[excerpts]
CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM IN MARYLAND.
Held in the Hall of the Union, Cooper Institute, New York City, Nov. 28th, 1864.
The doors of the Hall were thrown open at an early hour, and by half-past 7 o’clock, p.m. – a half hour before the time for commencing the exercises – the great Hall was very respectably filled.
The back of the platform was tastefully draped with the Union colors – eight splendid flags of costly silk – and from out the folds of one flag looked the Eagle of Liberty.
The Sons and Daughters of Maryland, and, we suppose, some others, wore the trio badges, and upon them was inscribed, “Liberty Triumphant,” “November 28th, 1864,” and “Maryland is Free.”
[…]
The Chairman then introduced the Rev. Henry Highland Garnet, who delivered a feeling, eloquent address, appropriate to the occasion.
Mr. J. J. Spelman then sang, with applause, the new song, “Maryland’s Free,”
“Maryland! Maryland! beautiful Maryland!
Lying in light to the sun and the sea,
Shout from the mountain sides –
Sing where each river glides –
Thunder with ocean’s tides –
Maryland’s free,” etc.,
in place of the “Banner of the Free.”
The Chairman then introduced Mrs. Frances Ellen W. Harper, as one of the worthiest daughters of Maryland.
[article continues]