WASHINGTON'S ENTRANCE INTO PORTSMOUTH.
Reading edition
Behold, he comes! Columbia's pride, And nature's boast—her favorite son; Of valor, wisdom, truth, well tried— Hail, matchless Washington. Let old and young, let rich and poor, Their voices raise, to sing his praise, And bid him welcome, o'er and o'er. This, this is he, by Heaven designed, The pride and wonder of mankind. United then your voices raise, And all united sing his praise. Let strains harmonious rend the air; For see, the godlike hero's here! Thrice hail, Columbia's favorite son; Thrice welcome, matchless Washington. J.M. Sewall.
Ten Female and Thirty-two Male Figures.
"Saturday, 31st Oct.
"Left Newburyport a little after eight o'clock, (first breakfasting with Mr. Dalton,) and to avoid a wider ferry, more inconvenient boats, and a piece of heavy sand, we crossed the river at Salisbury, two miles above, and in three miles came to the line which divides the State of Massachusetts from that of New Hampshire. Here I took leave of Mr. Dalton and many other private gentlemen, also of General Titcomb, who had met me on the line between Middlesex and Essex counties, corps of light horse, and many officers of militia, and was received by the president of the State of New Hampshire, the vice president, some of the council, Messrs. Langdon and Wingate of the Senate, Colonel Parker, marshal of the state, and many other respectable characters, besides several troops of well-clothed horse, in handsome uniforms, and many officers of the militia, also in handsome white and red uniforms of the manufacture of the state. With this cavalcade we proceeded, and arrived before three o'clock at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where we were received with every token of respect and appearance of cordiality, under a discharge of artillery. The streets, doors, and windows were thronged with the populace. Alighting at the town house, odes were sung and played in honor of the president."—Washington's Private Diary.
"A visit from a person so distinguished and beloved, had he come without the insignia of office, would have created no little enthusiasm; but a visit from its president, when the young republic had been organized scarcely half a year, occasioned to the community a thrill of ecstasy which vibrated through every heart—an outburst of joy due from a grateful populace to one to whose skill and superior virtues they owed their happiness. There was a mixture of novelty, of joy, of patriotic enthusiasm, felt by every heart. A committee of twelve was appointed in town-meeting to superintend the reception. The president left his carriage at Greenland, at the residence of Colonel Tobias Lear, and mounted his favorite white horse; he was there met by Colonel Wentworth's troop, and on Portsmouth plains the president was saluted by Major General Cilly, and other officers in attendance. From the west end of the State House, on both sides of Congress Street, and into Middle Street, the citizens and military were arranged in lines, and on the east side of the parade ground were the children of the schools, dressed appropriately for the occasion. The president at the entrance received a federal salute from the three companies of artillery under Colonel Hackett. The streets through which he passed were lined with citizens; the bells rang a joyful peal, and repeated shouts from grateful thousands hailed him welcome to the metropolis of New Hampshire."—Brewster's Rambles.
This national tableau contains forty-two figures: Washington, sixteen soldiers, ten young ladies, six citizens, and nine school children. The number can be made less if there is not sufficient room on the stage. The stage scenery consists of the following articles: A fac-simile of the white horse, which is to be made in the following manner: With a tape measure and rule take the dimensions of a small-sized horse; let your carpenter make a skeleton horse according to your dimensions, of wood, as strong and light as possible; then take curled hair or hay and fill out the frame so that it will look symmetrical, using twine to bind on the material used. It will be a good plan to have an engraving of a horse to look at, so that you will more easily arrive at the proportions of the body. The right foot of the horse must be raised. After you have satisfied yourself in regard to the form of the animal, take cheap cotton cloth and sew over all parts of his body. Cover this with three coats of white paint, and sprinkle slightly with black. The eyes can be imitated by using the bottom of a small black glass bottle; the ears should be made of leather; the mouth and nostrils can be painted; make the mane and tail of flax or hemp. Insert the feet into a heavy plank, and decorate him with a showy military saddle and bridle. A triumphal arch, made in three parts, of wood, covered with green cambric, and decorated with flowers, will also be wanted.
Washington's costume consists of a black velvet continental coat, buff vest, white hose, shoes, knee and shoe buckles, white cravat, ruffled bosom, black chapeau, sash, epaulets, side arms, and white wig. The military are dressed in blue coats trimmed with buff, white pants, chapeau, cross and waist belts, swords and muskets; officers in as showy uniforms as can be procured. The ladies should be of various sizes, and costumed in white dress, red sash, and wreaths of myrtle on the head; each should hold a garland, bouquet, or small basket of flowers. Citizens' costume consists of black coat and breeches, light vest, chapeau, white hose, shoe and knee buckles; children in dark jackets, white pants, dark caps, with a wreath of evergreen worn over the shoulders. Washington is seated on his horse, the left hand grasping the reins and whip, while the right holds his chapeau. He leans forward slightly, and is looking to the ladies, who are strewing his path with flowers. His face is lighted with smiles of pleasure as he beholds the crowds of delighted people who are seen on every side. On each side of the horse, and in the foreground, the young ladies are placed. They are in kneeling positions, and extend their flowers towards Washington; their faces are turned upward, and are suffused with smiles. The military are placed on the extreme right and left of the stage, the head of each platoon commencing at the front of the stage, and extending into the background. As they recede in the distance they must have a higher position, so that every one will be seen. They should turn the head a trifle towards the audience, and present arms. The citizens, placed on raised platforms, take positions behind the horse. They hold their hats in the left hand, and look at Washington. The children stand in a line in the background of the picture. They must be placed on high platforms, so that they may be seen distinctly. They look straight forward, with the right hand placed at the side of the cap. The triumphal arch is to be erected directly over the head of Washington; it should not be very heavy, as it is necessary to have as much of the space occupied by the characters as is possible. The horse and arch must be first brought on the stage, then the military, next Washington, and the ladies, then the children and citizens will take their positions. All the light that can be produced in front, and facing Washington, must be used. The booming of cannon, ringing of bells, and the loud hurrah of the populace should be heard in the distance. "Hail Columbia" would be the appropriate music for the piano-forte or melodeon.
