| Citation |
BNL.758.031
14 Dec 1758:22 (2989)
London, September 2. We hear from Penryn, in Cornwall, that
the rejoicings at that place last Wednesday se'nnight &c
night, on account of the surrender of Cape-Breton, exceeded
every thing of the kind ever seen in that part of the world,
within the memory of the oldest man living. To the
incessant ringing of bells, the illumination of windows, the
blaze of bonfires, and other usual demonstrations of joy, a
very grand apparatus of fireworks was added, at a
considerable expence, by a voluntary subscription of several
public spirited gentlemen; which, after being carried thro'
the town in solemn procession, preceded by drums beating,
fifes-playing, and colours flying, was amidst repeated
acclamations of the populace, convey'd to the King's Arms
Tavern, near the Town-Hall, and exhibited in the evening
before the door of that house, to the universal satisfaction
of all te spectators. These curious fire-works consisted of
various mines, pets d'Aigrette, rockets of several sorts,
wheels of different sizes, vertical and horizontal, mazoons,
pyramids of fire, Hercules's pillars, Roman candles, fire
sheaves, a representation of the sun in its meridian lustre,
with G.R. in the center, with several other ingenious
devices too tedious to mention, but all very excellent in
their kind. The windows of the King's Arms Tavern made a
most delightful appearance, representing the arms of Great
Britain emblazon'd in their proper colours, the arms of the
glorious King of Prussia, the British lion trampling on the
standard of France, the English colours flying on the
Castles of Cherbourg. Admiral Boscawen's ship, with the
blue flag at the main-top-mast-head, the bombardment of
Louisbourg, and the surrender of the place. These
representations were made to appear in the most natural
manner imaginable, by means of transparent paintings, as
large as the windows, finely executed, and illuminated on
the inside. The fire-works being exhibited, the company
repaired to the King's Arms Tavern to supper, where
particular marks of distinction were paid to a noble piece
of roast beef, which was ushered into the room with the beat
of the drum, musick of fifes, and other military honours,
deck'd with the arms of Great-Britain over those of France;
and being placed on a side-board, after singing The Roast
Beef of Old-England and God save Great George our King,
together with the new-composed song, called The Glorious
Twenty-sixth of July, 1758, it was dissected with a broad-
sword, and most of the gentlemen present regaled themselves
upon that dish, in honour of Old-England; the nurse of
heroes, and the land of roast beef. After supper, his
Majesty's, and several other loyal healths were drank. The
evening concluded with great unanimity and good fellowship;
In short, the whole was conducted from the beginning to the
end, in such a manner, as has done great honour to the
gentlemen concerned in the management and direction of this
affair.
THE GLORIOUS TWENTY-SIXTH OF JULY 1758.
I. Britannia's sons rejoice,
To George exalt your voice;
God save the King !
In whose auspicious reign,
Cape-Breton we regain,
And in recording strain,
Victory sing.
II. Amherst and Boscawen,
And all their British men,
Like heroes shone:
Thanks be to Patriot Pitt,
Whose penetrating wit
And wisdom, judg'd it fit
To set them on.
III. O grant, thus nobly won,
That never Cape-Breton,
Again may fall !
May British hands protect;
While British hearts direct;
And Gallic schemes detect,
God save us all.
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