352 HTS rOR Y OF COHA SSE T. 



The rigors of winter prevented that activity and stir of business 

 which would have otherwise occurred on the reception of the 

 joyful news. 



On the 2 2d of February the celebration of the return of peace 

 and the anniversary of the birthday of the immortal Washington, 

 combined by previous arrangement, the inhabitants through our 

 land observed as a day of public rejoicing. 



In Cohasset, the morning was ushered in by the discharge of 

 cannon and ringing of bells. At eleven o'clock the inhabitants 

 assembled at the meeting-house, where prayers were offered and 

 a very appropriate and highly interesting address was delivered 

 by the Rev. Jacob Flint, our beloved pastor. Several pieces of 

 music prepared for the occasion, were sung by the choir. A 

 procession was then formed of the male inhabitants (except 

 boys) and marched around the Town Common to the Academy 

 Hall, where two tables the entire length of the hall were loaded 

 with every good thing which could possibly be procured. The 

 hall was tastefully decorated with evergreens and flags ; the por- 

 traits of Washington, Hancock and Adams hung in conspicuous 

 places and the hall was filled to overflowing. 



Our Reverend Pastor asked a blessing on the occasion; per- 

 fect harmony prevailed throughout. Thirteen most excellent 

 toasts had been prepared by a committee appointed for the pur- 

 pose and when the first toast was announced, a salute of thirteen 

 guns from our gun commenced and ended with the thirteenth 

 toast. Many volunteers [toasts] were then offered and the com- 

 pany dispersed highly pleased and finished the day in mutual 

 congratulations. 



In the evening a splendid ball at the hall closed the scene. 

 Thus closed the greatest festival this town has ever witnessed. 



Now commenced a new era. The implements of war were 

 laid aside and Peace, joyful Peace now animated all class of 

 citizens. 



That spring our dismantled vessels were again fitted out 

 for their voyages, as many as possible, and their industry 

 commenced the steady increase which lasted for many 

 years. 



