The Governor’s Visit and the Militia’s March: July 1877 in Snohomish
Governor Perry addresses a rapt crowd on Independence Day, while local men scramble to organize volunteer companies for the Nez Perce War.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
Snohomish, Wash. — The Fourth of July was observed with great enthusiasm in this city. Governor D. P. Ferry delivered an address before a large audience at Perry’s Grove. His speech was characterized by vigorous language and powerful illustrations, eliciting frequent applause. He reviewed the nation's history from its birth to the present government, noting both merits and errors in our political progress.
The Governor and his lady attended the ball that evening, mingling with residents as if they were old friends. On the morning of the 5th, they returned to Olympia on the steamer Zephyr, carrying the gratitude of the citizens.
Meanwhile, military preparations were underway. Governor Perry has tendered the services of five hundred volunteer militia to Gen. O. O. Howard to assist in the field against the Nez Perce. Local committees are organizing volunteer companies at the Lower Athenaeum Hall on Sunday evening, July 8th, to elect officers and secure arms for immediate service.
A letter from Fort Townsend dated June 26th describes the chaotic mobilization of troops. Captain Burton’s company arrived ready to start for Idaho, while Captain Bancroft’s company had to depart via Tacoma on the same day they landed. The writer notes that despite the 'tedious garrison' life in Alaska, these soldiers felt the pride of duty. He reports that Col. Stone and Dr. Allen are holding Fort Townsend with a total strength of only eleven men, two sick and two absent, while the rest enjoy the healthy climate of the Sound.
This page captures Snohomish at a moment of dual identity: a civic hub celebrating national unity on Independence Day, while simultaneously mobilizing for frontier conflict. The tension between local leisure (the ball, the picnic) and the urgent demand for military service mirrors modern debates over community resources versus external crises.
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