When Washington Burned

Chapter 4

Ella tied her sister's straw bonnet tightly under her chin, pinching her sister's nose in jest, as they smiled widely at each other. The younger practically bouncing with joy. Picnics and parades were all she had talked about the whole of the week. Ella had listened to her ramble on about sweets since the 4th of July canons fired at dawn to announce the beginning of the holiday. Betty was certain there would be ice cream!

"There are certain to be so many tortes and other sweets! Oh and the parade!"

"Let's not forget the sermon!"

Betty groaned, "I wish I could! They draw us there promising such treats only to first bore us to tears."

Ella's laughed at her sister's assessment of the day, Ella, for one looked forward to it, but could not disagree with her little sister that for many the sermon was the dullest part of the day, and a pittance before the real celebration.

Since arriving to Washington City a few years prior they have always enjoyed the grand celebration hosted by the President and First Lady Madison. Nothing was spared. The grounds were always beautifully decorated in red, white, and blue sashes and swags, food was delightfully laid out for all to enjoy, and the fireworks at the end of the night were breathtaking! The parades the last couple of years have been a little lacking due to the war, but the local volunteer militias would still come in and march down the avenue playing military marches.

The Madisons would invite all citizens of all stations to this day of celebration, thus this was an opportunity for the people of the lower classes to experience high society, likely the only time in the year for them to do so. Ella had particularly liked these events for their inclusivity, she felt it was an essence of America. It was also a social event Betty could attend. Since Ella had few friends attending events with her sister was delightful.

Ella put on her own bonnet, a pretty straw bonnet with red, white and blue ribbon along the brim that met to tie into an intricate bow, which naturally Ella preferred untied and free. The two young ladies joined their father outside as he called for their carriage, although it was still early in the morning, the sun already felt quite hot. Ella was most thankful to be wearing a white, cotton frock.

Despite the earliness of the hour, the parade route down Pennsylvania avenue was lined full with attendants young and old. The anticipation was palpable. Children ran up and down the dirt avenue while others climbed the young trees in an attempt to get a better view as they impatiently waited for the parade to begin.

In the distance marching drums could be heard pattering and as the fifes started playing "Turkish March" an excited hush spread through the crowd.

Betty gripped Ella's hand tightly, bouncing with excitement, as many of the other children ran to take seats next to their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Rutherford had been offered a seat with the other gentry; but Betty preferred to see the parade up close as possible, and thus so did Ella.

Ella felt a swell of patriotic pride as the banner of Stars and Stripes came marching over the hill, followed by the color guard and young men on drums. Small children went running along the band in excitement. The Washington Militia followed marching in unison with their muskets resting on their shoulders. Cheers and whistles billowed in the crowd as the President and First Lady riding in a small surrey made its way through the parade waving at the crowd.

As the parade procession finished children joined behind the parade following the militia marching band down the avenue towards the President's Mansion to continue the rest of the festivities!

The parade brought such pride to people's hearts that the following sermon only added to. Bishop Witherspoon began with a prayer, and then a blessing of so many of the great leaders that had come before, President George Washington being the foremost, and then even blessing to the lower classes and the ladies. To end the sermon President Madison came out himself, though not one to give impassioned speeches, he spoke of the bravery of the first Americans who fought for the revolution and the brave men now who continue to fight to assure the United States of America remains strong in its convictions. Ella found herself cheering along with the crowd, her spirits much elevated. Then upon meeting the eyes of Mr. Dashwood, who did not seem nearly as fervent towards the speeches, she cheered more ardently.