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K E N T U C K Y B A R B I C U E O N T H E F O U R T H O F J U L Y .
BEAR GRASS CREEK, which is one of the many beautiful streams of the
highly cultivated and happy State of Kentucky, meanders through a
deeply shaded growth of majestic beech woods, in which are interspersed
various species of walnut, oak, elm, ash, and other trees, extending on
either side of its course. The spot on which I witnessed the celebration
of an anniversary of the glorious proclamation of our independence is
situated on its banks, near the city of Louisville. The woods spread their
dense tufts towards the shores of the fair Ohio on the west, and over the
gently rising grounds to the south and east. Every open spot forming a
plantation was smiling in the luxuriance of a summer harvest.' The
farmer seemed to stand in admiration of the spectacle: the trees of his
orchards bowed their branches, as if anxious to restore to their mother
earth the fruit with which they were laden ; the flocks leisurely ruminated
as they lay on their grassy beds; and the genial warmth of the season
seemed inclined to favour their repose.
The free, single hearted Kentuckian, bold, erect, and proud of his
Virginian descent, had, as usual, made arrangements for celebrating the
day of his country's independence. The whole neighbourhood joined
with one consent. No personal invitation was required where every one
was welcomed by his neighbour, and from the governor to the guider of
the plough all met with light hearts and merry faces.
It was indeed a beautiful day ; the bright sun rode in the clear blue
heavens; the gentle breezes wafted around the odours of the gorgeous
flowers; the little birds sang their sweetest songs in the woods, and the
fluttering insects danced in the sunbeams. Columbia's sons and daughters
seemed to have grown younger that morning. For a whole week or
more, many servants and some masters had been busily engaged in clearing
an area. The undergrowth had been carefully cut down, the low
boughs lopped off, and the grass alone, verdant and gay, remained to
carpet the sylvan pavilion. Now the waggons were seen slowly moving
along under their load of provisions, which had been prepared for the
common benefit. Each denizen had freely given his ox, his ham, his
venison, his turkeys, and other fowls. Here were to be seen flaggons of
every beverage used in the country; " La belle Riviere" had opened her
KENTUCKY BARBICUE. 577
finny stores; the melons of all sorts, peaches, plums and pears, would
have sufficed to stock a market. In a word, Kentucky, the land of
abundance, had supplied a feast for her children.
A purling stream gave its waters freely, while the grateful breezes
cooled the air. Columns of smoke from the newly kindled fires rose above
the trees ; fifty cooks or more moved to and fro as they plied their trade ;
waiters of all qualities were disposing the dishes, the glasses, and the
punch-bowls, amid vases filled with rich wines. " Old Monongahela"
filled many a barrel for the crowd. And now, the roasting viands perfume
the air, and all appearances conspire to predict the speedy commencement
of a banquet such as may suit the vigorous appetite of American
woodsmen. Every steward is at his post, ready to receive the joyous
groups that at this moment begin to emerge from the dark recesses of
the woods.
Each comely fair one, clad in pure white, is seen advancing under the
protection of her sturdy lover, the neighing of their prancing steeds proclaiming
how proud they are of their burden. The youthful riders leap
from their seats, and the horses are speedily secured by twisting their
bridles round a branch. As the youth of Kentucky lightly and gaily
advanced towards the Barbicue, they resembled a procession of nymphs
and disguised divinities. Fathers and mothers smiled upon them, as they
followed the brilliant cortege. In a short time the ground was alive with
merriment. A great wooden cannon, bound with iron hoops, was now
crammed with home-made powder; fire was conveyed to it by means of a
train, and as the explosion burst forth, thousands of hearty huzzas
mingled with its echoes. From the most learned a good oration fell in
proud and gladdening words on every ear, and although it probably did
not equal the eloquence of a CLAY, an EVERETT, a WEBSTER, or a PRESTON,
it served to remind every Kentuckian present of the glorious name,
the patriotism, the courage, and the virtue, of our immortal WASHINGTON.
Fifes and drums sounded the march which had ever led him to
glory ; and as they changed to our celebrated " Yankee Doodle," the a:
again rang with acclamations.
Now the stewards invited the assembled throng to the feast. The
fair led the van, and were first placed around the tables, which groaned
under the profusion of the best productions of the country that had been
heaped upon them. On each lovely nymph attended her gay beau, v ho
in her chance or sidelong glances ever watched an opportunity of readii g
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