| Citation |
VGW(HU.774.060
19 May 1774:42 (1180)
Norfolk, [Virginia] May 3. Yesterday was celebrated in this
place the anniversary of St. Tamminy, the tutelar Saint of
the American Colonies. At one o'clock a Royal salute of 21
guns, from a battery erected for the purpose, ushered in the
rejoicings of the day; and in the evening a grand
entertainment was given, at the Masons Hall, by the Sons of
the Saint, to which there was a general invitation, and the
company exceedingly numerous and brilliant, consisting of
near 400 persons. At six the Ball was opened, by one of our
worthy Burgesses, in the character of King Tamminy, properly
accoutred in the ancient habit of this country, at which
time another royal salute was given. The ladies, whose fair
bosoms on this occasion seemed more particularly animated
with a generous love of their country, indulged the company
with their presence till four in the morning, and after
their retirement, the Sons of St. Tamminy, according to the
immemorial custom of these countries, encircled their King,
and practised the ancient mysterious War Dance, so highly
descriptive of the warmest attachment and freedom of spirit.
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