July 4: Businesses to Close (The Polynesian, 1854)

Source: The Polynesian. Honolulu: Saturday, July 1 1854

By reference to the Programme and order of exercises in another column, it will be seen that great preparations are being made to celebrate the 4th in Honolulu; and for this purpose, we have been informed that it is the intention of business men generally, to close their places of business during the whole day. At this dull season of the year, we imagine nothing will be lost by such an arrangement. 

Mr. Gregg's Oration Requested (The Polynesian, 1854)

Source: The Polynesian. Honolulu: Saturday, July 15, 1854

As stated in our last, a vote was unanimously passed by the immense assembly on the 4th of July, thanking Mr. G. for his Oration, and requesting a copy for publication in the English and Hawaiian languages.

Subsequently, a Committee was named to carry out the design of the meeting, and the following correspondence will show what has been done in the matter.

The Oration is now in the hands of the Translator, and the whole will be issued in a pamphlet form, as soon as possible after the translation is completed.

HONOLULU, 6th July, 1854.

SIR, -It is our honorable duty, as a Committee by appointment, to make known to you, that the following resolution was passed by an unanimous vote, after the delivery of the Oration on the 4th inst., at the celebration of American Independence.

"RESOLVED, That the thanks of the American Residents be tendered to the Hon. David L. Gregg, for the very eloquent, patriotic and independent oration delivered this day, and that a copy of the same be requested for publication in English and Hawaiian, for gratuitous distribution."

Requesting your acceptance of the thanks tendered, the Committee would express their earnest wish that you should comply with the desire of the American residents, by furnishing us with a copy of the oration for publication.

We have the honor to remain your obedient servants,

BARNUM W. FIELD,

EDWIN O. HALL,

RICHARD COADY

HON. D.L. Gregg,
U.S. Commissioner,
&c. &c. &c., Honolulu.

__________________

REPLY OF MR. GREGG.

HONOLULU, July 8, 1854.

GENTLEMEN, - I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 6th inst., and as requested, to place in your hands for publication, a copy of the discourse pronounced by me on the late anniversary of American Independence. 

I am grateful to my countrymen for the kind manner in which they have testified their approval of my humble effort to do justice to the men and the principles of the revolution of 1776. I only claim the credit of a disposition to express and carry out, on all suitable occasions, the sentiments and policy which become an American citizen, -yielding to the "rest of mankind" a proper and considerate courtesy, but never submitting to the arrogance of those who hate our free institutions, and make it the business of their lives to misrepresent, to vilify and bring them into contempt. To such persons, whoever they may be, I profess no obligations, and for them, feel no respect. If what I thought it incumbent on me to say, places the stamp of falsehood upon their conduct, the fault is their own, -not mine. It is enough for me to enjoy your sympathy and confidence, and that of my fellow-countrymen. I ask no prouder distinction than that of an American citizen, and desire no higher earthly approval than such as comes from those who boast of the same glorious privilege.

Tendering, through you, my sincere thanks to the American residents of Honolulu, and the many who joined them on the 4th, in honoring the principles of American Independence,

I remain your obedient servant,
DAVID L. GREGG.
To Messrs. FIELD, HALL AND COADY,
Committee, &c. 

Fourth of July (The Polynesian, 1854)

Source: The Polynesian. Honolulu: Saturday, June 17, 1854

An adjourned meeting to perfect arrangements for the celebration of the approaching anniversary of American Independence, was held at the Court House on Saturday Evening last, B.F. Angel Esq., in the Chair.

Vacancies in committees were filled, and Stephen Reynolds, Esq., was selected to read the Declaration of Independence, and Hon. D.L. Gregg to deliver the Oration.

Mr. R.A.S. Wood was appointed Marshal, with directions to superintend the publication of the orders of the day.

A Public Ball is to be given at the Court House, on the Evening of the 4th of July. 

Memento of Washington and La Fayette (The Polynesian, 1854)

Source: The Polynesian. Honolulu: Saturday, July 1 1854

We learn from the Argus, that Mr. C.W. Vincent of this city has in his possession a small mahogany centre table, -an heirloom from his grandparents, on which Gen. Washington and the Marquis de La Fayette have often taken tea together during the campaign in New Jersey, in 1778. It will form a prominent feature in the procession on the 4th of July next.