The miscellaneous essays and occasional writings of Francis Hopkinson, Esq. Volume I[-III].

☞As I not only drew up for publication the following account of the grand procession, performed at Philadelphia on the 4th of July 1788; but had no small share in planning and directing the arrangement of it, and as it was a spectacle as singular in itself as the occasion was extraordinary, I have thought proper to give it a place here, that the remembrance of it may have one more chance of preservation in addition to those of the Newspapers of the time.

AN ACCOUNT OF THE GRAND FEDERAL PROCESSION. PERFORMED AT PHILADELPHIA ON FRIDAY THE 4th OF JULY 1778.

ON Friday the 4th of July 1788, the citi|zens of Philadelphia celebrated the declaration of Independence, made by the Thirteen United States of America on the 4th of July 1776, and the establishment of the constitution, or frame

of government proposed by the late general con|vention of the states, and now solemnly adopted and ratified by ten of those states.

THE rising sun was saluted with a full peal from Christ Church steeple, and a discharge of cannon from the ship, Rising Sun, commanded by Captain Philip Brown, anchored off Market street, and superbly decorated with the flags of na|tions in alliance with America.

TEN vessels, in honour of the ten states of the present union, were dressed and arranged the whole length of the harbour; each bearing a broad white flag at the mast-head, inscribed with the names of the states respectively in broad gold let|ters, in the following order; New Hampshire, opposite to the Northern Liberties; Massachusetts, opposite to Vine street; Connecticut, to Race street; New Jersey, to Arch street; Pennsylvania, to Market street; Delaware to Chesnut street; Ma|ryland, to Walnut street; Virginia to Spruce street; South Carolina, to Pine street; and Geor|gia, to South street. The ships along the wharfs were also dressed on the occasion; and as a brisk south wind prevailed through the whole day, the flags and pennants were kept in full display; and exhibited a most pleasing and animating prospect.

ACCORDING to orders issued the day before, the several parts which were to compose this grand procession, began to assemble at eight o'clock in the morning, at and near the intersection of South and Third-streets.

NINE gentlemen, distinguished by white plumes in their hats, and furnished with speaking trum|pets, were superintendants of the procession; viz. general Mifflin, general Stewart, colonel Proctor, colonel Gurney, colonel Will, colonel Marsh, ma|jor Moore, major Lenox, and Mr. Peter Brown.

THE different companies of military, trades and professions, had previously met in various parts of the city, of their own appointment; where they were separately formed by their officers and con|conductors, and marched in order with their re|spective flags, devices, and machines, to the place of general rendezvous. As these companies arriv|ed in succession, the superintendants disposed of them in the neighbouring streets in such manner as that they might easily fall into the stations they were to occupy in forming the general procession, as they should be successively called upon. By this means the most perfect order and regularity was effectually preserved.

AFTER a strict review of the streets of the city, it had been determined, that the line of march should be as follows. To commence at the inter|section of South and Third-streets; thence along Third-street to Callowhill-street; thence up Cal|lowhill-street to Fourth-street; thence along Fourth-street to Market-street; and thence to UNION GREEN, in front of Bush-Hill—William Hamilton, esq. having kindly offered the spacious lawn before his house at Bush-Hill for the purpo|ses of the day.

THE street commissioners had, the evening be|fore, gone through the line of march, and directed the pavements to be swept, the trees to be lopped, and all obstacles removed.

ABOUT half after nine o'clock the GRAND PROCESSION began to move; of which the follow|ing is as correct a detail as could be procured.

I.

TWELVE axe-men, dressed in white frocks, with black girdles round their waists, and wearing or|namented caps; and headed by major Philip Pan|cake.

II.

THE first city troop of light dragoons, command|ed by captain Miles.

III. INDEPENDENCE.

JOHN Nixon, esq. on horseback, bearing the staff and cap of liberty; under the cap a white silk flag, with these words, "FOURTH OF JULY, 1776," in large gold letters.

IV.

FOUR pieces of artillery, with a detachment from the train, commanded by by captains Morel and Fisher.

V. FRENCH ALLIANCE.

THOMAS Fitzsimons, esq. on horseback, carrying a flag of white silk, bearing three fleurs de lys, and thirteen stars in union over the words "SIXTH OF FEBRUARY, 1778," in gold characters. The horse on which he rode was the same on which count Rochambeau rode at the siege of York|town.

VI.

CORPS of light infantry commanded by captain A. G. Claypoole, with the standard of the first re|ment.

VII. DEFINITIVE TREATY OF PEACE.

GEORGE Clymer, esq. on horseback, carrying a staff adorned with olive and laurel: the words— "THIRD OF SEPTEMBER, 1783," in gold letters pendant from the staff.

VIII.

COLONEL John Shee, on horseback, carrying a flag, blue field, bearing an olive and laurel wreath over the words, "WASHINGTON, the friend of his country," in silver letters: the staff adorned with olive and laurel.

IX.

THE city troop of light dragoons, captain W. Bingham, commanded by major W. Jackson.

X.

RICHARD Bache, esq. on horseback, as a herald, attended by a trumpet, proclaiming "a new aera!"

the words, "NEW AERA," in gold letters, pendant from the herald's staff—and also the following lines:

"Peace o'er our land her olive wand extends, "And white rob'd innocence from heav'n descends; "The crimes and frauds of anarchy shall fail, "Returning justice lifts again her scale."

XI. CONVENTION OF THE STATES.

THE honourable Peter Muhlenburg, esq. on horseback, carrying a blue flag, with the words— "SEVENTEENTH OF SEPTEMBER, 1787," in silver letters.

XII.

A band of music performing a grand march, composed by Mr. Alexander Reinagle for the oc|casion.

XIII. THE CONSTITUTION.

THE hon. chief justice M'Kean; the hon. judge Atlee; the hon. judge Rush—in their robes of of|fice; seated in a lofty ornamented car, in form of a

large Eagle, drawn by six white horses; the chief justice supported a tall staff, on the top of which was the cap of liberty; under the cap, the New Con|stitution framed and ornamented; and immediately under the Constitution, the words—"THE PEOPLE" —in large gold letters affixed to the staff. The car was made by Messrs. George and William Hunter. The carriage was painted light blue, 20 feet long: the hind wheels 8 feet, and the fore wheels 6 ½ feet in diameter. The body, mounted on springs, was 13 feet high, in the shape of a bald eagle—from the head to the tail 13 feet—the breast emblazoned with 13 silver stars in a sky-blue field; and under|neath, a shield bearing 13 stripes, alternate red and white. The dexter talons of the eagle embraced an olive branch: the sinister grasped thirteen ar|rows.

XIV.

CORPS of light infantry, commanded by captain Heysham, with the standard of the third regiment.

XV.

TEN gentlemen, representing the states that had ratified the federal constitution; each carrying a small flag, bearing the name of the state he repre|sented,

in gold letters, and walking arm in arm, emblematical of the union, viz.

Duncan Ingraham esq.

New-Hampshire.

Jon^a. Williams, jun. esq.

Massachusetts.

Jared Ingersol, esq.

Connecticut.

Samuel Stockton, esq.

New-Jersey.

James Wilson, esq.

Pennsylvania.

Col. Thomas Robinson,

Delaware.

Hon. I. E. Howard, esq.

Maryland.

Colonel Febiger,

Virginia.

W. Ward Burrows, esq.

S. Carolina.

George Meade, esq.

Georgia.

XVI.

COL. William Williams, on horseback, in com|plete armour, bearing on his arm a shield embla|zoned with the arms of the United States.

XVII.

THE Montgomery troop of light horse, com|manded by captain James Morris.

XVIII.

THE consuls and representatives of foreign states in alliance with America, in an ornamented car drawn by four horses: viz.

• CAPT. Thomas Bell, with the flag of the United States of America.
• BARBE de Marbois, esq, vice consul of France.
• J. H. C. Heinneken, esq. consul of the United Netherlands, with the flag of Holland.
• CHARLES Helstedt, esq. consul general of Sweden, with the Swedish flag.
• CHARLES W. Lecke, esq. with the flag of Prus|sia.
• THOMAS Barclay, esq. with the flag of Morocco.

XIX.

THE hon. Francis Hopkinson, esq. judge of the admiralty, wearing in his hat a gold anchor, pen|dan•• on a green ribband, preceded by the register's clerk, carrying a green bag filled with rolls of parchment, the word ADMIRALTY in large letters on the front of the bag.

JAMES Read, esq. register of the admiralty court, wearing a silver pen in his hat.

CLEMENT Biddle, esq. marshal of the admiralty, carrying a silver oar, decorated with green rib|bands.

XX.

THE wardens of the port, and the tonnage of|ficer.

XXI.

COLLECTOR of the customs and naval officer.

XXII.

PETER Baynton, esq. as a citizen, and col. Isaac Melchor, as an Indian chief, in a carriage, smoak|ing the calumet of peace together. The sachem magnificently dressed according to the Indian cus|tom: his head adorned with scarlet and white plumes; jewels of silver hanging from his nose and ears: ten strings of wampum round his neck; the broad belt of peace and brotherly love in his hand: cloathed with a richly ornamented vest and other decorations suitable to the character.

XXIII.

THE Berks county troop, consisting of 30 dra|goons, commanded by capt. Ph. Strubing.

XXIV.

THE NEW ROOF, or GRAND FEDERAL EDIFICE; on a carriage drawn by ten white

horses. This building was in the form of a dome, supported by 13 Corinthian columns, raised on pedestals proper to that order: the frize decorated with 13 stars. Ten of the columns were complete, but three left unfinished. On the pedestals of the columns were inscribed, in ornamented cyphers, the initials of the 13 American states. On the top of the dome was a handsome cupola, surmount|ed by a figure of plenty, bearing a cornucopia, and other emblems of her character. The dimen|sions of this building were as follows—10 feet diameter—11 feet to the top of the cornice—the dome 4 feet high—the cupola 5 feet high—the figure of plenty 3 ½ feet high—the carriage on which the building was mounted 3 feet high—the whole 36 feet in height. Round the pedestal of the edifice, these words, "IN UNION THE FABRIC STANDS FIRM."

THIS elegant edifice was begun and finished in the short space of four days by Messrs. William Williams & Co.

THE grand edifice was followed by architects and house-carpenters, in number 450, carrying in|signia of the trade, preceded by Messrs. Benjamin Loxley, Gunning Bedford, Thomas Nevil, Levi Budd, Joseph Ogilby, and William Roberts, display|ing

designs in architecture, &c.—Mr. George Ingels bore the house carpenter's standard.—Motto— "JUSTICE AND BENEVOLENCE."

TO this corps, the saw makers and file cutters attached themselves; headed by Messrs. John Harper and William Cook, with a flag—a hand and a saw-mill-saw, gilt, on a pink field.

ON the floor of the grand edifice were ten chairs for the accommodation of ten gentlemen, viz. Messrs. Hilary Baker, George Latimer, John Wharton, John Nesbitt, Samuel Morris, John Brown, Tench Francis, Joseph Anthony, John Chaloner, and Benjamin Fuller. These gentlemen sat as representatives of the citizens at large, to whom the federal constitution was committed pre|vious to its ratification.

WHEN the grand edifice arrived at Union Green, these gentlemen gave up their seats to the repre|sentatives of the states, mentioned in article XV, who entered the temple, and fixed their flags to the corinthian columns, to which they respectively be|longed. In the evening, the edifice, with the ten gentlemen representing the states now in union, was brought back in great triumph, and with loud huzzas, and left in the area before the state-house.

XXV.

THE Pennsylvania society of Cincinnati, and mi|litia, officers.

XXVI.

CORPS of light infantry, commanded by cap|tain Rose, with the standard of the fifth regiment.

XXVII.

THE agricultural society, headed by their presi|dent Samuel Powel, esq. A flag borne by major Samuel Hodgdon, on a buff coloured ground in an oval compartment; industry represented by a plo••ghman, driving a plough, drawn by oxen, followed by the goddess of plenty, bearing a cor|nu••opi•• in her left, and a sickle in her right, hand. A view of an American farm in the back ground— Motto—"Venerate the plough."

XXVIII.

FARMERS. ••eaded by Messrs. Richard Peters, Richard Wi••••••••, Samuel Meredith, Isaac Warner, George Gra•••• William Peltz, — Burkhart, and Charles Willing. Two ploughs, one drawn by four oxen, directed by Richard Willing, esq. in the dress and character of a farmer, the other drawn

by two horses, and directed by Mr. — Burkhart, followed by a sower sowing seed, with a number of farmers, millers, &c. N. B. This conspicuous and interesting part of the procession cannot be mi|nutely described, as the gentlemen who conducted it live in the country; and there was not time for procuring from them a particular account of the arrange••••••••.

XXIX.

THE manufacturing society, with their spinning and carding machines, looms, &c. Mr. Gallaudet carried the flag; the device, on which was a bee|hive standing in the beams of the sun—bees issuing from the hive. The flag a blue silk: motto— "In its rays we shall feel new vigour," in gold let|ters: followed by Robert Hare, esq. the managers of the society, subscribers to the institution, com|mittee for managing the manufacturing fund, and subscribers to the fund.

THE carriage 30 feet in length, 18 feet wide, and 13 feet high, neatly covered with white cot|ton, of the society's manufacture, drawn by ten large bay horses. On this carriage was placed the carding machine, worked by two men, carding cotton at the rate of 50 lb weight per day. Also

spinning machine of 80 spindles, worked by a wo|man (a native of, and instructed in the city) draw|ing cotton suitable for fine jeans or federal rib. On the right hand of the stage was placed a lace loom, and a workman weaving a rich scarlet and white livery lace. On the left, a man weaving jean on a large loom, with a fly shuttle.— Behind the looms was fixed the apparatus of Mr. Hewson, printing muslins of an elegant chintz pat|tern; Mr. Lang, designing and cutting prints for shawls; on the right sat Mrs. Hewson and her four daughters penciling a piece of sprigged chintz of Mr. Hewson's printing, all dressed in cottons of their own manufacture. On the back part of the carriage, on a lofty staff, was displayed the callicoe printer's flag; in the centre 13 stars on a blue field, and 13 red stripes on a white field; round the borders of the flag were printed 37 different patterns of various colours; one of them a very elegant bed furniture chintz of six colours, as spe|cimens of printing done at Philadelphia. Motto— "May the union government protect the manufac|tures of America." The several machines, and the different branches of the manufactory, were all in action during the whole time of the procession. This carriage was followed by the weavers of the factory, and others of the same trade, about 100 in number, having the weaver's flag carried in front

—a rampant lion on a green field, holding a shuttle in his dexter paw—Motto—"May government protect us." The cotton card makers annexed themselves to this society.

XXX.

CORPS of light infantry, commanded by captain Robinson, with the standard of the sixth regiment.

XXXI. THE MARINE SOCIETY.

CAPTAIN William Greenway, carrying a globe, attended by captains Heysham and Albertson, with spy glasses in their hands. Ten captains, five a|breast, each carrying a quadrant, viz. J. Woods, J. Ashmead, William Miller, Samuel Howell, John Souder, Robert Bethell, W. Allen, W. Tanner, Lee|son Simmons, and George Atkinson, followed by the members of the society, six a-breast, carrying trum|pets, spy glasses, charts, &c. and wearing each a badge in his hat, representing a ship under sail.— ••9 in number.

XXXII. THE FEDERAL SHIP UNION,

MOUNTING 20 guns, commanded by John

Green, esq. captain S. Smith, W. Belcher, and Mr. Mercer, lieutenants; four young boys in uniform, as midshipmen; the crew, including officers, con|sisted of 25 men. The ship Union was 33 feet in length; her width and rigging in proportion to that length. Her bottom was the barge of the ship Alliance, and the same which formerly be|longed to the Serapis, and was taken in the me|morable engagement of captain Paul Jones, in the Bon Homme Richard, with the Serapis. The Union was a master-piece of elegant workmanship, decorated with emblematical carvings, and finished throughout, even to a stroke of the painter's brush. And, what is truly surprising, she was begun and finished in less than four days: viz. she was begun at eleven o'clock on Monday morning the 30^th of June, and was brought complete to the place of rendezvous, on the Thursday evening following, fully prepared to join in the general procession. The workmanship and appearance of this beautiful object commanded universal attention and applause, and did great and merited honour to the artists of Philadelphia, who were concerned in her construc|tion. She was mounted on a carriage drawn by ten horses. A large sheet of canvas was tacked all around along her water line, and, extending over a light frame, hung down to the ground, so as to conceal the wheels and machinery; and the canvas

painted to represent the sea, so that nothing incon|gruous appeared to offend the eye. The ceremo|nies of setting sail, receiving a pilot on board, trimming her sails to the wind, according to the several courses of the line of march, throwing the lead when she approached near to Union Green, her arrival there, casting anchor, being hailed and welcomed with three cheers, and the captain for|warding his dispatches to the president of the United States, &c. &c. &c. were all performed with the strictest maritime propriety. But nei|ther time, nor the space allotted for this account, will permit such a detail as would do justice to captain Green and his crew, and to the builders and workmen concerned in the constructing and finishing this beautiful and conspicuous feature in the grand procession.

THE ship was followed by the pilots of the port, with their boat, named "the Federal Pilots," under the command of Mr. Isaac Roach, who sheared along side the ship Union at the appoint|ed place, and put Mr. Michael Dawson on board as pilot; then took his station in the procession, attended and took the pilot off again on her ar|rival.

BOAT BUILDERS.

A frame representing a boat builder's shop, 18 feet long, 8 wide, and 13 high, mounted on a car|riage drawn by horses. On the top of the frame was placed the ship Union's Barge, elegantly finished. On the ensign staff, a flag, blue field, quartered with 13 stripes, in the field an Ax and an adze crossing each other—Motto "By these we live." The barge 10 feet long, manned with a cockswain and six little boys as bargemen, dressed in white linen uniform, decorated with blue ribbands. On the platform underneath the barge, were seven hands at work, building a boat 13 feet long, which was actually set up and nearly completed during the procession. The whole machine was construc|ted with great skill, and drawn by four bright bay horses belonging to, and under the conduct of, Mr Jacob Toy, followed by 40 Boat Builders, headed by Messrs Bowyer Brooks and Warwick Hale.

SAIL MAKERS.

A flag, carried by Capt. Joseph Rice, represen|ting an inside view of a sail loft, with masters and men at work—On the top Thirteen Stars—in the fly 5 vessels—Motto—

May commerce flourish, and

industry be rewarded:

followed by a number of masters, journeymen and apprentices.

SHIP CARPENTERS.

HEADED by Messrs Francis Grice and John Norris, with the draft of a ship on the stocks, and cases of instruments in their hands. A flag, on which was represented a ship on the stocks carried by Manuel Eyres, Esq. supported by Messrs Harrison, Rice, brewster, and Humphreys; followed by mast|makers, caulkers and workmen, to the amount of 330, all wearing badges in their hats repre|senting a ship on the stocks, and sprigs of white oak.

SHIP JOINERS.

NICHOLAS YOUNG, conductor, his son carry|ing a cedar staff before him; Robert M'Mullan master workman—William M'Mullan and S. Ormes. with a flag, bearing the company's arms. viz. a. binnacle and hen-coop, crooked plains, and other tools of the profession, thirteen stripes and Thirteen Stars—10 of them in full splen|dour—Motto—

By these we support our fa|milies:

followed by 25 of the trade, wearing sprigs of cedar in their hats.

ROPE-MAKERS AND SHIP-CHANDLERS.

THE flag, carried in front by Richard Titter|mary, representing a Rope Yard, with 10 men spinning and 3 standing idle, with their hemp about their waists—Motto—

May commerce flou|rish.

Next in front, as leaders, were J. Titter|mary, sen. and G. Goodwin, being the oldest of the trade; followed by masters, journeymen and apprentices, with hemp round their waists, &c. about 60 in number.

MERCHANTS AND TRADERS.

THEIR standard, the flag of a Merchant Ship of the United States—in the union 10 illuminated stars, 3 only traced out. On one side of the flag a ship, the Pennsylvania, with an inscription, 4th July 1788. On the reverse of the flag, a globe and a scroll, with these words—"par tout le mond." The flag staff termined with a silver cone, to which a mariner's compass was suspended by a ring. The standard borne by Mr Nesbit. Thomas Willing, Esq. atttended by Messrs Charles Pettit, John Wilcocks, John Ross, and Tench Coxe, the

merchants committee; then the body of merchants and traders, and after them a train of clerks and apprentices, preceded by Mr Saintonge, carrying a large ledger.

CORPS of light infantry, commanded by capt. Sproat, with the standard of the 4^th regiment.

TRADES AND PROFESSIONS.

N. B. The order of the several trades, except those concerned in the construction and fitting out a ship and house carpenters, was determined by lot.

XXXIII. CORDWAINERS.

A carriage drawn by four horses, representing a cordwainer's shop, in which were six men actually at work: the shop hung round with shoes, boots, &c. Mr Alexander Rutherford conductor, Messrs Elisha Gordon and Martin Bish, Assistants, followed by a committee of nine, three a-breast. Mr James. Roney, junior, standard bearer. The standard—The cordwainers arms on a crimson field: above the arms, Crispin holding a laurel branch in his right hand, and a scroll of parch|ment in his left; three hundred corwainers fol|lowing, six a-breast, each wearing a white leathern

apron, embellished with the company's arms, richly painted.

XXXIV. COACH PAINTERS.

WITH a flag, ornamented with the insignia of the art, followed by ten of the profession, carrying pallets and pencils.

XXXV. CABINET AND CHAIR MALERS.

MR. Jonathan Gostelow carrying the scale and dividers; Mr. Jedediah Snowden with the rules of architecture; four of the oldest masters; Mr. James Lee, attended by three masters bearing the standard, or cabinet maker's arms, elegantly painted and gilt, on a blue field, ornamented with thirteen stars; ten radiant and three unfinished; below the arms, two hands united—Motto—"By unity we support society." The masters six a-breast, wearing linen aprons and buck's tails in their hats, preceding the work-shop, seventeen feet long, nine feet eight inches wide, and fourteen feet high, on a carriage drawn by four horses; two signs pro|jecting from the shop, and inscribed "Federal cabinet and chair shop;" one on each side; Mr. John Brown, with journeymen and apprentices at work in the shop. The shop followed by journey|men

and apprentices, six a-breast, wearing lined a|prons and buck's tails in their hats; the aprons were all of American manufacture—one hundred in train.

XXXVI. BRICK MAKERS.

A large flag of green silk, on which was repre|sented a brick-yard; hands at work; a kiln burning•• at a little distance a federal city build|ing—Motto—

It was hard in Egypt, but this prospect makes it easy.

Ten master brick makers, headed by Mr. David Rose, senior, and followed by one hundred workmen in frocks and trowsers, with tools, &c.

XXXVII. HOUSE, SHIP, AND SIGN PAINTERS.

ARMS, three shields argent, on a field azure; crest, a hand holding a brush, proper—Motto— "Virtue alone is true nobility." The stage four|teen feet by seven; on it a mill for manufacturing colours; a glazing table, with a stone for grind|ing paint; the stage furnished with pots, sashes, tools, &c. The business on the stage conducted

by Messrs. Stride, Wells, Cowen, Deveter, and M'Elwee. The flag borne by Mr. Fausburg, as oldest painter, supported by Messrs Flinn and Ful|lerton, followed by the artists, six a-breast, carrying gilded brushes, diamonds, gold hammers, glazing knives, &c. sixty eight in procession.

XXXVIII. PORTERS.

LED by John Lawrence and George Green, on each side a porter dressed, leading a horse and dray; the horse richly decorated with blue, white, and red ribbands—on the dray, five barrels of su|perfine flower; on the head of each barrel, the words "Federal flour;" the dray followed by John Jacobs and 40 porters. The standard borne by David Sparks, of light blue silk; the device thirteen stripes, thirteen stars, three of them clowded; a horse and dray, four barrels on the dray, and a porter loading a fifth—Motto—

May industry ever be encouraged;

the standard, fol|lowed by a number of porters; Andrew Dyer and Joseph Greenwold brought up the rear, all wearing white aprons, tied with ribbands of blue silk, and carrying whips, ornamented with blue, white, and red ribbands; the officers wore sashes of blue

silk. After the procession, the five barrrels of fe|deral flour were delivered to the overseers for the use of the poor.

XXXIX. CLOCK AND WATCH-MAKERS.

THE company's arms, neatly painted on a silk flag—Motto—"Time rules all things;" headed by Mr. J. Wood, and followed by twenty three mem|bers.

XL. FRINGE AND RIBBAND WEAVERS.

M•• J. Williams, carrying a blue staff, capped with a gilt ball; across the staff 10 wires, to which were suspended implements and specimens of the art. The fringe, lace, and line shuttles were each charged with a quill of shute to shew that they were all in employ—The ribband shuttle empty. In the gilt ball was fixed a wire, 18 inches long, from which flowed a ribband of ten stripes—Im|mediately below the cross-wires, a paper, inscribed with verses, composed by Mr Williams on the occasion.

XLI. BRICK-LAYERS.

HEADED by Messrs. Nicholas Hicks, William Johnson, and Jacob Graff, with their aprons and trowels; a flag with the following device; the federal city rising in a forest, workmen building it, and the sun illuminating it—Motto—"Both buildings and rulers are the works of our hands." The flag attended by Messrs. C. Souder, W. Marsh, and Jos. Wildy, supported by Messrs. J. Robbins, P. Waglom, T. Mitchell, J. Boyd, Burton Wallace, M. Groves, J. Souder, Edward M'Kaighen, Alex|ander M'Kinley, ten master bricklayers, wearing aprons, and carrying trowels, plum-rules, &c. fol|lowed by 55 of the trade.

XLII. TAYLORS.

HEADED by Messrs. Barker, Stille, Martin, and Tatem, carrying a white flag, bearing the compa|ny's arms—Motto—"By union our strength encrea|ses;" followed by 250 of the trade.

XLIII. INSTUMENT-MAKERS, TURNERS, WINDSOR-CHAIR-MAKERS, AND SPINNING-WHEEL MAKERS.

CONDUCTED by captain J. Cornish. Mr. John Stow, bearing the standard, viz. the turner's arms, with the addition of a spinning-wheel on one side, and a windsor chair on the other—Motto—"By faith we obtain." Messrs. G. Stow, and M. Fox, carrying small columns, representing the several branches of turner's work. Followed by Messrs. Anthony and Mason, with a group of musical in|struments, and sixty workmen in green aprons.

XLIV. CARVERS AND GILDERS.

THE carvers and gilders exhibited an ornament|mented car, on a federal plan; viz. it was 13 feet by 10 on the floor, whereon was erected 13 pila|sters richly ornamented with carved work. The capitals of 10 of them were gilt, and labelled with the names of the states in the order in which they acceded to the new constitution: the remaining three left somewhat unfinished. About 3 feet above the floor, a level railing united to the pilasters, de|noting the equality of the subjects. In the centre a column 10 feet high, with laurel twining round

it; and on the top a bust of general Washington, crowned with laurel, dressed in the American uni|form, with thirteen stars on a collar. The column was supported by 10 tight stays from the 10 finished pilasters: three slack stays hanging from the un|finished pilasters. Over the general's bust, the American standard was displayed.

IN the centre of the front of the carriage was the head of Phidias, the most eminent of ancient carvers, with emblematical figures supporting him. On the inside of the front railing, a large figure for the head of a ship, richly carved and painted: and the whole outside of the car decorated all round with figures of the seasons, the cardinal virtues, and various devices.

BEFORE the car, walked the artists of the several branches, headed by Mr. Cutbush, ship carver, and Messrs. Reynolds and Jugiez, house furniture and coach carvers, together with a number of young artists, wearing blue ribbands round their necks, to which were suspended medallions of ten burnished gold stars on a blue ground. Amongst these, one carried a figure of Ceres, another, Fame, with her trumpet, announcing the federal union, and another a corinthian column, complete. In

the car a number of artists at work, superintended by Mr. Rush, ship carver.

XLV. COOPERS.

CONDUCTED by Mr. D. Dolbey. An elegant flag of the cooper's arms, embellished with thirteen stars—Motto—"May commerce flourish—Love as brethren." After the flag, Messrs. W. King, R. Babe, and J. Lunch, followed by 150 coopers, in white leathern aprons, and wearing badges in their hats.

XLVI. PLANE MAKERS.

MR. W. Martin in front, with the standard, viz. a white field; a smoothing plane on the top; in the middle a pair of spring dividers, three planes, a brace, a square, and a guage—Motto—"Truth:" followed by 8 workmen.

XLVII. WHIP AND CANE MAKERS.

A machine on a carriage, a boy in it at work, platting a whip; followed by Mr. M'Callister and

journeymen, carrying articles of the trade on the top of a flag—Motto—

Let us encourage our own manufactures.

XLVIII. BLACK-SMITHS, WHITE SMITHS, AND NAILORS.

A machine drawn by nine horses, representing a Smiths manufactory, being a frame 10 by 15 feet, and 9 feet high, with a real brick chimney ex|tending 3 feet above the roof and completely fur|nished for use. In front of the building, three master Blacksmiths, viz. N. Brown, N. Hess, and W. Perkins supporting the standard—The Smiths arms highly ornamented—Motto—"By hammer in hand, all arts do stand." The Manufactory was in full emply during the procession—Mr I. Mingler, and his assistant C. Keyser, completed a set of plough irons out of old swords; worked a sword into a sickle, turned several horse-shoes, and performed several jobs on demand.

MR. J. Goodman, jun. white smith, finished a complete pair of pliars, a knife, and some machine|ry, and other work, on demand.

MESSRS. A. Feffinger and B. Brummel forged, finished, and sold a number of spikes, nails, and broad tacks; all which was performed in the street during the procession. The whole was un|der the conduct of Messrs. Godfrey Gebler, Da|vid Henderson, G. Goddard, Ja. Esler, Lewis Prahl, and J. Eckfelt; followed by two hundred brother black-smiths, white-smiths, and nailers.

XLIX. COACH MAKERS.

PRECEDED by Mr. John Bringhurst, in a phae|ton drawn by 2 horses, carrying a draft of a coach on a white silk flag. A stage nine feet high, six|teen feet long, and eight feet wide, on a carriage drawn by four horses, representing a shop, Mr. G. Way, master workman, a body and carriage-maker, a wheelwright, a trimmer, and a harness maker, all at work, and a painter ornamenting a body. On each side of the stage, the words, "No tax on American carriages." In the center was erected the standard, of yellow silk, embla|zoned with the arms of the profession, viz. three coaches on a blue field; the chariot of the sun ap|pearing through the clouds—Motto—

The clouds dispelled, we shine forth;

the staff decorated with the implements of the trade. Ten masters,

each bearing a yellow silk flag, with the names of the states in union, in letters of gold, on a blue field; five before and five behind the stage; the whole followed by one hundred and fifty workmen.

L. POTTERS.

A flag, on which was neatly painted a kiln burn|ing, and several men at work in the different branches of the business—Motto—"The potter hath power over his clay."—A machine, drawn by horses, on which was a potter's wheel and men at work. A number of cups, bowls, mugs, &c. were made during the procession, followed by twenty potters, headed by Messrs. C. Percy and M. Gilbert, wearing linen aprons of American manufacture.

LI. HATTERS.

LED by Mr. A. Tybout; the standard borne by Mr. J. Gordon, viz. on a white field, a hat in hand; on each side a tassel band; the crest, a beaver; motto, on a crimson garter in gold let|ters:

With the industry of the beaver we support

our rights;

followed by one hundred and twenty four hatters.

LII. WHEEL WRIGHTS.

A stage drawn by two horses, five men work|ing upon it, making a plough, and a speed for a waggon wheel. The standard, a blue flag—Mot|to—"The united wheel-wrights;" followed by twenty two of the trade, headed by Messrs. Con|rad, Robinson, and Nicholas Reep.

LIII. TIN-PLATE WORKERS.

PRECEDED by J. Finnaur and Martin Riser, carrying the standard with the company's arms, followed by workmen in green aprons.

LIV. SKINNERS, BREECHES MAKERS, AND GLOVERS.

HEADED by Messrs. J. Lisle, and G. Cooper, the one carrying a breaming knife, the other a paring knife. The standard, borne by Mr. Shrei|ner, viz. on one side, a deer and a glove, on the other, the golden fleece, and below it a pair of

breeches—Motto—

May our manufacture be equal in its consumption to its usefulness;

followed by fifty eight of the trade, in buckskin breeches and gloves, and wearing buck's tails in their hats. To these Mr. J. Rogers, parchment and glue ma|nufacturer, attached himself.

LV. TALLOW CHANDLERS.

MR. R. Porter, master. Two standards. First, the company's arms on a blue field, trimmed with white, three doves with olive branches. Over the arms an angel bearing St. John Baptist's head; on each side, two blazing lamps—Motto— "Let your light so shine." Second standard, a chandelier of thirteen branches, a lighted candle in each, and thirteen stars in a silver semicircle. In|scription, "The stars of America a light to the world." Motto, at the bottom of the chandelier, "United in one." The uniform, blue and white cockades, blue aprons, bound with white, with a dove neatly painted on each, a white rod, sur|mounted by an olive branch, in each person's hand; twenty in number.

LVI. VICTUALLERS.

A flag with this inscription—"The death of

anarchy and confusion, shall feed the poor." Two ax men preceding two stately oxen 3000 lb weight—a label across the horns of each, the one inscribed A|narchy the other Confusion—Ten boys dressed in white, 5 on the right and 5 on the left of the ox|en, carrying small flags, with the names of the states of the union inscribed—A band of music-conduc|tors, Messrs P. Hall, G. Welper, P. Odenheimer and Conrad Hoff; followed by 86 master victual|lers, all drest in white. The oxen were afterwards killed, the hides and tallow sold for bread, and given, with the meat, to the poor.

LVII. PRINTERS, BOOK-BINDERS, AND STATIONERS.

A stage 9 feet square, drawn by four horses-up|on the stage the federal printing press complete, with cases, and other implements of the business, furnished by ten printing offices. Men at work upon the stage in the different branches of the profession. Mr Durant, in the character of Mer+cury, in a white dress, ornamented with red rib|bands, and having real wings affixed to his head

and feet, and a garland of flowers round his tem|ples—During the procession, the press-men were at work, and struck off, and distributed amongst the people, many copies of the following ode, com|posed for the occasion by Francis Hopkinson Esquire.

THE ODE.

Oh! for a muse of fire! To mount the skies, And to a listening world proclaim; Behold! Behold! an Empire rise! An Aera new, time as he flies, Hath entered in the book of fame. On Alleghany's towering head Echo shall stand; the tidings spread, And o'er the lakes, and misty floods around, An Aera new resound.

See where Columbia sits alone, And from her star bespangled throne, Beholds the gay procession move along, And hears the trumpet and the choral song. She hears her sons rejoice; Looks into future times, and sees The numerous blessings heav'n decrees; And with her plaudit, joins the general voice.

"'Tis done! 'tis done! my sons, she cries, "In war are valiant and in council wise, "Wisdom and valour shall my rights defend, "And o'er my vast domain those rights extend. "Science shall flourish, genius stretch her wing, "In native strains Columbian muses sing: "Wealth crown the arts, and Justice cleanse her scales, "Commerce her pond'rous anchor weigh —"Wide spread her sails. "And in far distant seas her flag display.

"My sons for freedom fought, nor fought in vain, "But found a naked goddess was their gain; "Good government alone can shew the maid "In robes of social happiness array'd."

Hail to this festival! All hail the day! Columbia's standard on her roof display; And let the people's motto ever be, "United thus, and thus united free."

THIS ode, and also one in the German language, fitted to the purpose, and printed by Mr Steiner, were thrown amongst the people as the procession moved along. Ten small packages, containing the above ode, and the toasts for the day, were made up and addressed to the ten states in union respec|tively, and these were tied to pidgeons, which, at intervals, rose from Mercury's cap and flew off, amidst the acclamations of an admiring multitude.

MR. W. Sellers, sen. bearing the standard of the united professions; viz. azure, on a cheveron ar|gent, an American bald eagle, volant, between two reams of paper, proper, between three Bibles clos|ed, proper. In chief, perched on the point of the cheveron, a ••ove with an olive branch, of the se|cond▪ S••pporters, two Fames, clothed in sky-blue, flowing robes, spangled with stars argent. Crest, a Bible displayed, proper, on a wreath azure and argent. Under the escutcheon, two pens placed saltiere ways, proper—Motto—"We protect, and are supported by liberty." After the standard walked the masters of the combined professions, followed by journeymen and apprentices, each car|rying a scroll, tied with blue silk binding, exhibit|ing the word "Typographer," illuminated by ten stars in union. Fifty in train.

LVIII. SADLERS.

A sadler's shop, dressed with sadlery, and a vari|ety of ready made work; elegant American plated furniture, &c. drawn by two fine horses. In the shop, Mr. S. Burrows, and a number of hands at work: one of whom (having the different parts in readiness) completed a neat saddle during the pro|cession. The standard, carried by Mr. Jehosophat

Polk and J. Young, was of green silk, with the company's arms thereon, elegantly painted and gilt—Motto—"Our trust is in God." The com|pany was headed by Messrs. J. Stephens and J. Marr. Mr. William Haley, silver plater, joined himself to this corps, carrying a federal bit of his own workmanship.

LIX. STONE-CUTTERS.

THREE apprentices with tools, and two with the orders of the operative lodge: one with the standard in mason's order; the rest following with pieces of polished marble. Twenty in number.

LX. BREAD AND BISCUIT-BAKERS.

A standard of the bread baker's arms, properly emblazoned—Motto—"May our country never want bread." Uniform; white shirts, and full plaited aprons, quite round the waist, with light blue sashes. A stage, with a baker's oven, com|plete, 6 feet in diameter. Three hands at work as the procession went on, directed by a master ba|ker, who distributed bread to the people as it was

drawn out of the oven. Headed by Mr. G. Mayer.

THE biscuit baker's standard. A white flag; a bake house, and several hands at work—Motto —"May the federal government revive our trade." Messrs. T. Hopkins and Matthias Landenberger in front of twelve masters. Messrs. I. Peters, sen. and W. Echart brought up the rear, each carrying a small peel: 150 bakers in procession.

LXI. GUN-SMITHS.

A stage on a four wheel carriage drawn by four horses, 14 feet long and 8 feet wide, with a motto on each side in large letters: "Federal armoury." A number of hands on the stage at work, under the direction of two senior masters, J. Nicholson, and J. Perkins, Ab^m. Morrow bearing the stand|ard in the rear of the carriage, viz. a large white silk flag, cross guns in the middle: over the guns the cap of liberty; under the guns, the letters CP (city proof) cross pistols, with the letter V (viewed). At the end nearest the staff, a powder cask: on the opposite end three balls. The uni|form, green baize aprons, with green strings.

LXII. COPPER-SMITHS.

A car, 14 feet by 7, drawn by 4 horses, three hands working at stills and tea-kettles, under the direction of Mr. Benjamin Harbeson.

A standard, bearing the arms of the trade, deco|rated with emblems, and surrounded with 13 stars, carried by two, and followed by seventeen master workmen.

LXIII. GOLD-SMITHS, SILVER-SMITHS, AND JEWELLERS.

WILLIAM BALL, esq. senior member, carrying an urn. Messrs. Jo. Gee and John Germain, with the standard of white silk: on one side, the silver-smith's arms—Motto—"Justitia virtutum regina." On the reverse, the genius of America, holding in her hand a silver urn—Motto—"The purity, bright|ness, and solidity of this metal is emblematical of that liberty which we expect from the New Constitution." Her head surrounded by 13 stars; 10 very brilli|ant, two less bright, and one with 3 dark points, and two light ones; the last emblematical of Rhode-Island; also one other star emerging bright

from the horizon, for the rising state of Kentucke. After the standard, the masters, journeymen, and apprentices. Thirty-five.

LXIV. DISTILLERS.

ON a standard of blue silk, a still, worm-tub, and implements of the business, neatly painted. The standard borne by Mr. M. Shubart; and fol|lowed by 12 distillers.

LXV. TOBACCONISTS.

HEADED by Mr John. Riley. The standard of white silk; a tobacco plant of 13 leaves, 10 in perfection, 3 not finished; a hogshead of to|bacco on one side of the plant, a roll of plug to|bacco, a bottle and bladder of snuff: over the plant, on the other side, 13 stars; 10 silvered, 3 unfinished. The standard carried by Mr Thomas Leiper—Motto—"Success to the tobacco plant;" each member wearing a green apron with blue strings, and a plume, composed of different kinds of tobacco leaves in his hat, and carrying tools of

the profession in his hand. Conductors, Messrs Hamilton, Few, Stimble, and Murphey; 70 in train.

LXVI. BRASS FOUNDERS.

MR Daniel King in a car drawn by four grey horses, with an emblimatical standard; a furnace in blast during the procession. He finished a 3 inch howitzer, which was mounted and fired off with the artillery on Union Green. His journey|men and apprentices also neatly excuted several pieces of work—Mottoon the standard—

In vain the earth hertreasure hides.

The whole ex|hibition was at the sole expence of Mr King.

LVII. STOCKING MANUFACTURERS.

HEADED by Mr George Freytag—a white stan|dard; a pair of blue stockings across—a cap above; finger mitts below, incircled with a gilded heart— a gold crown with 10 points, on each point a blue star—Motto—

The Union of the American stocking manufacturers.

Thirty in train.

LXVIII. TANNERS AND CURRIERS.

LED by Mr Geo. Leib, carrying the fag of the companys arms—Motto—"God be with us"— 25 in number.

CURRIERS, led by Mr Geo. Oakly carrying the company's flag—Motto—"spes nostra Deus—fol|lowed by 34 of the trade, each carrying a currying knife, and wearing a blue apron and a jean coatee of our new manufactory

LXIX. UPHOLSTERERS.

HEADED by Messrs J. Mason and J. Davis. In front was carried a cushion with its drapery, on which fluttered a dove with an olive branch in its mouth, and upon its head a double scroll—Motto— "Be liberty thine;" followed by a cabriole sopha decorated.

LXX. SUGAR REFINERS.

CONDUCTED by Chr. Kucher Esq. Capt Ja. Lawersyler, Messrs B. Pennington. J. Morgan, D. Mierken, Adam Coruman and II. Clause, wear+ing

black cockades, blue sashes, and white aprons. A blue standard arms: on a gold field, the cap of liberty on a staff, between two loaves of sugar— Motto—"Double refined." Thirteen stars in a blue field: crest, a lighted candle in a candlestick; on the foot, the word "Proof; beneath, "Ame|rican manufactures," ornamented with sugar canes; followed by thirty-six, wearing white aprons, on which were painted sugar loaves, marked 10; each carrying some implement of the trade.

LXXI. BREWERS.

TEN in number, headed by Reuben Haines, each wearing 10 ears of barley in his hat, and a sash of hop-vines; and carrying malt-shovels and mashing oars. One dray loaded with malt and hops, and one loaded with two hogsheads and a butt, marked, Beer, Ale, Porter; with this in|scription, "Proper drink for Americans." A stand|ard, carried by Luke Morris: the brewer's arms— Motto—"Home brewed is best."

LXXII. PERUKE MAKERS AND BARBER SUR|GEONS.

PRECEDED by Messrs. Perrie and Tautwine,

full dressed. The standard—the company's arms, on a white field, richly decorated; viz. a pillar, the emblem of strength, surmounted with the cap of liberty, and supported by twelve hands, in gules, representing the twelve concurring states that cal|led the grand convention. A pelican and her young, in a field, azure. The arms of the barber surgeons: a goat rampant, in full coat, argent, in a field, sable: the arms of the peruke makers, with two arms extended at top, hand in hand, the em|blem of union and friendship. Supporters: a land and river horse—Motto—"United we stand." The treasurer of the company, the trustees, the company, according to seniority, hand in hand, 6 a-breast, consisting of 72, each wearing a white sash, with a black relief down the middle, and cock|ades of the same, in honour of the first and great ally of the United States.

LXXIII. ENGRAVERS.

THEIR armorial insignia (occasionally deviced) were, or, on a cheveron, engrailed gules (between a parallel ruler, sable, barred and studded of the first, and two gravers, saltiere ways, azure, hand|led of the third) three plates. Crest, a copper|plate

on a sand-bag, proper; inscribed underneath, in large capitals—ENGRAVERS.

LXXIV. PLAISTERERS.

(No return.)

LXXV. BRUSH-MAKERS.

A white flag, with a white boar, and a bundle of bristles over him—Motto—"Federal brush ma|nufactory." The flag carried by Mr. Roger Flahavan, jun.

LXXVI. STAY-MAKERS.

REPRESENTED by Mr. Francis Serré, with his first journeymen, carrying an elegant pair of ladies stays.* 2.1

LXXVII.

CORPS of light infantry, commanded by captain Rees, with the standard of the second regiment.

LXXVIII.

THE civil and military officers of Congress in the city.

LXXIX.

THE supreme executive council of Pennsylvania. His excellency the president † 2.2 was too much indis|posed to attend.

LXXX.

THE justices of the court of common pleas, and the magistrates.

LXXXI.

SHERIFF and coroner, on horseback.

LXXXII.

THE board of city wardens, city treasurer, and secretary of the board, clerks of the market, with standard weights and measures, constables of the watch, with his two assistants.

A BAND OF MUSIC.

TWENTY watchmen, with their flams decorated, and in their proper dress: twenty silent watchmen, with these staves: other watchmen calling the the hour—"Past TEN o'clock, and a glorious STAR|LIGHT morning!" alluding to the 10 united states, and the stars of the union.

LXXXIII.

THE street commissioners.

LXXXIV.

THE gentlemen of the bar, headed by the hon. Edward Shippen, esq. president of the common pleas, and William Bradford, esq. attorney-gene|ral, followed by the young students in law.

LXXXV.

THE clergy of the different Christian denomina|tions, with the rabbi of the Jews, walking arm in arm.

LXXXVI.

THE college of physicians, headed by their pre|sident, Dr. John Redman, and followed by the students in physic.

LXXXVII.

STUDENTS of the university, headed by the vice-provost: students of the episcopal academy, and of most of the principal schools in the city, conducted by their respective principals, professors, masters, and tutors. A small flag borne before them, inscribed, "The rising generation."

LXXXVIII.

THE county troop of horse commanded by ma|jor W. M'Pherson, brought up the rear of the whole.

MAJOR Fullerton attended the right wing, and colonel Mentges the left wing of the line. Messrs. Stoneburner, Heiltzheimer, and Jonathan Pen|rose, furnished and superintended the horses for the public carriages.

THIS grand procession began to move from the place of rendezvous about half past nine (as was beforementioned) and the front arrived at Union Green, in front of Bush Hill, about half past twelve. The length of the line was about one mile and an half, the distance marched, about three miles. As the procession passed along

Fourth Street it was saluted, in military form, by captain David Zeigler and lieutenant John Arm|strong, and their company of continental troops, which happened to be in the city at the time.

A very large circular range of tables, covered with awnings, and plentifully spread with a cold collation, had been prepared the day before, by the committee of provisions. In the center of this spacious circle (about 500 feet in diameter) the grand edifice was placed, and the ship Union moored. The flags of the consuls, and other standards, were planted round the edifice.

AS soon as the rear of the line arrived at Union Green, James Wilson, Esq. addressed the people, from the federal edifice, in the following

ORATION.

MY FRIENDS AND FELLOW-CITIZENS,

YOUR candid and generous indulgence I may well bespeak, for many reasons. I shall mention but one. While I express it, I feel it in all its force. My abilities are unequal—abilities far superior to mine would be unequal to the occasion, on which I have the honour of being called to address you.

A people, free and enlightened, establishing and ratifying a system of government which they have previously considered, examined, and approved! This is the sepctacle which we are assembled to cele|brate; and it is the most dignified one, that has yet appeared on our globe. Numerous and splen|did have been the triumphs of conquerors. From what causes have they originated? Of what con|sequences have they been productive? They have generally begun in ambition; they have generally ended in tyran••▪ But nothing tyrannical can

participate of dignity; and to Freedom's eye, Sesostris himself appears contemptible, even when he treads on the necks of kings.

THE senators of Rome, seated on their curule chairs, and surrounded with all their official lus|tre, were an object much more respectable; and we view, without displeasure, the admiration of those untutored savages, who considered them as so many gods upon earth. But who were those senators? They were only a part of a society; they were invested only with inferior powers.

WHAT is the object exhibited to our contem|plation? A whole people exercising its first and greatest power, performing an act of sovereignty, original and unlimited!

THE scene before us is unexampled as well as magnificent. The greatest part of governments have been the deformed offspring of force and fear. With these we deign not comparison. But there have been others who have formed bold pretensions to higher regard. You have heard of Sparta, of Athens, and of Rome. You have heard of their admired constitutions, and of their high prized freedom. In fancied right of these, they conceived themselves to be elevated above the

rest of the human race, whom they marked with the degrading title of barbarians. But did they, in all their pomp and pride of liberty, ever furnish to the astonished world an exhibition similar to that which we now contemplate? Were their con|stitutions framed by those who were appointed for that purpose by the people? Were they sub|mitted to the consideration of the people? Had the people an opportunity of expressing their sen|timents concerning them? Were they to stand or fall by the people's approving or rejecting vote? To all these questions attentive and impartial hi|story obliges us to answer in the negative. The people were either unfit to be trusted, or their law-givers were too ambitious to trust them.

THE far famed establishment of Lycurgus was introduced by deception and fraud. Under the specious pretence of consulting the oracle concer|ning his laws, he prevailed on the Spartans to make a temporary experiment of them during his absence, and to swear that they would suffer no alteration of them till his return. Taking a dis|ingenuous advantage of their scrupulous regard for their oaths, he prevented his return, by a vo|luntary death; and in this manner endeavoured to secure a proud immortality to his system.

EVEN Solon, the mild and moderating Solon, far from considering himself as employed only to pro|pose such regulations as he should think best calcu|lated for promoting the happiness of the com|monwealth, made and promulgated his laws with all the haughty airs of absolute power. On more occa|sions than one, we find him boasting with much self-complacency, of his extreme forbearance and con|descension, because he did not establish a disposition, in his own favour, and because he did not reduce his equals to the humiliating condition of his slaves.

DID Numa submit his Institutions to the good sense and free investigation of Rome? They were received in precious communications from the goddess Egeria, with whose presence and re|gard he was supremely favoured; and they were imposed on the easy faith of the citizens, as the dictates of an inspiration that was divine.

SUCH, my fellow-citizens, was the origin of the most splendid establishments that have been hitherto known; and such were the arts to which they owed their introduction and success.

WHAT a flattering contrast arises from a re|trospect of the scenes which we now commemo|rate? Delegates were appointed to deliberate and

propose. They met, and performed their delega|ted trust. The result of their deliberations was laid before the people. It was discussed and scruti|nised in the fullest, freest, and severest manner; by speaking, by writing, and by printing; by individuals, and by public bodies; by its friends, and by its enemies. What was the issue? Most favourable and most glorious to the system. By state after state, at time after time, it was ratified; in some states unanimously; on the whole, by a large and very respectable majority.

IT would be improper now to examine its qua|lities. A decent respect for those who have ac|cepted of it will lead us to presume that it is wor|thy of their acceptance. The deliberate ratifica|tions which have taken place, at once, recom|mend the system, and the people by whom it has been ratified.

BUT why? Methinks I hear one say, Why is so much exultation displayed in celebrating this event? We are prepared to give the reasons of our joy. We rejoice, because, under this consti|tution, we hope to see just government, and to en|joy the blessings that walk in her train.

LET us begin with peace; the mild and modest harbinger of felicity. How seldom does the amia|ble wanderer choose for her permanent residence the habitations of men! In their systems, she sees too many arrangements, civil and ecclesiastical, in|consistent with the calmness and benignity of her temper. In the old world, how many millions of men do we behold unprofitable to society, burdensome to industry, the props of establishments that deserve not to be supported, the causes of distrust in times of peace, and the instruments of destruction in the times of war! Why are they not employed in cultivating useful arts, and in forwarding public im|provements? Let us indulge the pleasing expec|tation, that such will be the operation of government in the United States. Why may we not hope, that, disentangled from the intrigues and jealou|sies of European politics, and unmolested with the alarm and solicitude to which those intrigues and jealousies give birth, our councils will be di|rected to the encouragement, and our strength be exerted in the cultivation, of all the arts of peace?

OF those, the first is AGRICULTURE—this is true in all countries. In the United States, its truth is of peculiar importance. The subsistence of man, the materials of manufactures, the articles

of commerce; all spring originally from the soil. On agriculture, therefore, the wealth of nations is founded. Whether we consult the observations that reason will suggest, or attend to the informa|tion that history will give, we shall in each case be satisfied of the influence of government, good or bad, upon the state of agriculture. In a government, whose maxims are those of oppression, property is insecure: it is given, it is taken away by caprice. Where there is no security for property, there is no encouragement for industry. Without industry, the richer the soil, the more it abounds with weeds. The evidence of industry warrants the truth of these general remarks: attend to Greece; and compare her agriculture in ancient and modern times. Then, smiling harvest bore testimony to the bountiful boons of liberty: now, the very earth languishes under oppression. View the Campania of Rome: how melancholy the prospect! Which ever way you turn your afflicted eyes, scenes of desolation croud before them. Waste and bar|renness appear around you in all their hideous forms. What is the reason? With double tyranny the land is cursed. Open the classic page—you trace, in ••haste description, the beautiful reverse of every thing you have seen. Whence proceeds the dif|ference?

When the description was made, the force of liberty pervaded the soil.

BUT is agriculture the only art which feels the influence of government? Over manufactures and commerce its power is equally prevalent: there the same causes operate; and there they produce the same effects. The industrious village, the busy city, the crouded port—all these are the gifts of liberty—and without a good government, liberty cannot exist.

THESE are advantages; but these are not all the advantages that result from a system of good government. Agriculture, manufactures, and commerce will ensure to us plenty, convenience, and elegance. But is there not something still wanting to finish the man? Are internal virtues and accomplishments less estimable or less attractive than external arts and ornaments? Is the operation of government less powerful upon the former than upon the latter? By no means: upon this, as upon a preceding topic, reason and history will concur in their information and advice. In a serene mind the sciences and the virtues love to dwell. But can the mind of a man be serene, when the proper|ty, liberty, subsistence of himself, and of those for whom he feels more than for himself, depend on a

tyrant's nod? If the dispirited subject of oppression can with difficulty exert his enfeebled faculties so far as to provide, on the incessant demands of nature, food, just enough to lengthen out his wretched exis|tence, can it be expected that, in such a state, he will experience those fine and vigorous movements of the soul, without the full and free exercise of which science and virtue will never flourish? Look around to the nations that now exist. View in hi|storic retrospect nations that have hitherto existed; the collected result will be an entire conviction of these all interesting truths:—Where TYRANNY reigns, there is the country of IGNORANCE and VICE. Where GOOD GOVERNMENT prevails, there is the country of SCIENCE and VIRTUE. Under a good government, therefore, we must look for the accomplished man.

BUT shall we confine our views even here? While we wish to be accomplished men and citizens, shall we wish to be nothing more? While we per|form our duty, and promote our happiness in this world, shall we bestow no regard upon the next? Does no connection subsist between the two? From this connection flows the most important of all the blessings of good government. But here let us pause: unassisted reason can guide us no farther: she directs us to that heaven descended science, by

which LIFE and IMMORTALITY have been brought to light.

MAY we not now say that we have reason for our joy? But while we cherish the delightful emo|tion, let us remember those things which are re|quisite to give it permanence and stability. Shall we lie supine, and look in listless langour for those blessings and enjoyments to which exertion is inse|parably attached? If we would be happy, we must be active. The constitution, and our manners, must mutually support and be supported. Even on this festivity, it will not be disagreeable or incongruous to review the virtues and manners that both justify and adorn it.

FRUGALITY and temperance first attract our at|tention. These simple, but powerful virtues, are the sole foundation on which a good government can rest with security: they were the virtues which nursed and educated infant ROME, and prepared her for all her greatness. But in the giddy hour of her prosperity, she spurned from her the ob|scure instruments by which it was acquired; and in their place substituted luxury and dissipation. The consequence was such as might have been ex|pected: she preserved, for some time, a gay and flourishing appearance; but the internal health

and soundness of her constitution was gone. A•• last she fell a victim to the poisonous draughts which were administered by her perfidious favou|rites. The fate of Rome, both in her rising and in her falling state, will be the fate of every other nation that shall follow both parts of her example.

INDUSTRY appears next among the virtues of a good citizen. Idleness is the nurse of villains. The industrious alone constitute a nation's strength. I will not expatiate on this fruitful subject: let one animating reflection suffice. In a well consti|tuted commonwealth, the industry of every citizen extends beyond himself. A common interest per|vades the society. Each gains from ALL, and all gain from EACH. It has often been observed, that the sciences flourish all together; the remark applies equally to the arts.

YOUR patriotic feelings attest the truth of what I say, when, among the virtues necessary to merit and preserve the advantages of a good govern|ment, I number a warm and uniform attachment to LIBERTY, and to the CONSTITUTION. The ene|mies of liberty are artful and insiduous. A coun|terfeit steals her dress, imitates her manners, forges

her signature, assumes her name: but the real name of the deceiver is LICENTIOUSNESS. Such is her effrontery, that she will charge liberty to her face with imposture; and she will, with shameless front, insist that herself alone is the genuine character, and that herself alone is entitled to the respect which the genuine character deserves. With the giddy and undiscerning, on whom a deeper impression is made by dauntless impudence, than by modest me|rit, her pretensions are often successful. She re|receives the h••ours of liberty; and liberty herself is treated as a traitor and an usurper. Generally, however, this bold impostor acts only a secon|dary part. Though she alone appear upon the stage, her motions are regulated by dark ambition, who stands concealed behind the curtain, and who knows that despotism, his other favourite, can al|ways follow the success of licentiousness. Against these enemies of liberty, who act in concert, though they appear on opposite sides, the patriot citizen will keep a watchful guard.

A good constitution is the greatest blessing which a society can enjoy. Need I infer, that it is the duty of every citizen to use his best and most un|remitting endeavours for preserving it pure, health|ful, and vigorous? For the accomplishment of this

great purpose, the exertions of no one citizen are unimportant. Let no one, therefore, harbour for a moment the mean idea that he is, and can be of no value to his country. Let the contrary manly impression animate his soul. Every one can, at many times, perform to the state useful services; and he who steadily pursues the road of patriotism has the most inviting prospect, of being able, at some times, to perform eminent ones.

ALLOW me to direct your attention, in a very particular manner, to a momentous part, which, by this constitution, every citizen will frequently be call|ed to act. All those, in places of power and trust, will be elected, either immediately by the people, or in such a manner that their appointment will depend ultimately on such immediate election. All the derivative movements of government must spring from the original movement of the people at large. If, to this, they give a sufficient force, and a just direction, all the others will be govern|ed by its controlling power. To speak without a metaphor; if the people, at their elections, take care to choose none but representatives that are wise and good, their representatives will take care, in their turn, to choose or appoint none but such as are wise and good also. The remark applies to every succeeding election and appointment. Thus

the characters proper for public officers will be dif|fused from the immediate elections of the people o|ver the remotest parts of administration. Of what immense consequence is it, then, that this primary duty should be faithfully and skilfully discharged? On the faithful discharge of it, the public happi|ness or infelicity under this, and every other con|stitution, must, in a very great measure, depend. For, believe me, no government, even the best, can be happily administered by ignorant or vicious men. You will forgive me, I am sure, for endea|vouring to impress upon your minds, in the strong|est manner, the importance of this great duty. It is the first concoction in politics; and if an er|ror is committed here, it can never be corrected in any subsequent process, the certain consequence must be disease. Let no one say, that he is but a single citizen, and that his ticket will be but one in the box; that one ticket may turn the election. In battle, every soldier should consider the public safety as depending on his single arm; at an elec|tion, every citizen should consider the public hap|piness as depending on his single vote.

A progressive state is necessary to the happiness and perfection of man. Whatever attainments are already reached, attainments still higher should

be pursued. Let us therefore strive with noble emulation. Let us suppose we have done nothing while any thing yet remains to be done. Let us, with fervent zeal, press forward, and make unceas|ing advances in every thing that can support, im|prove, refine, or embellish society.

TO enter into particulars under each of these heads, and to dilate them according to their im|portance, would be improper at this time. A few remarks on the last of them will be congenial with the entertainments of this auspicious day.

IF we give the slightest attention to nature, we shall discover, that with utility she is curious to blend ornament. Can we imitate a better pattern? Public exhibitions have been the favourite amuse|ments of some of the wisest and most accomplished nations. Greece, in her most shining aera, consi|dered games as far from being the least respectable amongst her public establishments. The shews of the circus evince that, on this subject, the senti|ments of Greece were fortified by those of Rome.

PUBLIC processions may be so planned and exe|cuted, as to join both the properties of nature's rule. They may instruct and improve, while they entertain

and please. They may point out the elegance or usefulness of the sciences and the arts. They may preserve the memory, and engrave the importance of great political events. They may represent, with peculiar felicity and force, the operation and effects of great political truths. The picturesque and splendid decorations around me, furnish the most beautiful and most brilliant proofs, that these remarks are far from being imaginary.

THE commencement of our government has been eminently glorious; let our progress in eve|ry excellence be proportionably great—it will— it must be so. What an enrapturing prospect opens on the United States! Placid husbandry walks in front, attended by the venerable PLOUGH—low|ing herds adorn our vallies—bleating flocks spread over our hills—verdant meadows, ena|melled pastures, yellow harvests, bending or|chards, rise in rapid succession from east to west: Plenty, with her copious horn, sits easy, smiling, and in conscious complacency, enjoys and presides over the scenes: Commerce next advances in all her splendid and embellished forms. The rivers and lakes, and seas, are crouded with ships: their shores are covered with cities: the cities are filled with inhabitants: the arts decked with elegance,

yet with simplicity, appear in beautiful variety, and well adjusted arrangement. Around them are diffused, in rich abundance, the necessaries, the de|cencies, and the ornaments of life. With heartfelt contentment, Industry beholds his honest labours flourishing and secure. Peace walks serene and unalarmed over all the unmolested regions; while liberty, virtue, and religion go hand in hand, har|moniously protecting, enlivening, and exalting all— Happy country! MAY THY HAPPINESS BE PER|PETUAL!"

AFTER, the oration, the several light companies vere drawn off by captain Heysham, to an emi|nence, and fired a feu-de-joie of three rounds, and then the company went to dinner. No spirit or wine of any kind were introduced: American por|ter, beer, and cyder, were the only liquors; and of these the supplies were very abundant. The whole inner circumference of the circle of tables was lined with hogsheads, butts, and barrels of these liquors on tap. The following toasts were drank, announced by trumpets, and answered by the artillery—a round of ten to each toast—and these were again answered by cannon from the ship Rising Sun, at her moorings in the river.

TOASTS.

1. THE people of the United States. 2. Ho|nour and immortality to the members of the late federal convention.

3. GENERAL WASHINGTON.

4. THE king of France. 5. The United Ne|therlands. 6. The foreign powers in alliance with the United States. 7. The agriculture, ma|nufactures, and commerce of the United States. 8. The heroes who have fallen in defence of our liberties. 9. May reason, and not the sword, here|after decide all national disputes. 10. The whole family of mankind.

It should not be omitted in this account, that the several trades furnished the devices, mottos, machines, and decorations themselves, and at the expence of their respective companies. And that nearly the whole of the work exhibited on that day, was completed between Monday mor|ning and the Thursday evening following.

THE military in general, horse, artillery, and infantry were completely dressed, and accoutred, according to the uniform of their respective corps, and made a most martial appearance; being distri|buted in various parts of the line, they gave a beautiful variety to the whole, and evinced that both soldiers and citizens united in favour of the new government.

THE whole of this vast body was formed, and the entertainment of the day conducted, with a re|gularity and decorum far beyond all reasonable ex|pectation. The foot-ways, the windows, and the roofs of the houses were crouded with spectators, exhibiting a spectacle truly magnificent and irresist|tibly animating. But what was most pleasing to to the contemplative mind, universal love and har|mony prevailed, and every countenance appeared to be the index of a heart glowing with urbanity and rational joy. This social idea was much en|forced by a circumstance, which, probably, never before occurred in such extent, viz. The clergy of almost every denomination united in charity and brotherly love. May they and their flocks so walk through life!

IT is impossible to be precise in numbers on such an occasion; but averaging several opinions, there were about 5,000 in the line of procession, and about 17,000 on union Greeen. The green was entirely cleared by six o'clock in the evening; and the edifice, ship, and several machines, being withdrawn, the citizens soberly retired to their re|spective homes. The weather was remarkably fa|vourable for the season; cloudy without rain, and a brisk wind from the south during the whole day. At night, the ship Rising Sun was handsomely illu|minated in honour of this great festival.

SUCH is the account we have been enabled to give of this memorable exhibition. It is very pro|bable there may be some omissions; if so, the com|mittee can only assure their fellow citizens, that no neglect or offence was intended to any individual or company whatever. The shortness of the time, and the complicated nature of the task, must be their apology.

AS the system of government now fully ratified, has been the occasion of much present joy; so,

may it prove a source of much future blessing to our country and the glory of our rising empire!!!

Published by order, FRANCIS HOPKINSON, chairman of the committee of arrangement.

July 8th. 1788.

N. B. This extraordinary exhibition was not undertaken in con|sequence of any order or recommendation of government, nor was any part of the expence borne by the public treasury. The voluntary exertions and contributions of the citizens furnished the whole.

Notes

• * 2.1

  The several companies formed their own devices, mottos, and emblems; and the above account is taken from their returns.
• † 2.2

  Dr. Franklin.