Fourth of July Speech

Addresses by Women on the Fourth of July in the Early 19th Century

Sally Duane, July 4, 1798, Philadelphia
Eunice Quinby, July 4, 1805, Kennebunk, Maine
Francis Warren Fraser, July 4, 1814, New York City
Nancy Prescott, July 4, 1815, New Sharon, Maine
Jane Wade, July 5, 1819, Belleville, New Jersey
Eletia Hubball, July 4, 1821, Alexandria, Virginia
Sylvia Borden, July 4, 1822, Fall River, Massachusetts
Betsey Morse, July 4, 1825, Dover, New Hampshire
Caroline Whitney, July 4, 1826, Quincy, Massachusetts
Anstiss W. Bradford, July 4, 1830, New Boston, New Hampshire
Cecilia F. Poor, July 4, 1832, Methuen, Massachusetts
Mary Lucretia Jolliff, July 4, 1833, Norfolk, Virginia
Catharine Sinclair, July 4, 1853, California

Researched by James R. Heintze. American University, Washington, D.C.

Addresses by women were unusual in the early nineteenth-century. Even though women often received training in elocution in their formative years, speaking in a public forum was generally left to men. Occasionally, women found opportunities to speak. Presentations of flags and banners to soldiers by females gave them a chance to express their ideas regarding important issues. When women assembled on the Fourth, celebrated the day with revelry. For example, in New York on July 4, 1800, some ladies met "to celebrate, in [their] own way, the glorious and ever memorable day" and drank to their "fathers, husbands, and brothers" (American Citizen and General Advertiser, July 10, 1800). On July 4, 1819, at Mossy Spring, near Frankfort, Kentucky, "a large party of ladies met" and "seated themselves on the grass." An oration was presented by Mrs. Mead, who commented "our sex are constrained to forbear from a participation in political life . . . . We cannot be indifferent to whatever may be connected with the prosperity of our country." (Commentator [Frankfort, Ky.], 30 July 1819, 1-2).

In one rare instance, a woman (unnamed) was actually designated "orator of the day." The occasion was July 4, 1822, "at Marlborough, in Windham, in the state of Vermont." In addition to the oration, the audience also heard the Declaration of Independence read by "a number of young ladies, 'representing the confederated States of the Union'" (National Intelligencer, 23 July 1822, 3.)

Sally Duane

Standard and address presented by Sally Duane to Macpherson’s Blues on July 4, 1798, in Philadelphia.

To General Macpherson: Impelled by far more laudable considerations than a desire to distinguish myself, permit me, through you, to present to the corps, under your command, a standard, which I hope they will deem worthy their acceptance, from the motives inducing the tender, however imperfect may be the execution of the work. Although ardently attached to the state in which I was born, from habits of early affection, yet patriotism extends my best wishes to all the meritorious citizens of our nation. Thos composing your corps are among the first who, by their exemplary virtue, have entitled themselves to the gratitude of every heart warmed with the love of our common country; and from whom should they receive more sincere testimonies of our approbation than from those of our sex? On the bravery of yours, we depend for protection. We can only oppose with our prayers, or indignantly, though fruitlessly, bewail with our tears, national insults or misfortunes. By your spirit and prowess, under the protection of Heaven, you can avert or avenge them. The art in which I am receiving instruction for amusement, cannot be employed to better purpose than in endeavours to decorate the ensigns devoted to merit and to patriotism. Happy shall we all be, if the art you are now learning be acquired merely as a necessary part of the education of free citizens, determined to defend their liberties and their laws. I fervently pray the Benign Disposer of the fate of nations to avert the hard necessity of its being brought into practice. Should he permit the angel of destruction to fill up the measure of their iniquities by guiding to our peaceful shores the enemies of our happiness, and of the peace and tranquility of the world, I shall tremblingly deprecate the occasion; but I confidently anticipate a consolation under so cruel a calamity, in the glory you and the rest of my fellow citizens will achieve, when before the foes of our beloved country, this banner shall be unfurled. General Macpherson, commanding Macpherson Blues. Belmont, July 3d, 1798.

“The General’s Answer.”
Madam, The standard presented by you on the 4th of July to the corps I have the honor to command, was received by them with the strongest marks of enthusiastic sensibility. The honor you do us by considering us as among the meritorious citizens of the Union, and the reliance you are pleased to place on our firmness, demand our most grateful acknowledgements –for what can be sweeter to the heart of a soldier than the approbation of the amiable and enlightened of your sex!—and we trust that (under the protection of the God of nations) whenever the Banner, wrought by your fair hands, shall be unfurled before the enemies of the happiness here and hereafter—and believe me to be with the purist sentiments of respect and esteem, your most obedient, and humble servant, W[illiam] Macpherson. July 5th, 1798. Miss Duane.

“Offering to Patriotism,” Claypoole’s Daily American Advertiser, 10 July 1798, 2; New York Gazette,12 July 1798, 3; Spectator, 14 July 1798, 4; Newburyport Herald, 24 July 1798, 208; Connecticut Gazette, 8 August 1798, 1.

Eunice Quinby

Standand presented to the Stoudwater Light-Infantry Company, Kennebunk, Maine, July 4, 1805. After a parade by the Stoudwater Light-Infantry Company, they were joined by the Falmouth Cavalry, Capt. William Brackett, and all marched to Capt. John Quinby’s “where were assembled the ladies of the village and its vicinity, who displayed their patriotism by presenting the Light-Infantry with an elegant standard, accompanied by the following address by Miss Eunice Quinby:”

The martial ardor which actuates the Stroudwater Light Infantry, affords a pleasing satisfaction, while the celerity, with which, from a state of ignorance, it has obtained an extensive knowledge of military discipline, is matter of surprise to every beholder. You have begun the career of glory; and we trust that that honor which is the Soldiers sole reward, will amply compensate you, in whose breasts are implanted the love of liberty, of virtue and of your country, for all the toil, anxiety, and danger, to which you are liable. Ours is the land of Liberty, and of happiness; we peculiarly enjoy the blessings of peace and prosperity; but these advantages are to be preserved only by the smiles of an over ruling Providence, and the virtue and watchfulness of our citizens. On those of the military capacity we depend for protection from foreign invasion and domestic usurpation; to effect which, unremitted vigilance, patience of discipline and scorn of danger, are absolutely necessary. Being sensible that you are deeply impressed with the truth of this observation, I have the honor, in the name of the Ladies of Falmouth, to offer this standard to your protection; let it ever by the signal of Liberty; May that which is now intrusted to your heroism and magnanimity, never be deserted; may the motto which is inscribed thereon, be indelibly imprinted on all your hearts; and may that spark of ambition, which at first warmed your breasts, and which is now kindled into a flame, never, never, by extinguished.
The standard was received by Mr. Enoch Richards, who made the following reply:
With the warmest emotions of gratitude do we receive from the firtuous fair of this town, an emblem of their devotion to the cause of Libert and Independence; May this standard never be unfurled but in defence of its lovely patroness, Woman, whose external grace and infernal virtues, inspire the noblest attachment to Freedom. Without her smiles, Victory would lose its exultation—without her presence domestic retirement would have no power to charm. But excited by her zeal, fighting her cause, under her banner; what heart but must beat with the most ardent hatred of her foes? We acknowledge this present on this day, and at this time, far beyond our power to reward, or ability to express. Accept our sincere thanks, our open, unequivocal declaration, that when the good of our country shall require if, we will on the erection of this signal assemble ourselves, and there patriotically sacrifice our lives to the cause of our country and its patriotic Fair.

“Party at Maj. Webster’s,” Kennebunk Gazette, 17 July 1805, 2.

Francis Warren Fraser

In New York, to New York Independent Veteran Corps of Artillery, under command of Capt. Chapman. "At the quarters of their Captain,” Mrs. Fraser gave the following address:

Gentlemen, I congratulate you on the 38th Anniversary of American Independence—a blessing which cost you the privation, toils, and perils of a seven years arduous contest. With heartfelt pleasure do I view the warworn Veteran, claiming no exemption for age or infirmity, again draw his sword in his country’s cause. As a feeble testimony of my respect, permit me to present your honourable corps a Standard, consisting of Thirteen Stripes, the number of our Revolutionary States; Blue, predominating, is emblematic of the fidelity of our immortal Washington, and his brave comrades of the revolution; Red, indicative of that precious blood shed in obtaining our Independence; and White, studded with golden flowers, representing the blessing which accompany an honourable peace; the Pointed Cannon, in a field of white, surmounted with your appropriate motto (Pro Deo Et Patria) will forcibly remind you of the purposes and obligations of your association.
Veterans! Accept this Standard! May you always display it in your country’s cause and furl it with honour!

The Standard was received with presented arms by the corps, and a salute of music. Lt. Isaac Keeler returned the following answer:

Madam, Upon receiving from your hand this elegant Standard, permit me, in behalf of the corps to which it has been presented, most respectfully to assure you of the deep praise we entertain of the honour done us. We cordially reciprocate your gratulation [sic] on the return of this Anniversary of our National Freedom; and when we unfurl this Standard, and view its devices, so strikingly emblematic, and so happily illustrative of the great events which we this day celebrate, we confess, that we feel mingled emotions of grief and joy. We have all witnessed the benefits, and rejoiced in the blessings, which, under the auspices of a gracious Providence, the army of Washington achieved, and his Counsels secured, to our country.
A part of us accompanied our beloved General to the field of doubtful battle—Anointed by his example, we have fought with him, and bled—Cheered by his prowess, we followed him to glorious victory.
We have been destined, not only to survive our immortal chief, and most of his brave compatriots in arms, but to outlive that honourable peace, so nobly obtained by their valour, and to witness the same vanquished, but ruthless foe, again trampling upon our rights, and threatening to rob us of our hard-earned freedom. Again the blast of war has sounded in our ears; and agreeably to the motto of our association, for the defence of our religion, and sacred rights of our country, we have again drawn our swords, never to sheath them, until our rights are restored and our wrongs honourably redressed. Trusting in the God of battles, and justice of cause, and in obedience in the patriotic instructions which you have been pleased to charge us with, we rally around this Standard swear, never meanly to desert, or assign [?] it to an enemy, but with our lives.
In taking leave of you, Madam, I am directed, by the Independent Veteran Corps of Artillery, to assure you of their high sentiments of regard, and united prayers for your health and happiness.

National Advocate, 7 July 1814, 2.

Nancy Prescott

On Tuesday, 4th inst. the republicans of New Sharon and a large number from the neighboring towns, met to celebrate the anniversary of independence. About 70 ladies dressed in white uniform, presented a beautiful set of colors to the Light Infantry company commanded by Capt. Baker; the Company, ladies and a large assemblage of spectators forming a hollow square, the following address on presenting the colors was made by Miss Nancy Prescott.
"Accept, Sir, this Standard from the Ladies of New Sharon as an indication of their high respect for the New Sharon Light Infantry. Feeling at the same time the strongest assurance that this Emblem of National Honor will never be tarnished in the hands of Gentlemen who have shown such an uniform attachment to virtue and sound principles; and what is of equal consequence, to the constituted authorities of their country. I therefore congratulate you upon the peace you now possess; may you ever be mindful of the privileges you enjoy. Should an offensive war be waged against your peace and tranquility, and you called to render a more active service to your country, may the God of Israel direct you; may he lead you valiantly to the fight, illuminate your path, conduct you through all difficulties which may be found in your way, until you shall have fully and honorably redressed your country's wrongs."
To this address Ensign Follansbee hade a short and suitable reply.

"Celebration at New Sharon," American Advocate and Kennebec Advertiser, 15 July 1815, 3.

Jane Wade

On July 5, 1819, a Fourth of July celebration in Belleville, New Jersey, citizens assembled in front of Capt. Ezekiel Wade's establishment. A group of young ladies were there dressed in white, to present a flag to Capt. Dow's Company of Belleville Washington Volunteers. Miss Jane Wade, escorted by two other ladies, unfurled the banner and presented it to Capt. Dow. Wade spoke on the occasion:

Sir--In behalf of the young ladies of Belleville, I have the honor to present to you for the use of your Company of Belleville Washington Volunteers, a Standard of Colours. These you will please to accept as an expression of their high satisfaction in noticing the expeditious manner in which this corps have been organized, and the martial appearance which they exhibit; and they cannot but indulge the hope that in the defence and support of this Standard, the Belleville Washington Volunteers will be influenced by the same spirit of magnanimity and heroism which so highly distinguished the illustrious Chief, whose name they have assumed.
Capt. Dow, on receiving the Standard, replied:
Miss--The young ladies of Belleville have done me and the Company under my command, signal honor by their polite attention on this occasion. And I accept with grateful emotions the elegant Standard of Colours presented by them for the use of the Belleville Washington Volunteers, as an expression of the laudable spirit they entertain for military improvement. Such an instance of female patriotism cannot fail to inspire the Belleville Washington Volunteers with a noble ambition to display and maintain this emblem of our national rights, with a special regard to the illustrious examples of the celebrated Chief whose name we have the honor to bear.

"Anniversary Celebration," Centinel of Freedom,20 July 1819, 2.

Eletia Hubball

On July 4, 1821, in Alexandria, Virginia, Eletia Hubball, "a young lady who had been elected by her associates to present the standard, made her appearance, accompanied by six of her female friends, and bearing the most beautiful flag we have seen for many days." The women presented the flag to the Company of Light Infantry, commanded by Capt. Nicholas Blasdell, at a "place appointed for the ceremony," but probably near the market square. Miss Hubball "was received with 'presented arms,' and an enlivening air from the band." She then responded with the following:

Citizen Soldiers,
You have associated in celebrating the birth day of your independence. In compliance with a request of my female associates, I am about to present you a standard in manifestation of our confidence, & as a tribute of respect to the company of Independent Volunteers. Though the order of society, our daily habits and physical powers, restrict us to less active duties and forbid us a participation in your social, and convivial pleasures, and manly exercises of the day; yet we feel with you a glow of satisfaction. To us as to you, it recalls to our mental view events which inspire us with veneration for the memories of our Fathers of the Revolution, & excite in us, a lively interest for the honor of our common country. May this day be ever dear to the descendants of free men: Our fathers dared to will to be free, and were free: may their sons ever will it. Our motives in addressing you on this occasion are not to excite in you a sense of noble daring, or a just appreciation of your rights as freemen. The songs of freemen want no incentives to action: Liberty and honor are inate principles, fostered by paternal care. They have nobly will'd and bravely dared. The historic page records the noble achievements, and gallant actions in their country's cause; on the ocean and on the land their prowess stands pre-eminent; the haughty foe has struck his proud flag to our brave and hardy tars, and bent his proud crest to the strong arm of your brothers in arms. From pole to pole, the goddess of liberty has proclaimed the merited applause of her sons.
The sons of freedom assuming the manly and dignified attitude of Citizen Soldiers, and emulating each other in the acquirements of military discipline, to enable them in the hour of danger to defend their country, maintain their liberty and protect us from licentious and daring invaders, must ever possess in our hearts an influence superior to the ordinary impressions created by social intercourse. Receive then your flag, and defend it worthy of yourselves and fathers, and we fervently trust that in your pursuit of discipline and military glory, it will never by tarnished with vice or immorality prove to the world that morality and virtue are the concomitants of the Citizen Soldier. Should the tocsin of war be again sounded, and our happy country be invaded by the enemies of liberty, while you bravely march to chide them for their presumption we will offer up to the god of battles our prayers for your protection, relying, that you will ever hold in dear remembrance, your motto, "Columbia, Fortitude and Freedom."

(Alexandria Gazette, 7 July 1821, 2)

Sylvia Borden

At Fall River, Mass. On July 4, 1822, Miss Sylvia Borden presented an “elegant standard” purchased by the “ladies of the village” to Ensign Thomas D. Chaloner, on behalf of the Fall River Light Infantry. The event took place in front of Col. Durfee’s Hotel. Her speech follows:

Gentlemen of the Fall River Infantry, On the day an altar was erected to liberty in this Western Hemisphere; and the blessings of Heaven hallowed the offering. May the same principles, which, in your fathers, produced our Independence, long exist in you, to defend it.” “Ensign Chaloner, The ladies of this village have the honor to present, through you, this Standard to the Fall-River Light Infantry. Accept it, sir, as a pledge of their esteem, both for your virtues and your valor—Happy, if they can furnish one motive to the brave, or contribute one ray to the glow of patriotic ardor which this day enkindles. Should our country again be invaded, and you called upon to unfurl this banner in defence of its liberties, we are confident you will preserve it untarnished and pure. You will yield to none but the hand of time, to whose alone, it can be gracefully surrendered. The temples of your God, the tombs of your fathers, and the firesides of your families, your virtues as citizens, and your courage as soldiers, will gallantly defend. But may the courage on which we so confidently rely, glow only in your bosoms—may the sound of war and the clash of arms never call it into action; and the peace and liberty of our country, like the smooth surface of the ocean, appear still more sublime, when we know her greatness in the tempest.

Answer by Ensign Thomas D. Chaloner.

Madam, This elegant standard presented by you, I receive as a pledge of genuine patriotism—Permit me, in behalf of the officers and soldiers of the Fall-River Light Infantry, to express to you and the patriotic ladies of our village, the liveliest emotions of gratitude for this testimony of their liberality in presenting us this emblem of national glory—We hope, madam, that our country may remain in peace—but should we ever be called to unfurl this martial trophy in defence of our liberties, it will ever be the rallying point of victory, and never be surrendered to the enemies of our country. The tender solicitude of its fair donors, is alone sufficient to rouse the soldier to Independence—and the recollection that he receives this waving banner, consecrated by beauty, on the birth day of his country’s freedom, will inspire his breast with the true spirit of patriotism, and animate us to follow the examples of those heroes, who in this land of our fathers planted the tree of Liberty.

Rhode-Island Republican, 17 July 1822, 2.

Betsey Morse

Dover, (N.H.) July 5. Artillery Company. Yesterday, being the birth day of our nation, a great collection of people assembled in this town to witness the ceremony of presentation of a Standard to the Artillery Company under the command of Capt. Young. The standard is exquisitely beautiful, and is the gift of the young ladies employed in the Dover Manufacturing Establishment, who generally attended in uniform dresses to witness the ceremony. The company being drawn up in front of Mrs. Melcher's house, Miss Betsey Morse advanced with the standard in her hand, and presented it with a neat and appropriate address to the ensign. The gallant officer on receiving the standard made a handsome reply to the address.

Essex Register,11 July 1825, 3.

Caroline Whitney

At Quincy, Massachusetts, “the Quincy Light Infantry, under Captain Groves, paraded to receive an elegant standard given by the ladies of Quincy, which was presented by Miss Caroline Whitney with an appropriate address, to which a suitable answer was returned by Mr. Gay the Ensign of the company. As the standard was unfurled, we were pleased with the great appropriateness of its design and the skill of its execution; both of which we understood were the efforts of Mr. Swett of the firm of Penniman & Swett. On one side were the national emblems, and on the reverse, a figure of Minerva, with the busts of the venerable Es-President and his distinguished son; and in the back ground an accurate representation of the mansion of the Ex-President ; over the whole was spread this motto—“Palmam qui meruit ferat.” Essex Register, 24 July 1826, 2.

Anstiss W. Bradford

A flag presentation at New Boston, New Hampshire, on July 4, 1830, included "about 90 young ladies under the direction of Pearly Dodge and Waterman Burr." At the town square, "a new and elegant Standard (a present from the ladies of New-Boston to the Company of Artillery)" was presented in a ceremony. Miss Anstiss W. Bradford "in behalf of the company of ladies made the following address":

Sir,--While the sons of our great and happy Republic are reminded by the return of another, anniversary of her Independence, of the unequalled blessings which Divine Priovidence has bestowed on their country, her daughters are not insensible to those distinguished favors. Nor are they ignorant of the great importance of an intelligent, virtuous and patriotic Militia, as a mean of preserving the privileges instrumentally obtained by the wisdom of our progenitors in council, and their valor in the field of battle. Actuated by these sentiments, the Ladies in New-Boston, wish on this occasion, to give a substantial token of their attachment to the interests of their country. They have accordingly directed me to request you, Sir, as the representative of the Company of Matross, here assembled, to accept this Standard. Permit me to express their confident expectation, that should the threatened liberties of our Republic call you to their defence, you will promptly rally around this banner, and display that courage, magnanimity and perseverance that will do honor to your flag.

“To which Lieut. Sumner L. Cristy responded in the following manner:"

Madam,--In behalf of the Military Corps which I have the honor on this occasion to represent, I accept with emotions of gratitude this valuable and elegant Standard, which you have presented in the name of the generous donors. I reciprocate your patriotic sentiments on the happiness and prosperity of our beloved Republic. In peace we will preserve these colors as a precious memorial of your generosity.—Should the destinies of our country call us into actual service for her defence, we will rally round this standard, nor will we desert it, while a fragment remains to tell our enemies, that we bear the banner and spirit of freemen. In this last resort for the protection of our civil liberties more precious than life, we shall not be unmoved by the remembrance that the flag which we support, was the gift of the ladies of New-Boston.

(Farmers' Cabinet, 10 July 1830, 3; "American Independence," New Hampshire Patriot and State Gazette, 19 July 1830, 2.)

Cecilia F. Poor

Another flag presentation occurred in Methuen, Massachusetts, on July 4, 1832, when a group of females presented a standard to the Methuen Light Infantry. Miss Cecilia F. Poor was chosen among the 65 women present to give the address:

Citizen soldiers: We are assembled together on this day to commemorate the birth of our national independence--a day of jubilee--to celebrate with joy the emanicipation of our country from the yoke of bondage and oppression. Dear to the recollection of every son and daughter of America, is that period when the master spirits of our revolution proclaimed to the nations of the earth, that we "were and of right ought to be free and independent."
We hail with pleasure the return of this our natal day sacred to the birth of American liberty; we raise our eyes to heaven with gratitude that we are this day permitted to enjoy the high privileges for which our fathers fought and bled. And it is to you, citizen soldiers, sons of sires so noble--that our hopes are now directed to protect those rights, and that liberty purchased at a price so dear.
Reposing implicit confidence in your patriotism and integrity, permit me in behalf of the ladies of Methuen to present to you this standard--may its folds never be unfurled but in the glorious cause of liberty and freedom. Should hostile foes invade our shores, should the clarion of war echo over these now peaceful hills, may the recollection of this event inspire your hearts with patriotism, and nerve your arm to protect your homes and your fire sides. Around this banner, should your country call you to the field, make you rally, and when once the glittering steel has left its scabbard, drawn in defence of trampled rights, let it never return again to rest till success shall crown your arms with victory and the olive branch of peace return again to our peaceful vallies.

“Ensign [Charles] Currier replied as follows:"

We accept this Standard, Madam, from the Ladies of Methuen, who have selected you as the organ of this communication, with emotions of the most patriotic feelings. We are too deeply sensible of the duty we owe our country and the world to be ever found backward in the defence of those rights which our fathers secured to us with the price of blood. This Standard shall be to us ever an incentive to duty. It will remind us of those homes and firesides where female loveliness preside. Those hallowed retreats from the cares of life are more dear than life, and in their protection and comfort are our greatest felicity. Receive for yourself and those ladies who have thought us worthy of their munificence, our warmest thanks.

Essex Gazette, 14 July 1832, 3.

Mary Lucretia Jolliff

In Norfolk, Virginia, Jolliff presented a flag, painted by Mr. Crawley, on behalf of the Ladies of St. Brides, to the Rifle Patriots, commanded by Capt. William Tatem. “The presentation address was delivered in handsome style, borrowing grace and eloquence from the fair Oratress. A suitable and feeling reply was made by Capt. Tatem. Neither has been handed to us; but the standard, which is really beautiful, will (preserved with care) be a durable monument of the patriotism of its fair donors.” A print copy of the address has not been located. Richmond Enquirer, 12 July 1833, 4.

Catharine Sinclair

Another flag presentation by a woman occurred in California on July 4, 1853, when Mrs. Catharine Sinclair presented a banner, accompanied by a speech, to the First California Battalion. Mrs. Sinclair said to the militia:

I tender you this flag. It tolls of the energy and sublime courage of the men who established your independence. . . .Take it from the hands of a woman. Be true to it and to the principles it represents, and all women will bless you. Take it, not only of the flag of California, but as the flag of the Union --as the flag of Mankind!

(Daily Alta California, 6 July 1853, 2.)