“I see by this paper, Strickland, that George IV. is dead; and that his Majesty King William IV. has been proclaimed. Now, I think, we must give the workmen a holiday on this memorable occasion.”
“In what manner do you intend to celebrate the day?” was my rejoinder.
“I have been thinking,” he replied, “of making a little fete, and inviting all the settlers within reach to assemble on the Button-wood Flats. We will have some refreshments served round; and if the day is fine, I have no doubt we shall enjoy ourselves much.”
Due notice having been given, upon the appointed day every-one within ten miles assembled on the Flats, dressed in their best attire; and ready to show their loyalty in any way Mr. Prior might think proper to recommend.
As soon as the squire made his appearance, he ascended a large stump; and, in a patriotic and loyal speech, informed us “that he had called this meeting to hear him proclaim his most gracious Majesty King William IV.”
He then read the proclamation, which was received with nine rounds of British cheers. Our party then formed a large circle by joining hands; and sang the national anthem, accompanied by the Goderich band, which was composed of two fiddles and a tambourine. “Rule Britannia” for our sailor-king was also played and sung—I was going to say in good style, but at all events with great loyalty and enthusiasm.
As soon as this ceremony was over, a pail of whiskey, with a tea-cup floating on the surface, was handed round, followed by another pail containing spring-water. Every person present drank his Majesty’s health; even the fair sex, on this propitious occasion, did not disdain to moisten their pretty lips with the beverage.
The eating and drinking part of the festival now commenced in earnest. We had seated ourselves on the grass, under the shade of four or five immense button-wood trees, which effectually sheltered us from the scorching rays of the sun. In the centre of the group, the union-jack of Old-England waved gracefully above our heads—
“The flag that braved a thousand years
The battle and the breeze.”
As soon as we had eaten and drunk to our satisfaction, a dance was proposed and acceded to by the party. The band struck up “The Wind Shakes the Barley:” country dances, Scotch reels, and “French fours,” were kept up with great spirit on the level turf—“All under the greenwood tree.”