Full text of "Records and papers of the New London county historical society .."

Records and Papers

OP THE

NEW LONDON COUNTY

HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

VOLUME II. 1895-1904.

PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY.

New London, Connecticut.

Press of The Day Publishing Company.

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Benjamin Stark Part II

"Master" John Owen "

The "Third Brick School House" " "

Union School House " "

E. B. Jennings, A. M " "

Bartlett High School " "

Nathan Hale Grammar School "

Leonard H. Bulkeley " "

The Bulkeley School House " "

Harriet P. Williams " "

Williams Memorial Institute " "

Hon. Charles Augustus Williams " I V

Elisha Turner " "

Governor Jonathan Trumbull " V

Hon. Richard A. Wheeler " "

Rev. John Avery "

Rev. Samuel George Willard " "

Portrait Hon. LaFayette S. Foster " "

Captain Stevens Rogers " "

Steamship Savannah " "

Frontispiece

Facing Page

116

117

120

134

135

136

138

139

140

141

Frontispiece

Facing Page

377

Frontispiece

Facing Page

474

478

484

490

493

498

INDEX.

Avery, Rev. John. Reminiscences of Ministers Meeting, (with 60 brief
biographies) 23.
Memoir, by Amos A. Browning, 479.
Benjamin, Mary Eddye. Secretary's Annual Reports, 399, 403, 407, 421.
Annual and Special Meetings, 400, 402, 405, 406, 409, 410, 415, 41S.
Blake, S. Leroy, D. D. Editor Two Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the
Settlement of New London. 187.
Oration, 277.
Browning, Amos A. The Preston Separate Church, 153.

Memoir of Rev. John Avery, 479.
Bush, Celeste E. A Letter to my great-great grandmother, Mistress Dor-
othy Lay, 470.
Champion, May Kelsey. Secretary's Annual Reports, 104, 175.

Minutes, Annual Meetings, 103, 173, 506. ,
Chew, James Lawrence. Famous Old Taverns of New London, 69.

Fact and Reminiscence, 86.
Clark, Colonel James. Memoir, by Mary Clarke Huntington, 457.
Ernesty, Frederick 0. Highways, Holdings and Landmarks in the Ancient

Town of Lyme, 462.
Fletcher, Benjamin. Sketch of, and Reception in Hartford in 1693, by

Jonathan Trumbull, 3S1.
Foster, LaFayette S. Presentation of portrait, to the Society, by Jonathan
Trumbull, 490.
Acceptance of portrait, for the Society, by Ernest E. Rogers, 492.
Gorton, Elizabeth. Secretary's Annual Reports, 508, 517.

Board of Directors' Meetings, 503, 505, 514.
Griswold, Conn. Daniel L. Phillips, 448.
Hawley, Joseph R. Address at 250th anniversary of the settlement of

New London, 291.
Harwood, P. Leroy. Minutes, Annual Meeting, 1903, 514.
Huntington, Mary Clarke. Memoir of Colonel James Clark of Lebanon,

457.
Lathrop, George Parsons. Poem — "New London," read at 250th anniversa i \

of settlement, 257.
Law, William H. Address at 250th anniversary of the settlement of New

London, 268.
Lay, Mistress Dorothy. Letter to, by Celeste E. Bush, 470.

INDEX. V

Learned, Walter. Oral inn at 250th anniversary of the settlemenl of New

London, 240.
Lyme, Highways, Eoldinga and Landmarks in. Frederick 0. Ernesty, 462.
McGinley, John. Memoir of Charles Augustus Williams, 367.

.Memoir of Benjamin Stark, 371.
Memoir of Elisha Turner from Hartford Courant, 377.
.Memories. Richard A. Wheeler, 474.
Ministers Meeting. Reminiscences, by Rev. John Avery (with 60 brief biog

raphies), 23.
New London. Early Whaling Industry, by C. A. Williams, 3.
Famous I Hd Taverns, in J. I.. < Ih-w . 69.
Euct and Reminiscence, by J. I., (hew, 86.
Historical Sketch of Schools, by Benjamin stark, 115.
Society for Trade and Commerce, l>y X. Shaw Perkins, 145.
250th Anniversary, edited by S. Leroy Blake. 187.
New London County Historical Society.

Minutes annual and special meetings. (Annual) Sept. 6, L894, 103.
Sept. 2, 1895. 173. Sept. 1. 1896, 351. Sept. 1, 1897, 397. Sept. 1,
1898, ID". Sept. I. L899, 102. Sept. 7. 1900. 406. Sept. 3, L90L,
41S. Se,,i. 9, 1902, 506. Sept. 1. 1903, 514.
(Special! Nov. L6, 1895, 176. Jan. 12. 1900. 405. Sept. IS. 1900. 409.
Jan. 26, 1901, 410. May 23, 1901, 415. Nov. 20, 1901, 503. June 4,
190:.'. :.().-,. May L3, 1903, 514. May 20, 1903, 514.
Me,. tin- in Norwich, Jan. 30, 1901, 412.
Meeting in Lyme, June 7, 1901, 416.

Secretary's reports for years ending Sept., 1894, 104. 1895, L75.
1896.353. 1897,397. 1898,399. 1899.403. 1900,407. 1901,421.
1902. 50S. 1903, 517.
Treasurer's reports for years ending Sept., 1902, 513. Sept., 1903,

522-523.
List of officers for years ending Sept., 1895, 106. 1896, 178, 355*. 1 '.to 1

423. 1902, 420. Elected Sept., 1903, 525.
List of members for years ending Sept., 1895, 107. 1896, 179, 356*.

1901, 424. 1903, 526.
List of publications, 502.
Perkins, Nathaniel Shaw. New London Society for Trade and Commerce, 145.
Phillips, Daniel L. Griswold, Conn., 448.
Piatt, 0. H. Address at 250th anniversary of the settlement of New

London, 263.
Potter, Fannie. Minutes, special meeting, Nov. 16, 1895, 176.
Publications of The New London County Historical Society. 502.
Rogers, Ernest E. Acceptance of Foster portrait, 492.
Rogers, Stevens. Sketch, by Richard B. Wall, 493.

• Date on page 355 should be Sept. 2, 1897.

VI INDEX.

Russell, Charles A. Address at 250th anniversary of the settlement of New

London, 260.
Separate Church of Preston. Amos A. Browning, 153.
Smith, Rev. George W. Address at 250th anniversary of the settlement of

New London, 298.
Stark, Benjamin. Historical Sketch of the Schools of New London, 1645-

1895, 115.

Memoir, by John McGinley, 371.
Stark, William M. Secretary's Annual Report, 353.

Minutes Annual Meeting, 351.
Trumbull, Jonathan. Joseph Trumbull, First Commissary-General of the
Continental Army, 329.

Memoir of John T. Wait, 375.

Benjamin Fletcher, and his Reception in Hartford in 1693, 381.

Jonathan Trumbull, Governor of Connecticut, 1769-1784, 431.

Presentation of Foster portrait, 490.
Trumbull, Jonathan, Governor of Connecticut. Sketch, by Jonathan Trum-
bull, 431.
Trumbull, Joseph, First Commissary-General of the Continental Army, 329.
Turner, Elisha, Memoir, from the Hartford Courant, 377.
Wait, John T. Memoir, by Jonathan Trumbull, 375.
Ware, Charles B. Treasurer's Reports, 513, 522, 523.
Wall, Richard B. Sketch of Captain Stevens Rogers, 493.
Waller, Thomas M. Address at 250th anniversary of the settlement of New

London, 270.
Wheeler, Annie E. Secretary's annual report, 397.

Minutes, annual meeting, 397.
Wheeler, Richard A. Memories, 474.

Willard, Abby G. Memoir of Rev. Samuel George Willard, 484.
Willard, Samuel G. Memoir, by Abby G. Willard, 484.
Williams, Charles Augustus. Early Whaling Industry of New London, 3.

Memoir, by John McGinley, 367.

RECORDS

Fi^FERS

NEW LONDON COUNTY

HISTORICAL SOCIETY,

Part i. Vol ii.

PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY.

New London, Connecticut.

1895.

Contents

Page.
Early Whaling Industry of New London, by C. A. Williams... 3

Reminiscences of the Ministers' Meeting, by Rev. John Avery. 23

Famous Old Taverns of New London, by James Lawrence

Chew 09

Fact and Reminiscence, by James Lawrence Chew 86

Report of Annual Meeting 103

List of Officers 100

List "of Members 107

EARLY WHALING INDUSTRY

OF NEW LONDON.

By C. A. Williams.

Read at the Annual, Meeting of the New London
County Historical Society, Sep-
tember 6th, 1894.

EARLY WHALING INDUSTRY OF NEW LONDON,

C A. WILLIAMS.

The earliest authenticated account of a whaling voyage is that
of Othen, a native of Heligoland, diocese of Drontheim, Norway,
written out by Alfred the Great in the year 890. Othen communicated
the enterprise and voyage to King Alfred himself, who preserved
it and handed it down to us in his translation of Crosius. Crosius
was a Spaniard who wrote a summary of history in the year 417.
Alfred the Great translated it and added of his own composition a
sketch of Germany, including the valuable voyages of Othen to the
North Pole, and Wolfstan to the Baltic Sea. In 875 mention is made of
the whale fishery on the French coast. The English people first
attempted whaling in 1594. Several ships were fitted from Cape
Breton. One, the Grace of Bristol, took about 800 slabs of whalebone
in St. George's Bay, where two Biscayan ships were wrecked three
years before. The claim of the English to the discovery and first prac-
tice of whaling on the coast and island of Spitzbergen stands undis-
puted. The Dutch allow that the English preceded them to the
Spitzbergen fishery by four years.

In 1598 the port of Hull fitted ships to Iceland and the North
Cape, and to Spitzbergen in 1G07, after its re-discovery by Hud-
son. In 1611 Thomas Edge, in the Marie Margaret of 1(!() tons,
and Jonas Pool, in the Elizabeth of 60 tons, whaled in the Spiiz-
bergen seas and took the first oil there. In 1614 the Dutch made
their beginning. In 1616 Edge says in his journal : " This year
it pleased God to bless their labors, and they filled all their ships
and left a surplus behind which they could not take on.''

On moving resolutions for conciliation with America, House of
Commons, March 22, 1775, Edmund Burke, in that great speech,
the most faultless of his productions, thus noticed the whaling in-
dustry of New England :

" As to the wealtb which the colonies have drawn from the sea by their fish-
eries, you had all that matter fully opened at your bar. You surely thought
those acquisitions of value, for they seemed even to excite your envy ; and yet
the spirit by which that enterprising employment has been exercised ought
rather, in my opinion, to have raised your esteem and admiration. And pray,
Sir, what in the world is equal to it? Pass by the other parts, and look at the
manner in which the people of New England have of late carried on the whale-
fishery. Whilst we follow them among the tumbling mountains of ice, and be-
hold them penetrating into the deepest frozen recesses of Hudson's Bay and
Davis's Straits ; whilst we are looking for them beneath the arctic circle, we hear
that they have pierced into the opposite region of polar cold, that they are
at the antipodes, and engaged under the frozen serpent of the South. Falk-
land Island, which seemed too remote and romantic an object for the grasp of
national ambition, is but a stage and resting-place in the progress of their victo-
rious industry. Nor is the equinoctial heat more discouraging to them than
the accumulated winter of both the poles. We know that whilst some of them
draw the line and strike the harpoon on the coast of Africa, others run the
longitude, and pursue their gigantic game along the coast of Brazil. No
sea but what is vexed by their fisheries. No climate that is not witness to
their toils. Neither the perseverance of Holland, nor the activity of France, nor
the dexterous and firm sagacity of English enterprise, ever carried this most
perilous mode of hardy industry to the extent to which it has been pushed by
this recent people, — a people who are still, as it were, but in the gristle, and
not yet hardened into the bone of manhood."

This graphic portraiture forces recognition of the character of
the industry we are to consider, and makes it evident that only
mighty hunters, sagacious and fearless men, could successfully con-
duct it. But in this commendation New London had no share.

The earliest records indicate that William Hamilton was the first
person to kill whales on the New England coast. He was born in
Scotland in 1643, and coming to ihis country in the early part of
his life, took up his residence at Cape Cod, where he was persecu-
ted by the inhabitants for killing whales, as one who dealt with
evil spirits. Whaling was afterwards carried on by a Mr. Pad-
dock, who went to Nantucket about the middle of 1680 for the pur-
pose of instructing the English in the art of whaling in boats from
the shore, which business continued good and profitable till the
year 1760, when it diminished in consequence of the scarcity of
whales.

In 1718 whales were pursued on the ocean in small sloops and
schooners of from 30 to 50 tons. The blubber was brought home and
tried or boiled in try-houses. A few years later vessels of larger
hurthen were employed, and the oil was boiled out in try-works at
sea.

In 1775 (the year of Burke's great speech) Nantucket had 150
vessels, and employed in them 2,200 men on whaling voyages, who
took anuually about 30,000 barrels of oil. These, therefore, were
the men who drew forth Burke's encomium.

In 1794 the ship Commerce, owned in Kast Haddam, I77fj
tons, licensed by Samuel Phillips Lord, sailed from New London ou a
whaling vo) age.

In 1795 (April 5) the following notice appeared in the New
London Gazette : " All parsons who wish to be interested in a
Whaling Company to be established in this place, are requested to
meet at Miner's Tavern at 4 o'clock p. m. on Monday, the 20th inst.,
to consider on the most proper means to promote said establish-
ment." Evidently* the response to this call was insufficient, as it
led to no material result.

May 4, 1708, ship Criterion, from Brazil Banks, arrived at
Sag Harbor with 1,400 barrels of oil, 14,000 pounds of bone,
and 500 sealskins, and reported as left on the " Banks," ship
Commerce, Ransou, New London, with 500 barrels of oil. July 0,
1798 (same year), the ship Commerce arrived in New London
from a cruise of fifteen months, full cargo of oil. She must
have made two voyages, but I cannot find that she appeals
again on the New London records. Probably she was withdrawn
from whaling, as was not unusual, and put into some other trade.
The next notice of the Criterion, above mentioned, is as follows :
"The Criterion, belonging to Gen. William Williams, sailed,
armed for Bilboa, from New London, September 19th, 1798 ; she,
also, having been withdrawn from whaling and put into merchant
.service."

The next effort was from Norwich. In 1799 a company was
there formed for prosecuting the sealing ami whaling business.
They fitted the following vessels, viz.: Ship Susannah and sehooner
Oneco, which sailed from New Loudon in October, 1799; the ship
Miantonomah, which sailed in April, 1800; and the ship Mars. This
energetic attempt was worthy of a better fate than fell to its lot.
The Susannah was wrecked on the Brazil Banks, and the three

other vessels were seized and confiscated by the Spanish authori-
ties at Valparaiso.

In 1805 another trial was made from New Loudon. A whaling
company was formed mainly through the efforts of Dr. S. H. P. Lee,
whose memory should be cherished as the brave physician who
was faithful to his profession and his post when others fled during
the scourge of yellow fever which prevailed here in 1198. The
company purchased and fitted the ship Dauphin, built at Pawtucket
Bridge by Capt. John Barber with special reference to the whaling
business. She sailed for the Brazil Banks, September 6, 1805, and
returned with her cargo of oil, June 14, 1806. The ship Leonidas
was then bought, and the two vessels sailed in August, 1806, and
returned in 1807 with full cargoes. The company added another
vessel to their list, the ship Lydia, and the three sailed for the coast
of Patagonia. They all returned in 1808 with good catches, but
only the Leonidas is reported as sailing again that year. Then fol-
lowed the embargo, non-intercourse, and war, and from this period
the shadows darkened until all our commerce was entirely broken up.

In 1819 Thomas VV. Williams fitted the brig Mary, Captain
Davis, for a whaling voyage; and Daniel Deshon and others fitted
the ship Carrier, Douglass, master, and the brig Mary Ann, Inglis.
They all returned the next year ; the Mary with full cargo, the
Carrier with half a cargo, the Mary Ann limping after with but 59
barrels of oil. In 1820 the brig Pizarro, Elias Coit, master, was
added, and in 1821 the brig Thames and ship Commodore Perry,
and the ship Stonington, built at Stonington. The Gazette of
September 15, 1821, thus notices her arrival : "Arrived here on
Saturday last from Stonington, the new ship Stonington, 350 tons
burden, owned by Gen. William Williams and others, intended for
a South Sea whaler. She appears to be as fine a ship as ever floated
in this harbor."

As the venture of this ship required a larger employment of cap-
ital than the earlier efforts had done, it was divided into shares of
one thirty-second each ; and the list of ownership will interest to-
day those of our citizens who can recall the names of men who
more than seventy years ago. were active and prominent in the bus-
iness of the community. In this year (1821) the Carrier and the Ston-
ing ton sailed on what was then called the long voyage, i. e., around
the Horn to the Pacific Ocean. The Carrier was absent twenty-

eight and one-half months and returned with 2,100 barrels of oil.
A detailed statement of her cruise is preserved, which is interesting
as showing the parts qf the ocean visited and the class of whales
taken. On " Chili and oft' shore ground " she took 57 whales, on
coast of Japan 58, and on the coast of California 13; a total of 128
whales, yielding less than 17 barrels of oil each by average. The
Stonington was absent about the same time and brought in about
1,550 barrels of sperm oil.

In 1822 the ship Connecticut, built at Norwich, and the ships
Ann Maria and Jones, purchased, were added to the list, and in 1824
the bark Neptune. The Carrier and the four brigs were with-
drawn about this time, and no further additions made to the fleet
until 1827, when the Chelsea was built. That year the whaling list
of the port consisted of seven ships, six fitted by Thomas W. Will-
iams, and one, the Commodore Perry, fitted by N. & W. \Y.
Billings, who were just entering the business, and who, towards
the close of the year, added two ships, the Superior and the Phoenix,
to the list. Ephraim M. Frink, about the same time, fitted the ship
Friends for the Pacific ocean. In 1828 William Williams, Jr. and Acors
Barns established a firm and fitted the ships Stonington and
Electra. In 1829 A. M. Frink fitted the ship Mentor. In 1830
Benjamin Brown entered the business, taking over the aforenamed
ships, Friends and Mentor, and fitting them for the Pacific. In
1832 the Messrs. Frink united, and formed the firm of E. M. & A.
M Frink and fitted the Palladium and Wabash. In 1832 to 1834
two ships were fitted from Norwich. In 1834 Joseph Lawrence fitted
the ship Boston. Mr. Lawrence for some years previous to this
date had been engaged in the sealing business. The firm name of
E. M. & A. M. Frink was this year (1834) changed to E. M. Frink
& Co. In 1835 Coleby Chew fitted the ship Commodore Periy. In
1836 the firm of William Williams, Jr. & Acors Barns was changed
to Williams & Barns, on the admission of Thomas W. Williams, 2d,
to the partnership. In 1837 Coleby Chew associated in business
with the Messrs. Frink, under the firm name of Frink, Chew,
&Co.

Eighteen years had passed since the business was continuously
prosecuted and now it was firmly established. Since 1 s-27 many
vessels had been added ; and the total number from this port engaged

in whaling in 1837 was 36 vessels, aggregating overl3,500 tons, with
upwards of $1,000,000 capital invested. The experiment stage was
long since passed ; and the energy and capital of New London were
seeking light, sending their ships over every sea to hunt and capture
leviathan. A race of men had been nurtured and trained in these
ships, who were daring and skillful, with keen perceptive faculties
in the pursuit of the big game. They were also able navigators and
seamen, upright and careful managers of the property entrusted
to them. They were gathered from the town or from the surround-
ing country. Naturally there was a fascination to the youthful
mind.

"And the beauty and mystery of the ships,
And the niagicof the sea "

compelled them. That often they were disillusioned for a time at
the start mattered not, because at that moment they could not re-
turn to the quiet routine of shore life, and when once their first
misgivings were over they scorned to do so. They were the heroes
of the port, and they looked to pass the grades of promotion
speedily and in due time walk the deck as master. And this,
those of them who were of the right stuff, readily did.

John P. Rice was a boat-steerer in the brig Mary in 1819, and in
1822 he sailed as master of the Pizarro. Robert B. Smith, after
two voyages, sailed as master of the brig Mary. And though these
instances were exceptional, they were sufficient to inspire every
lad who felt and believed that what had been done, he
too could do. The perils and hardships to be encountered
but stimulated their ardor and quickened their faculties. Cap-
tain Rice lived to be the senior captain of the port in date
of commission, and died, respected and honored, in 1867. Capt.
Robert B. Smith, in 1828, on his sixth voyage, was caught in the
line and dragged out of his boat and drowned, by a whale to which
he was fast ; and so, untimely, ended a brilliant career. Capt. Frank
Smith, his brother, made a record of successful whaling unsurpassed.
In seven years, from 1831 to 1837, he accomplished seven successive
voyages as master, and brought into port 17,301 barrels of oil.
Another brother, Capt. James Smith, was also eminently success-
ful, and, retiring from whaling, became a noted commander in the
packet service in the Pacific ocean, between Honolulu and San
Francisco. Geo. Benjamin, in the Clematis, went around the world

in ten mouths and twenty days, and brought home 2,548 barrels of
oil. When such deeds were to be done, and their fame was in the
air, what lad of spirit would be content to till the farm and live
the dull daily round ? The perils were great and the rewards not
certain, but at least the game was worth a trial, and the hard
work and severe discipline tempered wild youth into self-contained
and self-restrained men.

The names mentioned have been taken as illustrations because the
bearers of them had a certain individuality which made public im-
press in their day ; but there were many other worthies of their
time and of later date whose achievements were equally valuable and
interesting, but time would fail us were I to bring them to special
mention. Some of them dwell among us to this day : Captains
Green, Ward, Hempstead, Tinker, Baker, Brown, Allyn, Spicer, and
others, having won their laurels on the sea, now wear them on the
land as good citizens, upright and capable men.

It may truly be said that the industry monopolized the town.
The ships that arrived and their success, the ships that were to sail
and the hopes that went with them, were in the minds of all.
Nearly every one in the community had a personal interest ; some
one out of the family was goiug to venture the voyage, or some de-
mand was made on the special skill or craft of the workers to help
complete the outfit. The coopers, carpenters, blacksmiths, riggers,
sailmakers, caulkers, were all needed, and contributed, each in his
special line, toward the preparation. No more animated scene
could be witnessed than was usual about the wharves where ships
were outfitting and where these craftsmen were at work, whether
when the ship was "hove down," all her length of keel exposed,
her 3eams being caulked, and her bottom coppered, busy mallets
and hammers beatiug a constant tattoo; or when, that work done,
she was righted up, her "ground" tier stowed, and casks, shooks,
and provisions busily hoisted over her side to be hidden away in
" hold " or " 'tween decks," — the hard bread in casks, the flour,
beef and pork and other stores all finding a place in that cavernous
interior. The lading completed, the ship was painted, black outside
and green inside. She was hauled into the stream with all flags
and signals flying. There she lay for a day, the admiration of all
the town, the next morning to spread white wings and sail for dis-
tant seas.

At first the voyages were confined to the Brazil Banks and the
coast of Patagonia. Soon after they rounded the Horn and chased
the sperm whale in the Southern Pacific, and the right whale on the
coast of Chili, or across the wide ocean on the Japan ground.
In these long voyages the islands of the Pacific became well known
to these mariners, and served them as recruiting stations from
which to gather fresh supplies, and as places where the crews
could be allowed liberty on shore, to change the monotony of sea
life for a stretch in the ideal surroundings of cocoa palms, green
jungles, and waving grass, a paradise indeed after months of con-
fined life within wooden walls. The natives of these islands were
kindly and gentle, and readily bartered the bounties of their soil
for the wonders of hoop iron, tobacco, and bread. Some specimens
of the handiwork of those island people, brought home more than
sixty years ago, bear witness to the skill of the islander in carvings
with shell on hard wood. Years ago a most interesting col-
lection of like objects, of feather lais and robes, of shell and sea
wonders, could have been made in this town ; but such relics are
scattered far and wide, and if in existence, are in the hands,
doubtless, of people who know not whence they came or what they
illustrate. The islands are still there, but the simple life of the
native has changed, and he is as astute to-day in the traffic of
his wares as the shrewdest of the whites that visit them.

One splendid example of development for good stands out in
bold relief to-day — Hawaii, a self-governed state, led by the de-
scendants of the American missionaries, who in early days carried
the light of life to the ancestors of the present Hawaiian race
And we may recall with pleasure that Capt. John P. Rice, in the ship
Mentor, carried from this port some seven missionary souis who did
good work in those islands, and carried also the frame of the Bethel
or Seaman's Chapel, which stands at Honolulu to-day, a monument
to steadfast New London men who united practical effort for good
with their business endeavors.

The islands of Oahu and Maui, of the Hawaiian group, were
the chosen meeting places of the whalers. Here they " recruited,"
got news from home by the ships latest round the Horn, exchanged
experiences of success or failure on the cruise, before going out
again to take the season. Far down to the westward, too, on a
desert coral island (Baker's Island), these wanderers had a post box

of their own, where letters were left to be taken by the next home-
ward bound ship that might call, and where ships out from home
left letters for ships that were cruising on that ground.

Life on shipboard on such long cruises was doubtless somewhat
monotonous ; but each day brought a round of duties, and when on
the whaling ground every one was on the watch for whales. As soon
as they were sighted boats were down and all but the excitement
of the chase was forgotten.

Sometimes the prey was readily secured, but often long hours of
toil at the oar were required. When the boats were fast and the
whale was running out line, or when the final conflict came, there
was no lack of intense excitement. And when the fight was ended,
and the monster rolled over, spouting thick blood, the hunters felt
all that thrill of success that was rightfully theirs after such a
struggle. Then the big fish was taken alongside of the ship and
mane fast, head and flukes, and the process of cutting in and trying
out began.

Consider that the huge animal had to be stripped of his blubber,
that cut into small pieces, tried out in the pots set in brick-work
on the ship's deck, and the oil, as it was rendered, bailed from
these into a copper cooler, and then filled into casks. Remember
that these casks were all below the decks, but before they could be
filled, all of them in turn had to come on deck and be coopered and
stowed back before the oil was run into them. All this handling
and re-handling must be done on ship's deck at sea — no place outside
to store one lot while working on another. Then you will be able to
realize something of the puzzle of it all, and what method, as well as
madness, was needed to make a competent officer and master to
direct the whole, and deliver the monarch of the ocean, liquefied
and contained in casks, safely at the home port of the ship.

The journal of Capt. James Davis, ship Chelsea, covers the record
of the second voyage of that ship, and gives a fair epitome of life
on a whaler in those days. The ship sailed from New London,
June 19, 1831. Arrived home, September 6, 1834, (just 60 years
ago this day.) Absent 3 years, 2 months, 18 days. Her catch was
2,232 barrels sperm oil. Value, $53,568. Leaving New London
June 19, 1831, the ship touched at Flores (Azores), July 6, and at
Cape de Verde Islands, July 27, to leave letters and " make some
trade." " August 5," the record reads, "crossed the Equinoctial

line, being the eleventh time I, James Davis, have crossed the line
outward bound. Sept. 22, rounded Cape Horn, Lat. 57 degrees,
56 minutes south. Oct. 20, touched Juan Fernandez. Nov. 8,
came to anchor in Payta Bay (northernmost harbor on coast of
Peru.) Left on the 16th with a good ' recruit.' December 20, an-
chored at Galapagos Islands — stayed eight days. January 23,
1832, spoke ships Superior, Fitch ; Phoenix, Smith ; Friends, Bly-
denberg, all of New London, on off shore ground ; remained in
company some days. January 30, saw number large whales. Struck
one. Iron dropped apart in weld. It might have been as well
stack together with paste. Mr. Glasgow, maker. Three thousand
dollars lost by negligence ! April 13, came to anchor in Karaka-
koa Bay (Hawaii.) April 27, anchored at Labaina. May 7, Hono-
lulu. Left, May 9, for Japan, crossing the Pacific ocean. Whaled on
Japan ground and returned to the California coast." November of
this year, 1832, found the ship off Point Conception. Thence she pro-
ceeded to Santa Barbara ; got a good supply of wood and water,
and tolerable sujrply of potatoes. Thence to the off shore ground,
where he seems to have found whales plenty, Feb. 15, 1833, Lat.
2 degrees north, Long. 127 west. "Saw several schools cows and
calves. Killed three. Stove waist boat bad, lost one line, two irons,
two oars. March 7, spoke ship Uelvetius, New London, Brewster,
master. Secured from him some letters and some codfish and a
great deal of news from home. April 6, anchored in harbor of Oahu
(Honolulu.) May 1, ship Mentor, of New London, Rice, master,
came to anchor, with his wife, missionaries, and lumber for a meet-
ing house (Seaman's Bethel.) No oil ; had lost four boats in a
gale off Cape Horn. 1 '

Captain Davis remained in Honolulu till the 26th of May, coop-
ering oil and overhauling ship and rigging ; then sailed with a
good " recruit," thirty-four hogs, fifteen goats, potatoes, etc., again
bound for the Japan ground. On the 16th of July occurs the
following entry :

" Finished sheathing main course and bent it ; hard times ; sails
and rigging failing fast ; copper going off the bottom ; provisions
going incredible fast ; fine weather and no whales."

" August 18, spoke bark Fame, of Sidney, Edwards, master. He
informed me that there was a rising of fifty sail of vessels in the
whaling business from Sidney. September 6, latitude 31 N. longi-
tude 158 E, saw more sperm whales than I ever saw in one day

in the Pacific Ocean; going westward from 7 a. m. till 7 p. m., they
were in sight; got two. September 25, saw ten or twelve large
whales going to westward; got fast to three. Iron drawed from
one. Killed two, about seventy barrels each. Heavy squalis of
wind and rain; heavy sharp cross sea. Got one whale along side ship,
and parted two chains, small ropes, etc. Put on nine-inch ma-
nilla rope; that held the whale. Got ship near enough to the other
whale to run the lines to the ship; parted them both; tore out part
of the stern of the starboard boat trying to tow the whale. Weather
so bad and day so far spent could not think of slipping from the whale
alongside to work the ship up to the other, for fear of losing both.
Spoiled three lines hauling the whales. Cut from other whale and
bo.its came on board. Put our whole mind on the plan of saving
the whale alongside. Got ready for cutting, and lay by the whale
through the night. Weather and sea as bad in the morning as be-
fore night. Wore ship; cut the whale to leeward with great diffi-
culty. Ripping, tearing, parting work. Good luck, no man hurt;
saved the head.

" October 1, finished stowing down oil. Fore, main, and after
hatches chocked. The run and fore peak will hold about forty
barrels more. Have about 230 barrels between decks."

November 7, 1833, finds the ship again in Honolulu, where she lay
to till December 6, refitting, rigging, coopering oil, painting ship, etc.
February 28, 1834, the ship's company seems to have been visited
by la grippe. The record reads : " All hands well from the 12th
until to-day. More or less men have been taken sick with painful
gripings, pains in the head, eyes, breast, back, and hips. Only
eight men in the ship escaped. Supposed it to be occasioned by a
cask of bad water. Cleaned out the butt, put good water in it.
Made no difference. Last two men was taken 25th and was worse than
any had been. Cure : Abstain from vegetables, beans, and meat.
First take small dose of castor oil, work it off with rice water or
gruel. Blister on the back of the neck and forehead. Take half a
gill of water, stir in as much flour as will make a paste as thick as a
man can swallow, well sweetened with sugar, two or three times a day.
First dose should be taken on empty stomach, after that in the
morning and before supper, or three or four hours alter supper.
Eat pap, made of flour sweetened well with sugar. Drink no water
without mixing one large spoonful of flour to half a pint of water .
Every man that went by the above directions was well in three

days and others lingered ten or twelve days and took flour at last.
March 16, touched at Marquesas Islands, staid about a week getting
wood, water, cocoanuts. and fish. April 5, came to anchor under
reef at Papatee, Tabati, staid three weeks. Three men de-
serted — good recruit. June 13, rounded Cape Horn, Lat. 58 de-
grees, 6 minutes south. Long. 67 degrees west — coldest weather
we have had. Scuttle butt froze up, and water makes ice as soon
as it strikes the deck. Snow squalls from south-east. July 4,
being the 58th year of the independence of the United States
of America, dined on damaged flour pudding and boiled ham.
July 9, 1S34, spoke ship William Metcalf, of London, from Ports-
mouth forYan Dieman's Land with convicts, out forty-two days, all
well. July 21, anchored at Pernambuco and staid five days. July 31,
about 8 a. m., John Lewis came aft and complained of pain in his
breast. As Mr. Johnson has stood principal doctor since he has
been on board, he gave him medicine. At meridian I asked him how
he felt, he said better. August 1, John Lewis, about 4 p. m., sat
down on a line tub on the quarter deck. I asked him how he felt,
he said better. In about one half an hour the man at the wheel
asked me what was the matter with Jack. I went immediately to
him, and supposed him to be in a fit. Rubbed his wrists, hands, tem-
ples, etc., with cold water and spirits camphor as soon as it could
be obtained. In less than ten minutes from tbat time he fell with
his back against a spar. He died in my arms. At 5, laid him
out on the quarter deck, kept a light and two men by him through
the night. At 9:20 a. m., August 2, hove the ship to, and buried
him after the usual ceremonies. Every man appeared solemnly to
deplore the loss of this old shipmate. Scarcely a word was spoken
through the day, and no work was done but trim sails. September
6, came to anchor in New London harbor abreast of the market,
after an absence of three years, two months, eighteen days." So
ends.

The position of a competent master of a good ship was one to be
envied. Even if it did for a time cause separation from home, ties
and familiar surroundings, it was a position of honor and trust and
great responsibility, as is every separate command. The master
was in charge of life and property, his word was law, and where he
willed he could go. On his discretion and good judgment turned
success or failure to many besides himself on sea and shore. His
draft in foreign ports for supplies or requirements bound every in-

dividual owner in the ship for the full amount of his disbursements.

In this respect the power entrusted to him illustrated the incon-
sistencies of our human nature; close, careful men, who on shore
would not trust their neighbor with a small portion of their prop-
erty, who distrusted everyone's judgment and integrity, would
placidly repose in the power of a master who was to sail the world
around, the right to make drafts in any quarter, that might easily
absorb their all.

To the honor of the men who commanded ships and accepted
Such trusts be it said, that instances wherein they were unfaithful
to the confidence reposed in them were rare indeed The busi-
ness was an almost perfect instance of co-operative work. The own-
ers furnished the ship and all necessary outfits and advances. Cap-
tain, officers, and crew took these from their hands, and furnished
their capacity and energy to procure the cai'go : each man on board
to receive a certain pro rata, or share, called lay (whence such use of
the word toy?), of the net result, the distribution being in the pro-
portion of two thirds to capital invested, and one third to labor;
in the latter, " ability,'' readily recognized, commanded the high-
est reward.

Sometimes the voyage was made fll the eastward to Tristan da
Cunha, past the Cape of Good Hope to the Crozets, and north to
Mozambique and Madagascar, and farther east to the shores of
New Holland, as it was then known, (now Australia), round its
southern shore to New Zealand, and so into west longitude in the
, Pacific, and north to the Sandwich Islands, to meet the ships
which had pursued their voyage around the Horn and burst storm-
ily into the great Southern Ocean. Then came the extension
northward in the Pacific, first on the northwest coast of Amer-
ica, Mt. St. Elias in sight, and then on the opposite coast of Kam-
schatka, until finally, in ls48,Captain Iioyce, of Sag Harbor, pushed
through the fog and ice of Behring Strait and entered the Arctic
Ocean, to find the summer pleasure-ground of the great bow-head
whale. Two New London ships, about the same time, pi
through the Kurile Islands into the Okhotsk Sea, and there also
found abundant reward for their enterprise. From this time on,
there was indeed no sea that was not, as Burke expi essed it
" vexed with their fisheries."

The Island of Desolation, or Kerguelen's Land, and Herd's
Island, in the Southern Indian Ocean, had become stations for hunt-

ing the sea elephant, and Hudson's Bay and Cumberland Inlet, in the
North Atlantic, a hunting station for whales. It is interesting here
to note that a harpoon that was put into a whale iu the ice in Cum-
berland Inlet, was years afterward found in the blubber of that
whale captured in the Arctic Ocean on the Pacific side. Each iron
or harpoon used had stamped into it the name of the ship to
which it belonged and from which it was used.

Capt. John Spicer, of this port, when whaling in Cumberland
Inlet, in 1867, captured a whale bearing the iron of a New Bedford
ship, a peculiar make, called a hoop gig, because it was partly
formed of "hoop "iron. This gig was only used in 1852. After
that season it was superseded by the Sag Harbor gig; so that the
whale had carried it fifteen years in his blubber. He also took
from the hard bone of the head of a whale killed by him, a
" Greener gun" iron that had been shot into the whale eleven years
before, from the Scotch ship Truelove. This iron was exhibited in
Philadelphia at the Fair in '76, and it so happened that the ship True-
love was in that port at the same time with a cargo of " Cryolite "
from Greenland. The old ship still sails the ocean and is 117 yearsof
age. The New Bedford ship, Cornelius Howland, off Point Barren
in the Arctic Ocean, took a^large whale, in the blubber of which
was imbedded an iron, bearing the mark of the ship Ansel Gibbs,
which was put into the whale some ten years before by the latter
ship in Cumberland Inlet. These instances prove that however
the passage north about this continent may be blocked to man, it
is free to the whale from east to west or vice versa.

The magnitude of some of these northern whales is almost past
belief, and New London has the record of taking the very largest
known. Capt. I. Slate, in the ship Mc'Clellan, fitted by Messrs.
Perkins and Smith, captured a bow-head whale near Cumberland
that turned out 362 barrels of oil and 4,000 pounds of bone. As
this was the only whale taken on that voyage, the quantity of oil and
bone was confirmed by the gauger and weigher's report. Cap-
tain Rice, in the Isaac Hicks, fitted by Messrs. Lawrence & Co.,
killed a bow-head which is reported to have stowed down 337 bar-
rels of oil. Capt. Samuel Green, in the ship George and Mary, of
this port, killed in the Arctic three whales that stowed down 800 bar-
rels of oil. Truly there were giant whales in those days. The
great bow-head was from eighty to eighty-five feet in length and of
enormous bulk. The sperm whale was often a longer animal,

but of not nearly the girth of the bow-head. The ship Yeuice, of
this port, killed a sperm whale 115 feet long that made 140 barrels
of oil.

The perils and privations connected with the pursuit of whales
were made evident in the early stages of the business, as shown by
the following extract from The Gazette of June 23,1868: "The
ship Leonidas, Barns, master, arrived from a whaling voyage
with 1,200 barrels oil. The 8th of May she touched at the Small
Desert Islands of Trinidad, latitude 21 degrees S., longitude 28 de-
grees W., for the refreshment of the crew, who were severely afflicted
with scurvy. The weather prevented part of them who landed from
getting off, end five unfortunate men were left on the island, which
is without human inhabitants, but has plenty of wild goats, frogs,
fish, and water.

Wonderful tales might be told of perils and dangers encountered
and overcome, of human daring and endurance, of men driven like
a nail through the bottom of a boat by a blow from a whale's fluke,
of others lifted by the sweep of the fluke over the side of the boat
and landed twenty feet away in the ice-cold sea, with no bones
broken, but with the whale's broad brand of black skin on back and
side. Two vessels from this port belonging to different own-
ers were working Desolation and Herd's Island for sea ele-
phants. Between the masters was a compact that before either left
for home he should assure himself of the safety of the other. The
one on Herd's Island was lost, and becoming so long overdue, the
owners procured the aid of a government vessel to run down 1,000
miles south and east from the Cape of Good Hope to look for the crew.
They were found and rescued, but the returning government
ship, though passing in sight of Desolation, unwisely took it for
granted that the vessel and crew at that island were safe and able to
care for themselves, and so passed on without calling; when in truth,
the Desolation vessel also had been wrecked, and her crew waited
wearily through months of hardship until, they also being over-
due, a vessel was sent out for their rescue. Only in a slight degree
do such incidents illustrate the dangers of the voyage and the
brave persistency of the men employed. Between 1837 and 1840
the business increased gradually but steadily. Other vessels were
added, new firms established, and affairs progressed most favor-
ably. From 1840 to 184G the enlargement was rapid, and many
fine, large, and handsome ships were added, and many large

catches brought to port, In this year, 1846, the fleet consisted of
sevent}'-one ships and barks, one brig, and six schooners. A list of
the agents in 1846 is appended, their ships aggregating over
26,000 tons burden, and employing about 2,500 men on the sea,
with about $2,500,000 of invested capital.

VESSELS.

Williams & Haven 11

Miner, Lawrence & Co 4

Abner Bassett • • 2

Perkins & Smith 8

Williams & Barns 9

N. & W. W. Billings 7

Joseph Lawrence 4

Frink, Chew & Co 7

Weaver & Rogers 2

Thomas Fitch, 2d 5

Stoddard & Learned 3

Lj r man Allyn 3

Benjamin Brown 4

William Tate 2

Wm. P. Benjamin 1

Total 72

Price obtained for sperm oil, 92 cents ; whale oil, 35 cents ; bone, 35
cents.

Here the topmost wave was reached, and in 1847 the fleet began
to decline in numbers ; whales were growing scarce after the years
of unrelenting pursuit by man ; there was no close time, uo pro-
tection for age or sex for them.

In 1849 tbe discovery of gold in California turned both the heads
and hearts of men away from the long and arduous sea voyage, and
filled them with hope of speedy wealth from the golden sands of El
Dorado. Upwards of twenty-five whaling masters abandoned the
business and went to California, and the fleet was reduced to less
than fifty ships and barks.

A little later the character of the business changed; the oil and
bone taken by the whaling vessels in the Pacific was at Honolulu
transferred, in many cases, to freighting ships to be brought home
by them, and the whaler refitted for another season, returning to
her home port only when in need of more thorough overhaul and
repair. The crew were thus frequently changed, and the iden-

tity of interest between owners, officers, and men, was much weak-
ened.

Honolulu and Lahaiua were headquarters; and the main interests
centered there. The possibilities of mineral oils were being devel-
oped in the Middle States, and all nils were lessening in market
value.

Soon, through the '50's, the business declined with increase of com-
petition from other than fish oils. In the '60's the war caused the
withdrawal of many vessels, and as it progressed, the commerce de-
stroyers, Alabama, Shenandoah, and others, distinguished them-
selves mainly by burning helpless ships, which by their course were
more than 11, 000 miles away from the scene of the conflict ; but
owing to the extremely high price of both oil and bone, caused by
the piracies, some great successes were achieved. Capt. E. Mor-
gan, in the bark Pioneer, sailed from this port, dune 18, 1864, ves-
sel and outfits costing $35,000. He returned, S'ptember 18, 1865,
with 1,891 barrels of oil and 22,650 pounds of bone ; and the cargo
sold for $140,000. Capt. Spicer, in the Georgiaua, sailing at less
cost and absent about the same time, brought in a cargo that sold
for $98,000. The oil by these vessels sold for $1.65 per gallon, and
the bone for $2.40 per pound.

In the "10's the business from the New England coast was steadily
declining, and in '71 over thirty ships were caught in the ice grip
in the Arctic Oceau and crushed like egg-shells, their crews barely
escaping with their lives to such favored vessels as were outside the
pack. The port of San Francisco, Gal., is adjacent to the whaling
grounds of the Pacific, and in its turn took up the business which
was rapidly failing on the New England coast. To-day there is a
goodly fleet from that port, and in several instances large and able
steam vessels are employed ; but oil is of little value compared
with the cost of catching it, and were it not that for many years
whalebone, that unique product, has sustained so high a value,
the business long since would have been abandoned. As it is, the
steam vessels, with their peculiar facilities, are pursuing the whale
into his last resort, farther and farther each year, killing for bone
more thau for oil, and it is not likely that the species can with-
stand the attack much longer.

Whalebone, which in 1820-1824, was worth only eight to ten
cents per pound, was sold in 1890 for $6. The whalebone taken in
Hudson Bay by a New London vessel, in 1891, was sold for $5.75.

Its present value is about $3.50 per pound. Whale oil is now worth
about thirty-two cents per gallon, and sperm eighty cents.

To New London the whaling business came at a time of the ut-
most depression ; vessels were idly rotting at the wharves, and
grass was growing in the streets. The new enterprise came like a
breath from the sea to dispel the prevailing- languor. An individual
spirit was needed to give the impetus, but once started, there was
place for all, and hope reigned ; success followed perseverance.
For half a century it occupied the mind and the energies of the
people and served the necessities of the occasion. As the value of
oil diminished, enterprise gradually was turned in other directions
and new industries were developed.

The old order is changed ; but to-day our city presents a healthy,
vigorous front to the world's competition, and if the sound of the
cooper's hammer and the caulker's mallet is no longer dominant
along our wharves, there are still the hum of the mill and the noise of
the steam whistle to indicate that others have entered upon different
scenes of labor and its reward. But the solid foundation for the
growth and prosperity of New London was obtained from the sea,
brought in by our ships, and built into the general structure that
makes the city of to-day so fair to the eye and so pleasant to dwell
in.

Like phantoms of the past, a brig and schooner to-day rest idly at
the wharves of their respective owners, sole representatives of the
goodly fleet which once bore our country's flag on every sea. But
taking into view the unrivalled excellence of our harbor, the
closeness of our touch with the great marts of commerce, and the
development of facilities for transportation from inland to the sea-
board, it is not a wild prophecy to venture, that the time is not far
distant when New London keels will again turn the furrows of the
great deep, and contribute their quota towards the future growth
of this city by the sea.

Letter from YVm. H. Allen to C. A. Williams, Belating to

Early Whaling.

Dear Sir:— I have looked over my "Friends" but I have been una-
ble to find Boyce's First Voyage to the Arctic. However, I give you
below some facts in regard to whales, so far as my memory serves
me, which I trust will be of some information to you.

The largest whale caught in the Arctic Ocean was a bow-head,
caught by ('apt. "Bony" Rice, that made 350 barrels of oil, winch is
the largest whale I ever heard of. According to the rule, that
whale would yield over 5,000 pounds of bone, 17 pounds to the bar-
rel. Polar whales in the Arctic Ocean yield 17 pounds to the barrel,
in the Okhotsk Sea, 14 pounds to the barrel, all right or black
whales, 10 pounds to the barrel.

Now, in regard to the whales I have caught myself : The largest
right or black whale made 275 barrels, caught on Kamtchatka in
1845, in ship Rohert Bowne, of New London.

The largest Polar whale made 287 barrels of oil, caught in the
Okhotsk sea while in ship Charles Phelps, owned by C. A. Williams.

The largest sperm whale made 105 barrels ; its length was 95
feet.

The largest humpbacked whale made 111 barrels.

The largest California gray made 101 barrels.

In regard to length of whales, the sperm is the longest, that we
catch ; a 100 barrel sperm whale would be, say, 90 feet. I believe I
have caught all the different kinds that swim in the ocean and sea,
and of all whales I have any knowledge of, the sulphur bottom are
the longest, but we do not fish for them to any great extent. They
are occasionally caught, however. My boat once bumped one and
killed him. From this whale we got 80 barrels of oil. In length, I
should say it was nearly 125 feet. However, I think I have seen
even larger than this.

In regard to fin-back whales, I have killed a number by tiring
bombs into them, — one in particular, which I remember as having
killed off the river La Platte. He made only 30 barrels of oil. His
length was over 90 feet.

In regard to the breadth of whales. The polar is the broadest.
The 287 barrel whale (previously referred to ) which I caught, was
17 or 18 feet broad.

The bow-head caught by Capt. Rice, must have been 20 feet
broad and 60 feet in circumference.

The right whale is not a3 broad in proportion to its length.

The 100 barrel sperm whale would be, I should say, about 10 or
12 feet broad. All others are less, except humpbacks, which have
about the same dimensions as the right.

The French ship Ajax one season caught four whales in the Arc-
tic Ocean, from which they obtained 1,100 barrels of oil, and 18,-
000 pounds of boue.

The ship Ocean, of New Bedford, caught a whale in the Arctic
Ocean which made 100 barrels of oil and 3,600 pounds of bone. Tlie
bone was over eighteen feet in length. This particular whale was
all head and small body.

Bull whales yield more bone than cows.

Gkoton, Conn., Sept. 6, 1894. Wm. H Allen.

SOME REMINISCENCES

OF THE

MONTHLY MEETING

OF THE

CONGREGATIONAL MINISTERS

Of New London County and Vicinity.

Read by Rev. John Avery at thk Meeting in Nor-
wich, February 13, [894.

REMINISCENCES OF THE MINISTERS' MEETING,

REV. JOHN AVERY.

On the twelfth clay of August, 184G, a portion of the class in
Yale Divinity School, which was to be graduated the following
year, were licensed to preach the Gospel, by the New Haven West
Association. Of the fifteen young men receiving licensure at tliat
time, I was one. The next Sabbath but one, I spent in Central
Village, and made my maiden effort iu the pulpit, among a people
to whom, twenty- eight years afterward, I was called to sustain the
relation of acting pastor.

Journeying on foot from Central Village, toward my home in
Preston, I turned aside, Tuesday morning, to Jewett City, and
called on Rev. T. L. Shipinan, with whom I was already acquainted.
By his courteous invitation, I attended the New r London County
Ministers' Meeting, which assembled that day at his house ; and
was thus introduced to a body, of which, a year or two later, I be-
came a regular member, and have remained a member to the pres-
ent time.

Upon looking over the books, I find a record of that meeting at
Jewett City, held August 25, 184(5 Of the twenty-two persons
present, I was probably the youngest. Nearly all of them seemed
much older than myself. Several w'ere far advanced in life.

It may be interesting to those now connected with this New Lon-
don Association, into which the old .Ministers' Meeting has been
merged, to know something of the ways in which things were done

by our predecessors, nearly half a century ago, — something, too,
of the personal make-up of the meeting. And I believe there is no
one here to-day who can speak on these topics quite so fully from
personal recollection, as myself.

The meetings, in those days, were much more numerous than
they are at present. Vacations were less fashionable. And if the
pastors had no vacations, and the Sabbath schools no vacations,
why should the Ministers' Meeting have any? It usually gave
place to the Association in June, and the Consociation in October ;
and sometimes was omitted in July or August : otherwise it was
held regularly, every month in the year, from January to December.

Further, each meetiuy,- occupied much more time than any one
meeting now does. It began ac 11 o'clock a. m., on the second Tues-
day of the month, and was liable to remain in session till 11 o'clock
a. m. on the following day. The members usually dined together
on Tuesday at the minister's house, or in the vestry of the church;
but aside from the Tuesday's dinner, they were entertained by fami-
lies in the neighborhood. A pleasant result of this mode of doing
things was that every minister came to know the family of every
other minister, and also formed pleasant acquaintances in every
parish ; and every parish came to know every minister. Thus
many ties of Christian friendship were formed which were long and
affectionately cherished.

On Tuesday afternoon or evening a sermon was preached by one
of the ministers present, who had been appointed to the service at
the previous meeting. After the preaching service, the ministers,
being by themselves, criticised the services, — pointing out the
faults thereof, and commending the excellences. In many cases,
doubtless, good resulted from this mode of procedure. The criti-
cisms were kindly and judiciously given, and received in a similar
manner. But I recall a few instances in which the result was un-
happy . The criticisms were severe and well nigh merciless, and
inflicted wounds which were not soon, if ever, entirely healed.

There was no standing committee to arrange for the meetings, as
there is now. But at each meeting, a programme was made out
for the meeting which was to follow ; and every member had some
part assigned to him. If, at any meeting, the programme was not
exhausted, the remainder went over to the next month. It was no
uncommon thing for brethren to fail to fulfill their appointments ;
and indeed, in those days, as well as in our own, some members

seldom or never did anything to help the meeting along. Others,
however, were almost invariably present, and seldom failed to
perform any part assigned to them. There were three brethren, in
particular, to whom this last remark applies. They were McEwen,
of New London, Tuttle, of Ledyard, and Shipman, of Jewett City.

As implied in some things already said, the meetings were held
in the rural parishes, as well as in the cities ; though less frequent-
ly in the former than the latter. There was hardly a church in
the County so small that it was not favored occasionally with the
presence of the Ministers' Meeting. And all the little churches,
a why from the center of population, and remote from the lines of
travel, were accustomed to look with great interest to the coming
of the Ministers' Meeting among them, and to remember the occa-
sion with even greater interest after it was past. There were but
few ministers who did not own horses and carriages. Occa-
sional carriage rides — sometimes alone, more frequently with a
neighboring brother — from Lebanon to Griswold, over twenty
miles ; from Lebanon to Mystic or Stonington, a distance of thirty
miles or more, are to me pleasant and refreshing recollections of
those by-gone days.

It was not often that the utterances in the meetings assumed the
form of predictions. But in one instance, I remember, they did.
And the predictions were in due time literally fulfilled. The meet-
ing, I think, was at Norwich Town ; and the time, about 1855 or
1850. The subject of discussion was " Slavery," as it frequently
was in those days. Somebody — some statesman or philanthropist —
whose opinions were thought to be worthy of special consideration,
had outlined and published a project for the removal of slavery ;
the substance of which was that the United States Government
should purchase the slaves of their masters, and then set them at
liberty. One or two individuals in the meeting referred to, had,
by previous appointment, read essays upon the subject ; and the
matter was under discussion, when a comparatively youthful
brother, of bold and ardent temperament, took occasion to dissent
utterly from the project under consideration, as well as from
most of the remarks that had been made upon it, and to add :
" Brethren, take my word for it, when slavery goes down in this
land, it ivill go down in blood. All history points in this direc-
tion. And the very signs of the times in which we live clearly
indicate this result. I repeat, therefore, that when slavery goes

down in this land, it will go down in blood." To all appearances,
there was not another member of the meeting who had, at
the time, the slightest sympathy with the views of this young
man. All seemed to think that slavery would be disposed of in
some other way than that which he had suggested. Certainly a
nation so highly civilized as ours, and so thoroughly permeated
with the peace-giving principles of the Gospel of Christ, would not
go to war over the subject. And yet, in less than half a dozen
years, the thunders of war were actually rolling through the land.
And our eyes, long clouded and darkened on this subject of slav-
ery, began to open, and to see "the glory of the coming of the
Lord." Slavery, after struggling hard to live, though clearly doomed
to die, went down in blood ; and the words of our youthful prophet
were verified. That prophet was Rev. J. P. Gulliver.

When our meetings were appointed in Norwich or New London,
it sometimes happened that something else, very important, was also
to occur. Some renowned pulpit orator was to preach, or some fa-
mous lecturer was to lecture; and we were invited to attend. In such
cases our custom commonly was to put over our usual preaching
service to the next month, and attend upon the special service to
which we were invited. In this way we were sometimes fortunate
in hearing distinguished speakers whom most of us would not oth-
erwise have had opportunities to hear. In one instance, I remem-
ber, we were greatly interested in listening, in the Sec6nd Church,
Norwich, to that famous Quakeress Evangelist, Miss Smiley. On
one or two occasions we were entertained by Dr. Pentecost, in the
Broadway Church. At another time, in New London, we gave up
our evening service to attend a lecture on "Work," by Henry Ward
Beecher.

But the most notable thing of this sort that I recall, was a politi-
cal lecture in Norwich, by Abraham Lincoln. This lecture did not
come at the time of our meeting ; but it was heard by several of
our number, and by them, especially by Mr. Gulliver, reported to
us the next time we came together.

It was early in the Presidential campaign of 18(30, not long
before Mr. Lincoln was nominated for the Presidency. He lec-
tured in Norwich, New Haven, and I think, in several other cities
in the State ; and made a most profound impression in every
place he visited. The morning after his lecture in Norwich,
Mr. Gulliver took the cars for New Haven, where he was to attend

a meeting of the Corporators of Vale. He soon saw Mr. Lincoln
in the cars, and went and took a seat with him. Mr. Gulliver pres-
ently took occasion to say : "I was very much interested in your
lecture last evening, Mr. Lincoln." " Yes," said Mr. Lincoln, "I
noticed you were,'' — a remark which showed how quick he was to
see who in his audience were specially interested and appreciative.
The subject being thus introduced, Mr. Gulliver soon proceeded to
say : " I think I see the secret of your power — the hidings of your
strength." " Do you? " said Mr. Lincoln. " Well, I should like to
have you tell me what that secret is, and where those hidings are."
" I think," replied Mr. Gulliver, " that the whole matter is explained
by the clearness with which you hold and express your opinions.''
" That is it exactly," said Mr. Lincoln . " I never could have any
patience with a speaker who was not clear in his statements. In my
boyhood, even, I longed for and strove after this very thing. And
one of the first books I recall as exerting a most decided influence
upon me in this line was Playfair's Euclid. In that book I found,
and greatly rejoiced in, what I had never before met with — accu-
rate statements, clear explanations, convincing demonstrations.
And from that time on in life, whenever I have tried to investigate
any subject, or prepare myself to speak upon it, I could never feel
satisfied until I could bound it on the north and on the south, on
the east and on the west, till, in a word, I had mastered every im-
portant particular involved in it." This long and, interesting con-
versation was continued till the cars arrived in New Haven, when
Mr. Gulliver said to Mr. Lincoln : " Mr. Lincoln, it is very evident
to you and to me, and to every thoughtful man, that our nation is
on the eve of troublous times. We need strong men in the manage-
ment of our national affairs ; and if I am not very much mistaken,
you are one of the strong men to whom we must look as a leader."
" Good," says Mr. Lincoln. "Good bye; God bless you."

It is hardly necessary for me to add that when, a few months
later, Mr. Lincoln was nominated for the Presidency, and many
(some in this meeting even) were murmuring that William H.
Seward, or some well known statesman like him, was not the nomi-
nee, Mr. Gulliver did not share in this feeling, but was bold to
affirm that, according to his view, no man in the country was bet-
ter fitted for the position than Lincoln.

The following will illustrate the kindly spirit which has usually
prevailed among us : At an early stage of one of the meetings,

Mr. Tuttle, of Ledyard, had performed some part, and Mr. McEwen,
of New London, had criticised his performance very sharply. After
a recess, the first topic of discussion which came up was "The em-
ployments of the redeemed in Heaven." When McEwen was called
upon to speak, he said : " I know of one thing that I shall do
there, and the first thing that I shall do, if I haven't had a chance
to do it before; it will be to look up Brother Tuttle (for I know
he'll be there somewhere ) and apologize to him for the harsh
words I used in regard to his performance this morning."
Another similar case occurred within the recollection of several of
us who are here to-day. Some seemingly sharp words had passed
back and forth between Messrs. Shipman and Couch, when Ship-
man, fearing that he had beea rather too severe, and had given
Couch just occasion to be offended, began to explain and apologize.
To this Couch promptly, yet very kindly and courteously replied :
"You need not do that, Brother Shipman ; for I was not offended,
as you seem to imagine. We have been so long and so thoroughly
acquainted with each other, have known and loved each other so
well, that it would be impossible for you, my dear brother, to say
or do anything that would give offense to me.''

Of the articles that have been read in the meetings, some, of
course, being hastily prepared, have possessed no great merit.
Others have been on local or transient matters which have soon
lost their interest. But not a few have possessed sterling excel-
lences, and have exerted wide and happy influences. A considera-
ble number have found their way into print — have been published
in "The Independent," "The Congregationalist," "The Congrega-
tional Quarterly," " The New Englander," and other similar publi-
cations ; or have obtained more or less extended circulation as
booklets or books.

If the question should be raised whether the meeting has, in any
proper sense, been a paying concern, — in other words, whether it
has remunerated those who have sustained it, for the large amount
of time and money they have put into it, — a sufficient answer
might at once be found by glancing backward over its history.
That history covers a much longer period than the written records
indicate. According to these records, the meeting would seem to
have been started in 1828. On the 30th day of April, in that year,
six ministers met at the house of Rev. Levi Nelson, in Lisbon, and
considered the question, " Whether it was expedient to attempt the

formation in this County of an association for mutual improvement
to be called the ' Ministers' Meeting ;' " and the question was de-
cided unanimously in the affirmative. A constitution was drawn
up and adopted. And from that time on to the present, with the
exception of one or two brief intervals, — one especially in 1831,
when nearly all the ministers were occupied with special revival
services in their churches, — meetings have been held regularly,
and minutes of the proceedings recorded in books provided for
the purpose. But previous to the formal organization of 1828,
it appears that a meeting of the same general character had,
in fact, been sustained for a good many years. For in 1861 Mr.
Tuttle, of Ledyard, gave us some reminiscences of the meeting,
which were published in " The Congregational Quarterly," in which
he said : " In giving the histoi'y of this monthly meeting of minis
ters, I cannot go further back than the spring of 1810, the time
when first I came to reside in this County. Whether such a meet-
ing had been in existence before that time, or, if it had, how long
it had existed, I do not know. I was present at a meeting of the
kind, at New London, sometime in the summer of that year ; and
it was not then spoken of as a new thing."

Further, Dr. McEwen, of New London, in his half-century ser-
mon, preached in 1857, says: " From the commencement of my resi-
dence here, in 1806, until the present time, a monthly meeting of
ministers has been sustained for devotional services, and for the
discussion of a great variety of subjects. In the exercises of this
meeting, its members have taken a deep interest ; and from them
they have, it is believed, derived great improvement and a rich
and pleasant harmony. One minister maj r be found who has writ-
ten for the meeting more than four hundred dissertations."

It appears, then, that our meeting was in being 88 years ago —
that its history, even if it cannot be traced any further back than
the date of Dr. McEwen's coming into the County, covers the en-
tire century in which we live, with the exception of the six years at
the beginning and the six years still remaining. And surely men
of the stripe of the Congregational clergy of New London County,
would not keep the thing going thus long if they did not believe
that it paid.

Further, those who have attended most constantly, and con-
tributed most liberally to its services have usually put the highest
estimate upon its value. The venerable men whom I first knew in

it often testified to the excellence of its influence upon themselves.
Mr. Tuttle once said to rue, when he was quite an old man : " I
have learned my theology in the Ministers' Meeting, and have re-
ceived much benefit from it in many ways." After I had been ab-
sent from the meeting a few times, early in. my ministry, I met Mr.
Arms, of Norwich Town, in a store in Norwich, and he at once took
me to task for my delinquency. By way of apology, I told him I
had been very busy with other matters, and had not found time to
attend the meeting, and then jocosely added : " You know, Mr.
Arms, I haven't got my barrel full yet." "Ah," said he, " but at-
tendance upon the meeting will help you to fill your barrel. You
will hear your brethren preach — will listen to their discus-
sions ; and all the while you will be filling up, and then the barrel
will keep filling up as a matter of course."

A brother, near my own age, who had long been a member of
the body, said to me some years since : " Have you noticed how
the men run down who allow themselves to drop out of this meet-
ing?" I told him I had, and he went on to say : "I can't think
of a single one who has for any reason allowed himself to drop
out of the meeting and keep out of it, who hasn't deteriorated in
mental activity' and ministerial usefulness. They may not think
so themselves, but the fact is patent to everybody else."

But I have said enough, perhaps, of the character of the meet-
ing, and will now speak of the men who have been connected with
it since I first became a member, — referring particularly to those
only who have finished their earthly course, and naming them pretty
nearly in the order of their ministerial age. The names of the pres-
ent members will be given in a list by themselves; and the names
of former members, who are still living, in another similar list.

SAMUEL NOTT

was the oldest member. He was born at Saybrook, Jan. 23,
1754 ; was graduated at Yale College, 1780 ; studied theology with
Dr. Edwards of New Haven, and was licensed to preach, 1781 ; was
ordained pastor of the church in Franklin, March 13, 1782 ; re-
ceived the degree of D. D. from Yale, 1825 ; died in Franklin, 1852,
at the age of 98. His long and useful ministry was all accomplished
in a single parish, though he was widely known and greatly re-
spected by all the churches in the region. He is the only minister
whom I remember as wearing a style of dress prevalent in the gen-

eration previous to my day, — a peculiar coat, its form and make-up
being about mid-way between a modern frock coat and a swallow-
tail ; a ruffled bosom ; short breeches with buckles at the knees ;
long black stockings; and either white-topped boots or shoes with
buckles. One of the most noticeable things in Dr. Nott was his
gentlemanly deportment. He was strict in conforming to all the
rules which the etiquette of his times prescribed. I have been told
by those who were familiar with his work in Franklin, that he often
disarmed and subdued his opponents by courtesy and kindness.
For a good many years he received scholars into his own house,
who were often boarders in the family. These scholars were gen-
erally quite young men, preparing to teach in the public schools, or
those who were somewhat older, fitting for college or study-
ing for the ministry. Some of these young men acquired
considerable distinction in after years. This was especially
the case with his own brother Ehphalet 20 years younger
than himself, who became one of the most renowned pulpit or-
ators of his day, and as President of Union College, was fa-
mous all over the land for the reformatory and ennobling
influences he exerted upon nis pupils. Dr. Nott, of Franklin,
being quite proud of his brother's success, used sometimes
to take his visitors out to a large oak tree, some distance from his
house, and remark to them : " Here, under this tree, I taught my
brother Bliphalet his eloquence." He was proverbially prompt
and punctual in all his official duties. After he had passed into
the eighties, there was to be some ecclesiastical gathering in Gris-
wold ; and a day or two before the meeting, one Griswold man
said to another : " Do you think Dr. Nott will be here?" "Of
course he will," said the other. "The meeting begins Tuesday
forenoon at 11 o'clock ; and about ten minutes before 11 you will
see him rounding the corner out there, on horseback, and, as he
comes in sight of the church, taking out his watch, to see whether
he is on time." And, sure enough, when Tuesday morning came,
this minute prediction was fulfilled to the very letter. He kept up
his connection with the Ministers' Meeting almost to the close of
his life ; and this notwithstanding his powers of body and mind
were much impaired. Sermons preached by him on the fiftieth and
sixtieth anniversaries of his ordination were published — also some
other sermons preached at earlier dates.

LEVI NELSON.

Born, Milford, Mass., Aug. 8, 1779. Entered the Sophomore
class, Brown University, 1796 ; entered Williams College, 1797,
but on account of sickness, did not graduate ; was voted an Alum-
nus of Williams, 1810 ; studied theology with Dr. Emmons; was
ordained pastor of the church in Lisbon, December 5, 1804 ; died
in office, December 18, 1855. He published several pamphlets on
controverted theological subjects; also several sermons — among
them one on the completion of fifty years in the ministry. He
was present in the first meeting that I attended at Jewett'City;
and when he rose to speak, supported himself in part upon a tall
staff. A few years after this, by his invitation, the meeting was
held in Lisbon. Upon our arrival we were presently ushered into
a room in a small building, near the parsonage, that had been newly
fitted up very nicely for the occasional gatherings of tbe church. As
an introduction to the ordinary exercises Mr. Nelson took occasion
to say : " Brethren, I wish you to rejoice with me and my people,
and with us praise God for the wonderful change that has come
over the place in which we are here assembled. Here for many
years was one of the worst rum-holes that Lisbon ever knew. In
this very room where we are gathered there has been an " L untold
amount of drinking and cursing and fighting. But the terrible traffic
that was the cause of all these revolting scenes has now left Lisbon, I
hope never again to return." Presently the meeting, was called to
order, and Mr. Arms, as moderator, led in prayer, in which he made
happy allusion to the facts that had been stated. Mr. Nelson, though
a very godly man and a faithful minister, took a great dislike,
toward the close of his life, to the New Haven theology in general,
and the New Haven Seminary in particular. He wrote and pub-
lished a pamphlet, setting forth his views in terms of unmeasured
severity. And when he made his will, he bequeathed a portion
of his property to the Lisbon church, on condition that they should
never employ for their minister one who had been educated at the
Divinity School connected with Yale College.

ABEL McEWEN.

Born in Winchester, Conn., February, 13, 1*180; graduated at Yale
College, 1804 ; Fellow of Yale, 182G. He studied theology with Dr.
Dwight, of New Haven, and Dr. Hooker, of Goshen ; was ordained

pastor of the First Church, New London, October, 180G, and con-
tinued to discharge the full duties of the office till 1854, when Dr.
Thomas T. Field became his colleague. He received the degree of
D. D. from Union College, 1846. He died.. Sept. 7, I860. Dr. Nottand
Mr. Nelson were both bowing under the weight of years when I first
began to know them. But McEwen was in the full vigor of his
mature manhood. More than any other, perhaps, he was a leader
in the meeting. He was always present and always prepared.

He s;ave promise of a successful career in connection with his
graduation from Yale ; for he was the valedictorian of his class, his
competitor for that honor being that brilliant statesman, John C.
Calhoun, of South Carolina. The First Church, in New London,
when he took charge of it, was in a very critical condition. His
predecessor, Mr. Channing, had become a Unitarian, and, as such,
had ministered to the church for seventeen years. Yet the church
remained orthodox, and under the ministry of its young orthodox
pastor, began at once to enjoy unusual prosperity, and continued to
do so during the whole of his ministry, which, including the four
years in which he had a colleague, covered a period of fifty-four
years. Though an able preacher, he did not commonly manifest much
emotion in the pulpit. Hence he was spoken of by his Baptist
neighbor, Elder Swan, as Abel Iceberg. Elder Swan persisted in
applying this and other opprobrious names to McEwen, till, owing
to certain questionable behavior in which he himself had indulged
before coming to New London, an ecclesiastical" censure was hang-
ing over his head, and a kind word from McEwen averted the im-
pending blow. After that Abel Iceberg became Brother McEwen.
Dr. McEwen used to tell this story as an illustration of one of the
ways in which we may heap coals of fire on the head of an enemy and
overcome his evil with our good. He took great interest in all the
churches about him as well as his own ; and he did much for these
churches by recommending ministers to them, by preaching for them
when they had no ministers, and in other ways. He was rejoiced to
witness many happy changes in these churches. I have often heard
him state the fact that, for a considerable time after he moved to
New London, he was the only settled Congregational minister on a
territory in Connecticut twelve miles by fifty ; but that in a few
years there were about a dozen settled ministers on this same terri-
tory. The churches which for years had maintained only a feeble
life, with stated or perhaps only occasional supplies, procured pas-

tors to live and labor among them. In the Ministers' Meeting, Mc-
Ewen was a tower of strength rising quite above most of his
fellows. When he got up to speak he would sometimes seem for a
little while rather pointless and prosy ; but he would almost inva-
riably make a point — not infrequently several of them — and pre-
sent it with happy effect. His relations to his brethren in this
meeting were very familiar. He was easily approached by
even the youngest members, and was constantly exerting an influ-
ence promotive of friendly feeling and successful work. Sometimes
by a single timely and happy remark, he would turn the whole cur-
rent of thought and feeling out of the channel in which it was run-
ning, especially if he saw that that channel was leading on
toward danger. I recall an instance of this kind. A brother
was under criticism for a sermon he had just preached, and
the criticisms had been unusually severe— so severe that the
preacher was evidently stung by their bitterness. McEwen was the
last to speak ; and he did so pretty much in these words : " Well,
Brother B. has passed through sixteen riddles, and every one of
thetn has given him a pretty hard shake ; but there is one little
speck which they have not got out yet. The proper name which
he had occasion to mention quite a number of times, was not, ac-
cording to my notion, pronounced with entire accuracy. I under-
derstood him to say Phil-lipp — as if the word were spelt with two
I's and three p's.''

On another occasion, I remember, a brother, who was habitually
very repetitious, preached a sermon in which this characteristic
fault was very conspicuous. The criticisms at once caught it up
and dwelt largely upon it. McEwen presented his about like this :
" The preacher seemed to me like a blacksmith with a piece of iron
upon his anvil which he was trying to work into a desired shape.
With his hammer he gave it a light blow, without producing much
effect — then another and another, each being a little heavier than
its predecessor. But finding that the metal was still unyielding,
he laid aside his hammer, stepped back, and took up a massive
sledge, and with it paid on with all his might, his whole air and
manner seeming to say, ' Now I guess I'll fetch you.'" In a similar
vein with these criticisms were some of his invitations to his
brother Jared E. Avery, of Groton, to ride with him to some forth-
coming ecclesiastical council or Ministers' Meeting. Early one
Monday morning Mr. Avery received a note which read thus:

"Dear Brother: — My black pony starts for Griswold to-morrow
morning at 8 o'clock. Ballast wanted. A. McEwen." While he
was, as a rule, remarkably courteous and kind in his intercourse
with his brethren, he was sometimes pretty severe in his replies to
anyone who attempted to be rather hard upon him. On one occa-
sion he was the preacher, and, as he came under criticism, Brother
Ayer, of North Stonington, remarked : " I think the sermon \v;is
not sufficiently popular in its structure. It was above the heads of
the people. I doubt whether many of them understood it." .Mc-
Ewen replied : "Did you understand it, Brother Ayer ?" "Why, yes,
of course /did." " Well," said McEwen, " I'll risk the people then."
Though McEwen was well up with his times in most respects, he
was pretty strongly conservative on some lines. If I remember
aright, he was rather tardy in embracing decided anti-slavery sen-
timents ; and he never accepted to any "great extent the teachings of
geology. On this subject he felt a good deal like his friend and con-
temporary, Professor Stuart, of Andover, who used to tell his students
that in twenty years the claims of geology would all be set aside, and
the science, falsely so called, would be as if it had never been. Dr.
McEwen did not seem to be ambitious to appear in print. Among
the few things that he published were his " Half-Century Sermon,"
" Biographical Sketches of Litchfield County Ministers," and
"Congregationalists in Their Relation to Other Religious Sects.''

TIMOTHY TUTTLE.

Born at East Haven, Conn., Nov. 29, 1781. Graduated at Yale
College in lsOS . He studied theology with Rev. David Smith, of
Durham; was ordained pastor of the First and Second Churches in
Groton, Aug. 11, 1811 ; was dismissed in April, 1834 ? from the pas-
torate of the First Church that he might give his whole time to the
Second — situated in North Groton, now Ledyard ; and died, June
6, 1804. During the last few years of his life, his son-in-law, Rev.
N. B. Cook, lived with him and assisted him in his ministerial
work. Mr. Tuttle was not particularly attractive in the pulpit, yet
his preaching was highly appreciated by those who heard him ha-
bitually ; and the fruits of his labors were abundant and excellent.
Socially, he was a man of few words ; but his words were often pre-
sented with such brevity, clearness, and force, as to make a
deep and lasting impression. After his retirement from the pastor-
ate of the First Church, the members of that church and society

continued to cherish the most friendly feelings toward him, and
often invited him to enjoy the hospitality of their homes. Among
those who were specially friendly was the patriotic " Mother Bai-
ley," the woman who, in the second war with England, acquired
great notoriety by pulling off her petticoat in the street, and giving
it to the cannoneers, who were inquiring for, but were unable
to find, flannel to be used in the management of their guns. Mrs.
Bailey gave Mr. Tuttle to understand that he was always welcome
to her home. In one instance he stopped to take tea with her.
While arranging the tea table, she became so much interested in
conversing with her old-time pastor, that she forgot to put any tea
in the tea-pot, and when she filled the cup of Mr. Tuttle, of course
filled it with water. Presently she asked him if his tea was agree-
able. He, not wishing to hurt her feelings by divulging her mis-
take, replied : "There is no" bad taste in it." Mr. Tuttle was bereft
of his excellent wife some }ears before the close of his life, and,
during a portion of these years, was favored with the services of an
excellent house-keeper, a Mrs. Gallup, a worthy member of his
church. As he returned, in one instance, from marrying a couple,
Mrs. Gallup was quite desirous of finding out how large the fee
was ; and, feeling that she had the confidence of her pastor, put a
question to him, with a view to draw from him the desired informa-
tion. Mr. Tuttle turned to her, and inquired : "Can you keep a
secret?" " Why, yes, certainly I can,'' she replied. "So can I,"
said he ; and thus the conversation ended. At a Ministers' Meet-
ing, which I recall, some important subject was up, and had been
thoroughly discussed, when Mr. Tuttle was called upon to speak. In
about half a dozen sentences he summed up nearly all that had
been said by the others, and presented the whole subject in such a
strong and convincing light that everyone was impressed with the
clearness and force of his utterances ; when one of the younger mem-
bers of the body slapped his hands and exclaimed : "There, there
isn't another man in this room that could do that!" Mr. Tutt'e pub-
lished several sermons and tracts. The sermon which he
preached in August, 1861, in commemoration of fifty years of min-
isterial work accomplished in the same parish, was the last sermon
of the kind preached in the County ; and probably will continue to
be the last for a lone - time to come.

ALVAN BOND.

Born, Sutton, Mass., 1793. Brown University, 1815. Andover
Theological Seminary, 1818. Ordained at Sturbridge, Mass., 1819 ;
dismissed, 1831 ; Professor of Sacred Literature, Bangor Theological
Seminary, 1831-35 ; pastor, Second Church, Norwich, 1835-64 ;
without charge, 18(54-82. He received the degree of D. D. from
Brown University. 1840 ; published a dozen or more sermons ;
died at Norwich, 1882. He was a man of high intellectual culture
and great personal excellence, and was much beloved, not only by
his brethren in the ministry, hut by the people af Norwich general-
ly. His best efforts in the pulpit were of a high order, and always
with a written sermon ; for he found it hard to extemporize. I have
been told by Mr. Shipman that, as a rule, lie wrote but one sermon a
week ; that he began it on Tuesday, wrote just about so much every
day, and closed it on Saturday. Dr. Bond was very courteous in his
intercourse with his brethren ; but I do not rememher that he ever
took an active part in any of the jovial episodes which occasionally
happened. Whenever any question arose which needed to be set-
tled by a reference to the original Hebrew or Greek, he was more fre-
quently appealed to than any other. After retiring from the pas-
torate of the Second Church, he was very often called upon to offi-
ciate at funerals, to supply pulpits where pastors were absent ; and
this not only among Congregationalists, but among Baptists, Metho-
dists, and other denominations.

FREDERICK GRIDLEY.

Born, Watertown, Conn., 1790. Yale College, 1816. He studied
theology with Dr. Ely, of Monson, Mass, and Professors E. T. Fitch
and C. Goodrich, of New Haven ; was ordained at Ellsworth,
Conn., 1820; dismissed, 1836; pastor, East Lyme, 1836-56; died,
Stratford, Conn., 1871. He was a " brother heloved/' hut in rather
feeble health, and therefore not so active in the meeting as he other-
wise might have been. In his parish at East Lyme, in the year 1828,
a few years before he came to it, a scene occurred which attracted
much attention, both in that and neighboring communities, by rea-
son of its connection with the great temperance reform. Mr. St.
John, a pastor of the church, had died, and several ministers from
adjoining parishes were assembled at the funeral. As they stepped
into the room arranged for their reception, they saw there, what
they had heen accustomed to see on such occasions — a table with

numerous bottles and decanters of spirituous liquors upon it, of
which they were expected to partake. One of the ministers, on com-
ing into the room, turned and said to those in charge of the funeral
arrangements: "Take these things hence ; we want never to see
them again on an occasion like this." And they never did.

JOEL E. AKNOLD.

Born, Westminster, Vt., 1794; spent three years (1811-14) in
Middlebury College ; received from Middlebury and Dartmouth an
honorary A. M. in 1824 ; studied medicine and practiced a year or
two in his native town ; studied theology with his brother, Rev. S.
S. Arnold, of Alstead, N. H.; was ordained at Chester, N. H., 1820 ;
dismissed, 1824 ; pastor, Waterbury, Conn., 1831-36 ; pastor, Col-
chester, 1836-49. He had several other, though shorter, pastorates
in different parts of New England, and died, Chester, N. H., 1865.
He published several sermons, also two articles in the New Eng-
lander. He was one of the intellectually strong ministers of New
London County. His preaching, though not " sensational" in the
ordinary sense of that word, often produced a most profound sen-
sation. While fitting for college at Bacon Academy, Colchester, I
sat under his ministry a year ; and I think I never heard the Gospel
preached with greater power than it was often preached by him.
I might refer to a good many incidents that came to my knowl-
edge, illustrative of some one or more of the strong points of his
character. But I will take time to give only one. While he was
being examined for installation, the subject of Regeneration, and
the work of the Holy Spirit in Regeneration, came up ; and some
one — I think Mr. Ayer, of North Stonington — asked: "Do you
think, Mr. Arnold, that God could have changed the heart of Pha-
raoh, and made a good man of him?" Mr. Arnold, a little fearful
of being caught in a trap, answered rather vaguely and indefinite-
ly ; and the examination was about to turn to other things. But
the questioner was determined not to be baffled ; and promptly in-
sisted that his question should be clearly and definitely answered.
" Mr. Arnold, I want a categorical answer to my question. Do you
think God could have changed the heart of Pharaoh, and made a
good man of him?'' Mr. Arnold paused a moment, and then in a
slow, measured tone, replied : " Why, yes, I suppose he could, if
he had laid aside everything else, and turned his attention wholly
in that direction."

JOSEPH HURLBUT.

Born, New London, 1190. Graduated at Yale College, 1818 ;
Princeton Theological Seminary, 1822 ; was ordained pastor of the
Third Presbyterian Church, Albany, N. Y., 1823 ; dismissed, 1821 ;
in the service of the American Tract Society and the American
Home Missionary Society, in New York City, 1821-32 ; acting pas-
tor, Second Church, New London, 1833-37 ; Mohegan, 1848-62 ;
post chaplain at Fort Trumbull, New London, 1863-67 ; died, New
London, 1875. For many years he was accustomed to attend the
Ministers' Meeting, especially when it was held in New London ;
and very often he entertained some one or more of the brethren at
his own home.

JOSEPH AYER.

Born, North Stonington, 1793. Brown University, 1823. He
was licensed by the New London Association, 1823 ; ordained as an
evangelist, 1825 ; acting pastor in North Stonington 13 years; after-
ward pastor in Hanover, South Killingly, Kast L}^me, Voluntown,
and Sterling ; installed in the last named parish at the age of 77 ;
dismissed at the age of 82. He died, 1876, aged 83. His birth-
place in North Stonington, was only two miles from the home of
my own childhood in Preston. He comes up to me among the early
recollections of my youth as a tall, slim man, wearing green spec-
tacles, with a grave countenance which was seldom enlivened by a
smile. During the whole of his ministry he was a constant attend-
ant upon the Ministers' Meeting, and in it, always ready to defend
orthodoxy from his own standpoint as a decidedly old-school man.
He greatly magnified the work of the Holy Spirit in Regeneration
and Sauctification, and minified the work of man in effecting these
changes. Some theologians of the class to which he belonged,
were wont to affirm that a man might be regenerated without any
conscious action on his own part— that he might go to sleep with a
heart utterly estranged from God, and wake up a new creature in
Christ Jesus. Such views, as announced from time to time in this
meeting, forty years ago, often excited a smile on the part of the
new-schoolmen, but rarely awakened very earnest discussion. The
great temperance reform began during Mr. Ayer's ministry in North
Stonington ; and he was an earnest worker in it. I have often
heard him allude to the fact that at one time there were no less
than ten places in the village where he lived in which intoxicating

liquors were sold to be drunk on the premises ; and that as soon as
they had organized and marshalled their temperance forces, they suc-
ceeded, within a single year, in putting a stop to the ruinous traffic
in every one of them.

NEHEMIAH B. COOK.

Born, Westhampton, N. Y., 1793. Graduated at Andover Theo-
logical Seminary, 1821 ; was ordained, 1825 ; acting pastor of sev-
eral Presbyterian churches on Long Island, 1825-36 ; pastor of
First Church, Stonington, 1838-59 ; acting pastor, Ledyard, 1864-
G7 ; published several funeral sermons ; died, Ledyard, 1879. Mr.
Cook loved his home and his home work, and did not attend the
Ministers' Meeting very often. But he did so occasionally ; and
sometimes invited the brethren to meet with him and his people in
the old historic church of Stonington.

CHAELES THOMPSON.

Born, Stratford, Conn., 1796. He studied theology two years at
Princeton Theological Seminary, in the class of 1822 ; was ordained,
1826 ; had one parish in Pennsylvania, and two in Western Connec-
ticut ; was pastor, Salem, 1833-55 ; died, Salem, 1855. He attended
the meetings occasionally, and added to the interest of them by
his cheerful, sprightly conversation, but especially by his zeal and
ardor in the devotional services. He was an uncle of Rev. Joseph P.
Thompson, pastor of the Broadway Tabernacle Church, New York.
By reason of this relationship, the people in Salem had the oppor-
tunity from time to time, of hearing, in their own church, that distin-
guished pulpit orator.

THOMAS L. SHIPMAN.

Born, Norwich, 1798. Yale College, 1818. Andover Theologi-
cal Seminary, 1821. He was ordained at Southbury, Conn., 1826;
dismissed, 1836 ; supplied, Bozrah, 1837-41 ; Norwich Falls, 1842 ;
was pastor, Jewett City, 1843-54 ; lived at Jewett City the remain-
der of his life, and was frequently called upon to supply vacant
pulpits ; published several funeral and historical discourses ; died,
1886. His first appearance in the meeting, as shown by the records,
was at Stonington Borough, July 26, 1836. The following year he
was chosen clerk, and served in this capacity until disabled by his
last sickness in 1886 — nearly half a century. No one ever took greater
intei'est in the meeting ; and probably no one ever did more to pro-

mote its welfare. He was uniformly present, and almost invariably
fulfilled his appointments. Indeed, be frequently had something to
present in the place of anyone who had failed. He was always
ready and prepared to preach if the regular appointee was not
present. Almost every year, while his family were in such a condi-
tion that they could receive us, we were entertained at his house ;
and entertained most sumptuously, too. Those of us who partook of
those rich repasts, after we had been holding our sessions in the spa-
cious study, with its well-selected library, or (if the weather was mild
and pleasant) out some distance from the house, under the great,
branching trees, upon the banks of the Shetucket, cannot easily for-
get them. He always seemed to be in his happiest moods in the Min-
isters' Meeting, and was always ready to do his best toward making
the meeting a success. And then, he was so cheerful and pleas-
ant, so courteous and kind, that we all loved him, and were all sin-
cere mourners when at length he passed away from us. He had a
great fund of anecdotes, with which he was wont to enliven our gath-
erings. It sometimes seemed as if he and McEwen were both bound
to outdo each other in this matter of story telling. One would tell a
story ; then the other would tell one to off-set it, and to beat it if he
could. Then the first would take his turn again. And so the thing
would run on till the whole company were convulsed with laughter ;
and it would often be a considerable time before we could sober down
sufficiently to go forward with the more serious business before us.
There was one instance, however, in which our merriment was re-
pressed and well nigh stifled in a way that we were not anticipating.
The meeting was at Stonington Borough, with Mr. Gil man, in the
parlors of his house ; and arrangements were being made for us to
dine in an adjoining room. The dinner hour was pretty near, and the
discussion of the subject in hand was at its height, when Mr. Ship-
man, in illustration of some point we were just then considering,
told one of his most laughable stories, and, in the midst of our
laughter over it, the doors were thrown open, and we were called
out to take our places around the bountifully spread tables. As
soon as we were seated, and a blessing was asked, some one said :
"Now, Mr. Shipman, you must tell that story again, that Mrs. (iil-
man and these other ladies may have the pleasure of hearing it."
So, presently, he began, and went through with the story the
second time. But, for some reason which we could not explain,
it did not sound as it had sounded in the other room. Mrs. Gilman

and the other ladies smiled ; some of the brethren tried to laugh again ;
but, on the whole, the effort was a failure. Mr. Sbipman enjoyed
his dinner as well as he could, under the circumstances. But, as
soon as we had left the tables, and returned to the parlors, he
stepped up to the brother who had asked him to repeat the story,
and said : " Don't you ever call upon me again to tell a story to
order ; the thing can't be done, even by the best story teller in
the world." In after years, be often referred to this scene in Ston-
ington as one, the like of which, he hoped he should never have to
pass through again.

PAUL COUCH.

Born, Newburyport, Mass., 1803 Dartmouth College, 1823, and
Andover Theological Seminary, 1826. He was ordained at West
Newbury, Mass., 1827 ; pastor or acting pastor in several other par-
ishes in Massachusetts ; acting pastor, First Church, Stonington,
1863-87 ; representative in Massachusetts Legislature, 1856-57 ; in '
Connecticut Legislature, 1869 ; died, Mystic, 1891. He published
several sermons. He was connected with the Ministers' Meeting a
great many years, making not a few valuable contributions to its
exercises. As a representative of the town of Stonington in our
State Legislature, he performed his part with distinguished ability
and success. In one instance some question came up which involved
an important moral principle, and was in great danger of being de-
cided as Mr. Couch felt that it ought not to be. Just before the
final vote was taken, he addressed the House at considerable
length ; and his speech seemed to turn the scale on the side of
righteousness. He had a very clear mind and a clear way of put-
ting things, and yet a way which was somewhat peculiar. The fol-
lowing story will illustrate : At the funeral of Eev. Joseph Aver,
mentioned above, Mr. Shipman preached the sermon. And within
a few weeks he read the sermon in this meeting. This called forth
remarks in regard to Mr. Ayer from those who had been well ac-
quainted with him. Several brethren touched upon the fact that
for many years his looks and personal appearance had remained
just about the same. He had not seemed to grow old; indeed,
there had been no visible change in him. When Mr. Couch's turn
came he put the singular fact in nearly the following language :
< ' I knew Brother Ayer for over forty years, and forty years ago he

looked just as lie did the last time I saw him, which was near the end
of his life. I think I never before knew anything in human form
which came quite so near to immutability."

JOHN W. SALTER.

Born, Mansfield, Conn., 1798. Yale College, 1818. He studied
law with his uncle, Chief Justice Williams, of Hartford, and prac-
ticed several years in his native town ; commenced the study of
theology in New Haven, 1827 ; settled at Kingston, Mass., 1820-31 ;
supplied in Milford, N. EL, and Douglass, Mass. ; was pastor. Boz-
rah, Conn., 1832-35 ; acting pastor, Montville, 1847-58 ; died,
Mansfield, 18G2. He possessed fine social qualities, which
made him a very enjoyable member of the meeting. His bi-
ographer very truly says of him : "He had a lively and powerful
imagination, and wrote with a flowing pen. He often electrified
the Ministers' Meeting by his coruscations of fancy, and every-
thing which flowed from his lips or his pen, bore the stamp of his

quick-working brain."

SPENCER F. BEARD.

Born, West Brookfield, Mass., 1799. Amherst College, 1824, and
Andover Theological Seminary, 1827. He was ordained, 1829;
served several churches in Massachusetts; in Greeneville, 1835-37 ;
pastor, Montville, 1838-4G ; died, Andover, Mass., 187G. Of his
three sons, two became successful ministers of the Gospel in Con-
necticut, and the third acquired distinction as a physician and
writer on medical subjects in New York City.

NATHANAEL MINER.

Born, Stonington, 1798. Bangor Theological Seminary, 1824.
He was ordained, Chesterfield, Conn., 1826 ; dismissed, 1829 ; act-
ing pastor, Grassy Hill and Bozrahville, 1829-31 ; pastor, Milling-
ton, 1831-57 ; acting pastor, Salem, 1857-65 ; died, Salem, 1884.
During some portions of his ministry he was a member of this
meeting, and was much esteemed by those who knew him well. He
was very happy at times in illustrating and enforcing Scriptural
truth ; was a remarkably good story teller, and seemed to have a
large fund of stories to draw from. One of his stories, I recollect,
was greatly enjoyed, when first told in the meeting. It was as fol-
lows : " One of my predecessors in Millington, was Dr. William
Lyman. He was a popular preacher, and was often called upon to

officiate on occasions of special interest in neighboring parishes.
Rev. Joseph Vail, in the adjacent parish of Hadlyme, was a quiet
man, faithful in his home work, but not ambitious for notoriety. In
the early part of a week, Mr. Vail received from his brother Ly-
man, a note which read thus : 'Dear Brother : — You remember I
spoke to you about preaching the preparatory lecture for me, next
Friday. Please don't disappoint me, for I have as yet made scarce-
ly any preparation for next Sabbath. Moreover, I have an ordination
sermon to preach next Tuesday. Meantime, the stones are very
dull, and the water is very low.' To this Mr. Vail at once replied :
' Dear Brother Lyman: — You may rely upon me for the lecture. But
as to that ordination sermon, don't borrow any trouble about it ;
for though the stones be dull, and the water low, you have wind
enough to carry it through.' "

BENNETT F. NORTHROP.

Born, Brookfield, Conn., 1801. Yale College, 1824, and two
years in Auburn Theological Seminary. He was ordained, Man-
chester, Conn., 1829 ; dismissed, 1850 ; agent of American S S. Un-
ion, 1850-52 ; pastor, Griswold, 1853-70; died, 1875. For more
than twenty years he was an esteemed member of the meeting, and
often made valuable contributions to its services.

STEPHEN HUBBELL.

Born, Wilton, Conn., 1802. Yale College, 1826. Yale Divinity
School, 1829. He was ordained, 1830 ; was pastor at Hamden,
Wolcottville, East Avon, North Stonington, and Long Ridge; died,
New Haven, 1884. While in North Stonington, 1853-69, he proved
himself a faithful minister of Christ, and was meantime an efficient
helper in the Ministers 7 Meeting. His wife was che authoress of a
little book entitled "The Shady •Side," in which the trials and
hardships of ministerial life are set in a pretty strong light. This
book called forth several others, presenting quite different aspects
of the same general subject — such as "The Sunny Side," "The
Parish Side," etc.

HIRAM P. ARMS.

Born, Windsor, Conn., 1799. Yale College, 1824, and Yale Divin-
ity School, 1828. He was ordained, Hebron, Conn., 1830 ; dismissed,
1832; pastor, Wolcottville, 1833-36; pastor, First Church, Norwich,

1836-73, and pastor emeritus, 1873-82. N. Y. University gave him
the degree of D. D., 1864. He was a Fellow of Yale College, 1866-82 ;
published eight sermons and addresses; died at Norwich, 1882.
As Dr. Bond was appealed to in matters pertaining to Hebrew and
Greek literature, Dr. Arms was for many years regarded as high
authority in all matters connected with a correct use of the Eng-
lish language. In my early manhood I was quite well acquainted
with a member of his congregation who was a great reader, and
who wrote a good deal for the press. He said he greatly enjoyed
his minister's preaching because he spoke the English language
so correctly. In this meeting, if any question was raised in regard
to the proper construction of a sentence, or the proper pronuncia-
tion of a word, the remark would often lie made : " Ask Brother
Arms ; he'll tell you." But he did not have inflexible rules to go
by in such matters. In one case, I remember, some one inquired :
"Mr. Arms, how do you pronounce such a word?" " Well," said
he, "there are two or three ways of pronouncing it." "But how
would you pronounce it?" "That would depend upon circum-
stances," said he. " If I were addressing a comjmny of school-
ma'ams, I should pronounce it so ; hut if I were speaking to a con-
gregation of good common-sense, uneducated people, I should \>vo-

nounce it so."

GEORGE J. TILLOTSON.

Born, Farmington, Conn., 1805. Yale College, 1825. Yale Di-
vinity School, 1830. He was a Fellow of Yale. 1849-88 ; ordained,
Brooklyn, Conn., 1831 ; dismissed, 1858 ; acting pastor twelve years
in Putnam, three years in Central Village, and two years in Hamp
ton. He died at his home in Wethersfield, 1888. Through the
whole period of his ministry he was a frequent, though not con-
stant, attendant upon our Ministers' Meeting ; and he is remembered
as a remarkably fluent speaker, a warm friend and active promoter
of revivals, and a liberal contributor to benevolent objects. Tillot-
son Institute, at Austin, Texas, was named in recognition of his
generous contributions and valuable services.

JARED R. AVERY.

Born, Groton, Conn., 1804. Williams College, 1830, and Auburn
Theological Seminary, 1833. He was ordained, 1833; agent of Amer-
ican Tract Society, 1833-38; pastor, Groton, 1830-51; pastor,

Franklin, 1851-60 ; died, Groton, 1885. He used to attend the
meeting pretty regularly, and, while living in Groton, as he kept
no horse, he often rode with Dr. McBwen. He entertained
the meeting, from time to time, at his house ; and was always
willing to take his turn both as reader and as preacher. He had
a voice which, though not seemingly peculiar, was easily heard in
large churches, and in open-air gatherings. At the Groton Cen-
tennial, in 1881, though he was then an old man, he was more dis-
tinctly heard than any other speaker. One quality of his mind may
be inferred from a remark which an intelligent man made of him
after an ecclesiastical trial before the consociation, in which he had
taken a prominent part. The remark was : " That minister would
have made a good lawyer."

JOHN C. NICHOLS.

Born, West Brookfield, Mass., 1801. Yale College, 1824, and
Yale Divinity School, 1831. He was ordained as an evangelist, to
labor in Canada, 1831 ; pastor, Second Church, Stonington, 1834-
39; pastor, First Church, Lebanon, 1840-54. He was a member of
the meeting from 1834 to 1854. I heard him read in it several ar-
ticles of decided merit. He was one of my nearest ministerial neigh-
bors in Lebanon ; and we frequently exchanged pulpits. On ac-
count of failing health, he retired from the ministry, and, for several
years, taught a family school for boys in the town of Lyme. It fell
to my lot to make the address at his funeral in Lebanon, in 1868.
That address was published in the Congregational Qxtarterly.
TRYON EDWARDS.

Born, Hartford, Conn., 1809. He was a great-grandson of Presi-
dent Jonathan Edwards. Yale College, 1828, and two years in
Princeton Theological Seminary, in the class of 1830. He was or-
dained, 1834 ; received the degree of D. D. from Wabash College,
1818 ; died, Detroit, Mich., 1894. He was pastor of the Second
Church, New London, 1845-57. During the earlier portion of this
pastorate, he attended the meeting occasionally, and took part in
it, but at leugth dropped out, having become engrossed with
other matters. After leaving New London, he had several pastor-
ates, mostly in Presbyterian Churches in other parts of the country.
He was the author of quite a number of books, some of which have
obtained a wide circulation. He was a frequent contributor to
the Congregationalist and other religious journals.

ALPHONSO L. WHITMAN.

Born, Turner, Me., 1805. Bangor Theological Seminary, 1834.
Ordained, Holden, Me., 1834 ; dismissed, 183S ; pastor, Greeneville,
L838-46 ; Westerly, U. I., 1847-60 ; acting pastor, Tiverton, R. I.,
186G-72 ; died, Grroton, 1874. Dr. Bond, of Norwich, his teacher in
Bangor, and his intimate associate in later years, after the death of
Mr. Whitman, made the following, among other, statements, in re-
gard to him : " As a man, he inspired the confidence of those who
knew him best, and endeared himself to a large circle of Christian
friends, and especially to his brethren in the ministry. * * * As a
preacher, he was serious, earnest, and direct — ever loyal to the
truth, and at times using great plainness of speech. * * * As an in-
dependent thinker, he called no man Rabbi. The Bible was his text
bonk, his body of divinity, and to this he devoutly adhered. * * *
He was a progressive man in principle and practice, ready for every
good word and work."

NATHAN S. HUNT.

Born, Coventry, Conn., 1802 ; entered Hamilton College, 1820 ;
graduated, Williams College, 1830, and Andover Theological Semi-
nary, 1833. He was ordained, Abington, Conn., 1831 ; dismissed,
1845 ; acting pastor, Montville, 1810-17 ; pastor, Preston, 1847-58 ;
acting pastor, Bozrah, 1858-70 ; died at Bozrah, 1882. While in
Montville and Preston he frequently attended the meeting and
took part in it, hut after going to Bozrah he dropped out and never
saw fit to return.

ANSON GLEASON.

Born, Manchester, Conu., 1797 ; missionary of the American
Board to the Choctaws in Georgia, 1823-31 ; minister in Mohegan,
1831-48, being ordained there in 1835 ; agent of the American
Board, 1848-51 ; missionary to the Six Nations, N. Y., 1851-01; City
Missionary in Rochester, N. V., 1862, in TJtica, 1803, in Brooklyn,
! B6 I 85 ; died, 1885. He was not versed in the lore of the schools,
had no knowledge of Latin, or Greek, or Hebrew. But he was fa-
miliar with the English Bible, and was an expert in the language
of the heart. To him, more than to almost any minister that I ever
knew, would the remark apply that was once made by way of de-
scribing President Edwards's eloquence. A young minister
who had never known him, asked an older minister who had

known him well, what it was that gave Edwards his wonderful
power in the pulpit. The older minister replied : " President Ed-
wards had a high-pitched, squeaky voice, which, of itself, would repel
rather than draw people to him." " Well," said the younger minis-
ter, " it could not have been that that made him eloquent." " No."
"Well, what was it?" "President Edwards wrote out his sermons
in full in a very fine hand, and on very small-sized paper. He stood
erect and still like a post in the pulpit, held his manuscript right
before his face, and read it, scarcely ever looking at the congrega-
tion." " Well, but that was not the secret of his power." " No."
" What was it then ? " " It was simply this — he felt what he
said." This was eminently true of Mr. Gleason. Hence his services
were very acceptable, not only to his little church in Mohegan, but
to almost any church in this region. And when he was called to
speak on the platform of the American Board, as he sometimes was,
there was no speaker who could sway the vast audience gathered
before him more effectually than he. He moved from the County
pretty soon after I entered the ministry ; and I recall but one in-
stance in which he took a prominent part in this meeting. By
previous appointment he presented a subject, and did it in his
own peculiar fashion. He read and talked, and talked and read,
and kept the whole meeting in an uproar of laughter, or in a
state bordering closely upon weeping, for half an hour or more.
When the remarks upon the subject began, Dr. Bond was one of
the first called upon, and said something like this : " Well, this is
very interesting to me. It reminds me of a scene that occurred in
Hartford a good many years ago. I, then a young man, was assist-
ing Dr. Hawes in a series of revival meetings. There was a very deep
and wide-spread religious interest in the city. One eveniug, after
the public service, inquirers in great numbers came into a retired
room to confer with us ministers Among them Was a young man,
apparently a mechanic, who was evidently under very deep convic-
tion, and anxiously seeking the way of life. When his turn came, he
stepped up pretty close to Dr. Hawes, and the Doctor rather abrupt-
ly said to him : 'Well, young man, what do you want?' ' I want,'
said the young man, 'a new heart.' Dr. Hawes and myself both talked
with him, and gave him such counsel as seemed to be suited to his
case. And before he left that room, he obtained, I trust, what ha
was seekiug — a new heart. That young man was Brother Gleason."

RICHARD M. CHIPMAN.

Born, Salem, Mass., 1806. Dartmouth College, 1832, and Prince-
ton Theological Seminary. Ordained, 1835. While supplying in
Lisbon, 1871-79, he attended the meeting and took an active pari
in it. Died, Devon, Pa., 1893.

ERASTUS DICKINSON.

Born, Plainfield, Mass., 1807. Amherst College, 1832. Auburn
Theological Seminary, 1833. Ordained, Canton, Mass., 1835. Pas-
tor in Chaplin, Conn., and Sudbury, Mass. While in Colchester,
Conn., 1851-55, he was a regular attendant upon this meeting. He
was postmaster in Lakewood, N. J., for many years, and up to the
time of his death in 1888.

GEORGE H. WOODWARD.

Born, Hanover, X. H., 1807. Dartmouth College, 1831, and
Princeton Theological Seminary, 1835, also Theological Institute of
Connecticut, 1837. Ordained, 1837 ; East Stafford, 1840-50 ; Gro-
ton, 1850-50 ; Toledo, Iowa, 1856-07 ; died, 1877. During bis resi-
dence in Groton he was in feeble health ; and while he occasionally
attended the meeting, he was unable to take a very active part in it.

OLIVER E. DAGGETT.

Born, New Haven, Jan. 14, 1810. Graduated at Yale College,
1828, and Yale Seminary, 1834. Pastor, South Church, Hartford,
1837-43 ; First Congregational Church, Canandaigua, X. Y., 1845
67 ; professor and pastor of church in Yale College, 1867-70 ; pas-
tor, Second Congregational Church, Xew London, 1871-77; died.
1880. As long as he lived in Xew London, he took great interesi
in the Ministers' .Meeting, and attended it constantly ; and his pres-
ence was as much prized by his brethren as the meeting was prized
by him. Being older than most of us, and having seen a good deal
of the world and had long and successful experience in the ministry,
he contributed very much to the interest of the meeting. His essays,
his sermons, and his anecdotes will long be remembered.

EBENEZER W. ROBINSON.

Born, Granville, Washington County, N. Y., 1812. Hamilton Col-

lege, 1834, and Auburn Theological Seminary, 1837. Ordained, Free-
town, Mass, 1838 ; dismissed, 1845 ; acting pastor, Hanover, Conn.,
1849-52; pastor, Bethany, Conn., 1855-GO. During his pastorate in
Hanover, he was habitually present and active in this meeting. While
in Bethany he was the " working member " of a committee ( for
such the other members, Leonard Bacon and S. W. S. Dutton, of
New Haven, called him ) which prepared for the press that valuable
book known as " Contributions to the Ecclesiastical History of Con-
necticut." From 1864 onward for several years, he held clerkships
in Washington, D. C. He was one of the founders of the First Con-
gregational Church of that city. He was among the oi'iginal corpo-
rators of Howard University, a member of its board of trustees, and
secretary of said board, which office he held at the time of his death,

1869.

CLARENDON F. MUZZY.

Born, Dublin, N. H., 1804. Middlebury College, 1833, and An-
dover Theological Seminary, 1836. In the service of the American
Board, 1836-64. Ordained in Madura. India, 1838. After retiring
from the foreign missionary field, he was acting pastor of several
churches in this country. While supplying in Mohegan, 1866-73,
he constantly attended this meeting ; and whenever he spoke in it,
was wont to illustrate the subject upon which he was speaking by
facts with which he had become familiar in his missionary life.

JAMES A. HAZEN.

Born, West Springfield, Mass., 1813. Yale College, 1834, and
Theological Institute of Connecticut, 1838. Ordained, South Wil-
braham, Mass., 1838 ; dismissed, 1848 ; pastor, South Williamstown,
Mass., three years ; pastor, Hanover, 1852-62 ; died, 1862. His bi-
ographer truly says of him : " He was much respected and beloved
by the people to whom he ministered. He had a kind and gentle
spirit which won the hearts of the people wherever he lived. Dur-
ing his ministry in Hanover there were three revivals of religion,
and goodly numbers were added to the church."

THOMAS P. FIELD.

Born at Northfield, Mass., Jan. 12, 1814. Amherst College, 1834,
and Andover Seminary, 1840. Pastor, South Danvers, now Pea-
body, Mass., 1840-50 ; Troy, N. Y. } 1850-53 ; professor of oratory,

Amherst College, 1853-56 ; pastor, First Church, New London,
1856-77 ; pastor of College Church, Amherst, 1877-87 ; died at
Amherst, May 16, 1894. He was an attendant upon the meeting dur-
ing his twenty years' residence in New London ; and whenever his
turn came, took part in the exercises both as reader and preacher —
always doing it with scholarly ability and happy effect. The sermon
preached by him at the funeral of Dr. McEwen was published,
also that preached on the two-hundredth anniversary of the First
Church in New London.

ELIJAH W. TUCKER.

Born, Dorchester, Mass., 1810. Brown University, 1838, and An-
dover Theological Seminary, 1841. Ordained, South Newmarket,
N. H , 1841 ; dismissed, 1845 ; pastor, Chatham, Mass., 1846-51 ;
supplied Essex, Conn., 1852 ; pastor, Lebanon, Goshen, 1853-58 ;
acting pastor, Preston, 1858-65 ; acting pastor, Northfield, Conn.,
1865-66 ; died, 1866. During his twelve years' residence in the
County, he attended the meetings with much regularity, and seemed
to prize the privilege of so doing. While in Goshen he was my
nearest ministerial neighbor, and one of my most intimate ministe-
rial associates.

CHARLES P. BUSH.

Born, Brighton, N. Y., 1813. Studied theology at Yale Divinity
School and Union Theological Seminary, 1 837-40. Ordained, Tenth
Presbyterian Church, N. Y. City, 1841-45; pastor, Greeneville, 1846;
dismissed, 1856 ; acting pastor, New Congregational Church, Chica-
go, 1856-57; pastor, Beloit, Wis., 1857-59; secretary in New York,
of American Tract Society ( Boston) 1860-63; district secretary and
general agent of American Board, 1863-80. He received the degree
of D.D. from Hamilton College, 1867; wrote a good deal for religious
journals ; published several sermons and memoirs. Died at Albany,
X. Y., 1SS0. He was a very active member of our meeting for
many years. He was prompt and progressive as a man, faithful and
successful as a minister. At one time during his stay among us, the
community in Greeneville was pervaded by deep and wide-spread re-
ligious interest ; and there were large accessions to the church.
Toward the close x>f his pastorate he performed very valuable ser-
vices in the interest of temperance in various parts of the County.
He would arrange exchanges with ministers with the under-

standing that he was to preach temperance wherever he went. His
labors in this line extended into a good many parishes, and were
very highly appreciated. Mr . Bush had in his congregation in
Greeneville a bright Scotch boy by the name of William Aitchison,
whom he and others encouraged in his efforts to obtain a liberal
education. He was graduated with honor at Yale in the class of
1848, studied theology at New Haven, and went out as a mission-
ary of the American Board to China ; but in five years, his career,
which had opened with great promise, was cut short by death. Mr.
Bush wrote a memoir of him, which was published under the title
of " Five Years in China." It is one of the most charming little
books of its kind that I ever read. Before going forth to his mis-
sion field, Mr. Aitchison attended the Ministers' Meeting a few
times, and made a very favorable impression upon all of us.

ORLO D. HINE.

Born, New Milford, Conn., 1815. Yale College, 1837, and Yale
Divinity School, 1840. Ordained, Clinton, Conn., 1841 ; dismissed,
1842 ; pastor in several other places, mostly in New England, and
among them, Lebanon First Church, 1856-86. He was representative
in the Legislature of Connecticut in 1866 ; published an historical
discourse entitled " Early Lebanon ; " died, Mamaroneck, N. Y., 1890.
There is no minister whom I have ever known, to whom I sustained
closer relations professionally than I did to him ; and no one from
whom I received so much and such valuable counsel. We worked
together some twenty years on the school board of Lebanon. We fre-
quently exchanged pulpits, often lent each other books, and often
conferred very freely with each other on subjects in which we were
both interested. He was quite an extensive reader, and a close,
accurate thinker ; and it was always interesting and instructive to
converse with him. He was a very constant attendant upon the
Ministers' Meeting, and a very helpful member of it, frequently
reading articles which possessed a high degree of merit.

WILLIAM M. BIRCHARD.

Born, Bozrah, Conn., 1810. Yale College, 1837, and Andover
Theological Seminary, 1841. Ordained pastor of the church in his
native town, 1843 ; dismissed, 1848. From 1849 to 1871 he was
pastor or acting pastor in six other parishes in Massachusetts and

Connecticut, the last of which was Montville, 1868-71. He pub-
lished several sermons, one of them ;i centennial discourse. Died,
1883.

AARON R. LIVERMORE.

Born, Alstead, N. H., 1810. Amherst College, 1836, and Theo-
logical Institute of Connecticut, 1839 Ordained, 1843. While
pastor of the (Joshen Church, Lebauon, 1860-68, and acting pastor
of the Bozrahville Church, 1870—73, he attended the meeting as often
as his feeble health would permit. Died at New Haven, 1892.

JEREMY W. TUCK.

Born, Kensington, N. H., 1811. Amherst College, 1840, and
Theological Institute of Connecticut, 1843. Ordained, Ludlow,
Mass., 1843 ; dismissed, 1860 ; pastor and stated supply in several
other parishes in Massachusetts and Connecticut — among them,
Jewett City, 1866-76. Died, Springfield, Mass., 1892. Published
centennial address at Ludlow, " Letters of Transcontinental
Travel," and occasional sermons.

ALEXANDER YERRINGTON.

Born, Griswold, 1818. Amherst College, 1841, and Theological
Institute of Connecticut, 1844. He was licensed to preach, 1st:;,
but never ordained, his health being hardly equal to the labors of a
pastorate. He resided at Preston, supplied vacant pulpits as op-
portunity offered, and habitually attended and took part in this
meeting. Died, Preston, 1868.

ROBERT C. LEARNED.

Born, New London, 1817. Yale College, 1837, and Yale Divinity
School, 1841. Ordained, Twinsburg, O., 1843; dismissed, 1846;
pastor, Canterbury, 1847-58 ; Berlin, Conn., 1858-61 ; Plymouth,
Conn, 1861-63 ; died, Plymouth, 1867. While in Canterbury he
was a constant attendant upon the meeting, and one of its most ac-
tive members. He read several papers in it of a very high order
of merit. One or two of them were on " The Separatists of Eastern
Connecticut," others on "The Churches of Windham County."
These essays were prepared with much research and with great
painstaking and care. After they were read in the meeting they

were published in the Congregational Quarterly ; and may well be
regarded as among the best authorities on the subjects of which
they treat.

WILLIAM A. CLIFT.

Born, Griswold, 1817. Amherst. College, 1839, and Union Theo-
logical Seminary, 1843. Ordained pastor of the Second Church,
Stonington, 1844 ; dismissed, 18G4 ; engaged in editorial, horticul-
tural, and agricultural work, 18fi4-68 ; pastor, Mystic, 1869-78;
acting pastor, Hadlyme, 1881-86 ; died, Mystic, 1890. He pub-
lished quite a number of sermons and tracts, and wrote a good deal
for agricultural papers. He frequently lectured before agricul-
tural societies. For more than 40 years he was a. constant attend-
ant upon this meeting, and an active participant in its services, and
always performed his part faithfully and well. He commonly chose
themes of a practical, rather than of a theological or speculative
character, and generally presented his views, whether in essays or
sermons, with great clearness, aiid often with telling effect. He
was a strong man physically, and possessed withal great force and
decision of character. His invincible firmness enabled him to do
most excellent service in the interest of temperance, anti-slavery,
and other healthful reforms. The later years of my intercourse with
him were chiefly in the fellowship meetings held in the churches
of Stonington and vicinity. Though beginning to be pretty heavily
pressed with bodily infirmity, he took great interest in those meet-
ings, and spoke in them as one earnestly desiring the progress of
Christ's kingdom upon earth — himself meantime fast ripening for
a better world.

THOMAS TALLMAN.

Born, Chatham, Conn., 1815. Yale College, 1837, and Yale Di-
vinity School, 1840. Ordained, Scotland, Conn., 1844 ; dismissed,
1861. This, his only pastorate, was terminated by his failing health,
greatly to the regret both of himself and his people. The remain-
ing portion of his life was spent for the most part in Thompson
though he was frequently called upon to supply vacant pulpits in
Eastern Connecticut, and sometimes to occupy a single pulpit for a
year or more at a time. He represented the town of Thompson in
our State Legislature in the years 1866-67. Died, Thompson, 1872.
He seemed to be fond of attending our meeting, and the more so,
probably, because he was pretty sure of seeing here one or more of

his four college-classmates who were wont to meet with us; viz.
W. M. Birchard, D. Uine, R. C. Learned, M. X. Morris. Their
class in Yale was the famous class of '37, which contained such men
as Chief Justice M. H. Waite, Secretary of State W. M. Evarts, At-
torney-General Edwards Pierrepont, President Chapin, of Beloit Col-
lege, and Professors B. Silliman, Jr., and C. S. Lyman, of Yale.

JOSHUA R, BROWN.

Born, Stonington, 1812. Yale Divinity School, 1843. Ordained,
Lebanon, Goshen, 1845 ; dismissed, 1852 ; pastor, East Longmeadow,
1854-58 ; died, 1858. During his Goshen pastorate, his house was
only two miles from my boarding-place in Exeter ; and I was quite
intimate with him and his family. He was a faithful and success-
ful minister, though his career was comparatively short.

MYRON N. MORRIS.

Born, Warren, Conn., 1810. Yale College, 1837. Engaged in
teaching, 1837-45; studied theology privately ; licensed by New
London Association, 1843 ; ordained, North Stonington, 1846 ; dis-
missed, 1852 ; pastor, West Hartford, 1852-75 ; fellow of Yale Col-
lege, 1867-85 ; representative from West Hartford, in the Legisla-
ture of Connecticut, 1872-75. He held other important offices, pub-
lished several discourses, chiefly of an historical character, and died
at West Hartford, 1885. After receiving his license, he began to
preach as a candidate, but did not seem to make a very favorable
impression at first ; and no field of labor opening to him, he was on
the point of giving up preaching, and returning to his work as a
teacher, in which he had attained to high success. By and by, how-
ever, through the intervention of Gen. William Williams, of Norwich,
a native of North Stonington, he was heard as a candidate in the lat-
ter place, and the way was soon opened for him to become the pastor
of the church there. So long as he remained with us, he was one of
the most valuable members of this meeting. When he rose to speak,
we all understood that he had something to say which was worth
hearing. When he took his turn as preacher, no one failed to be
interested.

WILLIAM P. AVERY.

Born, Griswold, 1816. Amherst College, 1837, and Theological
Institute of Connecticut, 184 2. Licensed by New London Associa-

tion, 1841 ; ordained, Lewis, N. Y., 184G; acting pastor, Bozrah,
1850-56; acting pastor, Hampton and Chapin, Iowa, 1858-75;
died, Chapin, 1885. He was an esteemed member of the
meeting during his six years' residence in Bozrah, though his
health did not permit him to attend very frequently. For a good
many years he labored under the inconvenience of impaired vision,
and became at length unable to read. Still he continued to do
good service in the ministry, through the aid of an excellent memo-
ry and the loving co-operation of a faithful wife.

JOHN P. GULLIVER.

Born, Boston, Mass., 1819. Yale College, 1840, of which he was
a fellow, 1861-66. Ordained, Broadway Church, Norwich, 1846 ; dis-
missed, 1865 ; pastor, New England Church, Chicago, 1866-68 ;
president, Knox College, Illinois. 1868-72 ; pastor, Binghampton, N.
Y., 1872-78; professor, Andover Theological Seminary, 1878-94;
died, 1894. During his ministry in Norwich he usually attended the
Ministers' Meeting and took an active part in it. The Broadway
Church greatly prospered under his ministry. From being the eighth
church in the County in respect to membership, it steadily grew and
came to be the first, and has continued to prosper to the present
time. Mr. Gulliver was an eloquent speaker, and a powerful advo-
cate of every cause which he heartily espoused. He did much to
advance the cause of popular education in the city of Norwich. The
founding of the Free Academy and the establishment of the present
excellent system of graded schools were largely due to his influence.
He labored strenuously in the interest of all healthful reforms, such
as temperance and anti-slavery. And when the Civil War came on, no
one was more earnest in advocating the preservation of the nation
against armed rebellion. Our war governor, Buckingham, was a
deacon of his church.

JOSEPH E. SWALLOW.

Born, Nashua, N. H., 1817. Dartmouth College, 1843, and Union
Theological Seminary, 1848. Ordained, 1848. Was pastor or sup-
ply in twelve different places in New England or New York ; in
Groton, 1867-70 ; died, 1889.

GEORGE J. HARRISON.

Born, Branford, Conn., 1823. Union College, 1843, and Prince-

ton Theological Seminary, 1847. Ordained, Franklin, Conn., 1849 ;
dismissed, 1851 ; acting pastor, Milton, Conn., 1854-93 ; died, 1893-

SAMUEL G. WILLARD.

Born, Wilton, Conn., 1819. Yale College, 184G, and Yale Divinity
School, 1849. Ordained, Willimantic, 1849 ; dismissed, 18G8 ; install-
ed, Colchester, 1808-87 ; fellow of Yale College, 1S67-87 ; represent-
ative from the town of Windham in the Legislature of Connec-
ticut, 1866; held manj r other offices of honor and trust; pub-
lished a large number of sermons, addresses, and reports ; died,
1887. He early connected himself with this meeting, remained
connected with it during his whole ministerial life, and did a great
deal to promote its interests. He never shirked any responsibility
— never shrank from any task assigned him, however difficult, lie
seemed to possess remarkable gifts as a scribe. He was clerk of
his own church, and, I thiuk, of several organizations within the
church, clerk of his college class, clerk of the Consociation
of New London County, and then of the County Conference which
took the place of the Consociation, clerk of the school board of Col-
chester, clerk of almost eveiw ecclesiastical council of which he was
a member, and I know not of how many other organizations. He
was a man of all work— of constant work, and, indeed, of excessive
work ; and to human view, it was his arduous labors which brought
him to death, as it were before his time. He was overcome and
disabled by a shock in New Haven, whither he had gone to attend
a meeting of the Yale Corporators, after several days of exhaustive
toil at home. Earth seemed to loose him too soon ; but Heaven
received him already 'trained and fitted for its exalted services. One
of the best things that Mr. Willard ever did, aside from his pastoral
work, w r as to set on foot a movement which resulted in the forma-
tion of one of the most needed and valuable institutions ever es-
tablished in the interest of the Congregational churches of Connec-
ticut, viz. "The Fund for Ministers." Rev. George J. Stearns, a
very promising young man, pastor of the church in Windham, died,
leaving a widow and two young children without the means of sup-
port. Mr. Willard prepared a full statement of the case, and read
it in this meeting, and, in connection with the facts presented,
showed what some other denominations had done, and our own de-
nomination, too, in some other States, for the relief of such cases.
All of us were greatly interested in his essay. And the outcome of

it was tbat the General Association of Connecticut took up the
matter, and, in 1864, established what is now known as " The Fund
for Ministers." So that New London County may be regarded as
the birth-place of this valuable fund, as it had been, years before,
the birth-place of " The Missionary Society of Connecticut," which
last was the fore-runner of the C. H. M. S.

GEORGE J. STEARNS.

Born, West Killingly, Conn., 1825. Amherst College, 1849, and
Theological Institute of Connecticut, 1852. Ordained, Windham,
Conn., 1852 ; dismissed, 1861 ; died, 1861. All of us who knew him
well felt that he was a young man of devoted piety and of decided
talent, giving promise of extensive usefulness.

SAMUEL W. BROWN.

Born, Winchendon, Mass., 1828. Yale College, 1850. He taught
school several years ; studied theology at Chicago and Andover,
1858-61 ; supplied South Coventry, Conn., 1862-64; was installed
at Groton, 1864-66 ; died, 1866. What his biographer says of him
was eminently true : "As a Christian minister, his chief merit,
and perhaps his chief power, lay in the sweet and tender spirit
which made itself felt in almost every word and look. Men felt that
he cared for their souls."

CHARLES H. BOYD.

Born, Francestown, N. H., 1836. Dartmouth College, 1858.
Ordained, Mystic, 1864 ; dismissed, 1865 ; died, 1866. Rarely, if
ever, has a young man come among us more richly endowed, or
more thoroughly trained and prepared for ministerial work. He en-
tered into the field opened to him in Mystic with high hopes of
success ; but his inherited tendencies to pulmonary disease were
soon developed, and his life was early brought to a close.

DANIEL B. LORD.

Born, Hebron, Conn., 1840. Amherst College, 1864, and Theo-
logical Institute of Connecticut, 1868. Ordained pastor of the
Goshen church, Lebanon, 1868 ; dismissed, 1877 ; afterward pastor
in several places in Massachusetts and Connecticut ; died, West
Hartford, 1892. While in Goshen he was a constant attendant
upon the meeting, and often spoke of the great good he derived
from it.

EDWARD W. BACON.

Born, New Haven, 1843. Student in military school, New Haven ;
served his country both in the army and navy in the war of the Re-
bellion ; graduated at Yale Divinity School, 18G9 ; received honor-
ary degree of A. M. from Yale College, 186S ; pastor at Wolcottville,
1809-71 ; supplied several churches in Michigan and Illinois, 1872—
75 ; pastor of the First Church, New London, 1877-80 ; died, 1887.
During his nine years' pastorate in New London, he met with his
brethren as often as his health would permit, and gave promise of
eminent usefulness had his life been prolonged.

NATHANIEL G. BORNEY.

Born, Marshfield, Mass., 1834. Brown University, 1856, and An-
dover Theological Seminary, 1862. Ordained, Peru, Mass., 1864 ;
dismissed, 1868 ; pastor or acting pastor in four parishes in Connec-
ticut, the last of which was Hanover, 1878-83, where he died in
the prime of life, beloved by his people and highly esteemed by
his ministerial associates.

HENRY D. TAYLOR.

Born, French Lake, New Brunswick, 184:7. Brown University,
1871, and Rochester Theological Seminary, 1874. Ordained as a
Baptist minister, Salem, Mass., 1874-77 ; pastor, Central Baptist
Church, Norwich, 1887-90 ; changed his views and became a Con-
gregationalist ; was installed pastor of Cougregational church, New-
tonville, Mass., 1890 ; published some eight or ten sermons ; died,
1890. Though associated with us but a short time, we had begun
to esteem and love him.

DAVID J. OGDEN.

Born, Whitesboro, N. Y, 1837. Yale College, 1861, and Yale
Divinity School, 1868. After supplying in several places, he was or-
dained at Niantic, 1882 ; dismissed, 1885 ; Easton, Conn., 1886-91 ;
died, 1891. He took great interest in the meeting, and heartily co-
operated with his ln*ethren in sustaining it.

AUSTIN H. BURR.

Born, Charlestown, Ohio, 1849. Oberlin College, 1871, and An-
dover Theological Seminary, 1875. Ordained, 1875 ; pastor of

several churches in Massachusetts ; acting pastor, Mystic, 1890-91 ;
died, 1891. During his short stay among us, he won the esteem and
love of his brethren in the ministry, and secured a warm place in
the hearts of his people at Mystic.

Of the fifty-eight brethren of whom 1 have spoken, some were
very dear to me. I was very closely associated with them in minis-
terial and educational work, and have often taken sweet counsel
with them. Of those who were members of the body forty-five
years ago, only two, Calvin Terry, of North Weymouth, Mass., and
myself, survive. The rest are with us on earth no more. Hav-
ing witnessed a good confession and performed much faithful ser-
vice, they have entered upon the inheritance of their reward. But
are they uninterested in us, and in what we are doing here from
month to month ? Do they know us no more, and care no more for
these precious gatherings which were once so dear to them ? It is
hard to realize that this is so. "Are they not all ministering spirits
sent forth to do service for the sake of them that shall inherit sal-
vation ? " It is when I call up thoughts like these that that
passage in the Hebrews seems very sweet to me : " Ye are come
unto Mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the Heavenly
Jerusalem, and to innumerable hosts of angels, * * * to the gen-
eral assembly and church of the first born who are enrolled in
Heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men
made perfect, * * * and to Jesus, the mediator of the new cove-
nant." And the exhortation — so familiar, and perhaps well-nigh
powerless at times, because familiar— is brought home with pecu-
liar force : " Therefore let us, also, seeing we are compassed
about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight,
and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with pa-
tience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author
and perfector of our faith."

Of the 130 or 140 men connected with this meeting during the
last forty-five years, six have been members of our State Legisla-
ture ; seventeen have been Doctors of Divinity ; five, members of
the Corporation in Yale College ; two have been professors in Yale
College ; two in Andover Theological Seminary ; one has been a
professor in Amherst College ; one, in Williams College ; one, in
the Theological Institute of Connecticut ; one, in Chicago Theo-
logical Seminary; and one, a secretary of the American Bible Society.

Nearly all of these have risen to their honorable positions since I be-
gan to know them . New Loudon never had a Doctor of Divinity among
its ministers till McEwen was made such ; and this was only a year
or two before I was ordained. Norwich City had had but one Doc-
tor of Divinity before Dr. Bond. But quite a number of the coun-
try towns had had them long before this. Norwich Town, Frank-
lin, Lebanon, Griswold, Canterbury, Scotland, Lisbon, Hanover, and
Plainfield were all thus honored.

And this suggests how greatly the relative strength of the city
and country churches has changed in the last fifty or sixty 3'ears. I
have heard Dr. Bond say that when he came to Norwich, in 1835,
the two best churches in the County — those which were regarded
as the most desirable for ministers to settle in — were not Norwich
and New Londou, but Lebanon and Griswold. During this period
quite a large number of new churches have been formed in the cit-
ies and villages ; and in common with the churches previously exist-
ing in these places, have, for the most part, been constantly grow-
ing stronger, while nearly all the country churches have been grow-
ing weaker. When I was a boy, there was but one church in New
London, where there are now two. There were but two in Norwich,
where there are now six. There was but one in Griswold, where
there are now two. There was but one in Stonington, where there
are now four. The country churches have contributed large num-
bers to the membership of the churches in the cities and villages ;
and now the city churches, or some of them at least, are contributing
pretty liberally to the pecuniary support of the country churches.

Since this Ministers' Meeting began its course, the ministers and
the churches and congregations to which they have ministered, have
experienced great changes — changes for the better rather than for
the worse, in very many respects at least. As generation has suc-
ceeded generation, there has been advance and improvement all
along the line, and this notwithstanding there has been retrogres-
sion and deterioration in individual cases and in unimportant par-
ticulars.

The ministers are more thoroughly educated than they were
ninety years ago ; and as new types of work have been presented
to them, they have developed new resources for the accomplish-
ment of the same. As the world has made progress, they have made
progress with it ; and indeed have commonly been foremost lead-
ers in all its forward movements. Some of the younger members

of this meeting scarcely realize, perhaps, that the whole system of
Sabbath schools, as now established in this country, is from ten to
twenty years younger than this Ministers' Meeting — that the great
work of home and foreign missions, now carried forward with such
wonderful success, in every part of our country, and on every quar-
ter of the globe, as well as on the isles of the sea, came into be-
ing a good while after the older men, whose career I have sketched,
had commenced their ministerial work. And but few of us realize, ,
till we have stopped to think, what an important part the clergy
and the churches of New London County have performed in con-
nection with this great work. Dr. McEwen, in his half century
sermon, tells us that the Connecticut Home Missionary Society —
which suggested and brought, into being the American Home Mis-
sionary Society — really originated in a private conference between
himself and Rev. Ira Hart, of Stonington, in the old parsonage at
New London, in 1815. And if we take pains to look up the facts,
we shall find that large numbers of educated young men and I
women from these New London County churches, have gone forth
as teachers of the freedmen in our southern States — as teachers
and missionaries all over the great West — as heralds of the Gospel
in distant heathen lands. I think that nearly, if not quite, half of the
churches in the County have each raised up one or more missiona-
ries to represent them in the foreign field. And then, too, the
amount of money contributed to carry forward the work would have
seemed perfectly marvelous to our predecessors three-quarters of at
century ago. Dr. McEwen would doubtless have been startled, if;
he had been told in 1806, that, within seventy years, a member of'
his own church would bequeath almost a million of dollars to for-
eign missions — that another man in the County would give a million
dollars for the education and elevation of the freedmen — that one
single church in the County would make regular contributions of
over $30,000 a year to benevolent objects.

"While there has been this advance in outward activity, the inqui-
ry naturally arises whether, in the matter of Christian experience —
of spiritual development — of upright, holy living, there has been
progress or retrogression. In view of not a few facts with which I
am familiar, I feel constrained to say that the whole movement in
these respects, has been a most decidedly forward movement. I
have no hesitation whatever in reaffirming with emphasis what Dr.
McEwen once said in this meeting some forty years ago. His

words were pretty nearly as follows : " The churches of Christ in
this County never wielded greater influence for good than tbey are
wielding to-day; the ministers were never more respected; and the
manners and morals of the people, as influenced by the ministers
and the churches, were never of a better type. If you, young men,
could be put back among the people living here fifty years ago, } t ou
would meet constantly with such coarseness and boorishness as you
rarely find here to-day. Everywhere you would come upon things
in the daily conduct and conversation of the people, that would be
utterly disgusting to you. And I want you to understand that it
is the churches, with their educated and cultivated ministers, that
have been very largely instrumental in working these most desir-
able changes."

Surely, on this general topic upon which I am here speaking, the
principle holds good — " By their fruits ye shall know them." We
have no occasion, then, to mourn that we have fallen upon evil times,
and worry over the groundless assumption that the former days
were better than the present.

On the contrary, the sublime and substantial progress that has
been made — the magnificent results that have been achieved —
should inspire us with a holy zeal in the service of our Master —
with a lofty ambition to do our own work in our own day in the
best possible manner, that those who come after us may have occa-
sion to look with grateful emotions upon the precious inheritance
we have transmitted to them.

Four of the former members of this New London Association
have died since the present year began. Tryon Edwards, a great-
grandson of President Jonathan Edwards, formerly pastor
of the Second Church, New London, died at Detroit, Mich.,
Jan. 4, at the age of 84. Thomas K. Fessenden, once pastor of the
church at Norwich Falls, now extinct, died at Farmington, Conn.,
Jan. 18, at the age of SO. John P. Gulliver, whose first pastorate of
about twenty years, was in the Broadway Church, Norwich, died at
Andover, Mass., Jan. 25, at the age of 74. Thomas P. Field, for
twenty years pastor of the First Church, New London, died at Am-
herst, Mass., May 16, at the age of 80.

When we think of the long continued and eminent usefulness of
these four brethren, and indeed of nearly all of those whom I have
specially named, the words of our Savior are brought freshly to
mind : " If any man serve Me, him will My Father honor." And
surely there is no nobler, better life lived here on earth than that of

a faithful Christian minister — none that brings greater present satis-
faction to the soul — none that is cheered with a brighter outlook
into the opening future. " They that be wise shall shine as the
brightness of the firmament, and they that turn many to right-
eousness as the stars forever and ever."

NEW LONDON ASSOCIATION.

Organized, 1750. Re-Organized and Combined With

the Ministers' Meeting, 1891. Meets, Second

Tuesday of January, February, March,

April, Noyember, and December.

Jolm

Registrar.

PRESENT MEMBERS.

Names, Residences, Dates of Ordination, Ministerial Ages, and
Occupations, Oct. 1, 1894.

Frederick E. Allen. . .

John Avery

Leonard W. Bacon. .
Lewis W. Barney . . .

John 0. Barrows

Nathaniel Beach. . .

James W. Bixler

S. Leroy Blake

Daniel J. Bliss

Quincy M. Bosworth

George A. Bryan

William B. Cary

J. R. Danfortb, Jr.. .
Franklin E. Fellows..
William A. Fobes. . . .
Richard H. Gidman. .

Henry E. Hart

Lucius H. Higgins. . .

Charles J. Hill

Samuel H. Howe ....
George N. Kellogg. . .
H. Martin Kellogg. . .
Albert E. Kinmouth.
Andrew J. McLeod..
Horace E. Morrow. . .
Charles A. Northrop.

Jairus Ordway

William S. Palmer. . .

Lewellyn Pratt

Robert P. Stanton

Edward G. Store

Charles F. Weeden. . .
Charles T. Weitzel. ...
Asher H. Wilcox

Griswold .

Norwich.

Greeneville.

Stonington.

Norwich Town.

New London.

Lebanon.

Lisbon

Norwich.

No. Stonington.

Mystic.

Norwich.

Worcester, Mass,

Preston,

Franklin.

Hanover.

Stonington.

Norwich.

Mnrrisville, Vt.

Wolcott.

Lerlyanl.

Stafford Spiings

Jewett City.

Norwich Town.

Salem.

Norwich Town.

Norwich.

Norwich

Niantic

Colchester.

Brooklyn, N. Y.

Norwich Town.

May 29,
June 21,
Oct. 16,
June 7,
June 9,
Nov. 22,
Nov. 13,
Dec. 7,
Dec. 6,
Nov. 18,
June 13,
Nov. 27,
Oct. 25,
Dec. 18,
Nov. 8,
Aug. 27,
Sept. 19,
June 21,
June 27,
Oct. 10,
June 19,
Apr. 12,
Apr. 9,
Feb. 27,
May 11,
Oct. 2,
Apr. 26,
Feb. 19,
May 27,
Feb. 9,
Oct. 28,
Apr. 4,
Apr. 18,
June 27,

1879
1848
1856
1888
1864
1837
1889
1864
1868
1856

ISl'.i

1871
1892
1858
1 855
1867
1866
1866
1857
1865
1878
1878;
1874
1870
1880
L878
1848
1862
1864
1*4*
1874
1888|
1ST'',
1865

Pastor
No charge
No charge
Past or C
Pastor C
No charge
Pastor C
Pastor C
Pastor

37 Preacher

No charge
Pastor C
Pastor
No charge
No charge
Pastor
Pastor C
Pastor
Pastor C

29 Pastor C

16 Preacher

16 Pastor

20 Pastor

24 Pastor
8 Pastor C

15 Pastor C

16 No charge
32 Pastor

311 Pastor C
46 No charge
2d Pastor
6 I'astorC
18 N'n charge
29 No charge

Total, 34. Average ministerial age, 26 years.

NEW LONDON ASSOCIATION.

Former members who are still living, with the names of the churches which

they served in the County, and the years in which these

services began and closed.

MINISTER.

Edward P. Armstrong. . . .

Milan C. Ayers

William A. Benedict

James R. Bourne

L. T. Chamberlain.

William B. Clark

Lucius Curtis

*Charles Cutting

M. McG. Dana

William E. Dickinson

Charles W. Denison

George Dodson

John Elderkin

Edward W. Gilman

Algernon M. Goodenough.

John Haskell

Sylvester Hine

Samuel Hopley

Albert C. Hurd

James G. Johnson

Franklin C. Jones

Robert F. Lawrence

Walter R. Long

Oscar G. Mclntyre

Elbridge W. Merritt

Henry B. Mead

Daniel Merriman

Nelson Millard

George A. Miller

William H. Moore

Dighton Moses

Charles H. Oliphant

Henry A. Ottman

Charles H. Peck

Edward K. Rawson

John W. Savage

J. Addison Saxton

William C. Schofield

Thomas Simms

R. B. Snowden

Andrew J. Sullivan. ......

John P. Taylor

Calvin Terry

Pliny F. Warner

William F. Warren

J ohn S. Whitman

Edward M. Williams

Josiah G. Willis

Giles B. Wilcox

John C Wilson

John A. Woodhull

CHURCH.

BEGAN

CLOSED

Taftville.

1883

1885

Niantic.

1878

1879

Eagleville.

1868

1870

North Stonington.

1873

1879

Norwich, Broadwsiy.

1877

1882

Griswold.

1875

1882

Central Village.

1882

1884

Colchester.

1856

1868

Ledyard.

1868

1881

Montville.

1881

1890

Norwich, Second.

1864

1874

Norwich, Park.

1875

1876

Montville.

1865

1867

Editor.

1871

Taftville.

1874

Salem.

1872

Stonington, Second.

1864

1871

Mystic.

1866

1867

Lisbon.

1867

1870

Groton.

1856

1861

Norwich, City Missionary.

1867

1871

Montville.

1874

1875

Taftville.

1877

1881

New London, Second.

1885

1890

Franklin.

1863

1880

N. London, C'y Missionary

1866

Mystic.

1853

1863

Montville.

1863

1865

Jewett City.

1889

1891

Hanover.

1884

1887

Stonington, Second.

1880

1883

Norwich, Broadway.

1868

1874

Norwich Broadway.

1884

1886

Bozrah and Bozrahville.

1886

1890

Norwich, editor Examiner.

1854

1855

Montville.

1877

1879

Mystic.

1879

1884

Bozrah.

1872

1875

Griswold.

1882

1888

Chaplain, U. S. N.

1880

1882

North Stonington.

1880

1882

Fitchville.

1859

1861

Norwich Town.

1873

1874

Greeneville.

1888

1891

Montville.

1862

1863

Greeneville.

1880

1886

New London, Second.

1878

1881

Griswold.

1846

1851

Stonington, First.

1860

1863

Taftville.

1885

Hanover.

1866

1868

Groton.

1892

1894

Lisbon.

1880

1881

New London, Second.

1859

1869

Stonington, First.

1888

1892

Groton.

1872

1880

*Died, 1894

Total, 50.

FAMOUS OLD TAVERNS

OF NEW LONDON.

FACT AND REMINISCENCE.

James Lawrence Chew.

FAMOUS OLD TAVERNS OF NEW LONDON.

JAMES LAWRENCE CHEW.

The introduction of railroads appears to have revolutionized the
social life of New England.

As we reflect, the leaves of memory are stirred, and we live for
the moment in the primitive days, when no rails of steel had pre-
empted our river front, and when at night no rumble of incoming
trains shook our pillow. Science had not lifted from the shoulders
of man and beast the burden which machinery was destined to
bear.

The iron horse had not entered the lists for popular favor, and
the stage coach was the reliable dependence of the public, while
the tavern, with its large representation of village wisdom, curiosi-
ty, and wit, dotted the highways of travel. We move, for the mo-
ment, amid scenes which would have delighted the heart of Dr.
Johnson, or moved the pen of that lover of inns, the father of Eng-
lish poetry.

Modern rapidity of travel which scarcely stops for a hasty re-
freshment, has greatly diminished the good cheer of the old land-
lord, if indeed such a character is now more than a reminiscence.
The commendation of Shenstone has little applicability to the pres-
ent :

" Who e'er Las travelled life's dull round,
What e'er his stages may have been,
Must sigh to think he still has found
His warmest welcome at an inn."

It is with peculiar joleasure that I ponder over these old houses
and picture them to myself as again inhabited by the busy tenauts
of former years. I call up the scenes which must have been wit-
nessed in these haunts of the pleasure seekers, the tavern with its
merry company, and the coffee house with its demonstrative poli-
tician. While errors of fact and opinion may be discovered, I shall
try to rescue from oblivion a few facts about some of the old
houses before which swung sign boards which were often instances
of the decorative humor of our ancestors.

Beginning at Lyme, we note the Parsons tavern, which was fa-
mous during the revolutionary period, as also during the first quar-
ter of the present century. It is still standing, greatly increased in
size and changed into a handsome residence, the property of
Mr. C. H. Ludington, of New York, who married the daughter
of Daniel R. Noyes.* Whitfield, the famous preacher, visited the
place, June 12, 1715, and addressed the assembly from a rock
just north of the house. On Oct. 1, 1842, a regimental inspection
and review of the Third Regiment, State Militia, took place in the
lot adjoining the house. Orrin F. Smith, of this city, was then
colonel of this regiment. Our local company was the first company
of infantry. Charles E. Holt was at this time captain and W. M.
Smith orderly sergeant.

The brick building at Lyme station, on the water's edge, just
west of the depot, now occupied as a tavern by Erastus Clark,
has been such since its erection in 1830. At that time and
until the completion of the New Haven railroad, it was known
as the stage house. It was first kept by Matthew Bacon, who to
his duties of inn-keeper sometimes added those of a medical practi-
tioner. It is needless to mention the names of subsequent proprie-
tors, the two best known to the New London public having been
John S. Bacon and Chas. Babcock.

I cannot recall any tavern between this and the Widow Calkins's
at Flanders, opposite the Bank road. This was discontinued as a
public house in 1842. The house is at present occupied by Dr-
Daniel Calkins, whose ancestors came from Wales and who have
lived here since it was built, about 200 years ago. The house de-
rived its name from the widow of Daniel Calkins, the grandfather
of the present occupant, who died in 1793. Mrs. Calkins here kept
an inn for many years subsequent to her husband's death. The sign
which was at that time pendant from the house was the Rising Sun.

*1895. Has been removed and given to the town for school purposes.

I do not know what causes may have led to the frequent adop-
tion of that luminary as a sign, but have seen it stated that the
rising sun was a badge of Edward III, while the sun rising in full
splendor was the cognizance of several kings. General Washing-
ton spent a few hours at this tavern in April, 1776, and Lafayette
rested his detachment of troops under the willows in front of the
house and partook of refreshments, while on the march from Boston
to New York, July, 1778.

Lafayette, while on his second visit to this city, in April, 1821,
visited the place, and, I am informed by a member of the family, re-
mained over night, and was introduced the next day by Judge
Moses Warren to a large concourse of people.

A regimental training was held here about 1833, when George
Wilson was captain of the First Company of Infantry, Frank Chap-
pell, Edward Prentis, and Ii. A. Manwaring, sergeants, and John
Bishop and John II. Butler, corporals. The house that all will re-
member, and which stood at the fork of the roads, with the trian-
gular green in front, and which was destroyed by fire last Novem-
ber, was built in 1820 by dames Buckley, who here kept an inn till
1832, when it was sold to Henry Gardner, the father of T. W. Gard-
ner of our city.

Mr. Gardner kept it as a tavern till 1842 only, but still con-
tinued to reside there till his death in 1863. About 200 feet from
this was formerly the structure which was burnt in 1819, and which,
I have been told by an old resident, was many years before occupied
as an inn by a man named Miner. I am not certain of my position,
but conjecture this may have been the place referred to in a sketch
of Whitfield's life, where it is said that on the 12th of August, 1715,
his wife passed through New London in a chaise and lodged at Sol-
omon Miner's on the road to Rope Ferry. Whitfield himself left
town earlier in the day on his way to Lyme, having preached twice
under an oak tree, presumably near where is now Buikeley square.

This was frequently the place selected for the general training of
half a century ago, when Hint locks were the national arms and
hard cider and New England rum the national beverage. These
were the days when Benjamin S. Scovel was captain of the Bloody
First, a name derisively given to our local company, otherwise;
known as First company, First regiment, Third brigade. Tom
Sizer was one of the corporals. On January 28, 1832, George
Wilson was elected commander to succeed Captain Scovel.

Our older citizens will recall an old bouse, long since removed,
which during the youth of the writer was unoccupied and rapidly
going to decay, situated at Rope Ferry bridge, just at the foot of |
Durfey hill. Here iu 1818 Asa Wightman kept a tavern. He was
followed in 1829 by Avery Smith, since which time William Allen, j
F. W. Bolles, and James Reed, the father of the well-known peri- ]
patetic almanac dealer, have here served the public.

A well-known place during the first quarter of this century was
known as "Old Sol's" on the Lyme turnpike, corner of Clark lane.
The house is still standing and was owned and occupied by the late
Martin Coates. This inn was kept by Solomon Rogers, invariably
known as Old Sol. At a later period, or about 1840, it was occupied
as a school for boys, kept by Reuben Moore.

From an advertisement in The Gazette, May 2, 1808, I learn that
Daniel H. Caulkins keeps the Crocker Coffee House and offers the|
same to be let. This house is on the top of Durfey hill on the left
side, coming in from Rope Ferry, and is about opposite the well-!
known William Champion farm.

I can think of no taverns other than, those I have described till
we reach Bank street, on the left side of which, between Tilley and
Pearl streets, stood that famous place of entertainment known in
local history as "Madame Winthrop's." Here, as early as 1657, an|
inn was kept by George Tongue, whose daughter, Elizabeth, mar-,
ried Fitz John Winthrop, governor of the colony of Connecticut, j
After Tongue's death the place was continued by his widow, atj.
whose decease it was inherited by Madam Winthrop, who kept it
as a tavern after the death of her husband. She died, April 25,1
1731.

As this period antedates the publication of local papers, no in-,
formation concerning this hostelry is at hand. We can say, howl
ever, that Hempstead recorded in his diary that a great entertain-'
ment was given, April 13, 1732, ou the occasion of the marriage oft
Samuel Browne, of Salem, to Katherine Winthrop. Again — " A
lion was brought to town, April 17, 1729, in a wagon drawn byt
four oxen. It came by way of Lyme and was lodged for several!
days in the barn of Madam Winthrop."

On Bank street, near Barrel's wharf, now known as Lawrence
wharf, stood the Union Coffee-house, kept in 1798 by Elijah Bing-
ham. Mr. Bingham, who died, August 26th, 1798, was the firsti
victim in the terrible visitation of yellow fever which occurred that

year in New London, and by which in about eight weeks, eighty-
one persons were cut off.

The building on Bank street next north of the New Loudon City
National bank, and familiarly known as Bacon's, or the Steamboat
hotel, deserves especial notice. I am unable to trace the proprie-
torship to an earlier period than that of P. T. Taber, who had
charge of the house May 27th, 1818. Subsequent landlords, whom,
however, I may not be able to give in their proper order, have been
Abram Shepard, Co!. J. C. Ely, John Prentis, Widow Forsyth, Eben
R. Bacon, and William and J. L. P>acon.

In the early existence of this stage house a hall on the second
floor was devoted to the purpose of lectures, amusements, and
puhlic meetings. In 1839, when this house was kept by Eben R.
Bacon, it was the general stage office. Conveyances left the house
each day at 2 p. m. for Lyme and there intercepted the steamers
Charter Oak or Cleopatra for New York, touching at New Ilaveu.
Passengers by this line arrived in New York in time for the morn-
ing lines for Albany and Philadelphia. Passengers from New
London for Hartford were obliged to tarry in Lyme from 6 p. m.
until 2 a. m. and then took the steamer for Hartford, at which place
they were due at 1 a. m.

The fare to -Hartford was $2.00, and to New York $2.50. The
regular mail stage left this house every week-day at 7 a. m. for New
Haven, at which place it was scheduled to arrive at 5 p. m., fare
being $3.00. A stage line owned by Amasa Rockwell also left
New London for Mystic, Stonington, and Westerly every morning
at 7. For Mystic the fare was 50 cents, to Stoningtou and West-
erly SI. The steamer Thames, Captain Stoddard, left New London
each day at 3 p. m. for Norwich, and returning left Norwich at 8
the next morning.

Space will not permit us to linger at the old Steamboat hotel
longer thau to recall the banquet that took place within its walls
on July 6, 1834. The house at that time was kept by Mrs. Forsyth,
invariably known as Widow Forsyth, ^o/obably on no previous
occasion had the national anniversary of^American independence
been celebrated with greater eclat. This circumstance will justify
the departure from my subject to summarize the features of the
day, which I gather from the papers of that period.

Both political parties paraded on their own account. The Jack-
son party met at the court house and listened to an address by

Nehemiak Dodge. The Whig procession under E. V. Stoddard as
marshal, and accompanied by the Rifle company, Capt. Gr. A. Jones,
of Norwich, met at the Methodist church on Union street, on land
where now stands the house of Nathan Belcher deceased, here the
Declaration of* Independence was read by John Dickinson and
Washington's farewell address by Stanley G. Trott. Rial Chaney
organized a choir for the occasion and took charge of the music.

One of the best known and best conducted taverns of the olden
times was " Frink's, " on the east side of Bank street, known also as
the Merchant's Coffee house. The building is still in existence
opposite the Metropolitan hotel, and is owned by Mr. Burckle. Here,
I doubt not, the sons of the ocean were wont to recount their ad-
ventures in the Arctic or Southern seas. Here doubtless the witty
lawyer settled knotty questions, or was constituted a final court of
appeal. Here the sturdy Federalist and the uncompromising Dem-
ocrat came to champion the merits of their respective parties,
equally ready to write up the local political slate, or to calculate the
possibilities of a European war. The nation's birthday was often
celebrated at this house.

On July 4, 1804, the Democratic Republicans assembled at the
court house and listened to an oration by Christopher Manwaring,
father of the late Dr. Manwaring, after which an adjournment was
had to " Frink's tavern," where a grand banquet was served. On
July 4, 1806, the young men observed the day at this house with a
dinner, after which they marched to the court house where a char-
acteristic celebration of the day took place.

On July 4, 1808, another dinner was given at Frink's, with an
oration by Christopher Mauwaring. July 4, 1820, was remarkable
for a grand military display and a banquet at this old house. These
extracts from the papers might be multiplied, but enough has been
written to serve my purpose. I will remark on taking leave of
Frink's tavern that on this spot Ebenezer Dennis opened a place of
entertainment in 1710, which after his death in 1726 was sold to
Matthew Stewart.

About sixty years ago there stood near the site of Lawrence hall
a house in which Mrs. Forsyth kept an inn. This was the same per-
son to whom allusion was made in my notes on the Steamboat
hotel, Mrs. Forsyth, or Widow Forsyth, as she was called, having
removed to the latter place after John Prentis had relinquished its

management. Nehemiah Dodge, who served as pastor of the First
Baptist church in this city from 1S1G to 1821, and who in 1823 be-
came a Universalist minister, kept this house for a period .

We now come to State street, at the foot of which, near the ferry
wharf, in 1761, we find the Tavern of the Sun, kept in that year by
Amos Hallam. The Sun and the Rising Sun were very common
emblems in colonial days, notably the latter, possibly on account of
the favorable omen it presented for a man about embarking in a
new business. 1 cannot find mention of this house in the list of
those burned on the 6th of September, 1781, but as the destruction
of property was then complete from the water to a point above
Main street, it is fair to conclude that it fell a prey to the fiames of
that eventful day.

I cannot with certainty say that this is the house referred to by
Miss Caulkins as the Plumb house, where during the great snow
storm of 1716 the sessions of the county court were held, but such
I incline to think is the case, and the conjecture lacks none of the
elements of probability.

One of the best known of our public houses was the old City
Hotel which- stood on the site of the Cronin building, on State
street, and which on the 9th of April, 1891, in answer to the pray-
ers of many progressive citizens, went through its third and final
baptism of fire. I am unable to name the exact year when this
house was launched on its checkered career, the best authorities
give 1793 as an approximate date. Such an ambitious undertaking
as the building of this large and pretentious structure would im-
ply, doubtless at this early period excited as much interest as in our
day would attend the opening of a new railroad.

The earliest proprietor whose name I can recall was Thomas
Pool, wdio married the granddaughter of Rev. Eliphalet Adams,
for forty-nine years pastor of the First Congregational church. Mr.
Pool was a noted horseman, and if I have been correctly informed,
was at one time attached to the circus. He was succeeded by Thos.
Allen, who in turn was followed by his son, Lewis Allen, in 1826.
Mr. Allen was father of the late F. L. Allen. Subsequently the
management of the house was in the hands of Ebenezer Wood,
Pember Caulkins, Geo. Bartholomew, Bacon & Douglass, Walter
Edwards, Cady & Root, and others till in 1858 Eldridge P. Beck-
with assumed control. It is not important to trace the record to a
later date.

In 1826, during the management of Lewis Allen, a lottery draw-
ing under the patronage of the state, for the purpose of building
the Groton monument, was held in this house. A blind-folded
party drew the tickets from the wheel, while Erastus Smith, of
Centre Groton, announced to the eager assembly the fortunate num-
bers. For over forty years this house contained a spacious room
known as Washington hall, which was used by the Masonic frater-
nity as their lodge room till 1845, when Mr. Douglass having built
the brick block on the north side of Golden street, they removed to
the third floor, known for years as Union hall.

A conspicuous feature of Washington hall, and one that I fancy
suggested the name, was an elegant portrait of General Washing-
ton which hung upon the walls, and which was given to Union
lodge in 1812 by General Huntington, five years before his death.
The occupancy of this hall in the City hotel -by the Masons was by
no means exclusive, here also were given lectures, receptions,
dances, and all the various entertainments incident to the social life
of the people. Here was given the Folk ball, Jan. 8, 1845. I copy
below the invitation issued for the event :

E Pluribus Unum.

Young Hickory — Dallas and Victory.

The managers of the Polk Ball solicit your company at the City
Hotel, Jan. 8, 1815, at 6 p. m.

MANAGERS.

Charles Douglass, E. H. Douglass,

Dr. W. W. Miner, C L. Daboll,

B. F. Beckwith, A. Jackson Prentis,

Thomas S. Badet, J. P. C. Mather,

A. C. Cady, H. A. Latimer,

A. W. Tucker, F. L. Allen.

In the summer of 1833 General Andrew Jackson, then president
of the United States, while on a tour through New England, visited
New London and was entertained at this house.

He was accompanied by Vice-President Martin Van Buren, Lewis
Cass, secretary of war, the secretaries of the navy and state de-

partments, and Governor Edwards of this state. It is unnecessary
to say that their advent drew forth a lively exhibition of respect.
The pulse of the entire people beat stronger and quicker as the
little steamer which brought the party from Norwich landed at the
old steamboat wharf (now Mitchell's).

The First Company of Light Infantry, Captain Nathan Beckwith,
did escort duty on the march to the hotel. In passing I may say
that Charles French was lieutenant and Rial Chaney ensign of the
above company. On the march General Jackson walked arm in
arm with Silas Burrows of Mystic. Business was suspended. An
arch of welcome was erected on State street, near the hotel, while
at the foot of the parade a gun for every state in the union indi-
cated the march of civilization in the territory which bore America's
name.

At about sunrise next morning, Captain Beckwith and his com-
pany met at the steps of the hotel, and the column being formed,
Old Hickory was conveyed by horse-boat to Groton, there to hold
a short interview with that historic character known as Mother
Bailey. I incline to the opinion that Mr. Thomas P. Badet is the
only survivor of our local military company which did escort duty
on this occasion.

The enthusiasm of Elnathan Butler, a resident of a remote and
rocky section of Waterford. found an unique expression at the time
of Jackson's visit. He brought into town the day before his arrival
a good sized hickory tree which he planted in front of the hotel,
but which it is needless to say did not long survive the occasion it
was designed to commemorate.

Abraham Liucoln honored this hotel with his presence just pre-
vious to his election to office for the first term. Daniel Webster
came to New London in 1840, and remained at this house over night.
From The Gazette of July 7, 1841, it is learned that a commemora-
tive banquet was given at the City hotel ou the 4th of July, at
which time Bacon & Douglass were the proprietors. The toasts
were prepared by Thomas S. Perkins and consisted in part of hon-
orable mention of revolutionary worthies. Some of these toasts
were as follows : Captain AVilliam Coit, Elisha Hinman, Major
James Chapman, Nathaniel Saltonstall, Nathaniel Shaw, Richard
Law, judge of the maritime court, Richard Law, 2nd, Colonel Wil-
liam Ledyard, Captain Adam Shapley, Peter Richards. Of these
names Richard Law, 2nd, was the only one then living.

We now come to the old building which stood on State street,
where now is Bacon's Marble block, and which was removed
about thirty years ago. It was generally known as the Mechanics'
hotel. This building antedated the revolutionary period. I know
of no house between this and the water that escaped the confla-
gration of the sixth of September. History fails to record the
name of the party who kept this house of entertainment at that
time, but tradition says that the landlady's husband, a sergeant in
the militia, was at his post in the field, while her brother was an
officer under Arnold's command.

From The Gazette I can establish the fact that Nathaniel Otis,
father of the late Asa Otis, was proprietor in 1801. The 4th of
July, 1806, was observed by an oration at the court house by Jirah
Isham, and by a dinner at this well-known inn. Here again on the
4th of July, 1807, a banquet was served, and the day was further
commemorated by an oration by William F. Braiuard. From an
advertisement in the paper of June 10, 1801, it appears that—

"There has just arrived from New York, and to be seen at the
Otis tavern, a most delightful representation of the latest different
dresses of Europe, both of ladies and gentlemen, the portraits of
the principal characters that have flourished since the commence-
ment of the French revolution, and the foreigners that have been
distinguished either for their virtues or their vices, the French
generals, large size, elegant representation of Bonaparte's passage
to the Bridge of Arcole, full mounted on his horse, most striking
pictures of the distressed situation into which France has been
plunged by her assignants, one of the best likenesses of General
Washington done on enamel, elegant view of Philadelphia, the first
funeral of Washington, etc., and finally, as it appears that numbers
of people in every town have never seen a rattlesnake, the curious
may be gratified to see one living with a flying squirrel and other
animals. Doors open from 9 o'clock till 12, and from 2 to 7.
Admittance, one shilling for grown persons and half price for
children."

The last person who kept this house was Cary Leeds, during
whose administration it was the headquarters of the Democratic
party. Here slates were made and broken and most of the caucuses
of that party were held. During the boyhood of the writer this
old house was occupied by a Mr. Fairbrothei*, who carried on a
manufactory of fireworks on a very limited scale, and whose sign

of a red umbrella indicated a readiness on his part to repair that
necessary and easily alienated article.

Passing up State street we pause to note the Dutton bouse, which
stood on the corner of Union and State streets, in front of the First
Congregational church, when the entrance to that edifice was from
the former street. I learn from what I regard an authentic source
that this house was erected by Lieutenant John Richards, who lived
on the site of the public library when there were only two houses
in town west of the court house. Mr. Richards died in 1720. The
Dutton tavern, about which we speak, was kept by Asa Dutton,
father of the late E. F. Dntton, who was cashier of the New London
City bank from 1833 to 1853.

In 1840 this house was sold by the then owner, Lydia Hallam,
to Cary Leeds, formerly of the Mechanics' hotel. Mr. Leeds occu-
pied it till 1849, when it was removed by James Greenfield to its
present location on the south side of the Hartford turnpike, on the
divisiou line between New London and \Vaterford. From The
Gazette of 1818 it appears that the stage left this tavern for Hartford
on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 a. m. and that the return trip
was made from the latter place at 8 o'clock every Wednesday and
Friday.

As indicating the slender facilities for travel, I copy the announce-
ment that " The steamboat Fulton will discontinue running after
December 5, for the present season ; the stage with the mail on the
New London route from Boston will be extended to New Haven
during the winter for the accommodation of such passengers as
wish to join the Connecticut, Captain Bunker, at that place on their
way to New York." The veteran stage driver, H. G Broome,
announced to the traveling public, October 5, 1823, that the
steamer " Experiment, having commenced to run twice a week to
Hartford, he should withdraw his stage line, as he feared the com-
petition would prove disastrous to his business." 1 think that the
little boat must have been all that its name implied, for Broome
continued for many years the patron of the public as well as the
theme of our local poet.

" Or where Broome drives his furious steeds
Safely, securely and on time,
To Norwich, Colchester and Lyme,
Through ice and snow and rain and hail,
Drives Mr. Dutton's safety mail."

Broome and his stage must have been, I think, a fit subject
for the pencil of Leech and one which he doubtless would have
consented to treat without exaggeration. Nevertheless, I can
readily suppose they were the envy and wonder of the youthful
mind which then, as now, sees in the profession of stage driver the
realization of the fondest hopes. Scarcely less wonderful must
have seemed the Arabian enchanter who, mounted on his bronze
horse, mocked at time and space.

Somewhat of historic interest attaches to the residence of the
late Asa Otis on Golden and Union streets. This was for some
years after its erection a tavern, the sign being the golden lion or
the golden ball, a point not absolutely settled. In either event it
may be inferred that the sign suggested the name of the street
which was known for years as Golden hill. This trivial particular
may serve as a fit starting point for a few notes about the house,
all of which are given on the authority of the late Mr. Otis.

The peace ball given in 1783 to commemorate the close of the
Revolution ai\y war, was held in this house, and it was understood
that its completion was hastened to accommodate that event, henoe
it is fair to infer that it was built about that time. In this connec-
tion it may be remarked that what was known as the peace ball,
given after the war of 1812, was held in the court house, February
21st, 1815.

The Otis house, as at present, seems illy fitted for a public ball, but
it is not necessary to suppose the interior arrangements at that time
to have been the same as now, since after its first occupancy by a
Mr. Douglass as a tavern, it passed into the hands of an old sea
captain, whose name I cannot recall, and who made an entire re-
division of the interior. It was sold by this man to Nathaniel Otis,
the father of Asa Otis. The latter occupied the house from 1835,
when he came to this city to reside, till his death in 1879.

I think it is not generally known that the building, now the Smith
Memorial home, was originally occupied as an inn. The corner-
stone was laid, June 25, 1799, by Captain Eben Perkins, master of
Union lodge, and the place was originally called Free Masons' Hall
and at times Free Mason Hotel. From an advertisement in The
Gazette of July 15, 1800, it was called the latter, and it would appear
that its first proprietor was Eliphalet Bullde} r . From The Gazette
of 1804,1 learn that he was succeeded by Ebenezer Hotchkiss.
Shortly after this it appears that the community was shocked by

the news that a man known as Captain Hotchkiss bad committed
suicide by shooting himself in tbe head while standing in tbe door-
way which opened on the easterly side of tbe house. Tbe identity
of name leads me to conjecture that this may have been tbe pro-
prietor of tbe house, but of this fact I have no absolute proof.

On the 4th of July, 1804, tbe Federal Republicans celebrated tbe
day with great pomp and display. Fbenezer Learned delivered an
oration in the court house, after which a grand dinner was served
in this house, then under the management of Mr. Hotchkiss. Two
years later, or in 180G, William Morgan became proprietor, and in
1808 the house was sold to William P. Cleveland, who occupied it till
his death, which I think took place in 1848.

Passing up Main street the first building to engage our attention
is the old Fox tavern, next north of the residence of Mrs. Goddard,
early known as the sign of tbe Fox and Grapes. In the history of
sign boards Reynard's predatory habits were often illustrated.
Whether in this case the emblem was intended to suggest the well-
known fable or to indicate tbe residence of the well-known occu-
pant of tbe bouse, I am at a loss to determine.

Mr. Ezekiel Fox for many years kept this well-known bouse of
entertainment. He died in 1841, at the age of 88. He was a man
of character and good sense, yet held some views not in accord with
tbe Copernican system of philosophy, and spent much time in com-
batting the theory of the convexity of the earth.

We next visit the old Beldeii house on the east side of Main
street, a place which deserves more than passing notice. The
antiquity of this old inn, for such it once was, the reputable char-
acter which it had in local history, and the fact that many distin-
guished visitors honored it with their presence, gives interest to the
spot. From the Neio London Summary of 1761, I learn it was
known as the sign of the Red Lion. Whether the lion was rampant,
or represented as crouching, regardless of his heraldic origin, I
am unable to say.

Here we have reason to believe Washington and his brilliant com-
panions were entertained, when in March, 1750, tbe time of the old
French war, be visited New London, at which time he was chief
commander of the Virginia forces, and but 24 years of age. This
old house, at the period about which we speak, was kept by Nath-
aniel Coit, grandfather of the late R. N. Belden. A superadded
interest would attach to this house if we could with certainty locate

the town meeting called just after the skirmish at Lexington and at
which Nathan Hale, while yet not of age, was permitted to address
the assembly, but history is silent on this subject and we are left to
conjecture.

At this house an important meeting was held on the 27th of
June, 1774, when the news arrived of the edict of Parliament clos-
ing the port of Boston. Toward the close of the last century the
place was the centre of good living and convivial brotherhood.
Here game suppers were frequent, and if my researches have not
been misleading, our citizens were very generally gastronomically
inclined. In confirmation of which I copy the following from The
Gazette of 1788.

" This day at Coit's Coffee house a number of respectable gentle-
men dined on a fresh salmon, when a number of patriotic toasts
were drunk in commemoration of the Federal constitution being
ratified by the commonwealth of Massachusetts."

On the 4th of July, 1798, a dinner was here given by the inde-
pendent company of infantry, Captain Smith, and the cavalry com-
pany, Captain Austin, after a joint military parade had taken place.

About thirty years since a building which stood on the southwest
corner of Hempstead and Broad streets was removed, which for
years was known as Belcher's tavern. In the rear, on Broad street,
was a tenpin alley. On the spot where this house stood the first
school building was erected in 1713. As early as 1691 the widow
of John Prentis, she being his third wife, kept an inn on Main
street, north of the residence of the late J. P. C. Mather.

Information at hand is too slender to justify more than a men-
tion of the Dodge Tavern, at the corner of Main street and the
Norwich road, and we pass on to say that in ante-revolutionary
days, there were three well-known half-way houses, so-called, be-
tween this point and Norwich. They were known as Bradford's,
Raymond's, and Haughton's ; the last of these was situated near-
est to New London, and will serve to indicate the associations of
the whole class.

Haughton's tavern was in existance at such a recent period that
the writer has often listened to the personal experiences of those
who went thither to partake of a tripe supper or to enjoy the pleas-
ure of a cotillion. Haughton's was about six miles from New Lon-
don, on the first chartered turnpike in the state, and the house,

which I think is still in existence, is known as the Burr Bradford
place.

The subject of old taverns is one which it is difficult to exhaust.
Williams' Coffee house, known to have been in existence in 1815,
Dow's tavern in 1818, Miner's in 1774, the Marine tavern in 1804,
and the City Coffee house in 1788, the best efforts of the writer
have failed with certainty to locate.

The frequency of taverns when our population was small, and
the occasions for travel few, must, I think, have excited the surprise
of the reader. Newspapers, it must be remembered, were in these
early days scarce, and business was conducted with more privacy
than at present. Our ancestors appear to have entertained a pre-
scriptive love for places of concourse. The inn was not only the
place of convenient sojourn, but offered to the lounger and poli-
tician the advantages of the club, and to the shop keeper served
the purposes of the exchange. Such was the inn

"Where village statesmen talked with looks profound,
And news much older than their ale went round."

FACT AND REMINISCENCE.

Mrs. Hardcastle, in Oliver Goldsmith's play, "She Stoops to Con-
quer," is i-epresented as saying, when addressing her husband :
" Ave ! your times were fine times indeed. You have been telling
us of them for many a year. Here we live in an old rumbling man-
sion which looks for all the world like an inn, but that we never see
company. Our best visitors are old Mrs. Oddfish, the curate's wife,
and little Cripplegate, the lame dancing master, and all our enter-
tainment your old stories of Prince Eugene and the Duke of Marl-
borough. I hate such old-fashioned trumpery." To which Mr.
Hardcastle replies : "And I like every thing that's old — old friends,
old times, old manners, old books, old wine, and I think, Dorothy,
pretty fond of an old wife." It is quite probable that the leading
lady of the play represents the public at large, but I confess that
with one important qualification, I find in the sentiments of Mr.
Hardcastle much to admire.

The language of Ecclesiastes, the preacher, seems expressive of
the condition under which we live : "One generation passeth away
and another cometh. There is no remembrance of the former
things ; neither shall there be any remembrance of those that are
to come with those that shall come after."

I trust this is not true of any of us who dwell amid scenes so
replete with historic interest and in a town like this, which has an
aboriginal as well as an English and American history. The sur-
face of this beautiful river, which like a silver thread marks the
boundaries of sister towns, was once familiar with the canoe of the
Pequot and the Mohegan.

These little bills which surround us, at one time reflected the
glare from a burning town. This noble harbor, whose commercial
aptitude is at once the theme of the press and the board of trade,
was once blockaded by a British fleet. Yonder burial ground, the
oldest in Eastern Connecticut, is populous with the bones of those
who died in the early colonial period.

New London's natal day may be said to have been the 6th of
May, 1016, the day on which the commission of government was is-
sued. For three years, or till 1049, it was known as the Plantation
of Nameaug, an Indian name, supposed to be derived from Namas,
a fish, and the termination, euug or aug, land that is a place to fish.

Dr. J. Hammond Trumbull, the ultimate authority upon the
North American Indians, and probably the only man in the world
competent to undertake the revision of Eliot's bible, published a
few years since a little book on the Indian nomenclature of Connec-
ticut. Mr. Trumbull attempts to show that every Indian name is
designative in its character of some local feature. Thus Pequon-
noc, a name found at least in four towns of the state, means "cleared
land ;'' Housatonic signifies " over the mountain," probably referring
to the discovery of the river of that name by Indians from some el-
evated land ; Sunkipaug, the Indian name for Bride brook, that
beautiful sheet of water which enters the Sound one mile west of
Giant's cove, signifies " cold water."

New London originally included the territory uow known as East
Lyme, Waterford, Montville, Groton, Ledyard, and Stonington. In
1705 all the territory east of the Thames river was relinquished, and
we thereby lost seventy-two square miles. In this year Groton,
which derives its name from Groton, Suffolk county, Eng , where the
family of Governor Winthrop originated, was incorporated as a
town with about thirty -five square miles.

It is unfortunate that the Indian name of the river which divides
Groton from this municipality, should have been lost. Jonathan
Brewster, New London's first town clerk, and the son of Elder
Brewster, of the Mayflower colony, called it the Great river of the
Pequot. It is difficult to see the applicability of this name. As com-
pared with the Connecticut or the Hudson, the Thames river is in.
comparably small.

New London was reduced to its present proportions in 1801 by
the secession of AYaterford We now cover but 2,200 acres, and our
limited area may be seen when we remember that Central Park,

New York, has 840, and Jackson Park, Chicago, 593 acres. One
hundred years ago New London was the second town in the state
in point of population. I give the figures for the year 1790.

Middletown 5,375

New London 5,150

New Haven 4,486

Groton 4,302

Lebanon 4,166

Hartford 4,090

Hartford, New Haven, Middletown, and New London were all in-
corporated as cities in the year 1784. By the charter all the officers
were to be chosen annually, except the mayor and treasurer, who
when elected, were to remain in office during the pleasure of the
general assembly. This may perhaps account for the fact that
Richard Law, our first mayor, continued in office till his death in
1806, twenty- two years, and his successor Jeremiah G. Brainerd,
from 1806 to 1829, when he resigned from office.

But instances are not wanting to show that offices in general
were more permanent than at the present day. I find that Dr.
Simon Wolcott and George Colfax each served between 1786 and
1812 either in the common council or as aldermen. John Owen,
the first city clerk, remained in office seventeen years. William
Richards was chosen first city sheriff, and was annually elected to
the same office twenty-eight years, or until his death in 1812.

It is interesting to note with what pertinacity the local names
adopted by the first settlers have been retained. I cite some in-
stances : Bream cove, Trading cove, Close cove, Fog plain, Mile
plain, Manatuck hill, Great hill, Ridge hill, Mullen hill, Foxen hill,
Wolf Pit hill, Loggy hill, Flat rock, Wolf rock, Pine neck, Bruin
neck, Winthrop neck, Goshen neck, Green harbor, and Alewive cove-
Some few names, however, have become obsolete, thus Long Island
was originally known as Nassau Island, Gardiner's Island as the Isle
of Wight, and Plum Island as the Isle of Patmos.

Let us now take a bird's-eye view of the town at the time of our
seven years' war for liberty. Unlike its neighbor seated at the head
of the river, defended by its hills and nourished by its valleys, New
London, the only port of entry in the colony, suffers in all her ma-
terial interests. The fierce blast of war has driven her commerce
from the seas.

The new fort at Mamacock, known as Fort Trumbull, is in process
of building, and a 20-gun ship is on the ways at Winthrop's neck.

A few privateers ride at anchor in the harbor, and a few idle masts
may be seen at the docks, but the blacksmith's fires have gone out,
and the cooper's hammer is silent. There are but two churches.
High on a bleak and barren hill, like the weather-beaten ark stran-
ded on Mount Ararat, stands the old Saltonstall meeting-house, lo-
cated near what is now known as Bulkeley square. The Episcopal,
known as the McSparren church, so called because Rev. James Mc-
' Sparren, a missionary from the Narragansett country, was largely
influential in its establishment, stood near the center of the Parade,
at the foot of State street. This structure was erected in 17.52 and
was surrounded by a burial ground. The entire church lot con-
sisted of twenty square rods, in an angular form, the western boun-
dary of which was in line with Bradley Street. The church was
destroyed by fire on the sixth of September, 1781.

When in 1870 excavations were being made near the corner of
State and Bradley streets, a coffin plate was exhumed which bore
the inscription " Major John Merritt, 1732.'' From the fact that the
church was built in that year it is inferred that this was one of the
very earliest interments in the churchyard.

I have taken some pains to gather facts in relation to Major Mer-
ritt, and learn that he was a resident of what was then known as the
North Parish (now Montville). The farm on which he lived was
called "the great farms," and was estimated to contain 1,800 acres.
He owned about twenty slaves, three of whom were Indians. He
also owned large tracts of land in Colchester and Norwich, and was
a generous contributor to the fund for the erection of the McSparren
church, of which he was an attendant.

But to resume our story of the town at the Revolutionary period :
The Court house, the first in Eastern Connecticut, was near the foot
of the Parade, facing west. The building was of very rude con-
struction, its entire cost having been $240. There were three doors j
all on the western side. In the attic were stowed the arms and
ammunition of the town. It was burnt at the time of Arnold's raid,
and we were without a Court house till 1784, when the present
structure was erected at the head of State street.

The jail stood about where is now the Adams Express office, aud
just north was a slip for small craft. It was burnt the 0th of Sep-
tember, 1781, but was rebuilt the next year on the same site. At
this point it seems appropriate to introduce a few words about the
Debtor's Limits. In 1820 the line extended from Tilley's hay scales

at the foot of Tilley street, to Federal, then west, including the nortl
side of Federal, to Huntington, south to Broad, then west, includinj
the north side of Broad, to Hempstead, to the southern extremity o
the second burial ground, now the park, then along the south sid<
of Broad to Huntington, including the Court house, to Tilley streeti
and then to the water line. The debtors' lines were so arrange!
that parties on the town limits could attend funerals and towi
meetings.

The old Battery or Fort, which was built in 1691, was located ai
the time about which we write near. the site of the Groton Ferr^
wharf. The magazine stood just west of the fort, which had a garri
son at the outbreak of the war of from twelve to twenty-four men::
who were boarded at the house of a Mrs. Potter, near the junction'
of what is now known as State and Bradley streets. Fort Trum-
bull, named after Jonathan Trumbull, governor at this period, was
begun in 1775 ; it was an irregular work of comparatively small
size. In 1812 the old walls and battlements were entirely leveled.!
and the work was reconstructed from the foundations.

This second fortification was demolished in 1839 and the site
graded for the reception of the present fortress, which was com-
pleted in 1849. The present structure is, therefore, the third which
has stood upon this spot. The old original block-house of 1775, has,
if I am not mistaken, been retained through all changes.

The open space at the foot of State street was originally reserved
for the use of a fortification, and was known as Fort hill. Because
of this the name "Parade'' attaches to the lower part of this street.

The almshouse at this period (1777) was the building still stand-
ing on the east side of Truman street, just north of Blinman, the
present No. 31. The almshouse which subsequently stood on the
present site of the Bulkeley school was not built till the year 1782.
The custom house and collector's residence was on the east side of
Main street, not far from the East New London bridge. The print-
ing office was on Main street, a short distance north of the residence
of the late Mr. Mather. The three last named buildings were burnt
by Arnold's forces.

Probably the most conspicuous taverns were the Ked Lion, kept
by Capt. Nathaniel Coit, and now known as No. 59 Main street ;
the old Mechanics' Hotel, site of Bacon's marble block ; and Miner's
Tavern on Bank street, long since destroyed, where an important

t"H-

1} meeting was held on the 27th of June, 1776, when the news was
received of the edict of Parliament closing the port of Boston.

Let me now transport the reader to what is known as the lower
end of the town, and note some of the changes within the precincts
of this century.

From the records it would appear that as early as 1712 authority
was given for the construction of a bridge over the waters of Bream
cove, an estuary which it is needless to say, covered the space now
known as Bank Street, between the southerly end of G. W. Rogers
property and Mr. Dart's building, and which flowed nearly as far in
a westerly direction as the Atwood silk mill. It is the impression
that this bridge was a very rude affair, for foot-passengers only. In
1766 the town voted to replace this structure with a suitable bridge
for the transit of man and beast. This was built on piling.

In 1807, the year of the incorporation of the New London and
Lyme Turnpike Co., a substantial stone structure was built across
the cove and denominated the Long Bridge, a name which attaches
to lower Bank street till the present time. This bridge was built
by a Mr. Canada, and was at the time regarded as a great piece of
engineering skill. Mr. Canada built, I think, the first house on
Tilley street, which was originally known as Canada lane. The city
contributed $500 and the materials from the old wooden bridge, and
the balance of expense was borne by the turnpike company.

Previous to 1807, the year when the Lyme Turnpike Company was
incorporated, Town Hill ended at its intersection with the Brown's
Gate road, now known as Ocean avenue. Up to this period the
entire travel to the Connecticut river was down the Brown's Gate
road to Jordan lane, just north of the Alger place, and thence to its
junction with the present turnpike near Fengar's hollow. Over this
road Washington must have traveled on his second visit to New
London, in 1776, on which occasion he remained over night at the
home of Nathaniel Shaw.

Without doubt Benjamin Franklin also, when as Colonial I'ost-
master-General, in company with two assistants, he personally super-
intended the erection of milestones on this the important post road
between New York and Boston. One of these milestones is still to
be seen on Dorr's hill, between this city and Lyme ferry. Lafayette,
on his visit to our city in 1821, had no occasion to follow this some-
what circuitous route, and no doubt came over Town Hill road as it
at present exists.

The writer well remembers the distinctive features of the Long
Bridge. On either side were the waters of the cove. In the center
of the bridge, under the road, was an archway just wide enough to
enable row-boats to pass through. This may now be seen from a
point near Mr. Wilkinson's building. On either side of the bridge
was a stone wall two or three feet in height, on which at all hours
might be seen men or boys fishing in a very primitive way or watch-
ing the men attempting to handle the floating spars with which the
cove abounded. But four houses could be seen between Perkins'
Green and Howard street. No part of the town possessed greater-
interest to the average boy than the Long Bridge. Hardly more
pretentious or interesting could have appeared the bridges which
connect the various sections of the world's metropolis.

The old Fort road and the section contiguous was in old times;
known as Lewisville, from Thomas Lewis, who owned considerable
land in that section, and who from 1809 to 1837 occupied a store on
lower Bank street nearly opposite the Fort road. The northerly
extremity of the town, on the tract lying west of Hewitt's store and
north of the Post Hill house, was known as Waxier ville, from Mr.
Waxier, who owned much land in that section. These two names
were invariably used to designate the sections referred to.

Truman is one of the oldest streets and was known in early his-
tory as the main street. It was named from Joseph Truman, who
came to New London in 1666, and was chosen constable the first
year. He owned two tanneries, one located at Truman's Brook and
the other near the old Hempstead house. Truman street for a long
time was the only thoroughfare from the West Parish, (East Lyme,
Waterford,) and Meeting House hill, now known as Bulkeley place.

William Morton, one of the early settlers, owned most of the land
between Bream and Close cove ; hence Howard street was at first
known as Morton lane. Later it was known as Sandy Point road.
In my boyhood days Howard street was Windmill point. The wind-
mill had long before disappeared, but the road ended some distance
west of Mr. Hammond's houses, and all beyond this was the water
of the cove. The poet Brainard in his newsboys' address in 1822

writes :

"Cold is the breeze from Briggs' Hill,
And from the cove 'tis colder still,
And sharp the North wind whistles o'er
The Windmill Point's clam furnished shore."

As my thoughts are somewhat fugitive, I find myself again on the
old Parade. The hands on Time's dial plate are reversed and a prosaic

atmosphere settles over the town. A few sea captains on Hancock
corner discuss the latest news from the whaling fleet. Peter Ball
and Jno. Hunting are seen driving their trucks across the square.
I take my position by the town pump, which like some lonely sen-
tinel guards this once military spot.

I watch the wheezy, groaning horse-boat as under its four horse-
power it enters the ferry slip —

"O'er the dark waves from shore to shore,
Majestic glides the horse-boat o'er.
Swift from the wheel the spray is flung,
Like music thy sweet bell is rung.
The market wharf's left far behind.
Yonder's the shore ! Gee up ! old Blind.''

Whether blind horses only were selected for the boat I am un-
able to say, but certain it is most of those employed labored under
this physical disability. 1 well remember with what interest and
sympathy I watched the poor horses, two of which on either side
worked a treadle attempting to solve the vexed question of perpet-
ual motion. I remember Mr. Coggeshall was captain of the boat.
He lived on Golden street, and was a deacon of the First Congre-
gational church.

Horses were first used as the motive power in 1821, previous to
which sculling, rowing and sails were used. The first application
of steam was made in 1835, but as this was found expensive and in
some ways unsatisfactory, a return was had to horses, which fur-
nished the power till 1849, when the steamer Mohegan was built and
placed on the line. The width of the river from the foot of State
street, as measured on the ice some years since when people crossed
and recrossed in large numbers, was found to be 144 rods, sixteen
rods short of half a mile.

Perhaps it is not generally known that the ferry to Groton con-
stituted one of our oldest charitable trusts. When Groton with-
drew from us it was provided that the ferry should forever there-
after belong to the town on the west bank of the river. When
Robert Bartlett, who was somewhat of a recluse and lived on Close
Cove, died, in 1G73, he left by a will his property to the town of New
London for the maintenance of a free school for the children of the
poor. Bartlett's property consisted principally of various pieces of
land in various sections of the town.

The authorities of the town bestowed but little care on this prop-
erty, and its value gradually declined. As a measure of atonement
for its neglect the citizens in town meeting, in 1702, voted to de-

vote the income from the ferry property to the purposes indicated
by Bartlett, and the general court confirmed and recognized the
dedication. The action of our city meeting, in 1875, made this
ancient trust practically worthless.

I now approach a period within the limits of personal observa-
tion, and yet a period over which the twilight of uncertainty is be-
ginning to cast its shadows. In the year 1847 New London seemed
to partially awake from its Rip Van Winkle sleep of 100 years. Up
to this period no rumble of incoming or outgoing trains disturbed
the slumber, and the click of the telegraph was not even an echo i
from the great cities.

In this year a popular movement was started to build the New
London, Willimantic, and Springfield railroad. Meetings were held:
at short intervals in Washington or Dart hall, on Bradley street, in
the furtherance of the enterprise. At these meetings, which were
attended with great enthusiasm, the artisan, the humble clerk, the
man of business, and the capitalist would register their subscrip-
tions amid the applause of the audience.

The town was raked as with a fine comb ; public pride and public
interest were appealed to. Major Williams and Andrew M. Frink,
optimistic souls that they were, painted in all their wealth of imag-
ery the brilliant future contingent on the completion of the road.
When the popular subscriptions had reached the sum of $50,000 —
which I believe was one-tenth of the amount desired — our local
paper, the Morning News, published the following verses :

"See the fifty thousand dollars !

Mr. A now signs his name ;
He has done the thing so nobly,

Mr. B will do the same ;
Mr. C reclines contented,

With his feet upon the chairs,
Thinks the serious matter over —

'Put me down for fifty shares. '
So we have an operation

In the little mill to grind,
While the road to Willimantic

Agitates the public mind.
Sure 'twill benefit the city,

Bring the factory girls to town,
Make us look as tho' we really

Meant to 'do the thing up brown.'
There's use in being quick

On these subjects having weight,
When we now can reap a harvest

If we will, ere it's too late."

The first ground was broken and the initial step taken in the
building of the road in 1848. The first trip to Willimantic in the
cars was made November 15, 1840. The road was opened to Staf-
ford Springs in .March, 1850, aud to Palmer in September of that
year.

Death has levied its assessment on the corporators of this road,
the first one to connect us with the outside world; and the honored
names of Major Williams, Andrew M. Frink, A. C. Lippitt, .Joseph
Lawrence, and Acors Barns are almost unknown to the younger
generation.

For a number of years after the opening of the road, or to be
more accurate, until the autumn of 1852, the depot was located on
the northerly corner of Main and Hallam streets, and at this time
our best hotel was "The Federal Street House," now the building
known as the "St. James Parish House." The hotel at the time to
which I refer was kept by the late H. S. Oocker.

I shall not soon forget the public interest occasioned by the ar-
rival of the first passenger train on the New Haven & New London
railroad, which entered our city at 8 o'clock in the evening of July
28, 1852. The cars were filled with passengers, and as they emerged
from the deep cut, so-called, on Town Hill they were saluted by a
salvo of heavy guns placed for the purpose near Fort Trumbull,
while the large mass of citizens assembled at the then terminus of
the road, the tracks not having been laid to the foot of State street
till a month later, greeted the incoming train by loud and repeated
cheers.

New Loudon had become " progressive, and hailed the first scene
in the New Haven and New London nuptials as the precursor of
long continued prosperity in the married life of the two principal
seaport cities of the state."

Much might be written of churches and church life. Many now
living can remember when the necessity of attendance on public
worship rested on the conscience with the weight of a military dis-
cipline, when Dwight's Psalms constituted the hymuology of the
church, and when the Westminister Catechism was fed to babes and
sucklings. Under conditions somewhat similar I early became fa-
miliar with the ancient meeting house, built in 1786, which stood on
Bolles Hill, and which after a long acquaintance with time was re-
placed with the handsome granite structure which at present oc-
cupies the spot.

The laud on which the church stands was purchased in 1786 by
the First Ecclesiastical society of Stephen Bolles for about $350, and
the property was known as Bolles Hill. Union street, north of
State, was a part of Mr. Bolles' property, and was rocky and pre-
cipitous when opened in the above year. If I am correctly in-
formed the name of Zion's Hill was not used till 1835, and was sug-
gested by a speech made at that time at a Sunday school conven-
tion held in this city.

From a chart of the pews in the church of 1S06, the year of the
settlement of Rev. Abel McEwen, I find the names of the following
leading citizens of that day who were pew holders : VVinthrop Sal-
tonstall, Natt. Richards, Jno. T. Way, Wm. Owen, Jacob B. Gurley,
Geo. Colfax, Jonathan Brooks, Geo Chapman, Samuel Belden, Na-
thaniel Hempstead, Bzekiel Fox, Gay Richards, Elias Perkins, Na-
thaniel Otis, James Edgerton, Chester Kimball, Samuel Chaney,
Amasa Learned, William Tate, Simon Wolcott, Lyman Law, Elisha
Denison, Chas. Bulkeley, Pember Caulkins, Samuel Hurlbut, Wm.
Richards, Jedediah Huntington, Edward Chapped, Thaddeus Brooks,
David Frink, Peter Richards, John Way, Marvin Wait, and others.
The receipts from the sale of seats in the year referred to were
$843.28, and the price of pews ranged from $1.25 to $40, that latter
sum having been paid by Judge Perkins.

It is hardly suitable that such as I should give a contemporary
portrait of Dr. Abel McEwen — a good and great man, combining
the dignity of the divine with the amiable and attractive qualities
of the friend, the citizen, and the neighbor. No one possessed more
influence, and no one commanded more respect. Dr. McEwen
served the church for more than fifty years, at a period when a
parish settlement was like marriage, and what God had joined, man
could not lightly put asunder. And what can I say of his prede-
cessors — Saltonstall, Woodbridge, and Adams, men who spoke with
authority, and not as the scribes. The large influence which these
men exerted was due not only to their superior intelligence, but in
a measure, to the force of authority traditionally allowed to their
position.

If the services of the sanctuary were burdensome to the average
boy of half a century ago, there was much in sight to engage his
attention. There was the possibility of danger which lurked in the
large octagonal sounding board, which, suspended by a slender rod
over the parson's head, seemed likely at any moment to fall and

bring the service to an abrupt termination. And then the sexton,
Mr. Douglass, who constituted the entire police force of the church
and whose precinct was the galleries, when he was seen to move
with stealthy tread among the charity children, of which there
were large numbers. Speculation was on tiptoe to conjecture the
object of his visit, or the amount of resistance he was likely to en-
counter.

I can hardly pass without allusion to the bell in Zion's tower.
Besides its legitimate and more obvious uses it called the citizens to
town meeting, it ushered in the dawn of the nation's anniversary,
it welcomed the bride to the altar, aud in funeral times consigned
the corpse to its narrow bed. An hour or two after a death had oc-
curred the sexton announced the event by what was known as " the
tolling bell," the number of strokes indicating the age of the de-
ceased. Then again there was the passing bell, which commenced
its strokes as the procession left the house and terminated only when
the funeral train had reached the grave yard.

I well remember when a boy that at the first stroke announcing
the death of an individual, all conversation on the part of my elders
would cease, so that counting might suffer no interruption. If the
latest victim of the fell destroyer was not made evident from the
number of strokes, people would often visit the vestibule of the
church, there to inquire of the sexton as we would now seek infor-
mation as to the location of a fire.

At this point I bring to mind a local preacher whose character
and style struck the public observation. I refer to Elder Swan,
who came to New London in 1842 as pastor of the church at that
time on the Baptist rocks. He began his pastorate that year with
a series of meetings lasting for ten weeks The love of the dramatic
found gratification in Elder Swan's manner and discourse. During
the winter of 1842 the excitement rose to fever heat and the very
air seemed charged with the electric current.

I have been told that 285 persons were baptised as the result of
these meetings. The services, which would continue till near mid-
night, would sometimes terminate in a midnight march, or an open
air meeting in front of the house of Deacon Isaac Harris, on Pearl
street. Most of the baptisms at this period took place just below
the custom house at 12 o'clock at night. When marches were made
through the streets the powerful and rallying tones of the elder's
voice might be heard in his favorite hymn, "Where now are the He-

brew children." In the silent watches of the night and under the
canopy of the stars, the grand chorus of voices nearly woke the
generations that had gone before.

Elder Swan was not indifferent to the interests of state and coun-
try, his text of faith and conduct being, " Bender unto Csesar the
things that are Caesar's." Hence he frequently preached what were
known as election sermons. One Sunday, the evening before an ex-
citing election in which the temperance question was involved, he
read from the pulpit a letter which he had received from an am-
bitious office seeker, who, aware of the elder's influence, had sent
him a check for $25. After reading the letter he immediately re-
replied, " It is not enough, for Judas received thirty pieces."

" Master of wit and satire, as well as of fact and logic, he was a
prodigious force in the denomination to which he belonged." My
pen cannot adequately emphasize the manner and frequency with
which he was accustomed to illustrate his propositions by his own
experiences. His appearance and voice dwell with me still, and
are never more present than when I call to mind the verses of his
favorite hymn, " On Jordan's stormy banks I stand."

Religious methods, however, were never carried to greater
lengths in New London than by the Separatists, composed princi-
pally of one hundred persons who had withdrawn from the First
Congregational church, then under the ministry of Mr. Adams, and
who, in 1743, occupied the house of Samuel Harris on Truman
street, known as the Shepherd's tent, and which is still in existence
on the east side of that street. Under the preaching of Mr. Daven-
port, of Southold, L. I., excitement became intense and the people
were wrought up to a state bordering on frenzy.

On Sunday evening, March 6, 1743, a procession was formed, the
people composing it carrying jewelry, ai'ticles of clothing, books,
and everything which, as they supposed, was held in idolatrous
veneration, and passing through the streets to the wharf in front
of the house of Mr. Christophers, which stood near where is now
the residence of Mrs. Sidney Miner on Main street. There a bon-
fire was kindled and the articles were consigned to the flames.

I value the associations which attach to the few ancient dwell-
ings which yet remain, and in my imagination people them with the
busy tenants of former years. The site of the old Hempstead
house, whose roof has sheltered seven generations of that name,
suggests to my mind the thought that this ancient building was

standing when Charles the Second was on the throne of England
and when Louis XIV. was complete master of France. I picture to
myself Robert Hempstead seated by the ample hearthstone in
couversation with the early planters, at a period before Cromwell
had dissolved the Long Parliament, or the Thirty Years' War had
established the political equilibrium of Europe.

And when I view that excellent specimen of Puritan architecture
which stands at the head of State street, that source of all munici-
pal authority, I am glad it is too old to go to Norwich. Like some
lonely old maid she keeps solitary state in the old homestead, while
her younger and more ambitious sisters have gone abroad into the
world.

Its walls have echoed the merriment of the Peace ball, when on
the 21st of February, 1815, all the British officers on the coast
were received by the American commodores, Decatur and Shaw.
The glass in the window panes has been rattled by the applause
of both political parties. Here I have heard the voices of Thomas
Corwin, Horace Greeley, and others of conspicuous ability. Here
the questions of state rights, tariff, and free-soil have been swal-
lowed up in the important one of an established government, when
in April, 18G1, business, thought, and conversation were turned into
the channels of war.

Here I have seen enter the solemn judge carrying in his hands
the issues of life and death, and here also those proverbially intelli-
gent men who in groups of twelve constitute the highest develop-
ment of Saxon jurisprudence. And then the city sheriff, Robert
Fellows, carrying in his hands a heavy cane, which an early ac-
quaintance with Mitchell's pictorial geography led me to suppose
was the club with which the natives of the Sandwich islands had
murdered Capt. Cook.

A copy of The Gazette in 1841 is authority for the statement that
the debt of the city at that period was four hundred dollars, and
calls attention to the fact that a meeting had been called to devise
means of payment. After much debate " it was voted that the
mayor, Caleb L. Allen, together with the aldermen, be instructed to
borrow $350, with which to pay the outstanding debt, which, with
the money from rent of city property about due, would realize the
desired amount."

"This would, of course, leave nothing with which to meet the
current expenses for ringing the bell, care of the town clock, care

L.<rf

100

of the market, or fees of the city clerk, altogether aggregating be-
tween two and three hundred dollars.'' No provision existed for
providing funds for these, and the editor of The Gazette asks : " Is
the present board expected, in addition to the sacrifice of their
time and trouble, to pay out of their pockets the necessary sum ?"
This, The Gazette thinks, they would scarcely be willing to do, and
urges that not a dollar of expense be incurred for repairs or public
works till the $400 debt be extinguished. The paper concludes by
deprecating the idea of paying one debt by incurring another.

The civic changes of the half-century are suggestive, and as we
contrast the frugal expenditures of 1840 and the consequent re-
sult of unlighted streets and unpaved sidewalks, with the con-
veniences of our day, we smile with complacency at a bonded in-
debtedness of six hundred and fifty thousand dollars

Much might be said of the men who in the past bore the burden
and heat of our official life. Sufficient to say that the conditions
which permitted them to exist can only be found in the municipal
economy of New England towns.

I cannot further extend this article, which, in addition to the
length, I am well aware has trespassed on the rules of chronological
propi'iety. Other pens more gifted than mine can here find a theme
for description and comment.

A new era has dawned, and the public eye and the public ear
have become adjusted to the change, but I fancy I detect a look of
surprise on the grim old face of Groton monument as it keeps its
steady gaze on the city by the sea, which has so lately felt the magic
touch of the wand of manufacture and commerce.

REPORT

OK THE

ANNUAL MEETING

OF THE

NEW LONDON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY,

Held September 6, 1894.

WITH A

LIST OF OFFICERS AND MEMBERS.

The Act of Incorporation allows the New London County
Historical Society to hold property, and any bequest may be made
for specific purposes, as a fund for permanent building, for printing,
or for the general expenses of the Society, as desired.

The form for such bequest is as follows :

I give and bequeath to the New London County Historical

Society, the sum of dollars, the same to be applied

to the fund of said Society, to be vised under the direc-
tion of the officers of said Society for the purpose named.

103

REPORT

THE ANNUAL MEETING,
September 6, 1894.

The annual meeting of the New London Count}' Historical So-
ciety was held on Thursday, September 6, 1894, at the Society's
room in the Public Library building, New London, Connecticut,
the president, Mr C. A. Williams, in the chair.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The treasurer, Mr. C. B. Ware, read his report, showing the re.
ceipts for the past year to have been $136.66, and the expenditures
$126.07, leaving a balance of $10.59. He also reported a printing
fund of $50 aud a miscellaneous fund of $130.73 in the Savings
Bank of New London.

The report of the secretary was then read, ami both reports were
accepted and ordered on file.

The old board of officers was re-elected.

Mrs. Frederick M. Smith, Edward Elbridge Salisbury, LL. I) ,
Mrs. Evelyn McCurdy Salisbury, Mr. John Swaney, Rev. John
Avery, and Mr. Benjamin Richards were proposed for annual mem-
bers and were elected.

To the former committee for the Norwich mid-winter meeting,
which consisted of the president, secretary, Mr. Benjamin Stark,
Dr. S. L. Blake, and Major B. P. Learned, the names of Gen. William
A. Aiken and Mr. Jonathan Trumbull were added.

Mrs. A. C. Collier was elected an honorary life member of the
Society.

It was voted that the secretary be instructed to notify members
on or before the first day of September, of the annual meeting of the

104

Society, its time and place, and to call their attention to By-Law 4
of the Constitution, furnishing them also with a copy thereof.

The president, Mr. Williams, asked the mind of the Society re-
garding the privilege of access to the rooms on other than the ap-
pointed days of opening. Strangers in the city, he said, had
frequently applied for permission to search the manuscript files,
and he had thought fit to refuse this unless some officer of the So-
ciety was in attendance.

It was voted that the previous action of the president and other
officers should be sustained, and that the matter should be left to
the discretion of the president, treasurer, and secretary, to one of
whom application must be made.

Mr. Benjamin Stark spoke of the imperative need of having
copies made of the ancient records of the town which are in the
custody of the town clerk. A committee consisting of the presi-
dent, Mr. Benjamin Stark, and Mr. J. N. Harris was chosen to pre-
sent the matter to the consideration of the city authorities.

Mr. Williams, on the part of the city, gave into the charge of the
Society a file of papers relating to the Charleston earthquake — sub-
scription papers, receipts, letters from the mayor, etc.

It was voted that the name of Mr. I. C. Tate should be placed in
the necrology of the Society. The death of Mr. James Allyn was
also noted.

The name of Mr. Walter Learned was added to the publication
committee, and the meeting then adjourned until the afternoon
session at the Parish House of the First Congregational church, at
which Mr. C. A. Williams read a paper upon " The Whaling Indus-
try of New London."

SECRETARY'S REPORT.

In the nine months since November 16, 1893, on none of the
regular days of opening have the rooms of the Society been without
visitors. The present widespread and growing interest in genealo-
gical matters has brought a gradually increasing number, and the
Family and Town Histories have been in constant demand.

Contributions have been received from the following societies
and persons :

The New England Historical and Genealogical Society, the Mas-
sachusetts, Connecticut, Bhode Island, Dedham, Oneida, Buffalo, and

105

Yonkers Historical Societies ; from the Ohio Philosophical So-
ciety, the Massachusetts Society of Colonial Wars, the American
Folk-Lore Society, and New York State Library ; from Yale, Har-
vard, Trinity, and Lelaud Stanford Universities ; and from Rev.
George Leon Walker, Mr. H. R. Bond, Mr. George D. Whittlesey,
Mr. F. M. Ward, Mrs EL A. Barclay, Dr. L D. Mason, Mrs. C. A.
Potter, Mr. P. H. Woodward, and Mr. Curtis Thompson. The New
London Couuty Medical Society has also placed its records, dating
from 1792 to 1840, in the custody of the Historical Society.

The desk from which Mr. Collier gave able and telling service to
the Society has been purchased, and will be more than a memorial,
an incentive to his successors.

Volume I. of the Society's Records and Papers has been com-
pleted, and a limited number of copies have been sent to the binder.
These bound volumes will be furnished at but a slight advance
upon the original cost of the pamphlets composing them.

The work of classifying and arranging the books of the library
is now finished, and if a full catalogue might be made their useful-
ness would be greatly increased. Perhaps the most urgent need of
the Society after this is a provision for binding and making service-
able its valuable newspaper and pamphlet collection.

May Kelsey Champion, Secretary.

OFFICERS

OF THE

NEW LONDON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY,

FOB THE YEAE ENDING SEPTEMBER 6TH, 1895.

PRESIDENT,
Hon. CHARLES AUGUSTUS WILLIAMS, of New London.

VICE-PRESIDENTS,

Hon. BENJAMIN STARK, of New London.
Hon. WILLIAM A. SLATER, of Nobwich.
Hon. FREDERICK BILL, of Geoton.

SECRETARY,
Miss MAY KELSEY CHAMPION, of New London.

TREASURER,
CHARLES B. WARE, Esq., of New London.

ADVISORY COMMITTEE,

Hon. CHARLES AUGUSTUS WILLIAMS, of New London.

Hon. BENJAMIN STARK, of New London.

Hon. GEORGE F. TINKER, of New London.

CHARLES B. WARE, Esq., of New London.

Hon. RALPH WHEELER, of New London.

Judge GEORGE W. GODDARD, of New London.

Rev. CHARLES J. HILL, of Stonington.

Hon. ROBERT COIT, of New London.

Hon. WILLIAM A. SLA.TER, of Nobwich.

WALTER LEARNED, Esq., of New London.

Hon. JOHN T. WAIT, of Nobwich.

Hon. FREDERICK BILL, of Gboton.

FREDERICK S. NEWCOMB, Esq., of New London.

Hon. RICHARD A. WHEELER, of Stonington.

JOHN McGINLEY, Esq., of New London.

HORACE CLIFT, Esq., of Geoton.

De. LEWIS D. MASON, of Brooklyn.

Hon. H. WALES LINES, of Mebiden.

De. AMOS LAWRENCE MASON, of Boston.

JONATHAN TRUMBULL, Esq., of Nobwich.

ELISHA V. DABOLL, Esq., of New London.

Maj. BELA P. LEARNED, of Nobwich.

107

LIST OF MEMBERS.

LIFE.

New London. Meriden.

Barns, Charles. Lines, H. Wales.

Chapell, Miss Cornelia Wetmore.
Chapell, Miss Elizabeth Haven. Hartford.

Chapell, Mrs. R. II.
Collier, Mrs. A. C.
Goddard, G. W.
Harris, J. N.
Nelson, A. W., M. D.
Newcomb, F. S.
Newcomb, Mrs. F. S.
Williams, C. A.

Norwich.
Foster, Mrs. L. F. S.
Huntington, Austin.

Groton.

Bill, Frederick.
Copp, J. J.

Torringtori.

Turner, E.

Stoning ton.
Wheeler, R. A.

New London.
Adams, S. T.
Allender, N. J.
Armstrong, B. A.
Astheimer, William
Beckwith, C. G.
Beckwith, E. Park.

Shipman, Nathaniel.

New York.
Newcomb. James E., M. D,
Packer, E. A.

Boston, Mass.
Mason, A. I,., M. D.
Winthrop, R. C, Jr.

Brooklyn, N. Y.
Mason, L. D., M. D.

Birmingham, Ala.
Turner, Charles.

Chicago.
Walker, Mrs. Emeline Tate.

ANNUAL. .

Belcher, William.
Benjamin, C. A.
Blake, Rev. S. L., D. D.
Bodenwein, Theo.
Bond, Henry R.
Boss, CD., Jr.
Braman, F. N., M. D.

108

Browne, R. W.

Butler, C. W.

Burgess, Mrs. A. T.

Cady, W. C.

Champion, Miss May Kelsey,

Chaney, C. F.

Cbaney, Miss Maria.

Chapman, W. H.

Chappell, A. H.,

Chappell, Mrs. H.- S.

Chappell, W. S.

Chappell, Mrs. W. S.

Chew, J. Lawrence.

Coit, Horace.

Coifc, Robert.

Crandall, H. L.

Daboll, E. V.

Dart, Lewis.

Dunford, P. C.

Eakin, Mrs. M. P.

Eggleston, Mrs. C. P.

Farnsworth, F., M. D.

Fuller, Newton.

Graves, C. B., M. D

Harris, C. M.

Harris, F. W.

Harris, H. D.

Hawkins, Frank.

Hempstead, D. B.

Hill, J. H.

Holt, W. A.

Hopson, John, Jr.

Jennings, Charles B.

Johnson, M P.

Johnston, James P.

Joynt, Rev. T. P.

Latham, D. D.

Learned, Miss G. H.

Learned, Mrs. L. C.

Learned, Walter.

Lindsley, J. R.

Lockwood, Miss A. R.
Lockwood, Miss H. L.
Lockwood, Miss M. J.
Manwaring, Wolcott B.
Marshall, George T.
McEwen, Mrs. B. P.
McGinley, John.
Mead, Mrs. C. S.
Miner, Charles H.
Miner, Mrs. Lydia.
Miner, Miss M. F.
Miner, S. H.
Morgan, G. S , M. D.
Newcomb, J.
Palmer, E. L.
Palmer, F. L.
Palmer, R, T., Jr.,
Parmelee, F. H.
Peabody, Mrs. M. L.
Perkins, N. S.
Potter, Miss Fannie.
Prentis, Edward, Jr.
Rogers, Ernest E
Sheffield, W. W.
Smith, Mrs. Frederick M.
Smith, N. D.
Smith, Ralph.
Stanton, J. G., M. D.
Stark, Benjamin.
Stark, W. M.
Starr, G. E.
Starr, Mrs. M. F.
Stayner, Mrs. M. R. H.
Strong, George C. • .
Thompson, I. W.
Thompson, T. O.
Tinker, G. F.
Turner, Miss M. J.
Tyler, A. C.
Viets, C.J.

l()i)

Viets, Mrs. Mary C.
Waller, Thomas M
Ware, C. B.
Warriner, S. I).
Wheeler, E. H.
Whittlesey, George.
Whittlesey, George D.
Williams, George.
Williams, P.
Williams, T. W.
Wither, W. E.

Norwich.
Aiken, Gen. W. A.
Avery, Rev. John.
Carroll, A. P.
Gibbs, E. N.
Gilman, Miss Emily S.
Gilman, Miss M. P.
Learned, B. P.
Palmer, G. S.
Perkins, Miss Mary E.
Slater, W. A.
Trumbull, Jonathan.
Wells, David A.
Wait, John T.

Stoningtort.
Hill, Rev. C. J.
Palmer, Ira.

Hartford.
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Montville.
Burcbard, W. M., M. D.

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Potter, Elihu 11

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Salisbury, Edw. Elbridge, LL. D.
Salisbury, Mrs. Evelyn McCurdy.
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Torrington.
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Groton.
Allen, Rev. N. T.
Broekingtou, Mrs. Anna M.
Cash, Mrs. Ad;ih J.
Slocomb, Mrs. A. D.

Mystic.
Barber, 0. M., M. D.
Bucklyn, .1. K.
Clift, Horace.
Randall, E. P.
Williams, ,7no. E.

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New York.
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Saltonstall, Francis G.

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110

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Nordell, Rev. P. A., D. D.

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Gales vil/e, R. I.
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Hoadly, Charles J., LL. D.
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HONOEAEY.

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Buffalo, N. Y.
Hazard, G. S.

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RECORDS

FAFERS

NEW LONDON COUNTY

HISTORICAL SOCIETY,

PART II. VOLUME II.

i i mwunnmivn,

RECORDS

PAPERS

NEW LONDON COUNTY

HISTORICAL SOCIETY,

Part ii. Vol ii.

PUBLISH i.i) BY THE SOCIETY.

New London, Connecticut,

1896.

Contents.

PAGE.

Historical Sketch of the Schools of Now London, by Benjamin

Stark 115

Now- London Society for Trade and Commerce, by N. Shaw

Perkins : 145

The Preston Separate Church, by Amos A. Browning 153

ifceporl of Annual Mooting 1 To

List of Officers 178

List of Members 179

Historical sketch

OF THE

SCHOOLS OF NEW LONDON,

1645 1895.

BENJAMIN STARK,

Mem. N. L. School Board,
1868 1892.

Ch. Y. L- H. vS. Com. 1868-9. Sup. Div. 2, 1870-1 ; 72-9.

Ch. B. H. S. Com. 187 1-2 ; Y. I,. H. S. Com. 1875-91.

Pres. of the Board, 189 1-2.

SCHOOLS OF NEW LONDON.

The purpose of this contribution to the transactions of the Society
is to give a retrospect of the schools of New London since the first
settlement of the town in 1645 down to the present time.

In the unfolding of the topic it will be observed that four distinct
and well defined periods mark the evolution of the present system
of public schools, in which free education is proffered to every child
— male and female — who lives within the bounds of the town. The
first of these periods extends from 1660 when Master Brigdon was
employed to teach school in the 'town plat,' down to 1774. when
the first Union School was incorporated.

The small band of settlers from the Bay Colony who began the
'planting 1 in 1645 found an Act of the Connecticut Colonial
assembly in force requiring every town that had fifty householders
to keep a grammar school, and when increased to one hundred
householders to add a Latin school in which young -men should be
sufficiently instructed to enter the University. In towns of thirty-
five householders it was deemed quite enough to maintain a school
in which children might be taught to 'read and write.' When
Master Brigdon opened his school, the oldest children born in the
town — Manasseh Miner and Mary Hempstead — were thirteen
years old.

Had the townsmen of those early days, who had charge of the
schools, been as careful to keep a record of their proceedings of a
public nature as Thomas Miner and -Joshua Hempstead were in keep-
ing a diary of their personal connection with what was transpiring
about them, the search for the history of the schools during the fol-
lowing forty years would not lie so fruitless.

116

In 1673 the town having been provided by the Bartlett bequest
with such ample means in addition to the town rates provided by
Colonial law, it is not to be wondered at that the public authorities;
of the Colony should keep a vigilant watch over the townsmen and
require that they should strictly comply with the law and provide ai
Latin school, a grammar school, and a school to teach reading and
writing. From that time to the year 1700 the records of the general
and county courts testify that the Governor and Council of the Colony,
as well as the grand jury, sought to enforce that duty by fine and
admonition. There is no reason to think that the town was not in
full sympathy with these efforts of the > civil authorities. Few, if
any, of the first generation of the town had the advantages of the
University, which up to that period, and long after, was scarcely
more than a nursery for the ministry of the 'standing order.' The
probate and town records furnish unmistakable evidence that even
elementary instruction was greatly neglected. The settlers were
scattered over the wide area now composing the town of New Lon-
don and the six surrounding towns, Groton, Waterford, Ledyard,
Montville, East Lyme, and Stonington. Their circumstances were
such that it was difficult to maintain even the lowest grade of school
required by law, at points where it would be convenient for their
children to attend. As for a Latin school, and, in some degree, the
grammar school, it was manifestly difficult from 1682 until after the
establishment of Yale College in 1702 to secure competent teachers
to take charge of them. Of the ten graduates of that college prior
to 1711, who did not enter the ministry, New London secured three
to teach the grammar school. Prior to 1710, the selectmen had hired
for that purpose George Denison, an attorney in town who graduated
from Harvard College in 1693. From February, 1712, to January,
1715, Hempstead quaintly says: "frequent meetings of the towns-
men were held to ' argue about y e schoolmaster ' and in conference
wi th the Governor about ' y e better management of the school . ' " Upon
payment in full for his past services, amounting to £11.10, which
was perhaps the most convincing argument, Mr. Denison was induced
' to keep the school as he should do faithfully until we can furnish
ourselves, and to have as formerly £40 a year.' This agreement
lasted only one year. Mr. Denison was succeeded by Nathaniel
Burnham, a graduate of Yale in 1709, who taught for two years.
In August, 1713, the school was 'offered' to John Gardiner, a

Master " < >wi:\\
L736— 1801.

The "Third Brick School House
1775—1834.

' — Grammar School.

117

graduate of Yale in 1711, Whether he accepted or not is not stated.

In 1713 the Bartleti land was sold for 6300. With thai sun, for
an endowment and a Wrick school house huilt by a town rate, the
grammar school took on a new form which promised better for its
steady and continuous usefulness. From the description given by
Hempstead of its location the site of the new school house was not
far from the center of the town plat, near the junction of the present
federal and Broad streets. It is not at all improbable, since it does
not affirmatively appear that Mr. Gardiner declined the offer of the
townsmen, that he was the first teacher in the new school house, and
that he taught there one year. If so, then he was succeeded by
Jeremiah Miller, a graduate of Yale in 1709. Mr. Miller was chosen
by the selectmen in 1714. He was a young physician to whose
professional income £40 a year was an acceptable addition. Evidently
he was teaching on trial, for not until the annual town meeting in
1716 was he formally 'accepted and approved' as the schoolmaster.
Until 1731 he continued in office and was followed by a succession
of six teachers, the last of whom, Jonathan Copp, was the teacher
in 1747. No mention has been found of any successor to Mr. Copp
until the name of 'Master Owen' appears.

John Owen was the son of the Rev. John Owen, minister in the
north part of Groton, now the town of Ledyard. He graduated from
Yale College in 1756, and entered at once upon what turned out to
be his life work. He was 'Master' Owen for nearly forty years.
In 1795 he was succeeded by 'Doctor' Dow. Late in life Master
Owen was elected the first city clerk, having held the office of town
clerk for many years before. He was city clerk at the time of his
death on the thirtieth of March, 1801.

During the incumbency of Mr. Miller the school population had so
much increased that it became necessary to provide for a part of them
elsewhere than in the "town plat.'

In 1725 the income of the school fund amounted to £120, derived
from the proceeds of six hundred acres of land lying in the north
parish that had been granted to the town for the support of schools.
Like the sale of the Bartlett land, the sale of these school lands is
now justly a subject for regret. The men of that day acted, however,
according to their best judgment, and their action received the
sanction of the Colonial Legislature. The income of tins year was
divided between the grammar school and quarter or circulating

118

schools as they were called, kept in the North Parish and other
districts established by the town committee.

In 1743 the west district was sub-divided. Complications growing
out of the incorporation of the Chesterfield ecclesiastical society in
17G9 caused a further enactment by which the division was confirmed,
and it was provided that the Act of 1769, incorporating the ecclesias-
tical society, should not be construed as giving the society any
authority over the school district within its limits. That part of the
district outside of the boundai'ies of the Chesterfield society was, in
1796, incorporated with the First school society in New London, and
the rest of it was called the Lake's Pond district.

In 1738 a new and larger grammar school building was erected.
Just where it was located it is difficult to tell. It was somewhere
in the open fields west of the present Meridian street. About the
close of this period the third brick schoolhouse for the grammar
school was built in the highway at the head of State street, directly
south of the Court House. That building was the ' throne ' of
Doctor Dow for more than forty years. With the end of his long
service, in 1834, it ceased to exist, having been replaced by the fine
two-story building erected upon a lot on Huntington street given for
that purpose to the town by Major Thomas W. Williams. The
subsequent history of the grammar school is closely intei'woven with
that of the ' School Society of New London ' and falls properly
within the period devoted to that society. During this first period
of more than a hundred years any provision for female education
appears to have been totally neglected by the town authorities.

The second period began in 1774, and was prolonged just sixty
years. It may be distinguished from the first, or Colonial period,
as the era of the 'School Ma'am,' and of 'private schools.' The
grammar school continued to answer the requirements of the laws
of the State, and beyond that the public appears to have given little
attention to the demands of popular education. Here may be grouped
the numei^ous class of schools in which the 'school ma'am' plied
her useful calling. And here may appropriately find a place those
private schools of a higher grade conducted by the schoolmaster and
the schoolmistress. They were all kept for private emolument at the
expense of the parents of pupils, with the possible exception of one
kept by Miss Caroline Richards in ' the old Coit house ' on Main
street, which was a Charity School.

119

The whole length of the Mown street,' from State street to the
'.town mill,' has been familiar with the sites of these private schools
from an early rime down to the establishment of the district public
schools. Other parts of the Mown plat ' were equally favored.

Mistress Ann Pierce, who taugbl in 174(i, has the distinction of
being the first school ma'am of whom any record has come down to
us. She survives only as such in the diary of Hempstead in connec-
tion with the announcement of her marriage. The long line of her
successors sketches on through Ma'am Hearn and her sister
1 Lyddy,' who taught in a building on Main street opposite Shapley
street, 'next door to Guy Richard's store,' from a time in the last
century down to a date beyond the memory of any one now living;
— and Miss Matilda Wright, always distinguished by her full name
and style in the familiar speech of her own time and in the memory
of her pupils, who kept a school on the east side of Main street a
few doors north of John street, in the shadow of the last, and as late
as the second decade of the present century. They kept the typical
school of the period in which all were sufficiently instructed to read
the psalter. The girls were taught how to ply the needle through
all its various uses, up to the production of the artistic sampler,
preserved in many families now as a cherished heirloom. In such
schools as these, scattered all through the town from 'Town Mill
to Truman's Brook,' the young idea was taught to shoot. The
after growth depended upon the advantages afforded by the other
class of private schools referred to; the inclination of the individual
pupil ; and the ability of the parent to pay the fee for instruction.

The widow Jones, in the early part of this century, kept a school
in the building on the corner of Golden and Union streets, afterwards
occupied by Fitch Button and since torn down. This school with
the one kept by Miss Waity Trott in a building on the ' Baptist
rocks,' at the head of Pearl street and near the intersection of
Union street, were the only schools south of State street prior to
1820, the recollection of which survives in the memory of any per-
son known to the writer now living. Miss Martha Hempstead kept
a primary school as late as L830 in Mhe old Hempstead house.'
North of State street the widow of 'Master Owen," at the corner
of Richards and Huntington streets : Miss A.bby Wood in the brick-
house on John street opposite Potter street; the Misses Hazard.
three sisters, in the Truman house on Bradley street ; Miss Molly

120

Coit and Miss Harriet Starr ; these all taught schools of that class
prior to 1830. No attempt has been made to bring the list down to
a later period.

Of the other class of private schools there were many for both
malesand females. For males, William and Joshua Bolles established
a school in which phonetic spelling was introduced. It was kept in
the third story of the brick building at the corner of Main and State
streets now occupied by George E. Starr, the printer. The late
John R. Bolles was a teacher in that school in 1827. Bartholomew
and Easton, opened a school in Bradley street near the 'parade' in
the upper story of a building occupied by Isaac Rogers, the confec-
tioner. It was afterwards removed to the third story of Docton Isaac
Thompson's drug store on State street. These and others of a
similar character, prior to the organization of the School Society in
1834, taught the ' English branches ' only. They were in all respects,
especially the last one named, types of the coming district school.

The Rev. Bethel Judd, Rector of the Episcopal Church from 1818
to 1832, during a greater part of the time kept a school for boys in
a building that stood on the grounds south of Richards street now
occupied by John Spalding, the florist. In this school facilities were
afforded for advanced instruction, similar to those given in the incor-
porated Union School . The rural clergy of that day, in many instances,
received into their families two or more lads to whom they gave the
rudimentary instruction for entering college. Mr. Judd carried
out the same plan in a somewhat different way and on a more
extended scale. Similar schools were kept for girls by females of
superior education. The most notable of these, and worthy to rival
the Female Academy, were the school kept by Miss Nancy Allen and
her sister at the corner of Hallam and Main streets, and that kept
by Miss Fanny Ledyard on the west side of Main street at the cor-
ner of Federal street.

The sketch of these private schools must necessarily be very imper-
fect. Their history can only be gathered from tradition and the
memory of aged contemporaries. For what has been given in the
foregoing review of them the writer has been chiefly indebted to
these sources of information.

A school had been kept for several years in a building erected by
its proprietors on a lot which by the opening of Union street became
the southeast corner of that street and State street.

nion School H« h si:.
1774 — is: 1 ,:;.

121

In 1774, the proprietors, Richard Law, Jeremiah Miller, .Joseph
Christophers, Marvin Wait, Duncan Stewart, Silas Church. Thomas
Mumford, David Mumford, Thomas Allen, John Richards, Nathaniel
Shaw, Jr., Roger Gibson and Robinson Mumford. applied. for and

received from the General Assembly an Act of incorporation. With
an amendment passed at the October session in 1S10, authorizing a
majority of the proprietors to levy and collect a tax on the shares of
the corporation for the support of a master or the repairs of the
schoolhouse, and another passed at the May session in 1826, mak-
ing the shares of the corporation personal property, this Act con-
tinued in force until the dissolution of the corporation in 1833. The
building in which the first Union School had been held for more
than sixty years was then sold ; removed to a site further south on
Union street ; and converted into a dwelling house where as such it
now stands at the head of Golden street. This school was intended
primarily for fitting pupils to enter college. From the beginning to
its close the teacher was a person of liberal education and in general
a graduate of Yale college. The first teacher of the school, after
it was incorporated, was the patriot-martyr Nathan Hale. Miss
Caulkins names a few of his successors. The writer has not been
successful in finding any records of this school, and presumes that
she names those from personal recollection and that of older persons,
her contemporaries in 1852. To them may be added the names of
Mr. Bull, Mr. Joseph Hurlbut, Mr. Smith, Mr. James W. McLane
and Mr. Erastus (\ Jones. These all were afterwards clergymen.
Mr. Jones was the teacher at the time of the dissolution of the cor-
poration .

To characterize the discipline in the town grammar school under
'Doctor' Dow, Miss Caulkins calls the chair of instruction l the
throne,' the government ' despotic, 1 and the pupils numbering some-
times two hundred -subjects.' School discipline as well as parental
discipline has undergone great changes since those days. Sparing
the rod is not now thought to be a sure way to spoil the child. The
discipline in the Union school — certainly under some of the later
teachers — with the number of pupils limited to forty-five, if not
' imperial ' was administered with great severity and often for trivial
offences with a heavy hickory ferule.

During the existence of this school the feud between its pupils
and those of the town grammar school raged with a violence not

122

surpassed if it was equalled by that which had been kept up between
the uptown and downtown boys from time whereof the memory of'
no one then living 'ran to the contrary.'

The name of one of its teachers gave an opportunity for one of i
Doctor Dow's witticisms. The Union schoolboys were called bull
frogs, a nickname befitting not only them but all schoolboys, for they,
are proverbially a noisy lot. The retort upon the pupils of the other;
school was not ' courteous ' — certainly not witty. The coarse epithet,
however, dowhogs, stuck to the pupils of that school as long as it was
taught by 'Doctor' Dow. This undoubtedly embittered in some
instances the after relations between those who were soon to meet and
act together as fellow citizens, and intensified and prolonged the feud
between the pupils of the two schools.

The Rev. Joseph Hurlbut, a native of the town, a pupil of the
school, and upon his graduation from Yale College in 1819 its
teacher, became a resident of the town in 1832. He devoted him-
self at once to the improvement of the town grammar school, the
Union school, and the female academy. For his philanthropic efforts
and liberal contribution of money towards the attainment of this
object he received the thanks of the town at a special town meeting
on the seventh of October, 1833. His labors resulted in providing
buildings exactly alike for each of the boys' schools, located on Hunt-
ington street and flanking the new Second Congregational Church,
which was being erected on the corner of Huntington and Jay
streets. The similarity of their appointments ; their proximity of
location ; and the personal efforts of the teachers, — especially of 1
Mr. Hurlbut, who for a short time gave his services to organize the
new Union school, — contributed to bring about a relationship among
the boys of the town, which in the subsequent development of the
public school system has entirely obliterated the former condition of
local and personal strifes and animosities among them.

The Union school of 1774 went out of existence at this time. The
number of its pupils had been limited, and confined to the sons of
those who owned its shares. Not all who wished to prepare for
college could gain admission there, and consequently had to go else-
where, away from home or to private schools to procure their
preparatory education. Despite all its faults — of narrowness and
exclusiveness, and the consequent ill effects upon its pupils — the first
Union school did a good work, and besides those who went from it

123

to college, and thence into one or other of the ' liberal professions'
its roll of members includes many who attained distinction in after
life in the Army and Navy, in politics, in commerce, and the various
pursuits of modern life.

At the May session of the General Assembly in 1834, John Bran-
degee, Archibald Mercer, and all others who should become associated
with them, were incorporated as 'The New London Union School,'
the second of that name. In the new schoolhouse on the corner of
Huntington and day streets this corporation opened a school, in many
particulars similar to the former Union school, but more popular
from being free to all who would pay the fee for tuition.

The impulse given to the development of the public school system
by the formation of the School Society in the same year ; the diminu-
tion thereby in the number of pupils attending the grammar school ;
the increase in the revenue for the support of that school derived
from town taxes after the town received, in 1837, the revenue of
the 'town deposit fund;' these and other causes made the patronage
af the new Union school dwindle, until finally, after sixteen years
af varied but useful fortunes under the leadership of Thomas Douglas,
Alfred Hebard, and other teachers, it ceased to exist. The com-
modious two-story brick building which it had occupied was sold and
sonverted afterwards into a place of religious worship to which use
it is still devoted.

The lack of provision for female education hitherto was a just
sause of reproach. None was made in the 'public' schools in
the ' town plat ' from the earliest settlement of the town until the
establishment of the New London School Society in 1834. For boys
there seems to have been solicitude enough. The historian of the
town — Miss Caulkins — says that "for a time, between 1713 and
"1738, the town grammar school, after regular hours, admitted
" girls on certain days of the week an hour at a time for the purpose
"of learning to write." This must have been a voluntary service
fendered by the teacher, as no vote requiring such a service to be
given by him has been found in the town records.

An effort was made in 1799 to remove the stigma resting upon the
town that ' the daughters of men who occupied important offices
in the town and the church were obliged to make a mark for their
signature.' Under what auspices a school for girls, exclusively,
was established, or who were its projectors, the writer has not been

124

able to ascertain. Miss Caulkins is thought to have been for some
time a teacher there, but she is silent about the beginning of the
school. In a striking and vivid picture portrayed by her of the
schools at an early period of the history of the town she says : ' ' the
schoolma'am is older than the schoolmaster." This doubtless was;
true so far as teaching girls was concerned. Not so about the boys.;
For them, as we have seen, the labors of the schoolmaster began the
last of September, 1660, — only fifteen years after the first planting
of a settlement on the shores of ' y e fairre harbour of Pequod,' — and
there is no evidence that the fathers failed from that time onward to
provide schoolmasters for their sons when they could engage com-
petent teachers.

In the code of laws under the title ' schooles,' enacted by the Con-
necticut Colony in 1644, Winthrop and his fellow townsmen, as we
have seen, found a stringent law upon the subject. Neglect to com-
ply with this law, if it was continued for one year, was punished by
a fine of not less than £5. How long the first part of the law con
tinued to apply may not be precisely fixed, — certainly not so late as
1682. In that year the town was " complained of for not having a
grammar school to train boys for the University" and fined £10.
The period covered by these thirty-five years may especially be called
the era of the 'schoolma'am.' The children of both sexes were
taught to read 'through the spelling book to the psalter,' the girls
to work a ' sampler,' and all to tnake their manners to any respectable
person or stranger, and to pay ' peculiar reverence to the minister '
by never ' laughing in his presence or within his hearing. ' So it was
in 1799, when the first school exclusively for girls and to furnish
them with academic instruction was begun. The school building
was located on the east side of Green street, between Pearl and;
Golden streets. Fi'om the beginning it is believed that in this
school girls were afforded most of the advantages enjoyed by the boys'
in the Union school. The first teacher was William Green. He
was a native of the town, and a graduate of Dartmouth college.
Hallam, in his Annals of St. James's parish, speaks of him as "a
man of peculiarly gentle and amiable character, who was greatly
beloved by his pupils, and long held by them in affectionate remem-
brance." For twenty years the promoters of this school do not
appear to have needed, or to have aspired to, the advantages, if there
were any, of a corporation. In 1819 Isaac Thompson, Peter

125

Richards, Samuel H. P. Lee and others, who were, or should be,
associated with them, were created a body corporate by the name of
'The Female Academy in the Town of New London.' The school
under this corporate name continued until 1834, fulfilling all the
expectations of its founders, and supplying the means for advanced
education to all females who could pay the fee charged by the pro-
prietors Eor instruction. The property was then sold and the company
dissolved. Being a private enterprise no reference to it has been
found in the public records. Any records kept by the proprietors
it is believed, cannot now be recovered. Its discontinuance was
doubtless precipitated by the establishment of the Academy for
females, which constituted a part of the scheme for reorganizing
the schools of the town, which began that year under the auspicious
influence of the Rev. Mr. Hurlbut. The town, however, was not
long to be deprived of the benefit of the advantages conferred upon
it by the Academy.

In 1S:!4 an Act of the General Assembly was obtained incorpora-
ting Joseph Hurlbut, William P Cleveland, Thomas W. Williams,
Lucretia M. Mitchell, and others, to the whole number of thirty
corporators, under the name of the New London Female Academy.
In the selection of a female for one of the corporators, "coming
events cast their shadows before. 1 '

The new Academy was conducted on the same lines as its prede-
cessor had been. The building which it occupied had been built on
a lot immediately north of the new site of the court house, and front-
ing on Broad street. It was a handsome structure, the exterior of
which has been but slightly changed in its alteration and enlargement
into a private residence.

The Rev. Daniel Huntington, the first teacher, opened the school
at the fall term in 1834. After 1S41. down to its close, it was con-
ducted by H. P. Farnsworth.

The public school system had been by this time full) developed.

It needed only the establishment of the Young Ladies High Sri 1

to put an end to the Academy, which for some time had languished
from inadequacy of support . The establishment of the I ligh School
was doubtless much hastened and entirely justified in the judgmenl
of the friends of popular education by the fluctuating and uncertain
Support bestowed upon the private academies. Certain it is that in
iSo.") tbe female academy was discontinued ami was immediately

126

succeeded by the young ladies high school. The advanced education
which had been supplied by the incorporated institutions, at the
expense of their pupils, was thereafter provided for by the Board of
School Visitors as a part of the public school system until the
Williams Memorial Institute and the Bulkeley school were founded
and took their place.

The third period began in 1834, when the New London School
Society was organized, composed of the towns of New London and
Waterford, and placed under the oversight of a Board of School
Visitors. The territory was divided into separate and independent
districts. Each district was authorized by law to elect its own local IM
committee and other officers ; hire its own teachers ; and levy and I
collect a tax for the support of its schools. New London comprisedl
six of the districts. No. 1 was in the central part of the town south
of State street, No. 7 was on the harbor road, No. 13, at the junction
of Bank street and the Fort road, No. 15, the north part of the town, .
No. 16, the central part of the town north of State street. There
was also a Town Hill district, No. 14. The schools of the several
districts were held in hired buildings. Little attempt was made at
grading the pupils. In the primary schools males and females were
united under the same teacher. Above the primary department the
sexes were separated and taught by different teachers.

A marked impulse was given to the interest felt by the public in
the schools of the town by the organization of the school society.
The visitors were all active, earnest, energetic men, and gave special
attention to the duties imposed upon them by the state law. Their
powers were very limited, but being state officers, and holding in
part "the power of the purse," the district committees were the
more ready to give heed to their advice. The system, however, was
attended by many evils, which the visitors did not fail from time to
time to call to the attention of the people ; evils which, in their
judgment, could only be removed by placing all the schools under
one general management. Consolidation was made the subject of a
special report at one time and the unanimous opinion of the visitors
expressed in its favor.

A great step forward had been made in adopting the system of
instruction at the public expense for all the children of the town,
between the ages of four and sixteen years, pursuant to the law of
the State governing school societies, and it satisfied the conservative

127

spirit of the town for the ensuing thirty-four years, Progress, how-
ever, was gradually made in many directions. Schoolhouses were
built: in 1839, the first and fifteenth districts bought lots and built
thereon substantial brick buildings. The first on Huntington street
near Washington street, and the fifteenth between Hill and Richards
streets. These buildings far exceeded in their adaptation to school
purposes anything with which the town had been familiar, except in
the case of the structures then only recently erected for the use of
the high schools. These were followed, in 1842, by the building
erected by the sixteenth district in Union street, immediately adjoin-
ing the site of the church of the first ecclesiastical society. This
was a substantial, well appointed, brick edifice of three stories, which
still stands, a monument to the public spirit of that district, though
no longer used for school purposes. This was followed by the pur-
chase of a lot extending from Bank street to Truman street by the
thirteenth district, and the erection of a brick building on Truman
street. This building took the place of a small wooden structure,
built by that district in 1838, at the juncture of the Fort road and
Bank street. In 1852 the Harbor road school was provided with a
building owned by that district. In 1856 the north part of the
fifteenth district was set off; a new district thereby created, and a
building erected on a lot bought by the district at the north end of
Main street. In this year, by a town vote, the districts were renum-
bered, and until very recently have been designated by the numbers
then given. The Main street school became number one ; the Hill
street number two ; the Union street number three ; the Huntington
street number four; the Truman street number five. The school
which had been kept, free of rent, in a building on Town hill was
number six. That building had been erected for Sunday school pur-
poses by Mary and Ellen Williams, daughters of Major Thomas W.
Williams, and by them given to the town in ti*ust for that and other
benevolent uses forever. The school on the Harbor road was num-
ber seven.

In 1859 the Huntington street district, number four, erected a
new schoolhouse on Coit street, which at that time was justly regarded
as ' a model of good taste and convenience. ' Having been remodeled
and enlarged it is still occupied by the schools in division number
four.

In this district, in 1853, the practice was first introduced of uniting

128

boys and girls in all the classes. Hitherto it had been the universal
habit to divide all the grades above the primary and teach the boys-
in one room and the girls in another. This was called the separate
system. The new one was known as the mixed system. So strenuous- 1
was the opposition in certain quarters to the introduction of this-^
novelty that one of the most experienced female teachers resignedl
and opened a private school exclusively for girls. Under the control]
of Eleazer M. Cushman, who had been hired by the Committee
expressly as an expert in the mixed system, the plan approved itself \
in practice and it finally prevailed to the exclusion of ^the separate
method from all the public schools of the town. The days of private'
schools for boys or girls for all grades above the strictly primary ,
were now fast drawing to an end. For a small class of the school!
population primary schools were and they are still maintained by
parents for their children of tender years. These are now called!
Kindergarten schools, but their number and influence is extremely,
limited.

The school visitors in the year 1859 reported that the whole num-
ber of children registered in all the schools was 1,475. Of this-:
number the average attendance in the winter term was 1,018. The
whole number of teachers and assistants employed in all the schools
was 24. Of the whole number of pupils in the winter term less than
one-half studied practical arithmetic ; about three-fourths were
instructed in mental arithmetic and geography ; and only 94 — more
than one-half of these were in districts number three and numberi
four — were taught grammar. There was no uniformity in respect tj
of the time during which school was kept, and consequently there
was a variation in the length of time, from twelve weeks in number 1
seven to twenty-nine weeks in number four in the winter term, the
average of all the schools being twenty-one weeks.

At the annual town meeting in October, 1856, the grammar school
committee was abolished. For the origin of this ancient and vener-
able body one must go back to 1678, when Edward Griswold, and{
others, were appointed by the colonial assembly a 'committee to estab-
lish a Latin school in New London.'

After 1856 the grammar school for boys and the high school for 1
girls was managed exclusively by the Board of School Visitors.
The superiority of these schools over the district schools soon mani-
fested itself. It was not long before complaints began to be heard

129

from the district schools that "classes had been sometimes broken

Up by high school examinations," and -'thai children of twelve
years of age and under." in one case to the number of fourteen,
from division number three "had entered the high schools."

The organization of the Board of School Visitors at this time was
Henry P. Haven, chairman; Hiram Willey, secretary: Stanley <i.
Trott. acting school visitor for the' districl schools; Nathan Belcher

ami Joseph R. Merriam. committee for the hoys high scl 1; and

Hiram Willey and Joshua C. Learned, for the girls high school.
The chairman acted as the treasurer to collect and disburse the
various revenues for the support of the high schools. These funds
included $'2")4 from Hank stock belonging to the Hartlett fund and
■80 for the rent of the ferry for one year. The town appropriation
was $2, 150, making a total of ^L'.doJ. which covered all the expenses
of those schools for a year, including repairs of the grammar school
building. The cost of all the other schools in town. IS in number,
with 25 teachers, was $5,879.50, of which sum $^.S7!).r>0 was received
from the school fund of the State.

From the annual reports of the acting visitor for the district schools;
the reports of the principals of the high schools ; and the report of
the chairman showing the relative cost of the district and the high
schools which were annually published, a sentiment in favor of the
consolidation of all the schools under the management of a single
committee was steadily gaining ground.

In 1867 an amendment to the general statute upon the ' consolida-
tion of school districts' was passed by the general assembly. The
Board of Visitors, taking advantage of the new law, incorporated in
their report for the following year a recommendation that a Union
School District should be created within the limits of the town of New
London, in accordance with the provisions of that law.

At the town meeting held on the fifth of October, 18(58 — a memor-
able day in the history of the schools of this town — it was voted

"that the several school districts be united in accordance with the
"provisions of the Act of the Legislature of 1867, and that this

'town after the passage of this vote shall constitute a Union

•District."
So ended the New London School Society. For thirty-four years

it had provided so much hotter for the elementary instruction of the

shildren of all the people than the system or rather the want of

130

system — which had prevailed before, that many who were friendly
to free schools and popular education regarded any change as of
doubtful expediency.

At this time the school visitors were Henry P. Haven, Thomas M.
Waller, Joshua C. Learned, A. P. Buell, W. F. Robinson and Oscar
F. Hewitt,

The girls high school from its commencement in 1854 had been
under the management of the school visitors and supported entirely
by the town. Since 1856 the boys grammar school had been under
their charge exclusively, and supported in part by the Bartlett fund,
and in part by the town. The expense to the town for the two
schools amounted to about $3,000 a year.

In the report for the year 1867-8 the chairman stated that " in the
public schools all the children of the city may obtain a free education,
and while we do not pretend to vie with many other places in the
beauty and costliness of our buildings we may, without hesitation,
challenge any of the towns of the State to show better public schools."
His successor need not hesitate to boast at the present time of the
"beauty and costliness" of our school houses, and with equal con-
fidence challenge any town to show better schools than those of this
city.

The cost of the public schools at that time cannot be exactly ascer-
tained. It may be assumed to have not greatly exceeded the sum
of $9,000, which was the amount required by law to be raised for
the number of the school population at that time in the town. The
number of different pupils attending school during the year was
2,125. The average attendance was 1,164. The number of teachers
30, and the cost of instruction $13,250. Although the cost of
instructing the individual has since been doubled the number
instructed in proportion to the whole number registered has been
increased nearly one-third.

Very soon after the organization of the School Society and the
division of the town into school districts, as we have seen, the
question of mixed schools for boys and girls was raised. Another
and more irritating one — the mixing of the few black children in
town with the white for common instruction — arose to vex the differ-
ent school committees. The blacks being excluded from the district
schools and there being no provision for elementary instruction in
the town grammar school, their case was forlorn.

131

tchabod Pease, an aged colored man. who in early life bad been

a slave, and who was In many respects, says Doctor Ilallam who
knew him well, "a remarkable man whose modest worth, quiet
"dignity, and consistent goodness, secured for him the unfeigned
'• respect of all men of whatever complexion or form of faith," inter-
ested himself in behalf of the children of his race.

In 1837 lie established under the shadow of the Episcopal church
of which he was a member a school for their benefit, and procured

at the town meeting in aid of its support an appropriation of fifty
dollars. This appropriation was renewed the following year. As
it was not continued, and no mention is afterwards made of the
school, the exclusion of the blacks from the public schools could not
have been long continued.

Mr. Pease died on the fourth of March, 1842, aged eighty-six
years. " At his death." the annalist of St. James's parish mentions
that "the most eminent citizens sought the privilege of acting as
" bearers at his funeral.' 1 He deserves to be commemorated among
those who have contributed to the cause of popular education in this
town.

The School Society marked its closing year by the establishment
of an evening school, free to all young men residing in this town
over fifteen years of age. At the annual town meeting, October
seventh, 1S(I7. the town appropriated five hundred dollars for its
maintenance. The school proved an eminent success under the
management of Newton Fuller as principal, and Charles B. Jennings
and John S. Dunn, assistants. It was continued by the Union
school district, and one for young women was begun in 18(59. Both
were continued until 1ST!). These night schools were a marked
feature in the public school system of the town. They took the lead
and were soon followed by others in different union school districts
of the State. A night school for males has recently been established,
and now constitutes a part of the public school system of the town,
required to be maintained by the law of the State.

VOUNG LADIES BIGB SCHOOL.
At the annual town meeting, in October. 1854, the Board of
School Visitors recommended that a high school for girls should be
established, and that an appropriation of $1 ,500 lie made for its sup-
port. The recommendation was adopted and the appropriation
granted.

132

In the autumn of 1855 the school was begun in the building pre-
viously occupied by the New London Female Academy. Negotiations
were entered into by the town with the proprietors of the academy
for the purchase of the building. Unfortunately for the interests of
the school, and of the town likewise, they were defeated by a failure
to agree upon the price. The town meeting had limited the sum to
be paid for the property at four thousand dollars.

From 1855 to 1858 the school was conducted by Amos Perry, A.
B. (Havard,) and his assistants, Mary E. Reynolds and Marion
Hunt. His successor was Mrs. Sarah Wyman, who remained for
seven years in charge of the school. Two of these years were passed
in the academy building. That building having been sold in 1860
the school was removed to a room expressly fitted up as a second
story of the building on the ledge of rocks at the head of Pearl street,
belonging to the First Baptist Society. Its stay here was not long,
for the building was shortly after destroyed by fire. A temporary
abiding place was found, first, in a public hall in the third story of
a building on the northwest corner of Bank and Golden streets, and
afterwards in the court house. These unsuitable and inconvenient
accommodations for siich a school were very soon exchanged for
others, for some reasons, not much more desirable, that were pro-
vided in the basement of the Second Baptist Church on Union street.
These continued to be the conditions of the school until 1865, when
Mrs. Wyman was succeeded by Marion A. Greene, a graduate of
the Fort Plain Collegiate Institute. The assistants of Mrs. Wyman
had been Jane Clark, Marion R. Hempstead and Mary J. Turner.

Miss Hempstead was a graduate of the female academy, and is
now (Mrs. Marian R. H. Stayner, ) principal of division number four
of the Union school district. She has taught in the public schools
of her native town up to the present time, for thirty- one years, and
since 1870 continuously.

Miss Turner was a pupil in the school from its commencement
until 1859, when she completed the course of instruction and received
its first certificate of graduation. She was a teacher in the school
for fourteen years, and an assistant teacher when the school was
discontinued.

Miss Greene conducted the school from 1865 to 1891. During
her incumbency the advance in studies pursued, and the increase in
the number of pupils, made it necessary to employ two and finally
three assistant teachers.

133

The School Visitors of the Union district, having succ led to the

management of the school in 1868, immediately provided it with
improved environments. This was brought about by dividing the
pupils in the senior department of division aumber three between
divisions number two and four. This arrangement was carried out
with no inconvenience to the pupils nor embarrassment to the teachers
of the division schools. By it ample and well lighted rooms were
secured, ihacentrally located building, for the use of the high school.
Thereafter the fee for tuition was only required from non-resident
pupils. Here the school found its first satisfactory abiding place
since it left the building of the female academy, and here it remained
for five years. The discontinuance of the Bartlett school afforded
an opportunity to provide it with a permanent home of its own. By
the expenditure of ^(i.oOO the Barlett school building was enlarged,
rearranged, and newly furnished, and the school found itself in
quarters fully as convenient and as beautifully located as those in
which it commenced its career. Here it remained for the following
seventeen years. The assistant teachers (luring that time were
Anna B. Williams, Mary -I. Turner, Grace H. Learned, Mary I).
Washburn, Sarah Jennings, Jessie Lynch, and Mary F. Crofton.

All these teachers, except Miss Williams and Miss Learned, were
on the roll of its graduates. Miss Williams and Miss Washburn
died in office. The former in 1873. The latter in 1883. Prom
IST'j! Iwo assistant teachers were employed. Higher qualifications
for admission being required, a new class was not formed at the
beginning of that year, and the course of studies was enlarged.
When the school was first organized the studies pursued in advance
of those taught in the division schools were Physical Geography,
Ancient ami English History, Elementary Algebra, and Latin
Grammar and Reader. The course now adopted, included all these
and in addition thereto, Natural History, Physiology, Botany,
Astronomy. French Language and Eistory, Higher Arithmetic,
Geometry, Mental ami .Moral Philosophy, English Literature, English
Analysis and Composition, ami Vocal Music.

This arrangement of studies continued, with some modifications
in it, and advancement in them, until the final close of the school.
Then the requirements for graduation included four years in Latin,
two years in French, two years in Algebra, one year each in Arith-
metic and Plane Geometry j a portion of one year varying from •-

134

third of a year in Botany, one -half of a year each in Astronomy and
Ethics, and two-thirds of a year in Physics; like portions of one
year to United States History, History of Greece, Rome, and Eng-
land and Rhetoric; and regular exercises throughout the course in
Reading, Spelling, English Literature, and Composition.

The opening of the Williams Memorial Institute rendered it
unnecessary to continue the high school any longer. That announce-
ment was made at the closing exercises of the school, which were
held in the Lyceum Theatre on the nineteenth of June, 1891. The
writer, on that occasion, as committee of the school, called attention
to the constancy and liberality with which the town had supported
the school, throughout its long and useful career, and mentioned
the fact that forty-one of the teachers, below the grade of principal,
in the public schools of the town the previous year were graduates
of the Young Ladies High School.

The organization of the school at its close was Marion A. Greene,
principal ; Grace H. Learned, first assistant; Mary J. Turner, second
assistant ; and Mary F. Crofton, third assistant. There were 107
piipils, of whom eighteen were residents of the surrounding towns.
The whole number of pupils who had been graduated from the school
was 303. The total expenses of the school for that year had been
$3,228.18.

So ended, after an uninterrupted career of almost forty years, the
Young Ladies High School of New London.

THE BARTLETT SCHOOL.

The town grammar school, since its foundation, in 1678, had ful-
filled the requirements of Colonial and State law for a Latin school.
Down to the close of Doctor Dow's incumbency, and the beginning
of the school society, this venerable institution has already passed in
review. From its removal to the new schoolhouse in Huntington
street it began to be called the Bartlett school. The district school
system, under the school society, rapidly developed, and the grammar
school gradually assumed the characteristics of a high school.

When the Union school went out of existence, in 1850, the
grammar school, then under the charge of E. B. Jennings, A. M.,
was the only school left in which boys could have the advantages of
academic instruction. To provide for them the srhool, in 1852,
was made free ; a course of studies to prepare any boy to enter

Bartlett School House.
L834— 1873.

E. B. Jennings, A. .M.
1814—1895,

135

College was instituted; ample appropriation made in addition to the
revenue of the Bartlett fund for thai purpose; and the school
jirtually incorporated into the system of public schools created by
the school society law of the State. From that time the school was
called the Bartlett high school. Under the wise and popular man-
agement of ' Professor' Jennings it achieved an enviable reputation
as a preparatory school, and worthily contributed to make effectual
the tardy effort while it lasted to commemorate the name of Robert
Bartlett.

The establishment of the Bulkeley school, in 1873, rendered the
continuance of the school unnecessary. Its discontinuance was
announced by a Eormal vote adopted on the twelfth of August . 1 s 7 : ; .
In the same vote the Board extended to Mr. Jennings, the head
master, their ' grateful acknowledgements for his faithful and efficient
service for more than twenty years in that station.'

So (dosed the career of the Bartlett school. " The old Bartlett
" school *' as the Hoard said, '• upon which the beys of New London
*' had depended for a quarter of a centurj for the opportunity to gain
"a higher than a common school education." To this it may be
added that many who received no higher scholastic education than
the_\ received in this school have attained to distinction in many of
the walks of life. Among its graduates is enrolled a ( Jovernor of this
State and two Judges of its courts.

Thus through the first three periods of their evolution, the schools
of the town have sufficiently passed in review. And now comes the
fourth and last, culminating in the present Union school district.

Under the law of 1867 the town elected by ballot nine persons to
act as a school committee, on whom all the duties formerly discharged
by the Board of Visitors and the different district committees were
devolved. The new Board was composed of all the members of the
former Board of Visitors except \Y. |\ Robinson, who had removed
from town. With them were associated Benjamin Stark, Henry
Potter, -John A. Tibbits, and Ralph Wheeler. On the ninth of
October, L868, the hoard met and organized. They allotted among

themselves the individual term of sen ice required by law. a.- follows :
for three years, Henry P. Haven, Benjamin Stark, and Thomas .M .
Waller; for two years. Joshua <'. Learned, A. I'. Buell, and Henry
Potter; for one year, John A. Tibbits, Ralph Wheeler, and Ojscar
l - '. Hewitt. Henry I*. Haven was appointed chairman. Joshua C.

136

Learned, secretary and treasurer. A. P. Buell, acting school visitor.
J. C. Learned and A. P. Buell, committee of the boys high school.
Benjamin Stark, Thomas M. Waller, and Ralph Wheeler, committee
of the girls high school.

The ' arrangements of location and instructors, made previously
by the districts, were altered as little as possible. Some changes in
the corps of teachers were made, and in some cases scholars were
allowed to step over the old district bounds.' On the whole this
radical change in the management of the district schools was effected
with very little friction. The town had become accustomed to, and
was perfectly familiar with, the control of the high schools by the
former board of school visitors, and found practically no difficulty
in adjusting itself to the management and control of all the schools
by the new board, which has been popularly known since that time
as the Board of Education.

A code of rules and regulations for conducting the schools, with
a complete list of text books, the hours of school time, the length of
terms, and other specific regulations affecting the management of the
entire school system, was prepared under instructions of the board,
bv the chairman of the girls high school committee. The code was
adopted and ordered to be printed for circulation among the families
of the pupils. It was found of great service in unifying the district,
and with such changes as have been found requisite by lapse of time
and experience in the development of the new system, still remains
in force. Divisions one, three, five, six, and seven were uniformly
graded, from the primary to the junior grades inclusive. Pupils
throughout the districts in the senior grade were divided according
to convenience of attendance between divisions number two and
four. These two schools were continued under male teachers —
Charles B. Jennings, A. M., (Yale,) in number four, and Newton
Fuller in number two. * Mr. Fuller had been already for ten years
the able and conspicuously successful principal of that school under
the former district system . In all the other schools female teachers
were employed. Divisions number six and seven were consolidated.
The new division, with an enlargement of territorial area, was there-
after known as number six. For this new division a school building
was erected, — the first of the type of modern schoolhouses erected
in town. The situation was well chosen and the limits of the new
division so judiciously enlarged that the pressure of attendance upon

Nathan Hale Grammar School
L890.

137

division number five was greatly relieved. The total cost of the land
and building was $8,622.73.

In 1883 an important alteration in the organization of the district
was made. The pupils in division number three were all transferred
to divisions number two and four, — the distribution of them being
Bade as was found, from the residence of the pupils, most con-
venient, — and a school established in the school building of division
plumber three, into which the pupils — male and female — of the whole
town above the junior grade were collected, The school was placed
in charge of Charles B. Jennings, who had been for sixteen years
continuously in the service of the town as a teacher. His assistants
were Myra B. Fitch, Teresa C. Crofton, and Nettie J. Bishop, all
graduates of the young ladies high school. The establishment of
this school removed all the grounds for ungenerous rivalry which
had existed between the two divisions to which senior pupils had
been before assigned. The course of study in the school has been
gradually extended, and its standard advanced until it has become
entirely worthy to be called a grammar school, and an honor to the
name of Nathan Hale, which it has adopted. By a happy adjust-
ment in the course of studies pursued in the several schools the
graduates of this school are admitted upon the certificate of the
principal as pupils in both the Williams Memorial Institute and the
Bulkeley school.

In 1890 the crowning act was added by the board to the organiza-
tion of the district. The principal of the grammar school was also
made Acting School "Visitor. Before this one of the board had
generally acted in that capacity. Considering; that the members of
the hoard were all busy men it could not be otherwise than that the
selection of a practical and skillful educator to discharge the duties
of that office should be a very great improvement upon the former
method. More thoroughly uniform grading, advancement in the
course of studies, and increased efficiency in the suppression of
truancy and non-attendance have followed the change. For its
guidance and assistance the board has now the aid to be derived
from the supervision of all the schools by a professional educator.
His attendance at the regular monthly meetings of the hoard enables
its members to inform themselves about all details that may contri-
bute to an efficient and satisfactory discharge of their own important
and responsible duties.

138

The erection of the schoolhouse at the entrance of Montauk ave-
nue, in 1888, for division number five, continued the era of new
school buildings fitted with the latest and most approved appliances
for heating and ventilating them, which had been begun in 1882 by
the building of the schoolhouse in division number six.

This schoolhouse was designed for the accommodation of five hun-
dred pupils, the maximum number which the Board deemed it would
be wise at any time to congregate in one building.

The school was provided with ten teachers, Mary J. Lynch, prin-
cipal; Josephine S. Rice, Nettie J. Bishop, Harriet E. Forsyth,
Hannah A. Ducie, Marguerite C. Ducie, Hannah J. Corcoran, Mary
Mahan, Margaret M. Keeney, and Helen M. Douglass.

The registered number of pupils in 1890 reached as high as 569
in the fall term, and the average attendance during the year was
411. The cost of the building completely furnished was $46,554.94.
It is called the Nameeug school.

This was followed, in 1890, by the erection of the grammar school
building on Williams street at a cost of $49,148.15. The whole
number registered in this school, according to the last report, was
256, and the average attendance during the year was 208.

In no way has the value of improved school buildings to the cause
of popular education in this town been more plainly shown than in
the increased average attendance in the new ones and the pressure
to gain admittance into them from the divisions not yet provided
with them.

The new schoolhouse in division number one was finished and
occupied in 1893. It stands on the site of the mansion built by the
second Governor Winthrop, in 1754, and is enclosed, with the 'old
town mill,' in the spacious grounds purchased by the city for the use
of the school district. The whole cost of the building, grading, and
other expenses upon the adjacent grounds, was $43,192.72, exclusive
of the sum paid for the site which was $21,800. It is called the
Winthrop school.

When the new building for division number two is completed upon
the site at the corner of Broad street and Lewis lane recently pur-
chased by the district, the city will be equipped with school buildings
containing sittings for its whole school population, conveniently
located, with a school organization simple and capable of easy expan-
sion, and a corps of competent teachers for the most part born,
reared, and educated within its own limits.

Leonard II. Bulkeley
L791— 1849.

The Bulkeley.

139

THE RULKKLKV SCHOOL.

Leonard H. Bulkeley, who was descended from the Rev. Gershom

Bulkeley, the second minister of the town, and the last representa-
tive here of the name of the family, bequeathed the bulk of his
estate nearly $25,000, for the foundation of a free school exclusively
for the boys of this town. The trustees named in the will, Nathan
Belcher. William C. Crump, John P. C. Mather, Henry P. Haven,
and X. Shaw Perkins, were incorporated by a special act of the
General Assembly, in 1850, as "The Trustees of the Bulkeley
School."

By the will the trustees were directed to improve the estate until
it amounted to $50,000.

By a further act of the Legislature the trustees were authorized
to continue the improvement, the amount expi'essed by the testator
being deemed inadequate to successfully establish such a school as
he intended.

In 1871 the trustees had accumulated upwards of $70,000, and
then commenced the erection of a school building. The plans were
prepared by Leopold Eidlitz, an architect, who had won great applause
for the beautiful edifice erected by the First Congregational society.
Whatever may be said about the adaptability of the building for the
purposes of a school it certainly is an ornament to the city, an
enduring monument to the memory of the founder, and answers the
use for winch it was designed. The school was opened in 1873, at
a time corresponding with the beginning of the fall term of the
public schools, in the month of September. The first principal was
Eugene B. Collister, A. ML, (Amherst.) with James Cooper, B. A.,
(Amherst,) assistant. Mr. Collister was succeeded, in 1880, by Ely
R. Hall, B. A.. (Vale.) and he, in 1888, by Walter A. Towne, A.
M., (Amherst,) who had been the assistant teacher since 1877.

During the last year the number of pupils has been 87. The
assistant instructors were Eugene B. Lawrence, A. B., (Tufts col-
lege,) Percy C. Eggleston, A. B., (Yale,) and William M. Booth,
Jr., B. S., (Harvard.)

Pupils of this school can be fully prepared to enter any of the
universities of this country.

140

THE WILLIAMS MEMORIAL INSTITUTE.

In any sketch of the history of schools in this town, the Williams
Memorial Institute will occupy a conspicuous place.

Mrs. Harriet Peck Williams, of Norwich, the widow of General
William Williams, died on the fourteenth of October, 1880, in the
eighty-fifth year of her age.

Mrs. Williams bequeathed to Robert McEwen, Henry R. Bond,
Henry P. Haven, William C. Crump, Augustus Brandegee, Charles-
Augustus Williams, Charles Barns, and Benjamin Stark hen
residuary estate, in trust for the promotion and advancement off
female education. When said residuary estate, with its earnings,
should amount to $150,000, the trustees were authorized and directed
to erect and suitably furnish a proper building for a female high
school, free to all girls residing temporarily or permanently in the
city of New London, and from the adjoining towns ; and said school
should forever be called the Williams Memorial Institute, in memory
of her son, Thomas W. Williams 2nd, a merchant of New London,
who died suddenly on the twelfth of September, 1855, in the fortieth
year of his age.

The Institute building, one of the finest buildings for school pur-
poses in New England, was erected upon a lot formerly owned by
her son and bequeathed to the trustees for that purpose by Mrs.
Williams. It stands in a very conspicuous position, commanding
an extensive view of the surrounding country, and of the waters o:
Long Island Sound and the Thames river, and will easily accommo-
date three hundred students.

The Institute was opened for the reception of pupils at the begin
ning of the fall term, in September, 1891, with Colin S. Buell, A
M., (Yale,) principal, assisted by Grace H. Learned, A. B., (Vassal
College,) Mary J. Turner and Mary F. Crofton, graduates of tht
Young Ladies High School.

The course of studies pursued requires four years for its comple-
tion, and is so arranged that a graduate may be fitted in a perfectly
satisfactory manner for any university or college in this country to
which she may be eligible.

The opening of the Institute, as we have seen, caused the discon-
tinuance of the High school, and by a vote passed at a regular
meeting of the school board on the ninth of July, 1891, the use of

Harriet P. Willi ^.ms.
L795— 1880

141

the library and such of the furniture of that school as mighl be
desired was granted to the trustees of the institute " until otherwise
"ordered by the Union School District of New London."

From the outset physical training has been pursued in this school
under a competent instructor. To this has been, from time to time.
|jdded other special pursuits. So that now the opportunity is afforded
to post graduates, and all other members of the school, to receive
aid and instruction in drawing and painting, music and elocution.
The corps of instructors in the regular course of studies required for
graduation is now the principal, Mr. Buell, the assistants Miss
Learned, Miss Turner, Miss Crofton and Miss Florence D. Shepherd,
A. B., (Boston University,) with Mary Sears Smith, (Anderson
Normal School,) teacher of physiology and physical culture ; Ellen
Coit, of drawing and painting; Nettie J. Luce, of elocution; and
J. A. Van Kuren, director of school chorus and »-lee club.

The course of studies pursued in the junior year are Latin,
algebra, history, (ancient and modern); in the junior middle year,
Latin, algebra, history continued, physiology, inventional geometry,
and in addition each regular student is required to take either Greek,
French, or German, as she may elect; in the senior middle year,
Latin, Greek, plane geometry, physics, botany, French and German,
and rhetoric; all regular students are required to take rhetoric, and
to elect three studies from the preceding list for this year; in the
senior year, Latin, Greek, solid geometry, plane trigonometry,
astronomy, geology, mineralogy, French. German and English litera-
ture. In the winter and summer terms, Latin, Greek, mathematics,
science, French, German, and English literature are elective. The
number of registered pupils last year was one hundred and seventy-
nine.

With the expansion of the course of studies the elective system
has been introduced, and 'found to work very well indeed.' 'But
the most radical change that has taken place is the abolishment of
the old marking system and the term examinations.' 'As no prizes
are offered the pupils are thrown upon their own resources; all
unhealthy rivalry is removed, and learning is pursued for its own
sake.'

SCHOOL KINDS.
At the town meeting in October, lSr>(>, when the grammar school
committee was abolished, Henry P. Haven, who was then the chair-

142

man of the board of school visitors, was elected School Fund Com
missioner. The following year he was elected Treasurer of the*
School Fund, and no mention is made of a commissioner. Since*
then, annually, a treasurer of the fuud has been elected, who eachl
year pays to the treasurer of the school district " the New Londoni
School Society income." Last year it amounted to seventy-four
dollars. What the fund is; where it came from; and how it is
invested, no where appears in the town records. It is not important,
perhaps, to know these particulars. That ''the fund" came to Mr.
Haven from the grammar school committee is a probable conjecture,
and that it was what was left of the proceeds of the school land sold '
prior to 1725. Certain it is that there is now in the custody of I
William H. Reeves, Treasurer of the School Fund, seventeen hun-i
dred dollars, the income of which is used for the support of the *
public schools.

At a special town meeting held on the ninth of January, 1837, ,
the town accepted its part of the surplus revenue of the United States, .
deposited with the State. Ebenezer Learned was appointed the-
agent of the town to receive the same from the State, and with Asai
Otis and Leonard H. Bulkeley, a committee to manage the fund.
Benjamin Stark was chosen treasurer. These appointments were to
continue until the next annual town meeting. The managers were
directed to loan the fund upon mortgage to inhabitants of this town
only, in sums not less than $100 nor more than $500 to any individual
borrower.

For some reason, which does not appear, the action taken at this
town meeting does not seem to have been satisfactory. At a iJ
subsequent meeting, held on the thirty-first of the same month,
Benjamin Stark, Ebenezer Learned, and Asa Otis, resigned their
appointments. Leonard H. Bulkeley was appointed agent, and he,
with Thomas S. Perkins and George Minard were appointed managers
of the fund. Thomas S. Perkins was chosen treasurer. The treasurer
was required to give bonds to the satisfaction of the selectmen. All
were to serve without compensation, having agreed to render their
services gratuitously- The vote regulating the loaning of the fund
was confirmed.

At the next annual town meeting the treasurer reported the amount
received from the State to be $11,187.07, and that it had been loaned
in accordance with the town vote. The last report of the treasurer

143

>f this fund recorded in the town book was made by Louis Bristol
it the town meeting October first, 1849. The fund is now in the
sustody of the present treasurer, William EL Rowe. The present
managers of the fund are J. Lawrence Chew, George B. Prest, and
Nelson M. Keeney. The income of the fund is devoted to the sup-
port of the public schools. The principal of the fund is held in trust
by the town, upon conditions involving its repayment to the State
;rreasurer whenever required to do so by law.

In 1673 Robert Bartlett 'declared his will in the presence of the
selectmen and other respectable persons." He bequeathed all his
Estate, consisting of large tracts of land in New London and vicinity
o the town to be improved for the education of children. We have
;een how it was improved. In L873, the Secretary of the board of
school visitors reported the principal of the Bartlett fund to be ^5200,
imd that the income amounting that year to $192 had been used for
:he support in part of the Bartlett school. As it would no longer
)e needed for that purpose it was suggested that some step should
)e taken for its future use that would perpetuate the memory of
Robert Bartlett.

The town grammar school for one hundred and twenty years and
the Bartlett high school for almost forty years more havin-;, with
the aid of the Bartlett estate, made some provision for 'the education
of children' in the past, the estate was not entirely wasted if it was
lot improved as it might have been. By a vote of the board of
School visitors the fund invested in six per cent government bonds
was turned over to the Bulkeley school trustees to be improved
for the use of their school "until otherwise ordered by the Union
school district." They now hold the fund, hut no use is made of it
l>y which it is associated with the name of Robert Bartlett, or is in
any way contributory to the perpetuation of his memory. The trus-
tees might with a part of the income support a scholarship — however
small the value of it — which would so long as they are allowed the
use of the fund be known as the Bartlett scholarship to be competed
Ifor exclusively by the boys of this town.

In 1702 the town voted that 'the income of the ferry' should he
forever granted to this fund in consideration for land belonging to
the fund impropriated by the town. How the Bartlett fund has
been deprived of this source of revenue is a question not deemed
pertinent to this review.

144

From the foregoing retrospect of whatever may be said to proa
erly appertain to the schools of New London it will be seen how slow
and yet how sure has been the evolution of the system of public
schools in this town from the days of the Town Grammar Schoo'.;
under Master Brigdon in 1660, down to the grammar school of the
present day, which has been dedicated to the memory of the patriots
martyr who regretted that he had "but one life to give for his coun
try."

L45

NEW LONDON SOCIETY

FOR

TRADE AND COMMERCE.

Governor Talcot called an extraordinary session of the general
court at Hartford, February, 1732-3. [ts exclusive consideration

was limited to the action of the New London Society of Trade and
Commerce in issuing Wills in payment for merchandise of amounts
ami tenor resembling the obligations authorized and redeemable by
the State. The governor of the society and treasurer were sum-
moned to appear with all the books and accounts to show their
entire transactions. To one curious in the condition and direction
of the trade, foreign and domestic, of the colony at that time, this
exhibition would have given abundant information, as well as to
the business methods. But no record is to be found of this ex-
posure. Not only is this representation wanting, but from any
other source there is but little light upon their mercantile proceed-
ings. There are brief notices of the society in .Miss Caulkins' His-
tory of New London and Benson's account of Connecticut Currency.
The volume of "Talcot Papers," lately published, adds QOthing to
the facts patent in the recorded acts of the general court. The
lately discovered sheets of Hempstead's journal, though including

146

all of the years of its turbulent life, give not an additional word of
its operations. He often mentions Solomon Coit in his diary. He
seems frequently to have worked for him. But in relation to the.
Society of Trade and Commerce, though in Hartford at the time of
its execution (very likely called there as a witness), he only said:
"February 23, 1733, the general assembly have condemned the
society's moneys, dissolved the society." Possibly their commercial
matters were secondary to their other aims. There is mention in the
petitions to the general court at different times of two large losses
at sea, the oaie, a ship and cargo valued at £6,000 and one of a
whaling schooner of £3,000. As is seen by the proceedings of the
general court, the charter was repealed, and the banking business
summarily stopped. The assembly's action in relation to the bills
already emitted is interesting, manifesting its sense of duty to the
public (or the King's lieges) by making protection of their interests
the paramount consideration. The interposition of the State be^-
tween the community and loss was very generous. The State
assumed the liability for the bills, thus endorsing and securely
authenticating the bills in circulation, taking what value as
collateral the mortgages amounted to. Their reasoning seems to
have been that the community had taken the bills of the society in;
good faith, having been represented as legal money of as real
value as those issued by the commonwealth itself. The error or
fraud should not victimize the innocent farmer and tradesman.
The State would save them harmless, and if there had been honest
misconception of the powers granted, by the members of the
society, the repeal of the charter would prevent hereafter further
malfeasance. There was this much of reality in the society's pre-
tensions. It certainly had an existence, and for its existence the
general court was responsible. Also the suspicion is justifiable that
the wrong impression that the charter of the society was the same
as that applied for in 1729, if not fostered by those interested, was
certainly not combated. So the bilhholder might be twice a
victim, first to his ignorance, and again to misrepresentation. The
profits and perils arising from a cii'culating medium were for the
State, and distinctly not for a society. Hereafter no association
could issue bills bearing no interest, redemption only secured by
mortgages, If the like were attempted again the penalty was
declared.

147

The bald fact to be considered by the general courl was that tin-
New London Society of Trade and Commerce had assumed a
sovereign right to supply up to the limit of their needed capital a
circulating medium in the form of bills of similar denomination and
tenor with the colonial governments of their own and neighboring
States. These bills bore no interest, and were based only on
mortgages .

October 9th, 17l!!<, Solomon Coit, for himself and associates,
petitioned the general court of Connecticut, and asked for a patent
or act of incorporation for the New London Society of Trade and
Commerce. While two of the three special solicitations referred
to the ordinary grants for associated or company action in the field
■ they propose, the third desires "the power to emit bills for currency
: upon our own credit as we may find occasion at any time for pro-
moting or maintaining our trade.' 1 The petition was refused.
■hough the feeling of the lower house was at firs! apparently
favorable.

The associates of Solomon Coit in this object are named in this
petition, numbering forty or fifty, and are from different sections
and almost every business hamlet and town in the State. Several
are recognized from this town, one or two from Hartford and
Middletown. Undoubtedly the list includes more from these places.
but hardly to be identified as residents from their names simply.
Until the session of May, 1732, the records do not again mention
them or their object. But that session the same named, with addi-
tions increasing the number to eighty, appear as petitioners for the
bower asked in the earlier application and for the commercial objects
only, designating importations by cargo and large wholesale opera-
tions by which, as they say in a subsequent memorial of justifica-
tion and defence, they hope for much cheaper rates for themselves
and directly or indirectly for others. This application asked mi
power as to bills of currency, professing strictly commercial ends.
After correcting in the grant the phraseology of the petition some-
what, that it might not express a purpose in outright defiance of the
laws of England, and for some other reason adding "encouraging
the fisheries," it was acceded to. This incorporation was designed
to enable an unwieldy partnership to do business without dilatory.
cumbersome movement quite as much as an authority for corporate
procedure. It empowered the representatives of the society to

148

work more promptly and individually. The representations of the
petitioners evidently impressed the court favorably, and there seems
cordial co-operation to "have entertained their undertaking."

I do not see that the capital was named. Its amount was unre-
stricted, and the active officials empowered in the charter or patent
were, to the impression of an observer, only and sufficiently to form
and execute the declared purposes of the institution. The officers of j
the society consisted of a moderator, a secretary and treasurer, and
a committee of three. The moderator or president, Seymour, was
from Hartford. The functions of the committee, with the modera-
tor and treasurer, were the administration and planning of the
society's exclusive affairs. The amount of stock to entitle one to a
vote, and the increased ballot power to the larger stockholders,
was exactly determined by the court. It seems that a commercial
adventure was fairly, inaugurated and launched, and the necessary
legislation accomplished. Nothing else was now to be done but to
commence business. We have small means of learning the opinion
popularly entertained of this co-partnership, but that it was looked
upon favorably, and hopefully by the enterprising in the community
there is evidence. But it is certain that its operations were different
from the understanding of the legislative enactors of their charter.
But a few months after this incorporation, we meet on the State
records an imperative and urgent order of Governor Talcot to the
sheriff of Hartford county, in which he declares that the society
has struck bills of credit to the ' sum of many thousand pounds,
and have sold such bills to his Majesty's subjects as a medium of
trade, and equal in value to current money or bills of this colony,
and accordingly have received for said bills at the value, provisions
and other valuable commodities of the country in great quantities
of sundry of his Majesty's subjects; to summon said society
before the general assembly to show by what lawful authority, if
any, they have emitted and sold those bills, and why said society
should not refund and pay back in money or other articles received
and purchased, etc., etc. Governor Talcot, by letter on file from
Timothy Green to his address, in reply to an inquiry by mail, is
informed (confirming the governor's declaration in the order to the
sheriff), that there had been printed for the society £30,000 in bills
of different denominations, and that £15,000 had been put in circu-
lation. Under date of February 9th, 1733, the society was sum-

mcmed before the general assembly al Hartford for issuing bills of
5red.it, and Daniel Coil (the secretary ) to bring before thensseinhly
jociety records, on a charge of abuse of privilege. It was an
inciting occasion. It appeared that unlawful use of the colony's
eredil had been made; the security pledged for its redemption
insufficient, or at least questionable. Xo money bad been paid in
for the stock; certificates had been issued based on mortgages
made to the committee, and on that security only were the bill-
holders to look for their redemption. Everything on the surface
was smooth and fascinating to the society. Property had been
bought and held by its agents without any outlay or effort by the
toikholders. Further emissions and further purchases were in
the future. It does not appear whether vessels had been actu-
ally purchased up to the date of the summons, but they were
essential and a part of the scheme of foreign commerce. They
appear afterwards. Community was aroused, and the wise and
conservative were alarmed. Up to that time no visible harm had
been wrought, and the thoughtless and visionary thought that the
operations of the society, though perhaps irregular, were adven-
turous and really not mischievous, but excusable. Our wise pro-
genitors in the assembly proceeded coolly to examine and try the
matter. The discussion was on certain questions propounded.

No. 1. "Is it lawful for any corporation, or persons to issue
bills of credit?" Voted, No.

No. 2. "Bills issued by N. L. society are bills of credit?"
Voted. Ves.

No. 3. "Said society is bound to refund to lull-holders in cur-
rent money?" Voted, Yes.

No. 4. "Shall a law be passed preventing issues'" Voted,
Yes.

No. "). "As the members put in mortgages instead of stock,
does that accord with the grant.'" Voted, No.

No. 6. "By this mismanagement have they forfeited their
charter privileges?" Voted, Ves.

No. 7. " Shall their charter be annulled .''" Voted, Yes.

150

An act was passed subjecting those who issue bills of credit for
currency to the penalties for forging and counterfeiting. As nearly*
as consecutive events are recorded, this sentence or resolution was
met by a claim of want of jurisdiction by the society. Why the
assembly which created the corporation could not examine into*
the exercise of its privileges, is perhaps a question more readily)
answered to-day than then. But the claim of want of jurisdiction
was waived. They threatened an appeal to the King — of whichl
we hear nothing more. But within a day or two the agents of the<
society represent to the assembly, "that to forward the ends of >
this association they issued fourteen or fifteen thousand pounds ini
bills, and as their charter is repealed they are unable to make settle-
ment with their committee of issue — and beg that the act of incor-
poration be revived and a loan made to them of £30,000 of thet
bills of the bank now granted on public credit to pay holders of
the bills and go forward with their business?" Voted, No.

At the session, May 10th, 1733, the agents of the New London \
society again ask to be recognized as a society and enabled toi
recover debts and establish contracts made, an emission of bills by
the assembly and a loan of £30,000. "They are a vine of the'
assembly's planting, and though it is adjudged their first fruits werei
wild grapes, by pruning it may be redeemed." Upon this memo-
rial, questions were proposed, "Whether this government can
make a company of merchants." Answer. — It is doubtful whether
' ' Letters Patent from the King is not necessary, and it is hazardous
for this government to do it." "Is it for the welfare of this gov-
ernment to do it? No." At this same session a memorial solicit-
ing a renewal of the charter of said society was offered and stating
its objects, " by which we hope to be supplied and supply others
cheaper," and have bought vessels 1 stores, provisions and other
articles, for trade and carrying on the fishery," and ask a power
limited to £50,000 to issue bills to run twelve years, giving mort-
gages for their redemption, to be able to purchase ten vessels.
Refused.

This I conclude from the State records was the last formal effort
for the revival of the original plan of business. There are various
petitions from time to time to the general assembly for suspension
of interest on the mortgages transferred to the State as collateral for
the bills of the company redeemed. Some of them very pitiful, but

151

in no instance is the interest iii the mortgages waived, though gener-
ally the request for more lime was granted. In reviewing the historj
>f the company from the first efforts in ITlM) with the undisguised
presumptuous request for the unrestricted liberty to emil bills for
Barrency, until the final roystering act of abandonment of all business
existence in 1735, celebrated by the enlivening and consoling gift of
Mr. Goddard's barrel of Dlladeria, we infer the character of the
corporators and their capacity for financial transactions, and learn
without surprise the ruinous conclusion of the enterprise. It is
hard to believe that honest men in their senses, unless very ignorant,
Would ask the surrender of one of the most vital powers of the
Bate to inexperienced men. both in hanking and legislation. And
we are left to either of the conclusions, necessarily, of dishonesty
or ignorance. And are we charitably forced to the latter choice
when, without authority and in the face of refused authority, they
immediately rushed into this special branch of power and asked in
their first application to provide the means of business. When
Governor Talcot first arrested them, not six months after their
Incorporation, the company had printed bills to the amount of £30,-
000, and had already expended of them fourteen to fifteen thou-
sand pounds. The associates never paid in one shilling of cash. Their
whole means were collateral of undoubtedly exaggerated valuation.
It is evident that some of the associates took measures at once to
redeem the hills properly proportionate to their stock subscription,
and it is evident that that redemption tendered to the committee,
and received by them, was acknowledged and accepted as a free
acquittance. In fact there was a numher who, as soon as the
'charter was annulled, at once proceeded to redeem themselves from
the banking obligations, ami while relieving themselves thus re-
tained their proportionate ownership in all the purchases so unsat-
fefactorily and irregularly made. X. Shaw Perkins.

[Note from Miss < 'mil/, ins' History of Neva London ~\

'• November 21st, 1735, they, the stockholders of the Society of Trade and
Commerce, had a meeting, and Mr. Goddard from Maderia having made them
a present of a quarter cask of wine, they knocked out the head and invited
those who had been their enemies to drink, and they themselves drunk to the
health of the King, Queen and Mr. Goddard and the prosperity of the Society.
The great guns were fired and the sky rung with huzzas." Page 224.

"At a general meeting, held June 5th, 173o, they unanimously dissolved

152

themselves, the distress which the Society had given birth to could not be dig
posed of so easily. The members were impoverished and hampered with obli
gations which they could not discharge. The evils produced by the associatioi>
could only be effaced by time." Ibid.

Copy of a bill issued by the New London Society of Trade ano
Commerce is deposited with the New London County Historical
Society.

153

THE PRESTON SEPARATE CHURCH.

AMOS A. BROWNING, of Norwich.

The Separate Church movement which followed the great awaken-
ing of the earlier half of last century attained its greatest strength
i in eastern Connecticut. Two-thirds of the thirty or more New
Light churches established in the State were located in New London
' and Windham counties. In every town of the former county there
i were secessions from the regular order, and new churches were
organized, which were either pronounced Separates or were in sym-
pathy with the movement. In New London county Separate congre-
gations were gathered at Norwich Town, New London. Montville,
Waterford, Groton, North Groton (Ledyard), Norwich Farms
(Franklin), Newent (Lisbon), Bozrah, Long Society, Lyme, East
Lyme, Colchester, Preston and (North) Stonington and Separate
churches were organized at nearly all these places. Twenty
New Light bodies sprung up in half a dozen years. The estab-
lished churches viewed with astonishment and alarm this swift
maturity of the dissenting movement. For a time the very found-
ations of ecclesiastical order seemed to be broken up.

A few years before the Preston separate church was formed) dis-
sension at New London over revival methods and half covenant
shad resulted in the gathering at the " Shepherd's Tent ," under
Timothy Allen of New Haven as preacher, of a congregation com-
posed of those who refused longer to join in services and ordi-
nances at Mi'. Adams' church, in 1 74d the Rev. Mr. Davenport
visit. -d the place and. as a result of his emotional preaching,
occurred the affair known as the " Burning of the Books," for

154

which John Curtis and other Separates were arraigned before I
magistrate upon the charge of profaning the Lord's day, and were
fined five dollars each. Although authority had been obtained to
hold meetings at the tent, the seceders did not prosper, and after a li
few years the congregation dispersed.

Then came the notable contest at Canterbury concerning the Say-
brook platform, in which Col. Dyer played a conspicuous part uponi
one side and the brothers Solomon and Elisha Paine upon the other
The result was the organization of new churches at Canterbury and I
Mansfield, which, in 174.~>, formulated covenants embodying the dis-j
tinctive principals of the Separates, and became pioneer churches
of the new order in eastern Connecticut.

The misdirected zeal with which the dissenters were persecuted
at this time did little to correct their extravagant methods, while it
stimulated them to greater activity and added to their numbers. A
great sensation was caused by the arrest of Elisha Paine for violat-
ing the law then recently enacted forbidding that any person other
than a settled minister should preach the gospel. The excitement
was heightened by the expulsion of John and Ebenezer Cleveland
from Yale college because they had attended the Separate meetings
at Canterbury and refused to confess they had done wrong. Pecu-
liar difficulties were experienced also in ordaining ministers oven
the new churches. Thomas Marsh had been chosen teaching elder
of the Mansfield church, but he was arrested for lay preaching onj
the day before that fixed for his ordination (Jan. 6th, 1746), and
thus the vigilant enemies of the dissenters succeeded in deferring
the latter event. It resulted simply in a postponement, however,
for neither Paine nor Marsh remained many months in jail, and
upon the latter's release he was ordained, and the Mansfield church
enjoyed the advantages of a double pastorate.

Elder Horry's ordination, which had taken place in the mean-
time, was attended with another embarrassment, that of obtaining
an ordained person to assist in the ceremony. But at length, in)
February, the church at Mansfield procured the aid of Thomas
Deuison, who had recently been ordained by Baptist divines, and
succeeded in ordaining a pastor. Other ordinations followed soonJ
and thus, singxilarly as it may seem, the Separates, though styling
themselves " strict Congregational," developed their ministry from
Baptist origin.

1.V,

I:; Norwich, as early as February, 1745, a separation bad taken
ilncr in Mr. Lord's congregation, and in October, 1747. a Separate
•hurrli of thirty members was formed at Bean Hill, with Jedediah
Hide, one of the number, as pastor. Not far from tins time Thomas
Penison was installed over the new church at Norwich Farms
; Franklin ). Samuel Wadsworth mer the church at Killingly and
Kliliu Marsh over that at Windham. One of the earliest Separate
hundies to organize was that at Plainfield, which ordained to be
te elder the spirited 'I nomas Stevens. 'The Brunswick church in
Scotland was organized in 1746, and ordained John I 'aimer to bo
ts elder in 174!). In 1750 was formed the little church of seven
nembers at Newent, choosing Jeremiah Tracy for its ruling elder.
At Voluntown Separate meetings were held as early as 1745, and
n 1751 Alexander Miller was ordained over the new church.

Bui the Separate church which was more closely identified with
hat in Preston than any of these, and. like the Preston church.
vas destined to outlive the century, was thai organized on Sep-
ember 11th. 174<>, in that part of Stonington, which now forms
he new township. Three months later this church, having then a
nembership of thirty-one. settled Matthew Hale as its lirst pastor.

The agitation for the formation of new churches was at its
leight when the Preston Separate church was organized. As early
,s 1744 a separation had taken place in the Congregational church
t Preston City, but a dissenting church was not formed until three
ears later.

Note.— The Rev. Salmon Treat resigned the pastorate oi the Congregational church af

1 ity on March 14th, 1744. That a separation had taken place prior to this date appears

om the following extract from that church's records: "December 11th, 1745. \i a church

regularly warned, the Rev. Mr. Hezekiah Lord being present, according to the foregoing
ate, to assist in the meeting : 1. ft was proposed, Question : Whether it appeared the duty oi

lie church to proceed with such members, as offenders, who separated from the c immunii f

tin special ordinances and attended a 3ep ily on Lord's days, whili theRev.Mr.

is pastor, and continued to do since: Voted in the affirmative. *******
'lie separating brethren were cited to appear before t he church ;it a meeting warned to be held
t the meeting house on May, the 18th, 1746, viz : Hezekiah Park and hi~ wife, Robert Park
ml his w ife, I), not hy Woodward, Jeremiah Smith, Paul Park and his wife, John Avery and hi<
ii' ■ ■' b Kimbal and his wife, Isaac Cimbal and hi* wife, Ebenezer Witter and his wife,

Witter's wife, Christopher Avery and his wife, the wife of Caleb Gates, Elizabeth
obes, Ephraim Jones and hi* wife." The n cords do not disclose the final action of the church,
ut. we im;i\ safely conclude that th - were dismissed from membership, as nearly all

:ieir names appear upon the roll of the Separate Church.

156

The book containing the ' ' Records of ye Congregational Church
of Christ, in Preston called the Separate Church," nearly all
in the handwriting of Elder Park and unusually full and com-
plete, is still in existence. It has been with the hope that the
principal facts to be gleaned from it might be put into
more enduring form that this article has been prepared. The :
historic value of the leading events in the life of the Preston
church and its pastor, especially as forming a part of the Separate i
movement of last century, and the genealogical value of the records i
to be found in the old volume, a value which will increase with the s'
years, are sufficient to make it desirable that they be rescued from
their present perishable condition. Pacts learned from existing
publications and reminiscences of persons still living have been
used to make the narrative more complete.

We learn from these records that the Preston Separate Church
was " first gathered " on the 17th day of March, 1747. At that
time six persons "Proceeded to enter into Solemn Covenant with
God and one another : under y e Sweet and Powerf ull agency of y e
holy Ghost." Their names were Hezekiah Park, John Avery,
Thomas Woodward, Ephraim Jones, Paul Park and Margaret Jones.
Upon the title-page of the volume appears a statement of the reasons
leading to the organization of the church, which, in a brief and
quaint way, expresses the grievances of the Separates everywhere.
It is as follows : —

"This Church is Called y e Separate Church because y e first
Planted ; [and] in this [way : it] Came out from y e old Church in.
y e Town, which Coled itself Congregational and Partly Presbete-
l'ial : who submitted to y e Laws of y e Government to settle articals
of faith : to Govern y e Gathering of y e Church y e Settlement and
Support of its ministers building of meeting houses, Preaching
Exhorting &c : as also y e Church Refuses y l members Should
Improve there Gifts In Preaching and Exhorting Publickly &c : as
also were offended at y e Powerfull opperations of y e Spirit of
God : and Did not Make Saving Connection y e Necesary terme of '
Communion : but admitted unbelievers to Communion : also Made
half Members: Baptized their Children &c."

On June 18th, of the same year, the "church manifested their
evidence" that Paul Park was chosen to the pastoral office, and
on the fifteenth day of the following month, by a council in which

157

the Separates of Stonington, Norwich, Canterbury and Plainfield
wei'e represented, he was ordained by the laying-on of hands, •■ to
witness," says the church record, ••thai he was ordained of God
to Preach y e Gospel and to administer all Gospill ordinances toy 6

whole Church Cniversal So Par as he is Colled. Hut to this flock
in Pertieular ; which ordination was attended with much of God's
Presents."'

A passage in Trumbull's History of Connecticut, referring to
this occasion, is not without interest, as showing how the Separates
were viewed by the adherents of the authorized churches. The
historian says: "'The enthusiasm of the Separate ministers at
.this time ran so high, and they had such ideas of the special and
immediate influence of the divine spirit that in the solemn charge
! which was given him (Paul Park), as I have been credibly
[informed, it was enjoined upon him, by no means to study or pre-
meditate what he should say in public, but to speak as the spirit
shonld give him utterance."

Prior to this time, on June 15th, Paul Park was chosen scribe,
an office which he continued to hold as long as he lived. The
articles of faith and practice adopted by the new church are probably
not now in existence. The Cambridge platform was followed with
"some alterations and amendments."

The tradition that the Preston Separates held their meetings at
first under a tree in the open air is not improbable. Some time
after the organization of the church a meeting-house was erected.
Its site was about two miles south of the village of Preston City,
near the road leading to Cook's mills and a few rods north of the
old brick house of Jeremiah Halsey, a well-known landmark in
its day. The Halsey farm subsequently became the property of
Warren Cook, who replaced the dwelling house with a frame
building of modern style. The meetingdiouse, tradition says, was
built of pine brought from the Ledyard cedar swamp, in which
many of the people living in that vicinity owned rights. It was
cheaply and plainly built, doubtless in the hope thai after it had
served the church for a time, it would give place to a more preten-
tious edifice. A wide center-aisle led from the outer double doors
to the pulpit, which was built small and high with sounding board
above it, according to the fashion of the times. The building may
have been forty-five to fifty feet long by thirty-five to forty feet

158

wide. On each side of the center-aisle were rows of square box J
pews. Vestibule, chimney, bell or tower, there wei*e none.*l
Women carried the old-fashioned foot-stoves to meeting in cold
weather, occasionally replenishing the coals by which they were ^
warmed from the open fires of the neighboring dwellings. The
meeting-house was not heated. Yet a sermon less than an hour I
long or a prayer that did not go 'round the world was considered
short of the ideal. In summer two services were held on Sunday,
and the long intermission was spent by the congregation in neigh-
borly chat, and in lunching upon the eatables brought from home
in their pockets. It was before wagons were common. Some
walked to meeting and others came on horseback, seated on 1
saddles, sidesaddles and pillions. The horses were tied to the trees
about the pasture.

After serving the purposes of a meeting-house for perhaps three- |
quarters of a century, the building was sold and the proceeds de-
voted to improvements at the Avery cemetery.

The little church soon received additions to its membership, and
each of its earlier years saw T a promising growth. The site chosen
for the meeting-house was some distance away from any other
church, and a quiet rural community. They must continue to pay
ministers' rates for the benefit of the old society, and the constable
visits them occasionally to enforce the law of the colony in this
regard, but otherwise they are not disturbed. At the end of the
year 1747 the church had thirteen members. In 1748 ten new
members were received, in 1749 nine, in 1750 eight, and in 1751
nineteen. Ten years after organization the church had received a
total of eighty members. But before its first decade had passed,
internal dissensions arose concerning baptism, which threatened the
disruption of the church, and resulted in a formidable secession
from the secede rs. These doctrinal differences were not peculiar
to this church, however, but were agitating the Separates every-
where. A brief reference to the origin and progress of the con-
troversy is necessary to show in its true light the disaffection in the
Preston church.

Great sympathy existed, says the learned historian of Windham
county, between the Separates and Baptists. -'Agreeing mainly

* Many of these facts were learned from Robert S. Avery, Esq., of Washington, D. C.

159

in the manner of religious worship, in matter of doctrine and disci-
pline, in opposition to the church establishment and compulsory
fete-paying, the only essential point of difference was the n mile and
subjects of baptism. For a time this difference was no bar to co-
operation and fellowship. Bui soon difficulties arose.
The Baptists were, unwilling to commune with those they deemed
qnbaptized, and the Separates, who held Abrahamic covenanl as
the very foundation of their faith, could not consenl to rebaptize
those sprinkled in infancy.

Solomon Paine had assisted in the ordination of Stephen Babcock
at "Westerly, hut this did not prevent a difference springing up be-
tween them soon afterwards. Babcock's sympathies were with the
Baptists, although the Hill church, of which he was pastor, had
Keen organized as a New Light body. Paine, on the other hand.
was zealous against "Anabaptism." These differences led to the
Council at Exeter, Rhode Island, called to bring Baptist and Sepa-
rate churches into Christian fellowship and association. Twenty-
seven churches were represented, and three days were occupied in
the deliberations. It was agreed "that if any baptized 1>\ sprink-
ling, or in infancy, and belonged to a Congregational church, de-
sired baptism by plunging, and went to a Baptist elder and was
Immersed, or if a brother had his child baptized, neither should be
censurable." Open communion was formally established, and the
moderator of the council declared that "all the churches of this
body are one church: that the words dip and s/iriit/rfc should cease,
and baptize only be used."

Mut the Canterbury and Plainfield churches were represented
only by their elders, and they refused to concur in the council's
action.

The ordination of Oliver Prentice over the (North) Stonington
Separate church occurred on May 22d, L753. Elder Babcock de-
clined to ad with Paine in the ceremony. The records of the
Preston church inform ns that the charge to the pastor was given
by Elder Solomon Paine, and the right hand of fellowship by Elder
Paul Park. So the controversy was kept up. and the next year
Paine and Babcock joined in calling a general meeting of Separate
and Baptist churches at Stonington to effect a Gospel settlement.
Twenty-four churches in Connecticut, eighl in .Massachusetts, seven
in Rhode Island and one on Lone,- Island, were represented in this

160

notable gathering (May 29th, 1754.) The Preston church sent to
this council its pastor, two deacons, and Brothers Joseph Witter,
Robert Park and Gideon Safford. The convention, like its prede-
cessor at Exeter, sat for three days, but its outcome was altogether i
different. Union was found to be impossible. The zealous Solomon
Paine ascribed the result to '• bad temper and conduct in the Bap-
tists." His brother, Elisha Paine, thought the difficulty sprung i
from opposite principles. Reconciliation had failed, and the:
alliance of Separates and Baptists was at an end. Henceforth the
Separates must contend for membership against the Baptists upon :
the one hand and the regular Congregational churches upon the;
other.

Let us now turn our attention again to the church whose career i
we are following. The records state that in May, 1752, the church
met to confer with Samuel Palmer, who had united with the church
during the previous year. He declared his conviction that " infant'
baptism was not of God,'' and as conference with him proved of I
no avail, the church followed its usual method of discipline, an<f:
admonished him of his error. All efforts to change his views were
futile, and in August, 1753, fellowship was withdrawn from him.
Conferences were held with him, however, after this, and his name
appears among those dismissed in 1757 because of differences in i
doctrine. But Mr. Palmer never joined the Baptists, because of I
his opposition to close communion as practiced by that denomina-
tion, and he may have continued to attend religious services at the
Separate church till his death, in 1761. At all events, the records ■
show that his son, Jedediah Palmer, joined that church in 1766,
and in 1780 was chosen one of its deacons, an office which he held I
till his death, when he was succeeded by his son, Walter Palmer.

In November, 1752, the church was called upon to consider the
case of Zerviah Lamb, who had declared her belief that infant i
baptism or sprinkling was nothing but a tradition of men. As it l
was found that she bad joined the Groton Separate church, her case
was left to that body for discipline.

A still more important defection next appeared . Daniel Whipple
had joined the church in November, 1751, and during the follow-
ing month was approved as an evangelist. The minutes state that i
"Although Some Sircomstances in his Coll and ordination were
Doubtfull yet sence he had taken an ordination Oath to Boe y e

161

tyorke of an avangeliss : we Could bul [ncourage him to fulfill y"
Charge Given him: and to Go forth in y' Bellowship and ander y°

watch of this Church. " In less than a year an estrangemenl
had sprung up between him and the church which thus senl bim
forth. Upon full conference with him, they "found do cause of
admonition, although some need of labor." In July, 17.")."), Mr.
Whipple asked to In- dismissed from the church, because it held to
the doctrine and practice of infant baptism.

The disaffection of Samuel Claslie and wife firsl appears in the
minutes for April, 17.~>4. They held to "what thej called believer's
Kaptism, viz: that baptism was not baptism if done before faith,
and that no religious covenant obligation is any obligation , or oughl
to he looked upon binding, if made before conversion and faith:
which principles y" church looked upon corrupt."

The local church proved as unsuccessful as the great council of
17o4 had been in reconciling the differences concerning baptism,
mid so in January, 17">7, bya testimonial letter to all the disaffected
toembers, the church dissolved its covenant relation \\ ith them. The
testimonial is addressed "To the Baptist brethren and sisters that
have gone oul from our communion, namely, Daniel Whipple. Sam"
Clarke, Sam 11 ralmer. Jemimah ( !larke, Abigale < llarke alias Hen net,
Eunice Whipple. Freelove Pettis, Bridgil I bates. Anna Branch "; re-
citesihat the dissenting members " strictly held to y a Baptisl princi-
ples of baptism and we to infant or household baptism"; and con-
cludes as follows: •• Hut now Brethren and Sisters, inasmuch as you
are gone out from us as afores d we cannot give you fellowship, nor
dare we bid you God speed (as to the cause of your going), yet inas-
much as you plead conscience, and we would by no means pretend
to govern any man's conscience, for God and his word only are
Lord of y e conscience; therefore we leave you to stand or fall to
your own master. And we look upon ourselves discharged from our
special watch over you. and the visible covenant relations dissolved
between us and you."

Infant or household baptism was a cardinal doctrine of the Sepa-
rates. Par from yielding to the views of the dissenting members,
the Preston church continued to stoutly uphold the principle, and
zealously follow the practice of baptizing the children of its mem-
bers. Three hundred and sixty-two children were baptized under
its auspices. The last minute in the records of the church is of

162

the baptism of Edwin, infant son of Benjamin F. Park, attesting
the firm adherence of the church to the practice of infant baptism
to the end.

Regarding the form of baptism, there was not the same strict-
ness, and while the customary method was by sprinkling or pour-
ing, which may have been the only method practiced by Elder Park,
we find after his death several cases of baptism by immersion.

For several years after this defection but few additions were
made to the membership of the church. Nine years later, how-
ever, a revival occurred which brought in thirty-six new members.
Again, in 1775, the church received twenty-four accessions to its
numbers, and obtained its period of greatest prosperity. Soon
after this date began its permanent decline.

The Preston church took an active part in the agitation for the
exemption of the Separates from taxation for the support of the
established churches. In this respect the Separates were pecu-
liarly unfortunate, for while Baptists, Episcopalians, and even
Quakers, were allowed the benefit of the English Toleration Acts,
the General Assembly had declared that "those commonly called
Presbyterians or Congregationalists should not take benefit of these
Acts : and only such persons as had any distinguishing character by
which they might be known from the Presbyterians or Congrega-
tionalists, and from the Consociated churches established by the
laws of the Colony, might expect indulgence." The sharp edge of
the law which was turned upon the Separates was not the least of
the evils against which the Separates had to contend.

In January, 1753, the records state, .the church met to consult
' ' whether we ought not to send to our Cy vil Rulers : to Request
them to put an End to the oppression : for it is very Greate and
Many Suffer." Others, under Solomon Paine, were moving in the
same direction, and a meeting of representatives of the different
churches was held at Norwich on March 21st. They were all of
one mind that it was "their Duty to Send first to our General
Assembly: and if Not Heard to Send to England. Y e Chhs Chose
as overseers to Prepare a Memorial according to what was Purposed
to lay before y 1 ' assembly Next May : y e overseers were Solomon
Paine: Ebenezer Frothingham ( Wethersfield ) : Jedediah Hyde:
Elexander Miller and Paul Parke."

Accordingly a formal memorial was presented to the General

1 63

Assembly, signed by agents of more than twenty-three Separate

•ongregations, declaring that it is "Against our consciences that
ministers' salaries be dependent <>n human laws. We praj for the
jbenetit of the Toleration Act ; we are imprisoned, our property is
:aken, from which burdens we pray to be released."

But the petition was denied. Then it was decided to appeal to

he Court of George II. Solomon Paine and Ebenezer Frothing-
ihani were chosen in June, 1754, for this important work. Paine
died in October, and the mission to the king's court was delayed.
.Another unsuccessful attempt was made to secure relief from the
(General Assembly, and then new messengers were appointed, who
jwent to England in 17f>(> bearing the memorial of twenty Separate
jjhurches, attested by the colonial seal, asking for that relief which
Was denied them at home.

The last reference to the subject in these church records is this:
"December 29th, 17~)(>. This c 1 ' 1 ' met by appointment. — first heard
h Proclamation appointing a fast in those C bh that agreed to send to
England: a Petition for liberty &c. by these agents: Mr. Bliss
Willobey and Mr. Moses Mars— y e C hh agreed to keep s' 1 day."

From other sources we learn that the English Committee for the
Dissenters, by whom these agents were received, expressed great sur-
prise that dissenters from the Church Establishment of Connecticut
should be denied the privileges granted those in England, and
teared, should the petition be presented to the King, it would
Mttdanger the charter of the colony. The agents returned from

heir diplomatic mission, bearing a letter from the chairman of the
bommittee censuring the colonial government. The memorialists

ere also advised to begin a civil suit for their rights, and appeal

t to England.
But in tin' meantime a petition from the Separates of South
illingly received favorable action from the General Assembly,
the petitioners being discharged from rate-paying to the old society.
From this time the severity of the law was gradually relaxed. In
1 ~ s I was passed the Act making the Saybrook Platform no longer
'obligatory, and leaving all persons free to support whatever church
[fthey preferred, only requiring that they contribute to the support
of some form <>f worship. The State constitution, adopted in ISIS,
was the last step in the divorcement of church and state. That
■instrument leaves the churches to be maintained by voluntary sup-

164

port, and all arc free to aid any church, or no church, as they see fit.
At Killingly, on September 19th, 1781, was held a council of
all the Separate churches to agree upon a confession of faith and
rules of discipline. Perhaps this gathering inaugurated the custom
of holding a General Meeting yearly on the third Tuesday of ;
September. On the first of June, 1785, the church at Killingly -
ordained Israel Day as its pastor, calling a council of more than usual I
note. We learn from the Preston church records that there were
present " Cleveland of Ipswich, Bradford of Rowley: Boston State:
Snow of Providence, Spalding : who was ordained by a Presbtry :
but as an Avangelist and one Church.'' Elder Paul Park and Dea.
Amos Avery represented the latter. The next year the church at r
Stonington ordained Dea. Christopher Avery to be its pastor, the
Preston church being represented by Elder Park, Deacon Avery/;,
Capt. John Avery and John Avery, Esq. But in spite of these
efforts to give new life to the Separate churches, they were unablj
to hold their own. Mr. Day and his nock, in time, were received I
into the established church. The last of the General Meetings, ovi
which the Preston church records make mention, was held at Lyme
in 1797. We may conclude that the Separate churches had become
so few and weak that the annual meetings were no longer of im-
portance or value. Association of the Separates ceased, and all that i
remained were a few struggling, isolated churches still bearing the
name under which they were formed.

Elder Paul Park died in 1802, and with him we may say died the
Preston Separate church. The place of that zealous, untiring >
laborer could not be filled. The meetings, which had become
irregular during his later years, were held less frequently. Occa-
sionally Elder Christopher Avery, Dea. Amos Avery, or some other i
preacher, would conduct religious services either at the old house
of worship or in the neighborhood. For nine years, after February,
1801, the church records are silent, save an entry of the admission i
of two persons to membership in 1806, and three in 1S07. In 1815
an effort was made to revive the church, and twelve new members
were received. Benjamin F. Park was chosen clerk and Amasa
Standish deacon. It was voted to ordain the aged Amos Avery to*
be their minister, but the ceremony probably never occurred. In
less than two years the record ceased to be kept, and the church
became extinct, the last entry being under date of July 27th, 1817.

165

Of the families thai worshipped at the Separate church, some
subsequently returned to the Congregational church at Preston City.

Sonic became Methodists, sonic Baptists and sonic I'ni vcrsalists.

In Miss Caulkins' History of Norwich, it is stated thai the Sepa-
rates ordained Jonathan Story a1 Long Society in Preston on Ma\
20th, 17.~>2. l>ut that probably no church was ever organized there.
The records of the Preston Separate church show thai this painstak-
ing author was undoubtedly mistaken in this instance. Under date
of May 17th, 1752, the records state that a letter was received from
Jong Society, desiring- the church to send messengers "to assist ill
ordaining a pastor." On June 5th they heard the report of the
messenger, "who told us y e Evidence was Clear that Jonathan Storey
Was Colled of (b>d and Chosen by y" ( Jhurch to y* office of a Pastor
who was ordained by y" Laying on of hand by y' churches' Presbi-
tors : namely: Elder Hide [Norwich Town]: Eld r John Palmer
JScotland]: Eld Paul Parke and Joseph Elderkin Brother." Augusl
§th, 1 752 the Preston church met by agreement with the "church
of y Long Society to Consider what was Duty to 1 >o Respect-
|ftg Samuel (lore: who had Communed with that Church but Now
Desires to Commune any More : his Reason was because we held
Infent Baptism : and we withdrew from him." Nearly two years
later. Elder Park. Deacon Avery and David Tracy, were appointed
messengers to attend the ordination of a deacon at Pong Society.
in response to a letter of invitation. On May lilst, 1758, a letter
\va> received from "y" Remaining Part of y e C hh of Christ in y 8
Long Society, Desiring us to send P>"' to Give them advice Respecl
ing there Broken. Scatred Condition." Elder Park, the two
deacons and Samuel Treat, were chosen. But yet more convincing
of the existence of a church at Long Society is the record of the
admission of Mrs. Nathaniel Giddings to the Preston Separate
church on May 19th, 17b."). as it states that she had formerly been
a member of the church in Long Society, "and when that C hh was
broek and Desolved She with others were Recommended by a
Council to any c hh they were Minded to -loin with of \ same Con-
stitution the C 1 ' 1 therefore Received her by Vote to lie a member in
full with them.'" These brief minutes, referring to the ordination
of a pastor and deacon, the disciplining of members, and the dis
solution of the organization, are sufficient to show pretty conclu-
sively that a Separate church was in fad organized in the western

lfifi

part of the present town of Preston, known then as East Norwich
or Long Society ; and they also afford us a glimpse, perhaps no-
where else to be found, of that church's struggle for existence
during half a dozen years, ending with its extinction.

Long before the Preston church had ceased to exist, it was evi-
dent that the Separate movement, which had grown so rapidly in
its youth, must fail. The devoted Solomon Paine died suddenly in
October, 1754. His brother, Elisha, attorney, preacher, elder,
ablest of the earliest Separate leaders, retired to Bridgehampton,
Long Island, and there passed his days quietly ministering to his
Hock. This Apostle of the Separates died in 1775, aged 84 years.
The fervent Thomas Stephens went out in the campaign of 1755,
and contracted a fatal disease. Ebenezer Frothingham of Wethers'!
Held did not much longer survive. So had quickly passed away these
early leaders. Those Avho took their places lacked their religious
fervor and aggressive force.

Among those that remained, apparently the greatest was he
whom his co-laborers in the Separate ministry were wont to call
"our beloved Brother Paul Park."

No Separate church of influence was formed after 1751, and soon
a number of those then existing showed signs of speedy decay.
How fared it with the dissenters in the places whei*e they had their
first great struggles ? Thirty prominent members of the Canter-
bury Separate church broke away in 1788, and renewed their allegi-
ance to the mother society. Those that were left removed their
place of worship to the northern part of the town, and maintained
a feeble corporate existence into the present century. The pioneer
church at Mansfield had run its course in twenty years, and dis-
banded. The flourishing period of the church at Norwich Town
was from 1750 to 1754. In 1788 it became Universalist. The
church at West Farms (Franklin), became extinct in about twelve
years after its organization. The Separate meetings in Bozrah re-
sulted soon in the establishment of a Baptist church there. The
church at Killingly, under the ministration of Mr. Day, became
Congregational, and was received into the fellowship of the estab-,
lished churches The little church at Newent had a singular his-
tory. Nearly all its members emigrated to Bennington, Vermont,
formed a new settlement there, and gathered again as the same
church. They held for a time the anomalous position of fellow-

167

Ihiping with the Separates in Connecticut, and with the regular
C< ngregational churches in the place of their adoption.

The Brunswick church in Scotland closed its doors in 1813. The
lhurch.es at Waterford ami North New London (Montville), had

but short existence as Separates.

The Separate church at Voluntown was united to that in Plain-
tield in 1758, and Elder Alexander Miller became the pastor.
Eleven years later the Separates were reunited to the mother
church at Plainfield, and Elder John Fuller of Norwich, receiving
a new ordination, became pastor of the reconstructed church.
Elder Miller ceased his pastoral labors, and retired to Voluntown
to spend his old age. The churches in Preston and North Ston-
ington were, we think, the last representatives of the Separates in
New London county, if not in the State. The year before the
Preston church expired the church in North Stoningtom joined
with the regular Congregational church of that town in erecting a
meeting-house, which was occupied for eleven years by both con-
gregations. Then in 1827 the two churches united, and so the last
of the Separate churches in the county ceased to be.

The Preston Separate church was known as Elder Park's church.
and the name is peculiarly appropriate. But for him it never would
have existed. His was the leading spirit in its organization; it
might be said to have sprung up around him. Its subsequent growth
was the result very largely of his industry and influence.

Bringing to his work neither the advantages of education nor
theological training, he yet possessed native talents that made him a
power among those with whom his life was thrown. Perhaps his
gifts of speech were such that he could, with little embarrassment.
obey the injunction "not to premeditate what he should say in
public." For over fifty years he kept his flock about him, minister-
ing to them as a pastor, transcribed with his own hands the records
of the church, maintained regular Sunday services, attended every
important council at which his church was represented, taking a
leading part in the deliberations and exercises, while at the same
time supporting himself and family upon his farm without ever
receiving one dollar as salary or stated remuneration.

Elder Park's ancestry may be traced back through He/.ekiah.
Robert and Thomas to Sir Robert Park, who came from England
with his household in 1 630 and settled near Boston. The Park

168

family, which has been traced back in England to the Earl of
Wensleydale, has had some distinguished names, not the least among
whom was Baron Parke, who descended from the same line as the
American branch.

An ancestor of Elder Park owned the fertile tract of land now
known as Avery's Plains. Perhaps it was the preacher's grand-
father who divided it into fields by prim hedges and thoroughly
drained it by a system of ditching, such as was common in England.
But hedgerows and ditches long since disappeared. The old man-
sion house of Elder Park's ancestors, a little east of the plains,
belonged to the best class of farm houses of colonial days. The
beams were a foot square and the whole frame was very strong.
Over the parlor fire-place were panels of cedar, rived out like
shingles and only dressed on the side where they came to view. The
large kitchen for slaves was not wanting with its large fire-place that
could receive and devour logs four or five feet long. The old house
is remembered only by those who have passed their three score and
ten. At length, through intermarriage, the plains became thei
property of a branch of the Avery family who gave to the land their
name.

Elder Park left children by his first wife, Sarah, one of whom
was the grandfather of Hon. John D. Park, ex-chief justice of I
Connecticut. His second wife, who survived him more than twenty,
years, was Mary Rush of Roxbury, Massachusetts. Her son John,
by a former husband, was a successful Hartford merchant and a
representative from Connecticut in congress.

Elder Park's farm in the southern part of Preston, a mile from
Avery's Plains, was the same which in late years has been occupied
by his grandson, Benjamin F. Park, and his heirs. It is said that
Elder Park's congregation were in the habit of going in parties to help
him do his planting, harvesting, and other heavy work. Ministers' rates
were denounced by the Separates, and while voluntary contributions
were not under the same law, it is believed that Elder Park received:
little in this way aside from assistance in his farming work. We
can picture for ourselves the old time husking-bees that may have'
been held annually at the elder's farm. And what a grand sewing-
bee may not there have been when the second Mrs. Park left her
home in Mcssachusetts and came to her future one in Connecticut,
back in 1773!

169

In L 797 Elder Park preached his half -century sermon, which is
still preserved in his own hand. Large audiences gathered to listen
to the aged minister, and the event was long remembered. Doubt-
less all who were enlisted wiih him in planting the church or partici-
pated in its early struggles had passed away, and the story ho told
with emotion of his own life and the early history of his church fell
upon the ears of a new generation. It is said that several Sundays
were taken for the delivery of the discourse.

Elder Park died on June 25th, ISO:!, in the eighty-second year of.
his age and the fifty-fifth of his ministry. He was buried in the
Avery cemetery in Preston, and the stone that marks his resting
place bears these words of the Greal Apostle to the Gentiles:

" I have fought a good fight,
I have finished my course,
I have kept the faith."

Next to Elder Park in influence among the members of the
1 'reslon Separate church was John Avery, who was ordained a
deacon in September, 1747, and for forty years was the trusted
counselor in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the church.
Refusing to pay ministers' rates, he was once arrested and thrown
into jail. Although abundantly able to pay the tax he insisted that
it was wrong and determined to remain in jail rather than yield to
the demand. Hut this had no effect upon the authorities, and after
a time his wife induced him to consent that the tax be paid and he
was set at liberty. In his later years he occupied the honorary posi-
tion of one of the fathers of the church and the active duties of the
deacon's office devolved upon others. His death occurred in 1789.

Dtiring the earlier history of the church it was accustomed to
ordain its deacons to their office. This brief record of the ordina-
tion of Elisha Fitch in 1765 is not without interest: "Mr. Fuller of
Norwich preached a sermon on the occasion : then the church by
their vote filled up their presbytery by adding Mr. Fuller and Dea.
Avery; then proceeded: Dea. Avery made the first prayer, our
pastor gave the charge, and Mr. Fuller the last [prayer]: the young
Beacon read a psalm, we sang and dismissed."' Mr. Pitch was voted
I letter of recommendation to some other church in 1778.

170

Other deacons were Moses Morse, (1751-1760,) Joseph Tyler,
( 1 776-1780, ) Jonathan Brewster, ( 1776-1778, ) Amos Avery, (1776-
1815,) Jedediah Palmer, (1780-1798;) Walter Palmer, (1798-1817, j
and Amasa Standish, (1815-1817.)

The lists of members of the Preston Separate church, of baptism
under its auspices and of marriages performed by Elder Paul Park
is preserved amongst the papers of the New London Historical
Society.

REPORT

ANNUAL MEETING

NEW LONDON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY,

Held September 2, 1895.

LIST OF OFFICERS AND MEMBERS.

The Act of Incorporation allows the New London County Historical
Society to hold property, and any beqnest may be made for specific
purposes, as a fund for permanent building, for printing, or for the
general expenses of the Society, as desired.

The form for such beqiiest is as follows :

I give and bequeath to the New London County Historical Society,

the sum of dollars, the same to be applied to

the fund of said Society, to be used under the

direction of the officers of said Society for the purpose named.

17:i

REPORT

THE ANNUAL MEETING.

SEPTEMBER 2, 1895-

The animal meeting of the New London Comity Historical So-
ciety was held at 11 a. in. on Monday, September 2, 1895, at the
Society's rooms in the Public Library building, New London. Con-
necticut. The president . Mr. ('. A. Williams, presided.

The minutes of the previous meeting wore road and approved.

The treasurer, Mr. C. B. Ware, read his report, showing the re-
ceipts for the year to have been $419.05, and the expenditures
|337. 80, leaving a balance of $81.25. He also reported an addi-
tional fund of $217.61 in the New London Savings Bank.

The report of the secretary was read, and both reports were
accepted and ordered on file.

A letter from May Kelsey Champion, resigning the office of sec-
retary of the Society, was read. The resignation was accepted.
and it was voted that she be made an honorary member of the
Society.

The visit of the Connecticut Historical Society on June 11, L895,
was noted.

The report of the committee appointed at the last meeting to lay
before, the city council the need of copying the old records of the
town was heard. The mayor had heen interviewed, hut the appro-
priations for the year had then already been made. A petition
would be presented at the next meeting of the council.

The committee for the Norwich midwinter meeting reported that
ieveral efforts had heen made to secure a paper for such a meeting,

174

but had been unsuccessful. They expressed the hope that the
meeting might be arranged for the coming winter. It was voted
that the committee previously appointed be continued.

The question of the use of the Society's library and manuscript
collection by others than members of the Society was presented for
consideration. It was voted that no person not a member of the
Society should be permitted to have access to the books or manu-
scripts of the Society without a special permit from the advisory
committee.

Mr. Ernest E. Rogers presented the following motion :

Whereas, The 6th of May, 1896, will be the 250th anniversary of the found-
ing of New London by John Winthrop, the younger, subsequently governor
of the colony, and

Whereas, It is eminently fitting and proper that the New London County
Historical Society should originate plans for the erection of a public memorial
to Mr. John Winthrop,

Moved, That this Society take initiatory and active steps toward placing on
the elevation in the New Park a statue of Gov. Winthrop of commanding size ;
the corner-stone to be laid not later than the above-mentioned date.

Moved, That a committee of three (3), of which the president of the Society
shall be an ex-officlo member, be appointed by the Society to devise plans and
methods for securing the necessary funds, and to report to a special meeting of
the Society to be held during the third week of September.

The motion was referred to the advisory committee, to be re-
ported upon not later than December 1 .

Mr. Newton Fuller offered to present to the Society a number of
old record books of the Hill Street school district. These were
gratefully accepted by the president, and the hope was expressed
that other and similar records might be preserved by being placed
in the custody of the Society.

The names of Mr. George D. Whittlesey and Major W. H. H.
Comstock were ordered to be placed in the necrology of the Society.

It was voted that the action of the authorities changing the
date of the annual meeting of the Society from September 6 to the
first Monday in September be sustained.

With the exception of the secretary, the old board of officers
was re-elected, and the meeting adjourned until the afternoon
session at 2.30 in the Parish House of the First Congregational
Church. At this meeting Mr. Benjamin Stark read a paper upon
"The History of the Schools of New London."

it:.

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY.

The membership of the Society for the year ending September -.
1895, numbers 185 names. — 154 annual members, 27 life, and 4
lonorary. Since the last meeting six new members have been ad-
mitted,— Mr. Charles J. Hewitt. Mr. John A. Morgan, Mrs. A. 1).
Slocoinl). Miss Antoinette Latimer, and Mrs. Mary 0. Viets as
iiinual members, and Mrs. Frederick L. Osgood as a life member.
Two have died, — Major W\ II. H. Comstock and Mr. George D.
Whittlesey.

Contributions have been received from the following societies
and persons :

The New Fngland Historical and Genealogical Society, the
Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Haven Colony,
Dedham, Kansas State, and Buffalo Historical Societies; the Ohio
Historical and Philosophical Society, the Wyoming Historical and
jreological Society, and the Illinois Society of Colonial Wars: from
Yale, Harvard, and Leland Stanford Universities; from the Smithso-
nian Institute. Albany State Library, and Slater Museum; from Mr.
Benjamin Stark a bound volume of the Reports of the New London
Bnion School District from 1868 to 1892 inclusive, and from
Mr. C. J. Hoadley, Mr. Daniel C. Oilman, Mr. James N. Arnold,
Miss Hmily S. Oilman, Mr. Horace Coit, Rev. Horace Edwin
Hayden, Dr. A. W. Nelson. Mr. B. P. Learned, Mrs. George D.
Whittlesey. Mr. Henry R. Bond, Mr. Augustus Brandegee, and
Mrs. H. Nelson Douglass. Mr. A. P. Park has recently given to
Society the Records of the Separate Church in Preston, together
with a manuscript sermon by its pastor: from the Caulkins collec-
tion a list of cattle-marks used by the early inhabitants of New
London has been received; and Mr. Asa Lyman Gallup has given
a sword of Major John Mason.

The work of copying the Hempstead Diary has been made possi-
ble, and a careful and competent person has been employed for the
purpose. This diary, written by Joshua Hempstead 2d, covers the
years between 1711 and 1758, with an entry for nearly every day.
It is a large folio volume of about 650 closely written manuscript
pages, now badly faded and worn, and contains many important
facts of New London town history, marriage, birth, and death
records, etc. A copy has been made thus far of the years to 1 725.

176

A new volume of the Society's Records and Papers has begun
and copies of Volume I. have been bound for distribution.

The rooms have been well attended on the days of opening, both
by members and strangers, and much interest has been shown ir
the Society's collections.

May Kelsey Champion, Secretary

APPENDIX.

The advisory committee of the New London County Historical
Society, to whom was referred the resolution of Ernest E. Rogers,-
met 16th of November, 1895, and made the following report:

The committee to whom, at the annual meeting of the Society,
held on the second day of September last past, was referred the
following preamble and resolution, namely:

Whereas, The 6th of May, 1896, will be the 250th anniversary of the found-i
ing of New London by John Winthrop, the younger, subsequently governor
of the colony ;

"Resolved, That the Society take initiatory steps toward placing on the ele-
vation in the New Park a statue of Governor Winthrop of commanding size ;
the corner-stone to be laid not later than the above-mentioned date ;"

Report, that they have duly considered the subject therein re-'
f erred to, and in behalf of the New London County Historical
Society, recommend that the honorable court of common council
being the proper municipal representatives, be respectfully invitedi
to take such initiatory steps, by the appointment of a committee of
citizens, or otherwise as may be deemed by the council more fitting;
for the commemoration of the founding of the Town of New Lon-i
don by John Winthrop, the younger, and his associates, on the two
hundred and fiftieth anniversary thereof, on the sixth day of May,
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ninety-six ;

And that the Society express its heartiest sympathy with the pur-
pose suggested in said resolution of inaugurating upon that occasion
a statue of Governor Winthrop, the founder of the town, by laying
the corner-stone thereof with appropriate ceremonial upon the plat
of ground now known as the town square ;

177

And that it be respectfully sui^ested that tin- dedication of the
soldiers' and sailors' monument upon the parade be incorporated
with the ceremonies arranged Bor the commemoration of said day;
Ami further, that the Society do pledge its cordial co-operation
with any measures that may he sui^ested by the honorable court
of common council for the appropriate accomplishment of the
results contemplated by the action herein recommended.
Signed Nov. 16th, 1895. C. A. Williams.

Benj. Stark,
Charles B. Ware.
Committee of the New London County
Historical Society.

Mr. Stark was requested to bring the subject to the attention of
the mayor in accordance with the foregoing report, which was dene
by means of the following communication :

New London County Hist. Soc,

New London Conn., lGth Nov., 1895.
To His Honor, the Mayor, James P. Johnston, Esq.:

Sir — Herewith I have the honor to enclose a report of a com-
mittee of this Society; and to request in behalf of the Society
that you lay the same before the honorable court of common council
with such recommendations as you may deem fit and proper to the
occasion. Yours respectfully,

Fannie Potter, Secretary.

The following letter to his honor, Mayor Johnston, records the
action of the Society in' response to that of the court of common

council :

New London County Hist. Soc,

New London, Conn., 30th Nov.. 1S!>:>.
Hon. James P. Johnston, Mayor:

Sir — I have the honor to inform you that Charles B. Ware,
Frank L. Palmer and Ernest E. Rogers have been appointed a
committee on the part of this Society to act in co-operation with
the committees of the court of common council and the board of
trade upon the subject referred to in my communication of the 30th
of November last. Yours respectfully.

Fannie Potter, Secretary.

OFFICERS

NEW LONDON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY,

For the Year Ending September 2nd, 1896.

PRESIDENT,
Hon. CHARLES AUGUSTUS WILLIAMS, of New London.

VICE-PRESIDENTS,

Hon. BENJAMIN STARK, or New London.
Hon, WILLIAM A. SLATER, of Norwich.
Hon. FREDERICK BILL, of Groton.

SECRETARY,

TREASURER,
CHARLES B. WARE, Esq., of New London.

ADVISORY COMMITTEE,

Hon. CHARLES AUGUSTUS WILLIAMS, of New London.

Hon. BENJAMIN STARK, of New London.

Hon. GEORGE F. TINKER, of New London.

CHARLES B. WARE, Esq., of New London.

Hon. RALPH WHEELER, of New London.

Judge GEORGE W. GODDARD, of New London.

Ret. CHARLES J. HILL, of Stonington.

Hon. ROBERT COIT, of New London.

Hon. WILLIAM A. SLATER, of Norwich.

WALTER LEARNED, Esq., of New London.

Hon. JOHN T. WAIT, of Norwich.

Hon. FREDERICK BILL, of Groton.

FREDERICK S. NEWCOMB, Esq., of New London.

Hon. RICHARD A. WHEELER, of Stonington.

JOHN McGINLEY, Esq., of New London.

HORACE CLIFT, Esq., of Groton.

Dr. LEWIS D. MASON, of Brooklyn.

Hon. H. WALES LINES, of Meriden.

Dr. AMOS LAWRENCE MASON, of Boston.

JONATHAN TRUMBULL, Esq., of Norwich.

ELISHA V. DABOLL, Esq., of New London.

Maj. BEL A P. LEARNED, of Norwich.

7!)

LIST OF MEMBERS.

LIFE.
New London. Stonington.

Barns, Charles. Wheeler, R. A.

Ehapell, Miss Cornelia Wet more.
Uhapell, Miss Elizabeth Haven. Meriden.

Chapell, Mrs. R. H.
Goddard, G. W.

Harris. .1 . X.
Nelson, A. W., M. D.
iNewcomb, F. S.
Newcomb, Mrs. P. S.
Williams, C. A.

Norwich.
Poster, Mrs. L. F. S.
Huntington, Austin.
Osgood, Mrs. F. L.

Lines, II. Wales.

Hartford.
Shipman, Nathaniel.

New York.
Newcomb, .lames E., M. D.
Packer, E. A.

Hash in, Mass.
Mason, A. L., M. D.
Winthrop, \i. C, Jr.

Groton.

Bill, Frederick.
Copp, J. J.

Torrmgton.

Turner. Iv

New London.
Adams. S. T.
Allender, X. -I.
Armstrong, B'. A.
Astheimer, William.
Beckwith, C. (i.
Beckwith, E. Park.

Brooklyn, N. Y.
Mas«»n, L. D., M. 1).,

Birmingham, A In.
Turner, Charles.

< liicago.
Walker. Mrs. Fmeline Tate.

ANNUAL.

Belcher, William.
Benjamin, C. A.

Blake, Rev. s. L., D. D.
Bodenwein, Theo.

Boml. 1 leniy K .

Boss, C. I).'. Jr.
Braman, F. X.. M. I).

180

Browne, R. W.
Butler, C. W.
Burgess, Mrs. A. T.
Cady, W. C.
Chaney, C. F.
Chaney, Miss Maria.
Chapman, W. H.
Chappell, A. H.
Chappell, Mrs. H. S.
Chappell, W. S.
Chappell, Mrs. W. S.
Chew, J. Lawrence.
Coit, Horace.
Coit, Robert.
Crandall, H L.
Daboll, E. V.
Dart, Lewis.
Dunford, P. C.
Eakin, Mrs. M. P.
Eggleston, Mrs. C. P.
Farnsworth, F. M. D.
Fuller, Newton.
Graves, C. B., M. D.
Harris, CM.
Harris, F. W.
Harris, H. D.
Hawkins, Frank.
Hempsted, D. B.
Hewitt, Chas. J.
Hill, J. H.
Holt, W. A.
Hopson, John, Jr.
Jennings, Charles B.
Johnson, M. P.
Johnston, James P.
Joynt, Rev. T. P.
Latham, D. D.
Latimer, Miss Antoinette,

Learned, Mrs. L. C.
Learned, Walter.
Lindsley, J. R.
Lock wood, Miss A. R.
Lockwood, Miss M. J.
Manwaring, Wolcott B.
Marshall, George T.
McEwen, Mrs. B. P.
McGinley, John.
Mead, Mrs. C. S.
Miner, Charles H.
Miner, Mrs. Lydia.
Miner, Miss M. F.
Miner, S. H.
Morgan. G. S., M. D.
Morgan, John A.
Newcomb. J .
Palmer, E. L.
Palmer, F. L.
Palmer, R. T., Jr.
Parmelee, F. H.
Peabody, Mrs. M. L.
Perkins, N. S.
Potter, Miss Fannie.
Prentis, Edward, Jr.
Rogers, Ernest E.
Sheffield, W. W.
Smith, Mrs. Frederick M.
Smith, N. D.
Smith, Ralph.
Stanton, J. G., M. D.
Stark, Benjamin.
Stark, W. M.
Starr, G. E.
Starr, Mrs. M. F.
Stayner, Mrs. M. R. H.
Strong, George C.
Thompson, I. W.

181

Thompson, T. O.
Tinker, G. F.
Turner, Miss M. J.
Tyler, A. C.
Viets, C. J.
Viets, Mrs. Mary C.
Waller, Thomas M.
Ware C. B.
Warriner, S. D.
Wheeler, E. H.
Whittlesey, George.
Williams, George.
Williams, P.
Williams T. W.
Withey, W. E.

Norwich.
Aiken, Gen. W. A.
Avery, Rev. John.
Carroll, A. P.
GKbbs, E. N.
Gilman, Miss Emily S.
Gilman, Miss M. P.
Learned, B. P.
Palmer, G. S.
Perkins, Miss Mary E.
Slater, W. A.
Trumbull, Jonathan.
Wells, David A.
Wait, John T.

Mystic.
Barber, O. M., M. D
Bucklyn, J. K .
Clift, Horace.
Randall. E. P.
Williams, Jno. E.

Stoni/ngton.
Hill, Rev. C. J.
Palmer, Ira Hart.

Monfville.
Burchard, W. M., M. D.

Noank.
Potter, Elihu H.

Frcmklin.
Woodward, R, W.

Colchester.
Willard, S. P.

Lyme.

Salisbury, Edw. Elbridge, LL. I).
Salisbury, Mrs. Evelyn McCurdy.
Swaney, John.

Torrington.
Turner, L. Gh

Groton.
Allen, Rev. X. T.
Brockington, Mrs. Anna M.
Cash, Mis. Adah J.
Slocomb. Mrs. A. D.

Greenwich.
Greene, Miss M. A.

Brooklyn, X. )
Smith, H. Allen.

Hartford.
Woodward, P. H.

Paxton, Muss
Bill, Ledyard.

182

New York
Richards, Benjamin.
Saltonstall, Francis G.

Albany.
De Witt, Mrs. Grace H.

Boston, Mass.
Chester, W. R,
Fuller, J. R., M. D.
Haven, H. C, M. D.
Nordell, Rev. P. A., D. D.

Galesville, B. I.
Lamphere, C. T.

Chicago, 111.
Johnson, Rev. J. G., D. D.

St Louis, Mo.
Gardiner, C. C.

Brighton, Eng.
Sanders, Miss Marie Armitage.

HONORARY.

New London. Boston, 3Iass.

Champion, Miss May Kelsey. Dean, J. W.

Collier, Mrs. A. C.

Buffalo, N Y.
Hartford. Hazard, G. S.

Hoadly, Charles J., LL. D.
Trumbull, J. Hammond, LL. D.

^^AA^aAftAfti*!* * fifi** A**i»* * * » A ft* A il A » + A i «i A -* ■■■ ■•■ ^-* ^ft^^it^^--^^-^^^^^^

Records and Papers

OF THE

NEW LONDON COUNTY

HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

PART III. VOL. II.

X IIMt»Vyvl f » » f > Vttt t V ff¥f» »»» i » *» *»*»»»»Vl»f» l m i * l ll | f»V > Hm »

Records and Papers

OF THE

NEW LONDON COUNTY

HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

PART III. VOL. II.

PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY.

New London, Connecticut.

1897.

\oiol- t ~

Contents

PAGE.

Two Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the Settlement

of New London, edited by Rev. S. L. Blake, I>. I) 187

Oration, Walter Learned 241)

Poem, George P. Lathrop, LL. 1) 257

Address, Hon. C. A. Russell, M. (' 260

Address, Hon. 0. II. Piatt, U. S. S 263

Address, William II. Law. Esq ii« ; -—

Address, Hon. T. M. Waller 270

Oration, Rev. S. L. Blake, D. I) L'77

Address, Hon. J. R. Hawley, CJ. S. S 29]

Address, Rev. George W. Smith, I). 1)., LL. 1) 298

■oseph Trumbull, First Commissary-General of the Continental

Army, by Jonathan Trumbull 329

Repoi't of Annual Meeting 351

tdst of Officers 355

Lisl of Members : '> :,,i

Two Hundred and Fiftieth
Anniversary

of Tin - .

Settlement of New London,

May 5 and 6,

1896.

COMPILED AND EDITED BY

Rev. S. LEROY BLAKE, I). D.,

Pastor of the First Church of Christ.

INTRODUCTORY

As early as 1(!44, John Winthrop, Jr., received from the Legis-
lature of the Massachusetts Colony a grant of land around Pequot
Harbor, with the evident understanding that he was to take posses-
sion of the Pequot territory and throw it open for immediate settle-
ment. In the summer of 1645 it appears that work was actually
begun. Winthrop was at Pequot Harbor clearing land and laying
out a new plantation. With him was Rev. Thomas Peters, who
had been in Saybrook and who was the brother of the famous Rev.
Hugh Peters of Salem ; also Margaret Lake, sister of Mrs. Winthrop
who was the first English woman who trod the soil of New London.
There may have been others but those three were here in 1645, and
tin- plantation was begun. But the order of the General Court,
issuing the commission for governing the plantation was ijiven May
6, 164G, and was as follows: "At a General Court held at Boston,
6th of May, 1646. Whereas Mr. John Winthrop. dun. .and some
others, have by allowance of this Court begun a plantation in the
Pequot country, which appertains to this jurisdiction as part of our
proportion of the conquered country, and whereas the Court is "in-
formed that some Indians who are now planted upon the place where
tin' said plantation is begun are willing to remove their planting
ground for the more quiet and convenient settling of the English
there ; so that they may have another convenient place appointed, it
is iherefoi'e ordered that Mr. John Winthrop may appoint unto
such Indians as are willing to remove, their lands on the other side,
that is, on the east side of the great river of the Pequot country, or

188

some other place for their convenient planting and subsistence, which
may be to the good liking and satisfaction of said Indians, and like-
wise to such of the Pequot Indians as shall desire to live there, sub-
mitting themselves to the English government, etc. And whereas
Mr. Thomas Peters is intended to inhabit in the said plantation, this
Court doth think fit to join him to assist the said Mr. Winthrop for
the better carrying on the work of said plantation." At the same
session of the Court Mr. Winthrop and Mr. Peters were given power
"for ordering and governing the plantation, till further order."

Thus May 6, 1646, was the natal day of New London, and May 6,
1896, would complete 250 years of its existence. In view of this
fact the first step towards a fitting celebration of the event was
publicly taken at the annual meeting of the New London County
Historical Society, September 2, 1895, in the following motion pre-
sented by Mr. Ernest E. Rogers :

Whereas, The 6th of May, 1896, will be the 250th anniversary of the found-
ing of New London by John Winthrop, the younger, subsequently governor of
the colony, and

Whereas, It is eminently fitting and proper that the New London County
Historical Society should originate plans for the erection of a public memorial
to Mr. John Winthrop,

Moved, That a committee of three (3), of which the president of the Society
shall be an ex-officio member, be appointed by the Society to devise plans and
methods for securing the necessary funds, and to report to a special meeting of
the Society to be held during the third week of September.

This motion was referred to the Advisory Committee with the
request that they report not later than December 1.

That committee met on the 16th of November, 1895, attended to
the matter assigned to them, and reported as follows :

The committee to whom, at the annual meeting of the Society,
held on the second day of September last past, was referred the
following preamble and resolution, namely :

Whereas, The sixth day of May, 1896, will be the 250th anniversary of the
founding of New London by John Winthrop, the younger, subsequently
governor of the colony;

Resolved, That the Society take initiatory steps toward placing on the eleva-
tion in the New Park a statue of Governor Winthrop of commanding size ; the
corner-stone to belaid not later than the above-mentioned date;

189

Report, that they have duly considered the subject 1 herein re-
ferred to, and in behalf of the New London County Historical
Society, recommend that the honorable Court of Common Council
Being the proper municipal representatives, be respectfully invited
to take such initiatory steps, by the appointment of a committee of
citi/ens, or otherwise as may be deemed by the council more fitting
for the commemoration of the founding of the Town of New London
by John Winthrop, the younger, and his associates, on the two
hundred and fiftieth anniversary thereof, on the sixth day of May,
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ninety-six ;

And that it lie respectfully suggested that the dedication of the
soldiers' and sailors' monument upon the parade be incorporated
with the ceremonies arranged for the commemoration of said day;

And further, that the Society do pledge its cordial co-operation
with any measures that may be suggested by the honorable Court of
Common Council for the appropriate accomplishment of the results
contemplated by the action herein recommended.

Signed Nov. Kith, IS!)."). C. A. Williams,

Benj. Stark,
Charles B. Ware.
Committee of the New London County

Historical Society.

Hon. Benj. Stark was requested to bring this subject to the at-
tention of the Courl of Common Council and the Mayor, in accord-
ance with the preceding vote. This was done by means of the
following note, in the name of Miss I 'otter, who was secretary of
the Historical Society :

♦Bulkeley Place is referred to. li was originally known as Town Square ; when the Alms-
bouse stood there it was frequently called Poverty Square; after the location of Bulkeley
School it was called by the people Bulkeley Place. Henceforth it will in- known as Winthrop
Place.

190

New London County Hist. Soc,

New London, Conn., 16th Nov. 1895.
To His Honor, the Mayor, James P. Johnston, Esq.:

Sir — Herewith I have the honor to enclose a report of a committee of this
Society; and to request in behalf of the Society that you lay the same before
the honorable Court of Common Couucil with such recommendations as you
may deem fit and proper to the occasion. Yours respectfully,

FANNIE POTTER, Secretary

A few days later the following was addressed to his honor, the
Mayor :

New London County Hist. Soc,

New London, Conn., 30th Nov., 1895.
Hon. James P. Johnston, Mayor :

Sir — I have the honor to inform you that Charles B. Ware, Frank L.
Palmer and Ernest E. Rogers have been appointed a committee on the part of
this Society to act in co-operation with the committees of the Court of Common
Council and the Board of Trade upon the subject referred to in my communi-
cation of the 16th of November last. Yours respectfully,

FANNIE POTTER, Secretary.

On the second of December next ensuing the city government
took the following action, which was the second step towards a
suitable celebration of the founding of the town :

Voted : That the Mayor name a committee of three to act with a commit-
tee to be appointed by the Board of Trade and the Historical Society, in the
preliminary work of the celebration of the 250 anniversary of the founding of
New London. The Mayor appointed Alderman Bentley and Smith, and Coun-
cilman M. H. Beckwith.

On the third of December, 1895, the Board of Trade appointed a
committee consisting of Mr. Alfred H. Chappell, Hon. George F.
Tinker and Mr. Elisha V. Daboll, to act with the foregoing com-
mittees of the Historical Society and the honorable Court of Common
Council, in perfecting and executing plans for the anniversary in
question.

The committees thus appointed constituted the committee of nine,
by whom all future plans were devised and executed in accordance
with the suggestion of the Historical Society in the report of its com-
mittee, November 16th, 1895. It may therefore be said that the
celebration of May 6th, 1896, originated with the New London
County Historical Society,

191

This committee of nine, as chosen by the three bodies which they
represented, were as follows:

.Mr. Charles B. Ware, Mr. Frank L. Palmer and Mr. Ernes! E.
Rogers on the part of the New London County Historical Society;

William H. Bentley, Esq., -lames F. Smith, Esq., and M. H.
Beckwith, Esq., on the part of the honorable Court of Common
Council ;

Mr. Alfred H. Chappell, Hon. George F. Tinker and Mr. Elisha
V. Daboll on the part of the Board of Trade.

The initial meeting of the triple committee was held in the Mayor's
office, Monday evening, December 16th. The meeting was called
to order by the Mayor. It was voted that the president of the Board
of Trade, whoever he might be, should be permanent chairman.
Mr. Elisha V. Daboll, at the time president of the Board of Trade,
took the chair. Mr. C. B. Ware was chosen permanent secretary.
At this meeting the magnitude and character of the celebration was
discussed, and Mr. Tinker moved, and it was voted "that this com-
mittee gives its opinion that the celebration should occupy two days."
The opinion was also informally expressed that the Towns of Groton,
Waterford, Montville and Lyme, which were originally parts of New
London, should be invited to take part in the celebration and arrange-
ments for the same. Finally, however, it was decided to invite only
Groton and Waterford. At this meeting also it was suggested that
there should be a "procession of military, fireman, civic societies,
school children, and the industries of the town." This was practi-
cally carried out. It was also voted "that no debts are to be incur-
red by any committees except by contract, which must have the
approval of the finance committee." A committee of three was also
appointed to select the various committees which would be required.
This committee consisted of Elisha V. Daboll, Ex-Mayor George F.
Tinker and Charles B. Ware, and were instructed to report at the
next meeting.

This second meeting was held December 30th. Mr. Allied II.
Chappell. who had been elected president of the Board of Trade
December 20th, took the chair. The committee appointed to nomi-
nate sub-committees reported the following, who were elected :

192

James P. Johnston,
C. A. Williams,
Alfred H. Ohappell,
S. D. Lawrence,
W. H. Bentley,
James F. Smith,
M. H. Beckwith,
George F. Tinker,
Elisha V. Daboll,
Charles B. Ware,
Frank L. Palmer,
Ernest E. Rogers,
Augustus Brandegee,
Benjamin Stark,
J. N. Harris,
Thomas M. Waller,
Robert Coit,

GENERAL COMMITTEE.

George E. Starr,
Ralph Wheeler,
George Williams,
George Haven,

A. C. Tyler,
John Hopson, Jr.
Samuel Belden,
Charles L. Ockford,

B. A. Armstrong,
Frank H. Chappell,
Frank B. Brandegee,
Charles Barns,
Walter Learned,
B. F. Mahan,
William A. Holt,
Harris Pendleton,
John McGinley,

H. L. Crandall,
Charles J. Hewitt,
George B. Prest,
James Hislop,
Samuel T. Adams,
C. G. Beckwith,
C. Royce Boss,
David Mackenzie,
Fred.' Farnsworth,
C. B. Jennings,
Benjamin H. Lee,
Walter Fitzmaurice,
M. J. Roche,
S. A. Goldsmith,
E. Park Beckwith,
Fred. S. Newcomb,
P. H. Shurts.

COMMITTEE ON PROGRAMME.

A. H. Chappell,
E. V. Daboll,
Frank L. Palmer,
George Haven,

Geo. F. Tinker,
Herbert L. Crandall,

James F. Smith,
Chas. B. Jennings,
Walter Fitzmaurice,

FINANCE.

Fred- S. Newcomb,
Geo. B. Prest,

(Jhas. L. Ockford,
Chas. B. Ware,
W. H. Bentley.

Ernest E. Rogers.

Harris Pendleton,
Geo. Whittlesey,

COMMITTEE ON DECORATIONS.

Chas. F. Starr,
James F. Smith,

John B. Leahy.

James P. Johnston,

James P. Johnston,
A. H. Chappell.

Miss Alice Chew,
Mrs. J. P. Johnston,

INVITATIONS.
C Aug. Williams,

SPEAKERS.
Geo. F. Tinker,

LADIES' AUXILIARY,

Mrs. W. S. Ohappell,
Mrs. P. C. Dunford,

A. H. Chappell.

Benj. Stark,

Mrs. M. R. Stayner,

193

];. nj. Stark,
Frank H. Ghappell,
A. C. Tyler,

James P. Johnston,
William H. Bentley,
William A. Holt,

C. S. Darrow,
Charles J. Hewitt,
M. J. Roche,
James P. Smith,
Harris IVndleton,
Joseph C- Comstock,
M. Wilson Dart,

S. W. Caulkins,
George H. Thomas,
William R. Pollock,
E. N. Crocker,
William J. Brennan,
Wallace R. Johnson,
L. E. Whiton,
William E. Greene,

' Carl J. Viets,
M. H. Beckwith,
Thomas W. Gardner,
(1. < 'urtis Morgan,

! A. L. Dean,

D. I). Latham,
Frank Hawkins,
Richard G. Morris,
Samuel C. Dudley,
Charles II. Klinck,
Rev. Alfred P. Grint.

\ W. II. I lay ward,
i Rev. J. R. Stubhert,
William T. May,
Fred. H. Parmelee,
William Belcher,
' Charles W. Butler,
Loren E. Daboll,
Fitch I). Crandall,
C. W. Strickland,

RKCKI'TION COMMITTEE.

Wm. S. Chappell,
Edward Prentis,

CITIZENS' COMMITTEE.

250 Strong.

Admiral O. F. Stanton,
Morris W. Bacon,
F. W. Dow,
William II. Reeves,
John E. Darrow,
Arnold Rudd,
Israel F. Brown,
R. P. Freeman,
John B- Leahy,
Ralph S. Smith,
A. J. Beckwith,
M. P. Fitzgerald,
I. W. Thompson,
Charles Prentis,
Edwin L. DaSilva,
R. R. Congdon, Jr.
N. Shaw Perkins,
J. Lawrence Chew,
Wm. H. Burbeck,
George C. Strong,
George Colfax,
W. W. Sheffield,
George S. Morgan,
Rev. J. W. Bixler,
Thomas \V. Potter,
Rev. T. P. Joy nt.
John G. Stanton.
Newton Fuller,
Robert Congdon,
T. O. Thompson,
Edward T. Brown,
Elisha L. Palmer,
Rev. S. L. Blake,
Rev. F. (1. Mdveever,
William B. Coit,
Carey Congdon,
Kev. Richard Povey,
Tracy Waller,

Frederick Bill, Groton,
J. E. Beckwith, Waterford.

Charles W. Chapiu,
Walter Cady,
George M. < !ole,
E. H. Wheeler,
J. H. Calef,
Walter Towne,
George K. Crandall.
Philip C. Dunford,
R, W. Browne,
Fred. M. Sherman,
Hadlai A. Hull,
George Avery,
William Kingsbury,
Charles Noble,
E. 0. Ford,
Daniel J. Lucy,
Gilbert Bishop,
Joseph S. Boss,
John Bishop,
Walter C. Lewis,
Henry Schwaner,
J. D. Cronin,
John H. Galleher,
John H. Brown,
Henry G. Holmes,
J. R. Liusley,
John Starbuck,
Walter R. Perry,
W. F. M. Rogers,
J. Frank Salter,
George A. Sturdy,
John C. Geary.
T. M. Allyn,
James H. Archer,
Thomas Edgar,
Walter H. Richards,
Stephen Bolles,
Francis N. Braman,

194

J. N. Brown,
H. A- Brockway,
S. M. Ewald,
George Whittlesey,
Eugene T. Kirkland,
J. A. Southard,
W. H. Chapman,
Charles Daboll,
James Newcomb,
George R. Morris,
John D. Butler,
John O'Hea,
Robert A. Biubeck,
F. L. Comstock,
A. W. Nelson,
F. R. Smith,
W. VV. Pittman ,
Peter Dorsey,
Wm. E. F. Landers,
F. H. Smith,
€has. B. Graves,
Jacob Schwarz^
Goetz Bachert,
P. H. Fitzgerald,
H. C. Weaver,
E. A. Bancroft,
Carlos Barry,
Moses Darrow,
Albert A. Beach,
Chas. A. Benjamin,
George P. Fenner,
Charles Bishop,
Walter C. Noyes,
Henry C. Chapel,
James Davidson,
Daniel Newman,
W. E. Withey,
Charles Hatchell,
Harry J. Savage,
Daniel Fraser,
William Higgins,
James Moran,
Edward S. Neilan,
Theo. Bodenwein,
H. O. Burch,
John Lyon,

J. E. Harris,
G. T. Marsball,
Leander Lewis,
Billings Learned,
Daniel Buckley,
Alfred B. Burdick,
Philo B. Hovey,
Samuel Green,
Walter S. Calvert,
S. K. Chappell,
T. A. Scott,
Horace Coit,
Reuben T. Palmer,
Fred Mercer,
Allen I. Darrow,
A. T. Hale,
Wm. Strickland,
C. F. Spaulding,
George Crosby,
Axel F. Anderson,
Wm. Astheimer,
James Hustace,
Benj. L. Armstrong,
H. G. Osborn,
Daniel B. Hempsted,
H. D. Barrows,
Wm. W. Williams,
Daniel R. Loosley,
Elias Labensky,
George Goldie,
Hiram D. Harris,
Coleby C. Jeffrey,
Fred. Chittenden,
William B. Smith,
Charles C. Lippitt,
William B. Thomas,
Edward Keeney,
Charles S. Starr,
A. Stanley Smith,
E. Manger,
Stephen J. Downey,
A. Bodenwein,
Percy C. Eggleston,
Daniel S. Marsh,
N. D. Smith,
George Holmes,

Thomas F. Foran,
E. P. Prentis,
H. B. Smith,
H. R. Bond,
C. C. Perkins,
Jacob Linicus, Jr.,
I. U. Lyon,
W. B. Manwaring,
Daniel McAdams.
George H. Powers,
James Moody,
Jesse A. Moon,
Ricardo R. Morgan.
H. C. Palmer,
George N. Putnam,
B. H. Hilliar,
P. W. Russell,

A. W. Sholes,
T. W. Williams,
Giles Bishop,
E. Clark Smith,

B. B. Gardner,
Asa 0. Goddard,
Frederick W. Hull,
Julius Grancher,
Otis Dimock,
William P. Smith,
W. Edwin Hobron,
John H. Root,
Stephen A. Gardner,
Thomas Howe,
George Prest,
William H. Bush,
John Spalding,

A. H. Allen,
James O'Neill,
Eben D. Stone,
James P. Shea,
A. C. Lippitt,
W. B. Keeney,
H. S. Bartlett,
W. P. deBehrens,
Fred J. Beckwith,
Albert R. Darrow.

195

JBJTIZENS' COMMITTEE— TOWN OF GROTON, FORMERLY \K\V LONDON.

William II. Allen, George M. Long, j;. A. Copp,

W. H. Alexander, L. II. Ilolloway, Frederick Gallop,

JolinB.Gttrli.il. Thomas B. Hamilton, Robert Palmer.

CITIXKKs' COMMITTEE — TOWN OF WATEBFORD, FORMERLY NEW

LONDON.

Junes E. Beckwith, David Banks, E. J. Hempstead.

J. W. Manwaring, Kay Lewis, Horace Lanphere,
John L. Payne,

A meeting of the Program Committee was held in the Mayor's

office, in tin.- city building, corner of State and Union streets, Jan-
uary 3, 1896-. At this n tin-- '-it a as decided to recommend to the

General Committee that the event be celebrated in one da\ and to
make that day the largesl in the history of the town, the morning to
be devoted to the Winthrop Statueand Soldiers' .Monument exercises;
the afternoon to a grand procession of military, civic bodies, etc.,
the procession bo start at - p. m. sharp; the evening to be devoted
to exercises at the armory, illuminations and fireworks," so arranged
as not to interfere with the exercises at the armory. This vote was
subsequently changed, as will he seen, so as to begin the celebration
on the evening of May 5.

Mr. Frank L. Palmer generously offered to provide for the display
of fireworks ; which offer was accepted with hearty thanks. The
following sub-committees were reported, who were to consider the
various features of the proposed celebration, and report to the
General Committee, and they were appointed:

On the Winthrop Monument — Charles 15. Jennings, Elisha V.
Daboll, Charles B. Ware.

On Lawrence Soldiers' Monument — lames F. Smith, Charles B.
Jennings. Charles B. Ware.

On Procession — George Haven, Charles L. Oekford, William II.
Bentle\ .

On Evening Program — Frank L. Palmer, Walter Pitzmaurice,
Charles lb Ware.

On motion of Mi'. Daboll it was voted that the ladies of the Lucretia
Shaw Chapter 1). A. If. be requested to hold a Loan Exhibition
fturing the time of the celebration in the old courthouse.*

*The Anna Warner Bailey Chapter was subsequently invited to

196

January 9, 1896, the committee o£ fifty who had in charge making
the arrangements for the celebration of May 6, met in the council
chamber. An outline program was presented by the appropriate
committee. It was decided that at 9:30 o'clock (the hour was
subsequently changed to 10) should "take place the laying of the
corner stone for the statue of John Winthrop, Jr. by the Grand
Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Connecticut ; the
exercises to include the singing of patriotic songs by a chorus o£'
four hundred school boys, remarks by Mayor J. P. Johnston, and
an historical address by Rev. S. Leroy Blake, D. D., pastor of the
First Church." President Chappell in place of Mayor Johnston
made the remarks and presided.

"At 11 o'clock will take place the presentation to the city by
Sebastian D. Lawrence of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, and
its acceptance by the Mayor. There will be patriotic singing by boys
of the public schools, four hundred strong, music by the band, and
other appropriate exercises. The Grand Army posts of the State
and all soldiers and sailors who participated in the Civil War are
expected to be present at this ceremony.

"General Haven, of the Committee on Procession, reported that in
the afternoon, starting at 2 o'clock, there will be a big parade, the
details of which will be ari'anged later. It is probable that it will
include the entire Third Regiment, C. N. G., the troops from Fort?
Trumbull, both companies of the Governor's Foot Guards, the Put-
nam Phalanx, the naval reserves and sailors and marines from the*
war ships that are expected to be here.

"Chief Engineer Ockford, also of the Procession Committee, re-
ported that the matter had been presented to the officers of the fire
department, and that there was no doubt but that the entire depart-
ment, including the veteran firemen, would participate in the parade.
It is likely that some of the companies will have visiting organizan
tions.

"William H. Bentley, also of the committee, reported that the
Grand Army of the Republic would participate and invite all soldiers
and sailors to unite with them. He added that Captain James F. 1
Smith should see to it that there was a whaleboat fully manned iD
the procession. The speaker gave the information that there waa
now but one whaleboat owned in the city, and that was the property
of Mr. Lawrence.

197

"It was voted that all the trades and manufactures of the city be
invited to participate in the parade on floats, and thai all the civic
societies and school boys be also invited, and that all willing to co-
operate report to Messrs Haven, Ockford or Bentley.

"President Chappelland Mayor Johnston were authorized to com-
taunicate with the Secretary of the Navy with reference to having
war vessels here on the day of the celebration.

" Prank L. Palmer, of the * lommittee on Evening Program, reported
that although it had been practically decided to get the celebration
into one day, the committee < lid not consider it just right to have
the historical address and kindred exercises close the celebration.
The proper time for such exercises would be at the beginning and
should take place on the evening of the 5th in the armory, and the
lommittee so recommended.

"Itwas unanimously voted that the historical address and exercises
take place in the armory on the evening of May 5th. At these
exercises the school girls will sing, and there will be instrumental
music, and addresses. The historical address of the occasion will
he by Waller Learned, president of the local branch of the Sons of
th- American Revolution, tlfe Hon. Augustus Brandegee having
declined an invitation to give it. The evening of the 6th was thus
left open for a grand display of fireworks and a general illumination
-a ' blaze of glory ' — befitting the occasion.

"TheFinance( lommittee were instructed to consult with the Ladies
Auxiliary relative to the loan exhibition of historical relics, and the
meeting adjourned subject to the call of the president."

The Citizens' Committee held their next meeting on the even-
ing of February 5, 1896, at which a program of exercises was
reported by Secretary Ware, and adopted by the committee. This
program will be found in Section III. The style of the invitation
was left to tin- Invitation ( lommittee, who finally adopted that which
is given in Section III. It was " voted that the preparation he left
with the committee, and as soon as printed, all distinguished persons
ami civic societies will receive invitations." A proposition from (i.
Curtis Morgan and Robert Waller, topublish a descriptive and illus-
trated souvenir was received. If " was accepted to be recognized
as the official program and to be published under the supervision of

*T:iken from Secretary Ware's minutes.

198

Mayor Johnston and Messrs Chappell and McGinley." At this I
meeting Mr. Tinker reported that the Daughters of the Revolution I
would hold a loan exhibition in the courthouse, the committee to I
defray the expense of collecting the relics and curiosities. It was I
also voted at this meeting to invite the Putnam Phalanx, and the
Governor's Foot Guards.

On the 10th of March the next meeting of the Citizens 7 Committee
was held, and the following business was transacted :

' ' Secretary Ware read letters in reply to invitations from Con-
gressman Russell, Hill, Henry and Sperry, Senators Hawley and!
Piatt, and Governor Coffin, Lieut. Gov. Cooke and Samuel Fessenden
signifying their intention of being present. A letter was also read
from the Secretary of the Navy, stating that if one or more war ships
were available they would be ordei'ed to New London to unite in the
celebration. Communications accepting invitations were read from
Major Calef, commandant at Fort Trumbull, First and Second com-]
panies of Governor's Foot Guards, the Putnam Phalanx, aud from-.
Grand Master AVelsh of the Grand Lodge of Masons, who will lay
the corner stone of the Winthrop Monument.

"It has been arranged for the Masonic bodies to parade in the
morning instead of the afternoon, and act as an escort to the Grand
Lodge and participate in the ceremony of the laying of the corner stone.
These exercises will begin at 10 o'clock in the morning, and consist
of prayer by Rev. J. W. Bixler, historical address by Rev. Dr.
Blake, laying of the cornerstone, closing prayer by Rev. Dr. Grint,
singing by school children and music by the Third Regiment band.

"The dedication of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument will take
place at 2 o'clock, (the hour was afterwards changed to the original
hour, 11 o'clock). Sebastian D. Lawrence will formally present
the monument to the city and Mayor Johnston will accept it. < ien-
eral Joseph R. Hawley is to be invited to speak for the Army, and
Rev. Dr. George Williamson Smith, president of Trinity College,
Hartford, for the Navy.

"The question of a site for the proposed statue to John Winthrop,
Jr., occasioned considerable debate, some favoring the Memorial
Park, others Bulkeley Square, and the first Burying Ground. Re-
marks were made by Frederic S. Newcomb, John McGinley, Ben-
jamin Stark, F. W. Farnsworth, William A. Holt, P. Hall Shurts,
Peter Dorsey, C. J. Hewitt, B. F. Mahan, Ernest E. Rogers,

199

jSlisha V. Paboll. Mayor Johnston and A. II. Chappell. It was
finally voted that an informal ballol be taken on the question, and
iBSulted as follows :

Bulkeley Square 13

Memorial Park 8

First Burying Ground 4

Total 25

"The vote was then made formal and unanimous and the site was
adopted. It is the triangular plot on Bulkeley Square between the
schoolhouse and Hempstead street.

"The following vote was unanimously adopted: Voted, That this
committee hereby respectfully petition the honorable Court of Com-
nieii ( Jouncil to dedicate such portion of the land as may be necessary
for the site for a monument to John Winthrop, Jr., on Bulkeley
Square, to that purpose, and place the same under the control of
the Park Commissioners.

"C. J. Hewitt reported that the Common Council committee had
apportioned $100 towards the decorations, to include the city hall,
30urthonse and exterior of the armory, and $100 towards paying for
the engraved invitations. Messrs Hewitt and Tinker were chosen
to consult with Mr. Pendleton, chairman, relative to the decorations.

"Mr. Chappell reported that the railroad companies had submitted
scales of reduced rates, and that interested organizations could con-
sult them.

"Mr. Ware announced that John Salter& Son had offered to furnish
;he corner stone and foundation for the Winthrop monument and
o supply the necessary men and utensils at the corner-stone cere-
nony. The offer was thankfully accepted.' 7 *

All was now ready, and when the day arrived the projected pro-
grams were carried out as will be seen.

* From Secretary Ware's report.

200

II.
REPLIES TO INVITATIONS.

President Cleveland's Regrets.

Executive Mansion, Washington.

The President regrets his inability to accept the courteous invitation of
the City of New London to be present at the two hundred and fiftieth anni-
versary of the founding of the city, Tuesday evening, May the fifth, and Wed-
nesday, May the sixth, 1896.

Thursday, April the twenty-second.

Governor Coffin's Replies.

State of Connecticut,

Executive Depaktment.

Hartford, Feb. 7th, 1896.

Hon. A. H. Chappell, Prest. N. L. Board of Trade, New London, Conn.:

My Dear Sir : — Yours of the 5th inst. is here, and I beg that you accept my
cordial thanks for your kind invitation. I have noted the dates, May 5th and
6th, and shall certainly use my best endeavors to be with you on one or the
other of the days mentioned.

Desiring to be very kindly remembered to the members of your household,
I am, sincerely yours, O. VINCENT COFFIN.

State of Connecticut.

Executive Department,

Hartford, March 16th, 1896.
Hon. A. H. Chappell, Ne o London, Conn.:

Dear Sir : — In further response to your kind favor of recent date, Governor
Coffin instructs me to say, that as matters now appear, it will be in his plans to
try to be in New London on May 6th, accompanied by members of the staff.
Nothing, save some important and now unforseen obstacle, will be allowed to
interfere with this arrangement and the Governor anticipates with much pleas-
ure the visit to your city. Yours truly, FRANK D. HAINES,

Executive Secretary, ftlf

201

Lieutenant-Governor Cooke's Acceptance.

West Winsted, April 17th, 1896.
Hon. James P. Johnston, Mayor of New London, Alfred If. Cfiappelland Uhas. Au-
gustus Williams :

Replying to your kind invitation to attend the celebration in your city on
Tuesday May 5th, I will say that unless some unforseen reason intervenes, it
will give me pleasure to avail myself of your kindness and be present on that
interesting occasion. Very sincerely yours, LORRIN A. COOKE.

General Hawley's Acceptance.

U. S. Senate Chamber,

Washington, D. C, April 17, 189G.
Dear Sir : — I have accepted an invitation from the Board of Trade and one
from the Grand Army Post" of the city to attend the celebration of May 5th
and fith.

My clerk calls my attention to the formal card of the City Government,
I am mortified to find that it has been overlooked.

I accept with pride and pleasure the invitation of the City of Mew London
to be present at the celebration of the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of
its foundation. Very respectfully, JOS. R. HAWLEY.

To His Honor Mayor Johnston, New London, Conn.

ieneral Ilawley was invited bv the City Government, by the Board of Trade and by the G.

A. R. Tost.

Senator Piatt's Acceptance.

Washington, D. C, April 14th. 1896.
Won. -lames P. Johnston, New London, Conn:

My Dear Sir : — Replying to the formal invitation of the City of New London
;o attend the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the city,
Tuesday evening, May 5th, and Wednesday, May 6th, I desire to say that it will
jive me great pleasure to be present if possible. The only contingency which
nay occur to prevent my coming is the prospect that Congress may tit that time
De nearing an adjournment, in which case there are likely to be matters pending
Bee ting the interests of Connecticut to such an extent that it would be impos-
sible for me to leave here. Advising you thus of the difficulty which may arise,
! hope I shall be able to attend. Very truly yours, O. H. PLATT.

Representative Russell's Acceptance.

House of Representatives,

Washington, D. C, April 9, 1896.
Hon. James P. Johnston, Mayor, New London, Conn.:

My Dear Sir : — I have received formal invitation to attend the celebration
>f the 250th anniversary of the founding of your city on May 5th and 6th,
ind accept the same.

With appreciation of the remembrance and with personal regards to your-
elf and associates, I am, Yours truly, CHARLES A. RUSSELL.

202

Representative Hill's Regrets.

House of Representatives, U. S.

Washington, D. C, April 11th, 1896.
Honorable James P. Johnston, Mayor of New London, 67. :

Dear Sir:— I am in receipt of the courteous invitation from the City of
New London, to attend its two hundred and fiftieth anniversary.

I desire very much to accept it, but affairs have so arranged themselves
here that my time is beyond my control. The prospect now is for an adjourn-
ment from May 10th to May loth. Mr. Dingley announced to the caucus last
night the probability of such action.

You understand of course the rush of the closing days of a session and the
necessity for constant attendance.

Under the circumstances, as I cannot definitely accept, much as I regret it,
I must definitely decline.

Thanking you for the honor conferred upon me and wishing for you and
every citizen of New London a most happy and enjoyable celebration, I am,

Very truly yours, E. J. HILL, M C.

Admiral Ramsay's Regrets.

Department of the Navy,
Bureau of Navigation,

Washington, D. C.

Rear Admiral Ramsay regrets being unable to accept the invitation of the
City of New London to the celebration of the two hundred and fifthieth anni-
versary of the founding of the city, Tuesday evening May the fifth and Wed-
nesday May the sixth.

The Adjutant General's Reply.

State of Connecticut.

Adjutant-General's Office,

Middletown, April 27, 1896.
Hon. James P. Johnston :

Dear Sir : — Please accept my sincere thanks for kind invitation to attend
celebration of the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the
City of New London. I shall be pleased to be present on the 6th of May.

Very truly, CHARLES P. GRAHAM, Adjt. Gen.

Reply of the Mayor of Hartford.

Mayor's Office, City Hall,

Hartford, Conn., April 21, 1896.
Hon. James P. Johnston, Mayor of New London, (JL:

Dear Sir : — Your committee's invitation received. I intend to be present at
the celebration in your city May 6th, accompanying the Putnam Phalanx.

Yours truly, MILES B. PRESTON, Mayor.

203

Reply of Major Brown.

New Haven, Conn., April 11, 1896.
Mr. James P. Johnston, Mayor of the City of New London:

Mayor : — I be*g to acknowledge the receipt of the invitation to be presenl
at the 250th anniversary of the founding of your city. It will give me very
great pleasure as commandant of that old-time, honored organization known as
the Second Company Governor's Foot Guard, to accept.

We shall arrive on the morning of the 6th, and leave late on the night of
the same date. His Honor, the Mayor of New Haven, unless something now
Unknown prevents, will he with my command as our invited guest.

On behalf of my command I wish to say that we expect to be present with
full ranks, and shall do all we c in to assist in making the celebration one to be
remembered for many years to come.

Thanking you for your courtesy, I have the honor to remain,

Yours very truly, BENJ. E. BROWN, Major.

Reply of the Mayor of New Haven.

Executive Department,

Mayor's Office, City Hall,

New Haven, Conn., April 14th, 1896.

abn. James /'. Johnston, Mayor, New London, Conn:

Dear Sir :— With pleasure 1 hereby acknowledge receipt of the invitation
requesting my presence at the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the found-
ing of the City of New London, Tuesday evening, May 5th, and on Wednesday
the 6th, 1896.

I feel gratified at being thus honored, and desire to state that I have already
accepted an invitation to accompany the Second Company Governor's Foot
Guard as a guest, and will arrive with that honored organization, which leaves
here on steamer the night of the 5th, and arrives in time to participate in the
celebration of the 6th.

I assure your honor that it will afford me great pleasure to accept your kind
invitation to participate with you upon an occasion of so much importance, and
with thanks for your kind consideration, and with my best wishes, I remain,
Very respectfully, A. C. HENDRICK, Mayor.

Reply of the flayor of Willimantic.

City of Willimantic, Connecticut,

Mayor's Office, April 25, 1896.
Hon James P. Johnston:

Dear Sir : -Mayor Chappell accepts invitation to your celebration May 5th
md 6th. Respectfully, HERBERT R. CHAPPELL.

Mayor of the City of Willimantic.

204

Reply of the Mayor of Putman.

The City or Putnam, Office of Matob.

Putnam, Conn., April 25, 1896.
James P. Johnston, Esq. :

Dear Sir : — Your card extending an invitation to the anniversary of the*
founding of your city at hand. Please accept thanks for same. I shall be pleased
to attend if nothing happens to prevent. L. E. SMITH.

Reply of the Mayor of Heriden.

Mekiden, Conn., April 25, 1896.
Hon. James P. Johnston and others :

Gentlemen :— I accept your kind invitation to participate with you in thet
celebration of the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of tbe founding of the*
City of New London, on Wednesday, May the sixth.

Your city is to be congratulated upon its ancient and honorable record.

Yours truly, LEVI E. COE.

Reply of the flayor of Norwich.

Executive Department, Mayor's Office,

Norwich, Conn., April, 13, 1896.
Hon. James P. Johnston, Mayor :

My Dear Sir : — Your very kind invitation to be present upon the twoi
hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the founding of your city is just received. I;
It will give me great pleasure to accept the same.
I will report for duty Wednesday a. m. May 6th.
Hoping that it will prove a great success, I am with kind regards,

Yours truly, C. L. HARWOOD.

Regrets of the Mayor of Derby.

Derby, Conn., April 16, 1896.
Hon. James P. Johnston, Mayor, New London, Conn.:

Dear Sir :— I am in receipt of an invitation from your committee to be
present at the celebration of the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the
founding of the City of New London. I very much regret my inability to be
present on account of other engagements.

Congratulating you upon the event, and with best wishes for your continued'
prosperity and growth, I am,

Very truly yours, WM. C. ATWATER.

Regrets of the Mayor of Hiddletown.

MlDDLETOWN, CONNECTICUT.

Mayor's Office, Municipal Building, April 20th, 1896.
Hon. James P. Johnston :

Dear Sir : — It is with regret that I ara obliged to decline your kind invita-
tion to be present at the anniversary of your city. Thanking you, I am,

Very truly yours, SAMUEL EUSSELL.

205

Mr. Law's Reply.

New Yobk, April 30th, 1896.
To Hon- James P.Johnston, Alfred S. Chappell and Charles A. Williams, Esqrs.,

Committee :
Dear Sirs: — I beg to acknowledge receipt of your valued invitation to be
f present at the celebration of the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the
founding of New London. It will afford me much pleasure to attend, provided
I can arrange present engagements, as the intimate connection of my ances-
tors with the early growth and history of your city gives me a deep personal
interest in all that appertains to it. With heartiest congratulations, I remain,
Yours very truly, WILLIAM II. LAW.

Mr. Crarulall'.s Reply.

Law Office of S. Ashbel Crandall,

Notary Public,
Norwich, Conn., April loth, 1896.
Hon. James P. Johnston, et al. :

Gentlemen : — I accept with pleasure your invitation to be present at the
"two hundred and fiftieth anniversary" of the founding of the City of \< w
London. Very respectfully, S. A. CRANDALL.

nr. Corbin's Acceptance.

New Britain, Conn., April 13, 1896.
Hon. James P. Johnston, Xew London, Ct :

Dear Sir : — I acknowledge the receipt of your circular letter dated March
5th, extending an invitation to be present at the two hundred and fiftieth anni-
versary of the founding of the City of New Loudon.

I would state that it is my intention to be present on that occasion.

Yours very truly, GEO- W. CORBIN.

Mr. King's Reply.

Horatio C. King, Counselor at Law,
Brooklyn, N. Y., April 11th, 1896.
Hon. James P. Johnston, and others. Committee, JVeio London, Conn.:

Dear Sirs : — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your courteous
invitation to be present at the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the
founding of the City of New London, and to accept with pleasure. The very
pleasant recollection of the handsome reception of the Army of the Potomac,
and the agreeable summer passed with my family in your beautiful and hospit-
able city, make the invitation peculiarly agreeable to me.

Very truly yours, HORATIO C. KING.

206

The appended letter of regret was received by Mayor Johnston, May, 12,

1896:

Brooklyn, May 9th, 1896.
Hon. J. P. Johnston, Mayor of New London, Ct.:

My Dear Sir :— It is a little late to apologize for my non-appearance at New
London's festivities, but the pressure of business which kept me away has had
no let up until today, when I am permitted to breathe. This intervention was
a sore disappointment, for I wanted to look on your blooming city iu the 250th
year of its age, which possesses not only the secret of perennial youth, but that
greater secret of growing younger as it grows older, adding to its attractions
and making itself more agreeable than ever.

May New London live another 250 years and may we, transmogrified or
re-embodied or astralized, or whatever the subline theosophists call it, return
to witness the celebration and tell the inhabitants of that date how much better
we did things in 1896. Yours very truly, HORATIO C. KING.

Reply of Mr. Vance.

New Britain Herald,

New Britain, Conn., April 21, 1896.

Gentlemen :— Your invitation to assist in the celebration of the two hun-
dred and fiftieth anniversary of the birth of the City of New London is at hand.
Unless engagements intervene, of which I now have no knowledge, I will be
pleased to be with you. With many thanks for your kindness, I am,

Yours truly, R. J. VANCE.

To James P. Johnston et al. Committee.

General Cesnola's Reply.

Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Central Park,
Fifth Avenue and Eighty-Second Street.
Office of the Director. New York, April 9th, 1896.

To the Honorable James P. Johnston, Mayor of the City of New London, Ct :

Dear Sir: — I am requested by General di Cesnola to acknowledge the receipt
of the invitation to attend the celebration of the two hundred and fiftieth an-
niversary of the founding of the City of New London, which you so kindly
sent him, and to convey to you an expression of his thanks for the same.

The General adds that he has not forgotten the cordial reception he received
by you and your colleagues when he visited your city with the Society of the
Army of the Potomac, and he will find much pleasure in accepting your kind
invitation, if his duties will permit him to be present.

Very truly yours, H. A. PARRY,

Private Secretary,

207

Mr. Gordon's Reply.

Fisher's Island, N. Y. , April 21st, 1896.
Tv the Hon. J<ts. /'. Jul,,, slim. Mayor, Mr. Alfred 11. Chappell, Prest. Board of
Trade, Mr. Chas. Augustus Williams, Prest. New London County Historical
Society. New London, Ci.:
Dear Sirs : - I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your kind invi-
tation tor the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the founding of Cue City
of New London, for which please accept my thanks, with the assurance that it
will give me great pleasure to be present at the celebration.

Very respectfully, CHAS. H. GORDON.

Reply of the Mohegans.

Norwich, Conn. , April 20, 1896.
Mr. Ernest E. Rogers :

Dear Sir : — Your letter of the 17th received. In reply I would say that I
will do all I can to get as large a company of the "descendants" as possible.
My uncle, Mr. Lemuel Fielding, told me last Friday that he was going down to
Mohegan yesterday to talk with them at the church. I have not seen him since>
but will tell him to send you the list as soon as he possibly can.

I remain, yours respectfully, J. L. HARRIS.

Norwich, Conn., April 23, 1896.
Dear Sir : — I write in answer to your letter. I have done the best of my
ability to encourage the men to parade. But of course, some of them had ex-
cuses and some did not. A few have not decided as yet, but I will send you
the ones that will be on hand.

Yours sincerely, LEMUEL W. FIELDING.

A list of those who actually came appears later in this volume.

208

III.
PRELIMINARIES.

A complete history of the celebration of New London's Natal Day
cannot be written without including certain preliminaries as to the
Soldiers' Monument, the location of a site for the Winthrop Monu-
ment, General Orders, etc.

THE SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' MONUMENT.

Not till thirty-two years after the smoke of civil strife cleared
away, and the noise of battle had ceased, did New London have a i
suitable monument to commemorate the heroism of the men who
fought in defence of their country. The old adage that the patient
waiter is no loser, seems to find a justification in the shapely and I
beautiful shaft which stands. on the Parade, on the site of New Lon-
don's first fortification ; for none finer can be found in any city of I
the size of our own. It not only commemorates the heroism of the
men who sprang to their country's defence and beat back the wave
of rebellion which threatened. to engulf it, but also the bravery and
self-sacrifice ' ' of those brave souls who composed the two companies
of New London men who marched to Boston on June 17, 1775, under
command of Captains William Coit and James Chapman, and there
with 'the embattled farmers', from behind the rail fence and the
new mown hay, fought the good fight on Bunker Hill," and of the •
men who, in 1812, a second time took the field to drive back the
forces and resist the aggressions of England.

This lack of a suitable monument to commemorate the deeds of !
the brave defenders of our country, whom New London had fur-
nished, was the theme of frequent remark on public occasions.
Naturally enough it was the ambition and laudable desire of the G.

209

A. R. Post to see one erected, and they spared no efforl nor influence
to bring about this desired object. Bui no progress was made be-
yond eloquenl and patriotic speeches and vigorous resolutions, until

L892, when one of our public spirited citizens quietly deposited a
sum of money as the beginning of a fund for the purpose.

On the 22nd of October, L895, the .Mayor received a communi-
cation from Mr. Sebastian I). Lawrence, stating that he was aboul
to present a soldiers' monument to the city, and tliat the work was
already advanced. Upon this, the gentleman firsl named withdrew
his proposals and cancelled all plans, for the thing lie had in mind
was now to be accomplished. The gentleman referred to is the Hon.
George F. Tinker.

Mr. Lawrence, and his brother, Mr. Prank Lawrence, before the
latter's death, had often talked together about a soldier's monument .
While Mr. Prank Lawrence was on his death-bed, he requested of
his brother that the matter should be deferred no longer. In due
tune, therefore, the plans were all perfected, and the time was ripe
for making them public ; which was done to the Court of Common
Council at a special meeting, October 2d, L895, ;l s follows :

Mayor Johnston introduced the subject by reading the following

letter :

New London, October 22, 1895.

Hon. James P. Johnston, Mayor, of New London, Conn :

Dear Sir : — I have in contemplation erecting a soldiers' monument to pre.
sent to the city. My views of location are. the Parade, ou the part of the land
where the old fort stood ; the space required about 32x2S feet; the monument
to be 50 feet high and cost $20,000. If you think favorably of the location, will
you take proper action to secure the consent of the city? The monument
could probably be completed by Decoration Day, May 30th.

Yours respectfully, SEBASTIAN D. LAWKE\"< IE.

Mayor Johnston then addressed the Council as follows :
Honorable Gentlemen oj the Court oj Common Council:

When the Society of the Army of the Potomoc visited our city
in June last, I was truly sorry that we did not have a soldiers' monu-
ment. Nearly every other city in this broad land has, long before
this, erected a monument to those brave men who went forth at the
call of their country to defend the old llae;. New London's bravest
and best went forth, some of them never to return, many of them lie
sleeping on the hillsides and in the valleys of the south. It is tit-

210

ting that a monument should be erected to their memory, that our
children may be taught to revere the memory of the brave men who
laid down their lives for their country. At our last council meeting
I recommended that before another year should pass, our citizens
should be asked to take hold of this matter. Little did I think that
one of our honored and most valued citizens would come forward so.
nobly and offer to erect, at his own expense, such a monument.
Honor to our esteemed fellow townsman, Sebastian D. Lawrence,'
who so generously offers this magnificent gift to our city to perpet-
uate the memory of our brave soldiers and sailors.

At the conclusion of the Mayor's address the following votes were
read by Clei'k Colfax :

Noted, That this Court of Common Council has heard with profound gratifica-
tion the communication of Mr. Sebastian D. Lawrence to his honor, the Mayor,
expressing his intention to erect a soldiers' and sailors' monument at some'
suitable place upon the Parade near the site of the old fort, provided the con-
sent of the city can be obtained for that purpose.

Voted, That this Court of Common Council, in the name of and on behalf of
the city, accepts the offer of Mr. Lawrence and extends to him the grateful
thanks of the citizens of New London for his munificient gift.

Voted, That Aldermen Bentley, Darrow, Councilmen Gardner and Crocker,
be, and they are hereby appointed, a committee of this council to confer with
Mr. Lawrence as to details and to co-operate with him in carrying out his plans ;
and that said committee be instructed to consult with the corporation council
as to the legal steps necessary to secure the site for the purpose, and to report,
from time to time, to the Court of Common Council their action in the premises.

At the regular monthly meeting of the Council, Monday, Novem-
ber 4th, the following was unanimously adopted :

Voted, That the space near the foot of State street, commonly known as the
Parade, hereinafter described, be laid out, curbed and enclosed, and dedicated
as a public place or park for the erection of a monument generously offered by
Mr. Sebastian D. Lawrence to the city, in memory of the soldiers and sailors of
New London who died for their country ; and that so much of the public high-
way as is contained in the following description be, and the same is hereby,
discontinued and set apart for the purjjose above specified and for the park in
connection with the same.

The portion of said highway so discontinued and dedicated is as follows :

Beginning at a point in the Parade, or State street, (formerly known as

Market square), which point is fifty-six and forty-two hundredths feet northtast

of the northeast corner of the water table of the Stafford building, wbich is on

the southwest corner of State and Bank streets, and sixty and seven-tenths feet

211

northwest of the mere stone at the southwest corner of State and Bank streets
and thence running easterly thirty-two and one-half feet to a point seventy-
seven and six-tenths feet northeast of the northeast corner of said Stafford
building and fifty-seven and sixty-live hundredths feet from said mere stone ;
thence deflecting seven degrees forty-three minutes to the left and running
sixty-one and thirty-two hundredths feet ; and thence deflecting one hundred
and ninety-live degrees twenty-six minutes to the left and running eighty-one
and nine-tenths feet by the arc of a circle with a radius of twenty-four feet ;
thence running by the tangent of said circle sixty-one and thirty-two hund-
redths feet ; to a point thirty feet and eight inches Erom the second point in
this description ; thence deflecting seven degrees forty-three minutes to the
Bght and running thirty-two and one-half feet paralled to the first described
line ; thence deflecting ninety degrees to the left and running thirty feet eight
inches to the point of beginning.

" The annua] meeting of William \Y. Perkins Posl , No. 47. ( J. A.
R.. was held Thursday evening, December L2th, L895, and the com-
mittee appointed to prepare resolutions of appreciation to Sebastian
D. Lawrence for his munificient gift of a soldiers' and sailors' monu :
moiit to the city of New London, made report and submitted the
result of their work, which was of a most gratifying character. The
^resolutions are beautifully and appropriately engrossed and are
a most creditable piece of work, bearing the imprint of the New
London Business College. The Grand Army badge, inexacl resem-
blance of the genuine article, even as to size and color, is in the top
centre, and there is just enough coloring in the work to make it ap-
pear rich and tasty. It is encased in an elegant heavy gilt frame
and was presented to Mr. Lawrence December loth. The resolu-
tions read as follows : "'

W. W. Perkins Post, No. 47, Department of Connecticut,
New London, Connecticut.
Believing that every act emenating from respect to those who risked their
lives to maintain the integrity of this nation should he recognized, the William
W. Perkins Post, No. 47, Department of Connecticut, G. A. E,., begs to tender
its expression to him whose liberality has t;iven to the City of New London a
monument which shall, for all time, be a fitting tribute to the memory of the
soldiers and sailors who participated in the preservation of the Union. There-
fore,

Resolved, That W. W. Perkins Post. No. 17. Department nt' Connecticut, Gr.
A. K., does hereby extend to the donor, S tbastian I>. Lawrence, Esq., a heart-
felt gratitude and thanks of tin- entire body for the esteem, consideration and
generousness manifested by so noble a gift, and

Reso ved, That a copy of these resolutions, suitabl; I. be presented

to him. IIk/kki ui B. Sw )

Thomas W. Gardner, - Committee.
Benjamin M. < Iarroll. )
Dated at New London, Conn., this 14th day of November, 1895.

212

Ground was broken for the foundation of the monument October i
31, 1895, and the finishing touches were put upon it the week be-
fore the celebration. It was built by the Smith Granite Company I
of Westerly, R. I. The Telegraph of the sixth of May, 1896, said;!
the following about the monument, which we quote :

To have a soldiers' monument has been one of the standing desires of the
town, and it might still be standing if it were not for the generosity of an:
honorable son, Sebastian D. Lawrence, whose munificent and patriotic gift
has made possible the grand memorial. Today and tomorrow it will stand, a
nobly beautiful testimonial, a thing of beauty and exquisite joy to New London
hearts.

The monument is 18 feet 6 inches by 13 feet 6 inches at the base, and 50 feet
3 inches high. All rock face stones are of "Westerly granite, while all cut,
carved and polished stones are from blue Westerly granite.

The first base is 13 feet 6 inches on the square, with a projection of 2 feet 6(
inches on the two sides. This projection is carried up through the pedestal of
the monument, and forms the base on which the statues at either side of the
shaft are placed.

The first, second and third bases are made of red granite and are finished
rock face. Above these are two fine hammered bases, made from blue granite,
on which rests the die. The die is made of blue Westerly granite, on the four
Bides of which appear polished panels, with the dedications. On this stone is
also carved in high relief emblems representing the branches of the service.
Above this is the cap, which is 11 feet 2 inches by 6 feet 2 inches, made from
red granite. Above this is a plinth of blue granite, on which are forty-five
raised and polished stars, representing the forty-five states in the union.

From this rises the shaft, made of alternate courses of blue and red granite.
The blue courses are all fine hammered, and the red is all rock face.

At the top there is a granite ball 3 feet in diameter, on which stands the sur-
mounting feature of the monument, a heroic statue of Peace, 9 feet high.

The statues at either side of the shaft represent the Army and the Navy.
The army is represented by an infantry soldier standing at parade rest. The
navy is represented by a sailor and marine emblems. These statues are 7 feet
high. The monument is set in an enclosure, which, on account of its position
and grade, is elevated. The front of the monument is approached by a flight
of three steps, while the rear has five steps.

At the corners of the enclosure, in the centre on either side, and on each side
of the entrance, there are granite posts (ten in all) surmounted with polished
granite balls. Between these posts, and forming the border of the enclosure,
is a granite coping, above which is a bronze rail. Inside this coping, between
it and the base of the monument, the space is filled in with granolithic pave
ment. The posts at the corners are furnished with fenders to protect them
from damage by carriage wheels.

The lower section of the shaft has on its front face a double shield of alumi-
num bronze, with the seals of the State of Connecticut and City of New London.
On the reverse face is one of the United States.

213

The inscription on the shaft on the south Bide, over the statue of the sailor
ami going upwards, are names of ships upon which New Londoners served, as
follows : " Defense, Trumbull, Constitution, Chesapeake. Hartford, Kearsarge."

The inscriptions on the shaft on the north or soldiers' side, arc : •• Hunker
Hill, Groton, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Tort Hudson, Gettysburg."

The dedication on the front of the die is : " Presented to Their Native Citj
by the Sons of Joseph Lawrence, May 6th, ls'-lfi."

On the south side is the motto of the brave commander of the Chesapeake :
"Dout Give Up the Ship."

On the north side is inscribed : " Erected by Sebastian D. Lawrence."

On the east side the inscription reads : "In Memory of New London's Soldiers

and Sailors Who Fought in Defence of Their Country. Erected ou the site of

Her First Fort. Fortified in 1691. Dismantled in 1777."

The monument speaks for itself. It will lie a thing of beauty
while the world stands. Its location is fitting and conspicuous. It
will be the first thing to attract the eye of the visitor who comes to
j our city by rail, or lands at her docks. It will be a pleasant intro-
I duction, sure to produce pleasing impressions as one steps on the
| threshold of our town. It is not necessary to say whether it is more
| beautiful than others. It is. in itself, an ornament to our city of

which everyone should be proud,
i The present generation knows Mr. Lawrence. For the benelit of
; generations to come who will read these pages, we quote what The
Duff and The Telegraph said of him. The former said : —

Sebastian D. Lawrence is a native of New Londou and here has his life been
speDt. For a number of years Mr. Lawrence engaged in the whaliug business
with his father and later with his brother, the late Francis W. Lawrence, and
the late Sidney Miner. When Mr. Miner retired from the firm the two brothers
carried ou the old established business under the firm name of Lawrence & Co.,
and they were remarkably successful in all their ventures on the sea and no
less so in the investment of their means in various enterprises for the develop-
ment of the country.

Mr. Lawrence is a man of imposing appearance, genial and courteous in his
intercourse with men and interested in all that concerns his fellow men. He
is strong in frame and though he has passed three score and ten his form is
erect and his step firm and quick as ever.

The Telegraph said: It is hard to convey now the real pleasure and thanks
of New London to Mr. Lawrence. It is well to remember that the donor is one
who has seen New London attain its highest progress in this century and in
whose blood mingles good old New England stock with the art-worshipping

214

strain of Italy. Mr. Joseph Lawrence was born in Venice, " the Bride of the;
Sea, the Queen of the Adriatic." Adventurous and ambitious, at an age when,
boys are being petted and indulged he was at Savannah, Georgia, which he left
for New London, where he made the nucleus for the fortune which made himi
one of the foremost merchants of the early '20s in the wholesale grocery andil
ship-handling business on John street. He had at the time of his coming quitet ;
a considerable fortune, though just in his majority. Soon after his settling in|
New London, he married Miss Nancy Woodward Brown, daughter of Jeremiah
Brown, a respected and wealthy farmer at Goshen Point, and the young pairi
after some years took up their abode in the great double house on Bradley-;
street, once known as the Packwood house, occupied by Mrs. Merrill for many
years, and more than 200 years old. It was a beautiful dwelling, with finely.)
decorated and spacious apartments, one of the finest in the city. At that time,
and long after, Bradley street, Douglas and John were occupied by the very
best families, including that of the Barns also associated with the industries of »
New London.

Mr. Lawrence turned his attention to whaling with such success that when he
retired from business in 1852 he left to his two sons, Francis and Sebastian, a
business which made them one of the wealthiest firms in the State. He had<
three sons grown to maahood, Joseph, who had his father's spirit for early;
endeavor and was captain of a Liverpool packet at 21, and the two who are soi
intimately associated with New London. Mr. Joseph Lawrence died in 1872 ;
his wife who was an invalid for years soon followed him. Captain Joseph, the
eldest of the brothers, died in 1894. Francis W., July 28, 1895.

THE WINTHROP MONUMENT.

One of the leading questions relative to this monument was, where
shall it stand ? Public opinion was divided between four locations ; j
the town's Antientest Burying Ground, the old Town Square, the
New Park, and some spot in front of the old Courthouse. The final
selection of the old Town Square was reached by various steps, not
the least among which was the following expressions, gathered by
The Day, which we quote : —

The feature of the natal day celebration of May 6th, second only to the dedi-
cation of the monument to the soldiers and sailors, will be the ceremony of
laying the corner-stone of the monument to the memory of the founder, John
Winthrop, the younger. The momentous question to decide, and one that re-
quires thought, is the location of the monument. Following are the preferences
on the question of location of a monument, of our citizens :

A Substantial Opinion.
Augustus Brandegee — The proper location of a public statue depends largely
upon the associations which it involves, and somewhat upon the character of
the statue itself. There would seem to be an impropriety in selecting a site)

215

1 tin Antientest Burying ground. That was sot apart for the burial of the
lead, and in quaint language, its original dedication was "not to be impro-
Iriated for any other purpose."

' If funds sufficient for a large statue of heroic size can be collected, I think

tie high knoll in the park on Broad street, overlooking the harbor and the

jiwn, would be, by far, the most appropriate situation for its location, lint a

mall statue there would look insignificant, and form an unpleasing contrast to

:ie magnificent view, ami the spacious surroundings. A fitting memorial of

o great founder of our city ami in harmony with that site would cost pro-

.lilv some $15,000 or $18,000. If such a sum cannot lie raised or pledged m

lv;tn«-e I should think the little triangular space just south of the site of the

itientest Meeting House would be as appropriate a spot as could lie selected.

It was lure that the forefathers of the hamlet fust laid the foundation of

ur beautiful city in praise to the Almighty. It was lure that Winthrop him-

elf must have often stood looking forth upon our Faire Harbour and down

pon the Old .Mill, the cove and the strip of land which still bears his name.

'here is probably no spot which gathers around it so many historic associa-

ions. unless it be that where the Winthrop school is now located.

but a school yard would hardly seem to be an appropriate place lor the erec-
tion of a public statue. The Winthrop schoolhouse itself will stand for all
finie as a lasting monument to the great man whose name it bears. Any other
t that place would detract from, rather than add to the historic associations.
think the open space in front of the courthouse known as Court square would
)6 a highly desirable site. It would perhaps be the most conspicuous of any
hat has been suggested, and a monument there would be in harmonious keep-
ng with that ancient Colonial structure, which our citizens have decided is
till young enough for a temple of justice, and yet too old to go to Norwich.
; am heartily in favor of an appropriate statue, wherever it may be located, to
sommemorate the character and virtues of John Winthrop and 1 will contribute
500 to start a popular subscription for that purpose, provided a sum not less
dian ss,000 can be raised within three years, to provide such a memorial as
.hall be at once a credit to our city and a worthy testimonial to its founder.

The New Park.

Walter Learned — I assume that there are three places under consideration.
■?irst, the old burying ground ; second, the new park that we owe to the public
ipirited generosity of ('. A. Williams, and third, a situation near the Bulkeley
pchoolhouse. I throw out of consideration the old burying ground, believing
,vs I do that the influence of the soci< ty of the Sons of the American Revolution
and that of the Daughters of the American lb volution, still more potent in its

effects, will succeed in presei ving intact this valuable morial of the founders

! >f our town. Concerning the other two sites suggested, I should prefer the new
park it tlo memorial to Winthrop is to be of sufficient dignity to warrant us in
ilacing it then-. I can think of nothing more admirable than a bronze statue of
Winthrop plac< d on the summit where In- used off n to stand, and looking out
toward the island which was once hi- possession. To build such a memorial

216

as I have in mind would cost, I fancy, somewhere in the neighborhood of $20,
000. I should not care to place in this park any monument which would be
dwarfed by the magnificent proportions of the park itself. And should some-
thing less expensive, and therefore less stately, be necessary, I should prefer
for its site the third of those that I have mentioned.

First Burial Ground

Newton Fuller — Some of the leading features of beauty, and picturesque at-t
tractiveness of New London, are the many crests and summits, which mark]
her pleasant landscapes, with outlooks seaward and otherwise, to an extenti
seldom found elsewhere.

Many of these culminating points possess a historic interest, which add to I
their beauty, sacred memories, and historic exploits ; thus giving a patriotic
inspiration to the soul, while at the same time the eye rests upon the picturr
esque exhibits of nature and art spread out before the beholder.

Among these over-topping landscapes is the ancient First burial ground set
apart for sepulchral purposes by the original settlers of New London. Thus iti
has a historic interest with John Winthrop and his associates, by them conse-
crated to its hallowed purposes, and continued through intervening generations
to the present.

This beautiful ground stands pre-eminently the memorial ground of the
father and founder of this city. So let it ever remain ! And niay the united
voice of New London's patriotic citizens say Amen !

Let this sacred ground be now crowned with a new and lasting memento of
those, who under God, toiled for and committed to us, the heritage of free in-.
stitutions and ennobled American citizenship.

Let the statue of Gov. John Winthrop stand among his associates and co-
laborers, and let the ground consecrated by them become more fully a speak-
ing memorial of the reciprocated love of the fathers and their children.

A Commanding Position.

George F. Tinker — Of the three locations talked of, viz. : Eulkeley Square, I
the First burying ground, or the park at the corner of Broad and Hempstead i
streets, the latter in my judgment is the most commanding; the most approach-
able and the most central.

One of the main arteries of the city will probably always run immediately
past this newly made park. It is for this reason, therefore, that more people,
without going out of their way, would obtain a view of such a structure, lo-
cated at, or near, the highest point in the park, than at either of the two >|
other sites. Moreover, if there is one thing more than another, the inhabi-
tants of this ancient town are proud of, it is its beautiful and commodious
harbor. A monument erected at this point would command a full and clear
view of the mouth of the Thames. Another reason, it seems to me, is : That'
this former burying ground has so recently been transformed, graded and
beautified, by the munificence of one of our most generous, public spirited
and honored citizens, it is only waiting, in its perfect condition, to bear upon
its bosom such an honored distinction as a monument to such a name would
bring.

217

On Hallowed Ground.
C. J. Hewitt— At the proposed celebration of the 250th anniversary of the
1 natal day of New London — which is fco take place on the fith ot May next — one
of the principal features of the program is to be the laying of th<- corner stone
of a monument to perpetuate the memory of the noble founder of th>' town,
John Winthrop, the younger. It is an object most worthy in its conception and
for its fulfilment we will trust the noble sentiment of our citizens.

The only cause for difference in opinion is as to its location. Some place
' held sacred by him and with which he was intimately acquainted ought to b<
, selected and thus honored for its early memories. What more fitting place
I could be found than that where still lies all that was earthly of those that were
[contemporaneous with him? Such a place is that hallowed ground when he
f expected to be laid and where yet lies the remains of some of his descendants.
There, with ancient monuments all around bearing the names of those he
1 loved so well, a monument to him would stand out as he stood, prominent
; among them and yet as a defender to their resting place, for who would then
; dare to raise a hand against it ? There it could stand safe from danger and the
; busy traffic of our streets, and yet in such a commanding position as to add
distinction to all surroundings.

Where All Could See It.
A. H. Chappell -I prefer the oval in Bulkeley place near Hempstead street,
I to all other localities, for the proposed Winthrop monument Such spaces in
our streets are rare and this one, it seems to me, is best suited for this purpose.
Not large enough for even a small park, this space would be amply large for an
oval enclosure, which would beautify the entire square, and furnish an ade-
quate plot for the monument itself. Ample space would be left in the streets
to drive about it on every side, and the elevation above Hempstead street is
sufficient to add dignity to the appearance of a statue placed there, facing east
or northeast.

Historically, it seems a very desirable location to me. The square was the
; center of the life of New London, in the days of Winthrop ; the site of the
, original church ; the place where Winthrop worshipped, and close by the holy
ground where most of his contemporaries now rest.

The whole neighborhood is sanctified by these associations : the first Puritan
church of our ancestors, and the sacred place of their burial. There, I believe
— could John Winthrop speak today — he would wish his bronze presentment to
stand, looking eastward over the faire harbour, and the beautiful river Mohe-
gan, close by the spot where he came constantly to worship God, and the field
where his friends and compatriots are sleeping the sleep of the just.

Kev. Dr. Grint's Opinion.
Rev. A. P, Grint, Ph. D— Replying to your question, lam emphatically of the
opinion that the Winthrop monument should be placed in the old burying
ground by the Bulkeley school. The preseDt generation has no desire to dese-
crate this sacred spot, but coming generations may think otherwise. This old

218

whaling towD, with its superb natural advantages, is bound to grow, and it re-
quires no prophetic vision to say that the growth will take place in the immediate
future. Then there will be a demand to convert this old burying ground to some
"practical " use, and the utilitarians may carry the day. But such a demand
will not succeed if a monument to Winthrop stands thereon. Therefore, X
hope that the old burying ground will be chosen as the site for the monument
about to be erected to the memory of the old governor. These are briefly my
reasons for this opinion — more weighty reasons could be given. Permit me,
also, to add that the desecration of the old burial ground of Trinity church,
New York, at the head of Wall street, has been prevented by just such a monu-
ment as urged in this opinion.

Where Old Church Stood.

Reuben Lord, Jr., — On the town plot where the old church stood, and not
in the First burying ground, for the reason that a monument placed in the First
burying ground would keep that spot forever for a graveyard, while it ought to
be used for a school lot, or be leveled for a park, like the Second burying
ground.

Various Opinions.

Thomas M. Waller — -In front of the Courthouse, the Soldiers' and Sailors
monument at one end of the principal street, the Winthrop statute at the other.
Edward T. Brown— The new park.
Dr. John G. Stanton — The new park.
James F. Smith — The First burying ground.
Elisha V. Daboll — The First burying ground.
George T. Crofton — The new park.
Charles Prentis— The new park.
Thomas Hamilton — The First burying ground.
Jonathan N. Harris — The Winthrop school lot.
William H. Rowe — The Winthrop school lot.
Herbert L. Crandall — The town plot, Bulkeley square.
Frank E. Barker — The Winthrop school lot or the First burying ground.
Edward H. Wheeler —The new park or the town plot.
Charles W. Strickland— The town plot.
Frank W. Dow — The town plot.
David E. Whiton — The new park.
Lucius E. Whiton — The new park.
Hadlai A. Hull — The First burying ground.
W. F. M. Rogers — The First burying ground.
Cortland S. Harris — The First burying ground.
George E. Starr — The new park.
Charles Barns — The First burying ground.
R. C. Morris — The First burying ground.

219

Clayton B. Smith — The First burying ground.

Frederic S. Newcomb — The First burial ground or the town plot.

William II. Bentley— The town plot.

Edward T. Brown — The town plot or the Winthrop school lot.

William M. Stark— The town plot.

Cortland S. Diii-row— The First burying ground.

Henry It. Bond The town plot.

A. Lincoln Dean — The Winthrop school lot or the First burying ground.

Samuel Park— The First burying ground, on the crest of the bill along the
line of the Pleasant street wall.

William B. Coit— The town plot.

Charles W. Butler — The First burying ground, provided there is a space for
the monument without disturbing any of the graves.

F. H. Parmelee — The First burying ground.

William Belcher— The new park.

Charles B. Ware— The town plot.

William II. Burbeck —The new park or the First burying ground.

Harry J. Savage — The new park.

John Bishop -The First burying ground for sentiment, the new park for
Sightliness.

Benjamin M. Carroll — The town plot.

George Marshall— The new park,

C. C Lippitt -The First burying ground.

A. Clark Lippitt — Town plot.

Peleg Williams — First burying ground.

Philip C. Dunford — If not on Winthrop property, the next best place is the
First burying ground.

P. Hall Shurts — On the triangular space between Bulkeley school and Hemp-
stead street. It's an ideal spot and would commemorate the site of the old
jhurch. The spot is now neglected and of no benefit.

N. Shaw Pel-Kins — At the confluence of State, Broad and Huntington streets.

W. 11. Perry — Confluence st;it j . Broad and Huntington streets.

Fitch L. Comstock — Broad, State and Huntington streets.

Thomas McGuire — First Burying ground.

M. J. Roche— Town plot.

William H. H. Crocker— First burying ground.

lapt. William E. Withey-Town plot.

Henry H. Stoddard — Town plot.

George Haven — Town plot.

Mayor James P. Johnston — New park.

J. Lawrence Chew — The new park.

Rev. S. Leroy Blake, D. D. — New park.

Carey Congdon — Post Bill park.

Elisha Turner — New park.

Walter 11. Richards — First burying ground.

Dr. F. N. Braman — New park.

220

Benjamin A. Armstrong — New park.

Fitch D. Crandall— Town plot.

William S. Starr — First burying ground.

Judge Ralph Wheeler — New park.

George R. Sweeney — Town plot.

George T. Brown — New park.

Joseph C- Comstock — New park.

Andrew Maher — New park.

William A- Holt— First burying ground.

Dr. George S. Morgan — Town plot, or new park, to be governed by the size !
of the statue.

C. A. Williams — First burying ground.

Thomas W. Williams — First burying ground.

Thomas W. Potter — The new park.

Ronald Mussell — Upper end of new park.

Sebastian D. Lawrence — First burying ground.

Eben Avery — The new park.

Amos B. Lanphere — Confluence of State, Broad and Huntington, or the new
park.

Bryan F. Mahan — The town plot.

A. J. Beckwith — First burying ground.

George W. Thomas — Confluence Broad, State and Huntington streets,

These opinions were taken as gentlemen were met on the street, and therefore
may be taken to fairly represent the sentiment of the town upon this impor-
tant subject.

When the Citizens' Committee met for a final decision, the old
Town Square, as we have seen, was chosen by them as the site for
the proposed monument. This was the site of the old meeting-house
and its successors till 1785. It was the spot where the town busi
ness was transacted. It was the center of the town in its earliest (
days. . The location chosen is a most appropriate one.

GENERAL ORDERS, OFFICIAL PROGRAMME, INVITATION.

The exercises of May 5th and 6th were planned and carried out
according to the following Official Programme, which was adopted
by the Citizens' Committee, who had these matters in charge. It
is given here as an important part of the history of the occasion.

221

1646. Official Programme. "1896.

Mat 5th. 1896.
Evening meeting, at the Armory of the Third Regiment, Connecticut National
Guard.
Concert — 7.30 to 8 o'clock — Third Regiment Band — E. L. Bailey, conductor.
The meeting will be called to order at 8 o'clock, and presided over by His
Honor, James P. Johnston, Mayor of New London.

Prayer by Rev. John R. Stubbert, pastor of the Huntington Street Baptist

Church.

Music — Star Spangled Banner — Choir of 400 Schoolgirls, J. A. VanKuren,
conductor.

Address — The Founding of the Town — Walter Learned.

Hymn — Speed Our Republic— Schoolgirls' choir.

Poem— New London — George Parsons Lathrop, LL. D.

Short Speeches by Hon. Charles A. Russell, Congressman Third District ;
Hon. Orville H. Piatt, U. S. Senator from Connecticut; Hon. Thomas M.
Waller of New London.

Music— America — by the choir, baud and audience.

May 6th, 1896.

10 o'clock, laying of Corner Stone of a Monument to John Winthrop, the
younger, in Bulkeley Square.

Introduction by Alfred H. Chapped, president of the Board of Trade.

Prayer — Rev. James W. Bixler, pastor Second Congregational Church

Address— The Founder of the Town — Rev. S. Leroy Blake, D. D., pastor of
First Church of Christ, New London.

Music— Our Flag Is There— Choir of 400 Schoolboys, J. A. VanKuren, con-
1 ductor.

Laying of Corner Stone, by Grand Master James H. Welsh, Grand Lodge of
[Connecticut, F. & A. M.

Music America — choir of boys.

Benediction — Rev. Alfred Poole Griut, Ph. D., rector St. James' Episcopal
Church.

11 o'clock -Dedication of Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, on the Parade,
presented to the City of New London by Sebastian D. Lawrence, Esq.

| Introduction by Alfred H. Chappell. president of Board of Trade.

Presentation of the Monument by the donor, Sebastian D. Lawrence, Esq.

Acceptance on behalf of the City, by the Mayor, Hon. James P. Johnston.

Music— Battle Hymn of the Republic — Choir of 400 Schoolboys.

Address for the Army — Hon. Joseph R. Hawley, U. S. Senator from Connec-
ticut.

Address for the Navy— Rev. George Wdliamson Smith, D. D., president of
Trinity College, Hartford.

Music— America— choir, band and audience.

2 o'clock — Grand Military and Civic Procession.

8 o'clock — Grand Display of Fireworks in Bolton lot.

Loan Exhibition at the Courthouse, W< due-day and Thursday, under the di-
rection of Lucretia Shaw Chapter, D. A. R.

N. B. The committee appointed to have charge of the Loan Exhibition on
the part of the Lucretia Shaw Chapter l>. A. R., was Mis^ Alice Chew, Mrs.
James P. Johnston and Mrs. Marion It. II. Stavner.

General Orders
No. 1.

222

The following general orders were issued by the Grand Marshal,
Gen. George Haven, respecting the parade, and the march of the
Masonic procession to the site of the Winthrop Monument and its i
return :

Headquarters Grand' Marshal Anniversary Parade.
' s ' i New London, April 11th, 1896.1

I. Having been appointed Grand Marshal of the 250th Anniversary Day\
Parade, May 6th, 1896, I hereby assume such command.

II. The following staff appointments are hereby announced : Lieutenant
Colonel James B. Houston, chief of staff ; Aids, Major Francis G. Beach, Major
William F. Bidwell, Major George E. Albee, Major Walter Fitzmaurice, Major
S. A. Crandall, Major Howard A. Giddings, Lieutenant Colonel Leonard B.
Almy, Captain Charles P. Carter, Captain Thomas C. Watrous, Captain Johnr
Bishop ; Orderlies, Sergeants Wallace R. Hale and George T. Benham, Corporal
Ira A. Dodge ; Trumpeter, Sergeant William R. Banks.

III. The following are appointed to take charge of divisions :
First Division, Colonel Augustus C. Tyler.

Second Division, Major Frederick Farnsvvorth.

Third Division, Thomas F. Underwood. The Fourth Division will report to
and take orders from Marshal Underwood.

IV. All organizations of the Grand Army of the Republic will report to and
take orders from Colonel William H. Bentley, marshal, and will be attached to
First Division.

V. Formations of Divisions for parade May 6th, 1896, will be as follows :
First Division will form on Huntington street, right at Courthouse, left on

Washington street near the Armory.

Grand Army of the Republic, on Tilley street, right on Washington.

Second Division, on Huntington street, right on Church, left extended up
Huntington.

Third Division, on Church street, right on Huntington.

Fourth Division, on Federal street, right resting on Meridian.

VI. All Military and Naval organizations and the Grand Army of the Repub
lie are assigned to the First Division.

The New London Fire Department and visiting Fire Companies are assigned
to the Second Division.

All Civic societies are assigned to the Third Division.

Floats, representing Societies. Trades and Industries are assigned to the
Fourth Division.

VII. All organizations will enter the column on Huntington street.

VIII. After being dismissed the First Division will turn to the left, dow:
Huntington street ; the Second Division to the right on Huntington and marc
down Church street, in order that the passage of the Third Division in revie
may not be hindered. The Third Division will be dismissed on Huntington
street. The Fourth Division will conform to the movements of the Third
Division.

223

Extracts From General Orders No. 2.

II. The line of march is changed as follows : Euntington to State, to Main,
to Williams, to Huntington, to Broad, to Sempstead, to Granite, to dimming,
to Broad, to Hempstead, to Franklin, to Jay, to Truman, to Bank, to state,
around Soldiers' and Sailors" Monument, up State to Huntington and dismiss.

III. The following organizations will participate in the parade, and will lie
formed in the order named :

Brigadier General George Haven, Grand Marshal.

.Lieutenant Colonel James B. Houston, chief of staff : Major Francis G. Beach,

Major William F. Bidwell, Lieutenant Colonel Leonard B. Almy,

Major George E. Albee, Major Walter Fitzmaurice,

Major Howard A. Giddings, Major

S. A. Crandall.

Captain Charles P. Carter, Captain Thomas C. Watrous,

Captain John Bishop, aids.

Sergeant William K. Banks, trumpeter ; Sergeant George T. Benham,

Sergeant William R. Hale, Corporal Ira Dodge, orderlies.

First Division.

Colonel Augustus C. Tyler, marshal.

M i jor J. H. Calef, chief of staff ; Captain H. P. Birmingham, Lieutenant

Percy H. Morgan, Lieutenant H. B. Thomson, aids.

FIRST SECTION.

Clinton Band.

Battery K, Second U. S. Artillery,

First Lieutenant Burney, commanding.

Seamen from warships Montgomery and Cincinnati, 450 strong.

SECOND SECTION.

Third Regiment Band.

Third Section Signal Corps,

Lieutenant William F. M. Rogers.

Third Regiment, C. N. G.,

I Lieutenant Colonel Cole, commanding.

Machine Gun Section,

Lieutenant Joseph S. Boss.

Staff — Captain T. 0. Thompson, Lieutenant David Connor, Lieutenant

Lucius Fuller, Major Julian LaPierre, Captain Benjamin

Stark, Jr., Chaplain Nicholas T. Allen.

First Battalion.

Captain D. Kelleher.

Co. B, Lieutenant Bransfield.

Co. D, Captain W.E. Pendleton.

Co. I, Captain E. T. Kirkland.

Co. A, Captain H. S. Dorsey.

224

Second Battalion.

Major Thayer.

Co. G, Captain C. A. Winslow.

Co. F, Captain W. H. Hamilton.

Co. C, Captain John Hagberg.

Co. E, Captain Charles Grady.

THIRD SECTION.

Band.

Putnam Phalanx, Major Henry Bickford.

Band.

First Company Governor's Foot Guard, Major E. Henry Hyde.

Four Carriages.

Governor Coffin, Mayor Johnston.

General Graham,. General Disbrow, General Bowen, General Peck.

General Jarman, General Daggett, Colonel Landers, Colonel Cheney.

Colonel Camp, Colonel Miller, Colonel Wessells, Captain Thompson, U. S. A.

Band.
Second Company Governor's Foot Guard, Major Benjamin E. Brown.

FOURTH SECTION.

Colonel William H. Bentley, marshal.

H. B. Smith, Frederick Gallup, C. M. Monroe, A. W. Nelson, aids.

Greenport Band.

Officers of the Department of Connecticut.

W. W. Perkins Post, No. 47, G. A. R., Edward N. Crocker, commanding.

Sedgwick, No. 1, Norwich, 100 men.

Nathaniel Lyon, No. 2, Hartford, 40.

Elias Howe, No. 3, Bridgeport, 50.

Drake, No. 4, South Manchester, 15.

E. A. Doolittle, No. 5, Cheshire.

Anson Rogers, No. 7, Bran ford.

Stanley, No. 11, New Britain, 20.

Upton, No. 14, New Milford.

Trumbull, No. 16, Stoniugton.

Admiral Foote, No. 17, New Haven, 200.

Hobbie, No. 23, Stamford, 40.

Mather, No. 25, Deep River, 10.

Kellogg, No. 26, Derby.

A. H. Dutton, No. 36, Wallingford, 15.

George Van Thorn, No. 39, Milford, 15.

Douglass Fowler, No. 48, South Norwalk.

Wadhams, No. 49, Waterbury.

Robert O. Tyler, No. 50, Hartford, 100.

Marvin Waite, No. 51, Killingly, 6.

H. C. Merwin, No. 52, New Haven.

Mansfield, No. 53, Middletown.

A. G. Warner, No. 55, Putnam.

Williams. No. 55, Mystic, in.

N. S. Manross, No. 57, Forestville.

John McGregory, No. 59, Sharon, 15.

S. 1'. Funis. No. 61, New Canaan, <i.

Daniel C. Rodman, N". 65, East Hartford, 30.

Burpee, No. 71, Tolland, 15.

Chapman, No. 7:2. Westbrook, 25.

T. G. Brown, No. 79, Chaplin, 20.

Eanoock, No. 71, Pawcatuck.

J.F. Trumbull, No. 82, Stonington, 20.

W. T. Minor, No. 85, Stamford.

Four Carriages.

Admiral Stanton, Captain Belden, Pay Director Williams, Surgeon Biddle.

Officers from warships Montgomery and Cincinnati.

Representative Russell, Senator Hawley, Senator Piatt, State Senator Lee.

Lieutenant Governor Cooke, Secretary of State Mowry, Genera]

Horatio C. King, General Di Cesnola.

Second Division.

Major Frederick Farnsworth, marshal.

Captain Charles F Chancy, Captain Beury L. Starr, Lieutenant

Jeremiah Dillon, Lieutenant David Hanks, Jr., aids.

New London Fire Police.

William Sistare, captain ; George Rogers, lieutenant ; G. A. Manice,

sergeant; W. C. Welden, secretary ; C. H. Daniels, treasurer.

Stonington Fire Police.

Charles L. Ockford, chief engineer.

John Stanners, first assistant engineer ; Charles H. Rose, second

assistant engineer ; Ansel Williams, superintendent fire alarm.

Westerly Hand.

F. L. Allen Hook and Ladder Co.

J. L. McCabe, foreman; P. Donahue, first assistant foreman : C. Sauter,

second assistant foreman ; J. Lyon, secretary ; J. McBride, treasurer.

Hedley-Livsey Band, of Providence.

Niagara Steam Fire Engine Co., No. 1.

Joseph H. Goldie, foreman ; Samuel 0. Harris, first assistant foreman ;

Robert L. Wood, second assistant foreman ; Sam M. Davidson,

secretary; George II. Powers, treasurer.

American Band, of Providence.

Nameaug Steam Fire Engine Co., No. 2.

John H. Brown, foreman ; Wallace A. Beckwith, first assistant foreman ;

Thomas It. McGary, second assistant foreman ; Frank W. Dow,

secretary; Eldridge P. Prentis, treasurer.

Br ai nerd & Armstrong Band.

Thomas Ihise Co., No. 3.

A. J. Rowley, foreman ; P. Maynard, first assistant foreman ; R. Enos,

second assistant foreman ; E. Wentworth, secretary ;

H. Dawson, treasurer.

226

Pope's Band, of Hartford.

Koiiomoc Hose Co., No. 4.

Richard Ho war 1, foreman ; Leonard Crocker, first assistant foreman ;

Charles Niles, second assistant foreman ; David J. Kenney,

secretary ; Ronald Mussel, treasurer.

Johnson's Montville Band.

C. L. Ockford Hose Co., No. 5.

J. T. Sherwin, foreman ; J. J. Crowell, first assistant foreman ; J. B. Corey,

second assistant foreman ; P. Lusk, secretary ;

F. R. Payne, treasurer.

Tubbs' Band, of Norwich.

New London Veteran Firemen.

George Williams, president ; W. H. Bentley, first vice president ; J. F. Sniitt

second vice president ; A. W. Sholes, foreman ; Frederick Freeman,

first assistant foreman ; George H. Willoughby, second

assistant foreman ; John Grace, secretary ;

G. Powers, treasurer.

Stonington Band.

Stonington Steam Fire Engine Co.

Engineers' Guests in Carriages.

Visiting Chiefs — Kennedy, New Haven ; Snagg, Waterbury ; G reen hurg,

Norwich ; Slade, Stonington ; Eaton, Hartford.

Third Division.

Thomas F. Underwood, marshal.

John F. Murray, chief of staff ; John C. Geary, P. J. Ryan, George W. Connor

Eben Avery, William Baseley, Daniel Latham, aids ;

C. S. Underwood, orderly.

FIKST SECTION.

Noank Band.

Canton Unity, I. O. O. F. , New London.

Canton Oueco, I. O. O. F., Norwich.

Mohegan Lodge, New London.

Uncas Lodge, Montville.

Fairview Lodge, Groton.

Stonington Lodge.

Niantic Lodge.

Odd Fellows' Home Delegation.

SECOND SECTION.

Band of the Mission of the Immaculate Virgin, of New York.

Division No. 1, Ancient Order Hibernians.

Star of the Sea Temperance Society.

St. Thomas Temperance Cadets.

New London Temple of Honor.

Herwegh Lodge, 0. d H. S.

227

THIRD SECTION.

Sprague Lodge, A. o. I'. W.
Uncaa Lodge, A. O. U. W., Norwich.
Thames Lodge, A. < •. !'. W., Groton.
Belief Lodge, A. 0. I'. W„ Waterford.
Columbian Lodge, A. i>. | . w.. New London.
Union Lodge, A. 0. V. \V., Niantic.
Norwich Lodge, A. O. U. W., Norwich.

FOURTH SKCTION.

Drum Cor] is.

Bulkeley School Boys.

Mohegan Indians.

Court Henry P- I lawn. 0. F.

Nathan Hale Council, Jr.. 0. I'. A. M.

Drum Corps.

Schoolboys, I 1 ' 1 ' si ro

Fourth Division.

Carriages.

Mayor Harwood, of Norwich.

Mayor Chappell, of Willimantic.

Mayor Smith, of Putnam.

Mayor Hendricks, of New Haven.

Mayor Vance, of New Britain.

Mayor Coe, of Meriden.

Occupants odd Fellows' Home, Carriages.

Grand Lodge Officers Odd Fellows, Carriages.

St. John's Literary Society Float.

United Workmen Float.
Seaside Council, K. of C, Float.

Jibboom Club Whaleboat.

City Government in Carriages.

Brown Cotton Gin Co. Float.

Brainerd & Armstrong Float.

Arnold Rudd Float.

G. M. Williams Co. Float.

Adams Express Co. Wagons.

United States Express Co. Wagons.

Putnam Furniture Co. Float.

Leveroue Bros. Fruit Wagon.

J. F. Willey, Cigar Manufacturer, Wagon.

Vienna Compress., 1 Yeast Wagon.

Celluloid Starch Wagon.

Edward Keefe Wa^on.

Monroe & Calvi Wagon.

IV. Floats, representing societies, trades, and industries will be assigned to
the Fourth Division.

228

V. Marshals of divisions will pay .particular attention to that part of Gen-
eral Order No. 1 relative to the dismissal of divisions.

VI. Marshals of divisions will issue the necessary orders to their commands
to have them in position at 1.45 p. m. The parade will be started at 2 p. in.
sharp.

General Orders, No. 3.

I. The Masonic procession will form on State street, right resting on
Union, at 9.45. a. m., in the following order :

Third Regiment Band.

Union Lodge, No 31, F. and A. M.

Clinton Band.

Brainard Lodge, No. 102. F. and A. M.

Union Chapter, No. 7, R. A. M.

Pope's Band, of Hartford.

Palestine Commandery, K. T.

Columbian Commandery, K. T.

Officers of Grand Lodge of Connecticut.

II. The line of march will be up State to Huntington, to Bulkeley square,
to Winthrop park.

III. Arriving at the site of the monument, Union lodge will form on the
north side, Brainard lodge on the south side, Union chapter directly in rear of
Brainard lodge, the Commanderies in rear of Union lodge.

IV. The four hundred schoolboys under charge of Charles B. Jennings will
form on the west or Hempstead street side in close column of companies.

V. Returning, the line of march for the Masonic bodies will be up Granite
to Williams, to Broad, to State and dismiss.

VI. The battalion of schoolboys will take the most direct route to the
Soldiers' and Sailors' monument, State street.

VII. At the dedication of the Soldiers' and Sailors' monument the space
between the old yellow building and the monument will be reserved for the
schoolboys who are to sing. The other points nearest the monument wdl be
reserved for posts of Grand Army of the Republic.

By order of Brigadier General GEORGE HAVEN.
James B. Houston, Commanding Brigade, C. N. G., Grand Marshal.

Lieut. Col. A. A. G., C. N. G. , Chief of Staff.
Official :
Walter Fitzmaurioe, Major A. D. C.

The following is the official announcement of the formation and
movements of the Grand Army Division, both in the morning and
in the afternoon :

The second section of the First Division. Anniversary parade, which is com-
posed of the Grand Army of the Republic and camps of the Sous of Veterans,
will be made up as follows :

William H. Bentley, marshal.

H. B. Smith, Frederic Gallup, C. M. Monroe, A. W. Nelson, aids.

Greenport Band.

Officers of the Department of Connecticut.

229

W. W. Perkins Post, No. 47, will have the right of the line and all other posts
will form on them in numerical order, from right to left. Camps of the Sons
of Veterans will follow in same order.

In the forenoon of the Sixth of May the line will form on State street, right
resting on Union street. Perkins post will be in line not later than 10.30
a. m., so that other posts may form on them as they arrive.

A countermarch will be made down State street to a position at the south
side of the monument to witness the dedication services.

At 12 in. the posts will be marched to the Lawrence Opera House, where
dinner will be served, 500 at the first sitting, and so on until all have been fed.

In the afternoon the line will form on Tilley street, the right resting on
Washington street, and all posts of the G. A. R. and camps of the Sons of Vet-
erans must be in line by 1.30 p. m.

For the benefit of special guests the following information was
issued by the inception committee :

I. The headquarters of the committee will be in the parlor of the Crocker
| House.

II. Guests of the city (by special invitation) will report to the committee on
i their arrival in the city.

III. The initiatory exercises will be held in the Armory of the C. N. G. on
[the evening of the 5th inst., beginning at 8 p. m. Doors open at 7 p. m.

Tickets of admission to the platform, for specially invited guests of the city,
will be furnished by the committee.

IV. The corner stoue of the Winthrop monument will be laid by the Con-
necticut Grand Lodge of A. F. and A. Masons in Bulkeley square at 10 a. m.

\ . i'he dedication of the S ddiers' and Sailors' monument will beat 1 1 a. m.

VI. Guests are requested to report to the committee at headquarters at
1 p. m., and will be assigned to their several positions in the procession in
carnages.

Prompt attendance is requested.

The line of march will be formed and the march begin at 2 p. m. sharp.

By order of the committee,

Bbnj. Stark,
F. H. Chappell,
A. C- Tyler,
Wm. S. Chappell,
Edward Prentis,
Frederick Hill,
James E. Beckwith.
New London, Conn., May 4th. 1896.

230

The Invitation.

The City of New London requefts the honor

of your company at the Celebration of the

Two hundred and fiftieth Anniverfary

of the founding of the City

Tuefday evening, May the fifth,

and Wednefday, May the fixth, 1896.

James P. Job nf ton,

Mayor.

Alfred H. Cbappell,

Preft. Board of Trade.

Obarles Augnftus Williams,
Preft. New London County Hiftorical Society.

New London, Connecticut, March 5, 1896.

THE YOUNGER WINTHROP.

J$n early reply is desired in order that the (Qommittee
may Provide for your reception an entertainment while in
J(few f&otydon.

231

IV.
LOAN EXHIBIT

It was a happy and an appropriate thought to open, in connection
with the celebration, an exhibition of articles and curios of ancient
date -heirlooms handed down from generation to generation. The
ancient courthouse was assigned for that purpose, and a watch was
appointed, who was on duty day and night to guard the valuable
collection, and nothing was lost or injured.

The first thought of the committee was whether ancient articles
enough could be found for a collection Worthy of the occasion.
But when the invitations to furnish articles for the Loan Exhibition
.were issued it soon became apparent thai New London homes were
rich in these respects, for the old courthouse, itself 11- years old,
was soon transformed into an "old curiosity shop." The exhibi-
tion was in every way a success. Those who are competent to
judge place it in the front rank of such collections. It is estimated
that there were at least 1,250 articles. So promptly did people
respond to the call for contributions that it became necessary to
post a notice saying that no more could be received. The Anna
Warner Bailey chapter of the D. A. TL, of Groton, was invited to
join the Lucretia Shaw chapter in having charge of the Loan Exhi-
bition.

Tin ntribution of Mrs. Cuthbert Slocum, on behalf of the Anna

Warner Bailey chapter, was a rare collection of articles ranging in
;ige from a thousand years down, and gathered from widely sepa-

232

rated sources. There were articles of glass, of silver, of copper
and pewter, of brass and of lace. There were baptismal covers and I
ecclesiastical embroidery, and much more of a similar character
This collectioii was so rich, rare and full of interest that it would L
merit special mention of its various articles in detail were there
space for it. But it must suffice to say that this contribution was
among the most noticeable of the exhibition.

The whole collection was arranged in departments. Perhaps I
that of the china was the largest. It comprised articles of crockery
for table use ranging in age from 250 years and upwards down to >
later make. It was evident that the dishes of the fathers and 1
mothers had not all been broken, and that some New London tables
could be set with the crockery off which our ancestors of more than >
a century ago ate their meals. Here was delft ware from Holland,
a water cooler brought by some captain in his ship in 1771. There
were glass dishes, and tea pots, and other sorts of pots, of great t
age and antique style, in abundance. A pitcher, taken from an
English ship wrecked at Key West in 1804, stood there ready
for use, if need should be. There were two punch bowls, owned by
one Gen. Abel, which he took with him in the French and Indian
wars, more than 200 years old. There were flip glasses, and decan-
ters, and wine glasses. There were a sugar bowl and tea mats
owned by Anna Warner Bailey. There was a blue plate with
Lafayette landing on these shores, and a pitcher along which Tam |
o'Shanter was flying. There were soup plates out of which genera-
tions long since gone ate their soup. Here was Gov. Hutchins'
flask. Here also were a cup and saucer hidden in the bushes near |
the grounds of the Pequot House when Arnold cremated the town.
A tea pot was on exhibition which was carried from China to Eng-
land when tea was first used. The cup and saucer out of which
Governor Winthrop sipped his tea was as ready as ever for similar I
purpose. A chafing dish, though it had seen a century and three-
quarters, was by no means past its usefulness. The two decanters
and the eight glasses presented to Gen. Learned by Gen. Washing-
ton, were reminders of the colonial days. The house of Lafayette,
the landing of the Pilgrims, the victory of McDonough were decora-
tions to be seen on some of the plates.

233

The department of ancienl furniture was unique. There were

H;i\ wheels, and andirons, and spinning wheels, and reels, and
swifts, and snuffers, with their trays, and foot stoves suggestive to
some of ns of those days when the people worshipped God in cold
chnrches and looked to the preacher for fire. Here was a carpet-
bag from the family of Gov. Winthrop. Here, too, was an old fire
shovel nsed to bring coals from a neighbor's in the days before fric-
tion matches. Gen. Green's desk stood here, too, and a chair 250
years old, and a warming pan, and a table and chair which were
the property of Gov. Saltonstall, and a candle mold, whose use the
younger generations have never seen. One hundred and fifty years
ago some housewife made her family's butter in this churn. Here
was a mirror saved from the fire, in which some fair maiden of
New London looked as she made her toilet on the memorable
Ittorning of that 6th of September, 1781, and hen; was the portrait
of the man who caused the deed of destruction and blood to be
done, and here was a table which was once in his family.

In the department of pictures, portraits and samplers were many
interesting articles, as, for example, a picture pierced by a bullet
September 6, 1781, an old picture of Adam Shapley.

The collection of watches, miniatures and old silver contained
some rare articles, as for example, jewelry, spoons, a silver snuff-
box, silver coins, the communion set of the First Church of Christ,
two of whose cups date back to 1G99, sugar tongs.

Pieces of wood from the Kearsarge, the iron-clad Merrimac, and
the Constitution, relics from the ruins of the Avery homestead,
dathigback to 1656, and much more which cannot lie specified were
also on exhibition.

The department of books, newspapers and manuscripts was rich
in relics dating from 1641 to modern times. There were an old
book of 10.14, a book with 7,000 autographs of residentsof New
London between 1750 and 18.50, a tragic comedy dated in 1641,
Ward's sermon, l(i(i(i, a sermon by Cotton Mather of 1724, the
New London Weekly of 1759, and the Gazette of 1826. There

were also old account 1 ks of Thacher, the hatter, and Edward

Hallam ; also the first directory printed in New London. There
were old Bibles, an ancient prayer book, an ancient deed, an
' English dictionary of 1796, and valuable papers of various kinds.

234

The department of Indian relics comprised the articles one would
expect to find — tomahawks, hatchets, spear heads, axes, arrow
heads, wampum, paddles, pipes, bows, clubs, etc.

The department of old garments and embroidery contained
quaint articles. Among them were a part of a bridal outfit of 1780,*
a dress woven and spun in 1800, old quilts and table cloths, frag-
ments of Col. Ledyard's vest, a doll presented by Lafayette to Miss
Jane Allen, handkerchiefs, laces, bags, gloves, old christening
robes, crepe shawls, etc.

The department of gold jewelry was not large, but rich in things
of value. The ancient armor in its department bristled with the
implements of war. There was an old revolutionary sword, an old
bayonet, a powder horn, a sword used in the war of 1812, a flintlock
gun used September 6, 1781, a cannon ball fired into New London,
old muskets, and other articles of interest too numerous to mention.

A dining room was fitted up and furnished, in the manner of the
olden times, with ancient articles of furniture, crockery and other
table ware.

A parlor was also fitted -up in the style of the old colonial days.
In it were an old spinet, an old desk, old tables and chairs, tapes-
try and embroidery, ancient andirons, looking glasses which were
hidden in the bushes on the day when the town was burned, and
various like articles of great age. Both rooms were attractive and
unique.

235

V.
TUESDAY EVENING, MAY 5.

The exercises of the celebration opened, according to the pro-
gramme, in the Armory, on Washington street, Tuesday evening,

May 5, at 8 o'clock. The day had been bright and pleasant. I mi
warm. The Armory was packed with people, and numbers were
bnable to gain an entrance. The doors were opened at 7 o'clock,
and in an incredibly short space of time every available spot was
taken. The Third Regimeni hand discoursed excellenl music.
But the prettiest sight was a hank of 400 <_nrls from the various
schools of the city, seated upon raised hem-lies in the rear of the
platform, who sang patriotic songs under the direction of Prof. Van
Kin-en, teacher of singing in the schools of the city.

The scene in the Armory was one to impress itself upon those who
saw it. As many as 3,000 upturned laces: the harmonious colors
of the decorations, so festooned as to produce the most pleasing
effect: the flags draped here and there into the decorations; the
soft lines of yellow and white ; the children, invited guests, speak-
er- and several descendants of Winthrop on the stage, all combined
to make a picture never to he forgotten.

While tin- vast audience was waiting for the exercise- to begin,
the Third Etegimonl band gave the following musical programme :

1. March — " American Excelsior Cadets " Brooks

2. Overture— " Morning, Noon and Night in Vienna".... Suppe

3. Patrol— " American " Pruner

I. ■ Reverie" Sweet

5. March— " Old High Rock " Missud

At preciselj 8 o'clock His Eonor, Mayor .lames P. Johnston,
called the meeting to order, and the lew hum of voices which had
arisen from the vast concourse was hushed as he said :

236

Ladies and Gentlemen and Felloiv Citizens :

It affords me great pleasure to call this vast meeting to order. .
We have assembled here tonight to begin the celebration of the
two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the founding of New Lon- •
don by John Winthrop the younger.

We welcome our distinguished guests, who honor us with their .
presence, and extend a cordial greeting to the former citizens of
New London who have returned to celebrate this two hundred and I
fiftieth anniversary with us.

When John Winthrop led that small but heroic band of pilgrims
through the wilderness to this fair haven, our beautiful river flowed
as peacefully then as now, but its shores were lined with dense
forests and uncultivated fields. The land on which these noble
churches, schools, pleasant homes and places of business stand was
then the hunting ground of the Indians and the abode of the wild
beasts.

We owe much to the brave men and noble women who have left
us such a heritage. Their' s was a life of toil and hardships. They
were a band of pilgrims far from home, but with a firm trust in
Hod, amid trials and discomfitures. Here they founded a settle-
ment, erected their homes and organized a government.

The wilderness has been transformed into a beautiful city, teem-
ing with life and activity. Our harbor has become one of the most
important on the New England coast, with a hundred steam and
sailing vessels gliding in and out. We enjoy today one of the best
railway systems in the world, and in a few moments of time we can
flash the news nearly the world round. Our electric lights have
almost turned night into day. What wonders have been wrought,
what blessings we enjoy ! The citizens of this fair city by the sea
are today a happy, and prosperous people, acknowledging the prov-
idential hand which has guided our affairs from that early settle-
ment of 250 years ago to the present time.

Tomorrow we lay a corner stone for a monument to perpetuate
the memory of Winthrop. That monument will be of stone or
bronze, but as long as our beautiful city stands on the banks of our
noble river it will ever remain a monument to its pure, good and
noble founder, John Winthrop the younger.

2:57

He then introduced the Rev. John K. Stubbert, pastor of the
Huntington Street Baptist church, who Led the vast assembly in an
appropriate and earnesl prayer. Then Hollowed a scene which set
jvery drop of patriotic blood in the veins of the listeners on fire,
[t so stirred the Hon. Joseph K. Hawley that he lea] km 1 to his feel
ind drew the whole assembly with him, and everyone who could
sing joined in the chorus of " The Star Spangled Banner," which
the 400 little girls sang with fine effect, Led by the Third Regiment
band. When the chorus was reached each girl raised a hand that
had been concealed and waved a flag over her head. The effect, as
•an well be imagined, was electric, and it was stirring to see the
'aces of the children and the people kindle with the enthusiasm of
die scene.

Tlie following are the names of the misses who sang Tuesday
evening and did so much by their presence to give success to the
occasion :

E. Abranison,
Fosephine Ames,
"Jharlotte C. Baker,
■F. E. Chapman,
:Florence Canfield,
Vlarian Chappell,
3. A. Coulson,
jracie E. Daniels,
9. M. DeWolf,
Mary E. Evelyn,
Leonora M. Fones,
Helen S. Goss,
T. C. Harris,
r. Kate Hazard,
\. May Ickrath,
EL L. .Ionian,
Ella P. Lewis,
Carrie Levy,
Rose McNamara,
Lucy E. Morgan,
Daisy Neale,
B. B. Pendleton,
Helen W. Perry,

Nathan Hale School.

Harriet I. Allen,
B. Belle Barrows,
Leila L. Blake,
Lottie M. Calvert,
M. Louisa Carroll,
Marie E. Chappell,
Helen I. Curtis,
Marian Douglass,
Helen M. Drew,
H. A. Emmerich,
Fannie E. Gallup,
M. E. Greenman,
Dora S. Hayes,
Sophie J. Hecht,
Agnes C. Jeffrey,
Helena C. Kelley.
Mabel S. Lanphere,
May 1'. Lewis,
Cecilia A. Mean i y,
Anna H. Morgan,
Nellie A. N« ff,
Alzena Perron,
Clara F. Prentis,

Harriet M. Allyn,
Julia E. Brockway,
C. V. Branch,
Minnie E. Casey,
Susan G. Carroll,
Jennie H. Corkey,
Marion H. Curtis,
Emily de Behrens,
Edith E. Emmons,
Olive W. Fengar,
Laura H. Greene,
E. ('. Haas.
Ella B. Billiard,
Helen T. HopsOD,
Alice Jennings,
Bertha Kes
Mary E. Lester,
Elizabeth A .Mack,
Edith E. Merritt,
Mary E. Metealf,
C. W. Newcomb,
Hattie B. Piek,
Maude E. Reeves,

238

Beatrice A. Rice,
A. M. Sherman,
Fanny A. St. Onge,
Clare Spicer,
Annie T. Sweeney,
Bessie E. Tilton,
G. E. Vennard,
Lucy I. Williams,

Grace F. Rogers,
E. L. Stewart,
Edith M. Saxton,
C. P. Strickland,
G. M. Thompson.
Grace W. Towne,
G. A. Watson,
Mary I. Williams,

Winifred Saunders,
I. A. Stewart,
Chelsea R. Smith,

E. G. Strickland.
Elsie M. Thorp,
Dora B. Tucker,

F. V. S. Wilkinson,
Lura L. Winters.

Ethel Beebe,
Alice Finch,
Annie Harris,
Katie Sweeney,
Sadie Booth,
Jessie Lewis,
Maud Patterson,
Mabel Reeves.
Nettie Teft,
Rose Andre,
Mabelle Crawford,
Arleen Leeper,
Grace Prentis,
Lucille Smith,
May Darrow,
Frances Howard,
Lottie Miner,
Ella Rogers,
Rose Silva.

Katie Graham,
Ruth Chappell,
Ida Keeney,
Helen Saxton,
Isabelle Balentyne,
Nellie Burke,
Millie Field,
Edith Sherman,
Mary Wilcox,
Carrie Horton,
Ethel Ames,
Maud McClellan,
Mary Boy Ian,
Lucy Smitb,
Eva Ireland.

Winthrop School.

Bessie Benham,
Lizzie Goss,
Charlotte Havens,
Ada Watts,
Annie Cochrane,
Jane McNamara,
Mary Russell,
Mary Swanson,
Esther Wilson,
May Collins,
Mabel Holmes,
Clair McNamara,
Delia Rademacher,
Carrie Sykes,
Agnes Emmons,
Nellie Joseph,
May Munsell,
Maud Rogers,

Haki5oe School.

Evie Burrows,
Annie Evans,
Grace Mix,
Bessie Browning,
Laura Page,
Lizzie Cooper,
Maud Harris,
Annie Sweezy,
Susie Keeney,
Florence Booth,
Louise Cooper,
Isabelle Thompson,
Edna Field,
Eva Getchell,

Miriam Daniels,
Hattie Hahn,
Lucy Smith,
Isabel Williams.
Charlene Godfrey,
May Niles,
Stella Rogers,
Marion Smith,
Ailie Anderson.
Teresa Casey,
Lena Johnson,
Grace Patterson,
Lois Strickland,
Isabelle Sylvie,
Katie Haas,
Florence Klein,
Marion Potter,
Laura Smith,

Maud Smith,
Helen Bancroft,
May Mendoza,
Tessie Firmin,
Elsie Brown,
Emma Crow ell,
Laura Mendoza,
Olive Schroeter,
Louise St. Clare,
Anna Higgins,
Agnes Crocker,
Frances Peckham,
Jennie Schroeter,
Stacia Gottsehalk,

3eleu Parker,

Eaunenberg,
,<:dith Crandall,
Lila Edwards,
Vda Foster,
iertha Chapman,
Uibie J*. Thomas,
Edith L. Guest,
iVI. T. Wilkinson,
Maggie Breen,
Josephine Fish,
Bertha Naylor,
Edith Avery.
Charlotte Crandall,
Claire Parker,
Lottie St. Onge,
■ad i line Salomon,
Sera Wienerman,
J'h. odora Reynolds,

M. Metzermacher,
;Cora Waley,

Annie Rehn,
Annie Huntley,
Hattie Merriam,
Millie GifEord,
Bertha Gorham,
Ada Sistare,
Erne Martin,
Mary Frink,
Addle Mills,
May ('rocker,
Fannie Church,
May Buckley,
May Miner,
Lizzie Taylor,
Gertrude Beebe,
S. Metzermacher,
Bessie Rogers,
Annie Joseph,

239

Hili/ Street School.
Mary Beaney,

Alice ( iray,
( trace Morris,
Isaphene Collins,
Maud (luest,
Marie 1). Stoddard,
A. M. Sherman,
Millie C. Brown,
Daisy Armstrong,
Mary Canning,
Bessie < rod win,
Carrie Thomas,
Susie Blaskin,
Bessie Decker,
Ruth Peck,
Ada Mitchell,
Alice Tyler,
Willie Swanson,
Grace Tilton,

Nameaug School.

Lillian Vail,
May Mason,
Carrie Shepard,
Annie Williams,
Maud Lester,
Maud Burrows,
Lottie Leonard,
Avolina Mills,
Olive Crane,
Edith Taylor,
Addie Bloomer,
Ethel Mason,
I lattie Rudd,
Carrie White,
Nellie Dunn,
Nancy Andrus,
Nellie Ryley,
Amelia Kollstrom,
Ella Porter,
Ethel Crocker,

Gertrude Fuller,
Louise .Johnson,
Marian Ware,
Katie Bell,
Josie St Onge,
Frelie M. dark,
Mildred Towne,

Irene A. Bailey,
Ethobie Hailey,
W. Douglass,
Phehe (ireeninall,

Laura Wbodworth,
Mary ( !ooke,
Flora Hand,
Edith Phillips,

Madeline Stadden,
Julia Williams,
Beatrice Connor,
Florence Wordell,

Hattie Frink,
M. Newman,
Loui.se Egger,
Annie Merriam,
Gladys Lester,
Carrie Pahlberg,
Edna Geer,
Clara Williams,
Maysie Lurch,
Mamie EnOS,

Irene Barnes,
A. Fitzsimmons,
Lizzie Roe,
TeDa McQueen,
Blanche Thomas,
Rubie < S-eer,
Maud Ciphers,
Barbara Brown,
Edith Nelson,
» trace Edgecomb.

240

Mabel Starr,
Grace Beokwith,
Grace Hartshorn,
Minnie Clisbee,
Floretta Stroud,
Annie Linicus,
Eunice Staplins,
Kate Ickrath,
Eva Stellenwerf,
Susan Bergquist,
Lida Sawyer,
Mary Gladstone,
Julia Daboll,
Annie McLeod,
Matty Maoomber,
Harriet Preston,
Laura Bailey,
May Hooper,
Eleanor Brewster,
Lena Hopf,
Mary Wilson,
Carrie Hurlburt,

Coit Street School.

Mabel Glidden,
Josephine Hobron,
Jennie Campbell,
Isabel Avery,
Margaret Coyle,
Rosa Norok,
Blanche Smith,
Edith Comstock,
Lily Phillips,
Nelly Smith,
Marion Holt,
Effie Goss,
Rosa Musaute,
Caroline Caulkins,
Annie Macomber.
Annie Hopf,
Lizzie Chappell,
Florence Klinck,
Lily Hale,
Bertha Hoxie,
Johanna Randolph,
Jenny Nash,

Grace Pike,
Minnie Glossenger,
Susan Penhallow,
Bessie Chappell,
Augusta Ickrath,
Margaret Noon,
Loretta Forrest,
Lena Hyde,
Stella Peck,
Ada Prince,
Annie Sauter,
Grace Dyer,
Sarah Corey,
Maud Baldwin,
Marion Bush,
Electra Bailey,
Carrie Chappell,
Lizzie Green,
Daisy Crocker,
Edith Cantwell,
Ruby Brown,
Lillian Hyde,

The orator of the occasion was, as was fit, a native of the town,
and a descendant of one of its old and honored families, Mr.
Walter Learned. The oration was as follows :

If, on some summer evening, you will stand on the white sea
sands of Ocean Beach, the fairest of all the beaches that dot the
shores of Long Island Sound — now, by a wise and happy provision
of our town, the heritage of every citizen of New London — you may
see the western sky at sunset flooded with a golden and purple
light, changing ; shifting, fading, into innumerable shades as the
setting sun sinks lower beneath the verge, and in the still waters of
the creek that winds its way westward among the meadow grasses,
the reflected glories of the heavens shining like a jewel upon earth's
bosom ; and, farther to the east, fainting but still fair, the hues
which the sky, a veritable coquette on these summer nights, has
borrowed from the setting sun to attract the rising moon, whose
broad disk is just peering above the horizon and throwing on the
waves a silver bridge stretching to the eastward.

241

And, looking eastward when the setting sun sinks to rest behind
'the western hill, you may see lights flash in the offing, at first dimly
through the soft twilight, growing brighter as the shadow of night
steals over the world. There, so Ear that only on clear nights can
the eye catch its light is Montauk, dear to the returning traveler,
since it is so often his first glimpse of home. Plum Island, Little
Gull, Bartlett's Reef, North Hummock, each signalling its silent
imessage to the mariner and bidding him hail and farewell. And
there, Race Rock, the youngest brother of them all, the Benjamin
!of the tribe, flashes alternate beams of red and white across the
water, while round its rocky base surges the swift current of the
Race. And near it as the night grows darker, along the low shore
of Fishers Island, feebler lights from hotel and cottage shine out
; across the sea. And between you and the distant shore wandering
lights pass up and down. Across this watery firmament passes like
^a comet some towboat with its trail of barges, or the brilliant meteor
of a Sound steamer, a Moating world, freighted like our greater one
with its hopes, its fears and its passions.

You are looking across one of the highways of commerce. Here,
as in other highways, strolls the idler, the yacht, fitted to the latest
fashion, intent on pleasure and not on gain; here the merchant
in the steamship puffs on his way ; and here is a place for the lesser
fry of wage earners down to the fishing smack, an honest but not
•pretentious craft; and here, alas, as everywhere, there are wrecks,
; hopeless wrecks beyond redemption, that can never sail the seas
again.

It was from this highway, now furrowed by so many prows, then
lonely as the pathless woods, that the eye of civilization, looking for
more worlds to conquer, first saw this shore.

It was in KJ14 that the sturdy Dutch skipper, Adrian Block, sail-
sing from the banks of the Hudson, then known as Now Nether-
lands, in a vessel called the Restless, passed through Hell Gate into
the Hound and explored the coast eastward as far as ( 'ape Cod.

Had Adrian Block been a colonist rather than an explorer, we
might have celebrated the founding of our town some thirty years
earlier. But he was as restless as his vessel, and after a brief sur-
vey, giving him time enough to make sundry quaint notes of what
be saw and furnishing the material for the earliest map of this and
the neighboring coast — a Dutch map, published in 1616, on which

242

Fishers Island is nameless and our own Thames River is called
Viesche Rivertjen, or the Little Fresh River, probably to distin-
guish it from the Connecticut River, which was named Viesche
Rivier, or Fresh River — he sailed on to the eastward, leaving his
name to Block Island, earlier known as Adrian Block's Island.

From this exploration of the Sound the Dutch claimed the coun-.
try as an appanage of New Netherland, and for a number of years
traders from New Amsterdam — now New York— engrossed such
trade as there was, setting up in 1G32 and 1G33 trading posts at
Saybrook and Hartford.

The early settlement of the colonies proceeded from three dis-
tinct sources, separate, in their aim and purpose, and the effect of.
this difference is, to some extent, traceable today in the territories
which had such a divergent foundation.

Following the discovery in 1609 by Hendrick Hudson, then in the
employ of the Dutch East India Company, of the land on and near
the river which still bears his name, came the Dutch settlements
on Manhattan Island and the possession of a somewhat vaguely
defined territory of land, then kuown as New Netherlands, by the
Dutch East India company, a territory which continued to be
held by the Dutch until its final peaceful cession to England in 1664.

In 1606 the colonization of the North American coast was under-
taken by the English government, and a great joint stock company
was formed in London for this purpose. It had two branches — the
London company, which should manage the southern coast, and the
Plymouth company, at Plymouth, Devonshire, which undertook the
charge of the northern coast.

Under the London company the settlement of Jamestown was
begun in 1607, and met with a success which led to the speedy
settlement of Virginia.

Several abortive attempts were made by the Plymouth company
to effect settlements north of the fortieth parallel, but they all
failed miserably. The rigorous and changeable climate discouraged
the would-be settlers and they either returned to England or made
their way south. Indeed, the Plymouth company did nothing
toward the colonization of its territory. It gave or sold patents for
colonies, and finally, in 1635, returned its charter, terminating its'
useless existence by dividing i,ts remaining soil among its members.

24:5

None of these grants, with one exception, were asserted or made
•oublesome to the colonics.

In KilH the Plymouth society at Leyden obtained a granl of land
from the London company. Sailing from Delfthaven in the Speed-

( well, July, 1620, they met the .Mayflower at Southampton, and, the
Speedwell proving unseaworthy, one hundred of them embarked in
the Mayflower. They intended to settle about the Delaware river,
but they were so far out of their reckoning that they landed on
Cape Cod, and in the next year obtained a patent for their land
from the Plymouth company.

It was the hope of gain that led to the founding of Virginia and
its neighborhood. To this supposed Kldorado there came adven-
turers, younger sons of noble families, scions of spendthrifts seek-

jing to refill the family coffers, and a measure of exiled criminals

I sent out of their country for their country's good.

And so, in the hope of gain, came the sturdy Dutch trader to
New Netherlands — a gain that he found and which some of his
posterity hold to the present day.

But it was not the greed of gain that brought to our western
shore this third band of colonists. It is not too much to assert that
a love of gain could not at that early day have peopled New Eng-
land, for a spirit of aggrandizement found here but little to batten
upon. It was a love of freedom and not a love of gain that brought
them here and kept them here in the face of every discouragement.
And this was the leaven that ultimately leavened the loaf; which

.became at last the national spirit, making us a nation among
nations.

May I ask you to consider for a moment these three separate
sources from which a nation was to he made, these three strands
woven into a cable which the tug of war and the wear of time has

; yet failed to break; not without inherent weakness, not without
Haw. And to further mark that the vitality and the endurance is
to he found in the third source, in the last strand.

The foundation of Virginia was the transplanting of the aristo-
cratic system of the old world. It was with no intent of building a
nation in which a man should be a man for a' that that the firsl
colonists settled in Virginia. Lord Delaware was governor of the
new colony, Sir Thomas Gates, lieutenant governor; Sir (Jeorge
Somers, admiral, and Sir Thomas Dale, high marshal. Every class

244

distinction that bad prevailed in England was imported into this new \
colony. The government was prodigal in its grants, miles of sea;
coast running to an indefinite west were given to court favorites.
The culture of tobacco began to be profitable, and felons were sent
out by the old country to be sold as slaves to the planters in 1619.
In the same year a Dutch man-of-war brought twenty negroes, whot
were sold as slaves for life. Here was the beginning of that sys-
tem so counter to that of New England, which was to continue a
menace until in 1863, the man and the hour having come, the
greatest of Americans, the product of American civilization and
typical of its noblest and highest development, at the head of a free
people, should declare all its people free. The ultimate triumph of
that principle which freighted the Mayflower with its small band of
colonists and kept them here struggling and starving through that I
dreary winter which decimated their ranks.

The second of these strands was the Dutch settlements on the
Hudson — New Netherlands as they were called — when what we »
know as New York was known as New Amsterdam. It was no
mean strain of blood that they contributed to the new nation to-be
founded on the western hemisphere. It was the heroic strain of a
people who had cut their dykes and flooded their homes rather than
have them fall into the hands of an invader, and whose admiral,
Van Tromp, was soon to sail the English channel with a broom at
his mast head in token that he had swept the British fleet from the
seas ; a short lived triumph, to be sure, but a triumph nevertheless.

But it was not as conquerors that they came to the new world,
nor with any well defined purpose of establishing new principles on
a new soil. It was as traders, pure and simple. Not to suffer and
be strong, but to add to the comfort of living by profitable venture.
And so, after a while, they closed their shops and retired peace-
fully, leaving on the continent which -they trod so early some trace
of their sturdy virtues and their thrifty spirit.

The third strand was that which has made America. It is potent
in its influence today. We are best when we are truest to its tradi-
tions, worst when we are false to them. They were a very humble
people who sought in their little vessel room on these new shores
for the growth of their belief. Humble in rank, I mean, though
great in faith and possibility. They belonged, for the most part,
to the lower middle class of English, who have been in all ages

24:>

England's bone and sinew, and who were in England, when the
throes of civil war tried our republic, true to the north and its
democracy, while England's aristocracy sneered and impeded and
afterward paid for their mistake.

They were the root planted in the soil, fixed and immovable,
while the gaudy hud and blossom bend with every breeze. They
•were artisans and mechanics, weavers and the like. It was a
ihumble beginning ; they were the pioneers of a mighty host. Left
to themselves they could accomplish but little. They landed on
inhospitable shores. When the first long winter came to an end,
tit'tv-one of the hundred pilgrims had died. In ten years they
numbered but three hundred. But they planted a seed whose
vitality triumphed over all untoward circumstances and whose
[abundant harvest has enriched the world — the love of liberty. It
was to this third strand that New London, and, indeed, all New
[England, owes its foundation. And it would be difficult to over-
estimate the value and importance of this tide of emigration.
Ultimately 'it not only peopled New England, but, pushing its way
Westward, carried New England to western states, and yearly sent
I its farmer boys to New York to win success in professional or mer-
cantile life.

In 1630 began the Puritan exodus from England, of winch the
sailing of the Mayflower had been the forerunner. Led by Win-
'throp and Dudley, in that year seventeen ships came to New Eng-
land, bringing more than 1,000 people. The Moses of this exodus
was John Winthrop, a wealthy gentleman from (jrroton, in Suffolk,
foremost among the founders of New England, whose son, .John
Winthrop the younger, was to found this, our own town.

In 1635 John Winthrop the younger made a settlement at Say-
brook, from which place he coasted along the shore, apparently
contemplating the occupation of Fishers Island and the mouth of
the Thames river.

But from the time that Adrian Block explored the coast in his
yacht, probably no civilized foot trod these shores until ('apt. John
Endicott. in 1636, returning to Boston from an expedition against
the Indians, landed at the present site of New London, crossing the
river from the Groton shore ; and later, in 1637, Stoughton's expe-
dition pitched their camp here and buill here a house, the first Eng-
lish house ever erected in New London. Winthrop began a plan-

240

tation at Saybrook, but his commission was only for one year. In
1640 he obtained from the general court of Massachusetts a grant
of Fishers Island, which grant was confirmed in 1641 by the court
of Connecticut. It was not until 1644 that he began building and
planting there, and in that year he obtained a grant for a plantation
at or near Pequod. In 1645, he, with Thomas Peters, began the
work of clearing up the land and laying out the new plantation ;
and with them was Mrs. Lake, the sister of Mrs. Winthrop, who
probably came here from Saybrook with Mr. Peters. With them
were independent planters, whose names appear in later records.
Thus some sort of a settlement was effected in 164-"). But it was
on May 6, 1646, that the power of ordering and governing the new
plantation was given by the court of Massachusetts to Winthrop
and Peters, and on that date the town, as a town, began its
existence.

There were three points of great material advantage which
attracted the intending English colonist to Connecticut.

First, the upper valley of the Connecticut, with its rich soil, its
broad meadows, and its capacity for luxuriant vegetation. Second,
the site of New Haven, with its harbor and its fine commercial
situation. And third, the mouth of the Thames river, the site of
our own town of New London.

■ And it was through these three openings that emigration poured
into the State. Saybrook, though early in its foundation, was not
such a channel.

Modern science has annihilated space. In somewhat less than
two seconds there flashes under the ocean the message sent from
England ; and you may talk to Chicago with perfect ease. The
latest of discoveries has taught us a new meaning to the words
transparent and opaque, and has made Mr. Weller's supposititious
"Patent double million magnifying gas microscopes of extra
power" — which might enable him to see through a flight of stairs
and a deal door— an actuality, which, in the so-called X rays, opens
up illimitable possibilities.

It is not impossible that the future may enable us to overtake
those rays of light which, leaving the world years ago, are still
traveling through space, and bring back to our vision of today the
scenes of days bygone. Could we call them back tonight, we
should see, where our town now lies, a thickly wooded upland

247

[king from the river's verge, watered by streams, then known as
ivers, soon to become brooks and then to be lost to view. Swamps,
edges of rock and pools of water would make the fores! almost
mpassable. Numberless springs bubble from the marshy ground;
.hrill voiced frogs pipe of coming spring from pool and miry
jhicket. Mill brook, Truman's brook, Solomon's brook and Vine
n-ook swarm with trout. The two former still flow sullied, sullen
led untenanted to the sea. The two latter have followed the Fleet
[fiver of London into the limbo of things that were Imt are not.

Across the water Fishers Island was thick with its forest of
The same September gale which wafted the earliest breeches
,»f Dr. Holmes to immortality carried into oblivion the trees of
fishers Island. The river teemed with shad and salmon, and the
ilewife, now a rare visitor, gave the name to the cove which is the
nun's western boundary on the Sound. A huge ledge of granite
liear Union street marked the western boundary of the early settle-
neiit. Looking back, then, through two hundred and fifty years.
here is something in the prospect inviting to the sportsman ; wood,
i'iver and brook were tilled with game and fish. But the prospect
,s not an alluring one to the colonist. It was only by hard and
Exacting toil that the earth would yield her increase. A rigorous
md changeable climate threatened health, and a bold and hostile
;ribe of Indians contested the occupancy of the land. Nothing but
;i firm and well grounded purpose could have tempted the colonists
;'-o accept the meagre promise offered them. And to this firm pur-
pose, and to the struggle necessary for very existence, can be
graced the sturdy virtues of those who founded the town, and. with
heir fellows, founded the nation.

The law of the survival of the Attest breeds a sturdy race. Cruel
is its operations may seem, it is not without its benefit . It is the
listory of all nations that strength is born of the early struggle ;
■:hat weakness may — one could almost saj must — creep in when the
tecessity for struggle ends. It was a selective process which
brought the Pilgrims here. It required no small degree of hardi-
hood to brave tempestuous seas and a rigorous climate for the sake
of principle. Only they of strong faith and strong belief would
share in such an enterprise, nor could the weakling endure the peril
pad the hardship which were the lot of the early emigrants. They,
ind they only, who were strong in purpose, strong in faith, and

248

strong in body, could survive to become the founders of a new!
nation which should profit by a law so inexorable, so seemingly
harsh. A more luxurious civilization succors the weakling, sup-|
ports the infirm of purpose and protects the indolent, thereby, tofl
some extent, weakening the body politic. The cruelty of nature'
becomes a blessing to the growing nation ; the kindness of humanity:
becomes its bane. Spartan virtues go hand in hand with Spartani
endurance and vice follows fast on the steps of idleness and luxury.-

They were far from perfect, those who, two hundred and fifty'
years ago, laid the foundation of this town that we love so well.,
They had some passions of their kind. It is easy today to call
them bigoted and narrow, but they had convictions and the courage^
of their convictions. The exacting toil necessary to wrest a liveli-
hood from a sterile soil left but little time for idleness. Life was]
to them a serious matter. Its duties and responsibilities outweighed
its pleasures. They may have been narrow in some of their con-
ceptions, but they were intent on the good of the community. They>,
worked for the common welfare as they understood it. Public
office was a thing of honor ; something not to be sought, but to be>
reverenced. The laborer who cavils at his lot today has more oft
the comforts and luxuries of life than were theirs who toiled for a
dinner of herbs and contentment therewith. With almost the]
single exception of Winthrop they were men of scanty means,:
whose sole possessions were a meagre lot of furniture, a few agri-.
cultural tools and the grant of land with which the little town wel-
comed every desirable addition to its number. Theirs was a most,
primitive condition. But little money was in circulation. Of
twenty-seven subscriptions to the building of the first house of j
worship but six are in money. The remainder are in produce or in 1
labor, five of them being in New England rum, a convenient meas-
ure of value for barter and exchange, as a Lloyd marine insurance
policy, many years after this early date, provides that the premium
and the loss, to which latter possible contingency the insurers
piously add, " which God forbid," shall be payable in New England
rum.

The curfew bell at nine (and I am glad that we are one of the \
few New England towns which still ring the curfew bell) meant
the covering of the fires and the extinguishing of lights. He who j
was abroad after it sounded was regarded a suspicious character. :

249

The day of hard work began at or before the rising of the sun.
The church was the centre of the social community, and the minister

was the scholar of the town and the leader of his people.

Some twenty families followed Richard Blinman, of Cape Ann,
to this town about 1650, and grants were given to them on Cape
Ann lane, an historic name which has been most unhappily changed
to a meaningless one.

For the purposes of the town some inducements had to be held
out to possible inhabitants, and in 1650 an invitation was extended
to John Prentiss, of Roxbury, a blacksmith, to move here and
togage in his occupation, an important one to a new settlement.
The town offered to build him a house and shop, pay the expense
of his transportation and provide him with half a ton of iron, and
also twenty or thirty pounds of steel. This invitation he accepted,
although the town of Hadley had made a proposal to him. It was
the early wish of the first settlers that their adopted town should
bear the name of London. For the first years of its existence it
was called indifferently Pequod and Nameaug. Two applications
for a change of name were made to the general court and were
refused, Faire Harbour being suggested as an appropriate name.

i Fortunately the inhabitants adhered to their opinions, preferring to
be called by an Indian name until their request should be granted.
At last the general court yielded to their insistence, and on March

■ 24, 1658, granted the petition in these terms :

; "Whereas, It hath been a commendable practice of the inhab-
itants of all the colonies of these parts, that as this country hath its
denomination from our dear native country of England, and thence
is called New England, so the planters, in their first settling of
most new plantations, have given names to those plantations of
some cities and towns in England, thereby intending to keep up
and leave to posterity the memorial of several places of note there,
as Boston, Hartford, Windsor, York, Ipswich, Braintree, Exeter.

i This court considering, that there hath yet no place in any of the
colonies been named in memory of the city of London, there being
a new plantation within this jurisdiction of Connecticut, settled
upon the fair river of Monhegin, in the Pequot country, it being an
excellent harbour, and a fit and convenient place for future trade,
it being also the only place which the English of these parts have
possessed by conquest, and that by a very just war, upon that great

250

and warlike people, the Pequots, that therefore, they might thereby
leave to posterity the memory of that renowned city of London,
from which we had our transportation, have thought fit, in honor to
that famous city, to call the said plantation New London."

It is impossible to tell at just what date the river called Monhegin
in this act became known as the Thames. Its suggestion from the)
name of the town is evident enough.

In its early history the town was of greater relative importance 1
than it is today. Then the sites of the great cities of the west were^;
untenanted, save by wandering tribes of Indians, and New Yorklj
was scarcely more than a large village. It seems curious now to
read a document drawn up by the inhabitants of New London imi
protest against certain charges that had been made for the landing
of vessels and their cargoes in New York. These New London!
merchants bound themselves under a penalty of some odd pounds
not to carry any more produce to New York until the obnoxious tax;]
was removed. They meaiit to starve them out. Possibly it was'
not such a wild scheme then, for the embargo was removed.

In the early history of the town, grants were given with a lavish
hand. There was much land and need of settlers. Pastures, 1
upland and woodland, were freely offered to those who would come<[
and settle on them. It was made a rule that such grants should be
forfeited unless built upon within six months.

Slowly the town grew ; a church was erected ; a mill was built ;
stone was quarried. Agriculture was the mainstay of the people,
and even those with a trade exercised their vocation only at inter- j
vals. The streets which still wind along cove and river were the')
first to be laid out. Bream cove, now swallowed up by the en-1
croaching land, was a noted landing place, and decked boats and
pinnaces ran nearly up to its head.

The possessions of these, the founders of the town, seem meagre
in the extreme. They were rich in land and in enduring hope, but|
they had but little else. Their life was the plainest that could be<<
called comfortable. Three or four cows, a half dozen calves, af
litter of swine and two or three sheep were almost the utmost off
possessions. We, whose belongings so overpass theirs, may fancy.
that their life was more distressful than it was. But the comfort*
of life is, after all, very much a matter of comparison. Content- (
ment to a curious extent consists in being; as well off as our neigh-

251

1 bors. It is almost entirely by comparison that we form our esti-
mates. Xu doubt if ('(instant toothache were a condition of human
life, humanity would not regard it as an evil, knowing no other
condition. Familiarity with what was once regarded as a luxury
makes it a necessity, and to be deprived of it becomes a hardship.

; And so, by a singular reaction, the increase of the comforts of life

* becomes in a sort of way an increase in the possibilities of distress,
since to be deprived of them is an evil. Where every one walks

i no one thinks of riding, and where every one rides it is a hardship

; t<> walk. They may seem barren to us, the lives of those who
Bounded our town, barren of the pleasure and the luxuries which
surround us and the countless opportunities for self improvement.

; But I fancy they were quite as contented as we are. It was a day
low living and high thinking. In the life of our own day these
adjectives are too frequently transposed.

To that simpler life we cannot go back if we would, nor would
we if we could. For to us, with a richer inheritance, with a wider
horizon, and with a possible leisure for cultivation and improve-

i ment, come greater opportunity and increased responsibility. But
we shall celebrate in vain the natal day of our town if we are not
moved to emulate the strong purpose and sturdy virtues of those
who built the foundations for us. We honor in vain those who
have left us this rich inheritance unless we can learn from their

: virtues to make our own lives truer and better.

History seems to teach us that the body politic, like the body
physical, has its period of growth and decay. Its adolescence,
when each particle lost is replaced by one stronger and better; its
maturity, when the process of reparation just equals the process of

I decay; the period with both the political and physical body of
highest intellectual development; in the nation, its day of accom-
plishment in literature and art. And then its waning, when decay
exceeds reparation. In the physical body the law is immutable.
Time alone can tell whether this must be the fate of a nation or
not. But to avert this apparent doom you and I are not altogether

' powerless. For we are the particles that are soon to be replaced,
and, being sentient, thinking particles, we can so shape our course,
our thought, as to give strength and virtue to those who will
replace us. This is the highest altruism, the most imperative of
duties; and, like all duty, it calls for some self-sacrifice.

252

The pure political life of the young town was a pressing necessity
upon those who founded it. They were building the foundations,
and they knew it. We who add to the superstructure may be I
tempted to carelessness. It is our fault and our shame that we are •■]
careless ; careless of the future so that the present is untroubled ;
careless of the evil that does not touch us today ; careless of the ;
high duties of citizenship and the usurping of public office by the ]
unworthy, so long as our personal comfort is not intimately touched.

For two centuries and a half the town thus founded has endured, J
nor has it been false to its early traditions. Prosperity was of |
slow growth. There is little resemblance in the growth of that day j
to the rapid expansion of later cities. Threatened by a hostile
tribe of Indians, the securing of a tenure meant a struggle. And i
yet, in those early days, it acquired an individuality which it has ;
never lost. The fact of its being a seaport gave it a wider touch.
It had, to some extent, a floating population. They were less
averse to recreation than some of the New England people of that I
early day, and, to some extent, their horizon seems broader. The i
maritime city always has that advantage ; more then than now,
when commerce is not so restricted to water ways. The maritime
importance of the town was early recognized by its people, for, in
166."), Charles II. was humbly petitioned to make the place a free'
port for seven, ten or twelve years, "as his royall heart shall
incline, to confer as a boon upon his poor yett loyal subjects."

The royal heart did not incline, but the sagacious inhabitants,
depending upon the bounty of nature, managed to get on without it. I

Between 1660 and 1664 vessels of some twelve to twenty tons
were built at a cost of 'between £50 and £80, which ran to the West
Indies. In 1661 a vessel which cost £200 and was called the New-
London Tryall was launched, and the venture was considered a]
great undertaking. In 1662 the captain of the Hopewell, another
large vessel for those days, died suddenly in the harbor, and the'
verdict of the .jury, rendered in accordance with the opinion oft
"John North, professor of physick," was that his death was caused
by unseasonable bathing after immoderate drinking ; the qualifying 1
adjectives leaving a pleasant leeway for the indulgence of eithei.
habit. This is the first mention of any physician in the town. Curi-
ously enough a distinguished physician, Dr. Elisha North, settled in'
New London one hundred and fifty years later.

253

Trade was opened with Newfoundland and Barbadoes, and the
latter proved most lucrative. Prom Bartford, Middletown and

Wether.siield shipments were made al New London. In 1666 a
ship of seventy tons, called the New London, was built, and ten
years later the John and Hester; of one hundred tons burden.
[These were employed in European voyages. During this time
many smaller coasting vessels and smacks were built ; and the
town was noted for its Hcet and its sailors. Coineidenl with this
maritime growth came a spirit of liberty, which now and thou de-
generated into license, and the court records show that the free
importation of liquor offered temptations which were accepted.
The foreign trade and consequent commercial prosperity of the
town continued until nearly the close of the eighteenth century,
and as a result of this prosperity and the continued effect of the
sailor in a small community, the close of the seventeenth century
found the town rather given to tavern dinners, card playing and

; hot suppers, and a conviviality which was more pronounced than

i mild.

With the beginning of the new century, however, the foreign

■ trade declined, not only here, but all over the couniry, partly in
consequence of the depredations of belligerent foreign nations.

Then the whaling interest, which was, for half a century or
I more, to be such an important factor in the growth and life of the

town began to push to the front.
1 The first whaling vessel cleared from New London in 17'.)4. and

from that time until 18G0 this enterprise was the most prominent

• feature of the town. It gave to it a distinct individuality. The
I roysteriug element of the East India trade was not a feature of the

newer venture. They were New Englanders who officered and
manned the vessels, pushing their way into the frozen seas of the

■ north to bring back the oil and bone and profit which built these
Greek temples with their Corinthian columns, then considered the

i fitting dwelling for the man of taste and means, marking a certain

• social distinction. Some of them have survived to the prevent day.
Quaint houses, possessing a quiet, old fashioned dignity, a railed
platform on the apex of the roof, from which the owner watched.
Bpy-glass in hand, for the arrival of his venture. A sturdy race.
These officers and crew, pushing, like the Vikingand Northman, into
unploughed seas. And perhaps, more than any other, they left

254

their mark on the town — a mark [that does them honor, From
McGary, who sailed with Kane in 1853, to Dunbar, who went with
DeLong and perished in the third boat, Chipps, that was lost with !
all on board, when the crew, through infinite peril, pushed from the
sinking Jeanette to the Lena Delta, no Arctic expedition has been:
without its representative from New London. We shall not look;
upon their like again. For a long time the wharves, once filled
with huge casks of oil and noisy with the cooper's mallet, were:
silent and tenantless. And then a new growth followed, as from
the shorn forest springs up a different growth of trees. The very
vessels — once so eagerly looked for, signaling to waiting wife on
sweetheart the welcome message of-" All's well!" or dimming with
tears the anxious eyes that watched and saw the flag at half-mast^
lay idle for a while at the wharves. Then some were sunk in
Charleston harbor during the war, pathetic hulks, towed, like the
fighting Temeraire, immortalized by Turner, to their last berth ;
some were altered to coal barges, a less happy fate than the death
with honor, which befell the first, and one or two, dismantled and
uncared for, are dropping to pieces at the wharves from which they
once sailed .

And the last generation of those who manned, commanded and
owned the whaling fleet are, like the vessels themselves, fast pass-
ing away.

Fleet, officers, seamen and owners are soon to become a tradi-
tion ; a memory of what once made the town.

To the early struggle for independence the town paid its tribute
of its best and its bravest. It was from here that Nathan Hale
went forth from teaching the young how to live, to teach them how
a hero could die. Upon it the traitor Arnold wreaked his venge-
ance. And from it sailed many privateers to harass the enemy.
And when, in 1861, the existence of the nation was threatened,
willing hands grasped the musket and ready feet hastened to the
front ; and the town that helped to make the nation was alert tc
defend it.

And this is the town, so founded and so preserved, that has been
handed down to us, who are in turn to hand it down to others.
Three times, since its foundation, the second figure of the century
has changed, and thei'e are those of us here who will see the dawn
of the twentieth century.

255

Though the narrow span of a single generation grasps but little
of human progress, the strides of science in our own day have out-
leaped the wildest dreams of the past. Time and spare have no
meaning to us, and with greater possibilities come new responsibili-
ties. Since in all material things life has broadened and widened,
luxuries increased, and the hours of labor become less exacting,
the opportunities which leisure brings for self culture have been
multiplied, the duty rests upon us to make a wise use of the advan-
tages which are ours. They whose methods were cruder and whose
tools were more rude furnish us with an example worthy of our
imitation.

From the beginning, in Connecticut, the town was the unit of
government as it is today. The municipality comes into closest
touch with the welfare of the citizen. Upon the wise and prudent
administration of its affairs the personal comfort and well-being of
the citizen largely depends. Great questions of state may touch
him deeply, but they do not touch him so intimately. In the scheme
of his own comfort of living comes first the family, then the town.
then the state, then the national government. And it is in ratio as
he is true to these that*he helps others, that he makes his own life
worth living. True fidelity to the interests of one implies fidelity
to the interests of all. To be false to one is to be false to all.

A municipality is only an enlarged family, where all should work
for the common good ; where integrity, fidelity, modesty and unsel-
fishness are the corner-stones of a firm foundation. The ulterior
designs of a narrow selfishness, the interference of political motives
with proper and economical management, the scheming for political
triumph, the attempt to secure some petty advantage at the expense
of municipal government, the wastefulness of careless administra-
tion consequent upon careless selection and careless election, are
the evils which threaten us as they threaten all municipal govern-
ment .

The long tenure of office in the early days showed that careful
and wise selection which make any change prejudicial to the best
interests of the town.

Rotation in office — an idea as fatal in its operation to the munici-
pality as it would be in the management of a business^had not
poisoned the political spring or paralyzed the good government of
the town.

256

To be chosen for the administration of the town affairs was ai
honor not to be lightly esteemed, a responsibility not to be evaded.
And to biding to such administration the thoughtful consideration oi
the town's welfare was to win that recognition which is his meed
who performs his duty faithfully and well. We, in our day, are
not without example of such recognition of faithful service. But
it can hardly be denied that there is a tendency to belittle public
office in town government, or to regard it as only a stepping stone
to some higher or more lucrative political preferment. If, as it hag
been said, he is a benefactor to mankind who makes two blades of
grass grow where only one grew, so is he a benefactor whose accept-
ance of public office bears with it a high sense of duty, whose
thought in its administration is for others and not for himself : who,
being chosen to act for his townsmen, acts for them honestly anc
truly. Public opinion is but the massing of individual opinion.
You and I helped to mold it and to make it, and must, to some
extent, be responsible for it. A clear and distinct idea of the duty
of citizenship, and a determination to fulfill and not to evade that
duty would solve many of the vexed problems of political life, oJ
the perplexing intricacies of municipal government.

We shall not have rejoiced over this anniversary in vain if
leads us to a more complete recognition of our own individua
duties. We love this town, whose natal day we celebrate. We
who are its children by birth and its children by adoption joii
hand and voice today, rejoicing that the lines have fallen unto us ii
pleasant places and we have a goodly heritage. We have a feeling
of deep affection for the town and its traditions, its past and its
present. Its sons and daughters come back to its shaded streets
its salt, salt wind, its stretch of white sea sand, feeling that thej
are coming home again. And going out from it to win success ii
other fields, they yearn to spend the leisure, wrung from toilsome
days, in peaceful content, amid dear and familiar scenes ; and when
life is done, to sleep under the cedars of that quiet city of the dead
resting there with those whom they have loved and honored.

Fair with the beauty of its elm-arched streets, verdant today wit!
its lawns and parks, bordered by the broad river, whose ample tide
bears on its bosom the barks that seek shelter from tempest anc
storm, crowned in the summer by sunsets whose splendid hues defy
the artist's brush, we, who are its sons and daughters, may well be

257

proud that we are of it. And he whose steps wandered here until
he knew it as his holiday home might well sing :

When the autumn winds nip all the hill-grasses brown,

And sad the last breath of the summer in town,

When the waves have a chill, with a spicing of salt,

That warms the whole blood like no mortal-brewed malt —

Then I slip the dull burdens of duties' employ —

New London, New London, New Londou, ahoy !

There the latch-string is out, there's a hand at the door,
There are kindliest faces so kindly before —
Ah, the song takes a lilt, and the words trip with joy,
For New London, New London, New London, ahoy !

When the winter lies white on the roofs of the town,

A sound's in my heart that no storm-wind can drown ;

Through the mist and the rain, and the sleet and the snow,

My memory murmurs a melody low,

Like the swing of a song through the brain of a boy.

New London, New London, New London, ahoy !

After the oration, the school children sang ■ ' Speed Our Republic. ' '
The mayor then introduced the poet of the occasion, Mr. George
Parsons Lathrop, LL. D., who read the following poem :

NEW LONDON.

The river whispered to the sea ;
" Bring me the men of destiny,
The men of faith, the men of power,
From whom shall spring a nation's flower! 1

Long, long the waves of ocean bore
That message to its farther shore ;
At last from ancient realms there came
The makers of the New World's fame.

Then, in the warring Indian land,
Brave Winthrop and his gallant band
Hewed clearings ; and from fallen oak
Rose the first hearth-fire's signal smoke.

258

Long, long they strove, and slowly reared
Homestead and school, and church revered,
And there, beside a woodland rill,
They set the lowly, quaint Town Mill ;

Where still the patient wheel goes round
As Time's wheel turns with hushing sound,
While, pouring o'er it, the stream of life
Leaps foaming, sparkling, torn with strife.

Long, long till dawned the stormy days
When all were smitten with war's amaze,
And dwellers in New London town
For Freedom won the martyr's crown.

In ship or troop, at sea, a-field,
The doom of tyranny then they sealed ;
While on fair Groton's crimsoned height
Broke Liberty's morn in fiery light.

Not Switzer mountaineers, or they
Who perished at Thermopylae,
Did bolder deeds, drew nobler breath
Than those who calmly here faced death.

But when, beneath the rule of peace,
From fiercer tasks they found release,
Our men, swept ocean near and far
To regions of the polar star ;

The harvest of the sea to reap,
And win from out yon changeful deep
The modest wealth that makes a home,
From quicksand safe and treacherous foam.

Again the clamorous war-word came ;
They rose once more, in patriot flame,
And sent their valorous ranks to crush
A swift rebellion's onward rush.

259

Now, days of calm anew prevail ;
The loom, the foundry, and the sail.
With meekesl tillers of the soil —

And rail and marl — bring fruitful toil.

Out from the past's Long cloudland-lines
The sunlight of the presenl shines.
And touches every living face
With something of an old-time grace ;

The simple force, the steadfast thought
That from the forest a city wrought.
And so tins sunlight from the past
Reminds us of a radiance vast.

That moves behind life's gloom and storm
In one divine, abiding form ;
The source of faith, the source of power.
The Ruler of our every hour.

In turmoils of all changing time
May reverence for that Light suhlime
Within our people's being dwell
Till earth shall hear her final knell.

So shall New London's memories old
Blend with the future's morning-gold :
And humble deeds, like firm alloy.
Strengthen the spirit's finer joy.

Here men should meet, of every race,
With honest grasp and open face,
And live, as many whose work is done.
To bring from passing clouds the sun.

Long as these rocky lulls arise

About her. and the starry skies

Keep wateh. and from the unconquered sea

( 'omes the sweet breath of Liberty,

260

So long may brave folk still abide

Like those who erst here dwelt and died,

And the sea-city, gazing round,

Behold her borders with honor crowned !

Hon. Charles A. Russell, congressman from this district, was next
introduced, who spoke as follows :

If the few pioneers who braved a settlement in the Nameaug
wilderness two and one-half centuries ago could be present tonight,
I wonder what they would say to us. If John Winthrop the
younger, and Thomas Peters and Margaret Lake, who were the
leading promoters for a plantation in the Pequot country in the
summer of 1645, could take part in this anniversary celebration it
would be interesting to hear their impressions of what we are today.
If the members of the General Court, held at Boston on the 6th of
May, 1646, who gave to Winthrop and Peters the allowance for
the ordering and governing of the plantation, could assemble with
us at this time, it would be entertaining to know their estimate of
the growth and progress of the municipality which they chartered.

Doubtless these founders of the " Faire Harbour" town would
be surprisingly satisfied with the development of their offspring.
Their hope and solicitude, their hardihood and energy, their pru-
dence and forethought, would very likely seem to them to have been
well placed. They, I presume, would be greatly flattered at the
robust and prosperous condition of the infant which they cherished
and nurtured. They would be gratified at the loyal and loving
devotion which today the full-grown, well-kept, hardy-knit and
sharp-witted superstructure of posterity accords to its patient, toiling,
God-fearing and humanity-serving framework of ancestry. Per-
haps in the evidence of what they saw they would remind us of the
truth of the assertion of the proper quality for ancestry — a quality
which they so well possessed and which has been portrayed in a
descriptive character of New England forefathers in these words of
our local histoi'ian : "An active husbandman, fearing God, or a
sturdy blacksmith, honest and independent, exercising at once his
reason, the electoral right and his sledge hammer, is better than
hundred pensioned lords to be the founder of a town or the father
of a race."

261

My friends, New London's founders, if with us today, would be
astonished at the progress of the centuries, at the contrast of life in
|896 and 1()4(5, at the comforts and diversities of living in the last
years of the nineteenth century as compared with the meagre re-
quirements and sparse occupations of existence in the first half of
the seventeenth century, at the rush and activity of today as the
reverse of the quiet, easy and plodding progress of the beginnings
of American settlements. When the inhabitants of the Naineaug
plantation "did chuse with a joynt consent Mr. John Winthrop,
Robert Hempstud, Samuel] Lothrup, Isarke Willie and Thomas
Minor to act in all towne affairs," the growth of the plantation was
a struggle for life. In that year of 1647 there was little resem-
blance to the rapidity and unrest of the expansive disposition of the
progressive American township of today. There could then be
little that was superficial in the life of the individual or the settle-
ment. The work was hard drudgery. The toil was on the founda-
tions. The hardy pioneers had the physical strength and the strong
nerve and the mental courage to do their work patiently and effect-
ively. They were laying the underpinnings for the centuries to
build upon. They were of one mind to do their work well, and the
conditions which surrounded them necessitated gradual growth as
the means of their own preservation and the perpetuity of their set-
tlements. Hence their character was genuine, neither fickle nor
contentious, but self-reliant and substantial. They venerated God
and man, and if their veneration was sometimes austere, it was be-
cause their surroundings were austere, and they were engaged in a
serious undertaking, and a severe struggle for the establishment of
the independence of man, and the freedom of the worship of (Jod in
new settlements in a wilderness country.

So, my good citizens of New London, if you had as guests at this
anniversary those whom you honor as founders, they would receive
your honor as due their privations, sacrifices and efforts to establish
this settlement. Perchance they might say that you overlooked
somewhat and underestimated a little your own difficulties and
duties, in properly maintaining the developed municipality which
has sprung up on their foundations. As to us their struggles and
achievements seem difficult, so to them our work and mission would
doubtless appear perplexing and laborious. As to us their endur-
ance and heroism seem marvelous, so to them our citizenship and

262

patriotism would appear exacting and commanding the best thought
and action. They were given little, we are given much. They
met the requirements of what they had, and they would expect us.
to meet the greater requirements of our greater possessions.

Their public concerns were prescribed and their foes were from
without. Our public interests are extensive, and our contentions
are among ourselves. And so, after all, the ancestry might say to
the posterity : ' ' You have a big house to keep in order and a
numerous family to support. You have many problems to solve
and diverse interests to look after. You have comforts and pleas-
ures and peace and intelligence and inventions to serve and prosper
your life. But with all, you have the greater responsibility and the
greater demand on your honesty, intellect and judgment. There is
a tendency in the American life today to live completely in the
present. Our anniversaries may direct the thought to the past and
to the future. They honor the past and may guard the future.
Today we celebrate the building of the fathers of more than two
centuries ago, and we find much that is stable and commendable in
their structure. The future shall view the work of our genera-
tions, and may it find cause for celebration in our tenantry.

I did not presume that the little time allotted to me in these in-
teresting exercises would warrant any historical review of the plan-
tation which grew to the township, and later to the pleasant and
prosperous city by the " free sea." That has been better and
more completely done by others. I cannot, however, refrain from
one word of congratulation to this town and these people, on the
situation which pertains here, as we meet to celebrate the anniver-
sary of the far-away beginning.

From the large grants to the original plantation, slices were cut
off to form the towns which now surround the municipality, until
New London today is the smallest town in our commonwealth.
Reverses have come to the settlement in the course of her history,
greater and more sudden, I believe, than have been experienced by
any other town in the state. The Revolutionary war almost extin-
guished the life of the settlement, as it completely destroyed her
business and property. Enterprise and activity of her homeless and
poverty stricken people revived the little life which the war left, and
an era of commercial prosperity set in. The embargo of 1807 and
the second war with England in 1812 destroyed completely the mar-

263

itinie trade of New London, and for a second time the settlement

was compelled to begin life over again, so to speak. Business and
property and prosperity were gone, but energy and activity remained
with the people. Into new paths the enterprise of the people went
out, and the whaling business was pursued with success and great
advantage to the locality for three decades or more. The depres-
sion and almost complete extinction of this business is within the
knowledge of many of New London's citizens of today. And so,
lor the third time, the business of the place was taken from it.

From these reverses, fellow citizens, your fair city has revived in
a way which speaks encomiums for the character of your people.
Manufacturing lias now come among you to stay, and "the free
sea" of your magnificent harbor is assured an increasing com-
merce. It is a matter of no small congratulation that through all
the reverses of war and business, which are demoralizing to the
morals, thrift and general character of a people, the populace of
New London has maintained a degree of intelligence and enterprise
which have surmounted all " setbacks," and today place the city as
the " Faire Harbour" of business activity, of hospitable and pleas-
ant residence, and of intelligent and patriotic citizenship.

U. S. Senator O. H. Piatt, of Meriden, was next introduced, who
addressed the vast assemblage in the following words :

.I//-. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen:

A stranger, invited to sit down with the household as a guest at
the Thanksgiving dinner, may enjoy for the time being all the com-
forts and privileges of the family, may enter into and share, in a
measure, at least, the family spirit and pride. The present is pecu-
liarly a family gathering, and though a stranger you kindly make
me your guest, allow me to enjoy with you the family history, and
share with you all the pride that the New London family so natu-
rally and justly feels. And yet I am not quite a stranger on an occa-
sion when we recall and recount the struggles and the successes of
Rncestral life. The story is familial- in outline, if not in detail, to
any one who is Connecticut born, or who. casting in his lot with us,
rejoices in the history of the early times. I hope that you will at
least recognize me as a remote; kinsman.

264

The pioneers of New London were, in all essential qualities, very
much like the pioneers of the Connecticut and New Haven colonies.
Hooker and Ludlow at Hartford, Eaton and Davenport at New
Haven, Winthrop and Peters at New London, were men of the same
stamp, and, while New London did not become a separate colony,
the history of its founding, its building and growth, differs but little
from that of Hartford and^New Haven, which were all to be merged
at last into one colony and to grow into one State, which all Connect-
icut men, whether by birth or adoption, love and adore.

It is not easy, in these advanced and stable times when civiliza-
tion seems to have accomplished its perfect work, when it is but a
day's journey from Washington to New London, when we commu-
nicate with Constantinople in an hour, and talk half-way across the
continent in a minute, to realize that there ever was a time when
men came here as pioneers and founders. It is hard to realize that
Winthrop ever skirted the coast from the Connecticut to the Pequot
country in a rude rowboat, or toiled on foot through trackless forest
and tangled swamp from Fenwick to where we now stand, camping
here under the branching oaks or firs. And yet, two hundred and
fifty years measured by ordinary processes of national growth is not
so very long ago. I read in the papers but yesterday that Emperor
Francis Joseph has just opened the exercises of Hungary's mille-
narian year. The beginnings of such history are lost in myth,
while the beginnings of your history are preserved in written
records. There may be more of romance in the history of a people
which dates back to the mythical period, but there is vastly more
of instruction, of stimulus and inspiration in histories like ours, the
earliest incidents of which are so preserved in the quaint language
of the period, that the deeds, the purposes, hopes and expectations
of the early settlers stand out before us as if described and por-
trayed in the daily records of the present time.

What a fascination those early records, in which we study, and
by which we appreciate the lives and characters of our ancestors,
possess ! We all want to become antiquarians, and long for leisure
and opportunity to decipher for ourselves the written page or the
inscriptions upon moss-grown tombstones, and as the years roll on
the fascination increases; we come to reverence, almost to worship
the men who laid the foundations of the State; we enter into their
lives as if we were their cotemporaries ; every act they performed

•21 if)

interests us more than the most striking events of the presenl day.
How that incident of the journey of Winthrop and his companions
to Bride Brook to moot the bridal party from Fenwick appeals to
our imagination ! That wedding in the wilderness, the snow under-
foot, the trees overhead, the stillness of the Almighty all around,
furnishes the plot of a real and true romance, in which historical
features, characters of hero and heroine, and the sturdy moral qual-
ities of the people stand out with a vividness that makes us more
than ever ashamed of our vapid modern fiction. They are no myth-
ical people these, but very real personages, our ancestors, whose
personality we delight to call up and dwell upon. We like to dwell
more upon what they were in their inner lives, in their very souls.
than upon their mere deeds of heroism. The impulses which led
them here, the lives they lived here, what they hoped to accomplish
here, what they struggled to be, interests us now far more than the
story of their conflict with savage foes. The earnestness and devo-
tion which marked them as they gathered in the meeting-house,
where they really met each other in heart, and all met God in spirit
and in truth, speaks vastly more to us than the fact that fchey car-
ried their muskets to the meeting-house, and that a sentinel stood
outside with drum and drumsticks in hand to notify them of danger
while their souls went out in worship. The customs, the habits, the
social life of the period, though curious, were evanescent, hut their
qualities, their purposes and actions were enduring. What they
ate, what they drank, how they were clothed, how they appeared.
has left but slight impress upon us ; but what they were in their
souls we feel in our own lives and characters even now.

It is most curious and instructive to note how the lives of the men
who founded and developed our ancient towns have given them an
enduring character ; how their moral qualities and secular habits
come to be impressed upon the very localities where they lived and
worked; how the spirit of those who first settled here and those
who followed them has become the spirit of the place.

I often think that the old Pagan belief which gave to each locality
its own peculiar and guardian deity had a -rain of truth in it after
all. There was inspiration in the thought that the spirits of de-
parted ancestors lived in the fires and ashes of the hearthstone — an
inspiration which made the Roman citizen a patriot and hero, and
Wrought wonders in the development of Roman civilization — and I

266

have come to believe that all, which men, who have lived and died
upon a certain spot of earth, ever did, or ever were, remains and lin-
gers there until the locality itself becomes representative and pos-
sessed of a distinct life, which embodies the spirits of those who
have gone before.

A nation or state, city or town, comes to have a life of its own, as
different from the life of every other nation, state, city or town, as
the life of one man differs from the life of every other man. Every
separate community is in a sense a distinct entity, a sentient moral
being, with traits, qualities, characteristics, purposes and influences
all its own. When we speak of Connecticut, Texas or California,
there is presented to our mind as distinct an image of individual
life as when we speak of Washington, Arnold or Lincoln. So when
we speak of Hartford, New Haven, Norwich and New London, each
place mentioned stands for and is a distinct force and life. Char-
acter is a part of life, and as communities do certainly possess char-
acter they must be imbued with life. How commonly we speak
of the life of a nation or city, and how little we realize what we
mean when we speak of the life of a place. The life of New London !
How naturally our lips form the phrase, and yet how thoughtlessly
we speak it, scarcely thinking that we are speaking at all of the
great fact that New London is really a living being, force and
power.

As a man is the architect and builder of his own life, so he is in
a degree the architect and builder of the community life. Each
resident of your beautiful city thus becomes partly responsible for
the life of New London, " the life that now is, and the life that is
to come," for a city, like a man, has its future as well as its past
and present life. Evex'y place builds for the future.

This life and character which a community takes on is something
very different from the aggregate and average of the lives of the
men and women who at any one time compose and constitute the
place. New London in its life is something more than the lives of
all who now reside here. All that Winthrop and Peters and their
associates were and labored for, all that those who immediately
followed them thought, imagined and longed for, all that the men
of recent generations have been in deed or purpose, has gone to
make up the life and character of the New London of today. Thus
your city, while a corporation, is something more than a corpora-

267

tioii. Corporations are said to have no souls, bu.1 New London, Like
every community, has a soul, and all that is implied by that marvel-
ous word. Our fathers believed, if we do not, that nations, states
and municipalities were the objects of Divine favor or displeasure,
and if we reflect a little we shall, I think, conclude that our
fathers were not mistaken.

How very much alike is the life of a man and the life of a com-
munity ! A man is born, grows to be a boy, a young man, becomes
a force and power in the world for good or evil, has his own dis-
tinguishing qualities, traits, tastes, peculiarities, hopes and aspira-
tions ; and how literally true this is of the community. Every
itage of its growth, every element of its strength or weakness finds
its counterpart in the growth, the strength or weakness of an indi-
vidual. Man is the object of affection, so a city becomes the object
of earnest, passionate love, as you who dwell here will testify. But
I may not take more of your time in pursuing the comparison ; it is
complete at every point.

In one particular the advantage is with the community ; the age
of man is limited, but no arbitrary law of threescore-and-ten years
limits the life, capacity or usefulness of nation, commonwealth or
municipality. The term of national life depends upon right living,
which is equivalent to saying wise and honest administration. The
life of New London is bound up with the life of the State, the life
of the State with that of the country.

It is not easy to describe a man, to analyze and weigh or to even
picture those things in his life and character, which attract us and
secure our respect and affection ; and it is still less easy to describe
the life and character of a city, to point out what are the peculiari-
ties which draw us toward it and make us love it. If a man is true
and good and strong, we admire him, are ready to stand by him
and give him our loyal support. Those who know such a man best
love him most. So when a city in its growth and development has
been earnest, enterprising, helpful, true and good, we come to love
it as we love a noble and true man. Thus you who know New Lon-
don best love it most. It is your home ; its traditions, its history,
its life, are peculiarly your own, and so justly it stands lirst in your
affection. Still, I think, as a guest on this Thanksgiving day, I may
be permitted, without presumption, to say that in my estimation
New London is to be congratulated in that it has lived a noble,

2(58

useful, influential life, from the time when Winthrop first looked out
on the beautiful waters which lave its shore, to the present hour ;
that it has well and beneficently done its work for the building of j
our State, the making of our country, the development of our peo-
ple, the advancement of our civilization.

But what of the future ?

We live amid changed and changing scenes. As when New Lon-
don was founded, we are once more in a transition period. New i
forces have come in to dominate our lives. Just at present the
process of adjustment to new conditions and relations seems hard
and at times cruel, but the adjustment will be made ; and let us hope
that out of the present turmoil, men and communities will enter a
larger and wider field and find opportunity for increased happiness
and greater development. We should face the future bravely and
hopefully. For New London, as for country and state, the building
period has come again, the time for the laying of new foundations.
The great question of the present is, how shall we build ? If the i
men of today will but build in the spirit and faith of Winthrop and
his compeers, we may look forward to another two hundred and fifty i
years, during which the life of New London shall transcend its past,
and be an ever-increasing joy and glory.

What shall the building be ?

From 1784 to 1806 the Hon. Richard Law was the mayor of New
London. A descendant, Mr. William H. Law, of New York city,
was present, and was introduced by Mayor Johnston. He spoke
as follows :

Mr. Chairman and Ladies and Gentlemen of New London :

Were it not for the kindly feeling which your honored chairman, i
the mayor, must naturally possess for his distinguished predecessors,
I fear I should not be here tonight to form, as it were, the keysto
between the past and the present, and, as the great-grandson of t
first mayor of your beautiful and historical city, participate in the
celebration of this two hundred and fiftieth anniversary. But th
fortune of birth confronts me, and the courtesy of your committ
enables me to extend to you my felicitations upon this auspicious o
casion.

269

Small wonder that the eyes of the younger Winthrop gazed long-
ingly across the waters from Fishers Island upon this Eden. Small
wonder that our thrifty Puritan forefathers coveted this land, en-
dowed by nature with all the requisites for the establishment of a
noble city, and when, two hundred and fifty years ago, they entered
upon their willing task and laid the foundation stone of what was
destined to become nearly a century and a half later the City of
New London, they builded better than they knew, and that which
(peace rest their ashes) they perhaps desired for their own good
selves has by process of time and the unending evolutions of gen-
erations become the haven of many thousands, where the noise and
bustle of commerce prevails and the brightness of its horizon is
dimmed alone by the smoke from its busy manufactories.

To me, Mr. Chairman, it is a delight to revel in the historic mem-
ories of the past, to look about me and feel that generations now
long gone, but dear to me by reason of the inestimable ties of flesh
and blood, have here existed and formed an integral part of your
community, and, above all, have been instrumental in rearing your
city and shaping its development and progress.

How much it means to me that here my father and grandfather
were born and lived ; that here, too, my great-grandfather had his
dwelling and was esteemed by his fellow citizens, and for a period
of twenty-two years was entrusted with the highest honor that their
individual suffrage could bestow. Small wonder, then, that when
tonight I say I rejoice to be with you and of you, I speak but the
utterance of a heart full of the tenderest emotions that sway the
human breast. And yet, birth is but an accident. Small credit to
me that I am the descendant of distinguished ancestors, and am
thus worthy to be on this platform tonight .

I am but an X ray impinging upon the sensitive plate of time,
and reflecting the actuality of the past upon the materiality of the
present. Our forefathers but did their duty ; they designed the
edifice and perfected the plans of this honored city. Those that
came after them created the reality. The former were the archi-
tects, you were the builders. They idealized, you materialized :
and so upon you, and your children, and your children's children,
down through countless ages, is imposed the responsibility and the
honorable task of bringing nearer to perfection the work which
those who have gone before have planned, and of making this city,

270

so liberally blessed in location and surroundings, one of the fore-
most in the world, in generations to come. All honor and peace to
those pioneers who have gone ; all glory to their descendants who
have and are yet to come.

Ex-Governor Thomas M. Waller was then introduced as the last
speaker. After the applause with which he was greeted had
ceased, he said :
Fellow Townsmen, Ladies and Gentlemen :

After the address and the speeches to which we have listened
and with which we have all been delighted, there is little of interest
that I can contribute, for, though the field is ample, after such
reapers as I have to follow it is hardly worth while to glean.

But there is one thing I can say, and say it sincerely. I con-
gratulate you, and I am as glad as you are that the celebration to
which we have devoted tonight, tomorrow and tomorrow night, too,
has so happily begun.

We have touight come together in this crowded assemblage of
those who were born here, those who live and belong here, and
those who are with us as our welcome guests, to celebrate not our-
selves but others ; not the living, but the dead ; the past, not the
present, for the only thought of the celebration in which our hearts
are enlisted is to do honor to the faithfulness and heroism of those
who have lived here and gone before us, as posterity will, if we
deserve it, do honor to us.

We are here to usher in tomorrow, the two hundred and fiftieth
birthday of our loved old New London, with the oratory of patriot-
ism, with sounds of rejoicing, with strains of music and with the
melody of song.

And such an anniversary deserves such a greeting, and the
patriot's love of home, the most exalting of all human emotions, is
its inspiration, for without love of home there could be no love of
town, state or country, as there could be no creek, stream or great
river without its fountain source. The thought I have in mind has
been adorned in verse :

" There is a land supremely blest ;
A lovelier, happier spot than all the rest,
And patriots think, where'er they roam,
That land their country and that spot their home,"

271

And this is the feeling that prevails with us here. The United
States is the best land of, and New London is the Lovelier, happier
spot of our patriotic affection.

And it is with this feeling that we will tomorrow, with prayer,
and praise, and gratitude dedicate an historic spot within our bor-
ders upon which to build a memorial to that heroic group, with
Winthrop the younger, in the midst of them, who. two hundred and
fifty years ago, looking forward with hope to this day, and beyond
it, with —

" Clear light within, clear light above,
By faith upheld, and by foes undaunted,
Home, freedom, country here they planted."

But when this is done our grateful service will not be ended, Bor
we are to do honor to the defenders as well as the founders of our
home, freedom and country; to those who planted the standard of
civil and religious liberty on the soil we now occupy, and to those
who in their day and generation, on the land and on the sea, for
love of home and of country, from Bunker Hill to Appomattox,
have fought for and sustained it.

It is difficult for me to speak, however briefly, of the past of New
London without becoming reminiscent, for though I am not " to the
manor born," for nearly fifty years this has been the home of my
adoption, and a hospitable home, too* But I can only realize how
far into the past memory takes me when I recall the changes of
which I have been a witness that have taken place, and especially
changes in the social statistics and relations of the town.

When I came here I was, as the lads are who hear me, at the
rear of life's procession, but as years have passed I have had to
move forward to fill vacant places, until 1 am now near the front,
for of those who were then the active men and women in the affairs
of the community but few remain, and of those who were then of
the age I am now there is not a living soul with us.

The retrospect is suggestive, but it is not altogether a sad one.
•For we. have the comfort and consolation of knowing that those
whose loss is lamented in their lifetime made records as their dut\
called them as public men, as soldiers and sailors, as preachers and
teachers, as lawyers and doctors, as orators and writers, as nier-

272

chants and bankers, as mechanics and inventors, that we have a
right to be, and ought to be, proud of, as we are.

And our city today, with its churches, its schools, its public
library, its public parks, its benevolent endowments, its institutions
of charity, its commercial credit, its growing prosperity and its
happy homes, is itself a monument of their fidelity to the traditions
of its founders and a living memorial of their anxiety and foresight,
their care and affection for their successors as townsmen, and for
their children and their children's children for all time to come.
One word more — grateful to the past, let us, fellow townsmen, strive
to be, as they were, faithful to the future.

The audience, led by the band, and the chorus of girls, joined in
singing "America," and the great throng dispersed to wait for the
Natal Day and its exercises.

273

VI.
WEDNESDAY, MAY (I.

Wednesday, May (>, was the day to which every thoughl had been
turned. The question, Will it rain ? had been uppermost. But
when the day dawned all anxiety was at rest. The sky was over-
Bast, and the temperature of the previous day had materially modi-
fied, fortunately for the men who were to match. With the excep-
tion of a strong northerly wind, the day was all that could be
wished.

The trains poured into New London a living stream, till, it is
estimated, a population equal to the number of permanent resi-
dents was moving up and down our streets, a dense throng of huma-
nity. At the dedication of the Soldiers' Monument the adjoining
streets and square were black with people. All traffic was tempo
rarily blocked. And it is to be said that the order which reigned
through the day was most gratifying.

The scene into which the comers by train and boa! were ushered
was a veritable fairy scene. Since Monday the hand of the decorator
had shown itself, and when Wednesday morning dawned State streel
was glorious in hunting, and the red white and blue were every-
where. The business places, the old Court-House, and many of the
redolences of the city were in gala dreSS, and there were few from
which there were not flung the stars and si pipes, in honor of t be da\ .
The whole city was in holiday attire, as well as the shipping,
which filled the harbor. Everywhere could he seen the face of
Winthrop, the town's founder.

274

The cruisei's Cincinnati and Montgomery had already anchored in
the harbor to participate in the festivities. As early as 7 o'clock
the arrivals began, when the band of boys from the Mission of the
Immaculate Conception of New York, broke in upon the stillness,
and announced their arrival, with strains of martial music, as they
marched up the street from the City of Lowell to St. Mary's to
attend mass. The steamer Continental, of New Haven, had also
arrived and tied up to Central wharf, bringing the Second Company
of the Governor's Foot Guards. With them as guests were mili-
tary men and prominent civilians. The City of Lowell brought an
immense crowd from New York. The trains came in loaded from
all directions. Among the people were large numbers of former
New Londoners, who had come to see the old town renew her youth
and put on her holiday garments, and to help celebrate the day.

One of the featui*es of the event was the Masonic procession, led
by the Third Regiment band, to the square where the corner-stone
of the Winthrop Monument was to be laid. They were a fine body
of men, and presented a striking appearance. Early in the day
various posts of the G. A. R. arrived in town and took their places
in line. Soon after the governor, Hon. O. Vincent Coffin came,
with the First Company of the Governor's Foot Guards. They
were met by the Second Company, which was on the ground,
and His Excellency was escorted to the residence of Mr. F. H.
Chappell, on Huntington street, whose guest Gov. Coffin was to be
while in New London. The Foot Guards, in their uniform,
presented a fine appearance, and their marching was superb. At
11.05 Putnam Phalanx, of Hartford, arrived over the New London
Northern. The Third Regiment was also here in full force. Says
The Bay, speaking of the presence of the " last of the Mohegans" :

"A distinct feature of the celebration today has been the little group of
Mohegan Indians, who were in the especial charge of Ernest E. Rogers, of the
committee. They were present at the laying of the corner-stone of the Win-
throp Statue, and subsequently at the dedication of the Soldiers' and Sailors
Monument. The chief rode in the procession, his face painted, and wearing a
head-dress of feathers. Two of the Indians were dressed in Indian costume,
and one of them was mounted. They made an eloquent picture, representing
the passing of the aboriginal tribes of red men who once inhabited this coun-
try, and the all conquering advance of the palefaces."

Stonington, Mystic, Niantic and Norwich, with other towns in the
vicinity, were largely represented, though for that matter the whole

27.")

State was a generous contributor to our visiting list. In Stoning-
ton everything shut down at 10 o'clock, and one train brought three
hundred people over to see the sights. The schoolboys were ad-
mired by everybody for their military bearing; and they sang well,
too, though it was a struggle to raise their voices above the wind.
That Norwich was well represented is shown by the fact that up
to 10 o'clock 3,000 tickets to New London were sold at the Norwich
station. Perkins Post, G. A. I\., fed 1,300 people at Lawrence
Hall. This immense crowd drank two hundred gallons of coffee
and consumed food in the same proportions. About a half a ton of
ham was boiled to make sandwiches. These facts give some idea
of the throngs who were fed.

LAYING THE CORNER-STONE OF THE WINTHROP MONUMENT.

The first event of the day was the laying of the corner-stone of a
monument to the founder of the town, in what he knew as Town
Square. The hour set for the ceremonies was 10 o'clock. Long
before that time people began to gather, till 5,000 filled the open
square where Hempstead street, Pleasant street, Granite street,
Prospect street and the ancient Town Square meet. The Dan, of May
6, said :

" The Masonic procession formed on State street, right resting on Union,
at 9.45. a. m., in the following order :

Third Regiment Band.

Union Lodge, No 31, F. and A. M.

Clinton Band.

Brainard Lodge, No. 102, P. and A. M.

Bay View Lodge, F. and A. M., Niantic.

Union Chapter, No. 7, R. A. M.

Pope's Band, Hartford.

Palestine Commandery, K. T.

Continental Band, Providence.

Columbian Commandery, K. T.

Officers of Grand Lodge of Connecticut.

"The line of march was up State to Huntington, to Bulkeley Square, to
Winthrop Park. Arriving at the site of the Monument, Union lodge formed
on north side, Brainard and Bay View on the south side, Union chapter

276

directly iu rear of Brainard lodge, the Conimanderies in rear of Union lodge.
The four hundred schoolboys, under charge of Charles B. Jennings, formed on
the west of Hempstead street-side in close column of companies.

" About six hundred Masons took part in the exercises. The ceremonies
connected with the setting of the corner-stone were impressive, and were wit-
nessed by a large number of people, the Square being densely packed.

"A stand was erected on the left of the Square, and upon it the speakers
were stationed. The preparations for laying the foundation had been made by
digging a large hole in the center of Winthrop Park. In the bottom of this
was a stone with a square cavity cut into it. Suspended by a derrick over the
hole was the corner-stone, a large block of granite, on which was cut the
inscription, 'A. L. 5,896.'

" There was a delay in starting the procession, and the Masonic bodies did
not arrive at the Square until half an hour after the time for the ceremony."

The Telegraph, of May 7, said :

"The school children were ready for their part, having been marshaled
from their schoolhouses with admirable promptitude. The scholars who gave
up part of their holiday to make a holiday for others and honor the founder of
the city and the heroes of the last war ought to be specially commended, for
it requires considerable heroism to do this. Sacrifices are large to the young.
The school children and the young gentlemen of the Bulkeley School added
greatly to the success of the undertaking. The marching of the boys was fine,
and Young New London has a feather in its cap that it has well earned.

"The services at the dedication of John Winthrop's Monument were par-
ticularly impressive. It will be beautifully situated, ever looking toward the
sea and the hills of Groton, and as the people watched the ceremony they
approved the historic fitness of the spot. Upon the stand with the president
and speakers were seated several descendants of John Winthrop, Jr."

At 10.30 o'clock Mr. A. H. Chappell called the vast assemblage
to order, and introduced the exercises with the following words :

Two centuries and a half ago, upon these hills, our forefathers
laid the foundation of this town, destined to become the mother of
thousands of fair, true hearted women and brave and loyal men.

They were serious men, these ancestors of ours, thinkers as well
as workers, and dominating their whole lives were two sentiments
— the love of liberty and the fear of God.

Building upon such foundations, it is no wonder that the New
England race and the New England character have left their mark
all over this land, from shore to shore.

•J 7 7

It is fitting that we honor the memory of the leader of these pio-
neers by an enduring monument, and we can build it upon no better
foundation than theirs — true liberty, which forbids all encroach-
ment upon the rights of others, and the fear of God, which teaches
respect for, and obedience to, the governmenl of our choice.

To the clergy of the ancient church of New London falls naturallj
the duty of officiating at tins commemoration of the Puritan John
Winthrop. The pastor of the First Church of Christ, in New Lon-
don, will address you, and the Rev. Mr. Bixler will now offer
prayer.

Rev. dames W. Bixler, pastor of the Second Congregational
church, offered an appropriate prayer, after which Key. S. Leroy
Blake, 1). I)., pastor of the First Church of Christ, delivered the
following oration upon "The Founder of New London " :

Ln</i<>; and Gentlemen .-

John Winthrop. .1 r. . was the son of -John Winthrop, of Massa-
chusetts. He was horn at Groton, England, February 12, 1G06,
when his father was hut a month past eighteen. He was descended
from three Adam Winthrops, of Suffolk, who were men of great
st length and force of character. The great-grandfather of our
John Winthrop is represented as a man of culture and decision.
His grandfather was a lawyer, and figured somewhat conspicuously
in the reign of Charles I. The Winthrop family was one of sul>-
stance and honorable repute. John Winthrop, the father, was the
most distinguished Puritan of the Seventeenth century in civil life,
unless we except the son.

The Winthrop home at Groton was in the cradle of Puritanism.
Huntingdon, on the west, gave Oliver Cromwell to the world. At
the university of Cambridge, with which his grand-father was con-
nected as Auditor at Trinity College, had studied some of the lend-
ing Separatists and Puritans; men, some of whom became famous
in the history of New England — lohn Robinson, John Cotton,
John Winthrop the elder, Thomas Hooker. The Winthrop family
were of the Puritan faith. Every breath which the younger John
drew was tinctured with it.

278

His mother was Mary Forth, daughter and sole heir of John
Forth, Esq., of Great Stambridge, in Essex. Her charms were so
great that John Winthrop. the elder, left his university and his
degree to wed her. Her family was one of substance, and she
brought her husband "a large portion of outward estate." This
must have been a welcome addition to the Winthrop exchequer,
worth more than the bachelor's degree which was relinquished for
her attractions and pounds. She was withal a woman of deep piety,
which impressed itself upon her son. She died when he was but
nine years old. Her husband wrote of her, " She proved after a
right godly woman." Hon. R. C. Winthrop, a lineal descendant
of John Winthrop, of Connecticut, says, "His own noble conduct"
gives ' ' the best evidence of her having been a good and godly par-
ent, as long as she was spared to her children."

John Winthrop, Jr., was thus well born. He early showed those
scholarly aptitudes which were marked in later years. His earlier
student life was spent at the famous school of Bury St. Edmunds,
not far from his home. It was founded by Edward VI., in 1550.
He entered Trinity college of Dublin university in 1622, at the age
of sixteen, from which it is believed that he graduated in course.
The letters written to him by his father while a student in college
" are models of old fashioned paternal advice and affectionate coun-
sel." The expenses were less at Dublin than at Cambridge. This,
with the fact that his aunt lived there, may have been the reason
why he was sent to the Irish university rather than Cambridge.
The yearly expenses did not exceed £30. However his father
wrote, "when that shall not suffice, you shall have more. Only
hold a sober and frugal course (yet without baseness) , and I will
shorten myself to enlarge you."

After leaving college he was admitted to the study of law in the
Inner Temple, London. His tastes, however, were scholarly and
scientific, rather than legal. He therefore never entered the legal
profession. On abandoning it he joined the ill-starred expedition
of the Duke of Buckingham to relieve the French Protestants of
New Rochelle, and to save the duke's waning fortunes and doomed
head. On his return, in 1628, he contemplated joining the company
of John Endicott, who came to Salem, Mass., that year. But his
father dissuaded him from it. For what reason does not appear.
Instead he made a tour to the east, which extended as far as Con-

279

stantinople, and consumed fourteen months. On his return, in
August, 1(529, he found, to his surprise, thai his father was prepar-
ing to take the very stop from which he had dissuaded him the year
before. Of this remarkable movement Green says: "The third
parliament of Charles was hardly dissolved, when ' conclusions' for
the establishment of a great colony on the other side of the Atlantic
were circulating among gentry and traders, and descriptions of the
new country of Massachusetts were talked over in every Puritan
household. The proposal was welcomed with the quiet, stern
enthusiasm which marked the temper of the time.'' The elder
Winthrop sent these "conclusions" to his son for approval in Aug-
ust, 1629. The father's letter is lost, but we have the son's. Its
sentiments had so great weight in deciding the action which re-
sulted in the planting of New England, and it breathes a spirit of
such entire trust in God, that I quote from it at length : "For the
business of New England I can say no other thing butthat I helieve
confidently that the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord.
And for myself I have seen so much of the vanity of the world thai
I esteem no more of the diversities of countries than so many inns,
whereof the traveler that hath lodged in the best or in the worst
findeth no difference when he cometh to his journey's end ; and I
shall call that my country where I may most glorify God and enjoy
the presence of my dearest friends. Therefore, herein I submit
myself to God's will and yours, and with your leave do dedicate
myself (laying by all other employments whatsoever) to the service
of God and the company herein with my whole endeavors." This
letter probably decided the action of the father and the destiny of
New England, for five days later, August 20, 1(529, the agreement
was entered into which resulted in planting the colony of Massa-
chusetts in 1G30, and indirectly in the planting of Connecticut a
few years later. Winthrop, the elder, gave as his i*eason for sign-
ing the agreement the consent of his whole family who had come to
years of discretion. Green says of this letter of the younger Win-
throp, " The answer was accepted, and the Puritan emigration be-
gan on such a scale as England had never before seen." It is not
too much to say, then, that John Winthrop. Jr., waslargely instru-
mental in deciding the great Puritan exodus of 1630, because of
which New England became a fact. The sentiments quoted from
his letter deserve a place on his monument, which is to stand here,

280

to testify to the future that his voice helped to decide the destiny of
New England, and finally of this nation of free states. If he had
written in another strain to his father, the course of history un-
doubtedly would have been materially changed.

He was married to his cousin, Martha Fones, February 8, 1631.
November 4 of that year he arrived in Boston. In the following
year he founded Ipswich, where he had his home until he came to
New London in 1647. His wife died childless July 30, 1634.
Soon after he returned to England, where he was married to Eliza-
beth Read, February 12, 1635, who became the mother of his chil-
dren. In October of the same year he returned, bearing a commis-
sion from Lord Say and Seale, Lord Brooke, Sir Richard Saltonstall
and others "to begin a plantation at Connecticut and to be governor
there for the space of one year from his arrival there."

His jurisdiction as governor covered the extensive territory included
in the original patent of 1630, granted by Charles I. to the Earl of
Warwick, which took in the whole state of Connecticut and much
more, extending from Point Judith to New York, and northward as
far as Worcester. He was thus the first governor on the soil of Conn-
ecticut, as his father was the first governor of Massachusetts. It is
quite true that John Haines, Esq., of Mr.. Hooker's colony, was the
first governor chosen on the ground, April 11, 1639. But John
Winthrop, Jr., was governor four years before under the royal
patent .

Immediately on his arrival in Boston, in November of 1635, he
sent men to take possession of the mouth of the Connecticut river.
Nor did he move too soon. For hardly had his vessels arrived
before the Dutch appeared for a like purpose. But the flag of
England was flying and English cannon were mounted, and the
Dutch prudently returned to New York. In accordance with the
terms of his commission, Winthrop built a fort at the mouth of the
river, erected houses for the gentlemen of quality who were expected
from England, and founded what is now the town of Saybrook,
which he named in honor of two of the noble patentees, Lord Say
and Seale and Lord Brooke. He was governor of Connecticut one
year, and then went back to Ipswich, where he devoted himself to
his favorite pursuits to develop the mineral resources of the Bay
colony.

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It seems likely that while at Saybrook Mr. Winthrop was attract-
ed t<> the mouth of the Pequot river as a suitable place for a settle-

in. -lit, ami that ho then formed the purpose which resulted in the
rounding of New London. In 1640 he acquired possession of Fish-
ers Island, which remained in the family till 1862. He ultimately
became an extensive laud holder in these parts. In 1644, June 28,
the Massachusetts legislature "granted to Mr. Winthrop a planta-
tion at or near Pequot for iron works," a pursuit in which he seems
to have taken a deep interest. This seems to have been the tirst
movement toward a settlement here. But the colony was formally
sanctioned by the Massachusetts legislature May 6, 1(>4(>. So that
when New London was founded it was a .Massachusetts town. But
within two years the jurisdiction was yielded to Connecticut. Mr.
(winthrop took up his residence here in 1G47. His house, built of
Rone, stood on the lot nearly opposite East New Loudon chapel.
He resided here till he was chosen governor in 1657, when, at the
iequest of the legislature,' he removed to Hartford. During his
residence here, and largely through his influence, probably, Rev.
Richard Blinman and the First Church removed hither from Glouces-
ter. The result was a large accession to the population of the
tow n, because of which ( 'ape Ann Lane was laid out and named — an
Honorable and significant title which it bore for over two hundred
and fifty years, and which ought to he restored to it in honor of the

i memory of the founder of our town. He gave the name of Meet-

; ing House Hill to this ridge of land. He, with other of his fellow
townsmen, was instrumental in establishing the old. mill in 1(550, for

I the grinding of corn. He was justice of the peace, selectman, and
was made freeman and a magistrate of the colony. Near this very
spot the town meetings were held. Here he was wont to meet with
his fellow townsmen for the worship of God, first in the barn meet-
ing house, which stood on the spot now occupied by the house of
the late George D. Whittlesey, and then in the Blinman meeting

! house, which stood about where Bulkeley school now stands. His
vote must have been cast in 1653, forever setting apart yonder
cemetery for purposes of burial. Here he erected a tomb for him-
self, with the evident purpose of making this his last resting place.
But the duties and vicissitudes of his public life decreed otherwise.
Time forbids to give the details of his New London life. He
was chosen governor in 1657, and was continued in office till he

282

died, although he twice sought to retire from the responsibilities of
public life. Many perplexing questions, some of them relating to
boundaries between adjoining colonies, arose during the nearly
twenty years of his official life. Some of them were not finally
adjusted till the next century. But two events of his administra-
tion stand out conspicuously before all others. They are the secur-
ing the charter from Charles II. and the union of the Connecticut
and the New Haven colonies. This service entitles him to be called
the founder of Connecticut, as truly as his father was the founder
of Massachusetts. For the charter was the sole constitutional law,
fii*st of the colony, then of the state, till Sept. 15, 1818. And the
constitution then adopted, to use its own phraseology, was a reaf-
firmation "of the liberties, rights and privileges which they (the
fathers) derived from their ancestors."

The story of the charter is briefly as follows : The original pat-
ent included the territory along the Sound from Point Judith to
New York, the adjacent islands, and much more. October 7,
1660, Connecticut became legally possessed of all the tracts of land
included in the Saybrook colony. The next year possession of the
lands of Uncas was secured. The claims of the Duke of Hamilton
were also made over to Connecticut. The Protectorate had given
way. Charles II. was on the throne. The colony declared its alle-
giance, and resolved to petition the king for "the continuation and
confirmation of their rights and privileges " under the old charter.
This, it will be seen, would include the colony of New Haven within
the jurisdiction of Connecticut. Here was sure to be a bone of
serious contention. But Connecticut was determined to proceed.
Mr. Winthrop was appointed to the business. He went to England
early in 1661, armed with an address from the colony to Lord Say,
the only surviving original patentee, who received him favorably
and rendered him all the aid in his power. Lord Say had been
largely instrumental in the restoration, and had the king's ear.
The Earl of Manchester, a friend of the Puritans, was chamberlain
of the royal household. Besides, tradition has it that Mr. Winthrop
had a remarkable ring, which Charles I. had at one time given to
Adam Winthrop, the governor's grandfather. This ring he pre-
sented to his majesty, who received it with great delight. The
petition of the colony, presented under circumstances so favorable,
and with the winning address of Mr, Winthrop, was received with

283

royal grace and favor. April lN). 1662, the charter was granted
under the great seal of England. It confirmed to the colony "the
whole tract of country granted by King Charles, the First, unto the
Earl of Warwick." in 1630. It conveyed to the citizens of
Connecticut all the rights and liberties of Englishmen under the
crown. Mr. Winthrop was appointed governor under it, until an
election could be held, which look place October 9, 1<><>"2. when he
was continued in office. The basis of this charter was the consti-
tution of 1639, drafted by Thomas Hooker — the first in history
formed by the people ; the beginning of popular constitutional law.
It practically constructed the state, for it remained the constitutional
law for many years after the state was organized under the national
government. Under it Connecticut was independent in all but the
name. It is said that the Constitution of the United States was
i largely patterned after this charter. As one reads this instrument,
he cannot fail to be impressed that the mind which framed it. and
: secured the rights guaranteed by it, was one of great foresight. I
cannot doubt that Winthrop was chiefly concerned in drafting it,
I as he was in persuading the king to grant it. If I am right in by
': belief, he not only founded Connecticut, and, after Hooker, gave it
its constitutional law, or the basis of it. for all time, but also in the
charter which he framed and secured, he made the first draft of our
national constitution, and sounded the first note of freedom, whose
| shot, tired by the embattled farmers an hundred years later, was
. heard round the world. The war of the Revolution was a conflict to
maintain the principles of freedom which John Winthrop, Jr., had
planted on Connecticut soil. We today enjoy the fruits of his labor.
By the new charter New Haven was included within Connecticut,
which at once took measures to secure a union. New Haven stoutly
resisted, and not without reason. Too much time would be required
to give the details of this memorable controversy, conducted on the
one side by the men of New Haven, led by the famous John
Davenport, and on the other side by the men of Connecticut, led by
John Winthrop, Jr. It must suffice for our purpose to say 1 hat Mr.
Winthrop's course was so just and amicable that he not only seemed
the union, but at the same time retained the undiminished confi-
dence of his chief opponent, Rev. John Davenport, and of those
associated with him in resisting the claims of Connecticut. May
11, !(!()."), the united colonies held an election, at which Mr.

284

Winthrop was chosen governor without opposition. He laid the
political foundations of this commonwealth ; and when, one hun-
dred years after his death, the principles of civil liberty, which he
had planted here, were foi'mulated in the Declaration of Indepen-
dence, that instrument was an affirmation of the liberties guaranteed
to the citizens of Connecticut a century before by the charter which
he secured from Charles II.; and the state which he founded bore a
conspicuous part in their defence.

John Winthrop, Jr., was a great man in his day. I do not know
whether he would now be called a statesman, in the parlance of
modern politics. But if a man who helped to lay the foundations
of our statehood, both territorial and national, is entitled to be called
a statesman, that honor must be accorded John Winthrop, Jr. As
I have studied his character he seems to me to have possessed, in a
marked degree, some of those qualities which were conspicuous in
that noble patriot, Samuel Adams, and gave him a prominent place
in those councils which framed this republic of free and sovereign
states. In 1641, Massachusetts wanted a capable, judicious man at
the Court of Saint James, and John Winthrop, the younger, was
chosen to the post of honor and responsibility, and discharged the
duties with ability and fidelity.

Savage says of him that he was the " heir of his father's talents,
with a superior share of human learning.'' To his father's strength
he added his mother's gentleness, dignity and grace. He was as
strong in his convictions, and as persistent in pursuing them, as his
distinguished sire, but with a broader outlook, and a finer culture
of mind.

He was a scholar, and had received the best culture of his times.
He was favorably known in the scientific circles of Europe for his
scientific tastes and acquirements. He numbered among his per-
sonal friends, the leading scientific men of those times. He was a
mineralogist of no mean attainments. Thus he wrote to Sir Robert
Murray : "I have been very inquisitive after all sorts of minerals,
which this wilderness may probably afford." He was accustomed
also to study the heavens. For he writes, on one occasion, that he
was one night looking at Jupiter and thought he "saw five satellites
very distinctly." He also had quite considerable knowledge of
medicine, which he was accustomed to use for the benefit of his New
England neighbors.

285

He was an early, if no! an original, member of the Royal society,
which was founded in L662, while be was yel in England upon the
business of the Connecticut charter. Green says that after the
restoration, "science suddenly became the fashion of the day.
Charles was a fair chemist. The Duke of Bucking-

ham varied his freaks of rhyming, drinking and fiddling, l>y fits of
devotion to his laboratory. Poets like Dunham and Cowley, courliers
like Sir Robert .Murray and Sir Kenelm Digby, joined the scientific
company to which, in token of his sympathy with it. the King gave
the title of " The Royal Society." Its formation marked the open-
ing of an era of scientific investigation and great discovery in
England. The Greenwich observatory arose under its impulse.
Investigations in the scientific and philosophical world derived new
inspiration from tins new movement of which John Winthrop. Jr.,
was one of the promoters. He was held in honor by the principal
scholars of Europe. Amoug his letters are those from the fore-
most savants, politicians and divines of his day. The archives of
fhe Royal society were frequently enriched by valuable contributions
from Ins pen — papers which are still preserved. He had a large
library, of which, it is said, as many as 300 volumes can still be
identified. These facts, and many more like them, bear witness to
his breadth of learning and to his cultured and refined tastes.

Religiously as we have seen, " He was a Puritan of distinguished
piety and morals." Another says, " All the father's fine qualities
and more came out in the son. The father had a few unfavorable
critics; the son has always been looked upon as the flower of
American Puritanism." It is likely that the father laid a heavy
hand on the Quakers, and Ann Hutchinson, the mother of the anti-
nonrian controversy which agitated Massachusetts from L634 to L638.
Put the son, while an uncompromising Puritan, was of a more
catholic and tolerant spirit.

The reasons for his Puritanism are not far to find. He was reared,
as we have seen, in an atmosphere of Puritanism. His religious
inclinations were almost a foregone conclusion. This result was
helped by the religious and political condition of affairs in England
from 1630 on, which was not such as to appeal to men like him.
The pioneer band of Pilgrims, who had come to Plymouth in 1620,
were sending hack tidings which awakened in the breasts of tin-
harried Puritans " the dream of a land in the west where religion

286

and liberty could find a safe and lasting home." The glory of God,"
in the language of the Cambridge agreement, was the inspiring cause
of the Puritan exodus of 1630. The whole thought was a theocracy,
a religious state, in which only church members should be eligible
to office. Although this was soon abandoned as impracticable, yet
it showed the spirit of the men who laid here the foundations of civil
and religious freedom. The elder Winthrop wrote back to England,
after a season of great hardships, " we now enjoy God and Jesus
Christ, and is not that enough u ? I thank God I like so well to be
here as I do not repent my coming."

The men engaged in founding New England were picked men —
the cream of England's best life. From among these came the men
who founded Connecticut. Conspicuous among them were Thomas
Hooker, one of the foremost divines of his times; John Davenport,
the founder of the New Haven colony; and John Winthrop, Jr.,
the founder of Connecticut. Trumbull was right when he said of
these men, with John Winthrop at their head, that they "were of
the first class of settlers." " They formed its free and happy con-
stitution, were its legislators and some of the chief pillars of the
church and commonwealth." It may be that they would not fit into
present political conditions. But they did fit in admirably into an
epoch which demanded men who were mighty in moral purpose and
fiber. We may not like these men, but we must admire the tenacity
with which they refused to yield their convictions. We may be
glad that we did not live then, but we must be glad that men laid
the foundations who did not play at battle-dore and shuttle-cock
with the truth. Easily in the front ranks of the foremost men of
those formative times was the founder of New London and of
Connecticut.

His father wrote in 1643 " as I often do take occasion to bless the
Lord for you, so do 1 commend you and yours to His fatherly bless-
ing for a plentiful reward to be rendered unto you." "My son, the
Lord knows how dear thou art to me." This sets the character of
both the father and the son in an attractive light. His own letters,
to his own sons, full of such advice and paternal counsel as would be
looked for from such a father as he was, only serve to bring out
more conspicuously the outlines of his character, and set them in a
most attractive light, and show the sort of man who held the helm
of state in Connecticut for nearly twenty of its formative years.
He was governed by stalwart moral and religious principles. But

287

be was far from being a sour fanatic. His letters show that he was
a thoughtful friend, a genial man, a kind neighbor, a dutiful son,
an affectionate husband, a devoted father, an upright magistrate.
"given to hospitality, addicted to moderate amusements and scien-
tific investigations, while, perhaps, singularly free from harshness
and illiberality of word or deed." The monument whose corner-
stone we lay today will commemorate the life of a man of generous
impulses, of broad and cultured mind, of far-seeing statesmanship,
j&£ dignified and courteous hearing. "He was one of

the most distinguished characters in New England. He rendered
many important services to the colony, was exceedingly beloved in
life, and died greatly and universally lamented." He was called
to Boston on colonial business, where he was taken suddenly ill and
died April 5, 1676, at the age of seventy. He was not taken to his
family tomb in New London for burial. He rests in his father's
Ebmb, in King's Chapel cemetery, in Boston, where repose the
ashes of many other heroes and makers of history. His death cre-
ated wide sorrow, and the legislature of Connecticut passed appro-
priate resolutions in memory of its honored chief magistrate.

These are the brief outlines of a notable life, which impressed
itself upon its times. He belonged not only to New London, but
also to Connecticut. Our national independence and our Republican
government are only fruits of the seed which he planted here, and
which bore fruit finally in our free, civil and political institutions.
His works remain in the city and in the state which he founded,
and in the free constitution under which we live. Here near this
spot where he met his fellow townsmen in town mote, where he
assembled with them for the worship of God, will be reared a mon-
ument to his memory. And when it shall have crumbled to dust
the name of John Winthrop, dr., with all the righteous benefactors
of their race, will be held in everlasting remembrance.

At the (dose of Dr. Blake's address the schoolboys, led by the
. Third Regiment baud, sang with tine effect "Our Flag is Still
There." Then followed the impressive Masonic ceremonies, an
account of which is quoted from The Day:

"This concluded the exercises so far as the citizens were concerned, and
Grand Master James H. Walsh began the Masonic ceremonies by asking tor

288

prayer, which was offered by Rev. Alfred Poole Grint, Ph. D., acting as Grand
Chaplain.

" The Grand Master then addressed the Grand Senior Warden, stating that,
following the custom of the craft, they were there to lay the foundation of a
monument according to the ancient Masonic rites, and commanded him to see
that the duty was performed. The Senior Warden addressed the Junior Warden,
delivering the Master's orders, which were then given to the craft, who were
warned to see that the stone was tested and made true.

" The Grand Master, addressing the Grand Treasurer, stated that it was the
custom to place in the cavity of the stone, in the northeast corner of the struc-
ture, certain documents, records, etc., of the times, so that if after the lapse of
ages the foundations should be laid bare, there would be found the evidences
of the industry of the people.

" The Grand Treasurer reported that such documents were ready in the cas-
ket, and Grand Secretary Barlow read the list. The copper casket contained the
proceedings of the subordinate lodges for the year 1895-96, by-laws of Union,
Brainard Lodges, Union Chapter, and Palestine Commandery, history of Union
Lodge, official program, medallion of Fort Griswold, official badges, charter of
the city and ordinances, coins from one dollar down to a penny one hundred
years old, and a paper of the New London Historical Society.

" Grand Treasurer Ware then deposited the casket in the cavity. Cement
was then spread over it, and the corner stone lowered into place. The Grand
Master, as the stone was lowered, invoked ttie Grand Architect of the universe
that ages upon ages might go by before the casket be again brought before
human eyes.

"Grand Architect Harris Pendleton then presented the tools of the order
to the Grand Master — the square, level and plumb — which were given to the
Deputy Grand Master, Grand Senior Warden and Grand Junior Warden, who
each tested the stone with the tools and reported it true, plumb and square.

"The Grand Master then descended into the pit and reported that the
stone had been found true, and that workmen performed their work properly
and laid it according to the principles of the order. Striking the top of the
stone with his gavel, he invoked the blessing of the Divine Master and His
help in the completion of the structure.

"The Deputy Master and Wardens were ordered to bestow their emblems
upon the stone.

" Deputy Grand Master Kies then approached the stone, and from a golden
cup poured corn — the emblem of plenty — over it, at the same time praying that
the blessings of heaven be showered upon the city.

" Grand Senior Warden Havens from another golden cup poured wine
— the emblem of joy and gladness — over the stone, asking that the Divine
Master send joy among the people.

" Grand Junior Warden McNall then from a silver cup poured oil — the
emblem ot peace — over the stone, asking that the Supreme Grand Master
bestow peace among the people.

" At the conclusion of these ceremonies the Grand Master invoked a bless-
ing and the Masonic benediction was pronounced by the Chaplain, Rev. A. P.

289

Grint, Ph. D. The tools were returned to the (Wand Architect by the Grand
Master.

President Chappell, in behalf of tin- city, thanked the Masonic
brethren for their part in the exercises, and the ceremonies closed
with the singing of "America ' ' by the schoolboys. The great throng
rapidly dispersed to gather again to witness the second event el' the
day — the dedication of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument.

DEDICATION OF THE SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' MONUMENT. .

The time set for the second feature of the day was 11 o'clock,
but owing to delay in the arrival of the Masons at the laying of the
corner-stone of the Winthrop Monument, the exercises did uo1
begin till 11.30 o'clock.

The view from the Monument was one never to he forgotten.
Biassed about it and tilling the street far up from it toward the old
Courthouse, standing at the head of State street, was a vast throng,
conspicuous among whom were the <}. A. I\. Veterans, with their
flags and badges and eager faces, as they looked, with a fondness
which shone in every eye, into the face of their beloved commander,
the Hon. J. R. Hawley. At the north of the Monument stood the
schoolboys, who were to sing, and the last of the Mohegans, two or
three of them in all the glory of feathers, war-paint and Indian
Iress. The windows, the roofs, and every place of vantage was
occupied by men, women and children, eager to see if not to hear.
The street looked glorious in its holiday attire of Hags and bunting,
which fluttered in the strong wind. It was an impressive picture,
appropriate to the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the city's
Natal Day.

At 11.30 the concourse was called to order, and the president of
the day. Mr. A. II. Chappell, introduced Mr. Sebastian D. Law-
rence, the donor of the Monument, in the following words:

To New Londoners of my age who are present here I am sure
there must come at this time and upon this spot a vivid recollection
of their boyhood, while the intervening five and thirty years are
rolled away like the raising of the curtain at the play. The walls
echo again to the beating of the drum, the shrill note of the fife, or
the strains of martial music. Across this ground to the old depot
at the foot of the street march the volunteers <>f New London. It

290

is no dress parade; there are prayers and tears. The bell rings,
the crowd cheers— they are off to the war. Who can forget that
sight ? Who can forget the return and how sweet the notes sounded
of " Home, Sweet Home?"

Who can forget the gaps in those ranks — those who had gone,
but would never return again ? We who were boys then can
never forget these things, nor what these men did, and it has re-
mained for our fellow citizen to erect such a memorial that our
children and their children in the years to come may never forget
the heroic days of '61. In thus generously remembering them he
has placed his own name upon their roll of honor. So long as this
Monument shall stand to commemorate the noblest of our people,
his name will be associated with theirs, and he will justly share
with them the gratitude of his townsmen.

He needs no introduction, fellow citizens, it is here ; but it is my
great honor to present to you the donor of this Monument, Mr.
Sebastian D. Lawrence.

Mr. Lawrence, addressing His Honor, the mayor, simply said in
a straightforward, businesslike way :

Mr. Mayor:

To you, as representative of the city of New London, I present,
in behalf of the sons of Joseph Lawrence, this monument, erected
in the memory of her soldiers and sailors who fought in defense of
their country.

To this modest address the mayor replied :

Honored Sir :

In behalf of the citizens of New London it is my pleasant duty
to accept this magnificent Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, your
gift to your native city. You have touched all our hearts, and as I
receive it in behalf of the city, I perform the most pleasing act since
I became mayor. In behalf of all our citizens I thank you ; in be-
half of the soldiers and sailors who went forth to defend the old flag,
I thank you.

New London bore her full share in that great struggle to pre-
serve the Union, furnishing more men according to population than
any city in the commonwealth. Her bravest and best went forth,

291

many of them never to return ; they lie sleeping on the hillsides and
in the valleys of the sunny south.

From 1861 to 1865 nearly two million volunteers entered our
army, whose valor and devotion were never equalled. It was a
grand exhibition of patriotism and self-sacrifice.

While our hrave men were in the field fighting for the preserva-
tion of the Union, our noble, patriotic, Christian women were pray-
ing earnestly to Almignty God that the Rebellion might be put
down, and our liberties preserved. God answered those prayers,
and crowned our arms with victory. Today we are a nation of over
seventy millions, knowing no North, no South, no East, no West;
loving old Virginia and Georgia with the same strong love we have
for the old commonwealths of Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.

When Lee surrendered the army of northern Virginia, the mag-
nanimous Grant said, "Let them have their horses," and the noble
hearted Lincoln was the first to aid the suffering south, and to
carry out that beautiful sentiment, " Charity for all, and malice
loward none." Grant, McClellan, Sherman, Hancock, Lee, Jack-
son and Johnson have met beyond the river, and all who took part
in that great struggle will soon answer the last roll call. The
South is raising her monuments to the gallant soldiers and sailors
of the North. What a grand demonstration to the world that no
bitterness remains !

Honored Sir, we cannot take part in the dedication of this Sol-
diers' and Sailors' Monument, which you have caused to be erected
to the patriotic dead, without doing us all good. I am sure we will
all be made better citizens, and our love for our great government
of forty-five states made stronger and more enduring.

The flags, the songs, the presence of these heroes who fought our
battles, all these things fill our minds with nobler thoughts, and lift
us up to higher planes of patriotism and citizenship.

The boys, led by the Third Regiment band, then sang "The
• Battle Hymn of the Republic," after which the Hon. Joseph R.
Hawley was introduced and delivered the following address on
behalf of the Army :
Fellow Citizens Oj New London :

You are heartily to be congratulated upon New London's very
honorable record of peaceful and just civil government ; of regard

292

for religion and education ; of distinguished enterprise in all quar-
ters of the globe, and of noble patriotism on land and sea ; and,
furthermore, upon the spirit which moves you to be righteously
proud of it all, and desirous to perpetuate the memory thereof, to
the end that your successors may be thereby stimulated to continue
in such well-doing.

While the assignments of the speakers for this occasion relieve
me from historical details, I cannot avoid a glance at the past.

On the hill beyond your harbor rises the goodly monument upon
Groton Hill, in memory of one of the most remarkable contests
known in history. A comparatively undisciplined body of patriotic
neighbors dared to defend Fort Griswold against a trained and
savage enemy. It is recorded that the dead ranged in years from
fifteen to seventy-five, and that of the dead and wounded sixty were
members of the Congregational churches of Groton and New Lon-
don. Eighty-five were left dead. Our losses were 155, of whom
about 140 were killed or wounded. Arnold officially reported his
losses at 196 killed and wounded. Your sorrow will never cease,
nor will your pride in the amazing story of the plain people's heroic
sacrifice diminish.

There are many who never knew, or have forgotten, that the
united colonies had ships of war. Nothing approaching justice has
been done to the large share our ships had in winning the Revolu-
tion. Let me quote from my Groton address : "In Green's Ga-
zette of June 3, 1779, are advertisements for sale at auction of eight
prizes, aggregating eighty guns. In six weeks that spring, nine
New York tory privateers were captured and brought into New
London. In the Court of Admiralty held in New London, June
10th, eighteen prizes were libelled, all taken in the month of May.
Among the well known vessels, privateers, or commissioned in the
State or Continental Navy which were built in New London or made
it recruiting ground were the Spy, the Defense, 14 guns ; the Old
Defense, the Oliver Cromwell, 20 guns ; the Resistance, 10 guns ;
the Gov. Trumbull, 20 guns, built at Norwich ; the Middletown,
Beaver, Eagle, the Confederacy, 32 guns, built on the Thames ; the
Putnam, 20 guns, built at New London, and the frigate Trumbull,
28 guns, built at Chatham."

It is a wonderful record for the little town and the little colony.

All old soldiers and sailors and their families and their friends,

293

pad all lovers of the good cause and the dear old flag look toward
y<m today with love and gratitude for your good work in raising
this noble monument to your defenders of the Union.

Soldiers cannot and do not forget the immense debt of gratitude
and sympathy they owe to those who did not go to the war. Each one
of you, my comrades, knows well some persons to whom it has been
a life sorrow that they could not accompany you to the field. Yet
we know that they also were soldiers, in a field of less display, bu1
of fully as great necessity and power. Remember all the farmers,
without whom nothing could have been done; remember the vast
hodv of mechanics employed in the manufacture of cannon, small
arms, ammunition, clothing, all the munitions and equipments of
war. There was the army of men engaged in the transportation of
men and supplies by railroad and steamer, even in the region- of
war, in great danger and often losing life. A chapter that is a lit-
tle one side of the blaze of glory, ami yet deserves eternal remem-
brance, is that which records the marvelous feats of transportation
by which men by scores of thousands and all their horses and sup-
plies were whirled over many hundreds of miles, even from the
Mississippi valley to the Atlantic shore.

Remember the work of those who molded public opinion and up-
lifted the hearts of the people, the loyal press whose fluttering
leaves covered the land ; the right loyal preachers of the everlasting
|OSpel enforcing the highest obligations of loyalty and patriotism,
trust in God, faith, hope and charity. Remember the legislatures
of all classes — those of the States who were continually busy in
panning and fitting out regiments and incurring the State debts,
and those of the National Congress especially, who. with a daring
like that of Sheridan, Grant and Sherman, demanded of the people
100,000, 200,000, 300,000. and 1,000,000 and 2,000,000— two
and a quarter millions of men, devised wise schemes of finance and
dared to expend two millions and three millions of dollars a day.

(and load the nation with three thousand millions of debt. And
there were the societies of good men and women everywhere organ-

■ izing and sending forward the Christian and Sanitary Commission,
the teachers who followed close behind the soldiers, and the blessed
nurses hovering upon the edge of the battlefield. All over the occu-
pied country, as fast as the country was redeemed from treason,

294

churches and schools were opened and missions of mercy and char-
ity established.

Come home from them and think of the fathers and mothers ;
think of the wives, sisters and sweethearts. While the soldiers in
the field had many days and sometimes weeks of comparative secur-
ity and inaction, to all at home the anxiety was unceasing.

Thus there were sacrifices far away from the battlefield — instances
of a thousand like these. A brave soldier of my regiment fell in
battle. His aged parents promptly sent forward their last surviving
son. To the Massachusetts mother whose five boys died in battle,
Lincoln wrote, " What a holy pride must be yours to have laid so
costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom."

As the war was getting to its very end how many a soldier said :
" Lord, spare me now, we are so near the daylight. Let me see
the glory of the coming of the Lord, of a redeemed and glorified
nation, devoted to freedom ; a light set on a hill, an example to the
world of republican government." Even so now, comrades, for
those of us who are passing away some dreams must be of the
future. We are today perhaps seventy millions of people. Even
at a considerably reduced rate of growth we must be one hundred
millions in perhaps fifteen years — half the time that has elapsed
since the war — a nation at the head of the world in numbers, in
wealth, in power ; let us hope in knowledge, wisdom, courage, gen-
erosity, manhood. Much is to be given us, much will be required,
and the awful responsibilities of such place and power cannot be
evaded without wretched dishonor. Our National Government is
in some lines of action restricted by the reserved powers of the
States, but all that belongs to a complete and perfect nation is to be
found somewhere, and in the external relations as a nation among
the nations, the Government of the United States is imperial. No
national responsibilities can be avoided by a plea of inability. We
can be great among the peacemakers — we can be impregnable and
irresistible in war.

It will require expenditures and sacrifices small in proportion to
those of foreign nations to put ourselves in such condition that no
people or combination of peoples would dare to make unnecessary
and unjust war upon us. We cannot be classed as a warlike peo-
ple, for our affairs are those of peace ; yet we are a military peo-
ple. Our policy never has been, in the European sense of the word,

295

aggressive. We have had land enough, and the processes by
which we have acquired extensions will honorably bear comparison.
For the magnificent territory peacefully acquired from Prance we
paid fifteen millions of dollars. Though we triumphed over Mex-
ico, we paid her fifteen millions for the territory we annexed. For
Alaska we paid $7,200,000. Florida we acquired peacefully and
satisfactorily. Few Americans leave their country for foreign re-
gions, and none go to prepare the path for the conqueror.

But the world has not reached the millenium. It is indispensable
to justice, honor, and national self-preservation that we fully pre-
pare ourselves for defense both by land and sea. All our vast coast
line should be fortified in accordance with the highest principles of
the modern art of defense. Our Navy should be still further en-
larged.

It is not alone for ourselves that we may be called upon to speak,
but we may lift a warning finger for the protection of weaker na-
tions. Again I say Uncle Sam must be a gentleman. To those
who say that power on land and sea will be an incitement to war it
is a fair argument to reply that to ai'gue thus is to say that the' only
way to keep peaceful is to keep ourselves defenseless.

It is amazing that men will argue, even to the extreme, against
the necessity for an army or a navy. There is one short chapter of
indelible disgrace and degradation that should teach us better. In
1814 a British force of 5,000 men landed below Baltimore, ad-
vanced upon Washington with not more than 4,000 men, and met
and scattered bodies aggregating 6,000 Americans, composed of
some 5,000 militia and less than 1,000 i*egulars of all classes, sol-
diers and sailors. The resistance amounted to scarcely more than
skirmishes. There was no fighting in and around the city. Incom-
petent generals ordered our troops to retreat through Washington
and Georgetown. It is recorded that the British admiral and his
officers and a mob took possession of the House of Representatives,
and that a motion was carried that this " harbor of Yankee democ-
racy ought to be destroyed," whereupon the Capitol, the White
House, the Navy Yard, the Treasury and the War Departments
were burned. The Cabinet scattered, and the President and Ids
wife became refugees in the woods of Virginia. Five thousand
well trained soldiers would have saved us this dishonor, or laid
down their lives a sacrifice.'

296

I have many times said that there is but one thing woi*se than a.
wicked war, and that is a cowardly peace. Let us hope that our
country will never be guilty of either.

When good men dwell upon the wickedness of war they some-
times lead the young to believe that soldiers' hearts are filled with
murderous purposes, and that almost every war is an outbreak of i
hell. Not such were our soldiers, not such was our great war
Never did a nation take up arms with less of hatred. Misled audi
mistaken brethren rose up to destroy the Government which we be-
lieved best for us and a future standard for all humanity. There
was an unceasing hope that they would return to one flag and one
destiny. It was the stronger brother restraining the weaker from i
destroying things of old dear to both. That of which our soldier!
thought most was not the killing, but rather of the glory of the old
flag and the nobility of self-sacrifice. Never did I see Confederate
prisoners greeted with jeers and insults. "Johnny Reb " was
offered a share of the canteen and the haversack. When the troop
with which I served captured Fort Pulaski, friendships with the
captured were formed which last to this day. Col. Olmstead, com-
mander of the Confederate garrison, came with his daughter to a
reunion of the Seventh Connecticut, and they were most heartily
welcome.

Grant shook hands with Lee, ordered that his hungry soldiers be
fed, and told them to go home and obey the laws, and take their
horses with them for the spring plowing.

It was the great uprising of a great people, and with the Unioni
army went countless daily prayers and tears. Victor Hugo says the
soldier and the priest are at heart the same ; one is devoted to his
country down here, the other to his country up there.

To this beautiful monument, as to the column on Groton Hill, the
children from generation to generation will come to question their
reason for existence and be taught love for their country and
the flag — the symbol of peace, liberty, law, justice and equal
rights. They will not be taught to admire hatreds and wars, butil
the beauty of obedience and the glory of a sacrifice for something
outside of, beyond and above ourselves.

Children, if ever your country should be compelled to summon
you to a righteous war, remember that you have seen many an old

297

halting, weakened and disabled soldier who would not exchange his
badge and honorable discharge for the wealth of the Vanderbilts.

One of the precious inheritances of the war 1 desire to commend
to your recollection. It is the loving friendship and trust that
mostly prevailed among our great generals, of which the relations
between Grant, Sherman and Sheridan were illustrious examples.
When (iraul was elevated by the unlimited confidence of Ahraham
Lincoln to the command of all our great armies, numbering a mil-
lion and a quarter of men, he wrote thus to Sherman :

" While I have been eminently successful iu this war, in at least gaining
the confidence of the public, no one feels more than I how much of this suc-
cess is due to the energy, skill, and the harmonious putting forth of that energy
and skill of those whom it has been my good fortune to have occupying sub-
ordinate positions under me. There are many officers to whom these remarks
are applicable to a greater or less degree, proportionate to their ability as sol-
diers, but what I want is to express my thanks to you and McPherson as the
men to whom, above all others, I feel indebted for whatever I have had of suc-
cess. How far your advice and suggestions have been of assistance you know.
How far your execution of whatever has been given you to do entitles you to
the reward I am receiving, you cannot know as well as I do. I feel all the
gratitude this letter would express, giving it the most flattering construction.
The word you I use in the plural, intending it for McPherson also."

To which brotherly epistle Sherman, wholly devoid of envy or
jealousy, responded with abounding generosity and affection thus:

" You do yourself injustice and us too much honor in assigning to us so
large a share of the merits which have led to your high advancement. You are
now Washington's legitimate successor and occupy a position of almost danger-
ous elevation; but if you can continue as heretofore to be yourself, simple
honest and unpretending, you will enjoy through life the respect and love of
friends, and the homage of millions of human beings who will award to you a
large share for securing to them and their descendants a government of law and
stability. * * I believe you are as brave, patriotic and just as the great

prototype Washington; as unselfish, kind-hearted and honest as a man should
be; but the chief characteristic in your nature is the simple faith in[success you
have always manifested, which I can liken to nothing else than the faith a
Christian has in his Saviour. This faith gave you victory at Shiloh and Vicks.
burg. Also, when you have completed your best preparations, you go into bat-
tle without hesitation, as at Chattanooga — no doubts, no reserve; and I tell you
that it was this that made us act with confidence. I knew, wherever it was,
that you thought of me, and if I got in a tight place you would come, if alive."

And now let me close, as it is my custom to do on similar occa-
jfeions, with the immortal words of Ahraham Lincoln, delivered at
Gettysburg, Nov. 19, 1863.

298

Standing upon Cemetery Hill, before him the panorama of hill
and valley, magnificent in three days of awful battle, and now su-
perlatively beautiful and holy in the sunshine of peace, he declared
a vow and a covenant which we renew today. He said:

" Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth upon this conti-
nent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that
all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing
whether that nation or any nation so conceived and so dedicated can long
endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to ded-
icate a portion of that field as a final resting-place for those who here gave
their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that
we should do this. But in a larger sense we cannot dedicate, we cannot con-
secrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who
struggled here, have consecrated it far above our power to add or retract. The
world will little note or long remember what we say here, but it can never for-
get what they did here. It is for us, the living, rather to be dedicated here to
the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly ad-
vanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining
before us, that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that
cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion; that we here
highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain; that this nation
under God shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the peo-
ple, by the people, and for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

The Rev. George Williamson Smith, D. D., LL. D., president of
Trinity college, who had been chaplain in the Navy during the war,
was introduced next by Mayor Johnston, and spoke as follows on
behalf of that arm of the service :

While the entire world is the sepulchre of brave men, it is fitting
that their patriotic devotion and heroic services be held in remem-
brance by their fellow -citizens, and that they be honored especially
in those places which owe them gratitude, or which they have ren-
dered illustrious by their deeds.

The life of our country has been brief, as nations reckon life.
New London is an old city for America. There are famous towns
in other lands, where a thousand years may be told off for every
hundred here, and the tale be not half complete. But though our
national life has been short, there are no pages in history which are
adorned with nobler names than ours. They stand side by side
with the names of men of letters and men of arms whom the world
has not been willing to forget.

299

[t is characteristic of a free country, where all men are born in
she purple, to generate many sons who arc capable of filling all sta-
tions of usefulness and honor. As the mind reverts to the past on
such an occasion as this, and the illustrious dead start to life again
and move with grave dignity across the stage of memory, we have
no cause to be ashamed. Statesmen and soldiers who won renown
arise, thick-clustered at different epochs, and arc accompanied as a
shadowy escort by many who would have been their peers if oppor-
tunity had been afforded them. In this marshaled host of the de-
parted none stand forth with greater conscious pride in brilliant
services, in hazardous duty well done, in sacrifices made in toil and
sweat, on watch, in storm and in the perils of battle, than the men
of the American Navy. In enterprise, in intelligence, in daring,
in knowing how to die, none have surpassed them. Achievements
for which the world can offer no sufficient recompense stand to the
account of the men in the magazine, in the tire-room, on the berth
deck and in the steerage, as well as in the ward-room and in the
cabin. They have ever afforded a splendid example of belief in the
supremacy of duty. With them it has been a word of imperial
command, and the most hazardous enterprises have been entered
npon with the same unhesitating obedience as a dress parade.
iWhile our Navy has always been small compared with those of
European nations, ever since the Revolution it has stood before the
world at a valuation far above that of its ships and guns, because of
achievements due to the professional and moral character of its
officers and men.

The Navy has features and characteristics of its own, and fosters
certain virile virtues which are of the utmost value in a government
like ours. It is peculiarly the national service. States and cities
have no war vessels, and when a man enters the naval service
he loses his r*esidence and is withdrawn from the associations of a
locality or community, which still adhere to a company or regiment

which has 1 n sent out by a city or a state. Local pride does not

follow him, and there is none to sound his praises. He becomes a
citizen only in the larger sense. He is henceforth the servant of
the great Republic, and his patriotism is disentangled from local
interests. His'duty is on the seas, which are the common property
of all nations ; or rather God's great reservation, which all nations

300

possess in common. His service is inseparably connected with con-
siderations of national character, national rights and national exist-
ence. His sense of loyalty is to the supreme authority. He looks
only to the dignity and power of the general government and the
sanctity of the national cause. He knows no flag but that of the
Union. No views touching State rights held by an officer caused a
national ship to be delivered to men in revolt. The service in its
world-wide reach, by intercourse with the representatives of other
nations, and its sense of the great issues which hang upon its action,
gives a certain dignity to the professional thought and makes the
Navy at times the ablest of negotiators.

When men are pressed together within the narrow limits of a
ship and are liable to accidents and circumstances that are beyond
the control of man, and God has them in His special keeping, the
practice of the fundamental virtues of obedience and fidelity is the
condition of safety ; and without the cultivation of a spirit of truth
and honor and forbearance there can be no efficiency. These,
therefore — obedience, fidelity, truth and honor — are conspicuous
among the virtues of this service.

Living amid dangers and accustomed to hazards, it is the pecu-
liar province of the officers and men of a vessel of war to incur risks
of life and liberty. Hence a chivalrous love of adventure grows
up, accompanied by such a disregard of the danger as is involved
in the perilous feats which cause our naval annals to stir the blood.
The achievements of the Navy in capturing forts and cities, and in
maintaining blockades, are well known ; but the fearless audacity
shown in those handsome exploits where gallantry and self-devotion
have opened the way to enterprises of a far-reaching kind are known
only in the limited circle of the service itself. But in boldness of
conception, manly resolution and disregard of danger many forgot-
ten incidents, as, for example, in the Tripolitan war against the
Barbary pirates — in the destruction of whom the infant republic,
with its infant navy, led the way — and, indeed, whenever the Navy
has been called into action, are unexcelled in brilliancy and daring.

It is a service that calls for intelligence and many-sided activity.
War vessels are the elaborate product of the genius, invention and
skill of man. Our Navy has had for foemen, with scarcely an ex-
ception, the superior and cultivated races ; the bravest, the most

301

progressive, the mosl powerful of nations of the earth — England,
France and the Confederate States. Ber gallanl men have foughl
their way into favor against the superior peoples of the world.
They won their high place because in battle they wore brave, and
in enterprise hardy and original. Whenournaval vessels appeared
upon the sea in ISIl!. the world was made aware thai anew era had
dawned. Again and again they have changed in one hour the
entire system of maritime warfare.

On the few occasions when opportunity was afforded for the dis-
play of genius in maneuvering and fighting with large forces, her
officers have proved equal to the task. Dupont, Rowen, Foote,
Porter and Farragul have made history with great fleets, as well as
painbridge, Decatur and Lawrence with hut a cruiser or two.
Commanders could do so much because they knew that their men
were all of the same mind, the same valor, the same patriotism,
as themselves. Hence a history which makes the heart throb, the
eye to kindle and the cheek flush. Hence the enthusiasm of the
Boy at their deeds of daring grows into well founded pride in the
man, and into confidence on the part of the citizen that our foreign
relations are in good hands as far as they are committed to the Navy.

What the Navy has done for this country is of inestimable value.
The constant hazards of English commerce, from national and colo-
nial vessels and from privateers, had a direct influence in obtaining
acknowledgment of our independence. More than six hundred
prizes were brought into our ports in the Revolution, and from
these prizes the revolutionary government obtained many articles
necessary to the equipment of ships which were not made in this
country. In every danger, in every assault, in every crisis, the
Navy has been proved the cheapest, the most efficient and least
onerous means of defense that a nation so situated could provide,
and without it no war can ever he conducted with credit and suc-
cess.

No correct estimate can he made of the merits of our gallant
seamen. Among them Connecticut lias always been more tally rep-
resented than any other state of equal population. We cannot trace
them in their various stations from the Hag officer to the boy and
landsman. This fair city lias an enviable reputation (if it had no
other claim) for the distinguished men of a single family of which

302

it was the home, who have served in the Navy during our entire
national history. The names of Hull, Perry, Porter and Preble
were associated in the elder days, and those of Farragut, Porter, ,
Poote, Rowen and many another are associated in later days with
the name of Rogers. No family has given so many famous men
to the military and naval service. Commodore John Rogers, who >
fired the first gun in the War of 1812, was only one of many sprung
from the same stock, who, before and since, have served their coiin- •
ti*y well.

This Monument looks upon waters truly national. On April 6,
1776, Commodore Hopkins, the first American flag officer, in com-
mand of the first American squadron, brought his prizes into the
port of New London and saved them from the British fleet at New-
port. Here Decatur, Dec. 4, 1812, brought in the famous frigate
Macedonian, captured by the frigate United States. The next
year, 1813, the port offered its hospitable shelter to the American
frigates United States, Macedonian and Hornet, when they were
pursued outside the Race by a vastly superior force. Local histo-
rians can, no doubt, swell the tale to many a volume. To specify
no more, we may say that by its eligible situation, its capacious
harbor and its deep waters, by its naval history as well as by its
famous naval men, it must always be recognized as an important
factor in the national life.

The deeds of the patriotic brave should not be forgotten. Lives
surrendered at the call of duty still enrich the world, and should be
commemorated. On the battlefields where soldiers fell we may
erect a trophy, and we may also rear a monument to their honor in
the places where they lived. But in every port in every clime our
vessels of war have left traces of their presence in the graves of
men who have been buried by their shipmates, by strange waters,
far from home. The ice holds some in its iron grasp, and the tor-
rid sun burns the sand heaps which cover the remains of some ;
in Caesar's villa others lie entombed. And the blanched bones of
brave seamen beg for sepulchre where no human eye can pierce,
and God alone can see them. They have been washed into the
caves, or scattered in the forests of the sea, or they float on the
ocean currents in unfathomed depths. For these there can be no
trophy on their battlefields, and lest they be like him "whose name

was writ in water," we dedicate on this spot a grateful monument,
a perennial acknowledgment of debt, to the men who in the hour
of their country's trial faced the manifold dangers of the naval
service, and by their bravery and intrepidity, their invincible reso-
lution, their fidelity and their unalloyed patriotism, stemmed the
hostile tide and gloriously fell in the service of their country.

At the conclusion of Dr. Smith's address, the audience joined in
singing America, led by the hand. A vast volume of patriotic har-
jbony rolled up and down State street, and every heart was thrilled.
The dipping of the flag on the liberty pole, since removed from the
Parade to the front of the old Courthouse, was the signal for a
salute which was tired from the I/nited States ships Cincinnati and
Montgomery which were lying in the harbor, gaily decorated for the
day. Slowly the vast body melted away, traffic was once more re-
sumed in the streets, and New London, after more than thirty yens
of waiting, had as fine a soldiers' and sailors' monument as any city
could boast. It was estimated that there were nearly 15, 000 people in
sight from the monument while the dedication exercises were going
on.

THE PARADE.

All was now ready for the third feature of the occasion, which
was the parade, which was advertised to start at 2 p. m. First came
the troops, which, as they passed in line, were cheered by the multi-
tudes who were watching them. General Haven and his staff, as
well as all the military and naval officers of the higher ranks were
glorious in their appropriate military dress. After the chief marshal
and his staff came Battery L, of the First Artillery from Fort Trum-
bull. Next came the blue jackets from the Cincinnati and .Mont-
gomery. These trained soldiers marched with precision, and elicited
enthusiastic applause as they swung by with military step, keeping
time to stirring martial music. The music of the Third Regimenl
blind announced the approach of that organization with full ranks to
receive the same hearty greeting which had welcomed the regulars.
Then came the Putnam Phalanx, in their quaint colonial uniform,

304

keeping step to that best of all martial music, the fife and drum.-
Next in order was the first company of the Governor's Foot Guards,
with their band of music. Behind them in carriages were Governor*
Coffin, Mayor Johnston, the Governor's staff and Naval Officers
These were followed by the second company of the Foot Guards.;
These were fine bodies of men, and in their scarlet uniforms and
imposing head dress, were a conspicuous feature of the procession. i
These were followed by various posts of the G. A. R.; and these
men, who had fought on many a field, and lived to tell the story, had
not, in the thirty years which had elapsed, lost all of the old martiali
swing.

After the Military came the Firemen.

"The Fire Police of eighteen men headed the division, with the
Stonington Police following with ten men. They .looked well im
their natty blue uniforms.

F. L. Allen Hook and Ladder turned out twenty-eight men, at-
tired in blue shirts and black helmets. The truck was gayly deco-i
rated and drawn by four white horses.

Nameaug Engine Co. turned out seventy men, in their regulation
uniform of blue. Their carriage was handsomely decorated and
the steamer, drawn by four horses, was resplendent in blue paint

Thomas Hose had thirty-four men in line, and presented a hand-i
some appearance with black trimmings. Their carriage was hand
somely painted in red and decorated with flowers and ribbons.

Konomoc Hose had forty men in line, uniformed in white shii'ts
with light blue trimmings. Their carriage was one of the hand- 1
somest in line. The reel was covered in puffed silk of white and
yellow, and trimmed with flowers. The company's dog, a black!
Newfoundland, covered with a white blanket, paraded with the
company.

Ockford Hose made their first appearance on parade with twenty-
seven men. They were clad in regulation uniforms, and made a
splendid appearance. The carriage was painted a dark blue and
prettily decorated.

The Veteran Firemen turned out fifty-three men in red shirts and
black hats. The old-timers drew the old Veteran engine by hand.

305

Stonington Engine Co., in red uniforms, turned out forty men.
Their steamer was drawn by two white horses.

The Boys' Fire Brigade was a novelty. There were eight of the
little fellows, uniformed in blue jerseys and caps, and they drew
their old-time engine, called the Little Giant. The old engine was
a marked contrast to the modern apparatus."'

The Civic Societies — The Odd Fellows, "headed by Canton
Unity, Patriarchs Militant, with whom were a number of the mem-
bers of Canton Oneco, of Norwich; " Mohegan, Xiantic, Fairview
and Stonington Lodges, I. <). of <). P.; the Boys' band from New
York, escorting the A. O. II. in large numbers; the Herwegh
Lodge, O. d H. S., displaying both the German and American
Hags; seven lodges of the A. O. U. W. — a fine body of men; the
Bulkeley boys, dressed in white trousers, with blue caps, marching
proudly to the music of their own rife and drum — one of the most
pleasing features of the parade; and the Nathaii Hale Council.
Junior O. U. A. M., with their patriotic regalia, comprised the
next section of the procession, under command of Marshal Under-
wood. Nine young ladies, in classic Greek costumes of white, repre-
sented St. John's Literary Society ; a whaleboat, manned by a
lusty crew, and followed by the members of the Jibboom Club,
represented that organization. Then came the representatives of the
business life and the various industries of the city. There were four
wagons of the Putnam Furniture Company ; a handsome United
i States Express wagon, drawn by four beautiful dapple gray horses,
[specially selected for the occasion; a forge and blacksmiths at
work, from the shop of .1. & J. A. Moon ; a wagon of flour, from
the store of Arnold Rudd ; a huge, smoking cigar, from Willey, of
Groton; silks, from Brainerd & Armstrong's factory; bicycles,
from the Owen Manufacturing Company ; Vienna and Fleischman's
yeast carts; a display by O. G. & W. D. Beckwith ; two Adams
Express wagons; a boat, advertising Hard-a-Port tobacco, J. Lin-
icus & Co.; a Moat, with shoemakers at work ; and grocery wagons
of Edward Keefe.

The procession was so long that it twice lapped upon itself. It
was a representative procession. "It was the greatest pageant in
the history of New London, and it was witnessed by as many per

306

sons as could be packed into the streets along the route." The
green in front of the First Church was black with people. Stands
had been erected along State street, which were full. A mighty
shout and a great clapping of hands greeted the various divisions
and sections as they passed.

One of the most historical features of the parade was a company of
Mohegan Indians. Samuel Fielding, in behalf of his tribe, accepted
an invitation to participate in the ceremonies, as we have seen.
They were present to the number of about twenty-five. "Some
could trace their ancestry to Tantaquidgin, a captain of the warriors
of Uncas, and the one who captured Miantonomoh during the raid of
the Narragansetts into the Mohegan country ; also on account of
intermarriage, to Sassacus, chief of the Pequots, in whose conquered
country Winthrop built the first house. Eliphaiet Fielding of New
London is one of this number, and was present at the laying of
the corner-stone of the Uncas monument in Norwich in 1833, and
was a guest of that city in 1859 at the bi-centennial celebration.
John W. Quidgeon of Norwich is also a direct descendant of Tanta-
quidgin.

" One of New London's proiuinent citizens voluntarily offered to
pay all expenses of a collation for them, at the noon hour, and a
caterer was engaged.

' ' Mohegan was included within the limits of New London accor-
ding to the patent granted New London in 1704 by the governor and
company, and it was eminently fitting that the descendants should be
guests of the city at the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary."
Their names appear on a subsequent page.

Long as was the column it moved on time, and the whole proces-
sion went without a break from the beginning to the end, so well]
were the details planned and executed by the marshal and his aids.
The details of the procession may be found on page 223.

It will be interesting to the future to know who the boys were
who sung the patriotic songs on this Natal Day, and marched with
so fine step and bearing in the grand procession, as its most inter-
esting feature. Their names are herewith handed down to coming
generations as an inspiration and example to the schoolboys of the
next celebration.

:?07

U. D. Starr, lstlieut.,
Frank E. Keefe,
Edward H. Callahan,
Arthur II. Davis,
Ernest M. Harwood,
James P. Murphy,
Frederick L. Stauners,
Frank A. Cantwell,
Terrence M. Cook,
Byron A. Fones,
Elisha V. Goldsmith,
James A. McDonald,
Henry D. Randall.
Francis Q. Cronin,
Edwin Darrow,
Charles W. Ferris,
George H. Hayes,
Treby W. Lyon,
Charles A. Perry,
Harry T. Shurts,

John L. Abranison,
Thomas J. Ahern,
Nathan Belcher,
John F. Brown,
Rowse B. Brown,
Hugo Burmeister,
Frank E. Harris,
Thomas H. Ingerson,
George C. Kaiser,
Frank P. Lawton,
C. F. Manchester,
Daniel H. McLeod,
Lawrence S. Cook,
James F. Connor,
Merle J. Chandler,
William F. Cody,
Charles S. Curtis,
Roger N. Daboll,
Arthur M. Darrow,
Albert F. Finch,
Robert S. Gardner,
Cmtis F. Gates,

Bulkeley School.

F. E. May, 2d lieut.,
Leo R. Noyes,
Harold Chappell,
Fred T. Fitch,
Alfred C. Jennings,
William E. Shea,
George B. Bentley,
HeDry M. Chapin,
Martin Dray,
Joseph M. Ganey,
Alois F. Grancher,
Richard J. Meade,
Edward G. Russell,
William C. Crump,
Thomas W. Duffy,
Elmer B. Fitch,
Edward Hennessey,
Frank L. McGuire,
Michael L. Regan,
Frank G. Way.

Nathan Hale School.

Company in Parade.

J. T. Armstrong,
Ernest Barrows,
S. Roy Braman,
John R. Brown,
Roy C. Barker,
William E. Barrows,
John Hogan,
Harry H. Keeney,
Fred W. Keefe,
Arthur J. Lewis,
Louis Martin.
Louis B. Miner,
James H. Coulson,
Fred I. Cadwell,
D. I. Chapman,
A. B. Crawford,
Daniel J. Deviney,
Edward A. Dalton,
Frank S. Dewire,
Louis Fisher,
Albert A. Goss,
Maurice J. Geary,

Edward P. EgglestoD,

Julius P. Brown,
Marry E. Dart,
Frank L. Gads,
Frederick J. Moran,
Henry A. Simmons,
Wilham II. Bentley, Jr.,
I'd ward F. Condon,
James H. Dully.
Stephen A. Gardner, Jr.
William E. Joseph,
Arthur V. Prentis,
Edgar T. Thomas,
Harold P. Curtis,
Frederic W. Edgerton,
John Fleming,
Laurence P. Higgins,
Thomas N. McGuire,
John F. Rehn,

Harry Ashcraft,
Philip J. Barry.
Arthur J. Brennan,
George P. Brown,
Robert M. liindloss,
George T. Conboy,
William J. Hogan,
Charles M. Kenerson,
Frederick Kopp,
Charles P. Latham,
Frank Mathews,
William Moran,
W. C. Cronesberry,
Edward P. Calvert,
Harold B. Clark.
Martin J. Cullen,
James T. Dr. a,
A. Taylor Darrow,
Clarence P. Elliott,
James J. Fleming,
Alfred A. Gates,
Fred B. Goddard.

308

Frederick L. Goss,
I. Coit Harris,
Herbert W. Hewitt,
Joseph P. Neary,
William H. Nash,
Owen O'Neill,
C. D. Patterson,
George M. Post,
Richard C. Shea,
Louis F. Sauter,
Walter G.Shepard,
Wesley M. Slate,
W. A. Stoddard,
Fred A. Shipman,
David Tannock,
C. H. Whitteniore,

Robert A. Graham,
E. A. Harrison,
Ralph H. Hewitt,
James T. S. Neary,
Joseph S. Neilau,
Robert P. Post,
Arthur R. Perry,
Arthur S. Roe,
Henry H. Smith,
Harry Schwaner,
Arthur H. Shurts,
Edmund Spicer,
Timothy Sullivan,
Charles Troland,
Melville Watrous,
T. S. Williams,

William L. Greene,
J. Edward Hayes,
Graham S. Hislop,
R. C. Newcomb,
Arthur C. Nelson,
Charles B. Palmer,
Ernest A. Phillips,
Nelson A. Roe,
Austin T. Sackett,
Stephen S. Sheehau,
William H. Silliker,
Elvin A. Stanton,
T. V. Sweeney,
Harry Swiss,
W. W. Whitcomb,
R. A. Woodworth.

John L. Abramson,
S. Roy Braman,
Rowse B. Brown,
D. I. Chapman,
Charles S. Curtis,
A. Taylor Darrow,
C. P. Elliott,
Curtis F. Gates,
William L. Greene,
Ralph H. Hewitt,
Frank E. Harris,
C. M. Kenerson,
Arthur C. Nelson,
R. C. Newcomb,
Robert P. Post,
George M. Post,
Austin T. Sackett,
Arthur A. Shurts,
Louis F. Sauter,
W. A. Stoddard,

Boys in Chorus.

J. T. Armstrong,
Arthur J. Brennan,
Roy C. Barker,
Harold B. Clark,
James T. Drea,
Arthur M. Darrow,
Albert F. Finch,
Frederick L. Goss,
E- A. Harrison,
Graham S. Hislop,
John Hogan,
George C. Kaiser,
William H. Nash,
Joseph S. Neilan,
C. D. Patterson,
Arthur S. Roe,
Harry Schwaner,
Edmund Spicer,
S. S. Sheehan,
David Tannock.

Nathan Belcher,
John R. Brown,
Edward P. Calvert,
Martin J. Cullen,
Roger N. Daboll,
Frank S. Dewire,
Albert A. Goss,
F. B. Goddard,
J. Edward Hayes,
C. H. Whittemore.
William J. Hogan,
Louis Martin,
Joseph P. Neary,
James T. S. Neary,
Ernest A. Phillips,
Nelson A. Roe,
Walter G. Shepard,
Henry H. Smith,
William H Silliker,

Neil Flaherty,
David White,
Joseph McDonald,
Clarence Perkins,
Eddie Corcoran,

Nameadg School.

Boys in Parade.

Walter Cleary,
Thomas Cornell,
Eddie Goff,
David Hullivan,
Willie Henley,

Harry Booth,
Willie Edgecomb,
John Brennan,
Owens Wolf,
Frank Delap,

•309

John Somers,
Harry McGuire,
Dick Dimock,
Frank Dart,
Herbert Nelson,
Eddie Haggerty,
Charles Beyar,
Sterling King,
Charles Minson,
Cecil Gallup,
Clarence Merry,
Ralph Wolf,

George Sistare,
Henry Henley.
George Kennedy,
Harry Emmerich,
Willie Huntley,
Arthur Eudd,
David Kellogg,
Charles Murray,
George Stenger,
David Doyle,
Chris. Torgerson,
Harry Burdick.

Raj r Atwood,
Thomas Somers,
Louis McDonald,
Charles Booth,
Harry Martin,
Ralph Whetmore,
Leon Mosier,
Laurence Cullin,
Charles Halyburton,
Fred Halyburton,
Robert Talbot,

Boys in Chorus.

Harry Emmerich,
Thomas Cornell,
Arthur Rudd,
David Hullivan,
Charles Murray,
George Sistare,
David Doyle,
George Kennedy,
Harry Burdick,
Willie Huntley,
Thomas Murray,
David Kellogg,
Willie Brennan,
George Stenger.
Robert Larkin,
Chris. Torgerson,
Harold Braud,
David White,
Frank Kennedy,
Clarence Perkins,
Arthur Rehn,
John Somers,
Stephen Cullin,
Dick Dimock,

Coit Street School.
Boys in Parade.
John McGinley, Jr. capt., Edmund Johnston,

Neil Flaherty,
Herbert Nelson,
Joseph McDonald,
Charles Beyar,
Eddie Corcoran,
Charles Minson,
Harry McGuire,
Clarence Merry,
Frank Dart,
George Wheeler,
Eddie Haggerty,
Willis Barrows,
Sterling King,
Clarence Abel,
Cecil Gallup,
Samuel Palmer,
Ralph Wolf,
Frank Tew,
Willie Edgecomb,
Willie White,
Owens Wolf,
John Noonan,
Ray Atwood,
Willie Leavy,
Louis McDonald.

Matthias Moran.
William Forsberg.
Harold Stubbert,
James Murphy,

Walter Walden,
Winthrop McGinley,
Oliver Valentine,
William Sauter,

Harry Booth.
Harry Martin,
John Brennan,
Leon Mosier,
Frank Delap,
Charles Halyburton,
Thomas Somers,
Robert Talbot,
Charles Booth,
Earl Merry,
Ralph Whetmore,
James Floyd,
Laurence Cullin,
Joseph Corcoran,
Fred Halyburton,
Chris Holt,
Walter Cleary.
Thomas Mullen,
Eddie Goff,
Eddie Thomas,
Willie Henley,
Dennie Hogan,
Henry Henley,
Michael Mullen,

Clarence Kidder,
Frank Johnson,
William Murphy,
Robert McAdams,
Carl Hopkf,

310

Edward Pickett,
Harry Darrovv,
Peter Moriarty,
Joseph Stanners.
Joseph Conti,
Clayton Crocker,
Cleveland Perkins,
Russell Maconiber,
John Pickett,

John McGinley, Jr. capt.
Matthias Moran,
Clarence Kidder,
Edward Moriarty,
Arthur Johnson,
Edward Dray,
Edward Pickett,
Henry Lee,
Joseph Conti,
Joseph Stanners,
Abraham Avratsky,
Edmund Condon,
William Murphy,
William Sauter,
Russell Macomber,
Frederick Davis.
Perley Wilbur,
Luther Davis,
Joseph Hogan,
Thomas Johnson,
Burleigh Pollard,

John McKenna, captain,
Thomas Chappell,
Alfred Sears,
James F. Smith,
Herbert Metzger,
Timothy Randolph,
John Leahy,
Patrick McCarthy,
John Curley,
Frank Brennan,
Harry Osborn,

Henry Lee,
Arthur Waller,
Everett Stanton,
Judson Gardnei - ,
Edward Moriarty,
Carroll Cantwell,
Luther Davis,
Perley Wilbur,
Robert Spotswood,

Boys in Chorus.

William Forsberg,
Walter Walden,
William Condon,
Arthur Waller,
Edward Douglass,
George Carver,
Henry Kaiser,
Joseph Lee,
Carroll Cantwell,
Leon Colby,
Everett Stanton,
Oliver Valentine,
Chester Hayes,
Harold Stubbert,
Sheldon Starr,
William Sawyer,
Johnson Carver,
Robert Spotswood,
Peter Moriarty,
Robert Chapman,
Maurice Fitzgerald,

Hill Street School.

Boys in Parade.

Harvey Coan,
Frank Crandall,
William Walsh,
John McCarthy,
George Swanson,
Royce Cody,
Frank Brazil,
Charles Carroll,
Herbert Wightman,
Thomas Breen,
Henry Seyfried,

Joseph Lee,
Frank Chadsey,
Leon Colby,
Edward Condon,
William Condon,
Peter Leverone,
George Keeney,
William Sawyer,
Sheldon Starr.

.Edmund Johnston,
Frank Johnson,
Clayton Crocker,
Robert McAdams,
Cleveland Perkins,
Robert Crocker,
Peter Leverone,
Frank Chadsey,
Harry Darrow,
Morris Cohen,
Judson Gardner,
Winthrop McGinley,
Carl Hopkf,
Peter Moriarty,
Stephen McGinley,
George Keeney,
William Worts,
Herbert Burmeister,
William Hobron,
Samuel Schaeffer,

Albert Swanson,
Eugene Cook,
Frederick Smith,
Josiah Keeney,
Abraham Blaskin,
Thomas McKanna,
Frank Douglass,
Bertram Fuller,
Charlie Starr,
John Maloney,
Duncan Belcher,

311

Howard Richards,
Albert Sears,
Elias Smith,

John McKenna,
Albert Swanson,
Freddie Smith,
Alfred Sears,
A. Blaskin,
Charles Starr,
Patrick McCarthy,
Charles Seyfried,
Thomas McKenna.
Harold Starr,
Arthur Huff am,
Frank Brazil,
George Cole.
Willie Fitzgerald.
Charles Loupret,
Howard Richards,
Win. Geraghty,
' Harold Smith,
Alfred Schwaner,
William Tyler,
Stanton Cook,
Clark Edgar,
James Pollock,

James Corkey,
John Shea,
Willie McGuire,
Ray Chappell,
Edward Wilson,
1 Fred Fowler,
Logan Page,
John Fox,
Frank Lester,
Willie Bennett,
Warren Crocker,
Harry Holmes,
Willie Landers,
Arthur Oldroyd,
Robert Roberts,
Thurlow Saunders,

A- Kanenburg,

Wm. Geraghty,
Alfred Schwaner,

Boys in Chorus.
James Smith,
John Curley,
Coddie Pendleton,
John Leahy,
George Swanson,
Thomas Breen,
Royce Cody.
Eugene Cook,
Josiah Keeney,
John Moloney,
Timothy Randolph,
Frank Douglass,
Howard Crandall,
Rush Foster,
Frank Metzger,
Albert Sherburne,
J. Harrington.
Patsy Malone,
John Leary,
Thomas Sears,
Ralph Dalton,
Christie Foster,
Marcus Towne,

Harbor School.

Boys in Parade.

Horace Gardner,
Daniel Terry.
Willie Fox,
Tom Donovan,
Harry Healey,
John Swanson,
Wajter Poole,
Roy Lester,
Elwood Stanton,
Everet Bolton,
Leroy Damon,
Thomas Irish,
Frank Mix,
Wallace Pennell,
Delbert Sheflot,
Herman Schroeter,

Rush Foster,
Harold Smith,

Harvey Coan,
Willie Walsh,
John McCarthy,
John Casey,
Charles Carroll,
Howard Peck,
Bertram Fuller,
Frank Crandall,
H. Wrightman,
Herbert Metzger.
Thomas Chappell,
Duncan Belcher,
Mielo Damieo,
A. Kanenburg,
Fred Osborn,
Frank Surdi,
Elias Smith,
Rowland Burdick,
Robert Gray,
Harry Salomon,
Laurence Douglass,
Willie James,
Guy Crump.

George Crowell,
George Metcalf,
Frank Pendleton,
Raymond Gard,
Roy Chandler,
Guy Hedlund.
Cort Brown,
Walter Watson.
Leon Am merman,
Michael Cleary,
Joe Havens,
Grahame Keeney,
Lewis Morgan,
Bennie Rasie,
Willie Slocum,

312

Boys in Chorus.

Walter Poole,
Willie Fox,
Frank Lester,
Elwood Stanton,
John Swanson,
Daniel Terry,
Torn Donovan,
Michael Cleary,
Frank Mix,
Wallace Pennell,
Delbert Sheflot,
Lawrence Chandler,
Thomas Butler,
Ernest Jaeger,
Willie Ammerman,
John Graham,
Charles Horton,
Arthur Morrissey,
Frank Silva,

Logan Page,
John Fox,
Walter Barker,
Guy Hedlund,
George Metcalf,
Frank Pendleton,
Ray Gard,
Leroy Damon,
Lewis Morgan,
Bennie Rasie,
Herman Schroeter,
John Saxton.
Jesse Maynard,
Howard Phillips,
Fred Burrows,
Joe Griffen,
John Irish,
Neil Ragan,
Clarence Sykes,

Cort Brown,
Roy Lester,
John Davidson,
Fred Fowler,
George Crowell,
Ray Chappell,
Leon Ammerman,
Thomas Irish,
Arthur Oldroyd,
Robert Roberts,
Walter Watson,
James Pelton,
Timothy Terry,
Raymond Hedlund,
Connie Donahue,
Charles Hedlund,
John Mooney,
Arthur Salter,
Andrew Caliconi.

Winthrop School.

Boys in Parade and Chorus.

G. C. Abramson,
George M. Cleary,
George H. Gates,
W. P. Langworthy,
Alfred Ligouri,
William McPartland,
Jerry J. O'Connor,
John W. Walsh,
Horace Chapman,
Harry Hewitt,
John Rose,
Fred Golden,
Charles Smith,
Frank Beebe,
Neil McGrath,
David Moran,
George Keeney,
Harry Page,
Joe Sizer,
Willie Walters,

Walter L. Bogue,
Leon C. Daniels,
Moxie Hahn,
William W. Levy,
David J. Lynch,
C. F. Newton,
Frank E. Shurts,
Frank Anderson,
Herbert Daniels,
Albert Olsen,
Frank Slack,
Leroy Holmes,
Arthur Thompson,
Jay W. Clark,
John Gurke,
Charlie Moffitt,
Julie Oliver,
Ai-chie Rose,
James Stanners,
Herbert Taft.

George H. Browne,
Edward Elliot, Jr.,
G. V. Holloway,
C Frank Lewis,
Joseph McDonald,
F. C. Newbury,
Joseph Troland,
Lincoln Brown,
George Davison,
Tony Oliver,
Walter Eyers,
Robert Thompson,
George Thompson,
John Cordoza,
Joe Gomez,
Owen McPartland,
Elmer Page,
Ray Smith,
A. Whittemore,

313

John Beatrice, Albert Bailey, Willie Davison,

John Eyers, Joseph Flora, Tom Lewis,

Oliver Loornis, George McLoughlin, Timothy O'Connor,

Ernest Rowley, Manuel Francis, George Joseph,

•James Sweeney, John Slack.

The Putnam Phalanx takes its name from Israel Putnam, of
Revolutionary fame, of whom it was said ' 4 he dared to lead where any
dared to follow." The uniform is that of the old Continental Army.
Its members include men in all professions and occupations of civil
life, and are gathered from all parts of the State. Its muster roll on
the sixth of May, 1896, was as follows:

Officers of the Putnam Phalanx.

Henry Bickford, Major.

B. W. Edwards, Secretary.

R. S. Peck, Treasurer.

Sidney E. Clarke, Historian.

STAFF OFFICERS-

Capt. Charles A. Lord, Adjutant.

Capt. H. B. Philbrick, Chief-of -Staff.

Capt. B. W. Edwards, Secretary.

Capt. R- S. Peck, Treasurer.

Capt. W. H. Barnard, Quartermaster.

Capt. E. A. Perry, Inspector.

Capt. Sidney E. Clarke, Judge Advocate.

Capt. E. M. Huntsinger, Paymaster.

Capt. P. D. Peltier, M. D., Surgeon.

Capt. Rev. I. F. Stidham, Chaplain.

Capt. Cyrus G. Beckwith, Engineer.

Capt. A. E. Brooks, Commissary.

Lieut. Miles B. Preston, Assistant Inspector.

Lieut Luther A. Davidson, Assistant Surgeon.

Lieut. J. Edgar Godbee, Assistant Paymaster.

Lieut. Alex. Harbison, Assistant Engineer.

* Lieut. W- H. Lathrop, Assistant Quartermaster.

Lieut. Geo. W. Corbin, Assistant Commissary.

Lieut. W. S. Dwyer, Sergeant Major.

NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF OFFICERS.

Frank Webber, Drum Major.

George E. Strickland, James O. Griswold, Standard Bearers.

E. E. House, Win, C. Smith, Color Guards,

314

FIRST COMPANY.

J. N. Shedd, Captain.

C. B. Andrus, First JLieutenant.

Geo. W. Scailes, Second Lieutenant.

John McCleary, Ensign.

Walter S. Mather, First Sergeant.

Thomas Barrett, Second Sergeant.

C O. Talcott, Third Sergeant.
A. H. Merrill, Fourth Sergeant.
C. M. Smith, First Corporal.

E. P. Forbes, Second Corporal.

F. H. Woodworth, Third Corporal.
John R. Pitt, Fourth Corporal.

SECOND COMPANY.

W. H. Gassett, Captain,
J. C. Lester, First Lieutenant.
Edward Mahl, Second Lieutenant.
F. H. Richards. Ensign.
Frederic Stokes, First Sergeant.

A. T. Ricker, Third Sergeant.
W. H. Filley, Fourth Sergeant.
W. E. Gates, First Corporal.
E. U. Thompson, Second Corporal,
J. P. Allen, Third Corporal.

E. P. Burnham, Second Sergeant. F. H. Ensign, Fourth Corporal.

List of Members April 15, 1896.

Allen, John W., New Britain.
Anthony, J. M., Hartford.
Andrus, Chas. B. , Hartford.
Alcott, Dr. R. W. E., West Hartford.
Allen, James P., Hartford.
Alexander, Samuel, Hartford.
Bell, E. I., Portland.
Bell, H. C, Portland.
Blanchard, O. H., Hartford.
Bennett, James W. , Willimantic.
Bacon, James G. , Hartford.
Barnhard, W. IT, Hartford.
Baldwin, W. F., Hartford.
Barrett, Thomas, Hartford.
Burnham, E. P., East Hartford.
Brooks, A. E. , Hartford.
Beckwith, Cyrus G., New London.
Bartlett, Edwin S., Hartford.
Bickford, Dr. Henry, Hartford.
Bigelow, E. C, Hartford.
Balf, Edward, Hartford.
Bassett, Samuel, New Britain.
Burr, Lyman S., New Britain.
Burlingame, R. R., Providence, R. I.
Crandall, S. Ashabel, Norwich.
Case, C. H, Hartford.
Clarke, Sidney E., Hartford.
Clark, George B., Hartford,
Church, Wm., Hartford.

Case, Frank A., Pine Meadow.
Clarke, Chas. H., Hartford.
Conrad, Philip, Hartford.
Chaffee, 0. S., Jr., Mansfield Center.
Clark, Geo. H., Salisbury,
Cheney, W. W., So. Manchester.
Cowles, Walter A., Hartford.
Cowles, Wm. H., Plainville.
Coates, W. H., So. Manchester.
Corbin, Geo. W., New Britain.
Day, Geo. F., So- Manchester.
Dimock, Henry E., New Britain.
Dwyer, William S., Hartford.
Donnelly, M. H.,New Britain.
Davison, Dr. Luther A., Hartford.
Dunn, Daniel P., Willimantic.
Edwards, B. W., Hartford.
Edgerton, L. P., Hartford.
Ensign, F. H., Silver Lane.
Filley, W. H.. Windsor.
Forbes, Walter, East Hartford.
Forbes, E. P., Hartford.
Forbes, E. Sumner, Silver Lane.
Foley, James, Boston, Mass.
Foster, C. S., West Winsted.
Flynn, Luke, Willimantic.
Fox, H. P., Hartford.
Fox, H. W. , Hartford.
Godbee, J. E., Hartford.

315

Griswold, William H., Addison.
Griswold, James 0. , Glastonbury.
Grover, P. F., Windsor.
Gassett, W. H., Hartford.
Garduer, J. E., Hartford.
Grou, George W. , Hartford.
Goodwin, Wilbur E., Elm wood.
Goodrich. F. W., New York.
Bates, William E., Glastonbury.
Hale, Wallace L., Glastonbury.
House, Isaac C, Glastonbury.
Hodge, C. H. , Glastonbury.

Hamill, James, Glastonbury.

Hall. J. Knox, Hockanum.

Harbison, Alexander, Hartford.

Hartman, William, New Britain.

Hadley, C. E., New Britain.

Hadley, R. W. , New Britain.

Hurd, Charles F., Hartford.

House, E. E., Hartford.

Harrington, George M., Willimantic.

Hatch, Charles E., Bridgeport.

Heins, Frank W., Hartford.

Hnebler, Julius, Hartford.

Hitchcock. M. B., Plainville.

Hudson, L. W.. Hartford.

Hunt, Claramon, Sterling.

Huntsinger, E. M.. Hartford.

Hull, P. Ethan, Meriden.

James, William E., Hartford.

Johnston, Frank H., New Britain.

Kennedy, Col. Henry, Hartford.

Kenyon, R. P., Hartford.

Kingsley, H. B., Hartford.

Kelley, Thomas J., Willimantic.

Kinne, Henry A., South Glastonbury.

Lathrop, W. H., Hartford.

Lincoln, Brooks, M., Hartford.

Law, W. H„ Hartford.

Lawrence, William H., Suffield.

Lord, Charles A., Thompson ville.

Lang, F. W. , New Britain.

Lamb, E. J., Hartford.

Lamphier, E. P., Winsted.

Lyon, Stephen J., Collinsville.

Lester, J. Clarence, Hartford.

Lantlon, Frank H., Hartford.

Lynch, James T. Bridgeport.

Mather, Walter S., Hartford.

McConville, William J., Hartford.
Mcl'lunif, I. Alex, Hartford.
McClary, John, Hartford.
McDonough, John, Willimantic,
Mahl, Edward, Hartford.
Morrison, F. B., Thompsonville.
Miller, David H., Georgetown.
Mulhr Louis J., New Britain.
Merrill, A. H., Hartford.
Marlor, C. S. L. , Brooklyn.
Osborn, H. G., New London.
Paine, Dudley, Winsted.
Phelps, George M., Simsbury.
Piper, W. F., Windsor*
Pocock, A. A., Hartford.
Potter, W. N., Willimantic.
Perry, E. A., Hartford.
Preston, Miles B., Hartford.
Philbrick, H. B., Hartford.
Peck, R. S., Hartford.
Pinches. John, New Britain.
Pitt, -lohu R., Middletown.
Porter, E. J., New Britain.
Pepion, Joen, Hartford.
Peltier, Dr. P. D., Hartford.
Parker, T. M., Hartford.
Parker, Joseph, Naubuc.
Russell, J. S., Hartford.
Richmond, Frank L., Hartford.
Riley, Stanley J., Hartford.
Rowley, Edward W., Hartford.
Richards, F. H., Hartford.
Ricker, Alfred T., Hartford.
Reiche, Herman C, Hartford.
Roberts, C. H.. Hartford.
Reynolds, Charles R., Hartford.
Ryan, Joseph J., Sharon.
Sellew, De Forrest, Glastonbury.
Staub, Nicholas, New Milford.
Stearns, Isaac, South Glastonbury.
Sanderson, Lucien, New Haven.
Seymour, Leveret K., Hartford.
Squires, Alvin, Hartford.
Strickland, H. J., Hartford.
Strickland, George E., Hartford.
Smith, Lyman, Hartford.
Shaw, T. W., Hartford.
Shedd, J. N. Hartford.
Smith, William C, Hartford.

316

Seide, David, Hartford.
Smith, Henry F., Hartford.
Stokes, Frederick, Hartford.
Scailes, George W. , Hartford.
Stockwell, A. B., Windsor Locks.
Sullivan, J. O , Willimantic.
Skepard, Andrew N., Portland.
Stoll, Charles F., New London.
Smith, Charles M.. East Hartford.
Smith, Thomas C. , New Britain.
Squire, Charles E., Norwalk.
Siering, William, New Britain.
Stuart, John K., Lakeville.
Strickland, Abel, Hartford.
Street, Joseph, Hartford.
Sanderson, Herbert A., Willimantic.
Talcott, Clinton O., Glastonbury.
Tyler, Heman A., Hartford.
Thompson, E. U., New Britain.
Taussig, Charles, Hartford.
Treat, Charles O., South Manchester.

Teitz, Theodore, Marlboro Mills.
Tillinghast, F. H., Central Village.
Towers, Joseph, New Britain.
Towers, William, New Britain.
Warner, Fred W., Hartford.
Warner, Arthur D., Woodbury.
.Werner, Louis C, Broad Brook.
Weir, Leverette A., East Glastonbury.
Woodruff, W. N., Hartford.
Wood, H. B., New Haven.
Wolcott, E. R., Wethersfield.
Woodworth, Frank H., Norwich.
White, Joseph L-, Hartford.
Washburn, Edgar S., Willimantic.
Weldon, Dr. T. H., South Manchester.
Willard, F. B., Springfield, Mass.
Wise, Frank A., New Britain.
Waldo, Harold B., Glastonbury.
Waldo, Hubbard, Naubuc.
Wales, Arthur E., New Britain.
Young, Edward S., Hartford.

CHAPLAIN.

Stidham, Rev. I. F., New Britain.

MUSICIANS.

Webber, Frank, Hartford.
Wiley, L. G., Hartford.
Hosmer, W. H. , Hartford.
Talcott, D. L., Glastonbury.
Thrall, Dwight, Hartford.
Brigham, S. H., Hartford.
Brigham, Ernest A. E., Hartford.
Griswold, F. C, Bloomfield.

Hollister, Kirtland, South Glastonbury.
Case, David, Hartford.
Thrall, 0. H., Hartford.
Seymour, C. M., Hartford.
Williams, C. C, Hartford.
Chamberlin, H. A., Hartford.
Anderson, Harry, Hockanum.

THE FIREWORKS.

The fourth feature of the Natal Day was the display of fireworks.

On the evening of the sixth of May, beginning at 8.15, on the
Bolton lot, Lincoln avenue, was the grand display by the Pain Fire-
works company. This great feature of the celebration was the muni-

317

ficent donation of Frank L. Palmer, and was appreciated by all the
people. The program was as follows :

1. Salute of maroons or aerial cannons, ascending to a great height, and
exploding with loud reports.

2. Magical prismatic illumination, with variegated lights of several distinct
changes.

3. Flight of monster balloons, with powerful magnesium light and tri-col-
ored tires, discharging when at a great height superb silver and colored show-
ers.

4. Nests of hissing, fiery serpents.

5. Discharge of large colored rockets, including the marvelous chromatic
effects, the novelty of 1896.

6. Flight of illuminated tourbillions, forming a cascade of tire in ascent
and descent.

7. Fiery torpedoes Hying through the air with great velocity.

Device.

8. Japonica. — 1. The rising sun. 2. Vase of Japanese blossoms. 3. An
open fan; 1895 novelty.

'■>. Celestial stars — rayonet fires —marooned.
t 10. The aerial acre of variegated gems, produced by the simultaneous dis-
charge of U-inch bombs.

11. Nests of silver snakes.

12. Flight of large shells, forming jeweled clouds, studded with gems of
every hue.

13. Flight of 0-pound Congreve rockets, exhibiting the rarest tints.

Device.

14. Flights of twin pigeons from place to place.

15. Salvo of gigantic bombs, forming a golden cloud, studded with jewels.
10. Aerial contortionists.

17. Flight of rockets discharging peacock's plumes.

18. Swarms of writhing snakes.

Device.

19. The chromothrope wheel. Jets of fire in eccentric motion, surrounded
by illuminated rosette wheels and silver fringe.

20. Grand display of mammoth shells, 24 inches in circumference, display-
ing at an immense altitude showers of rubies, sapphires, laburnum blossoms.
etc.

21. The pyrotechnical harlequinade.

22. Flight of whistlers.

23. Rockets bearing twinkling stars.

Device.

24. Aladdin's jeweled tree, with sunflower wheel, changing to a mass ni'
flowery blossoms having prismatic centers, and finally changing into a magnif-
icent fountain of liquid golden spray.

318

25. Shells with meteoric rain.

26. Salvos of aerial saucissons.

27. Flight of rockets, couleur de rose.

28. Ascent or rockets of largest caliber, with the latest colors and effects.

Device.

29. The kaleidoscope. Mammoth fire wheels, with intersecting centers,
surrounded by silver spray.

30. Flight of asteroids, discharging in mid-air changeable colored stars.

31. Salvo of electric shells, shedding a simultaneous flood of light over the
surrounding landscape.

Device.

32. The Old Town Mill, 1650.

33. Pain's mammoth spreaders, each covering an acre, with gems of every
hue.

34. Illumination of the grounds, with prismatic tires placed in several
chosen places and changing frequently their various colors.

35. Parisian novelties. Rockets with silver threads.

Device.

36. Grove of jeweled palms. Geometric devices, intersected by columns of
golden showers.

37. Flight of meteor rockets, each discharging floating stars, constantly
changing colors.

38. Salvo of 36-inch bombs, discharging prismatic torrents and golden
clouds.

39. Discharge of monster aerial wagglers.

40. Ascent of parachutes, carrying colored stars constantly changing.

Device.

41. The Falls of Niagara, surmounted with batteries of Pioman candles.

42. Ascent of large rockets, bearing electric stars.

43. Ascent of bombs, 13 inches in circumference, fired simultaneously,
forming an immense aerial illumination.

44. Batteries of chromatic star candles ; the latest novelty in pyrotechnics,

45. Discharge of chain asteroids, showing ever changing colored lines of
light, floating along with the wind without descending ; 1892 novelty. (A most
ingenious invention).

46. Grand display of large shells, introducing all the latest tints of color.

47. Ascent of rockets, forming festoons of colored fires ; Pain's World's
Fair specialty.

48. Ascent of meteors.

49. Discharge of large rockets, each detaching twinkling stars, changing
color repeatedly.

Comic Device.

50. The acrobatic monkey. Most amusing evolutions on the borizontal
bar.

51. Mammoth bombs, discharging fiery dragons and serpents.

319

52. Flight of large rockets, hanging chains, essence of moonlight, weeping
willow, national streamers.

Grand Concluding Device.

53. The emblem of New London, '• Mare Liberum."

Finale.

54. Flight of large colored rockets, tired simultaneously, producing a
grand and magnificent aerial bouquet.

When the last rocket had mounted into the air to explode and
scatter its dust of fire upon the night, when the "aerial bouquef '"

lad burned itself out, the greatest and most significant celebration
in all the history of New London was ever, and the city wenl hack
again to its busy and industrious life. The celebration was admi-
rably planned, and successfully carried out; and the orderly con -
duct of the crowds who thronged the streets spoke volumes for the
character of the people who were interested in seeing and partiei-
pating in New London's two hundred and fiftieth anniversary.

320

VII.
CONCLUSION.

Two or three other things belong to the history of the day, which
must not be omitted. While the procession was moving, a telegram
was handed Mayor Johnston, which had been received at the West-
ern Union Telegraph office. It speaks for itself:

London, 6.30 a. m., May 6, 1896.
Mayor, New London, Conn.:

Old London sends New London congratulations on this interest-
ing anniversary. Lord Mayor.

AN ENGLISH PAPER'S NOTE OF OUR CELEBRATION.

The City Press, London., 'Eng., May 23, has the following:

"The citizens of New London, Conn., celebrated their two hundred and 1
fiftieth anniversary of the birth of the municipality on the 6th inst., and the
lord mayor, with his usual kindliness of thought, telegraphed to the mayor of f
New London the following message : ' Old London sends to New London its •
cordial congratulations on this interesting day.' The mayor (J. P. Johnston)
has sent a laconic reply, which reads as follows : ' In our country this two hun-
dred and fiftieth anniversary is considered old. John Winthrop, the younger,
came from Groton, in Suffolk, and in 1646 founded New London. It gave all
our citizens great pleasure to receive your telegram. We feel there is a strong
bond of sympathy between the two cities.'"

Mayor Johnston also sent the lord mayor of London all the New
London papers containing accounts of the celebration.

The corner-stone of the Winthrop Monument is in its place, wait-
ing for the fitting and appropriate superstructure. The generous

321

offer of Mr. Brandegee— recorded in another place — ought to make
the consummation of May 6th, 1896, possible within the three years
named in the offer. John Winthrop, Sr., has a monument in Scol-
lay Square, Boston. Now let John Winthrop Jr., the founder of
Mew London, and of Connecticut, have ;i monument erected to his
worthy memory in Winthrop Place, New London. On it should be
insci'ihed this noble sentiment, expressed in a letter written to his
father, August, 1629: ''I shall call that my country where I may
most glorify God, and enjoy the presence of my dearest friends."
On that monument it should he stated that he was the first governor
of Connecticut, as defined by the patent of 1630, and that he was
the founder and first governor of the colony as subsequently defined
by the charter of Charles II., in 1662.

The Mohegans were a feature of the celebration so unique as to
deserve a more extended notice. From the pen of Mr. Ernest E.
Rogers, in The Bay of May 9, I quote the following:

" The participation of the Mohegan Indians in Wednesday's celebration
added another item to local history, and deserved more than passing notice.

"Their presence at the laying of the corner-stone to the memory of John
Winthrop, the younger, was particularly appropriate, and they are deserving
of great credit for their patriotism in making an effort to be present at the
morning ceremony. No occasion in modern times has witnessed their pres-
ence in a body in New London, and when in the process of time the older

"members are laid at rest beside the graves of their fathers, in that picturesque

; and historic and sacred burial ground in Mohegan, on the river's bank, it is

•doubtful if a company could again be gathered.
"The twenty-two members present were :

, Eliphalet Fielding, John W. Quidgeon. Alonzo Cooper,

Burrell Fielding, Charles Matthews, Lloyd Harris,

Edwin C. Fowler, Roscoe Skeesuchs, Edwin E. Fowler,

Frank Fielding, John L. Fielding, Nelson J. Congdon,

, Zacheus Nonesuch, Lester Skeesuchs, Donald Meech,

W. Williams Fielding, Fred Meech, Albert Fielding,

Lemuel Fielding, Burrell Quidgeon, Julian Harris,

Everett Fielding.

| "They attracted much attention throughout the day — at the laying of the
corner-stone, presentation of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, and were
the recipients of continuous cheers throughout the afternoon parade.

"Eliphalet Fielding is the oldest member of the sixth generation, both
from Tantaquidgin, captain of the warriors of Uncas, and Sassacns, chief of
the Pequots. That was a touching scene to see him with his handful of rela-

322

tives, and over them the banner, 'The Last of the Mohegans,' present at the
laying of the corner-stone to Winthrop. who two hundred and fifty years ago
took possession of the unoccupied land of his conquered ancestors.

"William Williams Fielding, of New London, mounted, led the company.
Lemuel Fielding and Lester Skeesuchs, of Norwich, of Narragansett descent,
attired in costume and armed with tomahawks, attracted much notice, and it
was a singular coincidence that a Mohegan and Narragansett, whose ancestors,
at the time Winthrop founded New London, were waging deadly wars against
each other, should walk side by side at the two hundred and fiftieth anniver-
sary.

"Zacheus Nonesuch is the last of the Nehantic Indians of East Lyme to be
found in this vicinity. He married a Mohegan wife and resides at Mohegan.

" A member of the celebration finance committee when recently writing a
paper on "The Last of the Mohegan and Pequot Indians " had occasion to visit
Mohegan to collect material, and when there ascertained that a sufficient number
would attend the celebration if desired. The matter was presented to the cele-
bration committee and received hearty approval, and the Mohegans were invited
as guests of the city.

" Henry R. Bond, who is thoroughly familiar with the history of the Mo-
hegans, learning of their coming, voluntarily offered to banquet them. The
company, together with members of their families to the number of thirty-three,
sat down to a collation in the Gaiety Opera House furnished by W. H. Ellis,
caterer. The table was tastefully decorated and much admired by all.

" The probate office in the City hall was assigned as headquarters for the day
and upon their arrival at 9.30 they were met by Mr. Bond who presented each
one with an historically illustrated souvenir of Mohegan containing rare pictures,
among them one of Sampson Occum, the eloquent Indian preacher. A copy
has been placed in the public library and one in the Historical rooms. Sou-
venir badges were also given to all present.

" It was owing to the generosity of Mr. Bond that the coming of the Mohe-
gans was such a marked success and a day long to be remembered by them."

The work of the Finance Committee was not the least laborious,
nor the least important in the preparations made for the celebration I
on a scale suitable to the occasion. The report given below, showsj
both the ability of the men charged with this responsibility, and
the interest taken by the citizens of New London. It was presented i
to the committee of fifty at its final meeting by the efficient chair- ;
man of the finance committee, Hon George F. Tinker, Wednesday <
evening, May 13, 1896, and is as follows:

To the Committee of Fifty:

The Committee on Finance to whom was entrusted the raising and
expenditure of money necessary to the proper celebration of the

323

two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the town's birth has per-
formed its duty as besl it could.

After the unhappy experience of our citizens who liberally sub-
scribed moans for the creditable reception and entertainmenl of the
Society of the Army of the Potomoc in June, LS95, your committee
did not enter on its duties without serious misgivings as to the
willingness of our people again so soon to generously subscribe.
But in all parts of the city, wherever the members of our com-
mittee visited, there was a generous response that made the com-
mitter's work a pleasure, rather than a burden.

During one of the early meetings of the " committee of fifty" a
resolution was passed empowering the committee on finance to con-
fer with the Lucretia Shaw Chapter, 1). A. K.. and if expedient to
arrange for a loan exhibition. Such ameeting was held at an early
date and all conditions seeming to be favorable, it was decided to
hold such an exhibition at the old historic Courthouse.

By the untiring zeal and energy, on the part of the ladies com-
prising such organization, the results have largely exceeded the
expectations of the most sanguine promoters of the enterprise.
Without personal solicitation, the first floor of the old building was
taxed to its utmost capacity with a grand accumulation of relics,
many of which were of inestimable value and historic interest. Evi-
dently another exhibition could he supplied from New London and
vicinity with as large and rare a collectiou as has already been
Brought before the public. Your committee would respectfully
suggest, therefore, that the Lucretia Shaw Chapter maybe induced,
in the not distant future, to institute another exhibition that will
cover a longer duration of time, thereby giving an opportunity to
nose who, from the pressure of other demands, failed to visit the
exhibition at all.

To avoid the visitation of curiosity seekers and children of mis-
chievous tendencies a small admission fee was charged, which re-
sulted in an income of nearly $150, which will go to defray the ex-
pense of setting up and maintaining the exhibit while open to the
public. Number of visitors, 1,500. In view of the flattering sue-
less of this, the first effort of the ladies of Lucretia Shaw Chapter,
may we not hope that through the liberality and public spirit of some
of our townspeople of wealth the time is not far distant when a
society of antiquity may he formed and established in this historic

324

town. It is certain that such an institution would be worthy of the
history and traditions of one of the oldest towns in New England.

Geo. F. Tinker,
Herbert L. Crandall,
F. S. Newcomb,
Geo. B. Prest,
Ernest E. Rogers,

Finance Committee.

THE FINANCIAL REPORT.

General committee on celebration May 6, 1896, in account with

George F. Tinker.

Expenditures.

Feb. 24. The Telegraph Company $ 4.00

Feb. 25. The Telegraph Company 7.75

Feb. 24. Daily Globe .75

The Day Company 8.25

Livermore & Knight, invitations 141.86

Perkins Post allowance 300.00

The Day Company 1.50

A. H. Chappell, expenses 4.50

C. B. Ware, badges 10.00

The Telegraph Company, songs 10.50

The Globe, ad. for meeting .75

The Telegraph Company 5.00 '

April 28. The Day Company 1.50

May 2. Capt. James F. Smith, boat 25.00

The Day Company 1-25

May 4. The Day Company 1 .00

The Daily Globe 8.00

May 6. E. L. Bailey, Third Band .• 50.00

C. L. Fitch, Noank Band 55.00

A. H. Pierson, Clinton Band 50.00

Michael Oleary, watchman armcry 6.00

May 7. James Anderson -50

F. M. Jacques, 51 dinners . 30.60

Norwich & New York Trans. Company 150.00

George H. Bowers, 1 hack 5.00

Camp & Browning, 2 hacks 10.00

A. N. Fetherson, 1 hack 5.00

G. E. Holloway, watchman 15.00

G. G. Avery, 2 hacks 10.00

Rob McCarth}', dppr keeper -50

Daniel McGrath, 1 hack , . 5.0Q

325

May 7. C. A. Strickland, 1 hack $ 5.00

Tyler B. Earl, 2 hacks 10.00

Harris Pendleton, decorating 139.00

The Telegraph Company 14.25

Crocker House 282.00

W. H. Strickland, dinners . 175.00

Charles Brady, Norwich, 3 hacks 27.00

James Wilkinson, use of seats 10.00

W. H. Bentley, carting seats 27.55

George H. Harvey, 1 hack 5.00

J. F. Smith, school house float 50.00

Edward Neilan, 1 hack 5.00

Moran Brothers, 4 hacks 20.00

Moran Brothers, hacks to station 19.50

John B. Manwaring, 1 hack .... 5.00

State of Connecticut, armory 15.00

A. H. Chappell, band stand, etc 15.00

Wallace Philbrick, courthouse 20.00

G. E. Holloway, courthouse 12.50

C. B. Ware, stamps, stationery ... 4.27

Tyler B. Earl, hack 3.00

F. W. Hull, stage, armory 79.80

L. D. Smith , mending pipes 10.00

Loss and damage to flags 30.00

The Daily Globe .75

Ernest Rogers 9.00

W.B.Thomas, carting 24.50

E. L. Bailey, extra service 27.00

Total expenses $1,969.33

Receipts.
10 subscriptions, $100 each. $1,000.00

8 subscriptions, $50 each 400.00

13 subscriptions, $25 each 325.00

4 subscriptions, $15 each 60.00

23 subscriptions, $10 each 230.00

52 subscriptions. $ 5 each 260.00

3 subscriptions, $ 2 each 6.00

3 subscriptions, $ 1 each 3.00

Miscellaneous 10.75

Total receipts $2,294.75

Total expenses 1,969.33

Balance $ 325.42

326
At the same meeting the following votes were passed :

THE COMMITTEE THANKED.

A unanimous vote of thanks to Mr. Tinker and his associates on
the Finance Committee, for their admirable management of the most
important feature of the celebration, was adopted in connection
with the acceptance of the report.

THANKS FOR THE LADIES.

Mr. Tinker offered the following vote, which was unanimously
adopted :

Voted, That the Committee of Fifty, recognizing the fact that
the Loan Exhibition was an important factor of the two hundred
and fiftieth anniversary celebration, desires to convey an expression
of thanks to the ladies of the Lucretia Shaw Chapter, D. A. R., for
their able and generous co-operation.

THE SURPLUS DIVIDED.

On motion of Mr. Tinker the surplus of $325. -42 will be equally
divided between the New London County Historical Society and the
New London Board of Trade. Mr. Tinker in explaining said that
the Historical Society had received but- very little aid, and that the
Board of Trade treasury had been subjected to pay the expense of
the boat races when insufficient sums had been subscribed.

FEES TO THE DAUGHTERS.

As a matter of safety and protection the Daughters of the Amer-
ican Revolution charged a small admission fee to the Loan Exhibi-
tion, which footed up something over $150. It was voted that the
fees be retained by that organization.

THANKS TO MR. BOND.

A vote of thanks was extended to Henry R. Bond for his interest
in getting the Mohegan Indians to participate in the celebration,
and for his entertainment of the "last of the Mohegans."

MR. PALMER OBJECTS.

A vote of thanks was presented, expressive of appreciation of the
generous donation of the grand display of fireworks, to Frank L.
Palmer, but Mr. Palmer was present at the meeting and objected
to the vote. He was perfectly satisfied to let that feature go in as

327

♦
I part of the general celebration and without special mention. The

potion was withdrawn.

In spite of the withdrawal of the above vote of thanks ai Mr.

Palmer's earnest request, it should go down to history thai this

feature of the celebration, which fittingly closed the day. was due

to his generosity ; and therefore the action is incorporated in this
account of the event

Ernest E. Rogers presented a resolution that the Committee of
Fifty appoint the nine original members representing the Court of
Common Council, Board of Trade and Historical Society as a per-
manent committee to raise funds for the monument to John Win-
throp. the younger. This matter was finally left to the action of
the three organizations named.

President Chappell thanked the committee for their earnest work
and hearty co-operation, and the meeting adjourned. And this no-
table event in the life of Xew London, with all other great events.
Became a matter of history.

Naturally enough the celebration was widely noticed by the press
throughout the country. Elaborate histories of New London ap-
peared in two or three magazines, notably in the New England Maga-
«me and in the Illustrated American. The local papers — The Day,
'Ha Telegraph and The Globe — devoted themselves to the occasion.
and by their full and valuable reports presented vivid pictures of the
event for the coming generations of New London to gaze upon.
The compiler of this volume hereby acknowledges his indebtedness
to these three dailies, which helped him to recall many items which
else had escaped his memory.

329

JOSEPH TRU.MBULL,

THE FIRST COMMISSARY-GENERAL OF THE CONTINENTAL ARMY.

JONATHAN TRUMBULL, of Norwich, Conn.

Read before the Society at its Annual Meeting, at New London,
September 1, 1896.

The following inscription, in small and slowly perishing letters,
may still be read, among other inscriptions, on a family tombstone
in the old burial ground at Lebanon :

"Sacred to the memory of Joseph Trumbull, eldest son of Gov-
ernor Trumbull, and first Commissary-General of the United States
of America, a service to whose perpetual cares and fatigues he fell
a sacrifice A. D. 1778, -L 4l!. Full soon, indeed, may his person,
his virtues, and even his extensive Benevolence be forgotten by his
friends and fellow men. But blessed be God ! for the hope that in
his presence he shall be remembered forever."

If this man had fallen in the forefront of battle, pierced through
the hearl or the brain by a bullet of the enemy, the statemenl that
he •' fell a sacrifice " would not be questioned. It has never been
questioned as it stands, though the inscription was composed by a
loving and partial family, and though the statement is almosl
unique for the sturdy days of more than a century ago. when such
a thing as overwork was hardly deemed possible, and nervous pros-
tration was unknown by name among " the ills that flesh is heir to."
It is hardly to be expected that the statement is regarded as suf-
ficiently important to be questioned even in these days when no
opportunity is lost by certain writers to defame the patriots of the

330

Revolution. The career of an officer whose sole duty it was to pro
vide an army with food is naturally inconspicuous. The army itself
comes to the hands of the historian fed and clothed as a matter
of course, and the historian seldom if ever pauses to think how soon
the historical material which an army furnishes would pass out off
sight if the simple routine of feeding should be omitted for a short
time ; nor does he often give due weight to the effect which dif-
ficulties and lapses in this routine may have upon a battle, a cam-
paign, or perhaps an entire war.

It is with no expectation or intention of exhibiting a newly dis-|
covered hero of the Revolution or of magnifying the office of the
first Commissary-General that this paper has been written. Its ob-
ject is briefly to sketch the life and career of that officer by refer-
ence to original sources of information, in the course of which it is
to be expected that the accuracy of the statement inscribed upon his
tombstone may be tested, and possibly some new light may be
thrown on the workings of his department in the early days <>f the
Revolution. The principal interest which attaches to such a study
lies in the fact that it is believed to open a new field of investigation
in a portion of our country's history which is probably more thor-
oughly searched at present than ever before. This field possesses,
for the writer at least, something more than the mere charm of
novelty.

There is, however, positively no dramatic element, or even inciJ
dent, in the career of the first Commissary-General of the Conti-
nental army. He was born at Lebanon, on the 11th of March,
1737, and appears to have been well fitted by birth and education
for the position which he occupied in the army. On his father's!
side he was descended from the old Scottish clan of Turnbull, as he
himself discovered during one of his visits to England. On his
mother's side his descent is clearly traced from John Alden, the pil-i
grim. He was prepared for college in his native town of Lebanon,
and graduated from Harvard at the age of nineteen. From this
time on, for eleven years, he was engaged in the extensive mercan-
tile pursuits of his father's firm, becoming a partner in the business
at the age of twenty-seven, and locating at Norwich, where the-
principal branch of the firm was established. During his business
career he made two visits to England, one for the purpose of ex-
tending the relations of the firm, and the other for the less conge-

331

nial task of effecting a settlemenl with its creditors at a time when
(aisfortune overtook the business, involving the loss of his entire
property. Thus these eleven years broughl to him not only the
agreeable training of prosperity, and the broadening influence of
Extended acquaintance at home and abroad, bul the training which
can only be gained in the bitter but impressive school of adversity.

During this time he must have acquired some useful though
peaceable military experience by means of his position as captain
of the first company or train hand in the Twelfth regimenl of the
colony; and we may picture him to ourselves in martial array on
the comparatively frequent occasions when this company practiced
it-- evolutions on Lebanon Green.

Coming, as we now do, in his career, to the year 1707. we must
remember that already the war-clouds of the Revolution were begin-
ning to gather ; that the Stamp Act had met its fate in Connecticut
through the vigorous policy of John Durkee, of Norwich, and Israel
Putnam, of Pomfret, and that the atmosphere in which .Joseph
Trumbull was then living was charged with the sentiment of liberty
and resounded to the cry, " Xo taxation without representation."

From this time on, for six years, he was continuously a deputy,
or what we should now call a representative, from the town of Leb-
anon in the General Assembly, charged with numerous more or less
important duties upon the numerous special committees which ap-
pear to have been the only substitutes at that time for the regular
panding committees of the present day in our Legislature.

In May. 1 77-5. Connecticut, promptly concurring in the measures
adopted by the House of Burgesses, of Virginia, and by that body
recommended to the other colonies, appointed, by act of the G-en
Iral Assembly, "a Standing Committee of Correspondence and in-
quiry," consisting of Ebenexer Sillimau, William Williams. Ben-
jamin Payne, Samuel Ilolden Parsons. Nathaniel Wales, Silas
Peane, Samuel Bishop, -Joseph Trumbull and Erastus Wolcott,
•'whose husiiievs it shall be [using the words of the resolution] to
keep up and maintain a correspondence with our sister colonies re-
specting thi' important considerations mentioned and expressed in
the aforesaid resolutions of the patriotic House of Burgesses of the
Colony of Virginia." < )n the 3d of June, 1 774. there was delegated
to this committee the power to appoint representatives from Con-
lecticul in the first Continental Congress. Among the nominees of

332

the committee the names of Roger Sherman and Joseph Trumbuli
appear as alternates appointed when it was learned that three of the
original nominees could not attend. It does not appear, though it
is so stated in Appleton's Encyclopaedia of American Biography,
that Trumbull was ever a member of this congress, his place having
been amply filled by Roger Sherman.

During the previous month we hear of him at a large and enthusi-
astic town meeting in Norwich, held upon the receipt of the news
that Gen. Gage had arrived to enforce the provisions of the Boston
port bill. With Samuel Huntington he draws up at this meeting
patriotic resolutions, which were enthusiastically adopted. He ap-
pears to have been the secretary of a town committee of correspond-
ence appointed at the time, and writes to the selectmen of Boston
reporting the action of this town meeting, closing his letter with
these words :

' ' You are called by Providence to stand foremost in the contest
for those liberties wherewith God and nature have made us free.
Stand firm', therefore, in your lot, and from the apparent temper of
our people we can assure you of every support in the power of this
town to afford you in the glorious struggle."

During the following ominous year, his public duties were, no
doubt, mainly confined to the work of the town and state committees
of correspondence, of which he was a member. Before the close
of this year the first blood of the Revolution had been shed at Lex-
ington, and the importance and effectiveness of the thoroughly or-
ganized and alert committees of correspondence throughout the land
was shown in the gathering of the forces at the spread of the Lex-
ington alarm. A hastily summoned special session of the General
Assembly in April, 1775, appoints Captain Joseph Trumbull and
Mr. Amasa Keyes a temporary committee to furnish and distribute
provisions to the Connecticut soldiers who had gone to the front,
and a later vote of this same session appoints Joseph Trumbull
Commissary-General of the colony, to take charge of provisions
already purchased at Salem, evidently contemplating that he should
join the Connecticut forces at the seat of war, and purchase sup-
plies there or elsewhere, as might be most advantageous. The exi-
gencies of the occasion appear to have been such that the General
Assembly voted in a resolution closely following his appointment
that the Commissary- General "immediately purchase one hogshead

333

K New England nun and one hundred tin kettles," while to others
pas assigned the less important duty of buying bread, peas, beans
and pork, and an additional supply of tin kettles.

At this time aboul four thousand Connecticul men were at the
front, in response to the Lexington alarm, for a brief term of serv-
ice. I" May, as a result of this special session of the General
assembly, six regiments were organized and enlisted for a term of
six months, and in the following July two more regiments were
added to their number. It thus appears that the Commissary- Gen-
eral of Connecticut bad he fore him the task of providing subsistence
for the four thousand men whose uncertain term of service under
the Lexington alarm was about completed, and for the six regularly
Organized regiments which at once took their places. He found, no
doubt, upon his arrival an army in the vicinity of Boston Subsisting
somewhat offer the manner of a huge unorganized military picnic,
upon supplies bountifully, but unsystematically furnished by the
patriotic inhabitants of the various New England towns far and
near. To bring order out of this confusion, so far as Connecticut
troop.- were concerned, was probably no slight task. It is to the
credit of our State that measures were taken at so early a stage to
organize our own commissariat. How successful these measures
were we learn from the report of Washington himself in the first
recommendation contained in his first letter from headquarters to
the Continental Congress.

On the 10th of July, after having spent a week in Cambridge
in learning the needs of the army, whose command he had just
assumed, Washington writes to the president of Congress, after
outlining the situation :

"I esteem it, therefore, .my duty to represent the inconvenience
which must unavoidably ensue from a dependence on a number of
persons for supplies, and submit it to the consideration of Congress
whether the public service will not be besl promoted bj appointing
a Commissary-General for these purposes. We have a striking
instance of the preference of such a mode in the Establishment of
Connecticut, as their troops are extremely well provided under the
direction of Mr. Trumbull, ami he has at different times assisted
others with various articles. Should my sentiments happilj coincide
with those of your honors on tins subject. I beg leave to recommend
Mr. Trumbull as a very proper person for this department."

334

On the 19th of July, or nine days after this letter was despatched
by llir slow methods of the day from Cambridge to Philadelphia,
the Continental Congress appointed Joseph Trumbull Commissary!
Greneral of the army, with the rank and pay of colonel.

It is difficult to estimate with much accuracy, the number of men
composing the Continental army at this time. Fiske places the
number at 16,000, soon reinforced by troops from Pennsylvania,
Maryland and Virginia, swelling the number to 19,000 ; but as Fiske
gives Connecticut credit for only 2,300 of this number, while the
official records show that 6,000 Connecticut men were in the army
in the vicinity of Boston at the time, we may safely estimate the
force at more than 20,000 men.

From the task of providing subsistence for the six thousand Con-
necticut soldiers from his own colony, under his former appointment,
the Commissary-General now turns to the task of providing for
twenty thousand men from seven different colonies. It is not at all
probable that he himself foresaw and appreciated the difficulties of
the position. Not only was the problem before him of bringing
order out of the chaos which Washington had described in his letter
to Congress as existing in this department, but equal and exact jus-
tice must be done to men of different colonies, whose local prejudices
and jealousies formed, perhaps, the greatest obstacle at the time to
united and harmonious action. Conflicts of authority with various
commissaries of different colonies, and various deputy commissaries
appointed by Congress were also to be adjusted. The records show
that there was no lack of these officers, some provincial congresses
having appointed one commissary to every five companies, and the
Continental Congress having bestowed the office of deputy commissary
with much more freedom than discretion, as we shall soon learn
from documentary evidence.

When we consider, too, that an appointment by the Continental
Congress, though generally regarded as authoritative, was merely an
appointment by an advisory body of delegates constantly besieged
by office-seekers, and still in an experimental stage of its existence.
we may well imagine that the position of the first Coinmissary-Gen-
eral was beset by many difficulties which do not beset the position of
such an officer in a regular organized army under a regularly estab-
lished government. Not the least important of the difficulties
which must be added to the list was the providing of money in

335

payment for supplies for which the contracting officer wa- officially
responsible.

A mass of unfolded documents some two feet iii thickness, owned
hy the Connecticut Historical Society, appears to be entirely com-
posed of letters and accounts addressed to the first ( 'oiiiinissary-< ieii-
eral, and gives some idea of the nature and volume of the business
in which he was engaged. His own letters to Congress, repeatedly
urging thai his accounts be audited and settled, make mention of
two cartloads of papers which he has ready to sulunit to the auditors,
a fact which, in itself, probably SO appalled those officials that it had
much to do with the delay in settling these accounts.

Among these papers in the Connecticul Historical Society are to
be found numerous applications for positions supposed to be within
his gifl ; offers of provisions at various prices, information regarding
the standing and responsibility of the parties making such offers:
repeated calls for money from contractors who had advanced their
own money in payment for provisions ; letters from generalsal various
points, urging the need of immediate supplies ; .and frequenl letters
from Col. Kliphalet Dyer, who was soon to become the father-in-law
of the commissary, and who writes from Congress, of which he was
a member, encouraging him as well as possible in the difficulties
surrounding him, and at the same time warning him against '" watch-
lull enemies," who. as be says, ••want to engross everything al this
place, and are constantly intriguing with one and another of the
delegates for places, pensions, employments, contracts, etc."
I Ample proof exists to show that the Commissary-General had not
been two months in office before the, delay and hesitation of Congress
ill providing for the needs of his department was keenly felt. On
the l' 1st of September, L775, Washington, in a long and urgenl
letter to Congress, sets forth the distressing condition of the army
in view of the approaching winter, in which letter he says:

The Commissary-General assures me he has strained
his credit tor the subsistence of the army to the utmost. The
Quartermaster-General is in precisely the same situation, and the
greater part of the troops are in a state not far from mutiny, upon
the deduction from their stated allowance."

And two days later, the Commissary- General writes to Col. Dyer
at Congress, in the following expressive language ;

336

A Commissary , with twenty thousand gaping mouths
open full upon him, and nothing to stop them with, must depend on
being devoured himself. And over and above all, this same Mr
Tracy* has advanced in cash out of his own pocket to furnish out
the expedition under Col. Arnold, £700, lawful money and is now
here on his way to Philadelphia on business of importance, and
depended, as every reasonable man might and ought, that the Conti
nental Commissary could repay him such a trifling sum. On this his
journey depended ; he now, to his surprise finds a Paymaster, a Com
missary, a Quartermaster, nominal nonentities, all of them not able
to advance one shilling — not able to repay borrowed money ; not
one of them, the General, or any other person here, have power t<
draw on Philadelphia. I must entreat you to exert your

self in this unhappy case, and to relieve me of the additional trouble
to the unavoidable ones of my office of having my heart dunned out
and be for weeks unable to pay for a bushel of potatoes. I wish
the accursed cause of this difficulty no worse punishment than to be
put in my situation for ten days past."

It should be remembered that at this time the Commissary-Gen-
eral, in addition to his regular duties still held the position of Com-
missary for Connecticut, and was as actively engaged as a Commis-
sary without funds could be, in furnishing supplies for the expedition
to Canada, as this letter indicates.

The urgent appeal of Washington to Congress for relief was met
by the appointment of a committee to confer with him and with the
New England executives, "touching the most effectual method of
continuing, supporting and regulating a Continental Army." This
committee, consisting of Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Lynch and
Benjamin Harrison, arrived at the camp at Cambridge on the 15th
of October. In the meantime,, and until some definite action could
be taken on the report of this committee, we are left to imagine
that the difficulties mentioned by the Commissary in his letter to
Col. Dyer, were growing from bad to worse, if possible. On the
20th of October a formal complaint against the Commissary-General
appears to have been lodged with the commander-in-chief by the
" colonels and commanding officers of the brigade on Winter Hill."
Of the nature of this complaint the published official records make
no mention. It was made at a time when the Commissary appears

*Mr. Tracy was the bearer of this letter.

337

)<> havt' been powerless to supply the army, and when his health ap-
pears to have broken down, for we aexl hear of him at Lebanon,
where, on the 27th of October, his father writes to Col. Wadsworth
as follows :

"The Commissary-General, 1 hope, is in a fair way of recovery,
though very much weakened, and not able to go out of his room."

Even in the then remote seclusion of Lebanon he appears to have
been besieged by letters on the business of the Connecticut commis-
Bariat, as well as the larger business of his continental office, many
letters of this date being in possession of the Connecticui Historical
Society. Elisha Avery appeal's to have been acting commissary in
bis absence, the inference beingthat he is the same Avery who was
referred to by Col. Dyer as "that rascal] of an Avery," which nat-
urally leads to the belief that he was plotting to supplant Trum-
bull, of which fact the latter was aware.

His illness appears to have continued at least a month, although
he appears to have been quite actively engaged in correspondence
and the various transactions of his office, as soon as he was able.
On the 30th of October he applies to Washington for one hundred
and twenty thousand dollars, most of which was due at the time to
his agents in New York and Connecticut, for which sum Washing-
ton gives a draft on the treasury on the 2d of November, having
previously furnished Mr. Avery with twenty thousand dollars, which
facts go to show that the committee of the Continental Congress, or
the Congress itself, had devised some means for supplying the army
with money.

On the 2d of November Washington also writes to Gov. Trum-
bull a letter, in which he says:

"I heartily congratulate you on the recovery of the Commissary-
General, whose return, so soon as he can travel with safety, is much
wished for."

The exact date of his return to camp we do not learn, but we find
him still at Lebanon on the 20th of November, from which place he
reports that he hopes soon to be able to travel to Cambridge, and
further reports satisfactory progress in providing supplies for the
winter. It was not until the 20th of December that Washington
issued orders for a court of inquiry to act on the complaint of Octo-
ber 20, already referred to. Whether Trumbull or Avery was an-
swerable for this complaint, 1 do not ascertain. Avery appears to

338

have been in charge of the department at the time the complaint
was made, as is shown by the fact that Washington furnished him
with twenty thousand dollars on that very day, which sum would
have been paid to his superior had he been present. The court of
inquiry was composed of Gens. Sullivan, Greene and Heath, and
presumably held its session on the 21st, as directed, but the printed
official records appear to be silent as to its findings. The only indi-
cations of the result, whatever it may have been, appear in the gen-
eral orders of December 24th, in which the daily menu for the army
is prescribed, the inference being that this general order is as much
of the result of the court of inquiry as Washington saw fit to make
known to the army in those days of discontent ; and certain it is,
from subsequent letters written by him, that his confidence in the
integrity and ability of the Commissary-General was unshaken and
clearly defined, as we shall see later on.

From another letter of Col. Dyer in possession of the Connecticut
Historical Society it appears that at about this time the Commissary-
General was heartily tired of his position, and was seeking to serve
his country in some other capacity. Col. Dyer writes him on the
26th of December, after suggesting to him the position of secretary
to Washington, that on mentioning it to Colonel Reed, "he says he
knows of no gentleman but yourself who could supply the army as
you have done, and who could fill your place as Commissary-Gen-
eral. Losing you as Commissary, the loss could not be
made up."

And so, encouraged by the rather nattering words of his pros-
pective father-in-law and others, he retains a position which had
already heavily taxed his physical and mental resources.

The distressing need of money which was so keenly felt in the
early autumn, had by this time been supplied, as we have seen, by
allowing Washington to draw on Philadelphia, and by filling the
military chests with the early issues of Continental bills, already
fast depreciating in value, but still forming a temporary relief.
By the beginning of the following year, 1776, the army, under the
untiring and watchful care of Washington, was beginning to assume
the form of a disciplined military organization, though the changes
due to short enlistments were barely perfected. The expedition to
Canada had been undertaken, and brought to its unfortunate close
in the repulse of our forces at Quebec. From the letter of the

339

Commissary-General to Col. Dyer it will be seen thai the utmost
difficulty was encountered, by reason of the lack of money for fit-
ting out this expedition. We learn from Washington's letters to
Congress that he attributed most of the misfortune of this campaign
to the lack of systematic provision for the subsistence of the army,
due more to the delinquencies of Congress than to any other cause.

The military situation about Boston was, as we know, becoming
more and more interesting at this time, until, at last, the toils were
successfully laid which drove the British from Boston on the 17th
of March, 177(i.

It is to be hoped that during the auspicious opening of this year
the perfected organization of the army extended to the commissary
department. There is no doubt that many of the difficulties attend
ing this department were removed during the first part of the year.
Yet the situation was such as to require continual vigilance and
activity on the part of the Commissary-General, as a glance at such
documents as are available relating to this period will show. That
he was a busy man during this time there can be no doubt, for
among the mass of documents which indicate the work in which he
was engaged there exists an orderly-book in his own handwriting,
covering the dates from January 1st to March 14th, 177G, which
book, in a fair state of preservation, is still in possession of his fam-
ily.

The immediate necessity, upon the evacuation of Boston, of a
change of base to New York, involved the necessity of radical
changes in the operations of the commissary department, resulting,
perhaps, in a complete overturning of such system as had been
established during the siege of Boston. A new field of military
operations was now at once to be occupied, and the subsistence of
the army in this new field, more than two hundred miles distant
from the old one, was certainly no trifling matter, in view of the
slow, cumbersome and difficult methods of transportation and com-
munication at the time. These difficulties, however, were all fore-
seen and, no doubt, provided for. But an unforseen difficulty at
once confronted the Commissary- General on his arrival at New
York. This is best explained by the following extract from a letter
which Washington wrote to Congress on the 22d of April, 1776 :

"On my arrival here, I found that Mr. Livingston had been ap-
pointed by the Provincial Congress a commissary to furnish the

340

Continental troops stationed in this city with provisions. I suppose
this was done because there was no Continental commissary then on
the spot. Mr. Livingston still claims the right of furnishing all the
troops but those lately arrived from Cambridge. Mr. Trumbull is
now here, and as I consider him the principal in that office, I should
be glad to know whether any part of the Continental troops is to be
furnished by any other than the Commissary-General.

' ' I must needs say that to me it appears very inconsistent, and
must create great confusion in the accounts, as well as in the con-
tracts."

Going on to compare the cost of rations as furnished by the Com-
missary-General with those furnished by Mr. Livingston, as show-
ing a difference in favor of Trumbull of one penny per ration, or at
least £200 a day, he adds :

"I cannot, however, in justice to Mr. Trumbull, help adding
that he has been indefatigable in supplying the army, and I believe,
from his connections in New England, is able to do it on as good
terms as any person in America."

This conflict of authority, intensified as it doubtless was by sec-
tional jealousy and personal pride, was the source of serious trouble
to Washington himself, as well as to his commissary, for at least six
months. It involved not only authority to furnish supplies to the
army at and about the city of New York, but to the northern army
as well. There appeared to have been two Livingstons, Abraham
and Walter, in the commissary department of New York at this
time ; but as the former, although holding an appointment from
Congress, voluntarily resigned his position at considerable personal
sacrifice as soon as he realized the situation, it must have been
Walter Livingston, a commissary of higher provincial rank, also
under appointment by Congress, who was the principal cause of the
trouble.

On the 11th of the following July Washington writes to Schuyler
that Congress had decided that the sole right of furnishing the
northern army shall rest with the Commissary-General, and he
requests Schuyler to govern himself accordingly. About this time
the trouble appears to have reached its height, as we learn from
Commissary Trumbull's letter to Gen. Gates, under date of July
5th, 1776, in the matter of one Avery, probably the same deputy
who was acting commissary at Cambridge during the illness of

341

Trumbull. From this it appears thai the Commissary-General bad
ordered Avery to join Gates' command, and supply the forces at
Ticonderoga. On Avery's arrival at Albany, he was informed by
Gen. Schuyler that no money would be furnished him or any dep-
uty-commissary except Livingston. Regarding this. Trumbull
writes to Gates :

" I have shown Mr. Avery's letter and one I received
from Mr. Livingston at the same time to Gen. Washington. He is
much distressed about these matters. I told him I should order
Mr. Avery and Mr. Jauncey back immediately, as a deputy of mine
who could have no money from anybody except Gen. Schuyler
would be of no use in that part of the world. He said I was right,
and that he was writing to Congress on the matter of your com-
mand."

For some reason, Avery was not withdrawn from the northern
army for nearly two months after this letter was written, but ap-
pears to have remained, and to have been in continual trouble owing
to the attitude of Livingston and Schuyler, the former of whom as-
sumed superiority of rank over Avery, apparently due to the fact
that the orders of Schuyler to Avery made him accountable to Living-
stone. The trouble culminated on the 7th of September, at which
time the Commissary-General writes to Congress requesting to be
relieved of the responsibility of furnishing the northern army, as
General Schuyler had not only refused money to Avery at a time
when he was officially authorized to receive it, but had forbidden
him to purchase provisions, and had given him orders which were in
conflict with those of the Commissary-General to whom alone lie was
answerable; and had threatened him with arrest because he had
complied with the orders and customs of this same officer in pre-
ference. Upon this threat Avery was at once withdrawn from
Ticonderoga, as the Commissary-General had intended to order some
two months earlier. At the same time he writes curt official notes
to both Livingston and Schuyler, in which it is enough to say that
he declares himself to be their humble, obedient servant, though
the notes themselves show him to be nothing of the sort.

On the same day when the Commissary-General wrote to Congress
resigning his connection with the northern army. Mr. Livingston
writes, resigning his office of deputy commissary and complaining
of the action of his superior and his deputy Avery. < >n the llMi of

342

September, or five days later, Congress determines, through a com-
mittee appointed for investigating the matter, to sustain the action
of the Commissary-General as being in precise accordance with the
vote which appointed him. Two days later, Mr. Livingston's resig-
nation is accepted by Congress, if not with thanks, at least, let us
hope, with a feeling of relief.

This was probably the most serious conflict of authority which the
Commissary-General encountered. At this late day, afterthe quarrel
has had one hundred and twenty years in which to grow cool, it is,
perhaps, fair to say that the parties most at fault appear to have
been Schuyler, Livingston and the Continental Congress. Schuyler,
as we have seen, had been duly informed by his commander-in-chief
that the subsistence of the northern army was in charge of the Com-
missary-General ; but after receiving such instructions continued to
recognize only Livingston as the executive of that department ; and
even later expressed his regrets to Congress at Livingston's resig-
nation, and recommended another New York officer as his substitute.
But it must be remembered that he had, long before this, spoken
highly to Congress of the efficiency of the Commissary-General, and
had recommended his brother for promotion. It should also be
remembered that upon his appointment to the command of the north-
ern army, vague but sweeping authority had been granted him by
Congress, to provide everything necessary for the army, which
authority might be easily construed to extend to the commissary
department. The personal character of Schuyler is such that it
seems unjust to attribute to him any suspicion of sinister designs in
his manifestly mistaken course in this instance. Let us rather satisfy
ourselves with the conjecture that this course was due to certain
racial characteristics such as social clannishness and exclusiveness,
and dogged fixedness of purpose which are particularly marked as
inborn and inbred traits in the old Dutch families in New York and
elsewhere. The cloven foot of Gates is rather effectually concealed
in his connection with this particular affair ; but the indications are
that his attitude was such that the Commissary-General found him
a ready sympathizer in his view of Schuyler, and possibly an insti-
gator of the complaints and suspicions against him. Lettei'S from
Joseph Trumbull to Gates which have found their way into print, |
contain, at times, such unjust suspicions against Schuyler that they
form the only feature of the record of the Commissary-General

343

which we may regard with regret. Hut the origin of all this mis-
chief was in the unwise course of Congress in appointing deputy
lommissaries for whom the chief ofthe department was account-
able, when such appointments should ho made, at least, upon con-
sultation with him, or, better still, by bis own authority.

Up to this time, the pay of the Commissary-General bad been
fixed at eighty dollars per month. The inadequacy of this pittance
for the service rendered and for the responsibilities and dangers
which it involved was clearly appreciated by Washington and fully
set forth by him in a letter to ( longress advocating the ( lommissarj '>
application for an increased allowance. This was met by Congress
with a vote to increase the pay of the office to one hundred and
twenty dollars per month, commencing on the loth of .May. 177(i,
at which time rates and allowances were also lixed for his subordi-
nates.

After the resignation of Mr. Livingston and the approval by Con-
gress of the Commissary-General's coui'se in the Schuyler imbroglio,
fit is to be supposed that matters moved more smoothly in the north-
ern department.

We have now traced the career of Commissary Trumbull in rather
[meagre outline for a period of fourteen of the twenty-four months
■in which he held his commission in the Continental army. It is more
difficult, and perhaps less important to trace that career through the
remaining ten months. The difficulties of his position appeal- to
have arisen mainly from a constant 1\ depreciating currency, a con-
stantly moving northern and central army, and last, but by no means
least . a constantly interfering Continental Congress. There is no
doubt, even from the meagre records to be found of the secret ses-
sions of this body, that its usefulness, dignity and intelligence began
•to wane from the time of the adoption of the Declaration of Inde-
pendence. Perhaps no department of the army suffered more from
•ill this than did the commissary department; in evidence of which
i few words written by Washington to General Greene on the '27th
>f May, 1777, may be cited. He writes:

■• It is the peculiar misforl une of tins army to ha\ e, gene-
•ally speaking, the heads of the department always absent when
• hey are most wanted. Two months was I laboring, as hard as a
nan could, to get the Commissary-General to this place, and had
■scarcely accomplished it before the Congress ordered him to I'hila-

344

delphia ; from whence I have used my utmost endeavors to bring
him back, but am answered that he is detained by order. In the
meantime the army may starve."

And, as it' such interference were not enough, two weeks later,
measures were taken to render the commissary department organi-
cally ineffective by act of Congress. On the 10th of June of this
year this department was reorganized by establishing one Commis-
sary-General of purchases, and one of issues, with four deputies
under each.* • These ten officers were all appointed by Congress,
and were removable only by that body, the chief of each division
having power only to suspend his deputies and prefer formal charges
against them to Congress, which tribunal alone had the power of
tin ally acting upon these charges.

The workings of this utterly absurd plan were made manifest in
less than three weeks, for on the second of the following July, we
find Washington writing to Congress in these words :

"I must earnestly request that you will send Mr. Stewart, the
Issuing Commissary-Gen' 1 to Camp immediately. There is reason to
apprehend, the Army will be in great distress and confusion for
want of Issuing Commissaries in three or four days. On Saturday,
those with Mr. Trumbull declare they will leave him without they
are put on a different footing from what they are now. I need not
mention the consequences which will result from such an Event if
there are not others here to supply their places."

And on the 19th of the same July, Washington writes again to
Congress, saying:

" With respect to Food, considering we are in such an extensive
and abundant country, no army was ever worse supplied than ours
with many essential articles of it." He goes on to enumerate the
lack of vegetables and beverages other than water, attributing the
alarming prevalence of sickness among the soldiers to their diet and
lack of cleanliness owing to the scarcity of soap.

On the same day, Joseph Trumbull, who, under the new plan, had
been made Commissary-General of purchases, writes to Congress,
declining the appointment, and explaining himself in the following
words :

*The deputies were granted power to appoint their own assistants; but their superiors had
no appointing power.

345

" In my humble opinion, the head of every department ought to
have the control of it. In this establishment an impermm in imperio
is created. If I consent to act, I must be at continued variance with
the whole department, and of course in continued hot water. I must
turn accuser, and be continually applying to Congress, and attend-
ing with witnesses to support my charges, or I must sit down in ease
and quiet, let the deputies do as they like, and enjoy a sinecure.
The first situation I cannot think of — the last I never will accept.
It shall never be said I was the first American pensioner. I am
willing to do and suffer for my country and its cause— but I cannot
sacrifice my honor and my principles. I can by no means consent
to act under a regulation which, in my opinion will never answer the
purpose intended by Congress, nor supply the army as it should be.

I must beg Congress to appoint some person in my place as soon
as may be ; until then I will continue to furnish the army as here-
tofore . ' '

It is, perhaps, a sufficient commentary on this criminally foolish
piece of legislation to say that it was followed by the terrible winter
at Valley Forge ; and that after having done everything in its power
to starve the army to death, and having succeeded to quite an alarm-
ing extent in so doing, Congress re-established the former organ-
ization of the commissary department in the following April. That
the bitter lesson of Valley Forge had much to do with this re-estab-
lishment there can be no doubt. If the inner history of that terrible
winter should ever be written, its principal feature will be found to
be the history of starvation of the army owing mainly to a disorgan-
ized commissary department. This it was too that often prevented
important military movements planned by Washington, sometimes
for the lack of such a pitiful supply as two days rations for the troops
to carry with them while executing the movement.

After Trumbull's resignation, it became necessary for him to
write again to Congress, urging the appointment of his successor,
and placing a limit to the time of his own service. On the 5th of
August Congress appointed William Buchanan, formerly a deputy-
commissary of purchases, to fill this vacancy. Much work, no
doubt, still remained for Trumbull to do, in assisting his successor
and in adjusting his own accounts. His father's letters speak of
his son's services as covering a period of two and a half years in the
commissary department, and the son's correspondence shows tlut

346

even in the March following his resignation he was applied to by
some of the generals for provisions within his control, leading us to
the conclusion that he was more or less actively engaged in the de-
partment eight months after his resignation. There is 1 no doubt
that the action of Congress which led to this resignation was re-
garded by him almost in the light of a vote of censure, the injustice
of which he felt most keenly. In writing to Henry Laurens, June
29th, 1778, Gov. Trumbull says of his son:

"The fatigues of his business, but chiefly the trouble, sorrow and
grief for the treatment he received after all, broke his constitution,
brought him next door to death, and renders his recovery doubtful.
Former health and strength never to be expected."

On the 27th of the November following his resignation, he was
elected a member of the Board of War, but was prevented by fail-
ing health from continuous service in this capacity, and felt himself
obliged, for this reason, to resign the position in the following April
From this time on he remained in gradually declining health until
his death on the 23d of the following July, at his father's house in
Lebanon. He had been married in March, 1777, to Amelia, daugh-
ter of Eliphalet Dyer, and but ;i short time before his death he had
bought a house in Norwich, intending, no doubt, to locate there
permanently, but prevented probably by ill health from carryirl
out this plan. He left no children.

Thus ended the brief career of a man whose service to his
country was typical of the share of his native state in the war of
the Revolution ; an unostentatious straining of resources to furnish
the sinews of war. The difficulties which he encountered in the <
discharge of his duty have been but imperfectly outlined. We can-
not well read between the lines of the official record in a way
which will fully reveal the personal character of the man himself;
but the indications lead to the belief that he was a man of keenly j
sensitive temperament, deeply impressed with a sense of the grave
responsibilities of his office ; almost morbidly alive to a sense of
duty, as he was to a sense of personal affront. He probably lackec
the faculty, so nearly akin to genius, of calmly and coolly exactii
from his subordinates, under all circumstances, the share of worl
and responsibility which might with justice have been placed upoi
eadi; and he made up for the lack of this faculty by performing
work and assuming responsibilities which might have been dele-

347

bated. But had he possessed thai Faculty in the highest degree, it
would have Keen rendered almost, if not altogether, inoperative by
the course of Congress in appointing his subordinates. It is dif-
ficult to account for his early death from any cause other than that
which is inscribed upon his tombstone. His family was naturally
long lived ami vigorous ; his father, notwithstanding the cares of
his office and his unremitting labors during his later years, having
reached the age of seventy-five, and all of his brothers having com
pleted their allotted threescore and ten years, one of them peaching
the age of eighty-seven.

The fact that in everyone of the numerous mentions made of
him by Washington his course, his industry and devotion are
highly commended. Leads to the belief that Washington, always
chary of praise, hut always just and discriminating in bestowing it.
saw that the position was one of unusual difficulty, braveb and
persistently met.

If the British army hail been the only foe confronting Washing-
ton and his command, the burden on the herculean shoulders of
that greal chieftain would have been immeasurably lightened. The
pnseen toes to our cause in the Revolution were often more for-
midable than the visible ones. Foremost among these foes were
personal and sectional jealousies among the officers and men of our
own army; and the blunders of a Congress whose authority was
lever clearly defined, and whose frequent assumption of authority
which should only be vested in the commander-in-chief sometimes
brought results more disastrous than the defeat of our arms on the
field of battle. To all these inner dangers the commissary depart-
ment was. as we have seen, an easy prey.

Even in these days when history is said to be written on philo-
sophical principles, the dramatic interest which attaches to the
recital of deeds of valor and exciting military movements often
leads the historian away from the consideration of equally import-
* ant though less conspicuous features in the period lie undertakes to
i describe. And when the historian is at a loss to account for cer-
■ tain failures and even disasters in the military history of the Revo-
: lution, it will always be well for him to make a careful investigation
of the condition of the commissary's and quartermaster's depart-
ments before he admits thai the situation is a hopeless enigma.

REPORT

ANNUAL MEETING

NEW LONDON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY,

Held September 1, 1896,

LIST OF OFFICERS AND MEMBERS-

The Act of Incorporation allows the New London County Historical
Society to hold property, and any bequest may be made for specific
purposes, as a fund for permanent building, for printing, or for the
general expenses of the Society.

The form of such bequest is as follows :

I give and bequeath to the New London County Histoi'ical Society,

the sum of dollars, the same to be applied to

the fund of said Society, to be used under the

direction of the officers of the said Society, for the purpose named.

351

REPORT

THE ANNUAL MEETING

SEPTEMBER 1, 1896-

The annual meeting of the New London County Historical So-
ciety was held at 11 a. in. on Monday, September 1. 1896, at the
Society's Rooms in the Public Library building, New London. Con-
necticut. The president, Mr. C. A. Williams, presided.

The minutes of the last annual meeting were read and approved.

The president announced that the copying of the town records
had been completed.

The treasurer read his report, showing the receipts for t lie year
to have been $397.45, and the expenditures $336.14, leaving a
balance of $61.31. He also reported an additional fund of $221.71
in the Savings Bank of New London. The report was accepted and
ordered on Hie.

The Rev. Dr. Blake reported thai he had completed the editing
of the matter relatingto the celebration of the two hundred and fif-
tieth anniversary of the founding of the town of New London. The
report was accepted. In the remarks upon the motion to accept,
the president and members took occasion to express the high appre-
ciation which all had of this labor of love and favor on the part of
Dr. Blake. < >n motion. Mi'. Benjamin Stark was appointed by the
president a committee to prepare a vote of thanks to Dr. Blake.
The committee reported the following, and it was

Voted, That the Kev. S. Leroy Blake, D. D., be most cordially thanked for

his generous labor in preparing fof this Society the voluminous record of the
proceedings at the celebration of the natal day of this city on the 6th of May.
189G.

352

The secretary's report was read and accepted and ordered recorded.

The president read a note from Miss Fannie Potter, announcing
that she had completed the copying of the Joshua Hempsted Diary.
He also remarked upon the value of this diary as a contempora-
neous record of events and the desirability of printing and publish-
ing the copy.

On motion of the Rev. Dr. Blake it was voted that the president,
Messrs. C. B. Ware and John McGinley be a committee to consider
the ways and means of printing the Hempsted Diary, with power
to print. The president stated that if no objection was made he
would appoint as additional members of this committee the Rev. Dr.
Blake and Hon. Benj. Stark. There was no objection and the ap-
pointment stands.

On motion of Rev. Dr. Blake it was

Voted, That the offer by Hon. C. G. Beckwith to give to the Society a rifle
captured from a Sioux chief soon after the Custer massacre, June 26, 1876, be ac-
cepted, and the thanks of the Society entered upon the minutes and conveyed
to Mr. Beckwith.

The publication of Part III, Volume II, including Dr. Blake's
papers was referred to the committee already appointed to deal with
the publication of the Hempsted Diary.

It was moved and carried that the secretary of the meeting cast a
ballot for the old board of officers and advisory committee. The
secretary reported that he had so cast the ballot. The following
officers and committeemen were declared elected : (See p. 355.)

The election of the secretary was postponed.

The ways and means of raising a fund for erecting a statue to
Gov. John Winthrop, the younger, -rraa- discussed. It was voted
that Messrs. F. L. Palmer E. E. Rogers and G. B. Ware the com-
mittee on the part of the Society to arrange for the celebration of the
two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the town
be continued as a standing committee on the matter of erecting a
monument to the memory of Gov. John Winthrop, the younger.

The minutes of the general committee on the celebration of the
two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the town of
New London, were presented to the Society by Mr, C. B. Ware, Sec-
retary of the committee. It was

Voted, That the thanks of the Society be returned to the committee charged
with the celebration of the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the found-
ing of this town for its contribution to the Society of a part of the surplus of
the fund for that celebration, and to the Hon. George F. Tinker, chairman of
the Finance Committee of that committee, for his thoughtful action in behalf
of this Society.

The meeting adjourned until the afternoon session at 2.30 in the
Parish House of tin; First Congregational Church, when and where
Jonathan Trumbull, Esq., of Norwich. Connecticut, read a paper
upon •• Joseph Trumbull, the tirst ( !ommissary-< reneral of the Conti-
nental Army."

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY.

On the L8th of March of this year, by authority of the advisory
committee, the undersigned assumed the office of secretary, his pre-
decessor, Miss Fannie Potter, who hail succeeded Miss Champion,
having resigned the office.

The roll of members of the Society for the year ending September
1. 1896, contains the names of 26 life members. 1 ]'2 annual members
and (i honorary members. Sixty-one former annual members did
not renew their membership and one resigned. Since the last annual
'meeting the following named persons joined the Society: Miss
Lucy I'. Butler, Mr. C. T. Lamphere, Miss Alice S. Tmner. Mrs.
J. If. Havemever, Mr. O. 1). Whittlesey. Miss Anna Meech. Miss
Susan B. Meech. Miss Elizabeth M. Brown, Mr. Court G. Stanton.
Mr. Charles E. White. Miss Sarah A. Stoddard. Miss Mary E. Ben-
jamin, Miss L. W. Smith. Mrs. Sarah A. Newcomb, Miss Isabella
Hodman. Miss Annie Belden, Miss Grace L. Gordon, Miss Theodora
Gordon, Mrs. Sidney II. Miner, Mr. Geo. C. Morgan, Mrs. Henry
B. Minton, Miss Anna 15. Williams. Wm. B. Coit, Esq. During the
year there havedied : Mrs. A.T. Burgess, Miss A. U. Lockwood, Miss
II. L. Lockwood and Frank Hawkins, late the sheriff of the county.

Books, pamphlets ami papers have been contributed by the fol-
lowing named societies and persons:

Miss Anna B. Williams: Fairfield County Historical Society;
X. V. Genealog. and Biograph. Society: X. F. Historical and Gen-
ealog. Society; Trinity College; Mr. Newton Fuller: Trustees of
die John F. Slater Fund: K. 1. Historical Society: Wyoming His-
torical and Geological Society ; the Secretary of the State of Con-
necticut; Charles J. Hoadley, LL. D., State Librarian: Daniel C.

354

Gilman, LL. D.; Fred "W. Smith, M. D.; the Dedham Society;
the Misses Gilman; Lawrence J. Burpee, of Ottawa, Canada; Yale
University; Library Association, of Portland, Ore.; Henry R.
Bond; Edward Hooker, U. S. N.; James Arnold; U. S. Commis-
sioner of Education ; University of New York ; Dominion of Can-
ada ; Interstate Commerce Commission ; Secretary of War of the
United States; Mrs. Mary L. B. Branch; Hon. O. H. Piatt,
U. S. S.; Leland Stanford Junior University ; "Win. M. Stark,
Buffalo Historical Society; Rev. Orlando M. Lord; Order of the
Founders and Patriots of America; Connecticut Historical Society ;
Western Reserve Historical Society.

The work of copying the Hempsted Diary has been completed.

At the request of the advisory committee, the Rev. S. Leroy
Blake, D. D., graciously undertook the preparation for publication
by the Society of an account of the celebration of the two hundred
and fiftieth anniversary of the founding of New London, together
with the addresses delivered on that occasion.

The appendix to Part II, Vol. II, of the Society's Records and
Papers contains the report of the committee upon the preamble and
resolution regarding the erection of a monument to John Winthrop,
the younger, founder of New London, and the correspondence with
the Mayor of the city, and it is, therefore, deemed unnecessary to
include that matter in this report.

It is hoped and earnestly desired by the officers that the members
will to a greater amount purchase the publications of the Society,
inasmuch as the funds thus contributed are greatly needed.

The rooms have been well attended on the clays of opening, both
by members and strangers. Most of those reported as new mem-
bers joined the Society in consequence of the rule adopted at the
last annual meeting that no person not a member of the Society i
should be permitted to have access to the books and manuscripts of
the Society without a special permit from the advisory committee.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

Wm. M. Stark, Secretary.

OFFICERS

OF THE

NEW LONDON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY,

For the Year Ending September 2nd, 1896.

PRESIDENT,

Hon. CHARLES AUGUSTUS WILLIAMS, of New London.

VICE-PRESIDENTS,

Hon. BENJAMIN STARK, of New London.
Hon. WILLIAM A. SLATER, of Norwich.
Hon. FREDERICK BILL, of Gboton.

SECRETARY,

TREASURER,
CHARLES B. WARE, Esq., of New London.

ADVISORY COMMITTEE,

Hon. CHARLES AUGUSTUS WILLIAMS, of New London.

Hon. BENJAMIN STARK, of New London.

Hon. GEORGE F. TINKER, of New London.

CHARLES B. WARE, Esq., of New London.

Judge GEORGE W. GODDARD, of New London.

■on. ROBERT COIT, of New London.

Hon. WILLIAM A. SLATER, of Norwich.

WALTER LEARNED, Esq., of New London.

Hon. JOHN T. WAIT, of Norwich.

Hon. FREDERICK BILL, of Groton.

FREDERICK S. NEWCOMB, Esq., of New London.

Hon. RICHARD A. WHEELER, of Stonington.

JOHN McGINLEY, Esq., of New London.

Dr. LEWIS D. MASON, of Brooklyn.

Hon. II. WALES LINES, of Meiui-en.

Dk. AMOS LAWRENCE MASON, ov Boston.

JONATHAN TRUMBULL, Esq., of Norwich.

Maj. BELA P. LEARNED, of Norwich.

356

LIST OF MEMBERS.

LIFE.
New London. Stonmgton.

Barns, Charles. Wheeler, R. A.

Chapell, Miss Cornelia Wetmore.
Chapell, Miss Elizabeth Haven. Meriden.

Chapell, Mrs. R. H.
Goddard, G. W.
Harris, J. N.
Nelson, A. W., M. D.
Newcomb, F. S.
Newcomb, Mrs. F. S.
Williams, C. A.

Norwich.
Foster, Mrs. L. F. S.
Huntington, Austin.
Osgood, Mrs. F. L.

Groton.
Bill, Frederick.
Copp, J. J.

Torrington.

Turner, E.

Lines, H. Wales.

Hartford.

Shipman , Nathaniel .

New York.
Newcomb, James E., M. D.
Packer, E. A.

Boston, Mass.
Mason, A. L., M. D.
Winthrop, R, C, Jr.

Brooklyn, N. Y.
Mason, L. D., M. D.

Birmingham , Ala.
Turner, Charles.

Chicago.
Walker, Mrs. Emeline Tate.

New London.
Armstrong, B. A.
Astheimer, William.

ANNUAL.

Beckwith, E. Park.
Belden, Miss Annie.
Benjamin, Miss Mary.

357

Blake, Rev. S. L., I). I).
Bodenwein, Theo.
Bond, Henry Li.
Boss, C. D., Jr.
Braman, F. X.. .M . D.
Brown, Miss E. M.
Butler, C. W.
Butler Miss Lucy P.
Burgess, Mrs. A. T.
Chancy. .Miss Maria.
Chapman, W. H.
Chappell, Mrs. H. S.
Chappell, W. S.
Chappell, Mrs. W. S.
Chew, J. Lawrence.
Coit, Horace.
Coit, Robert.
Coit, Win. B.
Crandall, H. L.
Dunford, P. C.
Bakin, Mis. M. P.
Eggleston, Mrs. C. P.
Farnsworth, F., M. D.
Fuller. Newton.
Graves* C. B., M. D.
Hawkins, Frank.
ffempsted, I). B.
Hewitt, Chas. J.
Hopson, John, dr.
Johnston. James P.
Latham, 1). D.
Learned, Horace C.
Lock wood. Miss A. K.
jjockwood, Mis> 11. L.

pockw 1. Miss M. d.

Manwaring, Wolcott B.
Marshall, George T.
McEwen, Mrs. B. P.
McGinley, John.

Mead, Mrs. C. S.
Mint''-. Charles H.
Minn-, Mrs. S. H.
Morgan, G. C.
Newcomb, -I .
Newcomb, Mrs. Sarah A
Palmer, E. L.
Palmer, F. L.
Peabody, Mrs. M. L.
Perkins. \" . S.
Perkins, Miss Jane.
Perkins, Miss Mary E.
Potter, Miss Fannie.
Prentis, Edward, Jr.
Rodman, Mrs. Isabella.
Rogers, Ernest E.
Sheffield, W. \Y.
Smith, Mrs. Frederick M.
Smith, N. D.
Smith, dames F.
Smith, Miss L. W.
Stark, Benjamin.
Stark, \V. M.
Starr, ( J. F.

Stoddard, Miss Sarah A.
Strong, George C.
Thompson, T. O.
Tinker. G. F.
Turner, Miss Alice S.
Tinner. Miss M. d.
Tyler. A. C.
Victs, Mrs. Mary C.
Ware, C. B.
Warriner, S. D.

Whittlesey. Mrs. < ieo. |).

Williams. ( reorge.
Williams, I'.
Williams, T. W.

358

Norwich.

Aiken, Gen. W. A.
Avery, Rev. John.
Gilman, Miss Emily S.
Gilman, Miss M. P.
Learned, B. P.
Palmer, G. S.
Slater, W. A.
Trumbull, Jonathan.
Wells, David A.
Wait, John T.

Groton .

Lamphere, C. T.
Meech, Miss Annie.
Meech, Miss Susan B.
Slocomb, Mrs. A. U.
White, Chas. E.

Hartford.

Havemeyer, Mrs. J. R.
Woodward, P. H.

Mystic.

Barber, O. M., M. D.
Bucklyn, J. K.

Noarik.
Potter, Elihu H.

Colchester.
Willard, S. P.

Lyme.

Salisbury, Edw. Elbridge, LL. D.
Salisbury, Mrs. Evelyn McCurdy.

Torrington .
Turner, L. G.

Brooklyn, N. Y.

Latimer, Miss Antoinette.
Minton Mrs. Henry B.

New York.

Richards, Benjamin.
Saltonstall, Francis G.

Newbury, N. Y.
Gordon, Miss Theodora.

Fishers Island, N. Y.
Gordon, Miss Grace L.

Boston, Mass.

Chester. W. R,
Haven, H. C, M. D.

Paxton, Mass.
Bill, Ledyard.

Spriny field, Mass.
Williams, Miss Anna B.

Westerly, B. 1.
Stanton, Court G.

359

HONORARY.

New London. Boston, Mass.

Champion, Miss May Kclsey. Dean, .1 . \Y.

Collier, Mrs. A. ('.

Buffalo, N. Y.
Hartford. Hazard, G. S.

Boadly, Charles J., LL. 1).

Trumbull. -I . Hammond, LL. 1).

PRICE FIFTY CENTS.

Records and Papers

OF THE

NEW LONDON COUNTY

HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

PART IV. VOL. II.

hMT T T f TTT T TT t T T fff f ff Tf fT*tM » t f TfTTH>H> * M l f t fMTf»HHf t'

Records and Papers

OF THE

NEW LONDON COUNTY

HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

PART IV. VOL. II.

PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY.

New London, Connecticut.
1901.

1901 .

CONTENTS.

PAGE .
.Memoir of Hon. Charles Augustus Williams, by John Mc-

Ginley 367

Memoir of Hon. Benjamin Stark, by John McGinley 371

Memoir of Hon. John T. Wait, by Jonathan Trumbull 375

Memoir of Elisha Turner, Esq.. from The Hartford Courant 377

Benjamin Fletcher, and his Reception in Hartford in 1693,

by J onathan Trumbull 381

I Reports of the Annual and other meetings 395
List of Officers 423

List of Members 424

IN MEMORIAM.

Hon. Charles Augustus Williams.
Hon. Benjamin Stark.
Hon. John T. Wait.
Elisha Turner, Esq.

MEMOIR

HON. CHARLES AUGUSTUS WILLIAMS,

Third President of the New London County
Historical Society.

In the death of its third president the society loses its most
honored member and loyal supporter. He was president of the
society for seventeen years, from November 27, 1882, until his
decease. No one will be able to fill the position with more
eminent distinction, and with greater satisfaction to the society'
to whom the. loss is irreparable.

His interest in and solicitude for the welfare of the society
were deep and abiding. In several instances he was known to
arrange his return from Europe or the Pacific coast so as to be
in New London at the time of the annual meeting. It was
through his influence that the society was invited, in 1890, to
make its home in the New London Public Library building, and
his thoughtful donations to the treasury enabled the society to
tide over many critical periods.

The resolutions of respect adopted by the society may be
found on page 405. A sketch of his life now follows .

Hon. Charles Augustus Williams died Dec. 31, 1899, a t
Washington and in his death New London mourns the loss of
one of its foremost citizens. Mr. Williams' name was the
synonym for integrity and benevolence and his death is a sad
blow to his native city, where rich and poor alike admired his
character and felt honored to count as a fellow citizen a man of
such noble purpose.

A more refined and courteous gentleman than Hon. C. A.

368

Williams never walked the streets of New London. He was a
man of great wealth, but none was too humble to receive his
pleasant salutation and his ears were never dull to the distress of
his fellow men.

A native of New London, he always had a pride in the de-
velopment of the city and his means were never withheld from
worthy objects that would benefit the place. At the solicitations
of his fellow citizens he accepted the office of mayor and for the
three years from 1885 to 1888 he performed the duties of that
office in a manner that left nothing to be desired, often discom-
moding himself in order that the affairs of the municipality
might receive the attention they deserved.

Mr. Williams was the son of Major Thomas W. Williams and
Lucretia Woodbridge Perkins. He was the only boy of a large
family to grow up to manhood and in his early life he exhibited
a tendency toward lung trouble that threatened to cut short his
career. For the benefit of his health he made a trip to Hawaii,
where he remained for a number of years. The climate agreed
with him and he soon became physically robust.

At Honolulu he made his start in the whaling business with
Alfred Mitchell as his partner. He organized the Phoenix
Guano Co. in i860, taking advantage of the rich deposits in the
Phoenix Islands, and the venture proved a very successful one.
He became a member of the firm of Williams & Haven of this
city, which was one of the most enterprising whaling firms in
the world and the business so ably directed by his father was
strengthened by the addition to the firm of Mr. Williams'
vigorous personality.

His most successful venture was in the sealing business.
When the territory of Alaska became the property of the United
States there was a ship sent from this port by Mr. Williams'
firm that first raised the American flag on the new possessions.

The Alaska Seal Commercial Company was formed and the
financial success of that venture is too well known to require
any repetition at this time. Mr. Williams was possessed of the
courage to put out his money in enterprises that were original
and his good judgment is shown by the result that followed the
risks.

369

A great part of Mr. Williams life was spent in travel and there
are few parts of the globe he did not visit. He made exten-
sive trips before the modern methods made traveling a luxury
and could the story of his travels and adventures be told they
would make a fascinating tale.

Mr. Williams is survived by his wife, who was Miss Elizabeth
C. Hoyt of New Jersey before her marriage, a son, William, and
one daughter, Miss Alary. His residence at the corner of State
and Huntington streets, with its beautiful grounds, is one of the
most attractive places in the city. The house was remodelled
about twenty-six years ago and to it Mr. Williams brought his
wife and family after an extended stay abroad.

In the death of Mr. Williams St. James' Episcopal church, of
which he was a member, loses one of its staunchest friends. He
was senior warden of the church serving in that capacity for
twenty-one years and his financial assistance to the church was
very large.

Mr. Williams was honored by being chosen to many offices of
trust and responsibility. He was president of the public library,
president of the Williams Memorial Institute, president of the
New London County Historical Society, a director of the Na-
tional Bank of Commerce and held many other positions.

Mr. Williams was also president of the Smith Memorial
Home and the New London Cemetery Association. He or-
ganized the Oneco Manufacturing Company and was practical-
ly the owner of that enterprise which has recently been pur-
chased by the New London Gas and Electric Company.

He was connected with the Thames Club and many local en-
terprises received his support and aid. Mr. Williams was a
firm Republican. His judgment and his aid was always at the
command of his party and he never desired any office in re-
turn.

A lasting monument to Mr. Williams' memory in his native
city is the Memorial park at the corner of Broad and Hemp-
stead streets. The beauty of this place as a park was appreciated
by Mr. Williams, when it was what was known as the Second
Burying ground. It was his money that paid for the removal of
the bodies and that put the park into its present attractive shape.

370

The most recent evidence of Mr. Williams' interest in the
city was his entering into a contract to improve Cedar Grove
cemetery. At present work is going on there that will cost :
$10,000 and this by no means constitutes the largest part of his-
expenditure for the benefit of the cemetery.

Mr. Williams was in his seventy-first year at the time of his :
death. He was born in the house on Federal street now oc-
cupied by Dr. Farnsworth in 1829.

When the news of his death was received in New London the
flag on the liberty pole was placed at half mast as a token of the
universal regret that was felt by the people of the city at their
loss.

MEMOIR

HON. BENJAMIN STARK,

Vice-President of the New London County
Historical Society.

In the business of the New London County Historical Society
there was no member more active, more useful or more sin-
cerely interested than Hon. Benjamin Stark, who has passed
away to join the honored dead of New London.

Mr. Stark had the true historical instinct and a patriotic love
for all that had been worthy and notable in the early life of this
town in which more than half his life had been spent, and he
included inanimate objects as well as worthy deeds in his patri-
otic affection and reverence and sought to perpetuate the memory
of men and deeds and to preserve relics of early history as sacred
to his generation and generations yet to come.

His knowledge of fact and tradition was extensive and always
at the service of the society, as was his time so frequently de-
voted to its interests in its administration and on public occasions.
Mr. Stark's life was full of interest and typical of the young men
of his time who possessed the talents and desire for pushing out
from the narrow influences of home to engage in enterprises that
always in his early days were characterized by more or less of
adventure, and he was eminently successful in the realm of af-
fairs in which he played a part.

Mr. Stark was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, the son of
Benjamin Stark, but in infancy was brought to this city where
he remained until he reached the age of fifteen.

His education was gained in the private school of Rev. Dr.
Strong at Hebron and at the Union school of this city, there

372

being- among his schoolmates several men who attained eminence
in various walks of life in manhood.

At fifteen years of age Mr. Stark went to New York and
entered the counting house of the Hurlburts, one of the leading-
merchant shippers of their day.

In 1846, when twenty-one years of age, Mr. Stark began
business on his own account and in 1845 loaded a ship with
merchandise for trading with the American settlers of Oregon,
then just beginning to attract pioneers, and his vessel was the
first to reach Portland, Oregon, with a cargo intended especially
for the wants of Americans. The venture confirmed Mr. Stark's
commercial judgment and his voyage having proven financially
sucessful he remained on the coast for about three years, trading
with California and the Sandwich Islands, and turned for home
via Hong Kong and the Mediterranean, and reached London,
England, where he purposed remaining for a while. The date
was early in 1849 when the fact that gold had been discovered in
California was traveling around the world and rousing the ad-
venturous spirit of young and old.

In London, it being known to Mr. Stark's acquaintances that
he had but a short time before been trading in Oregon, he was
asked for opinion and advice as to the promise of the new gold
region, and his answer was that he should seek the earliest op-
portunity to go to California and engage in business there, for
he divined at once that there lay the opportunity of a lifetime.

As soon as possible after returning to the United States Mr
Stark set out for California, via the Isthmus of Panama, and on
reaching the new possessions of the United States bore a notable
part in establishing trade and a system of law and order so
greatly needed for the welfare of all.

Later Mr. Stark went up the coast to Portland, Oregon, and
foreseeing the great future of the country he bought a large in-
terest in the town site, and with characteristic energy, judgment
and intelligent enterprise began the work of attracting settlers
to the projected city.

To Mr. Stark belongs the honor of erecting the first dwelling
house in Portland, and within a surprisingly short time Mr.
Stark saw the realization of his hopes and the confirmation of his

373

belief that Portland would grow to be a large and important as
well as a beautiful city.

In all the life of Portland and vicinity for several years Mr.
Stark was an important factor, aiding in developing the various
means of trade, transportation, etc., necessary to a new and
growing country, and finding time also to devote to political and
social affairs.

For a number of years Mr. Stark was prominent in Masonic-
affairs, serving the craft as grand secretary and lecturer and
reaching the highest place in the state, grand master.

He was a member of the legislature and in 1861 he was ap-
pointed by the governor of the state to fill the vacancy in the
United States senate created by the death of Col. Baker, who
was killed in the engagement at Ball's Bluff.

After the expiration of his term in the senate Mr. Stark came
to this city and took up his permanent residence here, ever after
identifying himself with the city.

He was greatly interested in education, and rendered this city
exceptionally valuable service as a member of the Board of
School Visitors from early in the sixties up to a period quite
close to the time of his death, his last year in the board receiving
the compliment of election as its president in recognition of his
long and faithful service.

The article on schools written by Mr. Stark is of such im-
portance on that important subject that it should be read by all
interested in the cause of education. The article, together with a
portrait of Mr. Stark, will be found in Part II., Vol. II.

To the Protestant Episcopal Church Mr. Stark gave much of
his time and a loyal service and support worthy of special at-
tention. He represented the Parish of St. James' church as del-
egate to the Diocesan Convention from about the time of his
making New London his home up to the time of his death and
for twenty-seven years he was chosen for ten consecutive terms
as a delegate to the General Convention and was at his death a
member of that body.

The General Convention availed itself of Mr. Stark's time
and ability for many years as a member of the Board of Managers

374

of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of the church,
and as in all other places the trust imposed in him was fully
justified by his work.

For many years he was a member of the State Board of Char-
ities and in that capacity was of the highest usefulness to the
cause and in the same line of usefulness, being interested in the
subject of prison reform, he attended two international cong-
resses, one at Stockholm and another at Rome, in 1878 and 1885
respectively, to participate in the consideration of reforms in
prison management.

In 1878 the appointment was from the State of Connecticut
and in 1885 Mr. Stark had two commissions, one from the United
States direct from the president and the other from the State of
Connecticut.

Mr. Stark died October 10, 1898 at his home in New London,
and his death was mourned by the entire community.

MEMOIR

HON. JOHN TURNER WAIT

OF NORWICH, CONN.

One of the Original Incorporators of the New London County
Historical Society.

John Turner Wait was born in New London, Connecticut,
August 27, 181 1, and died in Norwich, April 21, 1899. It is im-
possible, within the limits of this brief sketch, to give more than
a very meagre outline of his long and distinguished career.

Mr. Wait was admitted to the bar in 1836, and continued in
active practice for more than sixty years. During this long
period he occupied many positions of distinction. In 1842 he
was on the military staff of Governor Cleveland, and during the
same year he received the appointment of state attorney for New
London county, which position he occupied for ten years. He
was elected to the state senate in 1865, and in 1867 was speaker of
the House of Representatives of Connecticut. On retiring from
this position, he was honored by the presentation of a handsome
service of silver by his associates. On the formation of the bar
association, in 1874, he was elected its president, a position
which, by successive re-elections, he held to the time of his
death.

Mr. Wait received from Trinity College the honorary degree of
A. M., in 1851, and in 1871 Yale University bestowed the same
honor upon him. In 1883 he received from Harvard University
the degree of L L. D., and in 1886, Trinity College gave him the
same degree.

He was a member of congress by continuous re-elections, from
1876 to 1887, in which position as representative from the third
district of Connecticut, he performed the duties of his office with

376

marked ability and fidelity. It is particularly interesting to our
society to note the fact that through his instrumentality an ap-
propriation of $10,000 was secured from congress, one half of
which was devoted to repairs upon the Groton monument, and
the other half to aid in defraying the expenses of the centennial
celebration at Groton in 1881.

Mr. Wait's marked success in his profession was mainly due to
his eloquence at the bar. This same quality made him a leader
among the public speakers of his day, on all occasions.

In social life he was noted for his genial spirit and his brilliant
and entertaining conversation. His keen sense of humor gave a
zest to the many entertaining stories which he related from an
apparently inexhaustible store. He was a firm and loyal friend,
and although he outlived most of his contemporaries, he cher-
ished, to a remarkable degree, the memory of those with whom
he had been on terms of intimate friendship.

In the local affairs of Norwich, Mr. Wait was also prominent.
He was, at the time of his death, president of the trustees of the
Eliza Huntington Memorial Home, and an original incorporator
of the William W. Backus hospital. He was also one of the
original incorporators of the New London County Historical So-
ciety, in which he retained both his membership and interest
until his death.

MEMOIR

ELISHA TURNER, ESQ.

OF TORKINGTON, CONN.

Elisha Turner, a former New Londoner, one of the best known
citizens of Torrington and a leading manufacturer, died Septem-
ber 14th, 1900, at his home in that place, in the seventy-ninth
year of his age.

Mr. Turner was born in New London on January 29, 1822, and
received a common school education here. He also attended the
academies at Surfield and Colchester. He entered a dry goods
store in this city and went into business for himself before
he was 21 years old. For some years he had considerable interest
in whale fishing, in connection to conducting his dry goods store.
In the spring of 1846 he moved to Waterbury, conducting a mer-
cantile business there for two years, when, with the late Lyman
\Y. Coe and Philander Hine, he formed the Waterbury Hook &
Eye Company, and from that time gave his attention to manu-
facturing. He was very successful in his business enterprises and
accumulated a large fortune. In 1864 the company above nun
tioned was moved to Torrington and is now known as the Turner
& Seymour Manufacturing Company. Mr. Turner had made his
home in Torrington ever since this removal. He had been \ dee-
president of the Coe Brass Manufacturing Company for twenty-
five or thirty years, and was one of the original stockholders. He
was also one of the organizers of the Excelsior Needle Company
and was one of its directors up to the time it was turned over to
the Torrington Company. He was president of the Turner &
Seymour Company to the time of his death, and the largest stock-

378

holder. He was a director of the Eagle Bicycle Company, The
Torrington Manufacturing Company, The Miller Manufacturing
Company, one of the organizers and a director of the Torrington
Water Company, and a director of the Brooks National Bank of
Torrington. Mr. Turner was one of the organizers of the Tor-
rington Savings Bank, a trustee from its organization to his
death and president of the bank for the last seven years.

Mr. Turner was particularly interested in the library at Tor-
rington. He was one of its originators when it was formed as the
Wolcotville Library Association, the name afterwards changed to
the Torrington Library Association when the name of Wolcot-
ville was changed to Torrington. At the time of his death Mr.
Turner was building a handsome home for the library, at his own
expense. It is a beautiful building and is to cost between $60,000
and $70,000.

Mr. Turner was of modest and retiring disposition and avoided
public office, but he represented Torrington in the Legislature in
1868. He was a member of the Union League Club of New I
York, and the American Geographical Society, the Connecticut |
Historical Society, the Sons of the American Revolution and the
Society of Colonial Wars. Mr. Turner never married. He lived
in the home of the Hon. Lyman W. Coe, first at Waterbury and
from 1868 at Torrington, for more than fifty years. He was hek
in the highest esteem in the town where he lived and wherever h<
was known. He was interested in everything that tended to pro-
mote the welfare of Torrington and of the people generally, anc
was ready to contribute his time and means to worthy objects.

Mr. Turner's interest in historical affairs was also well evinced
by his bequest of $2,500 to The New London County Historical
Society of which he had been a life member for many years. His
gift is gratefully appreciated by the society as its only income
was from the dues received from its limited membership.

BENJAMIN FLETCHER,

AND HIS

RECEPTION IN HARTFORD- IN 1693.

A PAPER BY

JONATHAN TRUMBULL,

OF NORWICH, CONN.

Read Before the Society at its Mid-Winter Meeting
at Norwich, January 30, 1901.

BENJAMIN FLKTCHKR,

AND

HIS RECEPTION AT HARTFORD IN 1693.

A Paper by Jonathan Trumbull, Read Before the Society at its
Midwinter Meeting at Norwich, January 30, 1901.

There is no period so important in the political history of the
colony of Connecticnt as the half century following the issue of
her charter in 1662. Within two years from that time Charles Tl
had issued a patent to the Duke of York which ignored the char-
ter rights of Connecticut as majestically as the charter itself had
ignored the geography of the country. The colony was prob-
ably fortunate in obtaining a decree at this time which, while it
surrendered Long Island and Fisher's Island to the Duke 01
York, retained what is still practically the western boundary of
our state, thus avoiding the loss of our territory west of the Con-
necticut river, which had been granted to the Duke of York and
settling forever the vexed question of union with the New Haven
colony, for there can be no doubt that, of the two evils New
Haven preferred to come under the jurisdiction of Connecticut
rather than that of New York. From this time may be dated a
continual conflict of authority between New York and Connecti
cut, especially under the second and confirmatory grant to the
Duke of York in 1674. Following this came the attempts of
Andros to assert the original claim and the attempts of Gov.
Dougan to bring about the absorption of Connecticut by New
York. Then followed the famous Charter Oak episode, the re-
sumption of government under the charter in 1689. the arrest and
imprisonmenl of Gen. Fitz John Winthrop by Leisler, and other
indignities, chiefly documentary, which that worth) heaped upon
us 1 >uring all this time, Connecticut was pursuing her customary

382

altruistic course by sending men and contributing money for the
defense of the neighboring colonies of New York and Massachu-
setts in King Philip's war, and in the old French war. And if her
continual difficulties with New York were not enough to keep
diplomacy employed, she had her boundary disputes with her
neighbors on the north and east, and the conflicting grant to Wil-
liam Penn in 1681, which resulted, nearly a century later, in the
celebrated Susquehanna case.

Through all these disputes and struggles, the attempt was con-
stantly to keep the charter intact and inviolate. The royal pre-
rogative of annulling this precious instrument was a danger con-
stantly to be faced, and the royal habit of issuing grants and com-
missions which conflicted with its privileges placed the statesmen
and legislators of the day in such a continual attitude of defense
that Connecticut's position was, during most of this time, critical
in the extreme. Her colonial rivals in New York appear to have
been foremost in representing her to their Majesties of England
as rebellious and disloyal ; and in sore need of such restraining
powers as could only be applied by annexation to their own col-
ony. Much wordy explanation appears to have been needed of an
official statement in Gov. Dougan's day that the government of
Andros would be preferred to that of Dougan if a choice were
forced upon Connecticut, which statement it was feared might be
taken to mean that she was willing to submit to Andros.

Under these circumstances, it is surprising that, only with the
exception of the short administration of Andros, the charter gov-
ernment was preserved intact against the danger of annullment by
royal decree on the one hand and usurpation by royal grant and
commission on the other. The times called for policy of varying
kinds suited to various occasions ; now, tact, diplomacy and al-
most — yes, quite fulsome expressions of loyalty, and again,
downright defiance and assertion of charter rights against those
who undertook to invade them.

In these troublous times certain episodes occurred which do
not appear in the official records of the colony, and from the
nature of the case could not so appear, and to which the historian
must refer only as tradition. They are, however, as important as
indicating the spirit methods, and temper of our early colonists as,

383

are their officially recorded acts. Of these, the episode of the
hiding of the charter by Captain Joseph Wadsworth is the most
striking, and has been most fully exploited. Partly for this rea-
son, but mainly because it furnishes sufficient material for our
purpose, the present investigation will narrow itself down to an-
other tradition in which this same Captain Wadsworth is the
leading figure, and in which his methods of cutting a Gordiau
knot are exemplified as forcibly as in the hiding of the charter,
and with a more direct and immediate result. This tradition is of
his masterful prevention of the reading of Col. Benjamin Fletch-
er's commission before the trainbands assembled in Hartford in
October, 1693.

The name of this same Benjamin Fletcher does not take to itself
the odor of sanctity, although he was largely instrumental in the
founding of Trinity parish in New York, and was the direct
means of establishing William Bradford as the public printer oi
that city and colony. Fletcher's education before assuming the
government of Xew York had been the education of the camp, as
he himself expresses it. He appears to have been duly impressed
with a sense of his own importance as a colonial Pasha of many
tails, for in his official proclamation to the people of Connecticut
he styles himself "His Excellency Benjamin Fletcher, Captain
Generall and Governor in Chieff of their Majesties Province of
New York, Province of Pensilvania, Countey of New Castle and
the Territories and Tracts of land depending thereon, and Vice
Admirall of the same ; their Maj ties Lieutenant and Comman-
der in Chief of the Militia and of all the Forces by Sea and Land
within their Maj tles Collony of Connecticot, and of all the forts
and places within the same."

This somewhat lengthy and complicated official title goes far
towards furnishing as complete a sketch of the man as is neces-
sary for our purpose. There is probably no doubt that his com-
mission gave him the command over the militia of Connecticut
which he attempted to assert and there is equally no doubt that
the bestowal of such a command upon him was in direct contra-
vention of the terms of the long-suffering charter of Connecticut
It is quite probable that Sir William Phips, who was previously in
possession of a similar authority under his own commission saw

384

the difficulties of the situation, and wisely refrained from attempt-
ing to assume this command.

All accounts of Fletcher seem to agree that he was a pompous,
dictatorial character, apparently a soldier of fortune of obscure
origin, and given to extravagance and display to such a degree as
to render him particularly obnoxious to the plain people of Con-
necticut, whose governor was receiving the modest salary of £ 150
per annum while Fletcher was receiving £780. His own view of
these same plain people may be readily imagined.

After about a year of his administration in New York, in which
he had taken occasion to assert his claims under his commission,
he determined to come to Connecticut to proclaim and attempt
to resume his authority over the militia. In pursuance of this
purpose he came from New York in two sloops — presumably
sloops of war — one of which contained his august person, and the
other his horses and probably his imposing gilded coach, of
which history makes mention. He had reached New Haven on
Monday the 17th of October, 1693, but cannot be said to have ar-
rived officially, as he writes on that date to the General Court at
Hartford stating that his "horses and other coveniences" had
been left behind on a slower or less skillfully navigated sloop. He
therefore requests a delay in the adjournment of the General
Court until he may be able to appear to that body in due official
state "to communicate their Majesties commands." To this re-
quest he receives a courteous official reply stating that adjourn-
ment will be delayed until the following Friday, notwithstanding
the inconvenience of prolonging the session. This reply reaching
Gov. Fletcher at New Haven on Wednesday the 19th of October,
his "horses and other conveniences" not having then arrived, he
modestly requests the General Court to adjourn to New Haven
for the purpose of hearing his announcements. Still courteously,
but firmly, the official reply under date of the 20th informs him
that adjournment to New Haven is impossible, but that the Court
will be continued by adjournment until the following Tuesday, the
25th, although they have waited several days to attend his Excel-
lency.

On the 24th, having probably then reached Hartford, he pre-
sents a memorial to the General Court and Governor of Connec-

385

ticut. producing a commission under the great seal of England
empowering him to take command of the militia of the colony.
To this, the memorial says, he expects a ready compliance.

At this point, it is interesting to note that the official records of
the Secretary of State discreetly mention that the General Court
adjourned on the 23d, which was the day before the date of this
memorial. The official correspondence of Gov. Fletcher states
that "on the 28th the General Court broke up," and the same cor-
respondence mentions the fact that his commission was read be-
fore this body, presumably on the day of its date. This, appar-
ently forms an example of the importance which was attached to
legal technicalities two centuries ago, as it offers an argument
against the statement that this commission was presented to the
General Court in regular session.

The official reply to this memorial is an interesting specimen of
the legal lore of Gov. Treat, practiced, some six years before, in
a similar experience with Andros. This reply states, among other
things,

"That finding in your Excellencies Commission no Express,
Superseding the Commission of the Militia in our Charter, nor
Order to surrender the same : And being sensible of the great im-
portance of this matter and finding it in several main things which
do need a particular Explication, and Settlement, as we shall (God
willing) manifest to their Majesties : cannot but conceive it our
duty, both with respect to Their Majesties Service, and our own
Seace and preservation in this time of War, to continue the
Militia as formerly ; till by our Agent now sent for England we
shall receive further Order from Their Majesties."

This letter expresses the utmost willingness to render assistance
to Col. Fletcher for the defense of New York against the com-
mon enemy, for which purpose the sum of £5000 had been al-
ready expended. The letter, no copy of which remains on file,
closes in the following words :

"And further; this Court does see reason to grant the Sum of
Six Hundred Pounds in Country pay, out of our Country Rate,
towards the charge of maintaining the Garrison at Albany, on-
wards of what shall be our proportion of that charge, in Obed-
ience to Their Majesties Letter of 3d of March last."

386

This, however, does not appear to have the pacifying effect
which it was intended to have upon the irascible Fletcher, for he
promptly replies thatit is "noe answer" to his memorial, andcloses
by saying, "I doe therefore in their Majesties name demand your
obedience to this commission as you will. answer the ill con-
sequences that will ensue and expect a speedy reply in two words,
Yes or No."

This demand appears to be ignored in a brief communication
by the Governor and General Court on the following day, in
which a reply is asked to the offer of £600 for the garrison at Al-
bany, which offer is amended by proposing to furnish fifty men
for that garrison if the men should be more serviceable than the
money.

In the meantime, Gov. Fletcher has offered to issue a commis-
sion to Gov. Treat placing him in command of the militia of Con-
necticut, to which offer no reply appears on file, although the
references to it in various contemporary documents leave no
doubt that the offer was respectfully declined.

The official correspondence in this affair forms no part of the
record of the General Court, and is not mentioned in this record.
In the documents which ensued, assurance is given by Col.
Fletcher that he had no intention of interfering in the civil affairs
of Connecticut, but should continue to "pursue the execution of
their Maj tles lett rs patent" till 'he finds "open violation of their
Maj ties right by force and armes." The documents in the case
end with a proclamation which he directed to be published, but
which was not published, reciting his version of the state of af-
fairs, and commanding all loyal subjects to yield due obedience
to their Majesties Commission "as they will answer to the con-
trary at their utmost perills."

It should be remembered that Fletcher's object at this time was
not only to assume command under his commission, but to enlist
men, which he reports he succeeded in doing, to the number of
forty. Before his visit, a vote of the colony had been taken on
the subject of continuing the militia and all other charter priv-
ileges, and 2,182 persons had voted in favor of this view,express-
ing themselves ready to bear their proportion of the expense of

387

maintaining these privileges. Under this vote, Gen. Fitz John
Winthrop had been sent to England as the agent of the colony,
furnished with an address to the crown on the subject, and with
all necessary means for pursuing his mission.

For the remainder of the story of Fletcher's visit to Hartford,
we must turn, from the documentary evidence thus far cited, to
tradition, supported by such evidence as may be found.

With the exception of two rare contemporaneous pamphlets,
which will be discussed later on, American literature appears to
have been silent on the subject of Fletcher's visit for 104 years,
which, singularly enough, was just 104 years ago, when the first
volume of Dr. Benjamin Trumbull's History of Connecticut ap-
peared, and added to the story we have gathered from the official
documents, the following interesting concluding episode, which I
quote in Dr. Trumbull's own words :

"The trainbands of Hartford assembled, and, as the tradition is,
while Captain Wadsworth, the senior officer, was walking in
front of the companies and exercising the soldiers, Col. Fletcher
ordered his commission and instructions to be read. Captain
Wadsworth instantly commanded, 'Beat the drums'; and there
was such a roaring of them that nothing else could be heard.
Colonel Fletcher commanded silence. But no sooner had Bayard
made an attempt to read again, than Wadsworth commands,
'Drum, drum, I say.' The drummers understood their business
and instantly beat up with all the art and life of which they were
masters. 'Silence, silence,' says the Colonel. No sooner was
there a pause, than Wadsworth speaks with great earnestness,
'Drum, drum, I say,' and turning to his excellency, said, Tf I am
interrupted again I will make the sun shine through you in a mo-
ment.' He spoke with such energy in his voice and meaning in
his countenance, that no further attempts were made to read or
enlist men. Such numbers of people collected together, and their
spirits appeared so high, that the governor and his suite judged
it expedient soon to leave the town and return to New York."

This story, with practically no variations, and only such decora-
tions as the vivid imagination of Lossing has given to it, is told by

388

all historians of Connecticut, if we except the veracious Samuel
Peters, and is mentioned by Palfrey in his history of New Eng-
land, by Lossing in his "Empire State," and by Holmes in his
"Annals of America." Palfrey speaks of it as a ''more than doubt-
ful tradition," Lossing recites it as an actual occurrence, and
Holmes simply quotes Trumbull, but not at the point where he
mentions it as tradition. Of Connecticut historians, Dr. Hoadley
says the story does not rest on any good foundation ; Hollister re-
gards it to be as true as if attested by undisputed evidence ; Sanford
coincides with Dr. Hoadley and even with Palfrey ; Dwight and
Carpenter and Arthur are neutral, and last, but not least, Alex-
ander Johnston, in the most brilliant and scholarly historical
sketch of Connecticut which has yet been written, treats the af-
fair as an actual occurrence, and cites the most convincing proof
which has yet been brought to bear on the subject. This is no
less than a letter from the Deputy Governor and Council, under
date of July 14. 1675 to Captain Thomas P>ull at Saybrook in
which it is specifically mentioned that the proper preventive for
the reading of Major Andros' commission to the garrison at Say-
brook at that time would have been precisely the course which
Captain Joseph Wadsworth, apparently in a spirit of receptive
originality, adopted some eighteen years later in the case of Col-
onel Fletcher.

The portion of the letter to which the historian Johnston re-
fers is in Deputy Governor Leet's handwriting, and reads thus :

"By yo rs of 16:5 -.75* we are certifyed of Major Andros his at-
tempting to use his Maj ties name to command his Charter and
commission to be read there at Saybrook shore, and to proceed
in so reading notwithstanding y or countermand in like manner.
TJwugh we tvish he had been interrupted in doing if least thing under pre-
tence of his having anything to doe to use his Ma" es name in commanding
there so usurpingly, w Qh might have been done by shouts, or sound of drum
&c. w th out violence ; but yet seeing it was so performed in the opposition .' "

This last sentence is underscored in the original draft, as if to
emphasize it for future use. At this time Robert Treat was an as-
sistant in the General Court, and thus one of the council by whose
authority this letter was written. He was then a man of fifty-

*16th year of the reign of Charles II; 5th month, old style, 1675, (July, 1675.)

389

three, and it is but natural to infer that the suggestion to Captain
Bull was quite forcibly impressed upon him at the time, so that
when, eighteen years later, he occupied the position of Governor,
it would readily occur to him as a most effective and politic means
of meeting a situation which was precisely similar in Governor
Fletcher's case. Although this furnishes presumptive evidence
that drums would be used when occasion might require to silence
the reading of the commission, we have yet to show that an at-
tempt was made to publish or proclaim the commission elsewhere
than in the General Court, that Fletcher was threatened with per-
sonal violence, and that something was done to prevent him from
proclaiming his commission.

For the evidence bearing on these points, the only available
documents known to me are the official reports of Fletcher to be
found in Brodhead's "Documents relating to the colonial history
of New York," and in pamphlets issued at the time of Fletcher's
visit. Within six months from the time of the traditional episode
of the drums the pamphleteers of the day had taken up the gen-
eral subject of the political situation, both sides of which appear
to have been fully discussed. Some time previous to April 23,
1694, a pamphlet, generally attributed to Gershom Bulkeley was
printed in New York, entitled "Some Seasonable Considerations
for the Good People of Connecticut," in which these good people
were quite severely taken to task for their reception of the claims
of Sir William Phips, and later of Governor Benjamin Fletcher,
to assume command of the militia of the colony. On the 23d of
April, 1694, the Governor and Assistants gave their imprimatur to
a reply to this pamphlet entitled "Their Majesties Colony of Con-
necticut in New England Vindicated from the Abuses of a Pam-
phlet Licensed and printed at New York, 1694. Intituled (&c.

* * *)■

The address to the reader of this pamphlet is signed J. A. W.

P. which initials probably stood for John Allyn, then Secretary of

State, and William Pitkin then an assistant in the General Court,

who had had some experience in fruitless negotiations with Gov.

Fletcher previous to his visit to Connecticut. No copy of the

pamphlet to which this is a reply is known to exist, and it is there-

390

fore only possible to get from it such evidence as may be found in
the numerous quotations which the answer makes*.

It appears quite certain that Fletcher's commission was read in
the General Court on the 24th of October, as the memorial of that
date, a letter from his secretary dated the 27th, and his own re-
port of the same date testify. No indication can be found that
there was any opposition to the reading of the commission at
this time. The answer of the General Court already quoted re-
fers to the commission as if it" had been unhesitatingly received
for the consideration of that body. This being the case, the fol-
lowing quotation from the pamphlet entitled Seasonable Consid-
erations, leaves only the inference that an attempt was made to
publish or proclaim the commission elsewhere :

"What Construction do we think it* will have, If we shall be
found to Rise in Arms against the King's Lieutenant Publishing
His Commission and Commanding Obedience unto it ; and
by Force and Arms to with-hold the Militia, and all Forces by
Sea and Land, and all Forts and places of strength, in a whole
Colony or Province, from the King against His plain Commis-
sion Published under the great Seal?"

The charge of rising in arms against Fletcher and his proceed-
ings is several times repeated, and is denied in the answer, which
refers to a training that was in progress at the time of Fletcher's
visit, "but put by, by the Governour's order," though the soldiers
engaged in this training are enumerated among the men under
arms in the colony at the time.

When we couple this statement with Fletcher's own report, it
hardly requires a strained interpretation to show that some at-
tempt other than that which the documents show was made to as-
sert his authority. In a letter to Mr. Southwell under date of
October 30th, he says :

"I could not force obedience, having no companie but a few
servants and two friends, nor did I think it the king's service to
carry on the contest to Blonde, though they threaten to draw
mine for urging my master's right."

*The answer is also a very rare pamphlet, but two copies of which are known to exist. It
is reprinted in the Collections of the Conn. Historical Society.

391

And again, in his report to the Commissioners of Trade :

•• * * * your Lordships will perceive. by copies of several pas-
sages herewith sent what contempt is thrown upon their
M tle8 authority.

Twere tedious and perhaps troublesome to repeat the personal
slights I met with in this service."

The charge that threats of personal violence, "vile indignities"
and "scurvy little tricks'" were resorted to by certain persons not
specified is so frequently made in the pamphlet entitled "Some
Seasonable Considerations," that it is not necessary to refer to the
quotations in which they appear in detail. From all these, it ap-
pears that something outside of the General Court occurred which
led Col. Fletcher to make his departure on or about the 30th of
October.

It is not to be expected that he would refer specifically in his
official report to the episode of the drums, but it is most certainly
to be expected that he would gloss his discomfiture with general
terms as we have already seen that he did, in the extracts quoted
from his reports, and in the following official statement :

"Col. Fletcher being advised that the people were ready to be
in a Comotion, left the colony."

The evidence, both circumstantial and presumptive must
naturally lead to the belief that tradition has supplied the missing
details of this interesting occurrence with a fitness and exactness
which can scarcely be questioned. We must remember, first ot
all, that Fletcher was one of many New York governors who had
attempted to usurp the rights of Connecticut, even to the extent of
absorbing the colony, so that his official position made him a
traditional enemy of the colony, to be viewed with suspicion and
opposed with vigilance. The story which we are investigating
possibly remained an oral tradition down to the days of Dr. Ben-
jamin Trumbull. We must remember, however, that this his-
torian was born only forty-one years after Fletcher's visit, and
might have heard the story from men who actually witnessed the
( iccurrence.

By what "other means Fletcher could have proclaimed his au-
thority outside of the General Court than by the reading of his
commission before the trainbands assembled in Hartford, it is im-

392

possible to conceive. He was, as we have seen, a military man,
bearing the title of Colonel in the British army, so that military
custom on the one hand, and military courtesy on the other would
doubtless place the trainbands in review before him during his
visit. Whether the reading of his commission was a form pre-
scribed by law or merely the most effective way of asserting his
command is a question which does not alter the fact that serious
objections existed to such a proceeding.

There appears to be no doubt that Captain Joseph Wadsworth
would have been in command of the training which was then in
progress, or at least in sufficient authority to order the drummers
to strike up at the proper time. And from such indications as we
gather both from tradition and record regarding this same Cap-
tain Wadsworth, there is not the slightest doubt that he was a
man who had no hesitation in taking prompt action and in speak-
ing his mind on occasion. Tradition gives him the credit of hid-
ing the charter in the famous old oak in Andros' day, and the of-
ficial record shows that some ten years after the visit of Gov.
Fletcher, he was fined ten pounds for using language in the Gen-
eral Assembly reflecting upon the Governor and others, which
fine was remitted a year later, "he having made reflexions on
himself," as the record reads. He appears after this to have kept
his temper within parliamentary bounds for a period of twelve
years and more, until it is recorded that he was publicly censured
for his public criticisms on the acts of the General Assembly, and
made to read a confession which had been prepared for him, and
to receive an admonition from the Governor. When we take into
consideration the character of the two men, we may imagine that
a conflict of authority between Gov. Benjamin Fletcher and Capt.
Joseph Wadsworth would form a rather striking solution of the
ancient problem of an irresistible force coming in contact with an
immovable body.

That such a conflict of authority took place is the general be-
lief of the average patriotic citizen of Connecticut, principally for
the reason that state pride loves to add to the score of Connecti-
cut victories of all kinds. It must be confessed that this little
study of the evidence in the case has been made in the hope that
such state pride may at least have the satisfaction of placing the

393

tradition on a firmer basis than heretofore. In itself, after the
cooling influence of two centuries has had its effect on the de-
structive wrath of Fletcher and Wadsworth the incident seems,
perhaps, almost trivial. But we must remember that underneath
all these records, pamphlets and correspondence, a current of
events was running its course in Connecticut history which gave a
vital significance to the defeat and discomfiture of Benjamin
Fletcher. To yield to his authority would have been to stultify an
address to the crown, asking that the rights of Connecticut under
its charter should be defined.

It so happened that the mission of General Fitz John Winthrop
to England was promptly successful, so that, in April, 1694 a
royal decree was obtained limiting the quota which the Governor
of New York could demand from Connecticut to one hundred
and twenty men. which force he could have the privilege of com-
manding only in time of war.

Thus, before either of the pamphlets in the case could have
reached England, the conflict between Benjamin Fletcher and the
authorities of Connecticut was happily terminated. The merits
of the contest, and the principles it involved, would furnish ma-
terial for a much more extensive treatise than this little contribu-
tion towards a search for evidence of what Connecticut actually
did in the matter. The official record is certainly quite creditable
to her courtesy and statesmanship. And if, as tradition and evi-
dence both indicate, Captain Joseph Wadsworth brought the
contest to an abrupt close by proceedings which appear rather
high-handedj it is quite probable that he was more than forgiven
at the time, and remains so to this day ; for it appears to have
been a case in which great provocation worked upon a man who
could brook no opposition.

It is interesting to note that, even at this early period of our
history, the cry of "no taxation without representation" was al-
ready in the air, as Fletcher himself reports officially ; and it is
scarcely too much to surmise that this cry may have been passed
on from one generation to another down to the days of the
Stamp Act and the Revolution.

During the two remaining years of Fletcher's administration
as governor of New York it is reported of him that he contented

394

himself with making many needless and unreasonable demands
on the militia of Connecticut for forces which no sooner reached
their destination than they were sent back owing to false alarms,
a report which probably lost nothing in the telling at the time,
since we may well imagine that Fletcher had succeeded in mak-
ing himself particularly obnoxious to Connecticut.

His career as a colonial governor ended some two years after
his memorable visit to Hartford, owing to his recall to England
under charges of malfeasance in office, and of questionable deal-
ings with some of the pirates of his day. Mr. Charles Besot Todd,
who appears to have studied the documents in the case, insists
that he never had a fair hearing, much less a trial, and that the
charges against him never were brought to a final decision. His
own statement accuses his enemies of plotting against him, and
we may certainly go so far as to admit that he was a man who had
a genius for making enemies. Let us surmise, then, that he
finally became the victim of this genius, until he at last rested in
peace in the now unknown grave which claimed him.

REPORTS

OF THE

ANNUAL AND OTHER MEETINGS

OF THE

NEW LONDON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY,

From September 1, 1897 to September 1, 1901.

WITH A

LIST OF OFFICERS AND MEMBERS.

ARRANGED by the secretary.
MARY EDDYE BENJAMIN.

The Act of Incorporation allows the New London County
Historical Society to hold property, and any bequest may be
made for specific purposes, as a fund for permanent building,
for printing, or for the general expenses of the Society.

The form of such bequest is as follows :

I give and bequeath to the New London County Historical

Society, the sum of dollars, the same to

be applied to the fund of said Society, to

be used under the direction of the officers of the said Society, for
the purpose named.

REPORT

THE ANNUAL MEETING,

September l, 1897.

September 13, 1897.

Adjourned annual meeting, Hon. Charles Augustus Williams,
president, in the chair.

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved, also
reports of the secretary and treasurer. The question of opening
the rooms of the society on other days than those regularly ap-
pointed, and the use of books and manuscripts of the society, for
purposes of research, was discussed at length ; and a committee,
consisting of the president, C. A. Williams, Miss Cornelia W.
Chapell, and Mrs. William Saltonstall Chappell, were appointed
to consider and report.

The Hempstead Diary publication was considered, and Rev.
Dr. S. L. Blake was appointed a committee to draft a prospectus
for the purpose of soliciting subscriptions to meet the cost of pub-
lication. The regular officers were elected, and the meeting ad-
journed.

Annie E. Wheeler,

Secretary.

July 1st, 1897.
On the first of July of the current year, by authority of the
advisory committee, the undersigned, assumed the office of secre-
tary. The roll of membership of the society, for the year ending
September 1st, 1897, contains the names of twenty-six life mem-
bers, eighty-three annual members, and six honorary members.

398

Thirty-eight who were members in 1898 did not renew their
membership.

Since the last annual meeting the following persons have,
joined the society :

Mr. Frank B. Brandegee, as life member and Mrs. Mary P.
Clark, Mr. Horace Rogers, Mr. C. J. Viets, Mr. Sidney H.
Miner, as annual members.

During the year one life member has died, Hon. J. N. Harris,
and two annual members, Mr. B. P. McEwen, and Mr. Horace
Coit.

Books, pamphlets and papers have been received as follows,
viz. :

Rhode Island Historical Society, New England Historical and
Biographical Society, The Dedham Society, Western Reserve
Historical Society, Wyoming Historical and Genealogical Society,
Connecticut Historical Society, Historical Society of Montana,
Buffalo Historical Society, West Virginia Historical and Anti-
quarian Society, Wyoming Commemorative Association, Westn
Chester County Historical Society, Leland Stanford, Jr., Yale
and New York Universities, ' Trustees John F. Slater Fund,
American Congregational Association, Connecticut Sons of the
American Revolution, United States Commissioner of Education,
United States Commissioner of Patents.

Worthy of particular notice is the gift to the society from Hon.
Robert Winthrop, Jr., of an elegant volume, entitled "Winthrops
of Groton Co., Suffolk, England, and Allied Families."

Mr. Francis G. Saltonstall presented a fine volume entitled
"Sir Richard Saltonstall of New England Ancestry and De-
scendants."

Gifts have been received from persons as follows : Mrs. Jose-
phine Greenleaf, Mr. George H. Stayner, Mr. Daniel C. Gilman, ,
Mr. J. A. Searight, Mr. R. B. Swift, Mr. H. R. Bond, Mr. Chas.
Fish Williams.

The publication of Part III, Vol. II of the society's papers, has
been completed, containing the proceedings of the 250th an-
niversary of the settlement of New London, Connecticut, May 5th
and 6th, 1895, compiled and edited by Rev. S. Leroy Blake, D. D.

In connection with this it is hoped and desired by the officers

399

of the society that the members to a greater number purchase
the society's publications, as the funds thus contributed are
greatly needed. Frequent enquiries are made by visitors and by
letters, as to the time of the publishment of The Hempstead
Diary, with request for circulars to send to persons interested in
the work and one name has been left as a subscriber.

The rooms have been well attended, on the days of opening,
both by members and strangers and much interest has been
shown in the society's collection.

Annie E. Wheeler,

Secretary.

Miss Annie Wheeler's resignation having been accepted, I, bv
request of Hon. C. A. Williams, assumed the charge of The New
London County Historical Society, as secretary, February 25,
1898.

The roll of membership September 1st, 1898, is as follows : Six
honorary members, twenty-six life members, seventy-six annual
members.

Seventeen who were members last year have not renewed their
membership this present year. Memberships taken since Febru-
ary, this year, are as follows :

Mrs. Pierre Wildey, Mr. John L. Branch of New York; Mr.
Jonathan Trumbull of Norwich ; Miss Lucretia W. Smith, Mr.
Newton Fuller, Mr. Peleg Williams and Mr. George E. Starr of
New London.

I have to mention the death of Mr. E. Park Beckwith, one of
our annual members.

Books, pamphlets and papers have been received as usual from
historical societies, colleges, libraries, etc.

Two ancient books were received from S. D. Warriner, also the
photograph of a pitcher, with pictures representing the United
States frigate Guerriere, Commodore McDonough in 1814 at
St nington, Conn., from Hon. Elias P. Randall, Mystic, Conn.

The subcriptions to The Hempstead Diary have not increased
as rapidly as might be desired. There are one hundred and
fifty-two subscribers and all earnestly desire the early publication
of the same.

400

The rooms of the society have been well attended on the days
of opening, perhaps, however, not as many visitors from other
places, on account of war disturbances.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary E. Benjamin.
Provisional Secretary.
September ist, 1898.

September ist, 1898.

The annual meeting of The New London County Historical
Society was held in the rooms of the society, in the New London
Public Library building, New London, Connecticut, on Monday,
September ist, 1898.

The president, Hon. C. A. Williams, in the chair. The
minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.

The treasurer. Mr. C. B. Ware, read his report, showing the
receipts and disbursements for the past year.

In secretary's hands $ 1 69

In treasury 62

The Savings Bank of New London 164 33

$166 64

Expenditures $281 26

The report was accepted and ordered on file.

Secretary's report read, accepted and ordered on file.

Mr. C. A. Williams spoke at length on the question of pub-
lishing the Hempstead Diary.

It was proposed, in view of the cost, to publish the Diary in
three sections. Miss Cornelia W. Chapell desired to be informed
if the expense would be the same as if published entire.

She was informed it would be. Three issues, two sections this
year, and one next, would complete the publication.

Mr. B. F. Stark wished to be informed if the society would en-
close any other printing matter in said publication.

It was decided that the list of the names of the officers would
be the only other printed matter.

Mr. C. B. Ware thought it would be expedient to notify sub-
scribers if they would approve of this manner of publication,
if so it would greatly expedite matters.

401

Mr. Stark thought that such a method might discourage sub-
scribers.

Miss Chapell thought it an excellent plan to substitute the
Joshua Hempstead Diary for the regular papers of the society, for
the past two years, and one, for the coming year. Mr. C. B.
Ware then offered the following resolution :

Resolved, That the advisory or printing committee be empowered to print
as our annual records and papers the Joshua Hempstead Diary.

The vote was taken and carried. Mr. C. A. Williams spoke
regarding the use of the valuable manuscripts of Miss F. M.
Caulkins, and read the report of the committee as it now stands :

"As there has been no change in fees (a fee having been fixed
at the last annual meeting) although there has been remonstrance,
the papers are too valuable to be worn out, and those who use
them ought to be willing to pay for the privilege."

Mr. Stark presented the following motion :

That the original report be referred back to the committee,
for them to make such changes, as they in their judgment deemed
wise.

Motion carried.

Mr. N. S. Fish remonstrated and thought the fee too high.

It was then moved that the secretary cast the ballots for of-
ficers, and advisory committee, for the ensuing year.

The following were declared officers and committeemen, viz. :

President — Hon. Charles Augustus Williams, New London,
Conn.

Vice Presidents — Hon. Benjamin Stark, New London, Conn.;
Hon. Win. A. Slater, Norwich, Conn.; Mr. Frederic Bill,
Groton, Conn.

Secretary — Miss Mary Eddye Benjamin, New London, Conn.

Treasurer — Mr. Charles B. Ware, New London, Conn.

Advisory Committee — Hon. C. A. Williams, New London,
Conn.; Hon. Benjamin Stark, New London, Conn.; Hon.
George F. Tinker, New London, Conn.; Mr. Charles B. Ware,
New London. Conn.: Mr. George W. Goddard, Salem, Mass.;
Hon. Robert Coit, New London. Conn.; Hon. William A. Slater.
Norwich, Conn.; Mr. Walter Learned, New London, Conn.:

402

Hon. John T. Wait, Norwich, Conn.; Mr. Frederic Bill, Groton,
Conn.; Mr. Frederic S. Newcomb, New London, Conn.; Hon.
Richard A. Wheeler, Stonington, Conn. ; Mr. John McGinley,
New London, Conn.; Lewis D. Mason, M. D., Brooklyn, N. Y.;
Hon. H. Wales Lines, Meriden, Conn. ; Amos Lawrence, M. D.,
Boston, Mass. ; Mr. Jonathan Trumbull, Norwich, Conn. ; Major
Bela P. Learned, Norwich, Conn.

These were duly elected.

As there was a vacancy in the secretaryship the name of Miss
Mary E. Benjamin was proposed to fill that office.

She was unanimously elected to the office of secretary for the
ensuing year.

There had been no especial papers prepared this year to en-
close in the annual report.

The names of Mr. E. Park Beckwith and Dr. W. W. Sheffield
were ordered to be placed in the necrology of the society.

The official business having been transacted it was moved to >
adjourn.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary E. Benjamin,

Secretary.

September ist, 1899.

The annual meeting of The New London County Historical
Society was called for September ist, 1899.

Owing to the absence of the president, Hon. C. A. Williams,
Mr. C. B. Ware called the meeting to order.

A committee consisting of Hon. William Belcher, Mr. John
McGinley and Major B. P. Learned of Norwich, Conn., were ap-
pointed to prepare suitable resolutions, at length, on the death
of Hon. John T. Wait of Norwich and Hon. Benjamin Stark of!
New London, Conn., to be submitted to the adjourned meeting;
said meeting to take place at the call of the president ; also a com- j
mittee consisting of Rev. S. Leroy Blake, Mr. John McGinley
and Mr. Ernest E. Rogers, to nominate candidates to fill va-
cancies caused by the death of Hon. Benjamin Stark as vice
president and Hon. John T. Wait, on the advisory board.

Rev. S. Leroy Blake, D. D., offered the names of Hon.

403

George F. Tinker to take the place of Hon. Benjamin Stark as
vice president and Miss Cornelia W. Chapell to take the place of
Hon. Benjamin Stark on the advisory board, also Mr. Ernest
E. Rogers to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Hon. John T.
Wait.

Mr. C. B. Ware gave some statistics regarding the Hemp-
stead Diary.

The meeting was then adjourned subject to the call of the
president.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Eddye Benjamin,

Secretary.

SECRETARY'S REPORT.

September i, 1899.

As your secretary, I am pleased to report that the roll of mem-
bership of this society September 1st, 1899, contains the names of
twenty-six life members, sixty-one annual members and six
honorary members. Four have been removed by death and
several have not renewed their membership. Since the last an-
nual meeting the following new names have been added to our
list of membership : Miss N. A. Wightman of Philadelphia, Mrs.
M. M. Comstock of New London, Conn.

Books and pamphlets have been received from the Rhode
Island Historical Society, Leland Stanford University, Dedham-
Register, Smithsonian Reports, New Jersey Historical Society,
New England Historical and Genealogical Society, Connecticut
State Register, Buffalo Historical Society, Official Records of the
War of the Rebellion, Reports of Yale University, Connecticut
Historical Society, Wyoming Historical and Genealogical So-
ciety, American Numismatic and Archealogical Society, Swedish
Literature, History of The First Church of Christ by Rev. S.
Leroy Blake, D. D., Trustees of The John Slater Fund, etc.

The society has been the recipient of the following gifts, viz.:
A forty shilling currency of June, 1775, from Mr. Elisha L.
Palmer ; a $2.00 bill on Merchants' Bank of Norwich ; also vol-

404

umes of Fifteenth Connecticut Volunteers, and Fifth Connecticut
regiments, gifts from Mr. C. B. Ware; the Van Alstyne Geneal-
ogy, Graveyard Records of Hanover, New Jersey ; Marriages and
Baptisms of Hanover, New Jersey, gifts of Mr. W. Ogden
Wheeler, of Sharon, Conn.

But worthy of particular notice is the gift of a Spanish pro-
jectile by Lieut. Dion Williams of the United States marine ser-
vice, said projectile having been taken from the magazine of the
Spanish war vessel "The Castilla," sunken in the harbor of
Manila ; and also the very valuable gift of the Spanish coat-of-
arms, taken from a schoolhouse in Guantanamo, and presented to
this society by Capt. Colby M. Chester, in command of the bat-
tleship Cincinnati, in the late war with Spain. Captain Chester
being a New Londoner by birth makes us especially grateful that
in his wanderings in foreign lands his heart turns back to "home,
sweet home."

These trophies of the Spanish-American war will prove to be
valuable acquisitions to the different periods of our collection.

A large correspondence has been carried on in reply to
genealogical enquiries which has necessarily consumed much
time.

It is my painful duty to call your saddened attention to our
loss by death of four prominent members. Hon. John T. Wait,
of Norwich, Conn., whose death occurred April 21st, 1899, ne was
one of our most valued members, from the inception of the
society; also Hon. Benjamin Stark, our first vice president and
one of our most interested officers, and one to whom the society
referred on momentous questions ; also Hon. Elias P. Randall of
Mystic, Conn., who took great interest in our collections, and
contributed valuable articles ; also Mr. George T. Marshall, of this
city, an interested member.

The perplexed question of the publishment of the Hempstead
Diary has not as yet been satisfactorily solved, but ere long it will
probably be brought before the public.

The rooms of the society have been well attended by citizens
and strangers, and particularly the young take great interest in
our collections.

It would be better and more conducive to general interest if

405

our rooms were opened more frequently as the limit of time does
not always accommodate visitors from abroad, but even in the
limited hours we have the names of three hundred and eighty-
three on our yearly register.

All of which is respectfully submitted,

Mary Eddye Benjamin.

Secretary.

January 12, 1900.
A special meeting- of The New London County Historical So-
I ciety was held in their rooms in the public library building, Janu-
ary 1 2th, 1900, to take some action regarding the death of our
1 honored president, Hon. Charles Augustus Williams.
1 The meeting was called to order by Mr. Charles B. Ware,
treasurer, who spoke very touchingly of the death of Mr. Wil-
liams and also of the death of our first vice-president, Hon. Ben-
jamin Stark, and recommended that some resolutions be pre-
jsented to go on file.

Rev. Dr. Blake spoke of meeting Mr. Williams on his early ar-
rival in New London. He was always impressed with his geniality
of manner, and considered him as one of the type of old school
(gentlemen whose place would never be filled. He then offered
'he following resolutions :

■ Since, it has pleased God to allow the departure from our midst by death
of the Hon. Charles Augustus Williams, the honored president of The New
London County Historical Society, we desire to put on record our deep sense
of personal loss and our sorrow, that we shall no more see his face, nor enjoy
he benefit of his wise counsels.

He combined firmness and decision of character with the utmost kindness in
in unusual degree, and never forgot to be a gentleman in all his intercourse
'with his fellow men.

His interest in this society, whose head he was for so long a period, secured
or it prosperity and his absence from its councils will be deeply felt.

We desire hereby, to express our sympathy with the bereaved family and as-
ure them of our deep regard for one who was so universally honored and
Esteemed.

It was moved by Rev. Alfred I*. Grint, Ph. D.. that the resolu-
tions presented by Rev. Dr. Blake be adopted, which was unani-
mously voted.

406

Mr. C. B. Ware requested that some resolutions be presented
on the death of Hon. Benjamin Stark, as the committee had not
reported.

Rev. Dr. Grint proposed that the filling of the vacancies caused
by the death of Hon. C. A. Williams and Hon. Benjamin Stark
be deferred till the annual meeting September ist, 1900.

Mr. Ernest E. Rogers offered to give information as desired

by Mr. Frank L. Palmer, regarding the Winthrop statue. Mr.

Rogers informed the society that the report was favorable for the

erection of the monument in the near future.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Eddye Benjamin,'
Secretary.

September 7th, 1900.

The. adjourned annual meeting of The New London County
Historical Society of September ist, 1900, was held September
7th, 1900, in the rooms of the society, in the New London Pub-
lic Library building.

The meeting was called to order by Mr. Frederic Bill, first
vice president.

Report of special meeting of January 12, 1900, read, approved,
and ordered on file.

The report of Mr. C. B. Ware, treasurer, was as follows :

Receipts $193 64

Disbursements 76 06

Cash on hand 117 58

Deposit in Savings Bank 178 72

Cash assets $296 30

The name of Hon. George F. Tinker was proposed to fill the;
vacancy of the presidentship, caused by the death of Hon. C. A,!
Williams, which Mr. Tinker declined and proposed the name off
Mr. Ernest E. Rogers to fill this office. This motion was sec-;
onded by Rev. S. Leroy Blake, D. D., and the following names
were also proposed, viz. : Vice-presidents, first, Mr. Frederic Bill,

407

Groton, Conn.; second, Hon. William A. Slater, Norwich, Conn.;
third, Mr. George C. Strong, New London, Conn.

The following names were proposed to fill vacancies on the
board of directors : Ernest E. Rogers, New London, Conn. ; J.
Lawrence Chew, New London, Conn. ; Sebastian D. Lawrence,
New London, Conn.

The secretary cast the ballots for above names which were
unanimously elected.

Regarding the Hempstead Diary, Mr. C. B. Ware made the
following motion : That the publication of The Hempstead
Diary be placed in the hands of the advisory committee.
Seconded and voted.

Rev. S. Leroy Blake, D. D., desired access to the Hempstead
Diary.

Motion was then made that Rev. S. Leroy Blake, D. D., have
access as he desires to the manuscripts of the Hempstead Diary.
Seconded and voted.

The names of S. Vernon Briggs of Boston, was proposed for
honorary membership, and Miss Fannie Potter and Miss May
Kelsey Champion for life membership.

They were unanimously elected to such membership.
It was moved and seconded that the day of opening the
rooms be Wednesdays from 2.30 to 4.30 p. m.
Moved to adjourn.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Eddye Benjamin,

Secretary.

SECRETARY'S REPORT.

September 1st, 1900.
Mr. President and Members of the New London County His-
torical Society.

As secretary, I am pleased to report that the roll of member-
ship of this society on September 1st, 1900, contains the names
of sixty annual members, twenty-five life members and five
honorary members.

While the society rooms have been well patronized and con-

408

siderable interest has been shown by the public we have met
with an irreparable loss in the death of our highly honored and
esteemed president, Hon. Charles Augustus Williams, who had
filled the office for seventeen years in the most acceptable manner ;
also two years since by the death of our first vice-president, Hon.
Benjamin Stark ; also Hon. John T. Wait of Norwich, Conn., from
our advisory board; Hon. Elias P. Randall, of Mysic, Conn.,
and Judge Charles Turner of Alabama, from our life member-
ship ; all men of unquestionable ability and character ; also Mr.
George T. Marshall of New London, Conn., who took great in-
terest in our progress and contributed many valuable articles.

Books, pamphlets and papers have been contributed as fol-
lows : Record of The War of the Rebellion, Publications of
the Rhode Island Historical Society, Memoirs of William Kel-
ly, librarian of New York Historical Society, Dedham Institute
Register, Bibliography of Massachusetts, Swedish Literature,
Smithsonian Reports, Early History of The First Church of
Christ, by Rev. S. Leroy Blake, D. D., New Jersey Historical
Society, New England Historical and Genealogical Society,
Journal of Michael Walters, The Christian Science Movement,
Sketch of King's Chapel, Boston, Mass., Biography of Joseph
Hills of Maiden, Mass., Connecticut State Register, Buffalo His-
torical Society, Leland Stanford, Jr. University, Address before
The Wyoming Sons of The Revolution, Report of Yale Univer-
sity, The American Numismatic and Archealogical Society, Pro-
ceeding of The John Slater Fund, Civil Service Commission, A
Sketch of John Winthrop, the younger, Marion Beckwith and
Wife Genealogy, Lake Mohawk Conference, The Essex Anti-
quarian Catalogue of Trinity College, Memoirs of Maj. John
Sedgwick, New York State Library, The Ohio Archealogical and
Historical Society, West Virginia Historical and Antiquarian
Society, Colorado Society, Sons of The Revolution, Wisconsin
State Historical Society, The International Monthly Vital
Statistics of Rhode Island, North American Notes and Queries,
The Old Northwest Genealogical Quarterly, Dedication of Min-
isters Monument, Hopkinton, Rhode Island, The Allerton Fam-
ily, Yale Forestry School, pamphlets from Commodore George
Melville, Obituary Records of Graduates of Yale University,

409

Barkhamsted Men, who served in the War, Avery Notes and
Queries, and especial mention is made of the most valuable and
historicall> interesting portrait of Jonathan 15 rooks, who was al-
ways conspicuous for his patriotism, gift of Mr. William
Ellis, also arrow-heads from Long Island, gifts of Griswold
Bragraw, M. D., and the valuable work The Averys of Groton,
contributed by Mr. Frank Montgomery Avery of New York.

The question of the publishment of The Hempstead Diary has
been unavoidably delayed and has not yet reached a satisfactory
conclusion, but will undoubtedly soon be brought before the
public.

The rooms have been well patronized by both citizens and
strangers and the children and youth have been greatly inter-
ested in our collection which is to them a pleasure and educa-
tion.

The registry shows the names of 410 visitors during the past

year, and it is most strongly recommended that the rooms

should be opened more frequently, as the limit of time does not

accommodate those who desire to visit for pleasure or research.

All of which is respectfully submitted,

Mary Eddye Benjamin,

Secretary.

September 18, 1900.

A meeting of the advisory committee was held on this date in
the room of the society, with the president in the chair.

Maj. Bela P. Learned of Norwich moved that the society pub-
lish the Hempstead Diary on the estimate submitted by Mr. C.
B. Ware, at an expense not exceeding $900, being covered from
the publication fund, and the advisory committee hereby agree
to reimburse said fund for any deficiency by assessment among
its members, said deficiency not to exceed $100.

The officers of the society are charged with the execution of
this vote.

Voted.

Dr. Lewis D. Mason spoke of the desecration of the Maj. John
Mason statue.

410

Mr. Learned thought there might be a State law regarding the
desecration of monuments and tablets.

Dr. Mason suggested that there be a committee appointed to
attend to this matter.

Mary Eddye Benjamin,

Secretary.

A meeting of the board of directors of The New London
County Historical Society was held in their rooms in The New
London Public Library building, Saturday, Jan. 26, 1901.

The meeting was called to order by the president, Mr. Ernest
E. Rogers.

The chair stated that if there were no objections the reading
of the minutes of the previous meeting would be omitted.

The following motion was made by Mr. George C. Strong :

That the board of directors appoint a general meeting of this
society to be held in Norwich, Conn., January 30th, 1901, at 3
p. m.

Seconded by J. Lawrence Chew.

Voted.

Upon suggestion of the chair it was decided to issue invita-
tions to the following:

The Lucretia Shaw Chapter, D. A. R., New London; The
Anna Warner Bailey Chapter, D. A. R., Groton; The Faith
Trumbull Chapter, D. A. R., Norwich ; The Fanny Ledyard
Chapter, D. A. R., Mystic ; The Nathan Hale Branch, S. A. R.,
New London ; The Israel Putnam S. A. R., Norwich, Conn.,
and The New London Board of Trade, to be present at Norwich,
Conn., on January 30, 1901, to participate in the exercises to be
held in the Peck Library, Slater hall building, by The New
London County Historical Society.

After a discussion of allowing new members to pay pro rata
for membership dues, the following motion was made by Mr. C.
B. Ware:

That the secretary issue certificates of membership from
March 1st, to September 1st, 1901, of fifty cents to new members.

Seconded by Mr. J. Lawrence Chew.

Voted.

411

The president, Air. Ernest E. Rogers, spoke of the proposed
Winthrop monument and desired that a committee be appointed
to present the subject to the Legislature.

The following motion was made by Mr. Charles B. Ware:

That the president of this society be empowered to appoint a
committee of five (5) whose duty it shall be to draft and present
a petition to the State legislature, for an appropriation for a
statue of "John Winthrop, the younger," to be erected in New
London, Conn., on Winthrop Square, the pedestal of which The
Xcw London County Historical Society will furnish.

Seconded by Mr. George C. Strong.

Voted.

The names of the legislative committee appointed by the
president, Mr. Ernest E. Rogers, are as follows :

Hon. M. Wilson Dart, Hon. Robert Coit, Alfred H. Chappell,
Walter Learned, John McGinley, president of the Board of
Trade, all of New London, Conn.

Voted to adjourn.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Eddye Benjamin,

Secretary.

REPORT

MID-WINTER MEETING,

NORWICH, CONN.
JANUARY 30th, 1901.

The New London County Historical Society held its winter
meeting at the Peck Library, in Slater hall, on Wednesday after-
noon, January 7, 1901, at which there was a large attendance of
members and friends. A number were present from New Lon-
don. The meeting was of especial interest by being the first ever
held in Norwich.

Tn the absence of Major B. P. Learned, who was to deliver the
address of welcome, Dr. R. P. Keep made a few remarks in the
way of greeting the members and guests. He spoke of the bene-
fits of twin cities in various parts of the country, and thought this
co-operative spirit might profitably be carried on in Norwich and
New London. Two cities of the size of. Norwich and New Lon-
don can perhaps accomplish but little in literature, art or arch-
aeology alone, but together they may do much. Norwich is
very glad to welcome the members of this cociety, and it is to be
hoped that much good may come of the meeting.

The president, Ernest E. Rogers of New London, responded
for the society. He thanked Dr. Keep for his gracious words of
welcome, saying that the historian of Norwich, Miss Frances M.
Caulkins, was also the historian of New London, and in this way
the two cities are nearly connected historically. He spoke of his
pleasure at being in Norwich on this occasion.

Mr. Rogers outlined briefly the plans of the society for the

413

coming year. It was planned to hold quarterly meetings, ot
which only one, the annual meeting, is to be held in New Lon-
don. It is hoped by this method to add to the interest in the so-
ciety and increase the membership, which is at present low. It
is believed that by a progressive policy the ancient traditions of
the society may be maintained.

George S. Porter of Norwich was then introduced and read
his comprehensive paper on "< >ur French Revolutionary Allies
in Norwich," prepared for the Daughters of the American Revo-
lution. It is to be printed in pamphlet form. Mr. Porter said in
part :

Of more than local interest is an episode of Revolutionary days
of which Norwich was the scene. During the autumn of 1778 a
fragment of Lafayette's army, then in Rhode Island, was ordered
to join the American forces at that time operating in the south.
These troops marched from Providence along the old road of
that name, and in time turned into a lane at the end of which the
Shetucket was crossed near the spot where the Taftville mill now
stands, and thence passed to the old Canterbury road ; else they
crossed to this side of the river at the point where is now the
railway bridge, filed by the site of Mr. Samuel Prentice's house,
thence through a lane extending to his shop, so passed the spot
where today stands the Maennerchor Club house, thence marched
by what is known as the old Elijah Pitcher place, into and
through a now discontinued road, when they continued beside
the present McEvoy farm and along the road which lies to the
left of Mr. William H. Bushnell's farm of our day, so by the old
Canterbury turnpike to the spot we know as Peck's corner, and
thence through the town highway to the plain in that section
which has been known as Norwich Town since 1836.

As the troops debouched upon the plain, which at that time
was the locality around which centered the interests and activities
of the community, the scene presented an aspect materially dif-
ferent from that of the present day.

The white tents of the visitors dotted the plain, and the tri-
color of French waved in the Norwich breeze, when it was
learned that, because of sickness among them, the troops would
not at once march to New London and there board schooner for

414

New York. The court house was soon converted into a tem-
porary hospital. In a number of instances success resulted, and
the invalids became convelescents.

Other members of the detachment were not so fortunate, and,
despite the skillful treatment of physicians and the solicitous care
of nurses, they passed away one by one, until perhaps twenty had
gone to "that bourne from which no traveler returns." The spot
in our quiet old burial ground selected for their interment lies
within the rustic gate which now guards the entrance from the
green, is immediately east of the indicated grave of Edward
Conoy, a Revolutionary soldier, who died in 1791.

In Norwich and its immediate vicinity stand five public monu-
ments, tributes of respect and honor to the memory of savage and
civilized worth. The first was erected in 1841, stands on Sachem's
Plain and is commemorative of Miantonomo ; tlr* second pre-
sents only the name of Uncas, may be seen in the royal Indian
burial ground in this city; the third, in honor of Major John Ma-
son, occupies a position near the old Post and Gager burial place
at Bean Hill ; the fourth, known as the Soldiers' monument, was
placed in position in 1873 near the apex of the Great Plain, bears
on its four tablets the names of 156 union dead; the fifth, at
Shantoc Point, Mohegan, the result of the initial efforts of one
of your members, Mrs. Bela Peck Learned, and was dedicated to
the memory of Lieut. Thomas Leffingwell.

There is room for a sixth, and in our old burial ground may
be found the fitting spot, where for 12 decades our French allies
have slept in nameless, unmarked graves. The time is ripe, the
spirit is willing and to us is given the privilege of initiating a
movement whereby these repositories of the soldier dead,
which, during a period of 122 years, have been bathed in Nor-
wich sunlight, watered by Norwich dews and blanketed in Nor-
wich snows, may at last be indicated ; whereby the deeds of those
brave men who forsook home and friends, crossed the seas and in
a strange land yielded their lives, not for conquest and subjugation
but that an alien race might be freed from oppression and thus
enjoy the blessings of liberty and independence, may be appre-
ciated by the descendants of those so signally aided and may be,
evidenced by the erection of a memorial, fitting and enduring.

415

Mr. Porter supplemented his historic narrative by a very com-
plete description of manners and customs of the time which added
much to its interest. The paper was discussed to some extent at
the close of the reading.

President Rogers then presented Jonathan Trumbull of Nor-
wich as one of the few descendants of famous men who could add
luster to the names they bore, to which Mr. Trumbull said that
his only reply could be to blush.

Mr. Trumbull read an exhaustive paper on Governor Benja-
min Fletcher and His Reception in Hartford in 1693.

In a brief discussion which followed, Mr. Trumbull explained
that the reason for writing this paper was part of a plan he had
of studying what might be called "The Myths of Early Connecti-
cut History."

In closing the very profitable meeting the president ex-
pressed his thanks to Major Learned and Mr. Trumbull who
comprised the local committee and also to Dr. Keep.

A special meeting of the board of directors was held in their
rooms, in the Public Library building, New London, Conn.,
.May 23, 1901.

A communication from the trustees of The New London Pub-
lic Library was read informing The New London County His-
torical Society that they would need for library purposes the
rooms which had been used by them for some years.

A discussion of available places followed. Mr. Ware said that
Mr. Henry P. Haven, one of the incorporators of The New Lon-
don County Historical Society, and from whose funds left in
trust the library building had been erected, had said he hoped
some day the society would have permanent rooms.

Mr. George F. Tinker made the following motion:

That a committee of three be appointed to consult with the
library trustees concerning the removal of the society.

Seconded.

Voted.

The committee as appointed consisted of Hon. George F.
Tinker, Mr. Chas. B. Ware, and Mr. Ernest E. Rogers.

416

The matter of publishing another number of The Records and
Papers of The New London County Historical Society was dis-
cussed and approved. That such number should be compiled,
published and ready for distribution at the annual meeting Sep-
tember i, 1 90 1.

Mr. Charles B. Ware made the following motion:

That the New London County Historical Society hold a
summer meeting at Old Lyme, June 7, 1901, at 2.30 p. m. in the
Phebe Griffin Noyes Memorial Library, said meeting having
been suggested and approved by Lyme members.

Voted.

A nominating committee, composed of Hon. George F. Tinker
chairman, Rev. S. Leroy Blake, D. D., and Mr. John McGinley
be appointed to nominate officers at the September meeting.

Motion : That at the next meeting of the society the name of
Donald G. Mitchell be proposed for honorary membership.

The motion was made by Mr. C. B. Ware.

Voted to adjourn.

Mary Eddye Benjamin,

Secretary.

LYME MEETING.

A public meeting of The New London County Historical So-
ciety was held in the Phebe Griffin Noyes Memorial Library
building, in the town of Old Lyme, June 7, 1901, at 2.30 p. m.

The meeting was well attended by the residents of Old Lyme
and delegations from North Lyme, Niantic, Blackhall and New
London, numbering in all about 80, were present.

The interesting program was carried out as. planned which
consisted of an Address of Welcome by Gen. Joseph G. Per-
kins ; Response, by Ernest E. Rogers ; Paper, Unpublished
Documents, by Harry Griswold; Historical Sketch of Old
Lyme, by Joseph S. Huntington; Remarks, by J. R. Warren.

Gen. Perkins, in a few well chosen words welcomed the so-
ciety to the ancient town of Old Lyme, and expressed the hope
that this the first meeting, would not be the last.

The president of the society responded by explaining the new

417

plan of holding public meetings in several towns of the County,
and stated the pleasure of holding the meeting in this town,
whose inhabitants were noted for their hospitality, learning, in-
tellectual attainments and refinement of life and of thought.

Mr. Harry Griswold presented an interesting paper. He re-
ferred to the numerous unpublished documents, papers and let-
ters in the possession of many families in this vicinity, and read
letters belonging to the ■ Griswold family, written during the
Revolutionary period.

The address of the day was delivered by Mr. Joseph L. Hunt-
ington. In his admirable historical sketch of Old Lyme, he
spoke historically and humorously of the history of Lyme from
its earliest days, touching upon bits of family and individual his-
tory so largely interwoven with that of the town.

Mr. J. R. Warren of North Lyme spoke very acceptably upon
historical items of interest concerning both North and Old
Lyme. During his remarks it was learned that in all probability
North Lyme was the birthplace of the celebrated writer, Mrs.
Lydia Huntley Signourney. Mr. Warren is now collecting facts
and proofs concerning this matter.

Agreeable to a recommendation of the board of directors the
name of Donald G. Mitchell was proposed for honorary mem-
bership.

At 4 o'clock the session was adjourned and all were cordially
invited to an afternoon tea and hospitably entertained by the
reception committee composed of Miss Elizabeth Griswold,
Miss Anna Huntington, Mrs. T. B. Farwell, Miss Augusta Grif-
fin, and Miss L. G. Perkins.

REPORT

THE ANNUAL MEETING,

SEPTEMBER 3, 1901.

The annual meeting of The New London County Historical
Society was held in the rooms of the society in the New London
Public Library building, September 3rd, 1901.

The meeting was called to order by the president, Mr. Ernest
E. Rogers.

The minutes of the board meetings of January 26 and May 23,
1901 were read and approved.

The report of the treasurer, Mr. C. B. Ware, was as follows :

Balance, Last Keport $ 117.58

Receipts ■•■ 194.00

Elisha Turner Bequest 2,425.00

$2,736.58
Expenditures 151.26

$2,585.32

Printing Fund. 109.99

Wintbrop Monument Fund 12.55

$2,707.86

Printing fund, Savings Bank of New London $ 109.99

Wintbrop Monument Fund, Mariners' Bank 12.55

Eli-ba Turner Fund, Savings Bank of New London. . 1,000.00

" " " Mariners' Saviugs Bank 500.00

" " " Stoniugton Savings Bank 500.00

" " " Norwich Savings Bank 5U0.00

Held by Treasurer 85.32

$2,707.86

The report was accepted.

419

The annual report of the secretary was read and approved.

The committee on The Hempstead Diary reported that the
book would probably be ready for distribution before many
months.

The chairman of the Legislative committee, Hon. Robert Coit,
gave his report, regarding the John Winthrop, Jr., statue.

The report was adverse to an appropriation this year from the
Legislature, but the appropriation committee would recommend
the resolution at the next session.

On motion of Hon. George F. Tinker the report was accepted
and the same committee continued to make renewed efforts at
the next session of the Assembly.

On motion of Hon. Robert Coit, the name of Donald G. Mit-
chell was presented for honorary membership.

Miss M. E. Benjamin's resignation as secretary was presented
and accepted.

Hon. George F. Tinker, chairman of the nominating commit-
tee, for officers for the ensuing year, read the ballot.

It was moved that the secretary cast the ballot.

The ballot was so cast, and the list of officers appended were
declared elected.

Mr. Charles B. Ware suggested that the Elisha Turner fund be
set aside, the society using only the interest, until the principal
should be needed for some specific and important purpose.

The suggestion was approved.

The printing of Miss Caulkins' graveyard records was referred
to a special committee to be appointed by the president at some
future time.

The cataloguing of the library was suggested by the president
and considered necessary.

By motion of Hon. George F. Tinker, Miss Mary E. Benjamin
was made a life member for services rendered.

It was then moved to adjourn.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Eddye Benjamin,

Secretary.

OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES

OF THE

NEW LONDON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY,

For the Year Ending September 1st, 1902.

PRESIDENT,

ERNEST E. ROGERS, New London, Conn.

FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT,

FREDERIC BILL, Groton, Conn.

SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT,

JONATHAN TRUMBULL, Norwich, Conn.

THIRD VICE-PRESIDENT,

GEN. JOSEPH G. PERKINS, Lyme, Conn.

SECRETARY,

MISS ELIZABETH GORTON, New London, Conn.

TREASURER,

CHARLES B, WARE, New London, Conn.

ADVISORY COMMITTEE,

Ernest E. Rogers, New London, Conn. John McGinley, New London, Conn.

Hon. George F. Tinker, New London, Conn. Louis D. Mason, M. D., Brooklyn, N. Y.

Charles B. Ware, New London, Conn. 11. Wales Lines, Meriden, Conn.

George W. Goddard, Salem, Mass. Amos Lawrence, M. D., Boston, >h^s.

Hon. Robert Coit, New London, Conn. Ma,}. Bela Peck Learned, Norwich, Conn.

Jonathan Trumbull, Norwich, Conn. Robert P. Keep, Ph. D., Norwich, Conn.

Walter Learned, New London, Conn. .7. Lawrence Chew, New London, Conn.

Frederic Bill, Groton, Conn. Sebastian D. Lawrence, New London, Conn.

Frederic S. Newcomb, New London, Conn. George C. Strong, New London, Conn.

Richard A. Wheeler, Stonington, Conn. Rev. S.Leroy Blake, D. D., New London, Conn.

POBLICATION COMMITTEE,
Charles B. Ware, New London, Conn. Jonathan Trumbull, Norwich. Conn.

Miss Elizabeth Gorton, New London, Conn.

LIBRARY COMMITTEE,

Miss CorneliaW.Chapell, New London, Conn. Miss May Kelsey Champion, NewLondon, Conn.

Lucius E. Whiton, New London, Conn.

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE,
Alfred Coit, New London, Conn. Charles E. White, Groton, Conn.

Walter C. Noyes, New London, Conn. Herbert C. Rathbun, Mystic, Conn.

Burrell W. Hyde, Norwich, Conn. Mrs. Herbert L. Crandall, New London, Conn.

Joseph S. Huntington, Lyme, Conn. Miss Sarah A. Stoddard, New London, Conn.

Charles Griswold Baitlett, Blackball, Conn. Miss Alice Turner, New London, Conn.
Miss Celeste E. Bush, Niantic, Conn. Mrs. Carl J. Viets, New London, Conn.

Miss Lucretia W. Smith, New London, Conn.

AUDITING COMMITTEE,
Lee S. Denison, New London, Conn. George Whittlesey, New London, Conn.

P. Leroy Harwood, New London, Conn.

421

SECRETARY'S REPORT.

Annual Meeting, September 3, [901.

Mr. President and Members of The New London County His-
torical Society :

The report of a secretary ran only be a resume of the same
general affairs year after year. A former secretary, Hon. William
H. Starr, wrote that "New London did not appreciate its own,
nor understand how useful and important this institution wa>
and how increasing in importance, usefulness and interest it
would be to coming generations."

The present year has not been frought with as important events
as the last year, although death has claimed its own, and re-
moved one, who had our interest at heart. This has been es-
pecially evidenced in the bequest of Mr. Elisha Turner of Tor
rington. Conn, (a son of New London) who was always interested
in the days and years of former times.

The secretary is pleased to report that the affairs of the so-
ciety both financially and as regards membership are in better
condition than for years.

The membership was never greater than at present, the reduc-
tion fees for six months bringing in many new members. The
meetings held at Norwich and Lyme awakened new interest.

The membership consists of four honorary members, twenty-
nine life members and one hundred and sixteen annual members.

The contributions of pamphlets, magazines and books from
other societies has been quite as large as usual.

Especial notice might be made of the New York State Library
books most beautifully illustrated of the monuments erected to
Xcw York regiments in the War of the Rebellion, also Journal
of the New York Botanical Garden, Avery Notes and Queries,
Kent Genealogy Records of Marriages, Births and Deaths of
Hanover, Mass.. The Alhambra, The Republic of San Marino
Slater's Telegraphic Code, Webster's Dictionary, Franklin
Arithmetic Zenephon, five French books, Newspaper and Periodi-
cal Press of [884,Dedham Historical Register, publications of The
Rhode Island Historical Society, tin American Xumismatic and
Archealogical Society, Report of Lake Mahonk Conference

422

Clearing Houses, Letters of Ebenezer Huntington, Public Papers
of General Clinton Vol II and III, Report of Commissioner ot
Education, 1898-9, Wyoming Commemorative Association, Ohio
Archealogical and Historical. Society, State Historical Society of
Wisconsin, documents from Smithsonian Institute, Catalogue of
Trinity College, New York at Gettysburg, Catalogue of Yale Uni-
versity, State of Connecticut Public Documents for 1899, f° ur
volumes Story of the Twenty-first Connecticut Regiment Volun-
teers, St. Joseph Kankakee Postage Home Education Depart-
ment of University of Virginia, New York in the Spanish-
American War, Vol. I, II, III., Archealogical Collection of West-
ern Reserve Historical Society, Annual Report of Vineland His-
torical Society, New Hampshire Historical Collection, Vol I.,
Vol. II., Vol. VII., Vol. IX., Vol. X., New Hampshire Historical
Society Proceedings, Truman Leaflets, Connecticut State Regis-
ter, Historic Quarterly, Manchester, New Hampshire, an ebony
easel from Miss Alice Turner, Connecticut Colonial History,
Constitution and By-laws of New York Historical Association,
The West Virginia Historical Magazine, The History of Stony
Point, John Slater Fund, British Invasion of New Haven, Conn.,
Gen. Israel Putnam and Battle of Bunker Hill, By-laws of New
London and Lyme Turnpike Company, etc.

The Hempstead Diary will soon be brought before the public,
its publication having been unavoidably detained.

Another volume of "The Records and Papers of The New
London County Historical Society is being compiled and will be
ready for distribution at an early date. This will be especially in-
teresting, as a tribute to the memory of some of our most valued
members.

The attendance at the rooms has been good and a new interest
seems to have arisen by the meetings held in Norwich and Lyme,
where the members of the society were most courteously re-
ceived.

All of which is respectfully submitted,

Mary Eddye Benjamin,

Secretary.

OFFICERS

OF THE

\m LONDON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY,

For the Year Ending September 1st, 1901.

PRESIDENT,

ERNEST E. ROGERS, New London, Conn.
vice-presidents,
FREDERIC BILL, Groton, Conn.
WILLIAM A. SLATER, Norwich, Conn.
GEORGE C. STRONG, New London, Conn.

SECRETARY,

Miss MARY EDDYE BENJAMIN, New London, Conn.

TREASURER,

CHARLES B. WARE, New London, Conn.

ADVISORY COMMITTEE,

ERNEST E. ROGERS, New London, Conn.
Hon. GEORGE F. TINKER, New London, Conn.
CHARLES B. WARE, New London, Conn.
GEORGE W. GODDARD, Salem, Mass.
Hon. ROBERT COIT, New London, Conn.
WILLIAM A. SLV.TER, Norwich, Conn.
WALTER LEARNED, New London, Conn.
FREDERIC BILL, Groton, Conn.
FREDERIC S. NEWCOMB, New London, Conn.
Hon. RICHARD A. WHEELER, Stonington, Conn.
JOHN McGINLEY, New London, Conn.
LEWIS D. MASON M. D., Brooklyn, N. Y.
H. WALES LINES, Meriden, Conn.
AMOS LAWRENCE M. D., Boston, Mass.
JONATHAN TRUMBULL, Norwich, Conn.
Maj. BELA P. LEARNED, Norwich, Conn.
J. LAWRENCE CHEW, New London, Conn.
SEBASTIAN D. LAWRENCE, New London, Conn.

LIST OF MEMBERS.

New London.
Armstrong, B. L.
Armstrong, Mrs. B. L.
Barns, Charles
Brandegee, Frank B.
Champion, Miss May Kelsey
Chapell, Mrs. R, H.
Chapell . Miss Cornelia Wetmor
Collier, Mrs. Annie C.

* Harris, J.N.
Nelson, A. W., M. D.
Newcomb, Frederic S.
Newcomb, Mrs. Frederic S.
Palmer, Frank L.

Potter, Miss Fannie
Rogers, Ernest E.
Rogers, Mrs. Ernest E.

* Williams, C. A.

Norwich .
Foster, Mrs. L. F. S.

* Huntington, Austin
Osgood, Mrs. F. L.

Groton.
Bill, Frederic
Copp, John J.

LIFE.

Stonington .
Wheeler, Richard A.

Torrington.
•Turner, Elisha

Meriden.
e Lines, H. Wales

Hartford.
Shipman, Nathaniel

New York.
Newcomb, James E., M. D.
Packer, C A.

Brooklyn, N. Y.
Mason, Lewis, M. D.

Boston, Mass.
.Mason, A. L., M. D.

Birmingham, Ala.
•Turner, Charles

Chicago, Ml.
Walker, Mrs. Emeline Tate

New London.
Armstrong, B. A.
Beckwith, Miss Annie E.
Beckwith, Cyrus G.
Belden, Miss Annie

ANNUAL.

Blake, Rev. S. L., D. D.
Bond, Henry R.
Boss Charles D., Jr.
Bragaw, Griswold, M. D.
Butler, Charles W.

425

Cant well, Frank

Chaney, Miss Maria
Chapman, William H.
Chappell, Alfred H.
Chappell, Frank H.
Chappell, Mrs. Hannah
Chew, J. Lawrence
Coit, Alfred
Coit, William B.
Comstock, Mrs. Main M .
Crandall, Herbert L.
Crandall, Mrs. Herbert L.
Crosby, Mrs. Albert W.
Darrow, Mrs. Amelia E.
Dart, M. Wilson
Eakin, Mrs. Mary P.
Farns worth, Frederic P., M.
Fuller, Newton
Gard, Haskell L.
Grint, A. P., Ph. 1).
Harris, Mrs. .J. N.
Harwood, P. LeRoy
Hayes, Robert
Hempsted, Daniel B.
Hopson, John, Jr.
Hovey, Philo
Kingsbury, William
Lockwood, Miss Mary
Manwaring, Wolcott
Mead, Mrs. Constance
Newcomb, James
Noyes, Walter C.
Noyes, Mrs. Walter 0.
Palmer, Elisha L.
Palmer, R. T., Jr.
Peabody, Mrs. Maria
Prince, Miss H. A. E.
Rodman, Mrs. Isabella

Sherman, Mrs. ( laroline
Smith, James
Smith, .Mrs. 1,. W.
Smith, Nathan I).
Stoddard, Miss Sarah
Sturdy, (ieorge A.
Turner. Miss Alice S.
Tyler, A. C.
Tyler, Mrs. A. C.
\'iets, Mrs. ( 'arl J .
Ware, ( 'harles B.
Weaver, Miss Louisa B.
Whittlesey, Mrs. George D.
Whittlesey, George
Whit on. Lucius E.
Williams, George

Norwich.
Avery, Rev. John
Browning, Amos A.
Dillaby, Julian
( iiliuan. Miss Emily L.
Gilman, Miss M. P.
Hyde, Burrell W.
Hyde, Mrs. Burrell W.
Huntington, Miss M. S
Lane, Mrs. Louise G.
Learned, Bela 1".
Norton, Miss M. F.
Olcott, Mrs. William M.
Palmer, George S.
Palmer, Rev. Frank
Porter, George S.
Stanton, J. B.
Turner, Emerson
Trumbull, Jonathan
Woodward, F. L.

426

Groton .
Benjamin, Miss Mary Eddye,
Griswold, Miss Elizabeth
Slocomb, Mrs. C. H.
White, Charles E.

Hartford.
Havemeyer, Mrs. Julia I.
Woodward, P. H.

Mystic.
Barber, O. M., M. D.
Mosier, Mrs. F. E.

Montville.
Baker, Henry A.

Niantic.
Bush, Miss Celeste

Lyme.
Bacon, Miss Anna M.
Clarke, Mrs. Augusta M.
Chadwick, Miss Bertha
Ely, George
Lay, Daniel

Matson, Israel M.
Perkins, Gen. Joseph G

North Lyme.
Warren, J. R.

Blackhall
Bartlett, Charles G.
Griswold, Miss Elizabeth
Griswold, Miss Marion
Lane, Miss Sarah

Torrington.
Turner, Luther G.

New York.
Saltonstall, F. G.

Boston, Mass.
Chester, Walstein R.

Stonington.
Haneox, Miss Lucy A.

St. Paul, Minn.
Wickwire, Arthur M.

HONORARY MEMBERS.

Hartford, Conn.
*Hoadley, Charles J.
*Trumbull, J. Hammond

Boston, Mass.
Briggs, L. Vernon
Dean, J. W.

Buffalo, N. Y.
Hazard, G. S.

Edgewood, Conn.
Mitchell, Donald G.

•Deceased.

< —

•

<
<

Records and

Papers

! OF THE

NEW LONDON

COUNTY

! HISTORICAL

SOCIETY.

<
i

i Part V. vol. II.

< >

< •

< >

< •
<

< ►

< >

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PRICE FIFTY CENTS.

Records and Papers

OF THE

NEW LONDON COUNTY

HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

Part V. Vol. II

EDITED BY THE SECRETARY.

PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY THROUGH THE KINDNESS OF
CHAIRMAN OF LIBRARY COMMITTEE.

New London. Connecticut.
1904.

^\0T-

LiBRARYot CONGRESS
Two CoDies Received

MAY 17 1904
CeDyrleht Entry

CLAS^J CL XXC No.

COPY B

1904.

CONTENTS.

Page.
Jouathan Trumbull, Governor of Conn., 1769-1784, by

Jonathan Trumbull 431

Griswold. Conn., by Daniel L. Phillips 448

Colonel Clark of Lebanon, by Mary Clarke Huntington 457

Highways, Holdings and Landmarks 4n the Ancient Town of

Lyme, by Frederick O. Ernesty 462

A Letter to My Great-Great-Grandmother, by Celeste E.

Bush .... 470

Memories, by Richard A. Wheeler +74

Memoir of Rev. John Avery, by Amos A. Browning 479

Memoir of Rev. Samuel George Willard, by Abby G.

Willard 484

Presentation of Portrait of Hon. LaFayette S. Foster, by

Jonathan Trumbull 490

Acceptance of Portrait, by Ernest E. Rogers 492

Captain Stevens Rogers, by Richard B. Wall 493

Publications of the Society... 502

Reports of Annual and Board Meetings, Nov. 20, 1901 —

Sept. 1, 1903 503

List of Officers and Committees 525

List of Members 526

PUBLICATION COMMITTEE.

Jonathan Trumbull, Elizabeth Gorton, Ernest E. Rogers.

The Act of Incorporation allows the New London County
Historical Society to hold property, and any bequest may be
made for specific purposes, as a fund for permanent building,
for printing, or for the general expenses of the Society.

The form of such bequest is as follows :

I give and bequeath to the New London County Historical

Society, the sum of dollars, the same to

be applied to the fund of said Society, to

be used under the direction of the officers of said Society, for
the purpose named.

Governor Jonathan Trumbull.

JONATHAN TRUMBULL, GOVERNOR OF CONNECTICUT,

1769-1784.

A PAPER BY JONATHAN TRUMBULL OF NORWICH, CONN.

Read before the Society at its Annual Meeting in New London,
September I, 1903,

The origin of the Scottish clan Turnbull may be read in story
and song, and is attested by the still more authentic lines of
the official record, where King Robert the Bruce, in 1315, grants
to "Willielmo dicto TurnebuH" a "reddendo of one broad arrow at
the feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary."

From the researches of Mr. J. Henry Lea, this appears to have
been a grant of land in Philiphaugh, a short distance west of the
Rule, where the peasant afterwards called Turnbull saved the
king from the attack of an infuriated bull, and was for this ser-
vice granted an estate and a coat of arms with the device of three
bull's heads, and the motto Fortuna favet audaci.

Nearly five hundred years after this event Dr. John Leyden
treats the story with a poet's license in his "Scenes of Infancy,"
making of the bull a "bison" with a "yellow lion mane" and
speaking of the peasant as one

"Whose nervous arm the furious bison slew"

by the simple process of wringing its neck and crushing its skull.
But we will allow Dr. Leyden to speak in his own words :

"Between red ezlarbanks, that frightful scowl.
Fringed with grey hazel, roars the mining Pvoull;
■Where Turnbulls once, a race no power could awe,
Lined the rough skirts of stormy Eubieslaw.
Bold was the chief from whom their line they drew,
Whose nervous arm the furious bison slew,
The bison, fiercest race of Scotia's breed,
Whose bounding course outstripped the red deer's speed.

432

By hunters chafed, encircled on the plain,

He frowning shook his yellow lion mane,

Spurned with black hoof in bursting rage thg|ground^,,_f

And fiercely toss'd his moony horns around.

On Scotia's lord he rushed with lightning speed,

Bent his strong neck to toss the startled steed;

His arms robust the hardy hunter flung

Around his bending horns, and upward wrung,

With writhing force his neck retorted round,

And roli'd the panting monster on the ground,

Crushed with enormous strength his bony skull;

And courtiers hailed the man who turned the bull."

From this peasant, mythical though he became, originated the
once powerful Scottish clan of Turnbull, whose deeds, both in
legitimate warfare and in border reiving and ruffianry may still
be read in the old chronicles. The clan was dispersed and broken
up by the summary process of sixteenth century justice and by
neighboring rival clans, some survivors being scattered through
England, and some remaining on. their native heath up to the
close of the seventeenth century, or longer.

A rather ingenious and perfectly reasonable theory of the late
Dr. J. Hammond Trumbull accounts for the corrupted spelling
of the name, by the surmise that the Scotch pronunciation gave
such prominence to the letter r that it first caught the ear of the
scrivener, who, in pursuance of the usual phonetic spelling of the
surnames of the day, wrote Trumbull for Turnbull, and even
went further by spelling the last syllable b-l-e, as it is usually
found in the English and American records of the sixteenth, sev-
enteenth, and the first half of the eighteenth centuries.

In this brief outline, we have all that can be done at present
towards tracing the evolution of the Connecticut patriot Jonathan
Trumbull from the Scotch peasant who founded the rather dis-
reputable clan from which he is supposed to derive his name.
It may also be added in doubtful confirmation of this origin that
we. may find in the Connecticut patriot indications of Scotch te-
nacity of purpose which was doubtless a marked trait of "the man
who turned the bull."

The researches of Mr. J. Henry Lea have, within a few years,
established beyond question, the fact that the emigrant ancestor

433

of Jonathan Trumbull was John Trumble, a cooper of Newcastle-
on-Tyne, who married Ellinor Chandler in 1635, came to this
country in 1639, w ^ tn h* 3 w '^ c an d son -John, and settled in Row-
ley, Mass. This son, baptized at Newcastle-on-Tyne in 1639, had
four sons, one of whom, Joseph, born in 1678, removed to Leb-
anon in the early days of the settlement of that town, where, on
the 12th of October, 1710, his son Jonathan, the subject of this
brief sketch, was born.

A glance at this date shows us that Queen Anne was still on
the throne of England, at a time when the brilliant campaigns of
Marlborough were drawing to a close, and England, satiated and
sickened with war and conquest, was ready and preparing for the
peace of Utrecht and the peaceful and prosperous administration
of Walpole with George I. as the figure on the throne.

The fast-growing population of Connecticut at about this time
had only reached a total of about 25,000 and the town of Lebanon
was in its infancy, having seen but ten years of corporate exist-
ence at the time of Trumbull's birth. A period of prosperity and
development was opening before the little Colony of Connecticut.
For fifty years she had been engaged in a struggle to establish
her rights under the charter of 1662; and those rights, with per-
haps some wrongs, had now been established by the absorption
of New Haven, the fall of Andros, the discomfiture of Fletcher,
and something like a final decision regarding Connecticut's
boundaries, if wc leave the South Sea out of the question. The
absorbing interest of home affairs appears at the time to have
diverted the attention of the mother country from active inter-
ference in the affairs of the American colonies, so that the little
communities of trading farmers composing the towns of Con-
necticut were left comparatively free to direct their own affairs in
frequent town meetings, freemen's meetings, proprietors' meet-
ings and patentees' meetings, with representation in and appeal
to the General Court or Assembly when needed. None the less,
but rather the more, these times called for men of intelligence,
patriotism, energy and devotion. It is the career of one of these
men, who, trained in the political and social school of these
times, forms a conspicuous figure in the history of his State and
his Country, that we are briefly to consider.

434

Of the boyhood of this man but little is positively known. It
was, no doubt, quite similar to the boyhood of many a lad of his
day. His father appears to have been a sturdy, trading farmer,
of whom traditional stories are related showing his independence
of character. He appears to have afforded his son rather unusual
educational advantages for the time. The mother was of a good
family, the Higleys, and is said to have been a women of marked
individuality and high principles. Under the training and influ-
ence of such parents, he grew up in the rich farming lands of
Lebanon, instructed, no doubt, in the arts of agriculture by the
practical methods of the day, which made it no disgrace for a
leading citizen to till his own land, and raise and personally care
for his live stock. At the age of thirteen, we find the boy Trum-
bull sufficiently equipped in Latin and Greek, probably under the
tuition of the Rev. Samuel Welles, to enter Harvard College,
where he was matriculated in 1723. It may be a source of regret
to us of Connecticut that he cannot be counted as one of the sons
of Yale ; but it must be remembered that at this unfortunate
period in the history of Yale, then a college of but twenty-two
years' standing, the institution had not recovered from the shock
occasioned by the alarming conduct of Rector Timothy Cutler,
who had gone over to the Episcopal faith during the previous
year, to the no small horror and amazement of the sturdy Con-
gregationalists of the time.

The age of Trumbull at the time of commencing his college
course is not cited in the expectation of proving him to have been
an infant prodigy. It is better to regard him as a normal product
of his time. His classmate Thomas Hutchinson was his junior
by a year, and though both of these lads may have had a natural
taste for study, the college records of the clay show that their ages
were not much below the age of the average freshman of the time.
From the testimony of his son John, we learn that Trumbull
acquired "a sound knowledge of the Hebrew, as well as the
Greek and Latin languages, and of all the other studies of the
day" and that during his college course, he became "a dis-
tinguished scholar."

It is early in this college course, too, that we find indications of
that deeply religious and devotional spirit which pervaded and in-

435

formed his whole public and private life. In his freshman year,
he became a member of a secret religious organization, whose
simple Articles of Asociation may still be read, breathing a spirit
of deep devotion and Christian charity.

In pursuance of his own choice of a profession, he commenced,
soon after his graduation, the study of divinity under the Rever-
end Solomon Williams of Lebanon, and became in due course a
licensed clergyman. A call was extended to him from the Con-
gregational Church at Colchester, and it was just at this time
that an event occurred which changed the entire current of his
life. His elder brother Joseph, who was associated with his
father in business, was lost at sea. The voyage on which this son
was lost was one of the business enterprises which had been
undertaken by the firm composed of father and son. The father,
then a man of fifty-four, found himself thus bereft of one on
whom he had relied in the active management of a growing busi-
ness. He could only look to his son Jonathan to fill the sad gap
occasioned by the loss of the elder brother.

Thus it came about that the young clergyman of twenty-two
became the young merchant, embarking upon a career which
he pursued, with varying fortunes, for more than thirty years.
There is, probably, no doubt that in declining the call of the
church at Colchester to enter upon a mercantile career, he was
actuated by a sense of duty which led him to sacrifice his own
choice. Five years had now been spent in the study of divinity,
apparently to no purpose. It is just possible, however, that, in
the mercantile customs and usages of his times, such studies
might have a more direct bearing upon a business life than in
our own day. Certain it is that the deep and abiding religious
faith which he espoused during his college course had now be-
come rooted and grounded in his life, to appear subsequently in
many of his official utterances. And if we cannot altogether
agree with some of his interpretations of the dealings oi Provi-
dence, in the light of the constantly changing theology of to-day,
none the less need we respect and revere the calm and unwaver-
ing faith and Christian charity which so conspicuously guided
his career.

There are but few authentic descriptions of the man and his

436

personal characteristics, and though such descriptions only apply
to him at a time when he had reached an advanced age, and
closed an arduous career, we may gather from them some of the
inborn and inbred traits which the young man must have
possessed ; and some slight idea of his personal appearance.

In his Voyages dans V Amerique Septentrionale, the Marquis of
Chastellux, gives some account of two casual meetings with
Governor Trumbull in 1780 and 1781, from the point of view of a
nobleman of the gay court of Louis XVI. He says :

"Another interesting person was then [in 17S0] at Hartford, and I went
to make him a visit; that is, Governor Trumbull, governor par excellence,
for he has been so for fifteen years, having been re-elected every two years,
and having equally enjoyed public esteem under the government of the
English and that of Congress. He is seventy years old, his entire life
is devoted to affairs, which he loves with a passion, whether they be great
or small; or, rather, there are for him none of this latter class. He has
all the simplicity of dress, all the importance and even pedantry which
belong to a great magistrate of a little republic. He reminds me of a
burgomaster of Holland in the days of the Hensiuses and Barnevelts."

A visit to Lebanon about a year later is described by the gal-
lant marquis, in which he mentions the — to him — ludicrous scene
in which the good old Governor pronounces an old-fashioned
blessing at dinner to which twenty French huzzars respond in a
courteous but very insincere Amen. The Due de Lauzun is then
quoted as describing this "little old man" as one who makes
great affairs of small ones, and who seems only happy when
business of some description is at hand. The good marquis is
gracious enough to add these words :

"Thus, in the two hemispheres, excepting only Paris, what is ridiculous
need not exclude aptitude for government; for it is by character that one
governs, and by character also that one is ridiculous."

Turning from a description made in a spirit of national preju-
dice in the light of the greatest possible national contrast, we find
another, still more prejudiced, in the Political Magazine of Lon-
don for January, 1781, where we may read among a mass of
fabrications and libels, actuated by political enmity, the following :

"Jonathan Trumbull, the rebel governor of Connecticut, a man of des-
perate fortune, with an abundant share of cunning, is about five feet, seven

437

inches high, has dark eyes, a Roman nose, sallow countenance, long chin,
prominent forehead, high and hroad check bones, hollow cheeks and short
neck. He is, in person, of handsome figure, and very active."

More reliable, but still very meagre for our purpose, are a few
words in the funeral sermon delivered by the Reverend Zebulon
Ely. He says :

"As a man he possessed the amiable grace of condescending with dignity
— the characteristic of true greatness. He knew how to adapt himself to
persons of the greatest diversity of circumstances and conditions of life.
having learned to please all with whom he conversed to the : r edification.
There was nothing of that magisterial loftiness and ostentatious parade
too often attendant on men of rank and elevated stations in life.

"His temper was uncommonly mild, serene and cheerful; his words
weighty and instructive; his speech rather low, and his whole carriage
graceful and worthy.''

Tribute is also paid to him in this discourse, as a parent, a
kindly neighbor, and as a student of history.

Although more may be learned of his character by inference
through the long public career winch, at the point we have
reached, was opening before the young man, the descriptions I
have quoted, meagre, inadequate and prejudiced though they are,
are important especially in these days when popular biographies
already profess to have given us the "True George Washington"
and the "True Thomas Jefferson."

It requires no stretch of the imagination to go back to a time
fifty years before the e descriptions were written, and picture the
young man of twenty-two as rather below the medium stature,
active, alert and graceful in his movements ; a thoroughly demo-
cratic man of the people, with a pleasant word of greeting, and
with kindly ministrations to his neighbors of high and low degree.
His serious and earnest attention to matters both great and
small, which appeared so ridiculous to the gay Frenchmen of the
time, was doubtless an inborn trait with him, and may also be
noted as a marked trait in the great Washington. It was, no
doubt, with Trumbull, a spirit of indomitable industry, which,
trained in the rough school of a Connecticut colonist and patriot,
was something incomprehensible to the Parisian courtier.
The "abundant share of cunning" of which his British enemies
speak, may without much doubt be found to be the adaptability

438

"to persons of the greatest diversity of circumstances" of which
his pastor speaks. As we glance through his career, too, we
shall find this same characteristic developing into diplomacy in
the best sense of the term, as when, at the opening of the Revo-
lution, he urged the postponement of the trial of the Susque-
hanna case for the reason that nothing should be allowed to
prevent the harmonious relations which should exist between the
colonies at the time.

But we have been obliged to anticipate the career of the
man, too much already, in order to learn with what manner of
man we had to deal at the point in his career where we left him
a few moments ago.

Within a year from the beginning of his business career, his
public career also began; for we find him in 1733, at the age
of twenty-three, elected a deputy from Lebanon to the General
Assembly; again elected annually from 1736 to 1739, in which
year he was, at the age of twenty-nine, chosen Speaker of the
House of Representatives. From this time on, for eleven years,
he was continuously an Assistant, during five years of which time
he was Judge of the County Court for Windham, in addition to
which he was, from 1749 to 1753, Judge of Probate for the dis-
trict of Windham. His membership in the General Assembly
was continued uninterruptedly by his election as Deputy in 1752,
'53, and '54, during two of which years he. was again made
Speaker ; after which he was continuously elected Assistant until
1767, when he was made Deputy-Governor. During these years,
too, he was almost continuously Judge of the County Court of
Windham, and Judge of Probate ; relinquishing the office of
Judge of the County Court in 1766, to take the position of Chief
Justice of the Superior Court, which position he occupied until
his election as Governor in 1769.

During all this period, in addition to his judgeships and his
attendance in the semi-annual and frequent extra sessions of the
General Assembly, he was actively engaged in mercantile pur-
suits ,and conducting a large, increasing and profitable business
up to 1766, when a quick succession of reverses and marine dis-
asters brought failure and financial ruin to himself and his eldest
son Joseph, who was associated with him at the time.

439

At the time of his election as Governor in 1769, we find him a
man of fifty-nine, with a wife and family of six children. In
1735, on the ninth of December, he had married Faith Robinson,
daughter of the Reverend John Robinson of Duxbury. It is
asserted by Trumbull's biographer, Stuart, that she was a great-
grandaughter of the Rev. John Robinson of Leyden. the famous
Puritan leader, but careful researches have always failed to es-
tablish this statement, which appears to have been made by Stuart
without authority. She was, however, a great-great-grand-
daughter of John Alden, the pilgrim.

Of the public services of Trumbull during the period from 1733
to 1769, it is impossible, within the present limits, to speak with
the fullness they deserve. The peaceful times in which his boy-
hood and early manhood were passed, soon gave place to the long
Spanish and French wars of T739 to 1748, and again to the
French war of 1755 to 1763. Like most of the public-spirited
citizens of his day, Trumbull, in addition to his engrossing civil
duties, bore several military commissions during this period. In
1735, he was a Lieutenant; in 1739, a Lieutenant Colonel, and in
1753, Colonel of the Twelfth Regiment of the militia of the Col-
ony. He does not appear to have taken the field during the wars
of the periods covered by his commissions, but we may infer,
from his close attention to other public duties that lie was prompt
and punctual in his attendance upon the numerous trainings and
other duties to which his regiment was called. His early habit
and love of study, his business training, and his natural endow-
ments appear to have fitted him more particularly for the civil
than the military service.

Certain it is that the most insatiable appetite for work, and for
public affairs great and small could hardly ask for more than
was allotted to him during his career as a judge and as a member
of the General Assembly. Referring to the records, it is safe to
say that from T737 to 1767 no member of the General Assembly
was appointed on as many committees or assigned to as many
special duties as he ; from the locating of a meeting-house in New
Concord, which soon became New Discord, Parish in Norwich,
to a membership on the commission to accompany the Governor
to Boston to meet the Earl of Loudoun for conference on war

440

measures. We find his business training frequently turned to
public account by his appointment as auditor of the annual state-
ments of the Treasurer of the Colony ; and his legal lore and liter-
ary talents similarly used by his appointment to revise the laws
of the colony for publication. Twice during this period — in 1756
and 1758 — he was appointed colonial agent to represent Con-
necticut in the court of the home government at London, both of
which appointments, for reasons best known to himself, he de-
clined. It should be noted that his father died in 1756, and that
the new responsibilities which this event entailed upon him may
have made it impossible for him so to adjust his many affairs
public and private as to enable him to make a long residence in
England.

A particularly important case of a purely civil nature was en-
trusted to him in 1753, when, with Roger Wolcott jr., he was
appointed to investigate and report upon the matter of the Span-
ish snow San Jose' y Santa Elena, which vessel had put into New
London in distress, and discharged her cargo at that port. In
some mysterious way, a portion of the cargo and treasure had
disappeared when the time came to reload it. The affair assumed
almost international importance, and upon Trumbull appears to
have devolved the lion's share of the work, which, so far as he
was concerned, was performed with tact and fidelity, giving him
a valuable experience in the school of diplomacy.

Time fails us" to tell in detail of many other commissions, es-
pecially in connection with military affairs, of equal, or greater
importance lhan those to which reference has been made, in all
of which he bore his share of responsibility, and for many of
which he was solely responsible. Suffice it is to say, that his
scholarship, his business ability, his inborn industry, vigor and
diplomacy were, during these thirty years and more, constantly
at the service of his country, giving him a wealth of experience
which formed his equipment for the important duties of Deputy
Governor from 1767 to 1769, and of Governor during the fifteen
momentous years which followed.

We find him, during these thirty years and more of service,
deeply interested in the study of history, especially the history of
Connecticut, and a promoter of every scheme at his command

441

for the enlightenment, education and material benefit of the com-
munity in which he lived. A quaint old document endorsed
"Philogrammatician Covenant," which appears to have escaped
the notice of his careful biographer, Stuart, shows him to have
been, as early as 1739, one of the originators of a library company
in Lebanon after the exclusive fashion of the proprietary libraries
of the day. He was, apparently, too, the originator of market
fairs in Lebanon, and one of the founders of the celebrated school
of Master Nathan Tisdale.

In the course of his official duties in prosecuting the celebrated
Mohegan case and the equally celebrated and complicated Sus-
quehanna case, his indefatigable researches led him to become the
first discoverer of that history which forms a contribution of such
inestimable value to the chronicles of early colonial New Eng-
land, the Journal of John Winthrop, Sen. The first copy of the
only portion of that history then known to exist was made by
himself and his secretary. Another important contribution to
colonial history which he discovered and preserved at about the
same time, and in the same connection, was Lion Gardiner's ac-
count of the Pequot war. From the Trumbull Papers in posses-
sion of the Massachusetts Historical Society, we find that he was
engaged in an extensive correspondence with his cousin, Benja-
min Trumbull, regarding the history of Connecticut written by
the latter, which has served for more than a century as the
standard colonial history of Connecticut. A paragraph in the
preface of this history tells of the assistance and encouragement
which the author received at the hands of his cousin, and makes
appreciative mention of his familiarity with Connecticut history.

These facts are particularly noted here, because they may help
us to explain why this man, at the age of sixty-five, when every
other governor of the thirteen colonies of Great Britain espoused
the cause of their king, stands out in bold relief in history as the
only one who espoused the cause of his country.

Trained as he was by his long career on the bench and in the
General Assembly to a judicial view of affairs, attached as he was
to his native soil through careful study of the history of his com-
monwealth, and through long and arduous service in her behalf;
fortified and animated by a deep and devout conviction of the

442

righteousness of his country's cause, it is to be expected that
such a man as he would do as he did. It was with no uncertain
sound that he uttered his views on the injustice of the stamp act,
and with no uncertain step that he indignantly retired from the
council chamber when Governor Fitch insisted upon taking his
official oath to support this odious measure.

Fixed and unalterable as were his convictions, he still felt it his
duty to use every argument and every means in his power to avert
the conflict which was impending in 1775. His official letters to
the Earl of Dartmouth in March of that year, and to General
Gage on receipt of the news of the battle of Lexington are
models of diplomatic correspondence, waiving no iota of the
rights of American citizens, yet offering every possible and
reasonable expedient to avert the impending crisis. These letters,
written as the result of deliberations of the council, show no
wavering on the part of the governor of his colony ; and though
the letters, or rather, the embassy from Connecticut to General
Gage was severely criticized by Massachusetts at the time, it can
readily be seen that not only Connecticut, but the neighboring
colonies were placed in a better light by the means.

To tell in detail of the duties devolving on the Governor of
Connecticut when once the die was cast and the great struggle
for liberty began is a task very far exceeding my present limits.
Nor is it necessary. History tells the story of the share of Con-
necticut in the American Revolution, though even yet but few,
if any, historians have attached much importance to that story
of quiet, effective altruism. If the time ever comes when the
historian sees more than an army fed, clothed and manned, ready-
made for the purpose of making an interesting story, we shall find
in the index of some future history of the American Revolution
something more than

"Connecticut, number of men at siege of Boston," or

"Trumbull, Governor, on Lord Howe's circular letter,"

which is all we can find regarding these two subjects in the inter-
esting history of the American Revolution written by the late
John Fiske, a man of Connecticut birth.

On the other hand, of the official correspondence of Washing-
ton, selected by Mr. Worthington Ford to fill the fourteen large

443

octavo volumes which he has compiled, the number of letters
from Washington to Trumbull during the Revolution is only
exceeded by the number addressed to General Schuyler, the
difference being but three. Among the Trumbull papers in pos-
session of the Massachusetts Historical Society, two hundred and
fourteen letters from Washington to Trumbull have been found.
All of these two hundred and fourteen letters are now in print, the
Massachusetts Historical Society having published all which do
not appear in the collections of Sparks and in Force's American
Archives.

This correspondence is, practically, all of an official nature, yet it
so reveals the relations between these two men, that it is of the
utmost importance in any view that may be taken of Trumbull's
career. He was, we must remember, at the outbreak of the
Revolution, a man of sixty-five and Washington was then a man
of forty-three; yet from the spirit manifested in the cor-
respondence, it would be difficult to determine which was the
younger of the two, for if ever two leading men were united in
a spirit of self-sacrificing zeal, earnest devotion and steadfast
patriotism, those two men were Washington and Trumbull. The
correspondence begins with a letter of congratulation from the
Governor of Connecticut to the Commonder-in-Chief of the Con-
tinental Army in July, 1775, upon his appointment, and ends with
a letter from Washington to Trumbull's son Jonathan in January,
1784, in which Washington writes :

''Be so good as to present my most cordial respects to t lie Governor, and
let him know that it is my wish that the mutual friendship and esteem
which have been planted and fostered in the tumult of public life may not
wither and die in the serenity of retirement."

The study of this mass of active correspondence with Washing-
ton from 1775 to 1783, is, to a great extent, the study of the most
important part of Trumbull's career. When once the two men
recognized the kindred spirit in one another, the correspondence
grew to free, confidential communications, and careful and cour-
teous discussions of matters pertaining to the public good. The
distressing needs of the army, the dangers of the military situa-
tion, the plans of campaigns, were freely communicated by
Washington to Trumbull. And when those needs and dangers

444

were once made known to him, we know how the call was met
in the little old War-office at Lebanon, and in the old State
House at Hartford, until our State gained the homely but honor-
able title of the Provision State, in the days of the Revolution.

It seems almost trivial in this connection to refer to the origin
of the title "Brother Jonathan" which tradition tells us that
Washington bestowed on Trumbull in speaking of him, and
which the humor of our people has bestowed upon our entire
country, as the national household name for its typical representa-
tive Yankee. I know of no documentary evidence showing that
Washington used this term, beyond the written statement, some
fifty years ago, of a man who had talked with men who said they
knew that this term was used by Washington. It is very easy to
deny the truth of any such old and cherished tradition on the
ground that no documentary evidence is shown which directly
supports it. If we are to deny the tradition of the origin of the
term Brother Jonathan on this ground, many other traditions of
Connecticut history must perish with it, for no documentary evi-
dence appears to tell of the hiding of the charter, the silencing of
Fletcher by the beating of the drums ; or the secret debate on the
Stamp Act in our General Assembly. I confess I am not yet
ready to give up any of these traditions because we do not find
it plainly written down that they are based on facts which actually
occurred. It is not at all probable that Washington would have
placed on record the familiar and significant term brother in
speaking of Governor Trumbull. It was, I think, purely a New
England term, and in common use among our Puritan ancestors
mainly in a spiritual sense during a century before the Revolu-
tion. No doubt Washington found it quaint, and perhaps adopted
it out of deference to the usages of the people; but I hope we
may continue to cling to the Brother Jonathan story.

For the actual record of Connecticut's share, which was, em-
phatically, Trumbull's share in the Revolution, we have only to
turn to the pages of history, and to the public records of the
time, which, thanks to the Connecticut Society of Sons of the
American Revolution, are now partly published, and soon to be
published in full. Stuart, Trumbull's only biographer, has also
given us, in the florid style of half a century ago, a full account

445

of the proceedings of Connecticut at this time. In this biography
we may read something of the cares, burdens and responsibilities
which these stirring, trying times entailed upon the chief magis-
trate of Connecticut. The burden was borne by him almost un-
consciously, notwithstanding his advanced years, because he for-
got himself in the singleness of purpose which actuated and
animated him.

Stuart's biography, while it is a model of careful research,
abounds in eulogy to an extent that T believe would have been
distasteful to the man he eulogizes, for -no man in his day can be
said to have regarded his personal distinction and fame less than
did he. This can be best illustrated by a few words from his
message to the General Assembly of Connecticut regarding the
official title which had been bestowed upon him by enactment in
1777. Thus he speaks of it in his message of the following year :

'"An Act of this Assembly made and passed this time twelve month
ordered the stile of IBs ExcfVency to be given to the Governor of this
State. This savoring too much of High Titles and not beneficial, maj it
not be honorably repealed? It pased without any previous knowledge, ex-
pectation or desire [on my part]. Asking pardon from you and from my
successors, I do sincerch' request its repeal. It is Honor and Happinesa
enough to meet the approbation of Heaven, of my own conscience, and .:f
my Brethren. * * * High sounding titles intoxicate the mind, ingen-
erate envy, and breed disorders in a commonwealth and ought therefore
to be avoided. The true grandeur and solid glory [of the constitution of
Connecticut] do not consist in high titles, splendor, pomp and magnificence,
nor in reverence or ex'terior honor paid to their Governors and Rulers, but
in the real and solid advantage derived therefrom."

Comment upon this message is unnecessary ; it speaks for itself
as the only instance known to me in which Governor Trumbull
refers to his own name and personal distinction, and as such it
goes far towards indicating his character, his self-forgetfulness
and singleness of purpose.

As a result of this characteristic, the close of the Revolution
finds him a toil-worn man of seventy-three, rejoicing in the
triumph of the good cause for which he had sacrificed all his per-
sonal interests ; conscious at last that the infirmities of age had
taken their hold upon him ; conscious also that his financial affairs
were at the lowest possible ebb. At the beginning of the war he

446

gave up entirely such mercantile pursuits as he was engaged in,
much as he needed the revenue to be derived from any outside
source, to repair the sad condition in which his failure, some
eight vears before, had involved him. From his own letter to his
son John, then in England, we learn that he had in April, 1785,
"received but two half-year's salaries since the beginning of our
contest with Great Britain." The sum of three hundred pounds,
then, was all that the State of Connecticut contributed towards
the expenses of its Governor for about ten years. From his own
meagre resources he supplied the large additional amount needed
for the current expenses and disbursements of his office during
this long period, declining, even in his need, to draw upon the
public treasury, whose funds were so constantly exhausted for the
general good.*

Another loss which the war entailed upon him — a loss which
cannot be counted in money — was the death of his eldest son
Joseph, first Commissary General of the Continental Army, who,
as his tombstone records, "fell a victim to the cares and fatigues
of his office," as bravely and as truly a victim as the soldier who
falls in the forefront of battle. A man like-minded to his father,
he took upon himself a burden which no man, conscientiously true
to duty as was he, could bear. The only record which I have
found of the Governor's absence from a meeting of the Council
of Safety, is on the day of the funeral of this son. His other
sons, too, were true patriots, and active in the service of their
country, though in less exacting positions.

At the October session of the General Assembly in 1783, Gov-
ernor Trumbull presents to that body an address which he im-
pressively calls his "last advisory legacy." In this address, re-
ferring to the fact that seventy-three years of his life had been
completed, fifty-one years of which had been spent continuously
in the public service, he says :

"Impressed with these sentiments of gratitude and felicitation — review-
ing the long course of years in which, through various events, I have had
the pleasure to serve the state — contemplating, with pleasing wonder and
satisfaction, at the close of an arduous contest, the noble and enlarged
scenes which now present themselves to my country's view — and reflecting

*Im presenting his accounts, he says that rather than to have pressed his clailUS during
the exigencies of war, he would have been satisfied to have *' lost them forever."

447

at the Bame lime on my advanced Btage of life— a life worn out almost in
the constant cares of office— I think it my duty to retire from the busy con-
cerns of public affairs; that in the evening of my days, I may sweeten
their decline, by devoting myself with less avocation, and more attention,
to the duties of religion, the service of my Cod. and preparation for a
future* happier state of existence; in which pleasing employment I shall
not cease to remember my country, and to make it my ardent prayer that
heaven will not fail to bless her with its choice favors."

It would be interesting to repeat in this connection the wise
and patriotic views which he takes of the critical period of our
national history which was opening at this time — views regarding
the needs and powers of the general government with which
many of his contemporaries did not agree, but which, within the
few remaining years of his life he had the satisfaction of seeing
fully carried out. so far as Connecticut was concerned.

Remaining firm in his refusal to continue in his office, though
urged by many to withdraw this refusal, he was enabled, in May,
1784, to enjoy the much needed rest and retirement which he had
craved. He was succeeded in office by the Honorable Matthew
Griswold, a man who for the previous thirteen years had been
associated with him as Deputy Governor and member of his
Council.

After a little more than a year of this retirement, during which
time he had continued in apparent good health and vigor for a
man of his years and burdens, he was attacked by a fever which
in ten days' time ended his long, busy, useful career, mercifully
sparing him the long, gradual wasting of physical and mental
power which so often renders the last years of life a burden to the
sufferer. He died on the 17th of August, 1785, in the town of his
birth, Lebanon. Here still stands the house in which he lived,
and the War Office, where some eleven hundred meetings of the
Council of Safety were held. This latter building is now the
property of the Connecticut Society of Sons of the American
Revolution, and is occupied as a free public library bearing his
name. The house remains well cared for, under private owner-
ship. The family tomb in the old Lebanon burial ground marks
his grave. Here, among the peaceful hills and valleys of his
birthplace, "he rests from his labors, and his works do
follow him."

GRISWOLD, COXN.

A PAPER BY DANIEL L. PHILLIPS OP JEWETT CITY, CONN.

Read before the Society at its Mid-Winter Meeting in Norwich,
January 1 5, 1902.

Griswold is bounded on the north by Plainfield, east by Vol-
untown, south by Preston and west by the Quinebaug river, and
contains about thirty-two square miles. Through its center
flows the Pachaug river, a crooked stream of muddy water, fur-
nishing much power for mills. Upon this stream are strung its
villages : first, a goodly slice of Voluntown ; then, little Glasgo
with its yarn mills and the abundant life which belongs to it ; next
comes the pretty, quiet hamlet of Pachaug whose post office is
called Griswold ; then Hopeville, once thriving, now in ruins ; and
last, the borough of Jewett City, busy and ambitious, where the
Ashland Cotton Company and the Slater Mills on the Pachaug,
and the new Aspinook Mills on the Quinebaug furnish em-
ployment for the majority of its citizens. This is the commercial
center of the town and contains two-thirds of its population.

Griswold is a comparatively new name for this territory, it hav-
ing been incorporated as a town and given that name as late as
1815. Previous to that time it was known as the Second or North
Society, Preston, which in turn was made up of the north part
of the town of Preston incorporated as an ecclesiastical society
in 1716, and enlarged in 1787 by a narrow strip of land the whole
length of its west side, between it and the Quinebaug river. This
strip was set off from Norwich to Preston at that time.

Long before the first white settler had established himself
here, this land had been a favorite home of the Indians. The
place of their graves is still to be found, and the soil still yields
up their weapons of war and chase. A few Indian names
of particular localities may be found in the early records.

449

one of which, Pachaug, is still in common use. It belongs
to that part of the town where the Pachaug river makes
surprising loops and turns, and means "turning place."
Both land and river are named from that peculiarity. When
the fierce Pequots were almost annihilated by Mason
in 1637 this land was among the spoils of conquest, but the
Mohegan claimed it as his own. A few years later the Connecti-
cut colony obtained the title by purchase, and grants of farms
were made to a few of its citizens. In 1666 the General Court, in
pity for the remnant of the homeless Pequots, decided to give
them Pachaug, and only a few claims already granted its citizens
saved it from becoming an Indian reservation.

It was probably not far from 1680 that the first actual settlers
came here. The Mohegan still claimed it as his own and again
sold it to the white man. Tradition tells us of fierce conflicts to
death between the settlers and wandering Indians, but in general
they lived together in peace. Of all the names of the aboriginal
inhabitants, that of Ouatchiak, an aged Pachaug Indian, who
helped to point out the bounds of the Mohegan claims, alone
survives.

The first settlers came mostly from the nearby settlements, and
were, one in mind with them. But the exodus which followed the
frenzy of the witchcraft mania in 1692 in eastern Massachusetts
brought in another element. There came from Salem and its
neighboring t^wns, many families of settlers. With the memory
of the horrors they had witnessed stamped upon their minds, the
peace and quiet of Pachaug must have been indeed a blessed
"turning place" in their experience. They brought with them a
chastened faith in God, and a haunting dread of a religious frenzy.
About one-half the constituent membership of the church,
founded here in 1720. was made up from these families, and it
seems probable that the character of the church was shaped by
their influence during its plastic years. For more than a century
this church was the controlling influence in the society, having
in all that time but three pastors — Hczekiah Lord, Levi Hart
and Horatio Waldo — all Yale graduates, and there is no record
of dissensions. When the excitement of the Great Awakening
and the trouble that followed divided almost every church in

450

this region into two parties — in nearly every parish in Eastern
Connecticut a Separatist Church arose — the church at Pachaug
stood alone untroubled.

For many years this church ranked in wealth, and influence,
and progress with the strong churches of the Commonwealth.

It was during this period in 1770 that the society was laid out
into eleven school districts, which layout is the basis of our
present district system. About 1772, by the raising Of a fund of
some five thousand dollars by voluntary contributions for the
support of the minister, religion was practically freed from the
secular power. This was an example for the neighboring
churches, which was followed some years later both by Norwich
and by Preston. But toward the end of the first century of this
church, new conditions arose and it lacked the flexibility to adapt
itself to them. Up to this time the industries of the community
had been largely agricultural. Here and there mills were built
to grind the grain and saw the lumber for the needs of the little
community, and its sons and daughters were content to remain
in the neighborhood in which they were born.

The War of the Revolution was the first shock to disturb the
even tenor of this community. That the society was intensely
loyal, the records plainly show, not only in resolutions setting
forth their views, but in furnishing supplies and men. From this
little parish of perhaps a thousand souls, probably one hundred
and fifty men went forth, in rank from the minute man to the
general commanding a brigade, and of these seventeen died in
the service.

Many of the graves of these soldiers of the Revolution have
been identified, but not one old gravestone bears any record of
service in the war, so common and so plain a duty was it held
to be to serve one's country.

With the new world of thought and life that came with the
war, great changes were wrought in the population, and to fill
the places of those who went away, came others who were not
in sympathy with the old church. Of these, the most important
factor, and the one which has most impressed itself upon our his-
tory was the Rhode Islander.

From the beginning Rhode Island had been a butt for the sar-

451

castic wit of the Standing- Order. The learned and pious Cotton
Mather must have his joke on the variety of its religions when he
said "If any one has lost his religion he will be sure to find it in
Rhode Island." It was rare sport a hundred years later when the
first Timothy Dwight, while complaining of its poor roads, gave
as the cause that "the people of Rhode Island despised the people
of Connecticut and called them slaves because they supported an
established church and paid toll on turnpike roads ; a freeborn
Rhode Islander would never submit to be priest-ridden or ride
on turnpike roads/' Their ministers and their churches, their
independence and their poverty, their clownish manners and their
lack of schools, were all objects of ridicule and contempt. They
were accounted ignorant and vicious, and as a crowning indignity
their state was pointed out by some as missionary ground. But
the Rhode Islander, with all his peculiarities, had a royal spirit,
an honest ambition, and a love for work. The poverty of his
native soil forced him to seek more abundant returns for his
labor. He coveted this goodly land of Griswold — its fertile soil,
the unused power of its streams, and the advantages of its schools.
He came as a farm laborer, a mill operative, a small proprietor,
and in such humble ways he set about its peaceful conquest. He
brought with him an intense individuality, a mystical faith in
God (oftener latent than active) and his own habits of life. Small
wonder that his reputation had preceded him, that when he
ignored the sacred customs that he found here, and boldly tried
to establish his own, that the descendant of the Puritan should
groan in spirit and say. fervently, "Anything but a Rhode
Islander." Nor is it a matter of surprise that in view of his own
prejudices in regard to religious affairs in Connecticut and his
knowledge of what they thought of him, that the old church at
Pachaug should repel, rather than attract him.

But in secular affairs, this infusion of new blood was followed
by new life. Agriculture flourished. Besides the home demand
for provisions and live stock, new markets were opened in the
West Indies. Farms brought fabulous prices. The water power
which had turned the wheels of grist mills now began to be used
for factories. On the banks of the Pachaug, near its union with
the Quinebaug, Eleazer Jewett before the war had erected a saw

452

mill, and later a grist mill, and here sprang up a little hamlet
known as Pachaug City. Then other mills were started ; first a
fulling mill, then a carding mill, and the place began to be known
in honor of its founder, who was also its genial tavern keeper,
as Jewet's City. To add to our meagre knowledge of this man,
we have in the diary of President Stiles, under date of September
18, 1788, describing a journey to Newport, the following:

"Rode to Jewet's in Preston. Mr. Jewet was first a Congre-
gationalism then a Separate, a Baptist, a Sep. Baptist, a Quaker,
lastly and now a Universalist ; a mutable, good, honest, rich man."

The bitter political strife in Connecticut during the war of 1812
was shared by Pachaug Society. One who was an eye-witness
has told us that here "the school boys pulled hair and the men
drew swords'' over the political questions of that day.

But the federal majority was large and the prevailing senti-
ments were those of the "Hartford Convention." Its active par-
ticipation in the war consisted mostly in furnishing militia to
guard the neighboring shores.

About this time a petition from the society, stating the incon-
veniences endured in the transaction of public business by the
people of the town of Preston, on account of the extent of its
territory, and praying to be incorporated as a town, was presented
to the General Court. In 181 5 the prayer was granted. The
new town was named after Gov. Roger Griswold, who died in
office in 1812, and whose refusal to furnish troops at the call of the
President had endeared him to his party. So the society became
a town, and another Vote swelled the federal majority in the Gen-
eral Assembly. It was probably at this time that the older por-
tion of the town was called by those not in sympathy with its
religion or its politics, "Blue Pachaug."

From the close of the Revolutionary War the need of a church
for those outside the influence of Pachaug had been vital. From
1786 to 1825 Baptists, Episcopalians and Congregationalists had
tried to reach this class in Jewett City.

The Congregationalists in 1825 succeeded in founding a church
there, but failed to reach many besides their own people. An
Episcopal Church, irregularly organized in 1814 by Ammi
Rodgers, a man of great natural gifts, sanctimonious and fascinat-

453

ing, arose to a high pitch of popularity. But Rodgers, already
under the ban of his bishop for gross immorality, soon returned
to such flagrant vices that in two years he had destroyed his in-
fluence, landed himself in prison, and prejudiced the public mind
against the Episcopal Church for many years.

The majority of those outside of the old church inclined
towards the Baptists. In 1786 a Baptist church, called the Pres-
ton and Canterbury church, was established in Jewett City and
long maintained an existence, but intense individuality and dif-
ferences in doctrine worked its ruin. Meanwhile the latent mysti-
cism of this people, which had manifested itself in visions and
ghostly visitations, and spells of fervid religious interest, through
lack of spiritual leadership, degenerated into something like
superstition, and wickedness abounded.

In the spring of 1840 another effort was made by a few devoted
souls to establish a Baptist Church. Benajah Cook, a man full of
faith and intense zeal, became their leader. One of the little
band who had the work at heart, claimed to have seen in a vision
the one whom God would send to lead his people, and, one day.
seeing this stranger in the village, cried out, "That is the man,"
and so he was looked upon from the first as one especially
sent of God. Mainly through his efforts a church was established
which grew in membership in a few years to about two hundred
and fifty. The most intense enthusiasm and the most rigid dis-
cipline characterized his work. Persecutions and insults were
heaped upon him. Slandered, threatened, hanged in effigy, he
did not falter. At last many of the church, wearied by the ex-
hausting strain upon their energies, and his iron rule, became
restive and unruly. The tide of his work seemed to recede. And
now, worn out by labors and heart-broken by his seeming fail-
ure; disease took fast hold upon him and he died. Then his
people realized what he had accomplished for them and for the
community in morals and religion, their zeal revived, and the
church he founded became permanent.

The period between the War of 1812 and the War of the Re-
bellion was not noted for great gains in population. It was rather
a continuation of the experiment of establishing small mills and
began a change from an agricultural to a manufacturing town.

454

Perhaps twenty little mills were started during this period. But-
tons and hats, twine and hardware, woolen and cotton goods
were manufactured. A few of these industries deserve a word in
passing. There was Deacon Dabney's hat shop in Pachaug,
where men's and boys' hats were made in different sizes, stiff,
tall, white, one style for all ; the button mill in Jewett City, where
bones could be exchanged for buttons ; the woolen mills at Hope-
ville, where material was gradually cheapened and manipulated
until the product of cotton waste and woolen rags resembled
(in appearance only) the finest broadcloth ; and the triphammer
shop in the southeast part of the town, where iron was wrought
into useful tools. Here Isaac Glasko, a negro, established him-
self early in the century and turned out axes, hoes, and other
tools for the farmers, and harpoons, spades and lances for the
whaling industry. These last were sold in the principal whal-
ing ports of New England, and the shape and temper of these
tools became favorably known among whalemen. On the spot
once occupied by this shop stands the Glasgo Yarn Mills, and this
little village is named in Glasko's honor. It was during this
period also that the cotton mills in Jewett City, now in active op-
eration, and the Doane Mill on the Griswold side of Voluntown,
now owned and occupied by the Briggs Manufacturing Com-
pany, were established.

No historic sketch of Old Griswold would be complete with-
out mention of the remarkable intellectual life which once cen-
tered in Pachaug — a life which owed its existence largely to one
man. Dr. Levi Hart, the second pastor of the Pachaug Church.
Levi Hart came to Pachaug in 1762 at the age of twenty-four,
fresh from the schools where he had won an enviable reputation.
His qualities of mind and heart at once endeared him to his
people, and throughout his entire pastorate of forty-six years he
was in the highest sense their pastor and teacher. His great
abilities made him known all over New England. A popular
preacher and eminent councillor among the troubled churches,
instructor in theology to some of the brightest young divinity stu-
dents in Connecticut, one of the founders and editors of the
Connecticut Evangelical Magazine, trustee of Dartmouth Col-
lege, and of Yale, always in touch with the most advanced

455

thought, remarkably sound in judgment, the intimate friend of
Dr. Bellamy and Dr. Hopkins and President Stiles, he can be
ranked among the men who shaped and quickened public opinion
in Connecticut in that age. He is best known today by that ser-
mon on Liberty, preached by him before the freemen of Farming-
ton, his native town, in I774> which is treasured as one of the
first and most famous utterances against slavery ever made in
Connecticut.

To the people of his own parish he dedicated his best gifts.
Through all his long pastorate his ability and personality had at-
tracted men to his parish and church. He had taught them his
own high thoughts and worked them out in the problems of
their daily life, and it came to pass that their ideals were modeled
therefrom, so that when he died the community took up his work
and he lived again in their children. From those old families
whom he had taught, and that intellectual atmosphere which he
had created, there came a body of men who attained national
reputation.

Among these men were George D. Prentice, poet and jour-
nalist, founder of the Louisville Journal; Henry B. Stanton, law-
yer and journalist, famous in the anti-slavery cause ; his brother,
Robert L. Stanton, D. D., an able writer and teacher, and a
leader in the Presbyterian Church ; Charles Fdwards Lester, who
held many high offices, but is best known as a writer of many
books; Dr. Daniel Coit. physician and philanthropist; Nathan
Belcher, presidential elector at large for this state in '52, member
of Congress from this district in '53 ; Professor Moses Coit Tyler,
whose monument is his History of American Literature; Presi-
dent William J. Tucker of Dartmouth and Judge Henry B.
Brown of the Supreme Court of the United States. And there
came also an enduring public sentiment which, uniting the
political and religious factions on this common ground, and
working together with the school system which he had developed,
continued to send out for more than half a century those who
filled important places in the world.

Griswold since the Civil War has changed much. The popula-
tion that was nearly all of New England stock, is now made up of
the varied nationalities of the world. The numerous little mills

45G

with small capital have given place to a few large and wealthy
corporations. Its population and wealth have almost doubled.
Its numerous churches, its libraries, its public buildings, and its
public schools are sharply in contrast with the meagre equip-
ments of the past. The descendants of the sturdy New Engend-
ers, while still strong in the villages and on the farms, are grad-
ually giving way to foreigners, but the influences which have
brought about the perfect assimilation of the emigrants from
Salem and Rhode Island, will assimilate the various nationalities
now within her borders.

COLONEL CLARK OP LEBANON.

PAPER BY MISS MARY CLARKE HUNTINGTON OF LEBANON, CONN.,

Read before the Society at its Mid- Winter Meeting in Norwich,
January 15, 1902, by Colin S. Buell.

Overlooking a fine sweep of hills in the town of Lebanon,
Conn., is a house with which are connected some interesting
associations. It is the old Clark homestead, built in 1708, where
was born James Clark, the subject of this sketch.

James Clark is recorded as baptized September 20, 1730. His
name appears upon the town records in various land grants while
he was yet a young man, and he was given several town offices,
being Grand Juror in 1772. When in 1775, came the Lexington
alarm he mustered a company of a hundred men and marched to
the scene of action. He took part in the battle of Bunker Hill,
and over and over told the story of that great battle to his great
grandchildren, of whom my father was one, as they clustered
about him before the open fire in "grandfather's room" at the old
Clark homestead. I give a bit of the old soldier's talk as it was
given to me, a little child, sitting upon my father's knee, as he so
many years before had sat upon the knee of the old soldier:

"Yes, yes, my boys and girls, it was a wonderful fight ! The
hundred men who with me had made the march from Lebanon
to Charleston Neck in three days were brave fellows, every one.
We were sent to help hold the Hill, but the men in the redoubt
were so nearly out of powder that we could only cover their re-
treat. We kept back the redcoats, though. And everywhere at
once was General Putnam, shouting and swearing through the
smoke and noise, and urging the Connecticut companies to hold
their ground so long as possible. He was a little man, but a big
soldier. Yes, yes, my boys and girls, it was a wonderful fight.
Not one step did we retreat until our ammunition was gone. And

458

then our little General shouted : 'Are the Yankees cowards?'
And we shouted with him."

A "History of Connecticut," written by Elias B. Sandford, and
published in 1889, gives reference to Captain Clark in the chapter
upon "The Battle of Bunker Hill": "Putnam saw that he must
have reinforcements and a fresh supply of ammunition if he held
his position. It was at this moment that three companies from
Connecticut, in command of Captains Chester, Clark, and Coit,
crossed the Neck and advanced up the Hill. With them was

Major Durkee, of Stamp Act fame The brave men within

the redoubt had only a few charges of powder left. When these
were expended they still attempted to hold their ground, but it
was impossible. With sad heart Prescott sounded the retreat. As
the Americans fell back Putnam called to them to rally and make
another stand against the enemy ; but, with their ammunition ex-
hausted, they could only retreat. The Connecticut troops, that
had just arrived on the ground, were eager for service, and Put-
nam ordered them to cover the retreat so far as possible. With
steady aim they poured volley after volley into the British ranks."

"A History of the Battle of Bunker's Hill," a monograph by
George B. Ellis, published in 1875, says: "It was only
when the redoubt was crowded by the enemy and the de-
fenders in one promiscuous throng, and fresh assailants
were on all sides pouring into it, that Prescott, no less,
but even more a hero when he spoke the reluctant

word, ordered a retreat A longer struggle would have

been folly, not courage While such was the issue at

the redoubt, the left wing, under Putnam, aided by some rein-
forcements which had arrived too late, was making a vigorous
stand at the rail fence. But the retreat at the redoubt compelled
the resolute defenders to yield with slow and reluctant haltings,

as their flank was opened to the enemy The last resistance

at the rail fence was of the utmost service, as it prevented the
enemy from cutting off the retreat of the provincials."

"The Record of Connecticut Men in the War of the Revolu-
tion," published by the State of Connecticut, states as follows,
Page 15, Lexington Alarm List: "James Clark, Captain,
served 9 days."

459

Page 53, Continental Regiments, 1775: "Third Regiment,
General Putnam's. Regiment raised on first call for troops by
the General Assembly at special session of April-May, 1775. It
was recruited in Windham County, with one company from New
London County, as indicated by the residence of the officers.
Marching in May by companies to the camps formed around Bos-
ton, it was stationed during the siege in Putnam's Centre
Division at Cambridge until expiration of term of service, De-
cember 10, 1775. In July is was adopted as Continental. A de-
tachment of the officers and men were engaged at Bunker Hill,
as stated in the note on the battle."

Page 58, Note on Battle of Bunker Hill : "Reinforcements
from the American Camp arrived both before and during the
battle. Among these were the whole or portion of at least three
companies of Connecticut troops, Captain Chester with perhaps
sixty men, and Captains Clark and Coit also arrived." Among
the Connecticut officers mentioned as present in the action are
General Putnam, in general command ; Major Durkee, Captains
Chester, Clark and Coit ; Lieutenants Dana. Keyes, Hyde, Webb,
Grosvenor, Bingham (of Norwich), and Ensigns Hill and Bill
(of Lebanon).

Page 56, Sixth Company: "James Clark, Captain, Lebanon.
Commissioned May 1st. Engaged at Bunker Hill. Discharged
Dec. 18th, '/S- Re-entered service in 1776."

Page 398, Third Battalion Wadsworth Brigade. Colonel Sage.
1776: "Battalion raised June, 1776, to reinforce Washington at
New York. Served in New York City, and on L. I. Caught in
the retreat from the city Sept. 15th, and suffered severe loss. En-
gaged at Battle of White Plains Oct. 28th. Time expired Dec.
25. '76." Eirst Company, Captain James Clark.

Page 399, List of Company. Page 436, Twelfth Regiment
composed of companies from Lebanon and Hebron: " Major
Jam^s Clark, Lebanon, Captain'" Promoted Major, Dec, '76."

So bravely and well did Captain Clark fight at Harlem Heights
and White Plains that he came home with Major changed to
Colonel — an honorary title bestowed upon him at the expiration
of his term of service, and as Colonel he was known to all his
townsfolk afterward.

460

In "Reminiscences of Lebanon," written by "Grace Green-
wood" (Sarah Jones Clark, a great niece of the Colonel, born and
brought up in Lebanon, and who married the brother of J. B.
Lippincott, publisher of Lippincott's Magazine) reference is made
to a pathetic incident in the Colonel's life. It tells how, as he
rode into Lebanon on the white warhorse that he retained for so
many years afterward, he saw a funeral procession winding into
Torrey Hill cemetery, and while he was so glad in his return,
anticipating the welcome of wife and children at the old home-
stead, his heart went out the more readily to such of his townsfolk
as had met with loss. It was long since he had heard from home
— for the usual slow methods of communication were often inter-
rupted in those times of war — and wondering whom death had
taken, he turned his horse and rode after the procession. He
heard the "Dust to dust and ashes to ashes!" Then, as he drew
nearer, the people fell back with strangely startled faces — and he
saw that it was his wife who knelt weeping beside the grave of
their little twin daughters.

At the time of the laying of the corner stone of Bunker Hill
monument, the year before his death, when he was ninety-five, a
special escort was sent from Boston to accompany him, as one of
the survivors of the battle, to the spot where he had helped to
hold the British in abeyance. His picture, taken at this time,
shows him to have been a hale old man, and the papers of the
day chronicled his threading a cambric needle at the request of a
lady who was curious to know how well the veteran had retained
his natural sight. He was treated as a distinguished guest of the
occasion, and "The History of New London County" mentions
that Lafayette, Who visited Lebanon during the war, especially
noticed Colonel Clark, and upon being told what part he had
taken in that great battle went up to him, and kissing him after
the fashion of French impulsiveness, said : "You wass made of
good stoofe!"

In addition to my father's reminiscences are others, given by
aged residents of the town. One, a bent old man, told of having
seen Colonel Clark but once, "and then he was riding like a
streak !" Another, a woman whose years bordered on a century,
answered my questions with : "Oh, yes, I remember the old

4G1

Colonel. I can see him now just how he looked, riding fast and
very erect. He often passed our house in going to visit his
daughter-in-law, and once he spoke to me — a little thing, tottling
about the roadside as very young children will. He always rode
a very spirited horse, and sat his saddle like a soldier. My father
took me to his funeral. Tt was a great occasion, for he was buried
with military honors. The guns fired over his grave frightened
me." Another old lady chattered of how her father and mother
had driven to Bunker Hill to witness the laying of the corner
stone of the monument. "And Colonel Clark was there. La-
fayette went up and kissed him. There was a long piece about it
in the papers at the time. I shall never forget what my mother
told me about it, for she showed me the dress she wore — and
she felt so badly because she got some wheel grease on the
front breadth."

The old Clark homestead, no less stanch than when the settlers
raised its oaken timbers in 1708, overlooks the Lebanon hills to-
day as when the little boy who was destined to take so worthy a
part in his country's struggle for freedom played about the cob-
webbed attic. It was here that he said goodby to wife and
children as he went away to war ; it was here that he lived after
wife and children were laid to rest, and the children of his grand-
daughter, Nancy Clark Huntington, romped about him ; it was
here that he looked for the last time over the hills he loved
so well.

At the time of his death he was the oldest resident in town.
His gravestone in the old Torrey Hill cemetery bears the follow-
ing inscription :

"To the Mem orj' °f

COL. JAMES CLARK

Who died on the 29th of Dec.

1S26,

Aged 9C years & 5 mos.

He was a soldier of the Revolution and

dared to lead where any dared to follow.

The battles of Bunker Hill, Harlem Heights and White Plains

witnessed his personal bravery., and his devotion to the cause of his

country. He here in death rests from his labors."

HIGHWAYS, HOLDINGS AND LANDMARKS IN THE
ANCIENT TOWN OF LYME.

A PAPER BY FREDERICK O. ERNESTY OF EAST LYME, CONN.

Read before the Societv at its meeting in Niantic, June 5, 1902.

Upon the 20th of April, 1662, King Charles II. granted the
Colony of Connecticut his letters patent, conveying the most
ample privileges, under the great seal of England. It ordained
that John Winthrop, John Mason, Samuel Wyllys, Henry Clark.
Matthew Allen, John Tapping, Nathan Gould, Richard Treat,
Richard Lord, LIcnry Wolcott, John Talcott, Daniel Clarke, John
Ogden, Thomas Welles, Obadiah Bruen, John Clarke, Anthony
Hawkins, John Deming, and Matthew Canfield, and all such-
others as then were, or should afterwards be admitted and made
free of the corporation, should forever after be one body corporate
and politic, in fact and name, by the name of the "Governor and
Company of the English Colony of Connecticut, in New England
in x\merica." They were capacitated, as persons in law, to plead
and be impleaded, to defend and be defended, in all suits what-
soever. To purchase, possess, lease, grant, demise, and sell lands,
tenements, and goods, in as ample a manner as any of his
majesty's subjects or corporations in England. The charter or-
dained that there should be annually two General Assemblies —
one holden on the second Thursday in May, and the other on the.
second Thursday in October. This was to consist of the Gover-
nor, Deputy Governor, and twelve assistants, with two deputies
from every town or city. John Winthrop was appointed Gover-
nor and John Mason, Deputy Governor, and the other gentlemen
named, magistrates until a new election should be made. On
the following ninth of October, 1662, John Winthrop was elected
Governor, and John Mason, Deputy Governor. Twelve magis-
trates were also elected. John Talcott was Treasurer and Danl,
Clark, Secretary.

4G3

Whenever a company of people decided on starting or found-
ing a new town, they organized and applied to the Assembly
for a grant of land ; this would be given them, and they, as "Gen-
tlemen Proprietors," divided it among themselves, setting aside
a certain part for the support of the ministry. They could admit
others to the company if they chose.

The "Proprietors" of the ancient town of Lyme, which covered
an area of about eight miles along shore, to sixteen miles north-
ward, were Griswolds, Lays, DeWolfs, Chadwicks, Champions,
Brockways, Lees and others.

Among the earliest transactions of the Lyme proprietors we
find, in looking over the old town records of Lyme, which are
kept at the town clerk's office of Hamburg, that on

April S. 1064. a house and 15 acres of land east of Connecticut river was
sold 1o John Comstock of Lyme.

This next transaction I give verbatim as it appears on the rec-
ords ; rather a peculiar description, therefore interesting:

Dec. 24, 1064. "We whose name* are underwritten, being appointed by
the inhabitants of Saybrook, on the east side of the river to lay out a parcel
of land for Mathew Becket, Sr., of 50 or TO acres of land lying at head
of Nehantick river, above the path 300 rods in length at the river running
down the midst, being bounded with the skirts of the upland east and ">
acres below (lie path southward, bound by the highway nearest, and the
skirts of the bills the other three ways.

Mathew Griswold.

William Waller."

Sept. 23, 1682. "Layd out to Nathaniel Beeket at Nehantiek Plain where
his now dwelling house stands, ten acres of upland, be it more or less,
bounded every way with the Common; at the southwest corner a young
white oak tree marked, and the northeast corner with a white oak tree
marked, and the other two corners with stakes."

The very oldest settler was this Nathaniel Becket. and it would
be of interest to us all if anyone could locate this property and
tell us who were his descendants.

July 13, IT 10. Ceo. Criswold sold a tract of his salt meadow in Black
Hall for £30, to John Griswold.

On Sept. 24, 1716, John Griswold deeded to George Griswold "One half
in quantity and by measure of his feeding pasture in ye town of Lyme,
known by "the name of the great pasture, otherwise known and called by

4G4

the name of 'ye stony poynt pasture' and the same to be held for heirs
from generation to generation."

"Stony Poynt" is probably what is now known as "Rock-
neck Hill."

May 10.. 1721. "Whereas some part of the farm commonly called 'Buts
Farm' now in possession of Samuel Smith and John Champling, and hath
remained hitherto undivided between them the said Smith and said Champ-
ling, and Avtiereas it is now agreed the said Smith and Champling that the
said Champling shall have his part, Win. Lee, surveyor, did measure
and bound the one third part of the undivided land by consent and
assistance of said Smith and Champling as a satisfactory division."

When the Pequots were driven from New London and chased
westward by the Hartford men, Capt. Bull of Hartford saw the
Niantic plain and received it from the Assembly as a reward ;
hence it was known as "Soldiers County or Soldiers Reward."
This was afterwards made over to Nehemiah Smith of Groton,
from whom it went to his son Samuel, who, about 1690 built one
of the first houses in town, on the site now of the old stone
house. Associated with him was Edward Champlin of Rhode
Island, who by purchase or otherwise, received from Samuel
Smith the land whose division is alluded to in the record just
read. These two places are still in possession of the original
families of Smith and Champlin.

The following is as it appears on the old town records :

Jan. 2S, 1719. "Then laid by Samuel Marvin and Thomas Lee, Lot-layers,
for Nehantick quarter one acre of land for a burying place bounded at the
northeast corner with a red oak stadle, marked, thence southwardly 4
chain to a red oak stadle, marked, thence turning westwardly 10 rods to a
red oak tree marked, then turning northwardly 4 chain to a white oak
stadle marked, thence two chains and a half to the first station. Also at
the same time laid out 100 acres of land, it being a grant of the town
for the better enabling them to settle and support the ministry among
them — said land being laid in two pieces — the first piece containing 10 acres
more or less and is laid out 40 rods square, bounded at the southeast
corner a black oak stadle marked, and at the northeast corner at a white
oak stadle marked, and at the northwest corner at a red oak stadle marked
and at the southwest corner at a white oak tree marked, reserving a high-
way 25 rods wide between this land and the burying place above men-
tioned; also 90 acres of land in another piece further westward — atop of
the hill beginning at the northeast corner at a white oak tree marked
standing on ye side of the hill on a rock, then running westwardly 90 rods

4G5

to a red oak stadle marked — stones about it — thence turning southerly
limning 100 rods to a red oak by a rock, from thence easterly 28 chain to
a walnut tree marked — standing on the cast side of the hill — thence north-
wardly 17 chain to a burch tree marked, standing on ye east side of yc
swamp and from thence to the first station, making some allowance
for liocks."

The old burial ground is still in existence; the other spot of
ten acres was the "glebe" and remained in possession of the
Congregational Society until it sold its old church and moved to
Niantic ; the larger portion west is the land now known as the
"Sylvanus Griswold farm," and since the old church records arc
full of litigations between the said Griswold and church society
for the payment of arrears due on his salary, it is probable that the
church conveyed this land to the heirs of Griswold for that debt.

March 2G, 1717. Richard Lord and Samuel Marvin, lot layers, "laid out
to Henry Benit 4 acres of swamp and low land on ye north side of ye
roaring brook."

I am unable to locate this roaring brook and would ask if any
of the ''Old Lyme" people can locate this brook or the Benit
land referred to.

Feb, 24, 1719. '•This tripartite deed of exchange of lands in Lyme in
New London County witnesseth that John and Samuel Griswold have sold
to George Griswold by way of exchange for other lands (hereafter in these
presents to be mentioned) viz: 176 pound right and interest in that certain
neck of land with appurtenances in Lyme aforesaid called Giant's Neck, ac-
counting the said neck with the appurtenances at 460 pound value, ami
George does for above consideration sell to said John and Samuel his land
and marshes at and near the mouth of Mile Creek in said Lyme, that is to
say to ye said Samuel, his heirs, etc., in fee simple one certain island
known by the name of ye Mile Creek Island and to ye said John and
Samuel, their heirs, etc., in fee simple forever all that upland and meadow
to ye creek adjoining, known by ye name of yc 'ilile Creek Pasture' with its
appurtenances; the whole containing 35 acres and valued at 142 £; and said
John and Samuel shall hold and possess 11 £, 8 shilling, and 1 penny right
and interest in ye land of yc said Stony poynt pasture with its ap-
purtenances."

At "Giants Neck" may still be seen the chimneys of the house
of the Rev. George Griswold, which was torn down but a few
years ago. It belongs now to a syndicate who purchased it of the
Luce Brothers of Niantic. Though given up to tramps it is one

466

of the most beautiful spots on the coast. From this "Giants
Neck" family of Griswolds came the New York merchants, and
it was they who largely gave the funds for the building of the
old stone church, and entirely gave the walls that still surround
the burying ground.

March 7, 1719. Lot layers, Samuel Marvin and Thomas Lee, laid out to
Henry Benit in John Tanner's and his own right, 23% acres of land on "ye
wolf pit plain."

This "wolf pit plain" is located at the head of the Niantic river.

Nov. 2, 1719. "Daniel Peirce of Kings Town in the colony of Rhode
Island and province plantation in New England, in consideration of the
sum of £200, did grant, bargain and sell to Joseph Powers a certain tract
and parcel of land lying in the north side of Town of Lyme containing
300 acres together with all and singular the woods, waters and water-
courses, rights, profits, privileges and appurtenances to the same."

This includes the body of water known as Power's lake.

May 9, 1720. "Lott layers, Samuel Marvin and William Lee laid out
to George Griswold in his father's right in ye third part in ye 4th Division,
20 acres of land, at 4 shillings per acre, lying southward of Thomas Lee's
land and south of ye road to Nehantick."

Also, George Griswold bought of J. John Lay, 11 acres and 32 rods of
land for 20 £ at a place called and known by "ye name of bride-plain."

The Thomas Lee house is still standing in the territory now
called Little Boston, and is probably the oldest house in the town.

March 12, 1735. "To ye gentlemen committee appointed to lay out to
each man his proportion by ye propertys in Lyme what is still wanting to
fill up their first holdings in 3rd part of 4th division, therefore order you
to lay out in ye common and undivided land unto George Griswold 1% acre
of land in his own right in Nahantick by ye west side of ye highway that
goeth from John Lee's to Joseph Lee's and southward of Joshua Cham-
pion's land."

This would show that the land was not all parcelled out at one
time, but by piece-meal, so to speak.

April 8, 1735. The Smiths (the children of Samuel Smith before
spoken of), Nehemiah, Samuel, Lydiah, Simon, Elizabeth Fenner, sold "for
divers good causes and considerations but especially for the sum of 5 £
money to us paid," to John Champling a tract or parcel of land, upland
meadow and beach in New London, aforesaid containing about 15 acres.

This shows that the boundaries between New London and
Lyme had been fixed and they ran from McCook's Point north-

467

ward through the street west of the drug store and thence due
northward so that the stone house then stood in the town of
New London.

March 19, 1785. '"Edward Lay for 40 £ from Joshua Powers sells all
right and interest in one certain gristmill called Powers' Mill that is
standing and being near William Mack's aow dwelling house in said Lyme
in Chesterfield Society, it being the same mill that William Roland built,
with all rights of stream and dam across said stream."

This was the old Mack's Mill that has since been torn down,
and the water power purchased by the Niantic Manufacturing
Company.

Jan. 12, 17S7. "Joshua Powers in consideration of £150 sold to James
Rogers of Great Neck, tract of land consisting of upland and meadows
and containing about 30 acres with two gristmills thereon, with privilege
of the stream on which said mills stand, being the same conveyed by deed
to said Powers from Nicodemus Miller and Elizabeth Miller dated March 31.
1780, and from Edward Lay by deed dated March 10, 1785."

The deed of the Millers to Powers covered a gristmill, which
was afterwards converted to a sawmill, and stood on the present
Cornelius Maynard farm ; the other gristmill was the Mack's
Mill already spoken of.

HIGHWAYS.

From 1713 to 1735 a number of highways were laid out.
Previous to this, aside from the road referred to as the "Contry
Road" which was the "public mail road," there were only bridle
paths across the country.

March 12, 1713, a highway was laid from the highway at Four
Mile River at James Smith's house to the Country Road at the
great hill, a distance of some 665 rods northwardly. Said road
or way is 10 rods wide in all places. This road was bounded by
land owned by James Smith. Mr. Champion, and John Huntley.
Stadles and trees were marked on four sides and heaps of stone
placed by them, except some trees that were bounds of men's
properties, at intervals of every 40 rods, and on the east at the
ninth section of 40 rods, mention is made as the landmark of a
"great rock shelving over another rock," and at the twelfth sec-
tion on the west boundary "by and with a hideous hill of rocks

468

and round rock on ye top." The above highway is on the west
side of Four Mile river, and was laid out by John Lee and
Thomas Lee.

March 12, 1713. "Highway from the Contry road at Isaac Tubs his house
down to Nahantick road at ye east side of four mile river hill near to
Richard Smith's land: said highway in all places 10 rods wide: This high-
way comes down through the southeast corner of the Champion land at 4
mile river for which 3rd corner we do allow the Champions 2 acres of
land lying at the south end of ye great hill that lyeth next west from the
sawmill at 4 mile river.

John Lee,
Thomas Lee."

This is probably the road that led from "Little Boston" to the
old meeting house.

March 11, 1713. Other highways were laid out by John Lee and Thomas
Lee as follows: "A highway from Steer swamp to the north end of
Thomas Wait's land at Mile creek, beginning at Nahantick road at Steer
swamp, 10 rods wide."

"A highway Eastward of Mile Creek and from the ponds to Nehantiek."
"A highway, 21st day of Jan., 1716, from 4 mile river to Mile Creek hill
beginning at Saw .Mill pond about half way between Joshua Champion's
and the Saw Mill."

'A highway, Feb. 2S, 1717, from William Borden's to flat rock."
July 13, 1721. "I, Samuel Smith do hereby allow a 'drift highway' from
my land that lyeth south of Mr. Champling's land for Mr. Champling and
all other persons, where the road now goes from Black point up to Lt.
Minors through my land, which is about 11 rods."

A highway, March 5, 1724, beginning at the brook which runs into the
northwest corner of the great pond, known as Rogers' pond, said road
running along land owned by John Benit, Renold Marvin and Jonathan
Rogers.

In the description of a highway that was laid out on Jan. n,
1725, we find reference in the boundary to "90 acres of land laid
out for the ministry in the east society." This has already been
referred to.

April 8, 1735. "This day laid a highway of 8 rods wide in ye east
society of Lyme, bounded beginning at a black oak tree marked — stones
by it, being in northwest corner bounds of Nehemiah Smith's land from
thence running southwardly by said Smith's land and Ebenezer Darrow's
land and John Miller's land and John Champlin's land and Capt. Joseph
Beckwith's land to said Beckwith's southwest corner bounds, it being a

469

chestnut bush marked — stones by it, joining to ye contry road that leads
from Nehantiek ferry to Saybrook ferry; above said highway is 8 rods
wide lying on east side of ye said lots."

This is probably the road from the Four Corners to Flanders.

The last item constituting my paper shows benevolence rarely
displayed in these days, as in these times owners seek to get from
a town the highest possible compensation before relinquishing to
it any territory or rights.

Oct. 17, 1735. John Champlcn gave to the town of Lyme "in considera-
tion of the love and good will I have for the people, free liberty of a
pent-highway from Black point in the East Society of Lyme, to the high
way by Robert Lattimer's in said Lyme."

These are but a few of the numberless records of holdings and
highways of the ancient town of Lyme, which town is replete with
interesting historical material.

A LETTER TO MY GREAT-GREAT-GRANDMOTHER,

MISTRESS DOROTHY LAY, SOMETIME OF SAYBROOK,

IN HIS MAJESTY, GEORGE Il'S COLONY OF

CONNECTICUT, IN NEW ENGLAND.

A PAPER BY MISS CELESTE E. BUSH, OF EAST LYME, CONN.

Read before the Society at its meeting in Niantic, June 5, 1902.

Dear and Honoured Madame :

It lias ever been the manner of some hearts to -turn to the past
more lovingly than to the future, and such is the nature of that
remote descendant who now addresses herself to you.

I have often mused upon the character and circumstances of
the ancestors from whom my own being and traits are derived,
and, so doing, been brought into a sense, not only of kinship,
but of oneness with them. For example, I am told that one of
my grandmothers delighted in her garden and excelled in the
old-fashioned arts of pickling and preserving; now, I seldom
weed my flower beds or contemplate my rows of jelly glasses
without a warm impulse toward her who bequeathed to me the
tastes from which I have derived so much pleasure. I have,
again, a loving gratitude toward that grandfather who trans-
mitted to me an enjoyment of tales of chivalry and romance, and
love to fancy his contented ghost beside me of a cosy winter
evening over a pleasant book.

To go no farther back than the time of their migration
to this land, in how many different ships my forebears came
hither! What different paths they pursued,' how varied the
experiences that influenced their' lives and therefore my char-
acter ! How divergent the lines that run back from my life
as a center !

But with you, dear madame, the connecting link was a tangible
one in my very infancy. You will recall, doubtless, the chest of
drawers that was a part of your marriage outfit? Inside the lid

471

were your initials, in elegant black capitals on a shield of white
and with them the date of your marriage, 1720. It must have
been handsome in its day. It is still substantial. Perhaps it
graced your fore-room? The chest would have well accommo-
dated your housewifely store of linen sheets and woolen blan-
kets, spun and woven by your own skillful hands. And in the
drawers I fancy your own wearing apparel was smoothly folded.
Perhans the tiny caps and gowns of my great-grandmother, your
little Dorothy, were laid there too, with sprigs of lavender in
their dainty folds.

I like to fancy that you know that your chest of drawers still
stands under your daughter's roof and that your descendants
value the old heirloom beyond anything newer or finer. It was
this old chest that linked my childhood to your memory so
tangibly. Did you know that I kept my dolls in the old drawers?
And that I knew who "D. L." was before ever I could have
reached the lid on which her name and date were written? And
thus, dear madame, you have become as one of my living friends
and associates, so that I can easily picture to myself your per-
sonal appearance, your occupations and your associates. I think
you were small of figure, with fair hair and brown eyes. Did you
not sometimes wear a bright chintz gown with a kerchief over
your shoulders?

Saybrook must have been a lively community for a young
girl in your day, with all the students brought there by the
Collegiate School. I fancy the younger men were not altogether
absorbed by the 'Saybrook Platform,' but that there were gay
doings among the Juniors then, as now. You must have known
that George Griswold, who graduated third in his class in scholar-
ship and first in social rank in 1717, and who became the first
pastor of the Church in the East Society of Lyme. Were you at
the wedding when he married the beautiful Hannah Lynde?
Were you ever a guest at their home at Giants Neck? Were you
cue of that funeral cortege that brought her, in the flower of her
youth and beauty, to that sad burial in the newly laid out burial
ground of the East Society? It is the ancient burial ground now
and her carven memorial stone has sunken far into the soil, but
she is forever "the young and beautiful Hannah Lynde."

472

You must have lived near my other great-great-grandmother,
Elizabeth Smith Fenner Bush, at Essex Point ; and did your
uncle, John Lay, give the name to the town on the east side of
the river which he helped to settle? I notice that all the 'Lymes'
in England have Lays among their people, and we could not
notice the mid-Englishman's i-sound of a, as when he says "give
plice to the lidy," without seeing how readily Lay-ham, the home
of the Lays, would become Ly-ham and Lyme.

I highly approve of your choice of a great-great-grandfather
for me ; Denison stock has been above par in the market over the
entire period covered by my memory and it was most considerate
in you to provide me with a few shares. Col. George Denison
is one of the gems of my genealogical collection. It gratifies me
to remark in the hearing of the Elliotts that the apostolic founder
of their house came over as tutor to the three Denison lads when
they arrived at Boston in the ship Zion in 1630;; and to rehearse
the story of how Col. George went back and fought with Crom-
well and was wounded at Naseby, and how he ran away with
Lady Anne Borodel and gave his descendants each a drop of
good Irish blood thereby.

The points from which you and I view Dorothy Denison Bush
are indeed different — your child, my great-grandmother ! And
yet she is a close link, for I have known in the flesh those who
knew her in the flesh : two lives cover the entire stretch from
you to me. Mistress Dorothy Bush must have been a vigorous,
enterprising body, and in nothing was that better illustrated than
in her taking off. She lived to a green old age, ninety odd. and
then met her death prematurely from an act of indiscretion She
was possessed by a desire to see the militia on training day and,
despite the remonstrances of her family, donned her red camlet
cloak and started for the muster field on her own dauntless, old
feet. Pressing, in her eagerness, too near the scene of action,
she was thrown and trampled by a horse and so came to an
untimely end. Such venturesome rashness must have been a
trait inherited from her ancestor who fought at Naseby rather
than from your own gentler nature.

Amasa Bush, your grandson, my grandfather, is our half-way
house. What came before his time is best known to you:. what

473

came after, to me. How fascinating if we might exchange know-
ledges ! How I should like to know of life in the little fringe
of country clinging to the eastern seaboard of a savage continent;
how you would wonder at the country that has grown from
ocean to ocean in three life-times. So changed are all the ways
of life that I doubt if on all this earth you would find one familiar
object save the old chest of drawers. Times change indeed and
people change with them, but I often query whether we change
for the better. I wonder if the great University at New Haven
sends out wiser, truer men than did the little Collegiate School
at Saybrook ; if the women who graduate at colleges are really
better educated than those who plied the distaff and the loom ;
if the people of these later days hold better ideals of social and
political life than did those who felled the forests and planted
the vines in the wilderness. In short, dear lady of an elder day,
this little epistolary effort has brought you near to my mind and
heart, as the telescope brings the stars near to our eyes. Your
descendant idealizes your life and your times and would ply your
buried knowledge with questions if she might. You have passed
through the portal beyond which we see not : is it transparent
hitherward? Do our progenitors revisit these scenes of their
earthly experience and regard with interest the lives of their
children? To believe so would inspire us with higher ideals and
would be an immeasurable joy to your far-off but most loyal
descendant.

MEMORIES.

A PAPER BY HON. RICHARD A. WHEELER, OF STONINGTON, CONN.
(85 years of age.)

Read by his daughter, Miss Grace Denison Wheeler, at the Annual Meet-
ing of the Society in New London, September 9, 1902.

Having been requested to prepare a paper for the annual meet-
ing of this Society and being the only survivor of the charter
members, I feel constrained to pay a merited tribute of respectful
consideration to them.

During the session of the Legislature for 1870, a petition was
presented thereto asking for an Act incorporating an Historical
Society for New London County, which after due consideration
was granted, in part as follows: "Resolved by this Assembly:
That Henry P. Haven, Charles J. McCurdy, John W. Stedman,
Richard A. Wheeler, Learned Hibbard, John T. Wait, John P.
C. Mather, Ashbel Woodward, Nathan Belcher, William H.
Potter, S. G. Willard, Thomas A. Clark, Isaac Johnson, with
such other persons as shall be associated with them and their
successors, be and they hereby are constituted a body corporate
by the name of 'The New London County Historical Society,'
for the purpose of collecting, preserving and publishing historical
and genealogical matter relating to the early settlement and sub-
sequent history, especially of New London County, and inci-
dentally of other portions of the United States."

No person was more active in organizing the Historical
Society, before the bill had reached, and after it had passed the
General Assembly than the Hon. LaFayette S. Foster, but for
reasons satisfactory to him, his name does not appear among
the charter members thereof.*

♦Although Mr. Foster was Speaker of the House at the time the hill was presented, his
position was no legal har to his name being included. While he was the prime mover yet he
omitted his own name, probably, on account of his innate modesty— Ed.

Richard A. Wheeler.

The Only Surviving Incorporator of the New London County Hi*toric;il Society.

475

Mr. Foster was a member of our Legislature for the year 1870,
representing the town of Norwich, and was elected Speaker, but
during its session he was chosen a Judge of the Supreme Court
of Errors, which disqualified him from acting as Speaker, so he
resigned June 6, 1870, and the Hon. Alfred A. Burnham was
chosen Speaker to succeed him.

Mr. Foster, while holding eminent judicial, state and national
positions, always held in loving remembrance the Historical
Society and labored to promote its welfare and success, as is
evidenced by an able historical address which he delivered before
this Society September 6, 1880. On all occasions during the re-
mainder of his life Mr. Foster manifested a deep and abiding
solicitude for the Society and labored to promote its interests.

The Hon. Henry P. Haven, Chairman of the Board of Charter
Members of the Society, was one of its active members and
labored to secure the passage of its Charter by the General
Assembly, and its organization October 17, 1871. He gave to
the Society the full measure of his powerful and wide-spread in-
fluence and labored with unremitting zeal on all proper occasions
for the promotion of its interests, and was greatly aided in his
efforts by the historical knowledge imparted to him by his gifted
sister, Miss Frances M. Caulkins. Mr. Haven's business ability
was not surpassed by any of his associates. He was called to
hold many public positions of his city, and by the final bequests
of the wealth which his business capacity and energy enabled him
to accumulate, showed the city that it was not forgotten.

The Hon. Charles J. McCurdy of Lyme was one of the charter
members and gave the Society the full measure of his influence
augmented by his eminent abilities. He entered public life in
1828, when he was chosen to represent the town of Lyme in the
General Assembly of the State. He was again elected to the
Assembly in 1840 and chosen Speaker. In 1858 he was chosen
Judge of the Supreme Court of Errors and subsequently was
selected by the President of the United States to go upon a for-
eign mission, of which the Senate approved, and he went abroad
in his official capacity, eminently sustaining our government in
every position in which he was asked to serve.

Hon. John T. Wait of Norwich was a prominent member of the

476

New London County Bar, when he became a charter member of
the Historical Society. He was an active, zealous advocate of
everything appertaining to the welfare of the Society and seemed
to be alive with enthusiasm whenever he discussed matters rela-
tive to its interests. Mr. Wait held several prominent official
positions with distinguished ability. He was State's Attorney for
several years and served three terms in Congress as representa-
tive of this, the Third District of Connecticut.

Hon. John P. C. Mather of New London, was another prom-
inent member of the Historical Society. A lawyer by profession,
and as such, was honored as Judge of Probate and Judge of the
Court of Common Pleas. He was also Secretary of State and
held other public positions, which enabled him to be of material
assistance to this Society.

Hon. Nathan Belcher of New London, a man of successful
business capacity, and one who made wise investments of his ac-
cumulations, was a charter member of the Historical Society,
and on all proper occasions labored to promote its welfare by all
available means at his disposal. He was highly esteemed in all
of the relations of life by his fellow citizens, who elected him a
member of congress for this, the Third District of Connecticut
in 1853 ; the duties of which official position he discharged to the
satisfaction of his constituents and honor to himself.

The Hon. William H. Potter of Groton, was a charter member
of this Society and one of the most active men composing the
same. He was a prominent actor in procuring an appropriation
by the General Assembly for the erection of the monument on
Mystic Hill, in honor of Maj. John Mason and his men for their
overthrow of the Pequot Indians in 1637. He was repeatedly
chosen Judge of Probate of the District of Groton and was prob-
ably more efficient and prominent as Chairman of the Board of
Education of Groton, than in any other department of his official
life. He was a natural historian and genealogist and devoted a
large part of his spare time in searching historical and family
records.

Hon. John W. Stedman, one of the charter members, resided in
Norwich when the Society was organized, at work as the editor
of the Norwich Aurora, which he conducted until he retired there-

477

from and went to Hartford, Conn., where he was appointed
treasurer of the State Savings Hank, which position he held until
he departed this life. While Mr. Stedman resided in this county,
he gave the Society his active support and when he changed his
home to Hartford he joined the Connecticut Historical Society,
of which he hecame an active and prominent member and sub-
sequently was elected President.

Hon. Thomas Clark of Lishon, Conn., was a charter member
of this Society. He was held in high esteem by his fellow citizens
and was regarded by them as an honest, upright man in all the
relations of life. He was fond of historical and genealogical re-
search and devoted much of his time to such study, manifesting
on all occasions a deep solicitude for the welfare of this Society.
He was repeatedly chosen representative of his native town and
held other public positions therein.

Dr. Ashbel Woodward of Franklin was also a charter member
of the Society. He was an eminent physician, practicing his pro-
fession in and around his native town with remarkable success.
Dr. Woodward was a natural historian, devoting the spare
moments taken from a busy professional life to historical research.
He wrote and published the History of the Town of Franklin,
Conn., and for a number of years was a correspondent of the
Xew England Historical and Genealogical Register, published in
Boston, Mass.

Hon. Isaac Johnson of Bozrah was a charter member of this
Society and represented his town in the Legislature of 1875. He
was repeatedly chosen Judge of Probate for the district of Boz-
rah, Conn., the duties of which office he discharged to the satisfac-
tion of all concerned. His regard for history and genealogy gave
him a deep and abiding interest in the success of the Historical
Society and led him to labor for its promotion in all possible ways.

Hon. Learned Hibbard, at one time a resident of Hebron,
Conn., was a charter member of the Society and took a deep in-
terest in its success. He was Judge of Probate for his district
for several years and held nearly every public position in his
town. In his business and all other relations of life, he was
known and regarded as a courteous gentleman.

Rev. S. G. Willard, at one time a resident of Colchester, Conn.,

478

was also one of the charter members, and was mainly known to
his associate members by a reputation which commended him
to their confidence and esteem. This reputation was well main-
tained on all occasions through life.

Having been honored by Mr. Foster and his associates with an
invitation to become a charter member of this Historical Society
of New London County, I have felt and now feel a glow of
grateful emotion for the confidence and esteem bestowed upon
me by such a testimonial of regard.

And now that the "sunset gates have been unbarred" to all of
my associate charter members, it leaves me the sad appreciation
of their lifelong nobility of character and genuine goodness in all
of the relations of life. When I reflect upon the congratulations
and manly courtesies exchanged by us at the. gatherings and
meetings of the members of this Society, a crowd of reminiscent
memories rush upon me, bringing vividly to mind the presence ot
many cherished and valued friends, whose conversational address
was so interesting and instructive and whose personality and
social intercourse combined, left impressive memories upon me,
never to be forgotten.

MEMOIR OF REV. JOHN AVERY.

BY AMOS A. BROWNING, OF NORWICH, CONN.

Read before the Society at its meeting in Norwich, March 25, 1903.

Youth develops charac-
ter, age tests it. The
golden fruitage of Au-
tumn we prize more than
the verdure of Spring or
the flowers of Summer.
How many lives which
seemed fair and perfect in
youth and middle life dis-
close flaws and defects
when touched by time's
corrosive alchemy.

The life of our friend
well endured this test.
Four score years seemed
only to sweeten and mel-
low it. Labor, trial, re-
sponsibility, far from de-
veloping blight or deform-
ity, had rather given zest
to life, had furnished a store-house of incident and reminiscence,
and had added to his wonted sociability and lovableness. Most
of us knew him in his later years and of these only can I speak
as from personal knowlege. With health unbroken, with hope
undimmed, indulging his natural fondness for local history and
genealogy, he seemed to retain and commingle the freshness
and glow of youth with the mellowness and benignity of years.
Rev. John Avery, son of Robert Stanton and Sarah (Crary)
Avery, was born at Preston Plains, on August 19, 1819. His
boyhood was passed upon his father's farm. Then, determining

480

to take a collegiate course, he pursued advanced studies with
Rev. Timothy Tuttle of Lcdyard, at the Norwich Town High
School, and at Bacon Academy, Colchester. Entering Yale Col-
lege, he took his degree as Bachelor of Arts, with a record for
high scholarship, in 1843. l 7 ° r a )' ear ne was principal of the
academy at Lyme. Having fixed upon his life work, he studied
at the Yale Divinity School, graduating in 1847.

His first and longest pastorate was over the Exeter Congrega-
tional Church in Lebanon, where he was ordained in 1848. Here
he labored successfully for twenty-five years. At the beginning
of his ministry, the attractive parsonage, which still stands, was
erected for his residence. In 1870, he represented that town in
the Legislature. Resigning this charge, he was acting pastor
of the Congregational Church at Central Village for five years
from 1873, and of the church at West Woodstock for three
years. Called to the pastorate of the church in Ledyard in
November, 18S1, he remained in its service for eleven years. In
1802, he ceased active pastoral care and removed to Norwich,
where he resided for ten years till his death. During his resi-
dence in Norwich, he frequently preached in neighboring
churches and kept in close touch with the ministry. He was
often called upon for reminiscence, local history and genealogy.
For a number of years, he was a member of the Board of Educa-
tion of the Falls School District. In 1S98, fifty years after his
ordination and installation over the church at Exeter, he preached
in that place an anniversary sermon, which was at once a history
and a memorial of the years when he was pastor of that church.
He married, on November 6, 185 1, Miss Susan Matson Champion
of Lyme, who, with their daughter, Mary Avery, survives him.
He died at Norwich on the 23d day of April, 1902, in the 83d
year of his age.

Such is the statistical outline of his life. But it is a graver
task to fill in this outline with a picture of the influences which
moulded his character, of the work he did, and of the place
he held in the community.

Mr. Avery belonged to that large family whose ancestor was
James Avery of Groton — a sturdy, typical New England race that
has had its full share, in war and peace, in making up our com-

481

mon history. In all generations, it has had its priests and
prophets, beginning with the pioneer who made the '"Hive of the
Averys," on t lie borders of Poqnonoc Plains, serve the purposes
of a meeting-house.

Robert Stanton Avery, the father, was somewhat fond of books
and reading. In his farming, he was prone to try experiments
and innovations. He. was the first man in Preston, as we learn
from the son's history of Lcdyard, to own a wagon, the first to
use a cast iron plow, the first to introduce into the neighborhood
Merino sheep from Spain and blooded stock from EnglanJ.
These efforts to lighten labor and increase its profits, though
sometimes unsuccessful, show him not a mere slave to rare
and toil.

Nor was the mother's thought and feeling circumscribed by her
round of household duties. It was Mrs. Avery, we ate told, who
saw in the young Roswell Park, afterwards West Pointer, poet
and college president, something more than an indolent and
melancholy boy, as his stern grandfather, with whom he lived,
had rated him. It was she, with others, who encouraged him to
hope for a better day, when he might follow his bent for study
and professional life, and who even aided him with money to
run away from the home to which untoward circumstances had
consigned him.

We may believe that the home of Robert and Sarah Avery
where scholastic taste and intellectual attainments were not
undervalued, threw no discouragements in the path of their son
when he disclosed an aptitude for study and a desire for a liberal
education. And we cannot forget that from the same home went
forth an older brother, who, battling with adverse circun'.s f ances,
after winning a degree at Harvard College, acquired distinction
as a mathematician in the Coast Survey Department of the gov-
ernment at Washington.

As abundant proof of Mr. Avery's enduring worth and work
in the ministry, we may cite his pastorate at Excler, in a thriv-
ing community, where he needs must, by virtue of his office, be
the intellectual as well as the religious head, and where he min-
istered most acceptably for a quarter of a century. Or we may
refer to his successful pastorate of eleven years at Lcdyard, where

482

he was held in the highest regard by the whole community, vol-
untarily resigning his charge at the end of that time because of
advancing years.

As pastor, he was devoted to his people. In the pulpit, he
preached what he believed and believed what he preached. He
was accounted an Israelite indeed in whom was no guile. He
thus influenced men by what he was.

In any calling one is most accurately judged by his fellow
craftsmen. The position which Mr. Avery held among his pro-
fessional brethren and their estimate of him and his work .-s
voiced by Rev. Dr. Howe, who said: "I presume there has
never been a minister in New London County who found so many
points of touch with the village and country churches as he.
* * * I question if any minister ever lived in New London
County who was more universally respected and loved by its
ministers, both of the older generation and the new." And again :
"A strain of the best Puritanism was in him, and yet it was Pur-
itanism with the chill off; severe towards error and intolerant
towards evil, yet he had the gentleness of woman and the tender-
ness of childhood, possessing an absolute self control which is the
finest attainment in goodness."

Mr. Avery was one of the honorary members of the Board of
Trustees of the Bill Library Association. At the annual meeting
in 1889, in Ledyard, he read a paper upon the Pequot Indians,
which led to the fortunate suggestion that he write a history of
that town. It was a congenial task, his fondness for local history
and biography finding abundant scope and employment in the
work. The volume, which appeared in 1901, showed careful
preparation and freedom from those errors which disfigure so
many local histories. It leaves nothing to be desired as a history
of that town.

Worthy of especial mention among his writings and papers of
recent years was his address at the bi-centennial of the Congrega-
tional Church at Preston City in 1898, giving biographical
sketches, prepared after indefatigable inquiry and investigation,
of the ministers who have served that church from its foundation
— a compilation no other person could so well have prepared.

His various reminiscent papers, aglow with light from old al-

483

tars and firesides, written from time to time for the Ministers'
Association, have been much appreciated by his clerical brethren.

Mr. Avery's uniform cheerfulness was a marked characteristic.
How welcome his presence, how genial his smile ! He ever en-
livened the conversation with some pleasing incident or illustra-
tion. If he ever had an enemy, he doubtless could say with Ed-
ward Everett Hale, that it was so long ago he had forgotten what
that enemy's name was. Yet to esteem his genial characteristics
as mere good nature would be an error. A recent illustration is
found in the contest which arose in the Falls School District,
resulting in a new charter, when he disclosed a sterner side of his
nature that might be aroused when the public good was at stake.
Withal he possessed in large measure that tact and sound judg-
ment in dealing with men and measures best known as com-
mon sense.

Mr. Avery took a keen interest in the world's work — its new
literature, its advances in electricity and in thought, its magical
inventions. He lived to welcome the incoming century. His
last years seemed his best years.

One day we saw him upon the street, in apparent health, and
then, hardly had we learned of his illness, when there came the
announcement of his death.

Cheerfully he passed to the world beyond, of which as a min-
ister of the gospel of Christ, he had occasion often to think and
to speak. We cannot be far wrong in ascribing to him the
thought of Tennyson's immortal lines :

"Sunset and evening star,

And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,

When I put out to sea."

"For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place,

The Hood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face

When I have crost the bar."

We laid him to rest with his fathers beside the beautiful !ake
bearing the family name — its shores the place where he played
in his boyhood, its waters the type of his own spirit, so sweet,
so pure, so calm.

MEMOIR OF REV. SAMUEL GEORGE WILLARD.*

BY HIS DAUGHTER, MISS ABBY G. WILLARD, OF COLCHESTER, CONN.

Read before the Society at its meeting in Norwich, March 25, 1903.

No other state can claim Samuel G. Willard, for his whole life,
from November 8, 1819, until June 12, 1887, was spent in Con-
necticut. Born in the western part, in Wilton, he came to New
Haven for eight years of study ; and then to Willimantic and to
Colchester for the almost thirty-eight years as a Congregational
clergyman, the time being about equally divided between the
two places. These prolonged residences in different counties,
and the fact that all of his New England born ancestors, in the
direct Willard line, lived in Hartford and Saybrook, gave him a
special interest in the lives of many persons and historic places
throughout the state.

Mr. Willard's' father, Dr. David WTdard, was a physician in
Wilton for forty-five years. It was of interest to his son, when
Colchester became his home, to remember that upon the com-
pletion of his medical lectures, Dr. Willard rode over to Col-
chester, from his home across the river in Chester, to obtain from
Dr. John Watrous the certificate admitting him to practice.

Dr. Willard's father was Colonel Daniel Willard, who, as a
boy, enlisted in the Revolutionary War. He was a direct
descendant of Major Simon Willard, the son of Richard Willard,
of Horsmonden, England.

Major Willard came to this country in 1634, and his name is
associated with the eariy days of Cambridge and of Concord.
In the latter place, he was one of the original proprietors, and.
there he enjoyed the friendship of the Rev. Peter Bulkley, to

•At tin- time this paper was read 1 lie President announced liis plan to secure, it' possible,
memoirs of the incorporators. This is the first to lie prepared sinec tint plan was originated.

A in oirof the ortranizcr, the lion. LaFayette S Foster, will be round on page 25, Hart I,

Vol I ; memoirs of tli ■ incorporators Ashhel Woodward, M. D., page 71, Part I, Vol. I.,
Hon. William B. Potter, page 85. Part I, 'Vol. L, Hon. Henry P. Haven, page 39, Part II,
Vol. I., Hon. John X. Wait, page 3To, Vol. II.— Eo.

Rev. Samuel G. Willard.

485

whom, we are told, "Willard attached himself with affectionate
regard."

It is of added interest to know that, later, Mr. Bulkley's grand-
son was the first pastor of the First Church of Christ in Col-
chester, Conn., while a descendant of Major Willard's eldest son
was the eighth pastor of the same church.

Mr. Milliard's mother was Abby Gregory, a native of Wilton,
belonging to a family closely identified with the town from its
beginning, and whose father, Moses Gregory, as a young man
was also in the Revolutionary War.

She was a niece of Lieutenant Matthew Gregory of Albany, X.
Y., who was a friend of both Washington and Lafayette, and
was in the latter's division when Cornwallis surrendered, being
the third man to mount the fortifications when Yorktown was
taken.

With such an ancestry, Mr. Willard grew up surrounded by
an atmosphere both religious and intellectual, and delighting in
out-of-door life.

Hawley Olmstead, LL.D., a native of Wilton, was his instructor
and friend for two years and a half in the Wilton Academy.

Then, giving up study on account of his health, he was in mer-
cantile business at Norwalk for nearly two and a half years.

When twenty years of age, he united with the Wilton Congre-
gational Church, although long before that had the Holy Spirit
been directing his life.

For three years he taught school, spending two summers on
his father's farm. A little before this he had begun the stud
medicine. He decided, however, to enter college and to prepare
for the ministry.

His brother, afterwards Dr. Sylvester D. Willard of Albany,
and surgeon-general of the State of New York, purposed to enter
the ministry, but was led to study medicine, following in the
footsteps of his father and of his uncle, Dr. Sylvester Willard of
Auburn, N. Y.

A year of study in New Haven with Dr. Olmstead, then at the
Hopkins Grammar School, was followed by a four years' college
course, and three years in the Yale Divinity School.

During four years of this time Mr. Willard had been an in-

486

structor in the York Square Seminary for Young Ladies, and also
had found time for much church and missionary work.

He received during sophomore year one of the college prizes in
recognition of literary ability.

The New Haven East Association licensed him to preach
August i, 1848. He accepted an invitation to go to Willimantic
the Sunday following Commencement, and two months later,
November 8, 1849, was ordained pastor of the Willimantic
church.

September 8, 1868, he was dismissed, to accept a call to Col-
chester, where he was installed, September 23, of the same year.

In 1852, Mr. Willard was a member of the Congregational Con-
vention at Albany, N. Y. ; in 1865, a delegate to the National
Council in Boston; in 1866, a member of the Legislature of Con-
necticut from Windham, by which body he was elected one of the
Board of Trustees for the "General Hospital for the Insane of the
State of Connecticut," chartered that year, and of which Board he
remained a member until his death, serving for years as secretary.

He was acting school visitor in Willimantic and Windham for
nine years, and in Colchester for eleven years, while he was a
member of the Board, and its chairman for fifteen years.

For ten years he was registrar of the Windham County As-
sociation and Consociation, and treasurer of the Benevolent
Association, of which he published nine annual reports.

Of the New London County Association he was registrar for
eighteen years.

Mr. Willard was a director of the Connecticut Home Mission-
ary Society for twenty-four years, and a trustee of the "Fund for
Ministers" from its inception in 1864, regarding which it is on
record that it "owes its origin under God" to the efforts of this
pastor.

In 1865, he was one of several ministers and laymen who met
in Norwich to organize the Connecticut State Temperance Union.
He became a member of its Executive Committee, and was chair-
man most of the time, until his resignation in 1879.

He was connected with the Bible and Tract Societies and other
benevolent organizations, all of which received a share of his
interest and gifts.

187

While in former years the descendants of Major Willard were
connected with Harvard College, and twice in its history has a
Samuel Willard been at the head of the institution, the change in
interests which years often bring was illustrated when, in 1867,
to fill the vacancy caused by President Day's resignation, Mr.
Willard was elected a member of the Yale College Corporation.
He also served as a member of its Prudential Committee.

In 1866, upon the resignation of the Hon. Henry B. Harrison,
he was chosen class secretary. Four of the members of this
class of 1846 were at the same time, and for a number of vears,
members of the corporation. They were, in order of election :
Rev. Samuel G. Willard, Gov. Henry B. Harrison, Rev. Joseph
W. Backus, and the Hon. Frederick J. Kingsbury.

In 1871, Mr. Willard was made a corporate member of the
American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions.

He was chosen a trustee of the Colchester Savings Bank upon
its incorporation in 1874, and was a director until his death.

He was a life member of the Colchester Library Association,
and First Vice-President for several years.

His name stands as one of the charter members of the New
London County Historical Society, which was incorporated in
1870.

A number of years later, a plan long in mind was acted
upon when Mr. Willard became interested in the formation of a
historical department connected with the Colchester Library As-
sociation. The town of Colchester, whose First Church of Christ
celebrates its two hundredth anniversary this year, and whose
Bacon Academy will observe its centennial at the same time, is
rich in material of this nature. Some of the many interesting
facts of past history were gathered and preserved through Mr.
Willard's efforts, which otherwise, might not have been recorded.

Among Mr. Willard's published writings were a number of
sermons, numerous church and educational reports and papers,
and the historical address given in 1876, on the occasion of the
one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the W r ilton Congrega-
tional Church. He was also a frequent contributor to some of
the religious papers.

A friend in the ministry placed this estimate upon the value of

488

his work as a whole : "Whatever he was called to do, he could
do well. His ministerial brethren uniformly held him in high
and dear esteem. All those who were so fortunate as to know
him intimately, regarded him with deep and glowing affection.
His presence was prized in all ecclesiastical gatherings of county
and state. No man was better acquainted with the details of ad-
ministration and proceedings in associations, conferences and
councils. No man's advice was more valued." All of these duties
were "in addition to the utmost fidelity in the work of his parish."
And when this life of activity, made possible only by careful
attention to health limitations, was exchanged for nearly a year
of much suffering, he then, as was truly said, "made his progress
through the months like the march of a true festival, a calm, full
flow of heavenly things," "entering into rest" on the evening of
Children's Sunday.

"llis heart is rich

Of such fine mould, that if you sowed therein

The seed of Hate, it blossomed Charity"

are words that might have been sung of this pure, sincere life,
loyal to friends, and to every trust; possessed of true humility,
and rejoicing in every opportunity of serving more fully the Lord
whom he loved. More than one young person, and many an
older one, feeling the influence of this life, have thought what one
expressed as he wrote: "I thank God for all the places where
his life touched mine."

From one who knew Mr. Willard during his first pastorate
came recently this tribute : "He was a rare man, a scholar, a
gentleman, an excellent pastor, and a preacher of no mean ability.
He had the faculty of rising to a special occasion, and being at
his very best, and then he was near the point of being 'brilliant.
His voice in the pulpit was musical. He was imbued with the
missionary spirit," and his "congregation were well informed"
upon such subjects. "His influence over this community is still
felt, and the kindly gentleness of his nature, his deep spiritual-
mindedness, were traits that made him dearly beloved by those
whose fortune it was to sit under his pulpit ministrations, or to
come into that close contact which pastoral relations bring about."

489

And the testimony of one who followed him in his last pastor-
ate was: "He must have been filled with the spirit of peace for
he left a peaceful parish behind him. . . . Mr. Willard was
thoroughly respected and truly loved by his people. . . . He
loved his people, and they loved him 'and this is the tie that
bound together our Lord and His first disciples.' "

"We know that we have passed from death unto life, because
we love the brethren" he recognized even from his boyhood as the
test of his love for his Father in Heaven.

"Love, love to Christ, is the one sure spring of love to men, is
the foundation of service."

PRESENTATION OF PORTRAIT OF HON. LAFAYETTE

S. FOSTER, FIRST PRESIDENT OF THE NEW

LONDON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

Address delivered bv Jonathan Trumbull, Vice-President of the Society, in
Norwich, March 25, 1903.

In anything which can be said regarding the portrait which
now comes into possession of this Society there must necessarily
be a sad lack, for the donor had died before her gift was quite
ready to be presented, and she had not, so far as I can learn,
authorized anyone to speak in any public way regarding it.

These circumstances, however, make it none the less, but
rather the more appropriate that some public recognition should
be made of this significant and impressive gift.

It comes to this Society as the posthumous offering of one
whose twenty-two years and more of widowhood formed one
long tribute to the memory of one of Connecticut's finest types
of manhood and statesmanship. For her, it is the last act in this
long tribute : for this society it is the free gift of a large-hearted
giver who only needed to be told in her declining days that there
was one more place where her husband's memory would be
cherished and honored, and where his portrait would be a con-
tinual inspiration to his successors in office and in membership
of this Society.

This meeting, more than any other in its history, brings this
Society into close relations with the Norwich Free Academy in
its departments of art and manual training, and thus, let me
hope, strengthens the bond of co-operation which exists between
New London and Norwich in the work before us. When Mrs.
Foster decided upon making this gift, she selected as the artist
Mr. Ozias Dodge, the director of the art school of the Norwich
Free Academy. His aim has been to place Senator Foster before
us in the later years of his life, the time of his official connection
with this Society. Although I cannot speak of the processes
by which his results were reached, I may say that some of the
difficulties confronting the artist were unusual even for a por-
trait painted without the living model. In the all-important
element of color, the only guide was an early portrait painted by

491

one who was at the time an amateur, supplemented by such
descriptions — often contradictory — as could be gathered from
those who knew Senator Foster best. And so it has been by the
most scrupulous care in the study of features and character, and
by overcoming more than the usual difficulties that Mr. Dodge
has reached the admirable results which you will witness.

In speaking of Senator Foster himself, I am very forcibly re-
minded of the eulogies which were pronounced upon him
twenty-two years and more ago. It is not often that such utter-
ances, in the case of a man who dies leaving a record of a
prominent public career extending over a most critical period
of his country's history, will bear the test to which these
eulogies have been subjected. Not one word of them would I
abate now that his character and public record have been tested
in the crucible of time for nearly a quarter of a century. That
record stands unblemished, and has for its crowning point the
fact that he was the trusted counsellor of Lincoln, and the acting
Vice-President of the United States for the two years following
Lincoln's assassination. And through all that long, busy, prom-
inent life, there is the continuous record which marks him as the
"great citizen, incorruptible senator, wise counsellor, eloquent
advocate, righteous judge."

It is also a distinction too little appreciated in his case, and
in the busy public life of our country, that in him we find a
rare example of the scholar in politics. It was this rare qualifica-
tion which probably attracted him to this Society at its very
beginning, and attracted the Society to him. We may well re-
member with pride that such a man was, for nine successive
years, its first President. I can add nothing more appropriate
than a quotation from the remarks of his successor in that office,
the Hon. Davis A. Wells, a man who weighed personal character
with that same exact discrimination which made him one of the
leaders of his day in political science :

"If the New London County Historical Society do no more
than enshrine and perpetuate the memory of its first President,
LaFayette S. Foster, its mission certainly will not have been
in vain."

[Portrait unveiled by the artist, Ozias Dodge, director of the
Norwich Art School. 1

492

ACCEPTANCE BY PRESIDENT ERNEST E. ROGERS,
who said in part :
Mr. Trumbull and Friends :

It never was my privilege to see Senator Foster, but this por-
trait verifies, I should think, all that has just been said of him.
P'rom all accounts he was a man of powerful and commanding
intellect ; one who had faith in himself, in mankind, in the times
in which he lived, and in the future. Well did he serve his city,
county, state, and nation ! The New London County Historical
Society gratefully accepts the portrait of one who was its chief
organizer and first President, and one who, in any light, cannot
he considered otherwise than a representative of "Connecticut's
finest types of manhood and statesmanship," in which words you
have so aptly characterized him.

It is prized for its intrinsic value and will be a most valuable
addition to the portrait collection of the Society. The memory
of its historical setting will also be treasured — transferred to us
in this place in sight of Senator Foster's home, with the eloquent
words of Mr. Trumbull, painted by an artist of the county, sur-
rounded by an audience many of whom knew him well. All this,
I say, will be treasured by us who are present.

But it has a value other than its material worth, for it marks
a new epoch in the history of the Society. It is the first por-
trait to arrive since the plans formulated last fall for increasing
the collection of portraits of citizens of this county who were
prominent in the various walks of life. The Society trusts it may
own its home before many years and when that time arrives
hopes to have sufficient material to equip it. Now is the time to
increase the collection, for if delayed it will be too late in many
instances. A few days delay in this instance would have lost
the portrait to us.

Thus the Society is the recipient of the last public act of Mrs.
Foster, as it was of Mr. Foster who last appeared in public to
deliver the address before this Society, September 6, 1880, in old
Fort Griswold. May the portrait serve the two-fold purpose of
calling attention to the memory of Mr. Foster, and also inspiring
the officers and members of the Society with the same enthusiasm
and zeal for historical education which actuated him.

Capt. Stevens Rogers.

CAPTAIN STEVENS ROGERS.

A Paper by Richard B. Wall, of New London, Conn., Written
in 1903 for the " Records and Papers" of the Society.

Because of his association with an epoch-making event the
name of Captain Stevens Rogers, the sailing master of the Savan-
nah, the first steamship to cross the Atlantic Ocean, will go
down in the world's history throughout all ages to come.*.

Stevens Rogers was born in Waterford, which at the time
of his birth was an integral part of the township of New
London, on the 13th day of February, 1789. The locality
of the place where he first saw the light is still called
Goshen, its early Biblical name. He was the son of Stevens and
Abigail Powers Rogers, and belonged to a family which had
long been settled within a mile of the community that gave him
birth. He attended school in a small building which stood at
the foot of the western slope of Pepper Box Hill, and later came
to New London, where he received instruction from Elizabeth
Hern, who kept a little school in Main street, and who was
lovingly known as "Marm" Hern. In order to give him a higher
education his parents sent him to the Plainfield Academy, where
many other young men from Xew London were receiving in-
struction. He went to Plainfield simply to comply with his
parents' wishes, for his desire was for the sea and he felt that
his education was already sufficient for a sea-faring man. His
longing for the sea was noticeable in his very early childhood.
It was discouraged with systematic persistency by his parents,
but it was the lad's ideal and he never lost sight of it. His
kinsmen were noted sailors for a hundred years before
his birth. He felt that he could make a name on the seas
as well as they, and he was determined to go. He left the
academy with a resolution to attend school no longer. Arriving
in New London he directed his steps to Water street to admire
the vessels which lay fast to the wharves, lie asked many o1
the captains if they wanted an addition to their crew and they
replied in the negative. , Passing out of Water street he crossed

*The pliot i> en£rnvinirs of Cup t. Stevens Rogers and the Steamship Savannah were loaned

l>y J;une» S Rotors, of Boston, Mass., the author of .in admirable genealogical work entitled
'Mamos Rogers o^^ow Lon.lon, Cu, -and. hisdcact-ndaiit!.." — E»»' • .-..:. . .

494

Hallam and walked to Fulton's wharf in Main street, where he
noticed a vessel being loaded with staves. He was somewhat
discouraged by this time and feared there would be no oppor-
tunity to become a sailor. He enquired of the men who were
loading the packet as to its destination, and was told that the
cargo was consigned to a firm in Cuba. He found the captain
in his cabin and asked him if he would take him on the voyage.
The captain, whose name was Blinn, after asking the lad's name,
told him he would do so, provided his father and mother were
willing. Overjoyed at the prospect of going to sea, the lad
hastened home without delay, and told his surprised parents that
he had left school, for he had an opportunity to go on the water
with Captain Blinn. In vain his parents reasoned with him to
give up his ideas of a sailor's life. He was a dutiful son and
was now entreating them to let him go. For some time the
father and mother conferred together; they both knew Captain
Blinn to be a considerate man, and thinking one trip might cure
their son of his overpowering idea, decided to let him go. They
called the boy and told him the result of their deliberations.
"Hitch up the horse, Stevens," said his father, "and we will
go in to see the captain." The horse was harnessed
with great alacrity, and without waiting to accompany
his father the lad stole in and kissed his mother. Off
he ran to New London and was at Fulton's wharf
before his parent arrived there. Spying Captain Blinn, he
said exultingly, " I am going with you captain ; my father is
on the road here to tell you that I can make the voyage!" Soon
the father arrived and gave his verbal consent to Stevens' initial
trip. " I think one trip will cure the lad of his desire for the sea ;
make him work hard, so that he will be quite sick of his venture
by the time you get back." And with this instruction to the
master of the packet. Stevens Rogers, the elder, kissed his boy
and left for his home. But that trip did not make the boy sick
of the sea; it only intensified his love for the life of a sailor and
he was impatient when staying on the land even for a brief time.
"I am cut out for a sailor," he declared to his parents, "and I
must be one." They began to think so, too, and gave the youth
their blessing. Upward and onward was his motto. He was

4*>r>

soon master of a vessel ; his trips were successful and his judg-
ment held in high esteem by the shipping firms who entrusted
important voyages to his care. While yet a young man he was
in command of the finest merchantmen sailing out of the har-
bor of New York.

In the zenith of his success he met Captain Moses Rogers,
who with Fulton and others had been experimenting in
steam navigation. Moses Rogers had a high estimate of
Stevens Rogers as an accomplished navigator and sought to
interest him in steam power. When the trip of the Savannah
was arranged, Moses Rogers, who had been selected to command
the steamship, obtained the consent of Stevens to be the navi-
gator or sailing master. While the vessel was being fitted for
steam power. Stevens Rogers was associated with Moses Rogers
in arranging the details. The story of his trip is the story of
the Savannah's voyage, and this has been published many times.
Throughout the entire journey to Liverpool and from that place
to the Baltic Sea. thence to the Gulf of Finland, Stevens Rogers
demonstrated his ability as a navigator. At St. Petersburg he
was presented with a massive gold-mounted snuff box t by Sir
Thomas Graham. (Lord Lyndock), as a testimonial of the voy-
age. When the Savannah reached her home port Stevens Rogers
left her and returned to New London. He did not care for
steam power and was content to command sailing vessels again.

After his marriage, in deference to his wife's wishes, he gave
up going to sea, thus sacrificing his ambition. In company with
his brother-in-law, Gilbert Rogers, he opened a brick and lumber
yard at the foot of Hallam street, which is now occupied by
Moses Darrow. They owned two packets and these were em-
ployed in making trips to Hartford, carrying passengers and
freight. These packets, named the Galena and Frederick, were
kept in commission for many years. During the administration
of President Fillmore he obtained an appointment under Col-
lector Fosdick in the custom house of New London, but was

tTlie snuff box i« now the property of thi« Society. It wis presented in 1902 by Ebenezer
P. Miner of Uroton, Conn. The inscription on inner side of cover reads: Presented by Sir
Thomas Graham, Lord J.yndock to Stevens Rogers, Sailing Master of the Steam Ship Savan-
pah, at St. Petersburg, October 10th, 1819.- Ed.

406

retired at the close of the whig government. For many years
after, he was tax collector. He died* August 20, 1868, aged 79,
being survived by his wife and two children, a son and daughter.
His widow, who was the sister of Captain Moses Rogers, died in
1882. His son James, a very prominent master of sailing vessels
belonging in New York City, died in 1899, aged 74. Miss Sarah
A. Rogers, daughter of Stevens Rogers, resides in New London.

There were many notable incidents in the nautical career of
Stevens Rogers which proclaimed him the true American and
the ideal sailor. Being asked one time about his first sea voy-
age, Captain Rogers replied that he was master, mate and cook
of a vessel at the age of four, adding the following by way of
explanation : When he was four years of age his mother allowed
him to go about the farm in the company of an old ex-slave,
who had long been a servant in the family. One day the little
fellow slipped away from his guardian and ran down to the
beach. He saw a boat high and dry upon the sand. He played
in it and when tired, lay down on one of the seats and fell asleep.
The boat had not been made fast and the tide rose and bore it
out upon the bosom of the Sound. Meanwhile the little fellow
had been missed at home and search was being made everywhere
to find him. The neighbors joined with their assistance, but no
trace of the child was evident. Night fell upon the labors of
the searching party, and though the woods and ravines were
throughly explored little Stevens was still missing. At home
the distracted mother was waiting for her husband to come
bearing their lost darling; but when he came without the boy,
she joined him in the silent manifestation of his grief. They
were seated in silence but a few moments when a knock at the
door startled them. In response to the summons the father
opened the door and admitted a man dressed in the garb of a
sailor and bearing the form of the future famous navigator in
his arms. The sailor was immediately recognized as a friend of
the family and while he laid the sleeping boy in the arms of the
overjoyed mother, he proceeded to tell how he had found him.

•Captain Stevens Rogers died in the south flat of the brick block on the north-west corner
of Main and Shapley Streets,

497

The packet on which the sailor was employed had left New
London harbor late in the afternoon, and when bearing around
Goshen Point, one of the sailors discovered a boat floating on the
Sound. At the command of the captain a yawl was lowered arid
the boat was soon overhauled. The sailors were much surprised
to find the boy sleeping on one of the seats as peacefully as
within his mother's arms. Taking their charge back to the
packet they carried the boy below, where he opened his eyes
amid strange surroundings. The sailor who had brought him
to his parents recognized the boy and obtained the captain's per-
mission to take the child home.

On his first trip with Captain Blinn to Cuba, an event occurred
which Stevens Rogers did not forget to his dying day. The
packet was brought to, by a shot from a British man-of-war.
British sailors, led by a lieutenant, boarded the packet and de-
manded that the captain and his crew show their papers. In
those days Great Britain assumed the right of insolent might, to
board at will all ships carrying the American flag, and impress
all sailors into the British service who had not the credentials
of the collector of their home port to prove they were American
seamen. On the occasion noted, Stevens Rogers, being without
the necessary papers, was threatened by the British officer, who
told the captain that the boy had run away from his home in Lon-
don, where a widowed mother was daily grieving because of his
absence. Replying, Captain Blinn said the story was not true,
as he had known the parents of the boy for many years, and that
they lived in New London. "If you take that boy," said Captain
Blinn, "you will have to take my ship also." After much sulk-
ing, the British officer withdrew. Knowing that he could not
get his papers before he returned to New London, young Stevens
had a sailor prick upon his arm the emblems of his country, the
flag and eagle. Soon after, the vessel was again boarded by
sailors from a British man-of-war, and in response to the officer's
request for his papers, the young sailor bared his arm, and said :
'' These, Sir, are my credentials." The Briton looked with ap-
parent disgust upon the American emblems and was content
to let the matter go.

During the second war with Great Britain, Stevens Rogers

498

was seized on the high seas and carried to Dartmoor Prison in
England, where he was confined a short time. Returning to his
native land he was soon after taken prisoner a second time and
carried to Halifax, but was exchanged soon.

As the Savannah steamed into the harbor of Liverpool and
cast anchor a small boat manned by uniformed sailors came
alongside. A lieutenant in command asked Stevens Rogers
where his master was. "I have no master," said the navigator,
"I am an American." "Then where is your captain," shouted the
Briton. " He is below, Sir," was the reply. Captain Rogers was
much surprised to note the immense crowds at the wharves of
Liverpool. On the passage from Liverpool to the Gulf of Fin-
land the natives along the shores of the Baltic Sea fled over the
hills in terror at the approach of the ship, which seemed to be
on fire. Among the passengers who made the trip on board the
Savannah were three little boys, orphans, aged ten, twelve and
fourteen, respectively. They were entrusted to the care of Cap-
tain Stevens Rogers who read the rules of the ship to them and
told them they must be strictly observed. Like all boys, the
little fellows were mischievous at times. One day they were
taken down into the cabin, and the sailing master, after telling
them of their repeated infraction of the rules, said they must be
punished. He arranged the boys in a triangular position, gave
each a whip, commanding them to strike one another across the
back until he told them to cease. Gently fell the blows at first,
then a little faster, until they began to rain vicious strokes upon
one another. Neither would yield to the punishment and they
appeared to be of equal determination. Finally the sailing mas-
ter called a halt and the boys were given their liberty, after
promising good behavior for the rest of the trip.

Captain Stevens Rogers had two log-books which he kept on
this memorable voyage. They were identical, except that one
was used to make abbreviated jottings of what transpired during
the day; in the evening these jottings were entered upon the
second book in a complete form. The former book is now in
the National Museum at Washington, while the latter volume
was given to an English nobleman, who called on Stevens Rogers
at his home in New London, years after the Savannah had

499

made her record trip. This nobleman, his father and grandfather
had all known the sailing master, and in deference to their com-
bined wishes he gave them the book. By this award much in-
formation was lost, as the brevity of the first log made inexplic-
able many incidents of value. As the navigator grew older and
a more appreciative generation realized the importance of the
voyage of the Savannah, he regretted having given away his log.

Captain Rogers was a man of the strictest integrity ; paid his
obligations with methodical arrangement ; was a Baptist in re-
ligion and spirit ; a whig and then a republican ; a Mason, who
carried for many years the Bible at the funerals of his deceased
brethren. He was made a member of the Order, in the building
now the Smith Memorial Home. He loved the Order and de-
fended it against many bitter attacks in the days when Masonry
was execrated by the populace of New London.

The death of Stevens Rogers was pathetic. The day before he
died three boys called to see him ; two of them were related to
him and a third was the son of a friend. He took them over to
Fort Trumbull, then to Fort Griswold, and from there to " Ye
Antientest Buriall Ground," explaining the points of attack and
defense occupied by the British and American troops on the 6th
of September, 1781. The day was oppressive, but his enthusiasm
to give the boys a lesson in patriotism, made him forget that
he was an old man and taxing his strength beyond repair.
When he arrived at his home in Main street he was thirsty and
drank liberally of ice water. He retired a little earlier than usual,
though he did not seem to be ill ; bade his wife and daughter
good night, and went into the kitchen to have a parting word
with his dog and parrot. In the night his family were awakened
by his cries for assistance. A doctor was summoned, but the
old sailor was unconscious and passed away in the gray of the
morning. His death was a shock to the community. The fun-
eral took place Sunday afternoon and was largely attended. Rev.
Mr. Burdick of Westerly, preached the funeral sermon. Union
Lodge of Masons, assisted by Brainard Lodge, marched with the
body to Cedar Grove Cemetery. The members, who were in
full lodge attire, numbered 200. At the grave the Masonic ser-
vice was conducted by Rev. J. C. Waldo, chaplain of Union
Lodge.

REPORTS

ANNUAL AND BOARD MEETINGS

THE NEW LONDON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY,

November 20, 1901, to September I, 1903, inclusive,

LIST OF OFFICERS, COMMITTEES AND MEMBERS.

PUBLICATIONS OF THE SOCIETY.

riemorial Addresses.

Rev. Edward Woolsey Bacon, by Rev. Charles J. Hill; pp. 12; 1888.
Rev. Thomas Leffingwell Shipman, by Rev. W. B. Clarke; pp. 21; 1889.

Records and Papers.

Volume I, 1 890-1 894. In five parts; 21 illustrations; pp. 407. Part I,

$1.00, other four parts 50 cents each.
Volume II. 1895— 1904. In five parts; 19 illustrations; pp. 528. Each

part 50 cents.

Collections.

Volume I. Diary of Joshua Hempstead, published from old manuscripts;
1 90 1. Large octavo, bound in cloth; pp. 71 1. Index of names,
pp. 39. Price, $5.00.

The Diary covers the years from 171 1 to 1758 and is the standard
authority for births, baptisms, marriages, deaths and an infinite variety of
events which took place in New London and vicinity during the years
mentioned. As its author held several town offices and engaged in a di-
versity of occupations, his daily entries made for nearly 50 years when
records were scarce, and ending during the year the first newspaper in the
town was published, places much value on the records.

Occasional Publications.

Volume I. The Stone Records of Groton, by Frances Manwaring
Caulkins, 1903, octavo, printed on Strathmore paper, bound in
cloth; 10 illustrations; pp. 96. Price $1.75.

This is the first of Miss Caulkins' manuscripts to be published since
her death in 1869. Her narratives of Mason's expedition in 1637, and
Arnold's in 1781 are written in her usual charming style. It has been
edited bv Miss Emily S. Gilman, and the preface written by Robert Porter
Keep, Ph. D. An appendix has been added giving the names of the
killed, wounded and captured in the Battle of Groton Heights Sept. 6,
1781. The illustrations are from the original drawings made under the
supervision of the Art School of the Norwich Free Academy, and the
book has been printed and bound by the press and bindery of the manual
training department.

MEETINGS OF BOARD ( >F DIRECTORS.
November 20, 1901.

A meeting of the Board of Directors of the New London
County Historical Society was held in the Society's room, Public
Library building, Wednesday. November 20, 1901, at 3 p. m., the
president, Mr. Ernest E. Rogers, presiding. The chairman first
called the attention of the meeting to an inquiry made at the
Board of Directors' meeting held September 18, 1900, by Dr.
Lewis I ). Mason of Brooklyn, who said that he had noticed traces
of vandalism on the Major John Mason Monument, situated in
the town of Groton, near Mystic, and inquired the proper steps
to be taken to prevent further injury to the same. At that time
it was uncertain as to the title of ownership of the land on which
the monument stands, the monument itself being the property
of the State. Upon investigation, it was ascertained from the
town clerk of Groton, that there was no record of a formal trans-
fer of the land to the State, from Colonel Amos Clift, the donor.
\fter a brief discussion of the matter, Hon. George F. Tinker
made a motion, which was seconded by Dr. S. Leroy Blake,
and it was

Voted, That the secretary be empowered to communicate with
Colonel Amos Clift. asking if it is his pleasure to formally deed
the land on which the Mason Monument stands to the State,
and on receiving an answer from him in the affirmative, to write
to the Secretary of State, inquiring the proper steps to be taken
to prevent future mutilation of the monument.

Hon. George F. Tinker, chairman of the committee appointed
to secure a new home for the Society, then made his report. He
first alluded briefly to the fact that the growing demands of the
Public Library necessitated a removal of the Historical Society
to other rooms, in the near future. The committee had faithfully
trierl to obtain rooms elsewhere, but all attempts to find a suit
able place, within the means of the Society, had proved a failure
After a full discussion of the situation it was

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Voted, That the report be accepted, and the committee in-
structed to continue the search.

The report of the Special Committee, appointed to consider the
advisability of publishing Miss Caulkins' manuscripts of the
Graveyard Necrology of New London County, had been received
by the secretary, and was next read. The chairman said that
in addition to the two volumes owned by the Society, a third
was in the possession of Miss Emma Douglas. The committee
would be allowed access to it, for the purpose of copying for pub-
lication. Upon motion of Mr. Tinker it was

Voted, That the report be accepted.

Remarks were then made by various members, all of which
showed that it was the sense of the meeting that the manuscripts
be published. Preliminary to such a step, upon motion of Mr.
Ware, and seconded by Mr. Tinker, it was

Voted, That the committee, consisting of Rev. Alfred Poole
Grint, Ph. D., Miss May Kelsey Champion, Mrs. Annie Holt
Smith, Mr. George Shepard Porter, be and are hereby empowered
to prepare a suitable copy of Miss Caulkins' manuscripts of
Necrology of New London County, and verify same for printer's
use, provided the duty can be performed without expense to the
Society.

The secretary then read a communication from Cornelia W.
Chapell, Jr., chairman of the Library Committee, stating that
the arrangements for classifying and cataloguing the books and
papers belonging to the Historical Society had been practically
completed. She also asked for an appropriation of $100 to meet
the necessary expenses of the work, which appropriation she had
been given to understand would be available, if desired. The
chairman stated that all supplies necessary for preparing a card
catalogue had been given by an interested member. Upon
motion of Mr. Tinker, seconded by Dr. Blake, it was

Voted, That a sum not to exceed $100 be appropriated from
the income of the Turner fund, to pay for the labor of cataloguing
the Society's library. An enthusiastic approval was ex-
pressed by a rising vote.

Two invitations were then delivered, through the president, the
first from members in Norwich, inviting the Society to hold its,

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mid-winter meeting in that city, and the second from Miss Celeste
E. Bush of Niantic, asking that the meeting in May might be
held with the East Lyme Society. Both invitations were accepted,
and motions made by Dr. Blake that the following committees
be appointed : Mr. Jonathan Trumbull, Major Bela Peck
Learned and Dr. Robert P. Keep, to arrange for the meeting to
be held in Norwich, January 15, 1902, and Miss Celeste E. Bush,
to arrange for the meeting to be held in East Lyme in May.
Voted to adjourn.

Elizabeth Gorton,

Secretary.

June 4, 1902.

A meeting of the Board of Directors of the New London
County Historical Society was held June 4, 1902, in the Society's
room, Public Library building, the president, Mr. Ernest E.
Rogers, in the chair.. Reference was first made to the postpone-
ment of the East Lyme meeting from May until June 5, and the
action taken by those in charge of the arrangements was ap-
proved by all present. At the suggestion of the chairman, the
names of President Daniel C. Gilman of Carnegie Institution,
Washington; President W. J. Tucker of Dartmouth College;
Professor Franklin B. Dexter, Yale Library, and Miss Ellen
Larned, historian, were nominated for honorary membership.
The matter of rooms for the Society's use was then discussed.
A definite decision was necessary, owing to the fact that the room
at present being used would be needed July 1, for library pur-
poses. Upon motion of Hon. George F. Tinker, it was

Voted, That the Special Committee be empowered to rent an
apartment in the Harris building, if found practicable.

The Nominating Committee of last year, composed of Hon.
George F. Tinker, Mr. John McGinley, and Dr. S. Leroy Blake,
was chosen to report a list of officers to be elected at the annual
meeting.

The meeting then adjourned.

Elizabeth Gorton,

Secretary.

:>gg

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING.
September 9, 1902.

The annual meeting of The New London County Historical
Society was held in the Society's new rooms in the Harris build-
ing, on Sptember 9, 1902, having been deferred from Sep-
tember 1.

The meeting was called to order at 3 p. m., the president, Mr.
Ernest E. Rogers, in the chair.

In the absence of the secretary, Miss Elizabeth Gorton, Miss
May Kelsey Champion was appointed Secretary, pro tern.

The minutes of two board meetings, November 20, 1901, and
June 4, 1902, were read and approved.

The report of the secretary, Miss Elizabeth Gorton, was read
and accepted.

This report gave not only a summary of the work of the year,
but a brief history of the Society from its formation in 1871. It
was voted that it should be printed.

The treasurer, Mr. C. B. Ware, read his report, which was re-
ferred to the Auditing Committee. Mr. Ware then made a few
remarks regarding the printing of the Hempstead Diary, which
he said was nearly completed. He referred also to the financial
assistance of Miss C. W. Chapell in renting one of the Society's
rooms for the use of the Library Committee, and to Miss Gorton's
gift of her services as secretary, the sum usually paid that officer
to be set apart as a Binding Fund.

Mr. George F. Tinker spoke of the efforts of the committee to
secure rooms for the Society's use. He also submitted a list of
officers and committees for the coming year. These were elected :

President — Ernest E. Rogers, New London.

First Vice President — Freder