The Magazine of History with Notes and Queries Vol.XX (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1915 edition. Excerpt: ... PROCEEDINGS AND ADDRESSES COMMEMORATIVE OF THE TWO HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INCORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF LEXINGTON Although this celebration was in 1913 the account was not printed until 1914, hence our delay in publishing it. The occasion was a memorable one, by only one degree less so than the Centennial anniversary of the battle, in April, 1875 (at which time, be it remembered, the last soldier of the Revolution had only been dead six years). While Patriots' Day--as April 19, 1775. is known in Massachusetts--has had many historians, it is one of Lexington's own sons who has written the best and fullest story of the day; and we take pleasure in recommending it to our readers. It is "The Battle of April 19, 1775" and the author is Mr. Frank W. Coburn, of Lexington.--Eo. FOREWORD GNGTON was incorporated on the twentieth of March, 1712, Old Style (31st March 1713 New Style), previous to which date it had been, from its first settlement, a part of Cambridge. The better to enjoy the anniversary exercises out of doors when the landscape and the weather are most beautiful in our town, the celebration was assigned to June instead of the actual date of incorporation. The weather during the three days, June eighth, ninth and tenth, was all that could be desired and the highways, byways and private grounds presented a most attractive appearance. Public and private buildings, particularly along the main avenues of travel, were attractively and lavishly decorated with colored buntings, flags and emblems. The illumination of the Common by colored electric lights and the effect of these lights upon the foliage and the Minute-Man gave to this sanctified spot the appearance of a beautiful fairy-land by night. Two thousand colored incandescent lamps...