The Daily Bulletin 5/17/1859 p.3

(some material edited for clarity)

CELEBRATION

20th May, 1859. – The HORNETS NEST RIFLEMEN having made arrangements for celebrating the 84th Anniversary of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, propose for the occasion the following PROGRAMME:

ORDER OF THE DAY:

At Sunrise, a Federal Salute of 12 Guns will be fired, and the National Flag displayed, at the PUBLIC SQUARE.

At 9 ¼ o’clock, the Visiting Military Companies will be received at the DEPOT.

ORDER OF BATTALION:

Rowan Artillery

Rowan Rifle Guard

Iredell Blues

Hornets Nest Riflemen

The Battalion will march through Second street to Tryon street, up Tryon street to College, thence back to Trade street, through Trade to BLAKE SPRING, where THE TARGET EXERCISE will take place, to be participated in by all of the companies. After which the Companies will return through Trade street to F street, thence back to PUBLIC SQUARE, where MEDALS WILL BE PRESENTED to the best shot in each Company. The Companies will then be escorted to their Head-Quarters.

At 3 ½ o’clock, the Battalion will be again formed and march to the MANSION HOUSE and CHARLOTTE HOTEL, to partake of DINNER.

A FLAG WILL BE PRESENTED to the Hornets Nest Riflemen BY THE LADIES OF CHARLOTTE.

At 9 ½ o’clock, P. M., there will be a MILITARY PARTY, Given Complimentary to the Visiting Companies, at the MANSION HOUSE.