Whole No. 20 j.
Ten-borough, Edgecombe County, X. C. Friday, July
25, iS2S.
Vol IV. No. 49.
THE "FREE PRESS,"
?y Geo. Howard,
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ofs; let its
surate with time. n 'is duration commen-
6. The Continental Con
Three Cheers.
W.g- of the vi,,uous, ,he S X"ffi ZZ
ne are embalmed m the hearts of their countrymen.
Fhree Cheers.
e is silence."
Communications'.
FOR THE FREE PRESS.
The Celebration of the fifty
third Anniversary of American
Independence at Halifax, N.C.
The citizens of Halifax and its vi
cinity, united in celebration of the!
day, which gave birth to their j
freedom as a nation, their happi
ness as a people. The day was
ushered in bv the discharge of ar
:i!!ery lrom dawn to sunrise at
7 o'clock, the military paraded
end went through various evolu
tions, as street-firing, Sec. &c.
At 10 o'clock, the citizens of the
town and its vicinity, assembled
at Academy Square, where a pro
cession was formed, and thence
proceeded to St. Mark's church.
1 he ceremonies at the church
were introduced with an appro
priate prayer, by the Rev. Sidney
WdUr after which, Edmund B.
Freeman, Esq. in an impressive
and forcible manner, read the De
claration of American Indepen
dence: the instrument which re
called our wrongs and led to the
redress of our grievances. This
was succeeded by a pertinent and
eloquent Oration, by Jesse A. By
win, Esq. a copy of which, at the
request of the Committee of Ar
rangement, was furnished for pub
lication. During the ceremonies
at the church, appropriate music
was interspersed, bv a band of
amateurs, giving zest to the occa
sion. At 2 o'clock, the company
sat down to an excellent dinner,
prepared by Col. Jesse II. Sim
"ions, where the following toasts
were drunk, accompanied by pa
rotic songs, glees, Sec... Edmund
h- Irceman, Esq. acting as Pre
sent of the Day, and Col. Spier
Whitakcr as Vice-President.
REGULAR TOASTS.
The Day: May each return of it,
us in the continued enjoyment of
freedom, Peace and Prosperity.
Three Cheers.
2- Washington.
Drank Standing.
3" 'Me Declaration of Indepen
dence: A Terrific instrument to kings
Sfl(i tyrants; it breathes forth the lan
huJ5e of a nation resolved to be free or
l'e,'ish in its cause.
Three Cheers.
4- The President of the U. States
Qnd Heads of Departments.
Thrpp Cheers.
, 5- The Constitution of the United
ytuics: I he palladium of American
'lom, achieved by the blood of pairi-
7. La Fayette: "The eloquence of -ratitud
,nrl ,rJ ; u i V i reeaom: emancipates the mind
!?ftnVhe? without it no nation
can be truly wise or truly great.
o tu t r. . Three Cheers.
D. The Governor of the State of North-Carolina.
in iv rr Three Cheers.
10. J he University at Chapel-Hill: Rome, from her
seven hills, boasted the diffusion of knowledge and power;
from the hill ju,t named, North-Carolina and many of her
sister States, have seen and felt the rays of science and use
lul knowledge.
m, ,. - , Five Cheers.
11. I he Navy of the bailed States: Its "stripes and
stars are known and respected in every sea.
Five Cheers.
1 2. The J udiciary of North-Carolina :
"May it uphold the laws, and keep them ever,
"Above the proud man's violence, and within
"The pour man's reach." Five Cheers.
13. The American Fain Here all language fails.
"Come then expressive silence muse their praise."
Before proceeding to the volunteer toasts which
were given, it is deemed proper to advert to the
fact, that the Hon. John Branch and the Hon.
Willis Alston were invited guests upon this occa
sion. The following letter was addressed to each
of the above named gentlemen.
Halifax, July 1, IS28.
SIR: A manifestation of respect for the character of public
men, who have devoted their time and talents to the service of
their country, is an essential means in sustaining the public wel
fare. In accordance w ith this sentiment, you are respectfully in
vited by the citizens of Halifax, to participate with them in the
proposed Celebration of their country's natal day on the ensuing
occasion. With much respect, 2kc.
1 have the honor to be your obt. sent.
I). C. FENNER, Chairman, &c.
To which the following replies were received:
Enfield, July 2, 1S28.
GENTLEMEN: I have had the honor to receive the invita
tion of the citizens of Halifax, to participate with them in the Ce
lebration of the approaching Anniversary of American Indepen
dence. With feelings which every generous bosom can better
imagine than I can describe, I cheerfully and with pleasure accept.
Trulv and unfeiguedly yours, &c.
JOHN BRANCH.
To D. C. FENNER, Esq. Ch'n of the Com. of Arrangement.
Buttcrwood, July 2, 1S28.
SIR: I accept with pleasure your polite invitation in behalf of
the Committee ol Arrangement lor ceieoraung me 4tn oi juiy,
by the citizens of Halifax, ror this additional mart ot tiie po
liteness and attention of my fellow citizens, please accept for
them my sincere regard and esteem; and for yourself the same,
for the polite manner in which vou have communicated their wish.
1 ' WILLIS ALSTON.
To D. C. FENNER, Esq. Ch'n of the Com. of Arrangement.
VOLUNTEERS.
By J. A. Bynum, Esq. Our esteemed guest and distin
guished fellow citizen, the Hon. John Branch: we most
highly appreciate the devotion of his time and talents in the
service of his country. A7e Cheers.
On the annunciation of this toast, Mr. Hranch addressed the
company at some length wc will perhaps be enabled to insert his
remarks in our next paper, as well as those ot Mr. Alston, utter
ed subsequent to the following toast. ,.. 41
By Dr. A. S. II. Barges. The Hon. Willis Alston,
the Representative of our district in Congress: His services
have been long and valuable, we greet him as an acceptable
and highly respected guest.
By E.'B. Freeman, Esq. The TanO: a policy to en
rich a few at the expence of many every opposition to it,
not inconsistent with the duties of a good citizen.
By Geo. E. Sprwll, Esq. North-Carolina: the first to
promulgate to the world a Declaration of Independence
may she be the last to surrender the glorious truths which it
EDM. A:Willcox. The Hon. Nathaniel Macon,
the American Phocion: His occupation the plough, his prin
ciples identified with the Constitution.
By Mr. Robert Martin, of Rockingham. The great
men of the nation: public properly a cables length from
shore to all detractors.
Bv tVm E. IVcbb, Esq. The citizens of the ancient
unty and corporation of Halifax: May they as heretofore,
always be distinguished for liberality oi senumeni anu ur
banity of manners.
By Dr. R. S. Slubbs. The Presidency: magnum po
nuli donum let it not be perverted.
By Mr. B.F. Ilalsey. Gen. Andrew Jackson: a sol
dier in war, in peace a statesman.
Bv R. A. Jones, Esq. The memory of Thomas Jefferson-
ma V his monument be the eternal duration of those
free principles so ably expressed by him in the Declaration
of Independence.
By Col. J. H. Simmons. Mav th snint nf 7rt W
the wisdom of '87, be felt and enjoyed by us and posterity
unui time snail De no more.
By Dr. R? II. Wilson. Agriculture, Commerce, and
Maufactures: the three great sources of national prosperity
freedom to all, shackles to none.
By A. A. B. Slith, Esq. Gen. Andrew Jackson: may
he continue to maintain the esteem he now holds in the
breast of very true American.
By J. L. Simmons, Esq. The Hon. John M'Lean
Postmaster General: faithful and indefatigable in the dis
charge of his duties.
: By J. L. Noble. Esq. of Petersburg. Va. G en. Andrp.w
Jackson: to whom the people of the United States owe a
ueoi oi gratitude, but Uod torbid that the debt should be
paid by placing him at the head of the nation.
By Geo. R. Reese, Esq. Gen. Andrew Jackson: when
brass and marble shall have mouldered into dust, the re
membrance of his virtues, passing in proud review to re
motest ages, will endure forever.
The interest of the ceremony was much enhan
ced in consequence of the citizens uniting in pro
cession of the "Halifax Philodomick Association,"
dressed in appropriate badges. The order of ar
rangement) as respects the procession, manage
ment of the military, &c. &c. was conducted by
Col. D. C. Fenner, Marshal of the Day. The ut
most harmony and hilarity prevailed, and the eve
ning gun sounded when all was mirth, all was
peace, and all was gladness.
Halifax, July 6, 182S.
SIR: A wish having been expressed by a large portion of the
citizens of Halifax and its vicinity, that your Oration on the late
Anniversary occasion should be published: In consideration of
which I have addressed you this note, with a request that you
furnish us with a copy for publication.
I have the honor to be, &c.
D. C. FENNER,
Qiairman of the Committee of Arrangement.
J. A. BYNUM Esq.
Halifax, July 8, 1S28.
SIR: I received yours of the 6th inst. requesting a copy of the
remarks delivered by me on the fifty-third Anniversary of our
National Independence, with an intent to publish them. Altho
they were not originally intended for publication, I feel it my duty
to comply with your request in behalf of the citizens of Halifax;
and its vicinity, and herewith enclose you a copy of the same.,
Most respectfully your obt. servt.
J. A. BYNUM.
Col. D. C. FENNER, Ch'n of the Com. of Arrangement.
ORATION.
Fe llow-Citizens: The fifty-second year has passed away
since the promulgation of our National Independence to the
kingdoms of the earth; during which time, we have enjoy
ed all the blessings of liberty, "in the full tide of successful
experiments" the Anniversary of that glorious event, we
have this day convened to celebrate. Nor is it with a delu
sive hope of doing justice to the subject, that I rise to com
ment on the transactions, which followed in quick succes
sion, that eventful period.
No! Fellow-citizens: No pen can paint, no language
can describe, no tongue can tell, the various difficulties,
persecutions and oppressions, experienced by our stern and
invincible ancestors, in accomplishing the great work of
Freedom.
But befo re we proceed further, permit me to call your at
tention to some few of the causes, which induced our fore
fathers to separate from the mother country, and to assume
the attitude of Freedom, amongst the nations of the earth.
Great Britain, the hive from which our colonial prede
cessors had emigrated, became intoxicated with her own
power inflated with the vastness of her own dominion
forgetful of the obligations due by the governors, to the
governed, passed repeated acts, by her parliament, totally
repugnant to every principle of justice, of liberty and equa
lity, and without the consent of the American people, upon
whom they were to operate; and in the teeth of every prin
ciple of right, pertinaciously persisted in her efforts to force
to submission those whom she could not overcome by her
paralogical arguments.
She passed her stamp act without the consent of the
provinces, and incompatible with their claims to the liber
lies of Englishmen, as defined and pledged by the British
Constitution. Her revenue acts, her restraining acts, her
starving acts her Boston port acts, and acts for disfranchis
ing our legislatures, were equally obnoxious, tyrannical and
oppressive.
Not content with these usurpations, she passed laws to,
and actually did, quarter ten thousand troops of standing ar
mies amongst us, to tyrannise over our peaceable citizens;
to compel us, at an enormous expense, to support those fo
reign mercenaries, to hold our brethren in subjection.
"She seized on our commerce, and burnt our towns; with
held from us the trial by jury, and for frivolous offences
dragged our citizens beyond the seas, to be tried." She de
nied to us the right of representation, and claimed to herself
the right of taxation, and voted away our Charters and our
property, under the idea of the supreme authority of British