest infelicity. Well might such a man, whose whole life has been assiduously devoted to the good of his country, or to the still more expanded interests of mankind, cast his eyes over the world, and drop a tear of pity at the wretchedness of those who are the envy, the admiration, the terror of mankind. Well might he rejoice, in having his lot cast among a people, who consider kings and tyrants equivalent terms.

There was something peculiarly interesting in the reflection, that this was probably the last anniversary of the day that called us into national existence, on which Thomas Jefferson, in his official character, would appear amidst his fellow citizens in commemoration of its return; that in a few fleeting months, he would resign his high powers, and retire into the walks of private life, If there be anything that confers distinction on the human character, and raises it to the highest pitch of greatness, it is the voluntary surrender of power: and when this surrender is the result of principle, at variance with the feelings and wishes of millions, and when he who makes it as the object of their respect and affection, the idea becomes one of the most sublime that can enter our minds. Of this nature were the feelings inspired by the anticipation of an event, which, however it may be approved, cannot fail to be mingled with the tenderest regret and deepest solicitude.

Venerable sage! when this interesting era shall arrive, may you in retirement find the purest happiness conferred on mortals, the esteem of the wise, the love of the good, the gratitude of your country, the admiration of mankind, and the still more inestimable blessing of a conscience free from reproach; of a heart still alive to the interests of your fellow-men.

The militia of the county of Washington never before appeared to so much advantage. At the hour of eleven the line was formed in the following order, from right to left.

Right Wing.

Captain Cox's troop of cavalry.
Captain Brent's troop of cavalry.
Capt. Davidson's light infantry.
Capt. Jones's light infantry.
Captain Queen's light infantry.

Left Wing.

Captain Burch's artillery.
Captain Calder's light infantry.
Captain Andrew's battalion infantry.
Captain Smith's rifle company.
Patriotic boys—about 15 or 18—all in uniform.

Captain Burch fired a morning salute of 17 guns.

Captain Peter's flying artillery arriving at the hour of review and taking post on the left of the whole—the signal was given—the review performed—and the general retired.

General Mason was the reviewing officer.

Majors Beal and Sprigg were the acting officers of the day.

The salute of the day of 17 guns was given by the flying artillery.

The open column then being formed, it marched, saluted the President. It then retired to the ground and was dismissed. The business of the day was hurried by the appearance and fall of rain. The whole parade presented the interesting spectacle of hot
martial ardor which may be expected when our country is exposed to unusual peril.

In the morning Capt. Brent's troop of cavalry paraded before the house of Mr. Madison, when Mrs. Madison presented them with an elegant standard, accompanied by a patriotic address, to which Capt. Brent made an appropriate reply.

The citizens of Richmond, in determining that at their festival, in honor of the 4th of July, "no liquor, but the produce of our country, be drank," have set an example worthy of universal imitation.