The journal of the American-Irish Historical Society, Vol. V, 1905 — John Shaqi
The journal of the American-Irish Historical Society, Vol. V, 1905Various
History
The journal of the American-Irish Historical Society, Vol. V, 1905
Various
American-Irish Historical Society -- Periodicals; Ethnology -- United States -- Periodicals; Irish Americans -- Periodicals
The evacuation of New York by the enemy was attended by many interesting
features. Preceding it, a conference took place at Dobb’s Ferry between
Washington, Governor Clinton and Sir Guy Carleton. At this conference,
it was arranged that the British were to get out of New York on the date
above mentioned. On the morning of Nov. 25, General Knox, who was of
Irish parentage, marched his men in from Harlem as far as “Bowery Lane.”
There he halted, at what is now the junction of Third Avenue and the
Bowery. The Americans remained here until about 1 p. m., as the enemy
had claimed the right of possession until noon. Before 3 p. m., Knox had
taken control of the city and of Fort George, amid the acclamations of a
great concourse. Washington located at Fraunces’ Tavern, where during
the afternoon a public dinner to the officers of the army was given by
Governor Clinton. In the evening the city was illuminated by rockets,
bonfires and other evidences of rejoicing. The British flag at Fort
George had been nailed to the staff and the latter was then made as
slippery as possible. The emblem of tyranny was soon removed, however,
and the American flag hoisted in its place.
On St. Patrick’s Day, 1784, the year following the British evacuation of
New York, a celebration took place in that city under the auspices of
the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, a society organized that year and
which is still in existence. The exercises comprised a banquet at Cape’s
Tavern. Speaking of this event, the New York _Packet and Advertiser_, of
the next day, says:
Yesterday, being the anniversary of St. Patrick, his patriotic sons
met at Cape’s Tavern, where they gave an elegant entertainment to
His Excellency the Governor, Lieut.-Governor, Chancellor, and a
number of other respectable gentlemen of this State. The day and
evening were spent in festivity and mirth, and a number of suitable
toasts were drank upon this joyful occasion. The greatest unanimity
and conviviality pervaded this numerous and jovial company, and
perhaps this great Saint was never honored with a concourse of more
generous and truly patriotic sons than this assembly afforded.
In 1785, the same organization observed St. Patrick’s Day by dining at
“The Coffee House,” conducted by Mr. Bradford, in Water Street, near
Wall Street. The society dined there again in 1786, the New York _Daily
Advertiser_ stating that “Yesterday the Society of the Friendly Sons of
St. Patrick held their anniversary meeting at the Coffee-House, where an
elegant dinner was provided by Mr. Bradford.—The company were numerous
and respectable; and the day spent with that decorum and hilarity, so
truly characteristic of this friendly society.”
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