GREAT BRIDGE, Norfolk county, June 5.
ON the 20th of May we received at this place a confirmation of the interesting and agreeable news that his Majesty had been graciously pleased to give his Royal assent to the bill for repealing the Stamp Act: It was immediately and unanimously determined by the Gentlemen of this place, and parts adjacent, that Tuesday the 3d of June should be devoted for a thanksgiving and decent rejoicing on that ever memorable event, that has so happily reconciled the difference subsisting between Great Britain and her colonies.
The morning of that wished for day was ushered in by a display of colours from the Church, the Banqueting room, &c. and a discharge of cannon from a battery erected for that purpose.
Half an hour after X o’clock the Gentlemen, in great order, proceeded to St. Bride’s church; and after divine service, an excellent sermon (well adapted to the occasion) was preached by the Rev. Mr. Pasteur to a very full audience.
After sermon, the company, in like good order, repaired to the Banqueting Room, and there partook of a very genteel collation provided for the occasion; after which the following toasts were drunk.
- The KING and QUEEN.
- Prince of Wales, and Royal Family.
- A continuance of our present happy constitution in Church and State.
- America’s friends in the British Parliament.
- The True Patriots in the present Ministry.
- Mr. PITT.
- Lord CAMDEN.
- Mr. Secretary CONWAY.
- Colonel BARRE.
- May all the True Sons of Liberty ever enjoy their just rights and privileges.
- May America ever flourish, and be an honour to its Mother Country.
- The glorious and immortal memory of King William, who saved us from Popery, slavery, wooden shoes, and arbitrary government.
- Colony, Governour, Council, and House of Representatives.
- May Trade and Navigation ever flourish.
- Navy and Army of Great Britain.
- Perpetual concord and unanimity between Great Britain and all her colonies.
- The Great Bridge, and the dependents thereof.
- May our enemies have nothing to subsist on but slaves and shingles, and those at the highest prices.
- Perpetual disappointment to the enemies of America.
- All friends, and perpetual amity.
With many others of the same publick nature; the first of which was proclaimed by a Royal salute from the battery, and the rest by a number of guns suitable to each.
At sunset there was another discharge of cannon, and the colours were struck; and general illuminations, bonefires, &c. took place. The evening concluded with a very elegant ball and entertainment, at which the Gentlemen and Ladies made a genteel appearance, and seemed to vie with each other in demonstrations of joy on the happy occasion. The whole was conducted with the greatest decorum, so that envy, and even detraction itself, must be silent on the occasion.
