True Democrat

For the True Democrat.

Clark Co., Miss., Aug. 7th, 1845.

Mr. Editor: Seeing the many publications that have been published in your paper, as well as the Eastern Clarion, with respect to the many publications on the 4th of July past, one might readily suppose you had published every one before now, but there is one you have never yet published.

I now intend giving you as short a narrative of it as I can, so as to come at the particulars of it in my own peculiar style. In the settlement of the Gardner's and Green's, they keep up a well organised Debating Society, which has been in existence nearly two years. On the 4th of July, 1844, its members celebrated the day in a becoming and appropriate style, which induced them to try a second time. So about two weeks previous to the last 4th, they met and appointed one of their members to read the Declaration of Independence, and invited J. H. Blanks, Esq., to deliver an oration on the coming day. The neighbors and citizens joined in with them, especially the Messrs. Evans', King's, Perry's, Hollingsworth's, Gorden's, Bradley, Herring, Lane, Green, Adams, and Covington. They selected Mrs. Perry's ford, on the Souan Levy creek, as a suitable place to have their dinner. About nine o'clock in the morning I reached the place appointed, everything appeared in style, a good shade, a table well furnished with all kinds of eating utensils, a stand for the speaker, and plenty of good seats for the ladies. About 11 o'clock, the whole company was invited to the stand. M. Gardner, Esq., who had been appointed to read the Declaration, arose, and made a few introductory remarks, on the occasion, replete with sound practical sense and patriotism.

J. H. Blanks, Esq., then delivered a well composed oration. After which, the ladies were invited to sit down to the first table, which was loaded with all the luxuries of life that the country afforded, from a common Indian corn pone to a pound cake, together with a full assortment of well barbecued meats. As soon as the ladies were done, the men followed their example—the last was as good as the first. I was informed there was provision carried off in abundance, and that of all sorts. There was plenty of whiskey and cider, and sugar and honey to go with it. I never saw but one man the least intoxicated, and he behaved as well as could be expected under the circumstances.

There was between three and four hundred persons present. I am now upwards of fifty years of age, and I can say with truth, that I never saw a dinner conducted with such order, so well furnished, with everything both to eat and drink, and begun and ended in friendship in short it was all in first rate American style, from beginning to end.

The ladies deserve great credit for the very active part they took in the deliberations of the day. In fact I do not believe the day ought ever to be celebrated without the ladies being present, for I always see everything go off well when we have the assistance of the fair sex.

Upon the whole, Mr. Editor, when I see such strong proof that the patriotic spirit of the revolutionary ancestors, is still alive in the bosom of their children, it does me good in soul and body; it constrains me to say, may God protect America, extend her laws and government to all nations, to the peace and happiness of all kindreds, tongues and people, so long as time endures.

A REPUBLICAN.

P. S. A sudden shower of rain prevented them from drinking their toasts, which they had prepared.