The French Revolution was celebrated in Carlisle on July 14, 1792. The following description of the event appeared in the July 18 issue of The Carlisle Gazette and the Western Repository of Knowledge.
“Saturday last, being the anniversary of the ever memorable French Revolution, the day was commemorated by a respectable number of citizens of this borough and its vicinity, friends to that grand event. In the afternoon they assembled at Mr. Robert Gibson’s Farm, on a beautiful lawn near the margin of Letort Spring, where, under a pleasing shade, after spending some time in friendly festivity, they partook of a cold collation provided for the occasion. On this delightful spot, (resembling that on which Liberty might be presumed to have first erected her banner) the company formed a large circle, and having invited the truly venerable Mr. Robert Gibson to the chair, the following toasts were drank [sic], accompanied with three cheers and instrumental music.
1. The 14th of July 1789 and 1790.
2. The King of the French.
3. The French Nation—may it ever retain virtue to improve its excellent constitution, and valour to defend it from foreign and domestic foes.
4. The President of the United States. (9 cheers)
5. The Governor and State of Pennsylvania.
6. The Members of the French National Assembly—may they enjoy the felicity of seeing their country happy and flourishing under the operation of a free constitution and equal laws.
Twenty-one toasts were given including one to The Fair Sex all over the World “after which the celebrated song, 'O’er the vine cover’d hills and gay of France,' etc. was sung by a number of excellent voices, accompanied by instrumental music. The company dispersed with the utmost harmony and good order, fully convinced that the annual celebration of this great event would have a tendency to the promotion of general Freedom.”
An extraordinarily informative advertisement was inserted in the October 19, 1785, issue of The Carlisle Gazette by Alexander Biggs who thought very highly of his skills as a tailor and a party planner who courted the local gentry.