last two and refused the Union men a chance to be heard. These societies now became strictly partisan.
When the day arrived, each party had its parade, prayers, orations, reading of original odes, etc., and each ended the day with a dinner. That of the Union party lasted from 4:00 to 10:00 p.m., with speeches and toasts of such length and number as to testify to great devotion to the cause on the part of those who would sit through to the end.[1] No clash of arms occurred, but from this day forth party lines were most severely drawn. Even the ladies had a chance to express their party affiliations at a "soirée" given for them on July 6 by the Union party in its "Bower";[2] and the State Rights party, also recognizing the feminine influence, had an affair for its own ladies.
All over the state the customary festivities of July 4 were characterized by much party feeling. The toasts, both "regular" and "volunteer,"[3] dealt with the political situation. The Charleston celebration attracted much attention and the speeches
- ↑ Life and Times of C. G. Memminger, by H. D. Capers, has a reprint of the proceedings of the celebration by the Union party.
- ↑ The Bower was a special building 100 by 150 feet, built by the party for its celebration; see Courier, July 8, 1831.
- ↑ The regular toasts appeared on the printed program.
