8
procession returned to the Pennsylvania Avenue, where the military part of it was reviewed by the President of the United States, and afterwards dismissed.
A fine banner, which had been torn in the procession, was presented by the Florida Delegation to the Board of Managers. Mr. Yale, on the part of the delegation, addressed the chairman, Mr. P. R. Fendall, in an appropriate and eloquent manner, and was responded to by the chairman.[1] The banner was of white satin, fringed with gold. In the centre is painted the coat of arms of the State, with the motto—"In God is our trust," March 3d, 1845—when she became a State. On the reverse above, the words "Pascua Florida, 1512," appear; and in the centre is painted the likeness of Juan Ponce de Leon.
The interesting day was closed by a brilliant display of fireworks on Monument Place, prepared by Mr. Brown, who had been employed by the Committee of Arrangements for that purpose, and by the pyrotechnists at the Navy Yard and Arsenal in this city. They reflected great credit on the skill of those who had prepared them, and displayed this beautiful art in great perfection. Among the varied and splendid tableaux of stars, diamonds, burning and revolving circles, pyramids, &c., exhibited on this occasion to an immense multitude, spread, in picturesque groups, over the plain, was a device representing the proposed monument, which was forty feet high, and displaying in letters of fire the name of "WASHINGTON." This terminated the exhibition of these admirably prepared fireworks.
The 4th of July, 1848, will long be remembered by all who witnessed and participated in the brilliant procession and imposing ceremonies of that day. which has, perhaps, never before been so celebrated in this country. It is remarkable, that this is the first national anniversary which has, in any part of the Union, been exclusively devoted to rendering an affectionate and grateful homage to his memory. The circumstance that after the lapse of nearly half a century since his death, it has been so employed, is a gratifying indication that his memory is still fondly cherished in every American heart, and that the noble and patriotic undertaking in which the society has embarked, is destined to be crowned with complete and glorious success.
- ↑ Appendix No. 6.
