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THE HIBERNIA ENGINE COMPANY.
67
3 RECEPTION AT CHARLESTOVVN.
The Hibernia Fire Engine Company of Philadelphia was received at the draw of Charles
river bridge (which forms the dividing line between the cities of Boston and Charlestown),
by a committee of Wasliingtoii Engine Company, No. 5, of Charlestown, consisting of
Benjamin Brintnall, M. F. 'Webster, B. S. Drew, B. F. Gardner, M. P. Smith, T. J.
Whittemore, J. L. Perry, under the marshalship of the foreman, Mr. Albert Chandler.
After marching through some of the principal streets, by invitation of Hon. G. Washing-
ton iVarren, President of Bunker Hill Monument Association, they were escorted to Bunker
Hill, and inspected the monument; the remains of the breast-work thrown up by Ameri-
cans on the night previous to the battle; the spot where Warren fell on the ever memorable
June 17, 1775, and also the statue of Warren erected to his memory. From thence the
guests marched through some of the principal streets, passing the house of ‘Vashington
Engine Company, on Harvard street, from which was extended numerous flags, bearing the
inscription “Welcome Hibernia, Welcome.” They then marched to Harvard Hall, where
tables were spread for two hundred persons.
The repast being concluded, Mr. CIIANDLER, foreman of Washington Engine, welcomed
the Philadelphians to Charlestown, which was responded to by Col. JAMES PAGE, President
of the Hibernia. His Honor JAMES DANA, Mayor of Charlestown, was next introduced, and
extended the freedom of the city to the Philadelphia firemen so long as they would remain.
He spoke highly of the organization of the Philadelphia department, of the introduction of
steam tire engines as a valuable auxiliary for the extinguishment of fires, and complimented
1 l the firemen of Philadelphia for their progressive spirit in introducing them. Col. PAGE
responded in an eloquent speech.
CHAS. FIELD, Esq., Councilman of the First Ward, and also a member of the Washington
, Engine Company, was next introduced, and presented to the Hibernia Company in behalf of
I the VVashington Engine Company, a beautiful engraving of “ The Father of our Country,”
handsomely framed. To this Col. PAGE also replied in a very eloquent and patriotic speech.
The time of the Hibernia. being very limited, they were obliged to retire, and were
escorted from the hall to the draw of the bridge, by the members of Washington Engine
Company, No. 5, who were well pleased with the acquaintance formed with so gentlemanly a
body of men as composed the Hibernia Fire Engine Company, No. 1, of Philadelphia.
"To assist the suffering and protect the Weak."