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The Lafayette Gun Squad Participates in Fourth of July Festivities at Crawfordsville in 1860 with Lew Wallace

 From The Lafayette Argus (Lafayette, Indiana) Thursday, July 5, 1860


The Fourth at Crawfordsville

Lew Wallace
     The eighty-fourth anniversary of our National Independence was celebrated at Crawfordsville in

a patriotic and becoming manner. The day was ushered in by the firing of cannon, ringing of bells, and juvenile demonstrations generally. At about 10 o'clock A.M. the various military companies of Montgomery County -- consisting of the Montgomery Guards, College Cadets, Ladoga Blues, and two other companies, the names of which we did not learn--the Lafayette Gun Squad, each with their respective music, and the Crawfordsville Brass Band, paraded the various streets, followed by a large concourse of citizens and strangers, thence to a grove near at hand, where the various ceremonies of the occasion, as published, were consummated. 

    Dr. White, President of Wabash College, opened with prayer, in his usual efficient and effective manner--after which the band gave us a national air; followed by the reading of the Declaration of Independence. 

    Mr. McWilliams, late of Chicago--now a resident of Crawfordsville--was introduced as orator of the day. Mr. McWilliams charmed the vast assembly for a half hour, with one of the most patriotic orations we have listened to for many a day--recounting our first struggle as a nation, and the glorious results of that struggle. Mr. McWilliams was followed by Binford, of Crawfordsville, in as equally patriotic an effort, though somewhat differing in style and delivery. Both of these young gentlemen gained themselves great credit for the manner in which they handled the subject, and are an honor to their city and country.

    At the close of these proceedings, a National salute of 33 guns was fired by the Lafayette Gun Squad; Music by the band; benediction by Dr. White; when the crowd dispersed. 

    At 4 o'clock P. M. a grand parade of the Guards and Cadets came off. Capt. Blin, and 1st Lieut. Doud, of the Cadets, may well be proud of their company. It is composed exclusively of collegiates, and their pareda did themselves as well as their officers great credit. The Guards, Hon. Lew Wallace, Capt. Vance, Elliston and Brown, lieutenants, were equipped on this parade in Zouave drill. This company has no superior - if its equal - is the State of Indiana. It is one of the best drilled companies we ever saw. The various maneuvers of this drill did great credit to the company and officers and gave entire satisfaction to the vast concourse assembled to witness it. The Lafayette Gun Squad received encomiums and praise from all lips for their fine appearance, and the prompt and efficient manner in which they discharged the duties assigned them by the officers of the day.

    In the evening two large balloons (paper) were sent up, to the evident satisfaction of a large concourse of ladies and gentlemen -- not including one thousand boys and girls.

    The day's entertainment closed with a grand Military Ball, in which the bon ton of the city was gracefully represented by fair ladies and social gentlemen. Our assertion last week that the citizens of Crawfordsville were a generous and hospitable people proved correct. We shall long remember this celebration as one of the refreshing oases in our life's history, and shall ever remember the attention received from captains Wallace and Blin, and lieutenants Vance Elliston and Dodd.

    May this be but as the first of many glorious and patriotic "Fourths" enjoyed by the good people of Montgomery County.

    We have only time to give this short notice of the celebration. We may revert to it again at another time.

    

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