flowers and plants; and it was really pleasing to see
the happy little creatures enjoying such a holiday as they would never
forget. It is impossible to give a third of the details of this unique
procession; but I cannot omit to notice the last feature--the
labourers on their truck-horses. These were the carmen of the town.
Their clean, healthy, happy faces, with their glossy horses, decorated
with ribbons, made me regard them as the best and proudest cavalry a
nation could have. These are all men who, a very short time since,
landed from the Old World--fugitives from misery and starvation.
I had a ticket offered me for the banquet, but I preferred being
outside among the people. I have had enough of dinner-speeches in my
time, although this occasion was one of peculiar interest. The Park
continued to be crowded to excess; and as the company arrived, they
were greeted by the people and the bands of music stationed here and
there. But what sound is that? They are drinking toasts within; and
one is now given which stirs the vast multitude like an electrical
shock. I cannot hear at first, the roar is so deafening: but presently
I am able to analyse the sounds that have caused the commotion; and I
confess it is with a beating heart, and a sort of choking sensation in
the throat, I hear every lip repeat--'The Queen of England!' and every
band in the Park take up from the music in the tent our own national
strain, till the whole atmosphere vibrates with _God save the Queen!_
The effect was magical, and I felt gratified beyond measure--not alone
at the compliment to our country, but as evidence that the
Anglo-Saxons are still one great community, and that the proceedings
of that day would rivet between the two countries the bond of common
blood. The day closed as happily as it had begun, and the streets were
crowded up to a late hour. I was in all the thickest of the press, and
I know that there was not a single accident, nor did I see or hear of
any instance of drunkenness or disorder. All was harmony and
good-humour.
I would mention, as a strong proof of the growing interest felt for
the old country here, in New England especially, that almost every
family is desirous of being known to be connected with it. They have
all English names; and a numerous society have employed a gentleman of
skill in such matters for the last ten years in England in tracing out
the English branches of the different families, in the State, so a
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