This celebration was held just one year before the beginning of the War of 1812 when tensions between the United States and Britain and just five years after the First Barbary War.
FOURTH of JULY.
At a numerous and respectable collection of the citizens of New Kent county, assembled at Mrs. Frayser’s tavern on the 4th of July, for the purpose of celebrating the birth day of our Independence, John Clopton, Esq. was chosen President, Southey L. Savage, Esq. Vice-President, and John Massie, Esq. the secretary. Dr. David Glass delivered an elegant, and appropriate oration on the Occasion, which received the applause of the auditory.
The following toast were drank:
1. The Day we celebrate— May each succeeding anniversary increase the ardor of virtuous patriotism— 3 cheers.
2. The Heroes who fell in defense of American Independence— May the recollection of their magnanimous achievements arouse the energies of their descendants, which have too long Slept under the scourge of foreign aggression— 9 cheers.
3. George Washington— 9 cheers.
4. The Constitution of the United States— May its progress in perfection be rapid as the conception of the human mind, and commensurate with time itself— 7 cheers.
5. The Laws of the United States— May they never be so construed as to shield the traitor or to oppress the innocent— 9 cheers.
6. The Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the United States— May virtue be the spring and justice the result of all their actions— 9 cheers.
7. Thomas Jefferson— May the benign influence of his retiring virtue, ever illuminate the Executive Department— 9 cheers.
8. James Madison— 9 cheers.
9. The American Fair— Politico-Philosophers would place them last, but we assign them the middle station, that their virtuous influence may pervade the whole system— 13 cheers.
10. The Militia of the United States— A well regulated militia the only safe-guard of nations against the encroachments of tyrants— 13 cheers.
11. The American Flag—May it ever wave triumphant— 20 cheers.
12. The American Eagle—May he soar superior to every opposing influence— 20 cheers.
13. The State cf Virginia—As she ranks in population, so may she stand in patriotic virtue— 13 cheers.
14. The Twelfth Congress—May their united councils be directed by wisdom, and energy, and guided by patriotism, to the vindication of their country’s violated rights— 20 cheers.
15. The State Legislatures of Virginia, Pennsylvania, New-Jersey and Kentucky— May their memories he embalmed in the gratitude of their country—They have contribute to rescue the nation from the baneful effects of a monied institution— 15 cheers.
16. American Literature, and the Freedom of the Press— May the one never be clouded, nor the other cramped, by the blind ignorance of tyrants— 15 cheers.
17. The Citizens of the United States— in peace may they imitate Aristides, in war Alexander— 15 Cheers
18. American Genius— May it continue to draw order out of confusion— 24 cheers.
VOLUNTEERS.
By the President. The American States —May the bands of their union never be loosened—the true principles of their government never be violated.
By the Vice-President. Wadsworth, Somers and Israel, the unfortunate victims of Tripoli— perpetual be their memories— long live their services with a grateful country.
Mr. John Massie. May the voice of Republicanism be superior to that of despots or tyrants.
Mr. Joseph Jenkins. Those Patriots who celebrate this day in sincerity—be their memories ever revered.
Mr. William E. Clopton. Commerce with all the world; but war rather than dishonor.
Mr. Annistead Russell. May future generations be astonished that such beings as kings ever lived.
Mr. George Savage. The Great Council of the Nation, the Congress of the U. States— May they at their next session adopt such energetic measures as the crisis calls for and the American Nation expect.
Mr. John R. Waddill. The fall of despotism, the rise of freedom.
Capt. Seaton W. Crump. The memory of George Wythe.
Mr. John Crump. The memory of General Mercer.
Mr. John B. Clopton. The People of the United States—may all party-spirit be done away, and only one voice be heard throughout the nation; the British Lion he be chained to his den and the Gallic Cock to his roost.
Doct. David Glass. Giles and Brent, our federal Senators— Their speedy advancement to the station of private citizens.
The President having withdrawn.
By Mr. George Savage. John Clopton, our Representative in Congress, and President to day—-whose unshaken political virtue has stood the test of every concussion.
By the Company. Commodore John Rodgers— he deserves the confidence of his country— 6 cheers.
-Virginia Argus, 15 July 1811
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