THIS Day was observed by the Inhabitants of RUGELEY in such a manner
as might have been expected from their known loyalty and Patriotism; it
being the Hailing of peace, (it is hoped to be a permanent one) all vied
to show their inward feelings of Joy, by by decorating and beautifying
the Streets, Homes &c, in a style that rendered the appearance of
the whole town like a beautiful Grove; Triumphal arches were erected from
one end of the Town to the other, at the distance of a few yards from
each other and of a size which admitted large Garlands and other appropriate
Ornament's to hang under them, without being in the way of coaches and
Mails as they passed. In the Horse Fair a great number of Birch Trees
were planted, and from their unabated freshness and luxuriance they had
the appearance of having grown where they were fixed, not only strangers,
but even the inhabitants took part in the delusion. The Comities anointed
to conduct the whole business had previously ordered that there should
be no illumination;
consequently the taste and patriotism of the town were displayed by suitable
Mottos, Devices &c hung upon every Arch and in front of many of many
of the Houses. At the top of the town (entering from London) a Triumphal
Arch was erected outside the lord Nelson, and 3 others farther on, were
equally ornamented. On the highest part of the Horse Fair, was an Arch
with the word "Hope" in the center, in very large letters, and
an anchor on each side, surmounted with "peace"which has very
good effect. After passing under this Arch a scene presented itself which
cannot be described to do it justice. On each side of the street for nearly
200 yards, tables were arranged to which nearly 1000 persons sat down
to dinner; towards the bottom was the wood of Birch Trees before mentioned;
on the right side of a Temple of Peace by Mr. Sargant, which had the appearance
of a beautiful Green House; the entrance into it was between marble columns
most exquisitely painted; in full view was a fine painting presenting
Peace descending upon Earth; on the outside was "Europe saved by
the exertions of England" "WELLINGTON England's Glory"
"The Policy of Wm. Pitt Triumphant" "Glory to God"
and several other Mottos; on the opposite side of the street were several
Paintings, one of which in particular attracted attention, it was a figure
of an African, as large as life, chained and in an supplicating posture
motto "Am I not a Man and a Brother?" On the Maypole which was
adorned with wreaths, was the inscription, "This pole was erected
the Day our good old King was crowned, A.D. 1761" In passing thorough
another triumphal Arch, Fresh beauties attracted the attention: three
other Arches presented themselves to view; the first had elegant Garlands,
with flags on each side, "Peace restored to Europe". The second
a splendid Crown, and G R. The Prince's Plume "Ich Dien;" the
sides of the arch bore the names of most of the great Generals and other
Officers whose deeds of glory have rendered them immortal in the annals
of Fame: a flag on the top, with " May Peace and Plenty on our nation
smile;---- And Trade for ever bless the British Isle."
Several Flags were hanging from the House from each side, with "King
& Constitution" "Wellington" "Blucher" &c.
&c. In the window of Mr. Hawkins' House, were some beautiful Transparencies,
'A Crown.' 'Plume of feathers.' an elegant painting of ' Britannia, &c.
pointing to the Heavens, from whence is descending a Dove with the Olive
Branch.' ' Bonaparte chained chained on a rock in the Isle of Elba, watched
by a Cossack' "The reward of Ambition." The third Arch was erected
on the Bridge, with flags and mottos, "Europe free"-- "England
firm" At the Town Hall there was a magnificent Triumphal Arch, with
Flags, and Inscription, "Peace and Plenty." Two other ranges
of tables were placed here, where upwards of 500 dinned; the chair at
the Head was under an elegant Arch, with "Thanks to God" on
one side, and on the other "Glory." at the bottom of this Table,
which extended into another Street, was an Arch that excited peculiar
admiration. On the side of the Hall was a Grown G R. And also a figure
of Britannia, which had a grand effect. Below was an Arch, with "BLUCHER"
And " WELLINGTON". At the bottom of the Town was another splendid
Arch, and Tables to accommodate 400 more of the Inhabitants: the chair
here was elegantly adorned; over it "Victory crowned with peace"
Over the gate leading to the REV. CHARLES INGE'S was a bow of Laurel,
under which were the following Inscriptions;--"Glory to God in the
highest, and on Earth Peace, good will towards Men"---Not unto us,
O God, but unto Three be the Glory."
THE TABLES WERE FURNISHED WITH THE FOLLOWING FARE,
Excellent Ox Beef, 1580 pounds; Bread, 47 stone; Potatoes, 1542 pounds;
Cabbages,300; Materials for Puddings, Fruit 259 pounds, Sugar 113 do.
Milk 307 quarts, eggs 1173, Butter, 26 pounds, and Nutmegs 17 ounce; and
tho' last not least,710 Gallons of ale.
Divine Service was attended by a very large Congregation, when a most
excellent Sermon was preached by the REV. CHARLES INGE. At the close of
dinner an unfortunate shower for a while dispersed the Assemblage, but
on the Atmosphere brightening up, the Company returned; appropriate Toasts
were given by the different Chair Men, which were drank with enthusiastic
Huzzas; and the Evening closed with dancing in the street, the Band being
placed on a Stage erected for the purpose.
The Festivities were resumed the next Day, by Public Dinners at the two
principal Inns, and a Ball in the Evening, which was attended by all the
Beauty and Fashion of the Town.
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