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 jT-3 
 
 COMMEMORATION 
 
 ON BOAUn 
 
 (y. 
 
 1. ^. IDlail Steamer lerniaim, 
 
 LIEUT. EDWABD HIGGINS, U, S. N., COMMANDER, 
 
 ON' HER PAS!3AGE FROM 
 
 BREMEN TO NEW VORK, 
 
 JULY FOURTH, 1853. 
 
 ^\ 
 
 Publiflhei by Subscription of the Paasengeri. 
 
 ^Neto ¥oi-tv: 
 WM. C. BRYANT ct CO.. PRINTERS, 41 NASSAU, COR. LIBERTY ST. 
 
 1853. 
 
Class. 
 Book. 
 
 
COMMEMORATION 
 
 ON BOARD 
 
 ♦ C'V* 
 
 ail Steamer Icriiiaim, 
 
 LIEUT. EDWARD HIGGINS, U. S. N., COMBIANDER, 
 
 ON HER PASSAGE PROM 
 
 BREMEN TO NEW YORK, 
 
 JULY FOURTH,^ 1853. 
 
 Published by Subscription of the Passengers. 
 
 ^ W c to ¥ v ft : 
 WM. C. BRYANT <t CO., PRINTERS, 41 NASSAU, COR. LIBERTY ST. 
 
 1853. 
 

New York, July 11th, 1853. 
 Capt, Ed, Higgins, 
 
 U. S. Mail Steamer Hermann : 
 
 Dear Sir, — At a meeting of the passengers on board the steamer 
 under your command, held July the 6th, it was decided to publish a 
 pamphlet containing an account of the proceedings on the Fourth 
 of July. To us was assigned the pleasing office of conducting it 
 through the press, and of expressing to you the heartfelt thanks of all 
 on board, for your kindness and liberality both on that occasion and 
 continually during the voyage. It is difficult to express in words the 
 feelings of the heart, but accept, sir, as a small token of the remem- 
 brance in which we bear you, the dedication of this little volume — 
 worthless, but as a memento of a happy day in all our lives. None 
 who had the good fortune to be amongst us will be able to look over 
 these papers without calling to mind the exertions made by yourself 
 and officers to promote our happiness. And with this but partial per- 
 formance of our duty, wishing you, in the name both of the passengers 
 generally and also of ourselves, a long continuance in the honorable 
 station which you so nobly fill, and every joy that this life can afford, 
 
 We remain yours very truly, 
 
 Robert Tomes, 
 
 J. Howard Wainwright, 
 
 Frederick S. Stallknecht. 
 
 Committee. 
 
GENERAL ACCOUNT OF THE PROCEEDINGS. 
 
 On the eve of the 4tli of July, the Hermann behig then 11 days out 
 from Southampton, an informal meeting of the passengers was held 
 in the saloon to take into consideration how the day of our national 
 independence might most appropriately be honored. A committee 
 was appointed to confer with Captain Higgins on the subject, who 
 forthwith reported that the Captain had very readily tendered all the 
 capabilities of the ship to assist on the occasion. The meeting then 
 unanimously elected Mr. Richard Sands, whose name is a household 
 word both in the old and new world, as President of the day, and 
 appointed committees of arrangements to draw up programmes of 
 the festivities. 
 
 The passage had until that time been unusually boisterous for the 
 season. "VVe had encountered continued gales of head winds and 
 were in very great doubt lest the weather might prove too unfavor- 
 able for any demonstration. The evening before the fourth, however, 
 the sun for the first time set with a promise of a fine morrow. 
 
 At midnight, as eight bells struck, a salute from the ship's guns 
 told that the Fourth had come, and awoke the startled sleepers from 
 their berths, many of whom were in doubt whether the boiler had 
 burst, or the ship had struck on a rock. A few of the initiated as- 
 sembled in the smoking roum, and drank the health of the seventy- 
 seven years old child in a bumper of champagne. Sunrise also heard 
 the joyous voices of the cannon, and the stars and stripes were hoisted 
 at each mast-head. But the business of the day commenced at twelve 
 o'clock, as the sun passed the meridian, when a salute of thirteen guns 
 was fired in the true man-of-war style so well understood by our cap- 
 lain. All on board, first and second cabin passengers in holiday cos- 
 tume, officers and crew in uniform, assembled on the quarter-deck 
 under a beautiful canopy of flags and awnings most tastefully arranged 
 for the occasion, under the superintendance of Mr. Venus, the gallant 
 first officer. At the after end a platform had been erected, on which 
 Mr. Sands took the seat as chairman. 
 
 The ceremonies commenced by singing Hail Columbia. Then Mr. 
 A. J. Higgins, the gentlemanly purser, after a few eloquent introduc- 
 tory words, read the Declaration of Independence in such a masterly 
 manner as to carry his audience back in thought seventy-seven yeai-s 
 to the old Hall in Philadelphia. 
 
An ode written for the occasion by Mr. F. S. Stallknecht, of New 
 York, was then sung. The orator of the day, Mr. J. Howard Wain- 
 wright, was then introduced by the chairman. His address was re- 
 ceived with much applause. After a German song. Dr. Nurick, of 
 Russia, next addressed the company in German. The Chief Engineer, 
 Mr. Gallagher, then made a few well chosen remarks. Another 
 beautiful German song, the Lurlei, followed, and after a most appro- 
 priate and eloquent address in French by Mr. Ambroy, the whole 
 concluded by singing the Star Spangled Banner. 
 
 As the company were breaking up, a vote of thanks to the chair- 
 man was proposed and carried unanimously. Three cheers for the 
 day, three for the captain, and three for the crew, were given in such 
 a manner as to make the good old ship shake in every timber. At 
 sunset another salute of thirteen guns was fired, and down came the 
 flags from each mast-head. 
 
 The weather was so fine the whole day, that the decorations of the 
 quarter-deck hung undisturbed imtil evening. A ball had been ar- 
 ranged to commence at eight o'clock. The piano was hoisted on deck 
 and played by Mr. Smith, and Mr. F. Stern added his valuable services 
 as violinist. All the ship's lanterns and covered lamps were called into 
 requisition, and shed a magic subdued light over the gay scene. 
 
 During the intermission the passengers were invited on the upper 
 deck and surprised by a magnificent display of fireworks from the pad 
 die-boxes and yards, after which all the passengers, from the second 
 cabin as Avell as the first, were invited to partake of a cold collation in 
 the saloon, got up in splendid style by the obhging steward, Mr. 
 Nudemeyer, the committee of arrangements officiating as waiters. 
 The supper over, dancing was resumed, the sailors being invited aft 
 to join in the general pleasure. Two of the crew executed the Sailor's 
 Hornpipe in fine style, and accomplished ladies vied with each other 
 for the honor of a dance with " Jack." 
 
 Besides the salute from the cannon, continuous salvos from cham- 
 pagne corks were heard throughout the ship during the day and even- 
 ing — that generous wine being furnished in abundance by the captain, 
 who cannot be sufficiently praised for his untiring efforts to promote 
 good feeling and hajipiness among those around him. The remem- 
 brance of this day will long be treasured by those who had the good 
 fortune to be on board. 
 
 There were representatives of almost every nation ; but all ahke,- 
 Americans and foreigners, joined heart and hand in doing honor to 
 the occasion. 
 
PROGRAMME OF THE FESTIVITIES IN THE MORNING. 
 
 National Antliem, — Hail Columbia. 
 
 Opening Address and Declaration of Independence. 
 
 Purser Alfred J. Higgins. 
 Hail, all Hail ! Glorious Day. — Ode. F. S. Stallknecht, Esq. 
 
 Oration. J. Howard Wainwright, Esq. 
 
 German National Song. — Father Land. 
 
 Address in German. Dr. Nurick. 
 
 Address. A. E. J. Gallagher, Chief Engineer. 
 
 Lurlei. — German Song. 
 
 Address in French. Mr. Ambroy. 
 
 National Anthem. — Star Spangled Banner. 
 
 By order of the Committee of Arrangements, 
 
 J. Howard Waintvrigiit, of New York, 
 Theodore Newbartii, of Ohio, 
 W. Fell, of San Francisco, 
 M. FouLADEAUX, of Paris, 
 J. Hicks, of England. 
 
 RICHARD SANDS, Chairman. 
 
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS 
 
 To the Declaration of Independence. By Alfred J. Higgins, Esq.^ 
 
 Purser. 
 
 Why do we see around us these festive preparations ? The boom- 
 ing gun, the streaming pennon, and the glad smiles of those here as- 
 sembled, proclaim that this is no ordinary occasion. While shouts and 
 acclamations rend the air from the St. Lawrence to the Gulf of Mexico — 
 from the Atlantic to the Pacific — we, a small band, the representatives 
 of all nations, are assembled upon the decks of an American vessel to 
 celebrate the nativity of a free, a glorious, and an independent nation. 
 Such being our purpose, should anything occur not in accordance 
 with the views of any here present, allow me to hope that he or they 
 will extend to us that courtesy which from us would be expected upon 
 a similar occasion. 
 
 For more than three-quartei's of a century it has been the custom 
 to read, upon this world-renowned day, the " Declaration of Indepen- 
 dence," that testament of freedom proclaimed to the world by a band 
 of gallant patriots, who, in giving to the oppressed a haven of security, 
 severed from themselves the last protecting bond that bound them to 
 a mighty but unnatural parent. 
 
 To me, upon this day, has been allotted the honor of reading to you 
 that Declaration. 
 
 Some, perhaps, before me, reared in a distant clime, unacquainted 
 with the peculiar causes that produced this grand epoch in the history 
 of the world, may have nurtured sentiments averse to the conduct of 
 the sturdy heroes of '76 ; to such I would request to listen to the long 
 train of grievances and abuses mentioned in the declaration that I am 
 about to read, and then, to use the language therein mentioned, "let 
 facts be submitted to a candid world." To Americans, or those fami- 
 liar with the constitution of America, let me say, ponder upon the 
 truths stated in the legacy bequeathed to us upon that day the anni- 
 versary of Avhich we now celebrate, and like the signers of that pre- 
 cious document, be ever ready to pledge your lives, your fortunes, and 
 your sacred honors, in defence of the rights, the liberties, and the 
 happiness of your country. 
 
 Mr. Higgins then read the Declaration of Independence. 
 
ODE. 
 
 WRITTEN FOR THE OCCASION BT 
 
 F. S. STALLKNECHT, ESQ 
 
 Sung hy the whole Company. 
 
 (Aia — God Save the Queen.) 
 
 Hail ! All bail, glorious day ! 
 Birthday of Liberty, 
 
 Hail, glorious day ; 
 Freemen, unite and sing 
 Praise to our Heavenly King, 
 To our only Sovereign bring 
 
 Our homage due. 
 
 On many a bloody plain, 
 Strewn thick with heroes slain, 
 
 Freedom was gained. 
 Washington, Hamilton, 
 Lafayette, Jefl'erson, 
 Knew Yankees' rights and led them on 
 
 To Victory ! 
 
 Firmly they formed a State 
 No power on earth can shake — 
 
 Each man a king. 
 Proud float the stripes and stai-s ; 
 Carry yc, gallant tare. 
 To nations dwelling near and far. 
 
 Our glorious name. 
 
 Hail, then, thou chosen land ! 
 Now we approach thy strand, 
 
 America ! 
 Long may thy fame endure. 
 Long bo thy race as pure. 
 Thy vu-tue let not gold allure, 
 
 God save our land ! 
 
ORATION, 
 
 BY J. HOWARD WAINWRIGHT, ESQ. 
 
 In an old brick building which still stands in the centre of what is 
 now the third largest city of the United States, but what was then 
 little more than a small village of one of the dependencies of Great 
 Britain, seventy-seven yeai"s ago, were gathered together a band of 
 grey-haired men, debating a question of momentous importance to 
 themselves and their countrymen, and what has since proved of mo- 
 mentous importance to the world. 
 
 The war of words ran high, the pros and cons were well weighed, 
 and at last one after another rose from his seat, and with firm heart 
 and unwavering voice adopted the glorious Declaration of Independ- 
 ence ; they stamped themselves as traitors, placed the halter round 
 their own necks, to hand down to their children the rich heritage of a 
 free country and a republican form of government. 
 
 Long time they bore oppression uncomplained, 
 
 Long time, till tyranny despotic reigned, 
 
 Till they could bear no longer, and tliey prayed 
 
 Unto the God of battles for his aid . 
 
 And then they all in solemn concert swore, 
 
 Never to rest until from out their shore, 
 
 They'd cleansed the stain that o'er it like a pall 
 
 Of death and darkness hung, and till through all 
 
 The length and breadth of their loved land the rays 
 
 Of Liberty's bright sunshine drove the haze 
 
 And black cloud of oppression o'er the main, 
 
 Back to proud Albion's shores in haste again. 
 
 And as the prairie when the firebrand 
 
 Has touched its border, so o'er all the land, 
 
 When once the torch of liberty was fired. 
 
 The flames quick ran along unquenched, untired. 
 
 Then men, their country's ornament and pride. 
 
 For freedom fought and bled, for freedom died. 
 
 To cleanse Columbia of that tyrant band. 
 
 The ploughman left the plouglishare, seized the brand ; 
 
 The statesman for the gun, the pen resigned ; 
 
 And young and old, and I'icli and poor combined, 
 
 Left home and fireside for the battle-field, 
 
 Resolved to die or conquer, ne'er to yield ; 
 
 Resolved to drive the oppressor from the land: 
 
 And though but few, that brave, undaunted band 
 
 2 ^ 
 
10 
 
 O'ercame the tyrant in his strength and might, 
 And conquered, for their cause was just and right. 
 That prayer for aid was answered, they sustained, 
 By God's assistance, Independence gained. 
 And left to us, wliose proudest boast should be — 
 Our fathers died to set their country free. 
 
 High x\p aloft, in the tower of that old building a boy stood, bell- 
 rope in band ; and as they all swore that, " sink or swim, hve or die^ 
 survive or perish, they gave their hands and their hearts to this vote." 
 The glad peal rang out, echoing along o'er hill and dale, from city to 
 cit}^, from village to village, reverberating in farm-house and mill, in 
 counting-house and smithy, in the field and by the fireside, till thou- 
 sands of brave hearts echoed back that great oath of freedom, in a voice 
 so loud that it was heard on the other side of the Atlantic — that it 
 rang in the very ears of the king upon his throne. 
 
 To celebrate that glorious epoch in the world's history — to comme- 
 morate the birth of that child, which in comparison with other nations, 
 though scarce a year old, yet still has grown a giant— twenty-five millions 
 of freemen are this day rejoicing, are this day gathered together, some 
 in great cities on the Atlantic sea-board, whence day by day, and year 
 by year, proud steamers and shijis sail out upon the bosom of the 
 ocean, studding every sea, weaving a web of commerce that shall ere 
 long encircle and civilize the world, and return as we do, laden with 
 new children, for a new fatherland. In other cities, which a few years 
 ago but knew the solitary wigwam of the Indian, or the fearless step 
 of the wild deer, some on the borders of the Pacific, where California's 
 beauteous waters pour out their golden tribute ; north and south, east 
 and west, they mingle in the great shout of triumph, in the glad 
 hymn of praise. 
 
 Amid such a concourse of voices shall we alone be silent ? Though 
 there be but few amongst us who can look back to those days and call 
 those men our ftithei-s ; have we no voice in this matter ; owe we no 
 return for those glorious gifts ? Yes I for there are many of you who, 
 thouo-h you cannot call them forefathers, still can revert to such glori- 
 ous names as Lafayette, De Kalbe, Rochambeau, Kosciusko, Steuben^ 
 our aiders in the battle-field and in the council, and call them coun- 
 trymen. Nor even were our brethren of England silent in our behalf. 
 The greatest men in Parliament, as Burke and Chatham, spoke against 
 the war, and the latter halloed his defence of us in the Senate House 
 by his sublime death while advocating our cause; but the im- 
 becile king listened to the voices of his sycophantic cour- 
 
11 
 
 tiers, and lost the briglitest jewel in his diadem. This is 
 a day on which the voice of the whole world should join with Ame- 
 rica — on which the heart of every man, wherever born, to whatever 
 flag he owes allegiance, should echo with joy, should beat with glad 
 rejoicings. Seventy-seven years ago a torch was lit, whose undying 
 flame shall last for ever. Like the Teocala of the Aztec, the United 
 States is an altar on which the fire of liberty burns for aye unquenched. 
 Its cheering ray lights up the despotic darkness of the whole world. 
 The careworn pilgrim from his oppressed fatherland, comes, and is re- 
 freshed, and is at peace, within its warming influence. To Hungary, 
 to Italy, to Germany, the reflection of that bright light has extended, 
 and though extinguished for a time by the iron hand of tyrants, it 
 shall burst forth again with healthier influences, with renewed vigor. 
 
 We cannot rightly pass over this day without an allusion to our 
 " Pater Patriae " to our Washington. Though we claim him for our 
 own, he belongs to the whole woi-ld. Unlike other great men, his 
 name can never be forgotten and must be cherished by all nations, 
 but with love and reverence. Alexander is remembered as the mighty 
 warrior, who, when he had overrun almost the whole known world, 
 sighed for new worlds to conquer, then died of surfeit at a banquet. 
 Caeser, as Rome's mightiest monarch, slain by his own friends, " and 
 none so poor to do him reverence." Napoleon, as a dazzling meteor, 
 that flashed across the world's history, lighting for a time with his 
 lurid battle fires, three continents, then, shorn of all his glory, dying 
 a prisoner in a little sea-girt isle, far away from the scene of his vic- 
 tories, and his transient glory. All these and others, great as they, 
 have gone, leaving behind them no benefit to mankind brought about 
 by their efforts, no S2)iritual monuments enshrined in the hearts of 
 grateful countrymen, nothing but remembrances of desolated cities, 
 smoking villages, ravaged fields, and heaps of slain. Of Washington 
 alone can it be said that his name shall never die, for the torch of 
 liberty is a lamp that lights up his tomb, burning brighter and clearer 
 every day. 
 
 Alexander, Caisar, Napoleon, may and most likely will be forgotten, 
 but as long as a single heart in any quarter of the globe beats high 
 at the thought of country and independence, on that heart shall be 
 engraved in unftiding characters the name of Washington, it shall 
 ever be a talisman to the good, and a beacon star to succeeding gene- 
 rations in the world strife between monarchical and republican ideas, 
 till every nation, east and west, north and south, shall attain the same 
 liberty which we now enjoy, and then, when the great principle that 
 
12 
 
 " all men are born equal," shall be acknowledged by every people, bis 
 name shall be remembered as that of not alone the father of his own 
 country, but the father of liberty throughout the globe. 
 
 There are many among you who are going to the United States 
 for the first time with the purpose of residing there. Ere long you 
 will also, owe allegiance to the stare and stripes. You will also, be- 
 come members of a great and sovereign people. It is a valueless 
 privilege, a priceless gift. Ameiica opens her arms to the weary and 
 oppressed of every clime alike. She welcomes you to her bosom. 
 But do not be mistaken ; do not think she asks nothing in return. 
 No bread fruit tree grows in America to feed the lazy. There is no 
 room in the United States for the idle. If you have left home with that 
 impression, better, far better turn back. You must work, aye, and work 
 hard too, if you would succeed, and if you do this you will be certain 
 to succeed. I would also have you remember that republicanism in 
 America, is neither sanscoulottism nor socialism. 
 
 Republicanism with us, does not bare the red arm of murder, its 
 rallying cry is not " a la lanterne." In the United States it means a 
 government which recognizes every man's rights, and that among 
 them, as we have just heard in the Declaration of Independence, so 
 eloquently read, are life, Hberty, and pursuit of happiness. We elect 
 our own governors, and we obey them as an authority emanating 
 from ourselves. One word more, and I have done. When you have 
 become one with us, do not I pray you, enter into any of the sectional 
 differences which so unhappily disturb us, but remembering those 
 noble words of Daniel Webster, " know no North, no South, no East, 
 no West, nothing but your country." 
 
13 
 
 ADDRESS IN GERMAN, 
 
 RY DR. J. NURICK. 
 
 Nach einer kurzeu Einleitung ausserte Dr. Nurick im Wesentli- 
 chen folgendes : 
 
 Dieser Tag stiinde einzig in der ganzen menschlichen Geschiclite. 
 Mit Ausnahme einiger veligiosen Feiertage wird und verdient Avohl 
 kein anderer Tag von so vielen Millionen Mensclien mit so walirer, 
 inniger Begeisterung geleiert zu Averden, als der 4te Juli. Dieser Tag 
 wird nicht nur von den Amerikanern gefeiert, auch so viele hundert- 
 tausende Europiier thun es, da sie wohl wissen, dass an diesem Tao-e 
 die freieste, des Menscben wlirdigste Verfassung geschafFen wurde, so 
 rein und segensreicli wie noch keine andere. Sie, z. B., meine Mitge- 
 fahrten aus Eiiropa, die Sie hier den Befreiungstag Amerika's zum 
 ersten Mai so feierlich begehen, wie oft baben Sie im Herzen diesen 
 grossen Tag gefeiert, still in Ihrem Herzen, da Verbaltnisse und 
 Uragebungen Ibnen nicbt erlaubt baben, es ofientbch zu tbun. 
 
 Ja, es ist ein segensreicber Tag gewesen, als beute vor sieben und 
 siebenzig Jabren die Einwobner einer engbscben Colonie, entriistet 
 iiber die Ungerecbtigkeiten ibrer daraaligen Regierung, und liber- 
 zeugt, dass der Menscb von Gott frei gescbafFen wurde, um frei sein 
 irdiscbes und bimmliscbes Gliick zu scbatfen, urn frei seine o-eistio-en 
 und korperbcben Krafte zu entwickeln, iiberzeugt, dass das Grosste 
 und Edelste der Menscbbeit nur unter den erwarmenden und imraer 
 neu belebenden Strablen der Freibeitssonne entwickelt werden und 
 gut gedeiben kann, erklarten sicb diese drei MiUionen engliscber 
 Untertbanen als ein freier, unabbiingiger Staat, mit einer Verfassuno- 
 die so berrlicb eingericbtet ist, dass sie im Stande war, wabrend die- 
 ser sieben und siebenzig Jabre aus diesen drei Millionen Colonisten 
 eine grosse, macbtige Nation von iiber dreissig Millionen zu scbaffen 
 mit Reicbtbiimern und Kraften begabt, wie nocb keine andere Nation 
 auf Erden. Die Wirkung dieser Verfassung erstreckt sicb fast auf 
 alle Erdenbewobner. Denn was anders ist die Haupttriebfeder der 
 meisten europaiscben Revolutionen seit sechzig Jabren gewesen, als 
 der innige Wunscb, dieser berrlicben Verfassung etwas Aebulicbes 
 
14 
 
 auch bei sich zu schaffen, da sie ja von Jahr zu Jahr, von Tag zu Tag 
 sahen, welch' ein Segen so eine Verfassung auf ein Volk ausiibt. 
 
 Gegen den Schluss seiner frei und lebbaft vorgetragenen Rede 
 iiusserte Dr. Nurick die HofFnung, dass wir Alle, die nacli zwei bis 
 drei Tagen den Boden Amerika's zum ersten Mai betreten werden, 
 um unter dera Schutze dieser grossen Republik ebenfalls die Friicbte 
 der grossen That zu geniessen, zu deren Andenken der heutige Tag 
 so begeistert gefeiert wird ; dass wir alle durch unser edles Ilandeln 
 und unser ganzes Sein uns dieser Freiheit auch wurdig zeigen wer- 
 den. Besteht ja die Hauptgrbsse des amerikanischen Volkes nicht 
 nur darin, dass es, vor sieben iind siebenzig Jahren, am heutigen Tage 
 diese seine Freiheit in's Leben gerufen hat, sondern hauptsilchlich 
 darin, dass die Amerikaner heute, wie vor sieben und siebenzig Jah- 
 ren, dieser ihrer Freiheit noch wurdig sind, dass sie die Kraft und die 
 Tugend haben, frei zu sein. J a, meine Herren ! es gehort die hochste 
 menschliche Tugend dazu, frei sein zu konnen, frei im wahren Sinne 
 des Wortes, wie diese grosse Nation Amerika's ! 
 
15 
 
 ADDRESS IN FRENCH 
 
 BY M. AMBROSE. 
 
 Je suis teureux de pouvoir exprimer, au nom de mes compatriotes 
 ici presens et an mien, les sentimens d'admiration que nous professons 
 pour les citoyens illustres qui ont fonde I'independance de votre pays. 
 
 C'est un jour solemnel, messieurs, que celui dont nous celebrons 
 I'anniversaire : dans nos coeurs francais il eveille les plus genereux 
 souvenirs ; il fait vibrer les cordes les plus vives et les plus sympa- 
 thiques ; il remplit mon ame d'une sainte emotion — I'Ocean lui- 
 meme, hier encore si follement dechaine, le salue en maitrisant ses 
 ondes, le soleil y mele ses splendeurs : les elemens et les hommes 
 serablent se donner la main. Felicitons nous tons, messieurs, le 
 triomphe de la liberte americaine n'a pas ete seulement une page 
 sublime ajoutee par un peuple a, son histoire ; c'est, avant tout, I'une 
 des providentielles evolutions de I'humanite. A votre grandeur, elle 
 a ouvert des horizons immenses, et marque une ere nouvelle dans les 
 annales de la civilisation. Honneur done, messieurs, lionneur eternel 
 aux signataires de Facte de votre independance, et a. ce lieros, le 
 simple, le vertueux, I'incomparable Washington, qui, apres I'avoir 
 affermie de son epee, sut plus tard, dans les arts de la paix, la servir 
 avec tant de moderation, de patriotisrae et de sagesse. Ab ! sans 
 doute que des hauteurs sereines ou repose son ombre veneree, il vous 
 contemple avec amour; il anime de ses inspirations fecondes vos 
 efforts et vos travaux. Voyez comme tout prospere et sourit autoUr 
 de vous. Vos deserts se defrichent ; vos plaines se parent et s'em- 
 bellissent ; les hameaux et les cites s'elevent. Vous domptez les 
 fleuves ; vous courbez le front des montagnes ; vous effacez les dis" 
 tances, et sur toutes les mers votre banniere aux mille etoiles brave 
 les vents, la mitraille et les tempetes. 
 
 Benissez, messieurs, benissez la memoire de vos peres. Ces mer- 
 veilles qui nous eblouissent, ces biens dont vous jouissez, la renom- 
 mee, la gloire, la liberte, la fortune, sont I'oeuvre de leur courage. 
 Soyez en fiers, messieurs, et toujours pr^ts a la defendre par le fer et 
 par le feu. 
 
16 
 
 STEAMSHIP HERMANN.^BALL DANCES. 
 July 4th, 1853. 
 
 1. QUADRILLE. 4. MAZOURKA. 
 
 2. POLKA. 5. SCHOTTISCH. 
 
 3. WALTZ. C. CiALLOPADE. 
 
 INTERMISSION. 
 
 7. WALTZ. 10. SCHOTTISCH. 
 
 8. POLKA. 11. SPANISH DANCE. 
 
 9. QUADRILLE. 12. GALLOPADE. 
 
 Floor Mastku— MR. STALLKNECHT. 
 By order of the Ball Committee, 
 
 W. Fell, of Sau Francisco, 
 Julius F. Montag, of New York, 
 F. S. Stallknecht, of New York. 
 
 At twelve o'clock precisely, being the hour previously agreed upon 
 for the termination of the festivities, a strong south-westerly gale set 
 in. The order wjis given for all hands to take in the flags and 
 awning, which, by their flutterings at the moment eight bells 
 struck, gave decided signs that the tine weather had ended with our 
 holiday. The brave crew soon had the decks in their customary 
 order, and in half an hour all had retired, and the Hermann, with 
 her wonted vigor, struggled against the boisterous elements, and pur- 
 sued her trackless path towards the land of the brave and the home 
 of the free. 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
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