A manuscript note on the last page states: “This oration was written for July 4, 1844 & for which I received the second prize, a silver medal from the Young Men’s Association of the City of Utica – It was not delivered – M. M. Jones. Delivered with the amendments in red ink at Hampton July 4, 1845”

Fourth of July Oration written by Jones a young man from the Utica New York area is fairly typical in its patriotic effusions of similar productions of this genre a staple of Fourth of July Celebrations during the 19^th century. Many of them were printed in pamphlet form, this one was apparently never printed or published. Below is a quote from Jones’ address which resonates today:

“It is not in a splendid government, supported by powerful monopolies and aristocratical establishments that the people will find happiness or their liberties protection, but in a plain system void of pomp, protecting all and granting favors to none” …”