two o’clock in the afternoon
I am honored to be of service . '' He swept them another courtesy , and a little confused by the meeting the two girls thanked him , and rode on . On every hand the citizens demonstrated the importance of the happy occasion . At two o'clock in the afternoon , the President of Congress received congratulations . At night the evening was ushered in by an elegant display of fireworks while the gentlemen of Congress , the civil and military officers , and many of the principal citizens partook of a collation spread for them at the City Tavern . The first great step toward making the union permanent was taken . There were many pitfalls awaiting the young nation ere one republic could be moulded out of thirteen sovereign states .