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The one hundred and eighty-third anniversary of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company was observed on Monday, June 4, 1821.1 The meeting this day was unusually splendid." The weather was fine, and ten thousand people assembled to observe the public exercises. The members of the Company at this time numbered one hundred and seventy, of whom forty-three were honorary members and one hundred and twenty-seven were active. There were one hundred muskets in line, and the artillery pieces were manned by the usual number of men. The officers of the militia, doing duty in the ranks, were dressed in the uniforms of the various corps to which they belonged, and added much to the splendor of the Company's appearance. Among others, there were present in line Major-Gen. Elijah Crane (1819), of Canton, in the First Division; the adjutant-general of the State, Gen. Sumner (1819); Brig.-Gen. Rutter (1821), of Sudbury, in the Second Brigade, Third Division; Cols. Loring (1810), Parker (1820), and Page (1820), of Boston, in the First Division; Col. Robinson (1821), of Lynn, in the Second Division; Cols. Hurd (1821), of Concord, and Baldwin (1821), of East Sudbury, in the Third Division; Lieut.-Col. Theodore Lyman, Jr. (1820), aide to the commander-in-chief, and several other officers, who were distinguished by their military spirit and achievements. There were on duty, as infantry, ninety-two persons who then or previously had held commissions in the militia, viz., one majorgeneral, the adjutant-general of the State, one brigadier-general, five colonels, eight lieutenant-colonels, fourteen majors, twenty-eight captains, twenty-two lieutenants, twelve ensigns, including staff officers ranking as officers of the line of the above grades, besides thirteen private citizens. On duty, attached to the field-pieces, were three colonels, one lieutenant-colonel, five captains, three lieutenants, three ensigns, and five privates, making in the whole one hundred and twenty-five persons. Many active members, newly recruited, did not appear in the ranks because they had not drilled in the new tactics prescribed by Congress for the government of the militia.

After partaking of the usual morning collation, the Company, under command of Capt. George Welles (1807), moved to the State House, and thence, with their distinguished guests, to the First Church, in Chauncy Place, where the sermon was delivered by Rev. Edward Everett (1836), professor of Greek literature at Harvard College. After service, the Company, with its guests, proceeded to Faneuil Hall, where a sumptuous dinner had been prepared by Mr. William Fenno. The usual toasts were drank, and addresses made. The commander-in-chief, Gov. Brooks (1786), offered the following volunteer toast: "The Day and the Military Institution whose Anniversary we celebrate." After his Excellency retired, Capt. Welles (1807) gave, "Our worthy Chief Magistrate, Gov. Brooks [1786], the well-deserved favorite of Mars and Minerva." Hon. Mr. Quincy volunteered to offer, "Our Fisheries. Success to all of them but those for office." After the postprandial exercises the Company repaired to the Common, where the usual election was held, and the officers of 1820 having resigned their insignias they were conferred by his Excellency upon the newly elected officers. The Company escorted Gov. Brooks (1786) to the State House, thence retired to Faneuil Hall, where the usual votes were passed.

The following appeared as a

"NOTICE.

"All the boys and girls in town, and as many from the country as can make it convenient to attend, white, black, and mixed, are hereby notified to assemble on Boston Common on Monday next,

at five o'clock P. M., to see the performances of those patriots who fought, bled, and died for their country in the times that tried men's souls, which are to be repeated for the hundred and eighty-third time successively, and expressly for their amusement." Boston Galaxy, June 2, 1821.

The sermon of Prof. Everett (1836) was never printed, because he declined to give. a copy of it to the Company. Prof. Everett (1836) replied to the Company as follows:

CAMBRIDGE, June 6, 1821.

THE GENTLEMEN, PAST OFFICERS OF THE A. & H. A. COMPANY :

Gentlemen, I feel much flattered by the polite request of a copy of my sermon for the press, which you have made me, on behalf of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company. I should feel most happy, in complying therewith, to testify my respect for the institution on the anniversary of which it was preached. Considerations, with which I will not trouble you, having led me to withhold copies of several occasional sermons, when asked by the respectable societies at whose public meetings they were preached, I scarcely feel at liberty to make an exception in the present instance. I must beg you, therefore, in presenting my best acknowledgments to the gentlemen of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company for the honor their request does me, to procure for me their permission to decline complying with it. I have the honor to be, gentlemen, with high respect, Your faithful, humble servant,

EDWARD EVERETT.

Col. Abraham Eustis, then commanding in Boston Harbor, permitted the band attached to his command to furnish music for the Company on this anniversary day, and the Company presented to him thirty dollars, to be expended for the benefit of the band in such manner as he might think expedient. After Gen. Salem Towne, Jr., had been proposed as an honorary member, the Company retired to its evening collation, and was then dismissed.

Now, for the first time since its institution, as we judge by the records, .the Company assumed that appearance which its founder wished and anticipated. His (Capt. Keayne's [1637]) revered memory was borne on their lips at the festive board; and the religious ceremonies, the military manoeuvres of the Company, the jocund song, the feast of mirth and flow of soul, all contributed to make this a distinguished day in its annals. The new commander, on receiving his commission from the governor, expressed the principles, motives, and designs which had led to the great revival of the Company; and as the commander-in-chief, who was one of the honorary members, and who had twice been the commander of the Company, requested its insertion on the records, a minute of the same was furnished by the commander from memory, and is as follows:

"May it please your Excellency: The novel appearance which' the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company presents to-day is not a consequence of the adoption of any new theory, but it is the exemplification of the original principles of one of the oldest charters in our statute book. The Company was instituted as a school for officers, and as such it now appears. Aware that there is no means by which the militia can be improved so rapidly as by that of diffusing practical information among those who have authority in it, the officers of ambition and honor belonging to all the corps, and of all grades in the staff and in the line, whom you this day see in the extended ranks of the Company, have associated themselves with the old members of this venerable institution, with the view of establishing an uniformity of drill and discipline throughout the whole body of the militia. They intend to conform their own conduct to the principles which it is their duty to teach; to show that submission to authority which they require of their subordinates, and to illustrate to the government and the community the great

principle of subordination, which is the beauty and the strength and the pride of our militia system. To make this principle striking, they appear in the uniform of their several commissions. To make their exercises useful, they will practice themselves in the formations, manœuvres, and ceremonies prescribed by the rules and regulations which have lately been established by Congress for their government. But as these are founded in principles entirely different from those which have been our guide, we have almost everything to learn not only, but we have much to unlearn. Before we plant the young orchard we must root out the stumps of old prejudices; and even after all that is done, the trees must have time to grow. Your Excellency will not, therefore, expect our progress to be very rapid. The trees will be planted in a rich soil, however, and, if they are properly cultivated, will produce thrifty scions, to engraft into all the regiments, brigades, and divisions in the State. To carry into effect the enlarged views of the Company, their command, with greater propriety, should have been committed to a more practical officer. But as his protestations against the selection they have made were unavailing, his efforts to promote their views shall be unceasing. With what success they shall be attended, by the appearance of the Company at their next anniversary, your Excellency will determine. Coming from the ranks of a Company filled with officers from the highest to the lowest grade, clothed in the uniform of their respective corps, whose splendid appearance and military deportment have so forcibly illustrated the great design of its founder, I should indulge myself in the expression of the enthusiasm which I feel, were I not oppressed with a sense of the weight of that responsibility which devolves upon me. Fear, as well as hope, is now made a high incentive to my exertions. In the exercise of my powers, that I may not fulfil the just expectations of the Company- this is my fear. When I shall resign my authority, that I may receive your approbation of my services- this is my hope. That I shall receive it if it be deserved this is my confidence."

A business meeting of the Artillery Company was held June 25. The death of Silas Dodd (1816) was announced by Capt. James N. Staples (1816), and the Company voted to wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days. Mr. Joshua Hardy, of Boston, had for many years been employed by the Company as a drummer. He had become old in its service and was in indigent circumstances, whereupon the Company voted a gratuity to relieve his distress.

The Company met July 23 and 30 for business. At the latter meeting it was determined to purchase one hundred body-belts, of white varnished leather, for the use of the Company.

In the summer of 1821 the corps of National Cadets visited Boston. They left West Point on Friday, July 20, and proceeded in two steamboats to Albany, thence they marched leisurely to Boston, arriving in the forenoon of Aug. 7. Their camp the night of the 6th was on the estate of Gen. H. A. S. Dearborn (1816), in Roxbury, on rising ground near the house. The Cadets were introduced to the field by the Norfolk Guards, under Capt. Doggett (1821). Toward evening they partook of the general's hospitality at a sumptuous repast, prepared under a large marquee on his grounds.

Tuesday morning, Aug. 7, the Cadets halted at "the southern barrier of the town, on the Neck." Here they were met by the selectmen of Boston, who welcomed them to the town, while the Ancient and Honorable Artillery, and the Boston artillery under Capt. Lobdell (1821), were firing salutes. The corps encamped upon the Common. A

collation was served to them Tuesday afternoon, in Concert Hall; Wednesday they were feasted in "The Odeon," and later a magnificent entertainment was given in honor of the Cadets by the military of Boston in Faneuil Hall. They also marched to Quincy, and had breakfast with John Adams. Aug. 10 they visited Cambridge, and on Saturday, Aug. 11, they were presented with a stand of colors by the selectmen in behalf of the town. The Cadets started on their return march Saturday, Aug. 18.

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In all the exercises on this interesting occasion, in the welcome, in the profusion of hospitality, in the escorts, entertainments, and salutes, members of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company were active and prominent.

Meetings for drill and business were held Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27, and 31. On the latter occasion, Friday afternoon, the Company marched in citizen's dress to the Common and held a drill.

Sept. 3, being their first fall field-day in 1821, the Company paraded in full uniform, under command of Gen. William H. Sumner (1819), and proceeded to South Boston, where, although it was raining, the Company went through with their drill and firings. On returning to the Hall, the usual collation was provided.

The Company met for drill and business Sept. 10. For years the Artillery Company and other military organizations in Boston had experienced great difficulty in procuring music. The band in Boston - probably the "Green Dragon," so called was inclined to be exorbitant in its charges, and could not always be procured when its services were desired. These circumstances caused the Artillery Company to procure, when possible, the services of the United States band stationed at the fort in Boston Harbor. In 1821 the trouble became so aggravating that Gen. William Sullivan (1819) conceived the idea of forming a new band in Boston, to be at the disposal of the Boston Brigade of Infantry, and certain specified military companies. Major Stephen Fairbanks (1820) presented to the Artillery Company, Sept. 10, the following agreement between Brig.-Gen. William Sullivan (1819), of the Third Brigade, First Division, in behalf of the brigade, Independent Cadets, and Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company on the one part, and of the signers to the same instrument as musicians on the other part, for a new band of music. This agreement was unanimously accepted by the Artillery Company.

"AGREEMENT. - This agreement made this tenth day of September 1821, between William Sullivan [1819] of Boston Esquire, as he is the commandant of the third Brigade in the first Division of Mass Militia on the one part and on the second, or the other part, Witnesseth

"That they of the second part have been duly enlisted as members of the Band of Musick for the third Brigade and have received warrants accordingly and are holden to military law and usage accordingly. But for the better understanding of rights and duties and for the preventing of all disagreement, it is hereby expressly agreed: first, That they of the second part [each one in all things here expressed engaging only for himself and not for each other] shall forthwith provide themselves with suitable Musical instruments, and with a proper uniform, at his own expense, and will keep himself so provided and equipped. Second, that they of the second part will appear at all times during the continuance of their membership of this Band, whenever the Brigade shall be called out and perform the duty of a Band of Musick in a faithful, obedient and proper manner, without any compensation. Third, that they of the second part, will turn out properly provided and uniformed, to perform in a faithful, obedient and proper manner, for any Military Company within the town of Boston whenever requested so to

do, as a Band of Musick, and will do their duty for the compensation of four dollars to each member of the Band, who turns out, and so performs, for one day: and for the further compensation of being provided with seasonable dinner, liquors and refreshment, when the Company employing them dine together, and their attendance is requested: Provided, however, that if the members of the Band prefer to withdraw and dine at their own expense, they may do so; and in such case, shall receive five dollars instead of four dollars; but shall return in due time if their services are wanted. Fourth, that they of the second part will so turn out and perform for any space of time, not exceeding half a day, for any Military Company in Boston, when requested, for the compensation of three dollars to each member of the Band, who turns out and performs. Fifth, They of the second part further agree that if any [each one herein agreeing for himself and not for each other] shall on any occasion fail to perform in manner aforesaid, his payment for the time being shall be stopped, and he shall moreover be liable to immediate dismissal from the Band, and to enrollment in the Militia, if liable to do duty therein. Sixth, And the said William Sullivan [1819], Brigadier General of said Brigade, for himself and his successors in office, and in behalf of the Military Companies, within the town of Boston, hereby agrees with the individuals composing the second party in this agreement; That so long as they of the second part keep themselves provided with Musical instruments, and with an uniform, and so long as they turn out and perform as a Band of Musick, in the manner herein before stated, they shall receive the compensation herein before set forth; and that no other Band of Musick shall be used, employed or permitted to play for the said Brigade or for any Military Company in the town of Boston, unless it so happens that two or more companies parade on the same day, and more than one Band of Musick is necessary. And it is expressly understood, that this agreement is to extend to the Independent Company of Cadets and to the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company. It is further agreed that the evidence of this agreement by the several companies in the town of Boston, shall be a recorded vote of the Company, that the same is by such Company adopted. And they of the second part shall hold themselves bound and engaged to every Company to turn out and perform, which shall so accept this agreement. It is further agreed between the parties that in case of any breach of the terms of this agreement, [complaint] in writing, signed by the complainant, shall be forthwith made to the commandant for the time being, of the Brigade. In witness whereof the parties have hereunto set their names the day and year first above said. WM SULLIVAN [1819], Brig Gen 3 B. 1 D.”

The names of the party of the second part are not known. This agreement gave birth to the Boston Brigade Band, of which, at its organization in 1821, a Mr. Fillebrown was the leader. It continued its organization until 1835, when it united with the "Green Dragon" Band and formed the Boston Brass Band, with Mr. Edward Kendall as leader. The band grew in proficiency, and became quite celebrated. It existed until 1861, when it was dissolved by Mr. Eben Flagg.

Sept. 17, Monday evening, the Company met for drill, under command of the lieutenant, Lieut.-Col. Theodore Lyman, Jr. (1820).

Oct. 1, the day being very disagreeable, the order to meet on that day was countermanded, and the Company met Friday, Oct. 5, at three o'clock P. M. After the business had been transacted the Company marched to the Common, went through their firings and manœuvres, and returned to the Hall, where a collation was served.

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