William Schouler, A history of Massachusetts in the Civil War: Volume 1

[624] Market paraded through the principal streets of the city with a band of music. In the evening, the city was illuminated, and rockets and other fireworks added to the general joy and brilliancy of the occasion.

In Cambridge, a meeting was held in the evening, at which addresses were made by Richard H. Dana, Jr., and J. M. S. Williams, prominent citizens of Cambridge, and by George Thompson, a member of the British Parliament. At the close of the meeting, Ex-Governor Washburn, of Massachusetts, led off in hearty cheers ‘for the loyal people of the Border States.’ Cheers were also given for the ‘laboring people of Great Britain, who have stood by us in this war,’ and for the army and the old flag. The Mayor recommended, that the people generally illuminate their houses, and display the red, white, and blue, and announced that the bells of the city would be rung. The Walcott Guards under Captain Meacham marched through the principal streets, cheering for the Union and General Grant.

In Charlestown, the news was received by the ringing of the church-bells and the display of flags, and in the evening by illuminations and fireworks. At noon, four thousand workmen at the Navy Yard assembled in front of Admiral Stringham's residence, who made them a patriotic speech, which was heartily applauded. ‘Nine rousing cheers were given for General Grant and the Potomac Army.’ A national salute was fired from the Navy Yard. In the evening, a meeting was held in the First Parish Church, which was opened in a few remarks by the pastor, Rev. J. B. Miles. Then there was singing and prayer, addresses by the clergymen, and by the Mayor and others. At the conclusion, a collection was taken up for the benefit of the Christian Commission, and a large sum realized.

In Roxbury, the State Guards, Captain Edward Wyman, with a band, marched in the evening through the principal streets, accompanied by a large body of citizens. In Elliott Square there was a grand display of fireworks. The Norfolk House and many dwellings were illuminated; and, at nine o'clock in the evening, a salute of one hundred guns was fired, and the church-bells in the city were rung from nine till ten o'clock.