LIBRARY OF CON' III mil 011 712 38 TSan- E 241 . G7 C3 Copy 1 1779-1879 ^^CENTENNmi. COM MEMORBTK IN-- (IDE OF GENERAL ISRAEL PUTNAM, GREENWICH, CONN FEBRUARY 26, 1779. E 241 .G7 C3 Copy 1 1779-1879. CENTENNmi mMMEMORRTION- RIDE OF GENERAL ISRAEL PUTNAM, GREENWICH, CONN., FEBRUARY 26, 1779, OBSERVKi:) FEBRUARY 93, 1R70. GREENWICH, CONN. Greenavich Observer Book and Job Print, ISSIt. • (X\ ^ OFFICERS: .^. rOHTK]! HIGGLYS, J'lvsiilnit. I 'ice- P rexidenU, FRANK SHEPARD, JOHN G. REYNOLDS, JOHN VOORHIS, EDWARD WILKINSON, THOMAS A. MEAD, SOLOMON MEAD. Serretiiries, R. JAY WALSH, HAMILTON W. MABIE, FREDERICK A. HUBBARD. Treaxarer, FRANK SHEPARD. i'oiniitittet of Amatgemeitts, FRANK SHEPARD. Chairman, HANFORD LOCKWOOD. B. P. SMITH, SOLOMON MEAD. THOMAS RITCH. REV. CHARLES R. TREAT, H. W. R. HOYT, L. P. HUBBARD. BENJAMIN WRIGHT. ISAAC L. MEAD. Marshal. EDWARD J. WRIGHT. COMMITTEES. H. W. K. Hoyt, Benjamin Wi'ight, Isaac L. Mead, H. M. Fitzgerald, L. P. Hubbard, Benjamin Wright, Edward Brusli, Hant'ord Lockwood, Edward J. Wright, Mra. Thoiiias liitcli, Mrs. L. P. Hubbard, Miss AmeHa Mead, Mrs. W. G. Peck. Mrs. H. Lockwood, Mrs. M. Cristy, Miss Lucinda P. Mead, Mrs. C. S. Churchill, ^lisK Lila Munvel, H. H. Holly, Literary, Kev. Charles K. Treat, Hamilton W. Mabie. Mask, Charles N. Mead, John H. Ray. On (Juents, Prof. VVm. a. Peek, H. W. E. Hoyt. Finance, Thomas Ritch, Dr. F. N. HoUy, Procession. F. D. Knapp, Collation. Mis. (leorge Taylor, Mrs. H. W. R. Hoyt, Mrs. Thomas P. Hunt, Mrs. Frank Shei^ard, Miss Adelaide Banks, Mrs. H. M. FitzGerald, Mrs. George Selleck, Mrs. J. ^'oorhis, Miss Ella Voorhis. Decoration , Rev. Charles R. Treat, Phihj. W, Holmes, A. Edgar Brush, A. Foster Higgius, Solomon Mead, Dr. James H. Brudi, H. W. R. Hoyt. Miss Mary I'albot Miss Josephine Lyon, Mrs. J. E. Brush, Mrs. Ophelia Long, Mrs. Chas. Mead, Mrs. Augustus Mead. Mrs. John Ray, Mrs. S. G. White Miss Julia Bell. Philip W. Holmes, Joshua Peck, Moses Cristy, John Dayton. Joseph G. Mend. Knish Knapp, ( 'oniehus Mead, Jo-seph B. Husted, Whitman S. Mead, George W Waterbnry. Reception , M. L. Mason, S. M. Brush, Henry Webb, Daniel S. Mead, Ji Dr. T. K. Pinneo. Wni. J. Mead, Zenas Peck. Matthew Merritt, Edward Mead, JicporterK, Hiuuiltou W. Mabie, K. Jay Walsh, Frederick A. Hubbard, George E. Scotield, E. Belcher Mead, Dr. E. N. Judd. J. Arthur Pinneo. Prof. Wui. G. Peck, Solomon Mead, Frederick A. Hubbard. William IVck, Jose]ih F. Kuapp, Publicittion. Edward J . Wright, Dr. F. N. Holly, A. A. Marks, E. A. Knapji, Lyman Mead, George S. Hay, H. H. McFariand, Dr. Sylvester Mead, Jabez Mead, Willard H. Mead, S. M. Mead. M. Stuart Cann, W. L. Ferris. Wm. K. Talbot. Nelson B. Mead, K. Jay Walsh, P. W. Holmes, Proceedings of the Day. The procession liaviiio- been t'ornieil on Putnam Avenue, be- low the Lenox Housp, moved at about noon in the following' ovfler: Sherift Aaron Snuford. and Dpjmty Slieriffs John Dayton and 0. Bavtram. Wheeler & Wil«oii Band, of Bridgeport. (irand Marslial Edward J. Wright. Aida H. F. Jnne, .lauies L. Marshall. M. 1). and .1. V. (lose, mounted. Veterans of the Mexican War. Prof. Wui. (t. Peck. Prof. J. H. VanAniaringe and Justice PhiH]} N. .lackson. Veterans of the War of the liebellion. \N in. H. Bailey. Marshal. Greenwich Light Guard, Co. F., Fourth Pieginient, (". N. (i. C"aiit» F. D. Knap)), conuuaudiug. Putuaui Phalanx, of Hartfoi'd, conimauded by Major F. M. Brown, mounted, and Capts. Dowd and Case. Distinguished Invited GuestH in (!aniages. accompanied by Members of the Reception ('ommittee: Fird ( 'arriage. A. Foster Higgius, Esq., President of the Day. with Hon. (iideon Hollister, Orator: Col. S. B. Sumner, Poet: and Col. H. W. K. Hoyt. Historian. Sevond ('(irn'ani. John Voorhis, Esq., Vice-President of the Day, with Gen. Joseph K. Haw- ley; Ex-Gov. Marshall Jewell: and State Treasurer, Hon. Tal- madge Baker. Third Carriage, Frank Shepard, Esq. , Vice-President of the Day, with Hon. W. H. Putnam, of Brooklyn, Conn., great-grandson of Gen. Israel Pntnam, and Mem- ber of the House of Representatives of Connecticut; Jedediah Pendergrast Merritt. Esq. , of St. Catherines, Canada, grand- son of ThoK. Merritt, the Tory, who chased Gen. Put- nam to the brow of the Hill; and Hon. Oliver Hoyt, of Stamfoi-d, Senator of the Twelfth District, Con- necticut. Fourth darrinrie. Col. Vincent Colyer, of Darien; Hon. Dwight L. Williams, of Hartland; Hon. R. H. Rowan, of Norwalk; and Hon. Lyman Mead, of Greenwich, Members of the Connecticut House of ' RepresontativeK. Fifth (Uirriafjr, Edmund Wilkinson. Esij., V^ice-President of the Day, with Hon. Wm. E. Raymond, of New Canaan. Ex-State Treasurer; Lieut-Col. J. N. Bacon, Second Regiment. C. N. G., and Ex- Sheriff Geo. W. Lewis, of Bridgeport. Sixth ('arriaor. Solomon Mead, Escj. , Vice-President of the Day, with S. A. Hubbard. Esq. and Capt, John C. Kinney, of the Ilnrtford dnnraiil ; and Hon. Benjamin Wright, of Greenwich, Member of the House of Re2)resentatives. Sercnth (Jarriar/c, L. P. Hubbard, Esq. , of the Reception Committee; with Ex-Representative Bacon, of Middletown; Rev. S. B. S. Bissell. of Norwalk: and Rev. C. E. Glover, of New York. Fjiohtji darriar/f, Thomas Ritch, of the Reception Committee; with Charles A. Hawley. Esq. Presidentof the Stamford National Bank; Rev. Dr. Rogers, of Stamford; and Rev. Matthew Hale Smith. Ninth (Uirriane. Matthew Memtt, Esq.. of the Reception Committee; with John P. Hollis- tcr, Es(|., of Litchfield: Henry W. Lyon, Esij. , of Westport; and Hamilton W. Mabie, Escj. , President of the Press Committee. Tenth Carriage, M. Stuart Caun. of the Press Committee; with Mr. Warren H. Bun-, of the Hartford Times. Mr. N. A. Tanner; of the ^"eir Haven FaUn- dntm: and Mr. Wni. A. Countryman, of the x\>?r Haven Reghtcr. Eleventh Oarn'ay. Mr. K. J. Walsh, of the Press Committee; with' Hon. John D. Cancjee, of the Bridgeport Standard: and Mr. Robert E. Day, of the Nejr Haven Union. Twelfth Carriage. Mr. George E. Scofield, of the Press Committee; with Mr. Frederick Pen- fteld. of the Hartford Evening I*ost and the BoKton (iMe; Mr. Joseph Ells, of the Nonralk Cazcit^; Mr. Henry W. Vail, of the Shore Line Timen, of New Haven; and Mr. Edward Z. Lewis, of the New Tor/,- Sun. Thirteenth Carriage. Mr. Frederick A. Hubbard, of the Press Committee; with Mr. Lawrence A. Kane, of the JVev York Time.s; Mr. Wm. W. Gillesi^ie, of the Stamford AeJ.rocate; Mr. M. H. Babcock, of the New York World; Mr. J. Meade Warren, of the Stamford Her- ald; and Mr. Wm. M. Keeler, of the (ireen wieh Ohserrer. Chief Engmeer James W. Finley, and Assistants: of the Port Chester Fir(> Depart nient. Putnam Engine Company -W. W. Chapin, Foreman. Putnam Hose Company— James H. Men-itt, Foreman. Judge of Probate, Town Clerk, Selectmen, and other Officers of the Town of Greenwich. Warden and Burgesses of the P.orongh nf (irecnwicli. C-iti/.ens. After j)as8iiig alouy I'utiiaui avenue, and arOuiul Puhiani Hill, tlie procession returned to the Second Congregational Church. The assemblage having been called to order by .\. Foster Higgins, Esq., President of the Day, prayer was offered by Rev Charles E. Treat. Mr. Higgins then made the follow- ing address of welcome: Address of Welcome. Friends and Fellow -Citizens, Ladies and Gentlemen : — It is njy pleasing" duty to welcome you on this anniversary of the natal day of our great and i-evered Washington, Avhich we desire fitly to coninieniorate, and also at the same time to embrace in our celebration a suitable recognition of this being the Centennial of the celebrated events particularly connected with this our State of Connecticut, and its gallant son, second only to the Father of his Country in position, and surpassed by none in noble, self-denying, self-sacrificing patri- otism — Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam. Before proceeding to our exercises, I hojDe you will pardon me if I say a Avord as to the spirit with which we should ap- proach and participate in these proceedings. Our Government has wisely ordered that certain days shall be set aside as holy days — days in which all secular p)ursuits are to be suspended, and the thoughts directed, as far as possible, to a definite object. These days are great Avitli some momentous event of the past, and themselves force each its ob- ject upon our view and consideration. The one to-day is the birth of that great and good man, to whom in so great a degree we owe our national existence and life. It will be sufficiently interesting to rivet your attention, to listen to the storj' and in- cidents which in connection with him 'and [our great General, the eloquent historian will weave into the web of his oration, and to the burning words of the poet, who will carry these topics into the transporting and elevating realms of fancy ; but these will all be but as a man observing his face in the glass, or the evan- 10 escent dews of the morning, unless each one of us shall endea- vor to draw from these narratives and words the lessons they are calculated and intended to impress. They are the love of our countr}- — the veneration and grateful remembrance of those noble beings who, Christlike, gave up their social welfare and individual comforts, and underwent toil, care and privation for us, our children and future generations ; and the earnest, heartfelt and intensified resolution that xce will/orerer preserve and perpetuate in its jiurity, our sanctified inheritance of so- cial, political and religious freedom. Alas, our days are too filled with low and grovelling j^ursuits ! Let us for once — for this day at least — lift uj> our hearts to loftier themes and pur- poses ; bind down our wandering thoughts to self-examination, and ask ourselves, are we doing our dut}' to our country V and determine that at least this day we will be wholh' patriots. We learn from the records of those who then lived, that im- mediately succeeding the Declaration of Independence our loy- al State displayed a new standard, one side of which, in letters of gold, was "An Appeal to Heaven ;" on the other, the armo- rial bearings of Connecticut, which, without supporters or crest, consisted of three vines, significant of Knowledge, Liberty and Religion, with the motto, ''(^nl TraiixtuUt Sitdinef — "He who Transplanted, Sustains ;" thus indicating the confidence of our forefathers in the protection of heaven. This same trust in (rod was evinced 1)}' one and all during all these trying days. Let us now lift up our hearts to that same Divine Being who has so greatly enlarged to us the blessings of which He gave to theni but the promise and anticipation, Prayer. Rev. C. R. Treat, the chaplain, then read from the Book of Exodus an appropriate portion of the Scriptures, and ofltered the following prayer : Almighty and Everlasting (iod, Creator, Preserver and (Gov- ernor of men, we give thanks to Thee, that, when Thou crea- ted man, Thou didst endow him with liberty ; that Thou didst plant ill him the love of liberty ; and that, when unjustly de- prived of liberty. Thou hast been ready with Thy gracious help that he might regain it. AA'e give thanks to Thee that, in the course of human history. Thou hast been leading Thy children into larger and truer liberty, and that Thou hast been pleased to place us, the people of this favored land, upon the high plane of a free, enlightened. Christian civilization. We give thanks to Thee, especially at this time, that Thou didst inspire our fathers with such love of liberty, liberty of speech and ac- tion, and liberty of religious faith and worshij), so that they were willing to sufter shame, exile and privation that these priceless privileges might be theirs. We thank Thee that Thou didst preserve them from the jjerils of the sea, the inclement season, and the sterile shore ; and that, in the latter tirne of trial to which our thoughts are- turned to-day, Thou didst sus- tain those that then were dwelling here, in their acts of right- eous remonsti'ance and rebellion, and grant that their cause should triumph. We bless Thee, O God, we magnify Thy great and holy name, for the share that Thou hast had in all these great transactions, and for the rich inlieritance which Thou hast permitted to be bequeathed to us ; and while we Ii2 honor him who was the lioio in the cveni, we celebrate to-day; while we honor all who were the heroes of that day and time, unto Thee we give the greater honor, as is Thy due. And now, O God, we beseech Thee, as we gather liere, let Thy blessings be upon us. Let nothingbe said or done that shall be contrary to Thy holy will. Let the eyes of all be opened that we may see not only the human actors in tlie scenes of that distant da}', but also discern the presence and the part that Thou were ])leased to take. Let the hearts of all be tilled with reverence, and love and gratitude for what Thou then didst do. We beseech Thee, also, tliat Tliou wilt heljj us to rightly val- ue the great benefits we have received, and the great responsi- bilities that come with them, and as we recall the price with which our privileges were purchased, be ready to pay the price that shall be required of us that they may be preserved. Aa our fathers were faithful in their time of trial, so help us to be faithful when the time of trial comes to us, and, in peace or war, to shrink from no sacrifice that may save our nation's life or liberty. Grant, we beseech Thee, that this may be to us a holy hour, in w hich we may hear the heroes of the past aj^jDeal- ing to us, in which this heroic spirit shall take possession of us and make us noble, high-minded men, like unto them. This we ask in the name of Thy beloved Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. Historical Address. Col. H. \V. R. Hoyt, was then inii-odured and delivered the following- Historical Address: Mr. President, Ladies and (Jentteinen :-- In a quiet {graveyard in the town of Brooklyn, in this state, Israel Putnam has long rested from his labors. Throuoh storm and sunshine, for nearly ninety years the worn and wearied body of the old hero has slept in its well-earned repose. Almost a century, tilled with historic deeds, and brilliant with the an- iials of great events, has gone by, since he was gathered to his fathers, but his fame has not been lessened, and the halo that surrounds his name has become brighter with the lapse of time . To-day tlie state of his adoption, through her legislature and voluntary organizations, and adjoining states, through their rep- resentatives, have risen up to do honor to his memory. His fiery courage, his generous qualities, his patriotic zeal and his important services, have made him a most prominent figure among the heroes of those days in which, amid the thunder .of cannon and the tread of contending armies, the foundations of a gi-eat nation were established. His nature and education had well-fitted him for leadership, in that time of turmoil and achievement. His experience in the French and Indian wars^ and the estimation in which he was held by the authorities, had given him a high position in the military forces of the state ; and when at Cambridge in 1775, Washington assumed command of the revolutionary army, bringing with him the commissions of the four major generals, issued by the Continental Congress. Putnam's alone was delivered, in consequence of a want of con- 14 fidence in those ufion whom the others were to have been con- ferred. The incidents of his whole Hfe are tinged with romance. He was famihar with peril from his early youth, and had he lived in the days of mythology, the popular fancy would have invested him with all the attributes and endowments, which were bestowed upon the ancient divinities. The exploit of General Putnam, which we now commemorate, occurred at a period of deep gloom and dejDression in the course of the struggle for independence. The spirit of the colonists was unconquerable ; the fires of their patriotism were un_ quenched, but their government was a rope of sand. There seemed to be no power in the Continental Congress to enforce its recommendations and resolutions, or to provide for the supplies and payment of the troops. The value of the Continental is- sues had become greatly depreciated. The masses of the peo- ple were enduring hardship and privation with patience and resolution. Occasional discontent manifested itself, and mutter ings were heard among the soldiery, but their faith was unfalt- ering ; their determination unflinching, and although with- out pay, and partially without food, they remained steadfast to, the good cause. The headquarters of the army lor that winter, were at Mid- dlebrook, on the Raritan River, in New Jersey. The battle line extended from the Delaware northerly along the Highlands to West Point, and then turning eastward followed the Connec- ticut shore as far as Stonington. In the fall campaign, Savan- nah had been captured by the enemy, and the province of Georgia.was under the dominion of the British. Above tlie island of New York, and a portion of Long Island, floated the banner of St. George, and foreign sentinels paced their beats from the Hudson to the East River. The British General 'Pig- ot commanded in Rhode Island ; but with these exceptions, ^ the Atlantic coast was in the possession of the patriots. Sir Henry Clinton held supreme command of the British forces, and from his headquarters in New York city, caused frequent * predatory excursions to be made up the fertile valley of the 15 Bronx ; along the range of hills that forms the backbone of Westchester Count}', and from point to point along the shores of Long Island and Connecticut. In 1778 General Putnam had been relieved from duty in the Highlands, and was afterwards assigned to the command of the forces in Connecticut. He had the two brigades of the Con- necticut line, one brigade of New Hampshire troops, Col. Ha- zen's regiment of infantry, and one of the four regiments of cavalry commanded by Col. Sheldon. ■ His headquarters were at Reading, in this county, about six miles southerly from Dan- bury. From this point he supervised the militar}' operations in this State, and maintained connection with the Continental forces on the Hudson. Detachments were stationed at advan- tageous jilaces, one of his most important outposts being loca- ted in this vicinity. The territory from Kingsbridge to Green- wich was known as the Debatable Ground, and for the people within its limits there was nothing but anxiety and danger. Living along the border of the disputed territory, the people of Greenwich were in a most deplorable condition. Many of her sons were in the military service. Of those who were at home, a large jjroportiou were openly avowed Loyalists, and a third class, who were living under the protection of British permits, secretly gave information and furnished supplies to the enemy. It was a winter oi unusual severity. With but few exceptions the people were weighed down by poverty. Cold and hunger were their daily companions, and the most rigid economy was scarcely sufificicnt to supply them with the scan- tiest means for supporting life. The depreciation of the Con tiuental currency ; the severe taxation that had been resorted to to enable the State to pay the proportion of the public debt, and the expenses of the general government that had been as- signed to her, and the uncertain tenure of life and property, had destroyed all enterprise and rendered business undertak- ings impossible. Men moved about in fear and trepidation. Their hiding-places were in the fields and woods. No one kncAv the moment when a Inillet from a concealed enemv mirisoners in his hands. During that winter Putnam hovered like an eagle upon the coast, swooping down upon this noisome tish hawk wherever he showed himself, and snatching his prey from his talons. It should be a theme of cherished pride with you who live in these favored towns, that, they were watched over in their infancy by this kindly, father- ly soldier, who devoted the rijiest and latest hour of his public life to protect them from the rapacity of the invader. This meagre outline of the events of Putnam's military ca- reer will be the more readily excused because you have here a historian of such acknowledged competency to deal with them. The fame of Putnam has pervaded the continent. It has gone into the log huts of the prairies ; it has descended into the shafts of Nevada ; it flows in the gold-bearing streams of California, and in all languages into which the letters and dis- patches of AVashington have been translated, it lives and blooms i\ perennial flower. It has often been asked how it is that with slight appar- ent difl'erence between individuals in blood and culture, there should be so little uniformity in results. One man is pre-eni' inent Avhile he lives, and after his death penetrates to remote ages, keeping among men a kind of earthly immortalit}", while myriads fall in the race of life, and drop into nameless graves. I am inclined to think that Putnam's success in life, and his 34 posthumous fame grew largely out of his spontaniety of thought and action ; or, in other words, that he committed his powers to the current of his tcmiierament. He never thought about himself or what would be the result to himself of sayiug or doing this or that, but yielded to the inspiration of God speaking through nature. In this Avay his soul became akin to the physical forces, the lightning, tiic whirlwind, the cannon-bullet, going where they are sent by a Divine direction, under laws Avliich man may formulate but cannot make. This unconsciousness of himself does not imply a want of perception of the condition of aiiairs. He knew that if the British were allowed to occupy Charlestown Heights Avhile their men-of-war were floating in the waters of the Charles and Mystic, they coukl command the peninsula. He knew that the entrenchments must be made at once, if at all. He knew that a blow must be struck then or the undisci- plined American army would fall to pieces of its own weight. Thus his mind was a mirror rendering pictures of objects jDre- sented to it. His own danger, or personal advantages would have been reflected in this mirror had he held them up to it. But it never occurred to him to look at them. He saw the em- battled armies, the cause that had arrayed them against each other, and the mighty results hanging on the crisis. They tilled this magic glass and left no room for his own image. This is exemplified in his directions to his son Daniel, a stripling of sixteen and the child of his old age, on setting out from Cam- bridge, "You will go to JMrs. Inman's to-night as usual. Stay there till to-morrow, and if they liud it necessary to leave town you must go with them." " You, dear father," said the keen-sighted boy, " may need my assistance more than Mrs. Innian ; pray let me go where you are going." " No, no, Daniel, do as 1 bid you," said the hero with shaking voice and eyes running over with tears. "You can do little, my son, Avliere I am going, and there will be enough to take care of mc." 35 Of a piece with this was his remark to AVarreii, just arrived upon tlie battle ground. " I am sorry to see you here, (leneral Warren. I wish you liad left the day to us, as I advised you. From ajipearanees we sliall have a sharp time of it." Seventeen years before, he had said to Lord Howe, the broth- er of the chief who was now advancing- against hhn : "• My Lord, if I am Idlled, the loss of my life will be of little conse- quence, but the preservation of yours is of infinite importance to the army." Anotlier element of Putnam's greatness was liis large-hearted humanity. During the battle in the woods, near Lake George, in ITnS, tlie French left three hundred men dead and wounded upon the tield. Putnam lingered there late into the evening to see after the suffering Frenchmen. He gathered the wound- ed into one place, covered them with blankets, gave them wine and other delicacies brought for the use of his own men, and personally tended them. One ofltlcer whom he had placed in an easy posture against a tree, could only grasji his protector's hand in silent gratitude. " Depend ujion it, my brave soldier," said Putnam, "you shall be brought to the camp as soon as pos- sible, and the same cai'c shall be taken of you as if you were my brother." In tlie campaign of ITtii'), after the revolting massacre of the garrison of Fort William Plenry, in violation of a tlag of truce, when he visited the smoking ruins and saw the mutilated remains of hundreds of men, women and children, he turned from the sickening spectacle with unspeakable hor- ror. This humanity of sentiment was I'eciprocated at Bunker Hill by Col. Abercrombie, commanding the British grenadiers. When he lay mortally wounded, he bethought himself of his old comrade in the French wars, and, with his dying breath, shout- ed out to his men, "If you take Putnam alive, don't hang him, for he's a brave fellow." Entire preoccupation and concentration of mind was another marked trait of Putnam. You all remember the story of his bird -nesting exploit in boyhood. In venturing out too far upon 80 a limb in the treetop, lie broke bis prop and was left hanging- m the air. He ordered one of his mates to fire a bullet through the bough near the trunk, and let him drop to the ground. The wolf story exhibits the same characteristic. Theravager of the sheep-fold had been tracked to her den. Putnam resolved to go into the cave for her. His neighbors remonstrated in vain. He was wolf-hunting, and the only way to come by the wolf was to follow her into her lair. It never once occurred to him that anything else could be done but to kill her ; and the dan- ger to himself, as it was no jiart of Ihut enterprise, was not tak- en into the account. This preoccupation of mind went with him through life. It led him into the ])resence of Governor Fitch, who was not long in finding out that stamped pajjer could neither be sold nor deposited in Connecticut. It went with him through the border wars, it crossed the Delaware \Vith him ; it was present with him at Princeton, New York, Philadelphia, in the Highlands ; and stayed with him to inspire that last daring act of his life, the anniversary of which, you this day celebrate with the thunders of cannon and peans of jubilation. Sternness in the discharge of duty was another characteristic of him. In 1777, while stationed in the Highlands, spies were gent into his camp by General Tryon, with a view of taking him prisoner. One of them was caught, tried and sentenced to be hanged. Tryon wrote a threatening letter to Putnam, hoping to imtimidate him and thus save the life of his emissary. The answer and result you know. In the words of Mr. Peabody, " Putnam's military reputation, high as it was, concealed no dark traits of jjersonal character beneath its shadow." Putnam's disposition was purely elementary. With all his bluflfness he had that chivalry of the heart that women are so ready to detect under all exteriors, and know so well how to value. Everybody loved him and coveted, not only his good will, but his aiitection. His neighbors vied with one another in paying little acts of heart-homage to him ; his family almost worshipped him, and his soldiers were ready to die for him. 37 Washington understood him perfectly, and made due allow- ance for his idiosyncrasies. In a letter to McDougall he said : " I have ordered General Putnam to Peekskill ; you are well acquainted with the old gentleman's temper. He is active and disinterested and open to conviction ; and I therefore hope that by afltbrdiug him the advice and assistance which your knowl- edge of the post enai)les you to do, you will he very happy in your command under him." In Decend)er, 1779, Putnam went home for a little visit, and had just set forth on his r(4nrn io the army when he was' disabled by a stroke of paralysis from which lie never recovered. Truth comjiels me to say that, not- withstanding his excellent moral character in all other respects, he had been, during his military life, sadly given to profanity of speech. He was subject to sudden seizures of passion, and in these paroxysms too often forgot the injunction, " Let your yea be yea and your nay, nay, for whatsoever is more than this Cometh of evil." This habit he Avholly abjured in later years. Pi'esident Dwight, of Yale College, who know him well, gave his written testimony in these words : " In the decline of life he publicly professed the religion of the (lospel." The Rev. l)i'. Whitney, his spiritual adviser, has left us the following record : "He was not ashamed of his religion; his house was a house of prayer. He freely disclosed the workings of his mind, his dependence on (Jod through the Redeemer for pardon and his hope of a future happy existence." This reformation nuist have been real, for Putnam was too ingenuous to make pretences. Nor was it a delusive fire sublimated out of the humid atmos- phere of temperament, but a vital conviction that grew strong- er as life wore on toward its close. With all these remarkable qualities and endearing trails of character and with such a record of public service, it is not strange that we come together on the centennial day of this exploit to do him honor ; nor is it strange that the venerable Phalanx which bears his name and draws its inspiration from him, should retain so much of his vitality and perpetuate itcelf from age to age. Here Putnam's public career ends. He was not constantly 88 confined to his house. lu the summer and hi the mikl autumn daj's, he couhl vide forth to see his flocks and herds upon the farm, and visit his neig-hhors. His mind was still unimpaired ; his wit had lost nothing- of its vivacity. He was often visited by Trumbull, Parsons, Wadswortl), Humplu-eys, and otlier gen- ilemen of the army. Nor did Washington lose sight of him, but found time in the press of public duties to write him many a wf)rd of consolation. In one of these letters he says. "The name of Putnam is not forgotten, nor will it be but with that stroke of time which shall obliterate from 1113' mind the fatigues tlu'ougli whicli we have struggled for the preservation and establishment of tlie rights, liberties and independence of our country." Thus, in retirement, did Putnam spend the last eleven years of his life ; the patriarch of his household, the oracle of his neighbors, many of whom had been out with him into so many hard-fought fields, and In-ought back each his own garland of honor. On the 17th of May, 1790, he was taken suddenly ill. From the first he neither expected nor desired to recover. He lingered only two days. Every one of the vast concourse that followed him to the grave on the 21st of IVCay was a true mourn- er. The grenadiers of the 11th Regiment, the Independent Artillery, and the militia of the neighborhood, with due honor laid him down to rest, watering with their tears the green sod that he had defended, and the spring flowers that prefigured the perpetual blossoming of his renown. "Washington and Putnam — the first and second in rank and service in the "War of the American Revolution ; the architects who, with all their prescience " builded better than they knew." The smoke of battle has lifted and left visil)le in the clear sunlight, the ban- ner of St. George and that of the Rei:)ublic floating side by side ; emblems no Ion ger of angry strife, but vying as evan- gelists in carrying the laws, the language, the letters of a co-or- dinate kinship to the continents and isles of the sea. Wherev- er these may go, as one century jiasses over to another the cheery "All's well" of civilization, those two names shall be hailed as watchwords of libertv till time shall be no more. The Banquet. At the conclusion of the cxerci«es at the church, the officers and invited guests proceeded to the Lenox House, where din- ner was served. Toasts being in order, the president gave, " The Day We Celebrate," and called upon Gen. Joseph E. Hawley, who responded as follows : GEN. HAWLEY'S REMARKS. Mr. Vhninnnit and FcHoio (Jitizcun : — If I had known twenty-four hours before that I was to re- spond to this toast, I should have, after finishing my work at one o'clock this morning, spent the remainder of the night in reading the history of Putnam, and preparing myself for this occasion, as I was sincerely desirous to come and pay my tri- bute to his memory. I approve of such celebrations as op- portunities for the cultivation of State and National patriotism. There is no State in the world, that has had for two hundred and forty yeai's a history to be so proud of as ours. There never has been a State in which the principles of freedom have so uniformly j)revailcti You cannot find a country in the world, nor a State in this Union that can thus boast. I honor Massachusetts, but Massachusetts has no boast, excei:>t in the matter of population, which we cannot ecpial. The world cannot show a State or nation which has been so truly free, democratic, uniforuj, steady and conservative as Connecticut during its two hundred and forty years. It began with articles of association constituting a democratic government. The 40 charter of Kiug Charles sen'ed as a tree constitution from 1662 to 1818. Our allegiance to the monarch}' was not prominent. We chose our governors and all othei- officers, and swore them to execute our laws. No king sent orders to our troops, or levied them, save through our governor. AVe never failed to furnish all troops required, cheerfully assuming heavy burdens of taxation, and furnished more troops for the Revolution than any other State in proportion. "We had the only governor who led his State into the contest -Washington's "Brother Jonathan" — and furnished Putnam, Wooster, Hale, Talmadge, and a host of good officers. In any field of intellectual, moral, educational, inventive activity, our list of leaders is large. Ke2:)roached for devotion to material interests, Connecticut has sui»plied men for the most daring and chivalrous enterprises, both in peace or war. Our legislation was always as liberal as any of its time. Our schools should use a brief, clear, compact histor}' of our State and a co2)y of our constitution, well explained, as a text book, that the children may grow up with respect for their State, the more especially as so many oi our people are of foreign birth, or the children of foreigners. All honor is due to the orator of the day, Mr. lloUister, for what he has done to place before the people a history of Connecticut, and Dr. J. Hammond Trumbull, who has made the history of his State an especial study through life. ''The State of Connecticut," was annouiu-cd, and Hon. Mar- shall Jewell called upon to I'cspond. HON. :\1A1ISHALL JEA\ ELLS ADDRESS. L(((lifs and Gentlemen : — "(Connecticut!" This Icjyal old (!oiuuionwealth certainly needs no eulogy from me; at least under tliese peculiar cir- cum.stanccs I could not give a proper one if I would, and if I could and would, tlic lateness of tlie iiour is a very good rea- son why I should not undertake it. Yet there are a few things about the State that should make every citizen i)roud, in any nation, and at anv time, and thev have been alluded to in fit- 41 ting terms. It has been said that we allow other States to take the lead, yet my experiences, wherever I have been, on this or any other continent, has been that wherever American enter- prise and loyalty and prominence have been celebrated, Connec- ticut has had her full share of representatives. And so^from our borders to the Pacific, wherever the sons and daughters of Connecticut are found, they are in the front rank giving a good report of themselves. I know that we are apt to say that theso are somewhat degenerate days ; that the old days Avere better, and we allude to the men of the past as being raHier superior, perhaps, to those of the present day. I quite agree with the gentlemen who preceded me, that ours are up to any standard. The men of Connecticut were strong in the early time, but in a later war, in a war within our recollection, we had also a great patriot, I mean the sainted and lamented Buckingham. I say, that, if in the time of the revolutionary Avar we had patriots, so Ave had in the last Avar, Avhen Putnam's gallantry Avas equaled b}'^ Sedgwick and Lyon, and living heroes Avhose names I need not mention. I have no doubt that Connecticut, in the future as in the past, Avill do her full share Avhen duty calls ; that she will supply not only the men but the materials so necessary to the maintenance of armies through long, serious and arduous campaigns. The weather to-day is not veiy pleasant, and yet this Avinter is not so severe, it is not so rigorous, as that Avinter Avhen the Commander-in-Chief called upon the Governor of Connecticut for provisions to feed the army at Valley Forge, and met Avith a quick response. So it Avill be forever, I have no doubt. Connecticut Avill respond promptly and loyally Avhen- ever demands arc made upon her. In the future as in the past she will illustrate patriotism and illumine history. I have no doubt for myself that with free speech, free pulpit and free press, Ave shall, in the march of time, ..illustrate those splendid traits Avhich made the record of revolutionary times luminous with great deeds. I have no doubt, either, that the virtues and the loyalty of our ancestors Avill be emulated by their success- ors, and that Ave shall show to the world that whatever have 42 been the virtues of the past, we shall not only keep alive the memory of Trumbull and of Putnam, but bear our full share in makin<^ honorable the history of our nation. ADDRESS OF :\IK. SOLOMON MEAD. "Greenwich in the Revolution," was the toast to Aviiieh Solo- num ^Meacl, Esq., responded : On the 20tli day of Au<;ust, 182i, Put's Hill was crowded with people. A few of the noble men who partici})ated in the struggle lor independence were then still au)ong" us and were pi'esent on that memorable occasion. The people came together to honor these patriots of the Pievolutit)n and especial- ly one who was to be present on that day, the true friend of our Country in the days of its weakness and peril, who, like "Wash- ington and Putnam, was first m war, first in peace and first in the hearts of the people — (len. Lafayette. After some waiting, he reached the hill, escorted by a military guard of honor and niet his companions in arms. Their greetings were of the most cordial and tender character, while the air was resonant with the roar of cannon, the ringing of bells, and the applause of the multitude. These l^evolutionary worthies then, Avith uncovei'eid heads, walked down the hill, passing under an elegant triiimj^hal arch which was erected over the road excavated through the rock, and beautifully decorated by the ladies with appropriate mottoes, evergreens and flowers. At the close of this reception, (len. Lafiiyette went on' to Stamford, escorted by a local military company known as the " Light Horse Troo]),' commanded by officers, some of whom are still living among us. The last of those who were in active life during the war of independence have long since passed away. Jiut the names of such patriots as Abraham Mead, who was a captain in the "War of the Revolution, and Isaac Lewis, D.D., who Avas a chap- lain, also Richard Mead, Zaccheus jVIead, Andrew ]Mead, Hum- ]>hrcy Denton, Job Lyon, and others, are worthy of honorable mention, With niost of tliesc men I was personally acquaint- 4:] ed, and well do I remembei- many of tlieir recitals of the trans- actions of those ti'ying times. This town, being situated, as it was, between the lines of the contending forces, probably snflter- ed more than any other town in the State. Law alibrded no protection for life or property. Some fled with their families to distant towns for safety, some remained to protect their homes as best they could ; others, possessing- no high degree of patriotism, resorted to the expedient of "buying their peace," as it was then termed, paying the Tories a stij)ulated price, on condition that they might remain in their homes unmolested in jDerson and property ; while otliers, devoid of patriotism and tempted by the love of British gold, gave aid and comfort to the enemy by robbing and pillaging. To accomplish their purposes they even entered the homes of their neighbors and stripped them of their contents, drove otit" their cattle and live stock, and whoever opposed them in this work did it at the peril of their lives. Families were under the necessity of burying their pro- visions in the ground, or of secreting them in some other way, anil of leaving their grain in the straw, unthreshed, for years, using only as immediate necessity required. Many worthy cit- izens were murdered by these Tories, others were taken prison- ers, and driven like cattle to New York cit}', where they were incarcerated, in the "Old Sugar House," a prison notorious in history on account of the sufferings experienced by its inmates and the great number of deaths that occurred within its walls. Such were the dangers tliat some of our peojile, at the ap- proach of darkness, would leave their houses and resort to some secret place in the fields or woods, and there spend the night. Still amid these trying times, a majority of the two thou- sand people, or nearly that number, who then were the inhabi- tants of the town, either openly or at heart, were true to the cause of independence. And the fact is an innjressive one, that the frowns of Providence with very marked significance follow- ed these Tories in after life, and to-day but very few of their descendants are to be found. At the close of these eight years in which such devastation and ruin ravaged the town, but little remained but the bare earth. 44 It must have taken a quarter of a century to restore the iai- provements and prosperity that existed before the war. Could those who submitted to toil, privation, and even death, to lay the foundation of our prosperity, return to-day, witli what surjjrise and delight would they witness the change that has taken place since those dark days ! Truly, they would not know the place but from the few remaining landmarks like Put's Hill, Long Island, and the beautiful Sound that lies between. If in the past one hundred years such great changes have taken place, who of us, to-day, is able to predict the changes and improvements that would greet our sight if we might be jDermitted to return to this spot one hundred years hence ? "Who can say but that we might find our dwellings, public buildings and other super- structures of the most solid and most durable material, as slate> concrete, brick, granite and iron; our already commodious har- bor sufiiciently deepened to float our largest vessels, with am- ple wharves lining the shore from its point to its head; the roads of the town macadamized; numerous railroads running in dift'erent directicms; our rivers dotted with numerous manu- factories ; our village become "a beautiful city, set on a hill, whose light could not be hid," clas[)ing friendly hands with the great city of New York across the Byram River. But great as these material changes might be, who can say but that far greater and vastly more important changes might be witnessd in the condition of the political, moral and religious woild. Who can say but that the bright and long hoped for period shall have then come when truth, righteousness and peace shall have overspread the whole earth, and caused the rancor and tur- moil of the centuiies to disai:)23ear through the ameliorating power and influence of truih and benevolence, elevating man to a position much nearer his primeval state in honor,'dignity and happiness '? ADDRESS OF MR. LUTHER P. HUBBARD. Mr. Luther P. Hubbard replied to the toast " New England" as follows : — Mr. i^ntsidtnt : I am not a native t)f Greenwich, but for twenty years have been one of its citizens. I am a lineal descendant of George Hubbard, one of the iirst settlers of Connecticut at Wetliers- tield in 1G34. He was a man of note in the colony, a member of the tirst General Court, occupying that position several con- secutive years. Under these circumstances I feel at home here, for it is the sacred soil of New England. You have giv(ai me a very broad subject for a five minute speech. I presume I was selected to respond to this toast be- cause I have so long been connected with the New England Society in the city of New York, whose proverbial modesty never permits them to say anything good of themselves. And yet how much they might say ! Stand on Plymouth Rock as I have done, and you will feel that the landing of the Pilgrims was truly one of the most sublime events in the liistory of the . world. They came not for conquest, but to establish civil and religious liberty, and their principles have permeated nearly every portion of the republic. From that little band has sprung a nation of forty millions, with its orators, statesmen and poets, among whom are Webster, Everett, Choate, Bryant and Long- fellow, men that would be an honor to any country. Lexington, Concord and Bunker Hill, tell the story of the patriotism and valor of the revolution, just as the schools, col- leges and academies indicate the high educational character of the community. Look at the Clergy of New England, Let them be iionored and levered. They have always been self-denying and ener- getic, and the influence of those old divines is felt to this day. In the olden time one of the conditions of incorporating a New England town, was that " they should settle a learned and or- thodox minister of good conversation, and make effectual pro- vision for his comfortable and honorable support." The senti- ment that made such a requirement was a mighty influence, and New Englanders who go to other places, go with the feeling that they have a mission to perform, and that is, to do good — to implant the principles of the Pilgrim F'athers. AG As a tvise of the early New England towns, I will mention HoUis, N. H., which with only 1036 inhabitants, has educated and sent out forty ministers of the Gospel, besides numerous literary men, among whom was Joseph E. Worcester, the lexi- cographer. How they accomplished this is a wonder to us of the present day, for I well remember when there was neither carpet or piano in the town, and yet some of those sturdy farm- ers had two or three sons in College. Many other New Eng- land towns have doubtless done equally well. There is no portion of our country from which emanates such a wide-spread moral influence as from the happy homes of New England. REMARKS OF MR. W. S. PUTNAM. The next toast was greeted with tumultuous applause from the humorous reply that Wm. S. Putnam gave to "(^Id Put : His descendants worthy of their sire :" " I did not come liere to speak, I came here to see and be seen ; you must take the will for the deed." At the conclusion of this toast the Presi- dent of the day called for three cheers for the descendant of " Old Put," which were given with hearty good will. ADDRESS OF REV. 0. R. TREAT. Rev. 0. R. Ti-eat spoke as follows to the toast, "Tlie f'leigy." Mr. (.'futinnan, Ladies and (lentlemen : — I feel highly honored by the invitation, you have given me, to address you upon this occasion, and most highly honored by the place, into which you have put me. To be permitted to re- spond to such a toast as '• Tlie C'lergy," at such a time as this, is a privilege tliat one well may covet. For it is not the clergy of the present day, worthy as they may be of honorable men- tion, to whom this toast refers. The clergy, whom we have now ill mind, are they, who, a hundred years ago, in this common- wealth and her sister colonies, elociuently and eftectuall}' appeal- ed to the people, to whom they ministered, to rise in righteous 47 I'ebellion against the unjust and oppressive rule of the govern- ment of Great Britain. The clergy of the thirteen colonies, as all who know Avill bear me witness, bore no unimportant part in the drama that was then enacted. They were among the first to appreciate the burdens, which the people had been made to bear, and the dan- gerous tendencies of tlie measures, by which their rights had been denied to them. They were among the tirst to realize that discussion persuasion, entreaty could accomplish nothing mort>, and that the appeal henceforth must be made to the God of Battles. In private, in public, they boldly spoke, and when the time for action came, wiicrever duty called, they counted no cost, llinched from no foe, shrank from no sacrifice, and faltered not even when the cause, which tliey considered holy, seemed destined for defeat. I will not, however, take your time to speak in general eulo- giuni upon the colonial clergy. Far more worthily than I can speak their praise, has it been spoken and sung by many an eloquent orator, many a gifted poet, in the hearing of the grate- ful generations. You know the story better than I can tell it, and your hearts have often felt the glow of grateful apprecia- tion and aft'ection towai'd these heroic, high-minded men. Let me, therefore, as seems best in keeping Avith this occasion, s2)eak briefiy to you concerning two of the clergymen of the Revolu- tion, who, in their respective spheres, bore a conspicuous part in the stirring scenes of that eventful time, and who both are properly associated with the experience, tiu'ougli which the peo • pie of (xreenwich at that period passed. One of these,! am sorry to say, was not numbered among the uol)le men, to whom I have just refei-red, but the otiier was worthy of the highest rank among them, because of the patriotic zeal, Avith which he promptly espoused the colonial cause, and the un- flinching fidelity, with which he maintained it from the first bloAv to the last. From the beginning of the lievolution to its close, the pastor of the church, within whose ancient territorial limits we are met 48 to-day, was the Rev. Jonathan Murdock. At the commence- ment of the conflict, he was professedly in sympathy with those, that rebelled against Great Britain's unjust exactions. But, after a while, he began to be suspected of a secret leaning towaixl the enemy's side. This suspicion became conviction, and found frequent and emphatic expression on the part of the patriotic portion of the people. Upon one occasion this minister met with a rebuke as ingenious as it was unique. He was making a pastoral call at the house of Theoiihilus Peck, who resided in the part of (Ireenwich called "Peck's Land." As the hour for the midday meal drew near, he Avas court- eously asked to remain to dinner. This invitation he accej^t- ed and, as he took his scat at the table, expected that, as usual, he would be called upon to invoke the divine blessing. Instead of this, however, he was surprised to see his host reverently bow his head, and then, to his amaTiement, heard the following words issue from the gooe competent to declare unto them the whole counsel of (iod' Such a man they were permitted, in God's kind providence, to lind in the llev. Isaac Lewis, a man who deserves special men- tion here, not only because of his great worth, but also because he too had been a Connecticut pastor during the period of ilm Kcvolution, and, after it Avas over, became tlie pastor of this church. His record during that trying time, is as bright as that of Mr. Murdock is dark. Although he might honorably have remained in comfort at Wilton, discharging tlie duties of preach- er and pastor to the people of his charge there, free from the privations and 2)erils of the war, yet he deemed it his duty, nay his privilege, of which he was not willing to be deprived, to cast in his lot with his fellow countrymen, who went forth to fight for their Country and their (xod. As Chaplain in one of the Con- necticut regiments he faithfully served, until his health became so imi^aired that he was obliged to return to his (|uiet home in Wilton, and resume his pastoral cares. Thus occupied, he, with many more, was rudely roused l)y the raid, which Governor Tryon led to Danbury, for the destruc- tion of th(> military stores there collected. Indignant at the audacity of this attack, incensed at the outrages which the marauding party had committed, the war-like spirit rose and ruled in the heart of Isaac Lewis. Unable now to be contented with the i^art of sjiiritual guide and comforter, he seized a mus- ket, and used it with marked effect against the foe. Nor did he desist from the pursuit of the retreating enemy, until he had followed them to the boats, upon the shore at Norwalk, ])y which they were to be borne to the vessels that had brought them thither upon their destructive errand, and which were to bear them back to the city of New York. So intrepid was Mr. Lewis, so forgetful of ]nmself. so eager in his attack upon the enemy, that he e\],)osed himself to the l)roadsides of the 51 Vessels, tliat were waitiiij^' for the troops, and oue camion l>all niiHsed him by so little, that it struck the eartli upon wliich he stood, and covered him with the dirt that it displaced. Huch was the man, whom the loyal men of (Treenwich chose lor tlieir new pastoi'. They could not better have shown their determination to have a pastoi' as true to their country's cause, as they had l>een themselves. They could not better illustrate the radical reaction, the issue of the transition, through whicl> (Ireenwich liad passed, than by the selection of this slanncii and sturdy pati'iot to su<'ceed the temporizing- tory. Jonatlian ^Inrdock. Yet, as I thus speak, I feel relinked by the kind and charita- l)le spirit, which stirs in our hearts to-day. Too remote from us are the scenes, toward which our eyes have been turned, foi' ns to respond to the spirit of righteous wrath tliat tired our fa- thers' souls. 'J'oo many years have passed since the last blow was struck, and the tierce, relentless conflict ceased. In the time that has elapsed since the struggle for American Inde- ])endence, the din of l)attle has died away, the smoke has lifted, the battle tield, its combatants, the ends for which they were 1)oth contending, can all be clearly seen. We, who were victo- lious, can well afford to confess that many of those, who strove against us, were as honest in their convictions, as brave in l)eing true to them, as were those who fought upon our side. We can well aftbrd to extend a generous judgment to all tliat were ui error, and to forgive them with as hearty and complete for- giveness as we could wish from tliem, or as we hope to receive from Almighty (iod. Vse little knov^' the trials through wliicli the patriots of that period passed. We little know how easy it was for Jonathan Murdock and tlie ninety-two men more, who, with him, from this Second Society alone, changed from the ( 'olonial to the British side, to take the step they took. We little know how ditlticult it was for those, who stood faithful to tlie end, to maintain their course. We only know enough to lead us to look with lenient eye ujion ^Ir. ]\rur(lock, and those whose faith, like his, failed them before the despaired of victory 52 eaiuc, aud to regard with the greater veneration and aliectioii those, who, hke grand old Isaac Lewis, found their faith equal to every demand that the darkest days and the most dreadful disasters, made upon it. ADDRESS OF REV. GEORGE TAYLOR. Rev. Geoi'ge Taylor spoke as follows to the toast, "Tlie 22nd of February." LaOie^ and (lentlvnu n : I supposed that I was to I'eply to the toast— the day we cel- eljrate ; however, there is not much ditlerence between the day we celebrate and the 22nd of February. Gen. Hawley made the day we celebrate a text on which to found a speech. I am in the habit of doing so occasionally, and the people can easily discern the ditterence between the text and the sermon. The Creneral gave us an exhaustive sermon on his text, and uttered one idea wdiicli serves me at this moment, that is, that it is im- portant that our foreign boiu po])ulation should be instructed in the civil and political history of Connecticut. I think that public celebrations commemorating historic events and historic characters, will do more to instruct the ig- norant than any text books that can be made, for by these means attention and inquiry are excited, and a greater impres- sion is made than In' reading. The procession and military display, the beautiful oration, the glowing poem, the historic statement, the recital of Putnam's heroic deeds, and the tracing of the social and political history of Connecticut, which has passed before us to-day, are more instructive than any other methods that can be used. The 22nd day of February bruigs before our minds another distinguished man, whose character is worthy of our remem- brance. It is wise, for natiojis aud peoples, to appoint certain days and methods to recall the names and historic deeds of those who have rendered great service to their country and the world, by their heroism and their genius. On this day the American people celebrate the birth of George Watshington, who is called the father of his country. This is a custom that expresses the genius of the nation. England is justly proud of her Duke of Wellington, France other Napoleon the Great, Switzerland of her William Tell, and other nations of their great men, and Avhile these names are ad- mired for their military prowess, Washington is renowned and admired in every civilized nation, not only for his military achievements, but also for his pure social character, unques- tioned patriotism and entire devotion to the will of the people. It is well for us, thereioi'e, to commemorate the hei'oism and virtues of our great men, that our young men may be in- spired with the national spirit, and be led to imitate what is good and noble in tlie character of the fathers. There are days of sadness as well as of jr)y. .\ lady called on me for a duj)licate certificate of nuirriage. Slie said, "I married James Russel on such a da^', and a sorry day it was for me.' It was a sorry day for England when George Washington was born and married to the interest of this country, but a joyous day for tiie American jieople. When I was stationed in the mountain region, in the state of New York, a little boy was a favorite in the family with which I lived. At the time of our late war he was a young man and felt he must serve his country by joining the army of the union; he was wounded in battle and injured for life. I visited the homestead after the war, and the father recounied to nu; the sufferings of liis son, and with tears in his eyes, said : "We consented that he should go to ihe war as it was all we could do for our country, and in the fear of God we gave our boy to the service of the nation, and, if neces.sary, offered him as a sacri tice on the altar of the union of our country, and all the other children agree he shall have the homestead and farm as his own." Give us a yeomanry like this, that will freely and relig- iously suffer and sacrifice for their country's weal, and we need fear no convulsion within, or menacing foe without. 54 C'OTi. VINCENT COLYEK'S REMAEKS. To •' Tlie Legisliituvc,"' Col. Viiic-ciit Colyer replied: Ladies and (rciitUnien : I f-anio liere expecting to have a quiet, pleasant time, and was enjoying m_Yself immensely until about an hour since, when my Iriend ^fr. AVright put a ^■.lip of paper into rny hand, informing nje that I was to respond to the toast, "The Legislature." Then my misery set in. AVell, I have had a good time, notwithstanding. Atr. Chairman, and gentlemen, and ladies (I wish there were more of the latter in the room), you give me as a toast, as my good friend has said, the Legislature. Well, I have come to the conclusion that that means about every gentleman in this room. We go up ihere in droves, but come back and retire into private life. Now, this Legislature, gentlemen, so far as I have seen it, 1 think, will give a good account of itself, if it has not already done so, if these two gentlemen (referring to (Gov- ernors Jewell and Hawley. ) will please excuse me. [Laugh- ter. ] In that little mattci- of the Senatorial election we did our veiy best. We were like the Irishman in the play, when liis two sweethearts visited him together, who said: " How hap- py I could be with the r»ne, were t'other fair chai'mer away." AVhen we found that one of these gentlemen would not let the other be elected, we then did the best we could, and (a.side) I am not sure but that we have got a better man than either of tliem. IClrcat laughter, in which both the ex-candidates heart- ily joined. J But there's a good time coming for our two in- estimable friends. Now tor the Legislature, gentlemen. After that first little scrimmage was over, then came the question about the cun-ency. Well, Connecticut had already' received the key-note she should strike during this campaign, that a " dollar dreenback should mean a dollar in coin," and the very tirst act of this Legislature was to stamj^ that as the language for C'onnecticut. Other little acts have come up l)efore us. Should you ratify our action, you will have a session once in two years, and it is estiniated, gentlemen, and fairlv estimated. 55 too, I think, that it will save the state of Connecticut nearly a quarter of a million dollars in indirect and direct expenses. Now, other bills must, and will, come up before us, and T think you will lind that we will give a good account of ourselves. An- other very great and serious (piestion is this, siniplifying our judicial proceedings. AVhy, I bought a little island up hero on the shore, and when (jur Chairman spoke of the delightful con- tentment he has found in this neighborhood, I thought of my own case — that was the very name I gave to my little island. I was very happy when I was there alone, but another New York- er came up and bought the other half, and we have been at law ever since. Everybody' else that ever owned that island has had a row with his neighbor. They do know here how to keep up a lawsuit. Beginning, I found that when I paid for that little piece of land I bought a lawsuit. My predecessor had a law- suit with his neighbor. It was al)Out a miserable little piece of salt meadow, worth about ten dollars. It kept him two years employed, and me four years more, and I hjst the case. So, you see, I have a personal interest in simplifying our judicitd procedure. It is sometimes said our legislators can be bought. I don't believe that. I don't believe any such thing. AVc have a cpicstion before us on the reduction of raik;oad fai'es and freights, in which you are interested. As to whether the rail- roads rule the State of Connecticut or the Legislature has con- trol of the railroads, I have no doubt as to how it will be set- tled. I will detain you no longer. I wish some of the legislators were here to-day to properly respond to this toast. You have given us a beautiful edifice to carry on our delibei-ations in. I be- long to a profession that make it a rule, while the picture of a brother is in progress, to criticise it as much as possible, but, when it is finished, then wc praise it up to the skies. Two years ago, when the new Cajjitol was in course of construction, 1 criticised it considerably, pointing out its defects in the hopes that the legislature, of which I was then a member, would cor- rect some of its faults, which at that time could have been easi- 56 ly renjedied. But now that it iscomi^letcd I shall only say that it is a beautiful building". Some may find fault — they fouud fault with St. Peter's at Rome, the work of ^Michael Angelo, St. Paul's in London, by Christopher Wren, and with the new Houses of Parliament. So we can, justly too, find fault with this building, but we have the most beautiful building in Connecticut. You Avere taxed for it, paid for it. and have got it. AVe are there, and .1 do believ(! that the Legislature (myself excepted) will dn honor to the State. :M1{. J. p. 31ERPJTTS llIvAIAPKS. " Oldtime Foes, Long Time Friends," was replied to by J. P. Merritt, Esq., of St. Catharine's, Canada, who is a grandson of the man who led the British troo])ers in pursuit of the hero of this anniversary, one hundred years ago. Mr. ('luiiniKiii. Ldditti <()irl (u nilnncn : — b'rom the lateness of the hour, 1 will not detain you long, especially as I am not proficient in public speaking. After the eloquent addresses already, it would not be just for me to do so. I find it incumbent on me to reply to the speaker beftn'e the last, " that members of the loyal party in this neighborhood used to skulk in the wood and kidnap prominent Wliig.s, haul- ing them to noisome prisons, and and in some instances shot at them from the cover of the woods." A statement similar to this is related in a book, now in )uy hand, connected with the name of Sliubal Merritt, njy grand- father's younger brother. I am doubly bound to deny that such an occurrence, as that related of Shubal, ever transpired. Air. Merritt Mead, the author, assured me, twenty-one years ago, that he had no authentic authority for the statement, and I believe that, if his lamented demise in the defence of this (Tovernment had not occuri'ed, he would have corrected the statement, as he then 2>i'omised me he would do. My grand- father, in this connection, has told me tliat once, at the head of an adequate force, he was within half an hour of capturing 57 General Washington himself, and that a certain deacon, whose name I cannot now remember, was the cause of their failure, by giving the General information. " 1 am glad," said he, " that we did not succeed, as I entertain a high regard for the memory of "Washington and I consider him an honor to our country. As I mentioned at rising, 1 will not detain you, but am thankful fur the attention you atibrd me, and will noAV take my seat. PROF. VAN AMARINGE\S EEMARKS. Prof. Van Aniaringe, of Columbia College, after referring to the courtesy and cordiality with which Greenwich received her guests, replied " To Our Guests,"' as follows : Lodifs and (rcntloneii : 1 am unused to being called upon on occasions like the pres- ent. I cannot do better than to say that when I was called up- on to reply to this toast, I was more surprised than the inhabi- tants of Greenwich were a century ago, and I feel more con- sternation now, sir. Connecticut has contributed much in ideas and men to advance the glory of this country, and it seems to me that the principles which moved her, and enabled her to accomplish all that she has accomplished, are symboHzed in the men and qualities which we commemorate. The moving prin- ciple was loyalty, and the qualities were keenness of thought and decision of character, and these traits found no more illus- trious example in the Revolution than the sturdy patriot whose gallant exploit we celebrate. ADDRESS OF MATTHEW HALE SMITH. " The Press," was responded to by the Rev. Matthew Hale Smith, of New York. Well, Mr. President, I would like to have you render a reason to me, why you have notified all these other gentlemen and called me up without giving me any notice at all. 58 I believe myself better able to describe this scene than to have participated in it myself. We belong to the peculiar class of men who, unlike the animal, have the tale come from the head. I think the true way to educate our })eople to loyalty and patri- otism, is, in the first phice, as you have l)oeu told, to-day, to have a celebration like this. When you provide the substantial fare for the body and the mind, upon which we liave been fed to-day, your young men will be patriots at once. I claim, in the second place, tliat you ought to educate our people to stand ready, at a moment's notice, to turn ])rominent citizens to sol- diers. There Avill be [no preaching, there will be no school, there will be no agriculture, there will be no commerce, unless you have soldiers. The rdgrims landed on Plymouth Rock, and brought the elements of demoralization with them. For, eighteen j'ears after they landed, it became absolutely necessary to call (Hit the citizen soldiery to enforce the laws. [Laughter aiul applause. ) (.)h, you did not know tliis ? Then I am glad that 1 told you. Tlie law and the rule they laid down was that the officer should come out of the corps. There was Sam. Adams, who, from a simple citizen became a leader. Said he,'Tf you don't hang together, every man will hang separately." 'Well, sir, in the state of New York at this hour, there are ten thousand men ready armed. There is the 7th Kegiment, that has saved the State over, and over and over again, from rioting, yet it is going around, hat in hand, begging money to build an armory. I like to look on these men. We can make officers out of the men in the ranks. When I was in England I was invited to take dinner at ^Ir. Morley's house, and they said I was to make a speech there. They had been speaking of our civil war. Tliey had expressed their astonishment at cnir suc- cess, and had asked me, "Where did you get your officers?" and I said to them, "We made such men when we wanted them. We took our principal officers out of the tan yard, and we have got more at soak." There were a thousand men as loyal as Putnam. There were a thousand men who sacriticed their lives for the cause. We were always a lighting people, and if this ^9 ;_^,^ comitiy ever goes down she will go down as did "Cuml>erland/' in Hampton roads, our liags all flving, our guns shotted to the muzzle, their last volley to sound our requiem. That is the way we'll go down, if we go down. But we shan't go down. We are not enemies of England. I can say here, when I look to that country, I am proud of her. Boys, be soldiers ! Be soldiers of God, soldiers of Christ; soldiers of humanity ! And, if a time ever comes, when we have got to go into such a war as this again, let us take the spirit we have heard of to-day, let us take the motto " Peace and good w'\\\ to men," and entwine it upon our banner. Let us take the Ijanner of peace . That is the on- ly bannei- in the world that should wave over our own. With the two entwined on a better banner than the world has ever seen, we will mai'cli to the- conflict, and tight till the victory is Letters of Regret. The following- letler,% ainoiig others, were rereived by the committee: FKOM PJIKSIDENI" ITAYES. Executive Mansion, ) Washington, Februaiy 11th, 187'.».y Ueap. Sip. : — I am ilireoted by the President to acknowledge the receipt tif your favor of the 7th instant, and to say that he regrets that it will be im- possible for hiiu to attend the Centennial Commemoration of General Put- am's ride down Putnams Hill. He is therefore compelled to decline, with thanks, your kind invitation. Very truly yours, W. K. KOGERS, Pres. Secretary. Mr. L. F. Hubbard Liretnttirlt. Conn. FROM AHLES STANDTSH. ESQ. New York, February U'th, 18711. /-. F. Hubbard, Ksq.. ('halrnnin drrninlitee on I ncUationx: Dear Sir : -I am gi'eatly obliged for the invitation to attend, on the I'l'd iust. . the Centennial Celebration of Gen. Putnam's ride down Putnam Hill, and I regret that arrangements already made for that day will not admit of my accepting it. If there is any single act of our Kevolutiouary War which, in this age of diluted patriotism and political self-assertion, is worthy of being commem- orating, it is the act by which Putnam showed his forgetfulness of self in the necessities of his countrj'. I am, sir, yours very tiiily. Miles Stanpish. r.i FROM HON. a. H. PLATT. West Meriden. Couu., February lUth. 11S7'.». A. /■'. JIiiMuird. Esq.. ('hdiniuin ('oiniiiittt-c itn l/ifitat/oiis. Ete.. (h'fen- (cicli, Co nit.: My Dear Sir: — I have delayed the afknowledgnient of your iuvitatiou to attend the Centennial Celebration of Gen. Putnam's ride, in the hope that I might be able to notify you of my acceptance. But a pressure of business makes it impossible for me to attend. I regret it very much, for 1 feel that all such occasions are r.ot only times of social enjoj'ment, but help us to remember, and stimulate us to imitate, the virtue and patriotism of those, who, in the early days, hel|>pd to make C'onnecticut what it is. \'erv ti'ulv vours, (l. H. Pi.att. FllOM ETHAN ALLEN. ESQ. New York. February iL'th, 187H. To L. /-'. }lubln(i'l feel his ^ionl quickened to a more exalted achievement of daily duty ''. If the day shall emphasize this idea in the minds of all who share in its festivities, it will have been a great day, indeed, for old Greenwich. I have the honor to remain, very resjiectfully, (!H.\RI-r.S HOWAUI) WlI-I.IAMS. /., f*. Hnbhanl Ksq.. (Imlnnan. FAc . i'^KOM GOVERNOR ANDllKWS. Kxr.f'TTTivi: Dkpartmknt, Statk of Gonnecticijt, > Hartford, February i:!th, lfS7V». i Dear Sir: — Your communication of the 7th inst., inviting me to attend the Centennial Celebration of Gen. Israel Putnam's ride down Putnams Hill is received. I regi-et that other and previous engagements will j^revent me from be- ing present. I cannot, however, permit the occasion to pass without some expression of the honor in which I hold that impulsive and daring soldier, and my ap- preciation of the ])atrlotic feeling which has impelled this tribtite to his memory. It is eminently proper that those qualities of his mind and character which are exempliiied in his prompt response, in the field, to his country's call, his resolute bravery at the wolf's den, and his reckless dar- ing in the ride which you proiK)se to celebrate, sliould be remembered with admiration and pride. And while such services as he gave to his country. Loth in war and peace, continue to be admired and imitated, we may feel certain that the safety and prosperity of our nation are assured. I have the honor to be. your obedient servant, Charles B. Andrews. L F. Hubbard, Ek(j.. ChainiuiH ('mmniUee on Invitations to the C'eletra- tion of Gen. Putnam's Hide. 63 FROM HENRY C. BO WEN. ESQ. " The Aklington." "• Washington. D. C, February 20th. 1879./ Mr. L. P. HyhhnrrI, fhnirman: Sir : — Yonr very kind invitation to attend the celebration, on the 22d inst., reached me this a. m.. having been rcuiailcd to mo from my office in- New York. 1 most sincerely rcgrei thai my stay in Washington will jirevent md from uniting with the good people of your section and elsewhere, in cele- brating a most memorable event in our nation's history. Of all the noble men of the Revolution, General Putnam stands to-day and will ever stand, among the very first, as a brilliant specimen of genuine American pluck and patriotism. In the dark days of our nation's history-, he was worth a whole regiment of ordinai-y men. May the memory of his de. votion and noble daring inspire us and all the people, with more loyalty and consecration to our beloved coimtry. If I were present at your celebration and were permitted the opportu- nity. I would offer the following sentiment : (iKNKKM, l'L:rN\M.— His stiipily patriotisiu, bin ;-clf-sa'Taliriiig loyally. Iiis wilhns- DPFs fi> 'In anythiii;^', dan? anything, and risk cvuryf hiu},', for his country, should iuspiro all thr millions who enjoy the fruits of his work with a sincere desire to be resdy, in any em'^rgeni y, to iniitalo his noljli' exaniiilc With great respect. I am yours, etc.. llENr.v C. Bowen. FROM A. 1! HOLLY, ESQ. Lakeville. February 21st. 1879 /.. r TlnNuini. Exq : Deak Silt: — Your kind invitation to attend the Ceutcuuial Celebration of General Futnam's ride. etc.. reached me only last evening, in conse- 'luence of my absence from home. A prior engagement precludes the possibility of my indulging in the pleasure of meeting yourself and the great company that will doubtless as- semble on that interesting occa.sion. In these times of (piestionablc devotion to the best interests of the ITnion in some portions of our country, it is to be hoped that every citizen ■who may join that assemblage, to do honor to the memory of General Isra- el Putnam, may be imbued with the same spirit of patriotism and devotion to his whole country, which annimated liim in all his checkered life . Desiring that all i)ossible success may attend yonr gathering. I am very truly yours, etc.. A. H. Holly. 64 FROM REV. LEONARD BACON. New- Haven. Conn., Febniar^' 20th. 1870. L. P. Hubbard. Esq.: Dear Sir : -I thank you and the committee, very heai'tily. for inviting me to attend the Centennial t'elebration of Gen. Putnam's famous ride. I have been hoping that I might be able to accept the invitation, but I am disappointed. Other engagements are too imperative. I can only send yoii this inadequate expression of my regret, and my trust that the spirit cf tie old hero and those who fought under him may live in Connecticut- through all coming ages. Respectfully yours, LeonaFiD Bacok. FROM GEN. J. A. GARFIELD. House of Representatives, > Washington, D. C, February 11th. IHTJt. ) L. P. Hnhh'^ird, Esq.. (rirrnir/'r/i, Conn.: Dear Sir: — Yours of the sth inst., inviting me to attend the Putnam Csntennial Celebration on the -'2d inst.. is received. My duties hei'e in the closing days of the session, render it impossible for me to accept. I regret that I am not able to join in this tribute to the memory of the sturdy old hero who contributed so iiobly to the achie\ ement cf our independence. Very truly yours, •I. A. Garfield. FROM REV. W. F. HATFIELD. ?iO."> West ISth Street, New York, February •_'<)lh. isyo. Mr L P Unhbard: Dear Sir: — Please accej^t my thanks for the honor of your kind invi- tation to attend the Centennial Celebration of General Israel Putnam's ride down Putnam's Hill, on Saturday, February :.'2d. It would afford me great pleasure to be present on an occasion so fraught with interest to every American citizen, especially to those who are the descendants of the fami- lies of the Republic, and .sons, or the adopted sous of your honored Stale, but a previous engagement will debnT me fronrthis privilege. Trusting and Ijclieving that the ceremonies of the day will tend to strengthen the affection and veneration with which we cherish the memory of the heroes of the Revolution, and that all who participate in them will take a deeper interest in the welfare of our country. I remain yours, very truly, W. F IiATlIE.LD. Loan Exhibition OF REVOLUTIONARY RELICS, AT THE PUTNAM COTTAGE. FEBRUARY 22, 1879. Dr. Holly — Pair Brass Candlesticks, Copper Coal Scuttle. Mks. Jabez Mead — Pair Brass Candlesticks, Home-made Bod Quilt, Bible, 176!), Pewter Platter, 17G9, Porirait General E. Mead, 1771), pair Wool Cards, 1772, Chair, 17(;9, Child's Jacket, 17G9, pair Pockets, 1769, Pictui'e of Putnam's Kide. Mrs. Yarrington — Pair Andirons, Brass Fender. Mrs. Jessdp— Tea Pot, Sugar Bowl, Milk Pitcher. Captain McKay — China Tea Pot, China Tea Caddy, two Tea Cups, two China Cake Plates, pair Wine Glasses, Tumbler. "^ Mark Banks— Washington's Beef Cutter, jiair Knee Buckles, one Jeweled Shoe Buckle, Coffee Pot, Milk Pitcher, Slop Bowl, Tea Cup, all China, Wedgewood Tea Pot and Sugar Bowl. Mrs. Yarrington — Snuffers and Tray, jiair Bellows, pair Andirons. Mrs. Alvin Mead — Old Arm Chair. 1779. Mrs. W. R. Talbot — One Sofa Chair 200 years old. Chair came over with the Huguenots; one Set English China, thirty pieces, with Case; one Table, one Cover. Mrs. Button — One pair Silver Candlesticks, Snuffers and Tray, one pair Cups and Saucers, one Wedgewood Vase. Mrs.W. G. Peck-Two pair Bellows, 177G, one Swift, one pair Silvered Pottery Pitchers, Aaron Burr's Saucer, with Silver Sand, Feather Cape, one Toby, Tifa from Aaron Burr's House, Cup and Saucer, Silver Bible Clasp, Ancient Purse, with Continental Money, SidooI Reel. Mrs. J. Brush — Bed Quilt, Portrait of Lady, painted in 1 7r)8. Mrs. Jessup — Picture of Putnam's Ride, Mortar and Pestle, Portrait of L Mrs. Margaret McKay. Mrs. Reynolds — Silk Shawl. Mrs. Augustus Mead — Water Bottle, Revolutionary Musket. Henry Webb — Pewter Platter, Bed Warmer. 66 Mbs. Tkeat— Pewter Platter. Mrs. Chuechill — Flug. Mes. W. B. Davis — Roger William' Chair. E. Beush — Old Comb, found in the Putnam Cottage. Mes. Talbot — Brazier, 177i). Abeam Mead — Shoe Last, 12!) years old, Butter Spaddle, 177(5. Caue, 140 years old. J. R. Laweence — Samples. Mes. Jabez Mead — Sword. Mes. R Large China Tea Pot, Silvered Pottery Tea Pot and Sugar Bowl, Tuscan China. Mes. Betts — Chair, 100 years old. Mes. Sniffin — Photograph. Mas. Jabez Mead— Chair, Reel, Spinning Wheel, Table Cover. Mes. T. M.isoN— Table. Mes. N. Bu.sh — Old Arm Chair, 1781, brought from England to Mrs. Han- nah Bush l(i81. Mks. Nelson Bush — Portrait, painted about 17r)9, three Chairs, l.">0 yeai-s years old. Cannon Ball. Mes. Peck — Portrait of Captain Samuel Dayton. Mes. Titus Mead— Old Clock, two Chairs. D. S. Mead— Chair, 20O years old. Revolutionary Musket, from Putnam Cottage, three Chairs, Cartridge Box. Mes. Yaeeington — ChaflSng Dish, China Vases, Colonial Money, Table. China Plate. Miss McComb — Cup and Saiicer, Silk Shawl. Mes. Edwaed Mead — Tripod Candlestick, Platter, Plate. Me. Wilkinson — Liquor Case, Chair. Mes. Peck — Table, Shawl, Glass, Cup and Saucer, Brass Fender. LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 011 712 384 4 L