City of Alexandria; William and Mary College Quarterly, Vol. 4, No. 1, 1895 Transcribed by Kathy Merrill for the USGenWeb Archives Special Collections Project ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net *********************************************************************** City of Alexandria Kate Mason Rowland William and Mary College Quarterly Historical Magazine, Vol. 4, No. 1. (Jul., 1895), pp. 17-18. CITY OF ALEXANDRIA. BY KATE MASON ROWLAND. "ALEXANDRIA, December 1, 1761. "There was held for the first time, on St. Andrew's Day, the 'election of Lord Mayor, Aldermen and Council of this city'. The office of Recorder of Alexandria was conferred on James Lowrie, M.D. Mr. William Ramsay, 'first projector and founder of this promising city,' was invested with gold chain and medal. Upon one side was represented 'the infant state of Alexandria and its commodious harbor', with these words in the legend: ALEXANDRIA TRANSLATE, AND BENATE ASUPICE DEO and in the exergue Condita Rego Geo. II., An. Dom. 1749. The reverse has this inscription: Digmo Domno Gulielmo Ramsay Romulo Alexan- driae Urbisq Patri Consuli Primo Bene Merente An. Dom. 1761. "The election being ended, the Lord Mayor, aldermen, and common council, preceded by officers of state, sword and mace bearers, etc., and accompanied by many gentlemen of the town and country, made a grand procession to different quarters of the city with drums, trumpets, a band of music, and colors flying. The company wore blue sashes with crosses, in compliment to the day, and, upon the whole, made a splendid appearance. Crowds of specta- Page 18. tors followed, many on horseback, and several were got on tops of houses. Loud acclamations resounded from every mouth, and a general joy sparkled in every face. The shipping in the harbour displayed their flags and streamers, and continued firing guns the whole afternoon. A very elegant entertainment was prepared at the Coffee House, where the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Coun- cil dined. In the evening a ball was given by the Scotch gentlemen, at which a numerous and brilliant company of ladies danced. The night concluded with bonfires, illuminations, and other demonstrations of joy." Maryland Gazette, Decemb., 1761.