4th of July Music, 1861

[33rdaladrummer]

The Fourth of July, 1861, was patriotically celebrated in Bridgeton, the exercises taking place in a grove on West Commerce street. Paul T. Jones delivered an eloquent address, patriotic and enthusiastic in character. The Declaration of Independence was read by Morton Mills. The day opened bright and beautiful. Early in the morning the old- time drum corps. Lot Loper, fifer; Levin Bond, kettle drummer ; Eddie Crozier with the big drum, proceeded down Laurel hill to Edmund Davis' hotel, corner Laurel and Commerce, and took a position which was soon surrounded by a crowd of men and boys. The music which these veterans sent forth roused the crowd, the reveille was beat, and the spirit of '76 held high carnival. Those who looked on can never forget the appearance and enthusiasm of Lev., Lot and Eddie as they made the welkin ring with "Yankee Doodle," "Hail Columbia," "Red, White and Blue." "The Girl I Left Behind Me," and an Irish jig or two.

Historic days in Cumberland County, New Jersey, 1855-1865: political and war page 42 by Isaac T. Nichols - History - 1907 - 257 pages