progenitors of a new hospital for Lancaster — the newspapers announced that a charter had been granted on that day by the courts to the Lancaster General Hospital. Established to the extent now of having a charter and a board of directors of twenty-four leading citizens of city and county, it became

Conestoga, to express and intermingle their gratitude and joy on this day [July 4] of Jubilee for Freemen. The Governor of the Common- wealth was among the guests. Samuel Humes and Isaac Ferree were selected to preside. One hundred and eighty sat down to an excellent collation. At an early hour in the

citizens caucused to decide on a candidate for the office of Governor. 2 Both Mifflin and St. Clair held the rank of Major-General in the Con- tinental Army. Thomas Mifflin gained fame first as a eloquent orator. As Speaker of Congress in 1783 he replied to the farewell address of Washing- ton. In 1785 he

borough, on Thursday last [June 28] in good health." Six days later —on July Fourth, Governor McKean participated in the Independence program in Lancaster, the seat of government, as he had done on the same day in the previous year. The 1804 celebration in Lancaster was an elaborate all- day program and

creatures; and perhaps more than any other cause, contributed to prepare him for a too early decay.17 —Lancaster Intelligencer June 23, 1802 The democratic citizens of the borough of Lancaster are requested to meet at the house of Leonard Eicholtz on Saturday, the 3rd of July to nominate a committee for the