A Frontier Fourth: Cannon, Troops, and a Ball in Steilacoom

Seldom has it been the fortune of the citizens of Steilacoom to pass the Fourth more satisfactorily. The U.S. Steamer Massachusetts, lying in our harbor, greeted the sun at his coming with a gun, which duly inaugurated the day. The people from the country began to arrive early, to unite with the town people in appropriately celebrating the ever glorious Fourth. At 10 o'clock, Gen. Harney and staff, in full uniform, landed from the U.S. steamer and took conveyance for Fort Steilacoom, accompanied by many citizens on foot, on horseback, and in carriages of every description. The customary salute for an officer of his rank was fired on the arrival of the General at the Fort. Shortly afterward, the troops were mustered and went through evolutions—interesting to citizens—under the orders of Col. Casey, in the presence of the General and staff, and then were reviewed and inspected. At meridian, a national salute of 33 guns was fired in plain style, by a detachment of troops commanded by Lieut. Connor. This closed the attractions at the Fort. Returning to town, an hour of the afternoon was passed at the church, all who could get in listening to the reading of the Declaration of Independence by Frank S. Bailey, Jr., and an appropriate and eloquent address by Rev. G. W. Sloan, before the Steilacoom Library Association. The remainder of the afternoon was passed [—], and at an early hour the company repaired to the [—] for the ball, which closed the day.