Group of 3 manuscript documents containing sequentially numbered lists of toasts to be delivered in celebration on 4 July 1826 upon the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. N.p. [Massachusetts], [July] 1826. Each document 2pp, approx. 7 3/4 x 12 in., and seemingly in the same unidentified hand, though representing toasts "furnished" by three separate identified individuals "C. Dexter," "D[?] S. Sanborn," and "D. Choate." Toasts referencing the Massachusetts Militia, the memory of John Hancock and Samuel Adams, and the Bunker Hill Monument suggest that toasts were written in Massachusetts, possibly by members of the state militia.
Massachusetts was the first state to declare the 4th of July an official state holiday. The 50th Anniversary of the nation's founding was celebrated as a "National Jubilee" across the country, and marked by parades, speeches, public readings of the Declaration of Independence, musical performances, picnics, and other community events. At the time, it was often the custom for organizers to prepare a series of public toasts to commemorate the Revolution, as well as their hopes and concerns for the nation as it embarked upon its next fifty years.
The first toast on each manuscript reads, respectively: "The 50th Anniversary of American Independence"; "The fourth of July 1776 the memorable declaration made on that day produced a sensation through the world, which will eventuate in the entire emancipation from Despotism"; "The day we celebrate a Jubilee of American Independence may it be hailed with joy throug[h] succeeding ages by the sons of Free men, & never profaned by the songs of slaves, or the Eulogists of Tyrants."
Additional toasts pertain to a wide range of issues, from the freedom of other nations struggling for independence, to the memory of departed Revolutionary heroes and the well-being of surviving Revolutionary War soldiers, to the present presidential administration, to the Navy, and numerous other causes. Toasts include:
"The memory of the Heroes who achieved our independence may their posterity emulate their Glorious deeds."
"The Constitution of the United States, may it, like the Torpedo, palsy all who lay violent hands on it."
"Our Institutions the Paladium of Civil Liberty and the Nursery of Freemen."
"The Principles of Political Freedom, they were first developed in the Halls of American legislation, may they be matured in the Courts of European Princes."
"Our Sister Republics of the South, having driven the Spaniards from their last strong hold, may they fully realize their fond ambitions of freedom."
"The Militia System of Massachusetts growing worse by amending, better wholly abolish it and create a new one in its stead that shall better comport with our Bill of Rights."
"Our Navy, it has won public favour by its superior discipline and colour, may it value the Prize too much to lose it by degeneracy."
"The Bunker Hill Monument. May it stand a thousand years where the men of this age shall place it; a splendid and everlasting memorial of the valor of the Fathers and of the gratitude of the children."
Beyond marking the consequential 50th anniversary of the nation's independence, July 4, 1826, became a significant day for another reason: the concurrent deaths within hours of one another of Founding Fathers and former Presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. At the time these toasts were delivered, the celebrants likely would not yet have known about their deaths.
A wonderful group of documents which provide insight into the ways in which Americans celebrated a consequential anniversary, and looked with apprehension and with hope to the future of their young country.
[Manuscripts, Documents, Letters, Ephemera, Signatures, Autographs]
Creasing, toning, chipping to edges, small remnants of adhesive in several spots.
