'\ in I l/i \m ^^ iK / f /A t ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^v 'IH CL^ From a Photograph by C. F. Cook, Wilkesbatre, Pa. u WYOMING A RECORD OF THK OiNE HUNDREDTH YEAR COMMEMORATIVE OBSERVANCE — OF THE — BATTLE AND MASSACRE, July 3. 1778. Jli.v 3, 187.S. "An Pfotfcs/ /ale specfh best itftot phtinly /old." EDITED BY W E S 1 . E \' J ( ) H N S O N , 1-. S (.) . Secretary of the Association. WII.KtSBARKE I'A Bkakdsi.kk & Co., Bkimkks, 1882. COMMITTK]-: OX ('( 'lU.K'ATlON'. Wksi.kv J()H\s()\. SiKriiKx Ii:\ki\.> Edmund L. I)a\a, IIarrv IIakks, DANIKI. S. ni-NNFT. VRV. 1 A("l' This volume is [)Lit l(»rtli under the patrona<^e of the •'Wyoming; Memorial Association," in order that the fafts ami inciclents connefled with the one hundredth anni- versary commemoritive observance of the "Battle and Massacre of Wyomint^/' may he preserved for the bene- fit of the lutur:? ^generations which ma\- inhabit this historic \alle\'. In arranfTjng the details, the com[)iler, aftint^ for the committee, has steadily ke[)t in view the fact, that what is common place now. will be curious and interestiuir in the future. I^\'ery thin;^ therefore, promisin_q; to be of in- teiest to the future reader has been carefully and truth- full}- noted so that in the event of one of these volumes comini;- down to the men of the Bi-centennial of the e\ent to which it relates, they will be enabled to read in authentic form, of what was done 1)\- their ast and the other on the West side of the river. SECOND CONNECTICUT COLONY, hi February of the same year another advance detach- ment oi forty emigrants from Connecticut, representing tlie Susquehanna Land Company' arrixed in the Valley, and iinding their expe6led shelters in possession of the Pennsylvania party, they at cjnce invested the strong hold of Major Ogden, commander of the little army of occupation, and the long and bloody strife that after- wards raged between the Yankee and Pennsylvania claimants to the Valley was inaugurated. The Yankees in this campaign were finally expelled b\- the Pennsylva- nians, fortimately without loss of life to cither party. The next year saw the strife renewed. There was no end of skirmishing. Battles were fought. Many lives were lost on both sides. The Pennsylvanians were in turn driven from the Valle\- in 1769, and Connecticut held ab- solute possession in WA'omin.g for several }-ears. IXTRODrCTORV. 13 Upon the expulsion of the Penns\-lvanians hope and confidence began to prevail at Wyoming. Settlements on the west side of the riv^er were prosecuted. Old T^orty r^ort, so prominent in the subsequent history of the Val- ley, was constru6led, and the Colonists felt themselves secure in their possessions. But this happy condition for these far away frontier Colonists was again to be interrupted, and they found themselves called upon once more to take up arms in de- fence of their firesides and homes. Sometime in 1775 the Supreme Executive Council in Philadelphia, decided upon making another effort to drive out the Connefticut people, b\' sending a strong militar\- force under the command of Col. Plunkett ; this expedi- tion is known in history as "Plunkett's invasion." In December 1775, seven hundred Pennsylvania troops of this command, attempted to enter the Vallc}^ through Nanticoke Gap, where now is situate the Inlet Lock of the Susquehanna Canal. The Connecticut men had arm- ed themselves to oppose the invasion, and were securely posted behind a breastwork of rocks and logs hastily thrown up on the narrow fiat at this point. As the Penn- s}dvanians came within range of the ritles of the settlers, they poured an effeftive fire into the ranks of the inva- ders, who did not anticipate such determined aftion on the part of the Yankees, as they hrd been led to believe that the settlers would be over-awed by so formidable a force. In this conflift the Pennsylvanians were com- pletely routed, and retired in a demoralized condition, leaving several of their number dead on the field of their discomfiture. This was the last attempt by Pennsylva- nia authority to reduce the settlers of Wyoming by force. Eventually however, she obtained under a Decree of the High Court sitting at Trenton, to decide the question of Jurisdiction as between Conneclicut and herself, what she failed to win by force of arms over these determined New ICnelanders. Rut even this Decree, while deciding? ad- 14 INTRODUCTORY. versely to Connefticut's right of Jurisdi6lion in Wyoming^ still the rights of soil acquired by the people under Con- nefticut law, were subsequently to a certain extent re- spe6led, and the settlers permitted to hold their lands upon payment of moderate fees and taking by Patents under tlie Pennsylvania authority. It is not within the scope of this history of a special event, to further trace the varying fortunes of these de- termined Colonists with foes, both savage and colonial, but at once proceed to detail a few fa6ls concerning the situation in the Spring of 1778, the year of their great calamit}' now under consideration, in order that the read- er not familiar with the local history of the Valley, may be the better enabled to appreciate the significance and propriety of the first lOOth year memorial demonstra- tion at Wyoming just closed, to perpetuate the fa6ls and incidents of which, this volume is designed to accomplish. THE GATHERING STORM. The American Colonies were in arms against the mother country. Wyoming had sent the best and bra- \-est of her sons to augment the army of Washington, as a portion of the Connecticut Contingent. Early in the Spring Congress was apprised of a meditated attack upon Wyoming, to proceed from Niagara, and the Indian coun- try adjacent thereto, and in the town of Westmoreland rumors were rife that the British and Indians were pre- paring an expedition for the destru6lion of the settlement. This attack to be made upon an isolated and defenceless settlement, seems hardly justifiable in civilized warfare, as no advantage could be gained to the cause of the King l)y destroying the lives and propcrt\' of this people, re- maining peaceably at home tilling'their farms, and far removed from the theatre of war. But in this connexion it may be stated that it is more than probable that the expedition may have been instigated and inspired by the loyalists or tories who had been driven from the coun- try, and wh(i ma}' have supposed that b)- the extermina- INTRODUCTORY. I 5 tion of the hated Yankees, they could, not only be reveng- ed upon them for the wrongs they had suffered at the hands of the rebels, as they considered the Yankees to be, but that by expelling them they could again be put in possession of the fertile farms of which they had been so unjustly deprived. In support of this theory, Al- exander Patterson, of unsavory memory in Wyoming, in 1804, writes of these refugee loyalists, "their address and moving complaints, induced Joseph Brandt, a well known Indian Chief, and a Col. Butler, Superintendant of Indian Affairs, to come with them to Wyoming, with a number of Indians, for the recovery of their property, goods and chattels." As early as in 1784, Benjamin Pauling, one of these tories, writing from Niagara, says : "that the Penn- sylvania claimants were the people that cut off the Con- nefticut settlers at Wyoming." It will be seen by the foregoing extract from Mr. Pat- terson's letter, that he asserts positively that Brandt ac- companied Col. John Butler. to Wyoming. On the other hand, Col. Guy Johnson, in an official letter to Lord George Germain, dated New York, September lOth 1778, only two months after the battle, says : "that he had sent one division under Col. Butler down the Susquehanna, which destroyed the Post and settlement at Wyoming, and that another division under Mr. Brandt, the Indian Chief, cut off two hundred and ninety four men near Scho- harrie, and destroyed the adjacent settlement." Pearly in May 1778 scouting parties of the enemy began to arrive from up country, but none ot the settlers were molested, nor outrages committed. The scouts seemed to avoid rather than seek a collision with the inhabitants, until one day, when being in the vicinity of Wyalusing, a party of these scouts saw a Wyoming man named Crooks standing at the door ofa house belonging to a Tor}- named Secord, who had been driven off by the Yankees, when one of the number aimed hisr piece at Crooks and deliberatelv shot him dead where he stood. This was the l6 INTRODUCTORY. first life taken in the campaign of I^/S.andit was thought that it was the tory refugee who did the shooting. The people of the country became at once alarmed, as a concentration of the enemy was known to be going on at New-Town, (Elmira) and at Tioga, and that he was pre- paring to descend the river by means of boats and canoes which were then in course of preparation. Every m.an in the settlement capable of bearing arm.s, was speedily en- rolled in the militia, and trained to resist the invasion. The women and children were gathered into the Forts. The militia were put in the best possible condition for immediate aftion. Of the rude old fashioned flint lock small arms there was possibly no lack, but of amunition, there was a lamentable deficiency. The only cannon in the Valley, and old cast-iron four-pounder, was in Wilkes- barre Fort, but having no balls, it could be used only as an alarm gun. It was evident that the attack was soon to be made, but the precise time could not be calculated. Hoping for the best, but fearing the result, the settlers waited in daily expeftation their advent all through the month of June. Such labor as was done at all, was per- formed by armed men, their firelocks standing conven- iently by, ready to be grasped at an}' moment. Such was the condition of affairs in the Valley at the end of June. THE ENEMY APPROACHES. The time at last arrived for decisive action. The ene- my numbering four hundred British Provincials, consist- ing of Col. John Butler's Rangers and a detachment of Sir John Johnson's Royal Greens ; "" these being mostl}' made up of loyalists or Tories from New York, New Jer- sey and Penns)-lvania, accompanied b}- about six hundred * NoiK. This Command is so designated by Cliarles Miner and other historians of Wyoming. But in Sir Johnson's Orderly Book, kept during his campaign against Fort Stanw ix in 1777, and captured with all his Camp equip- age by Col. Marinus Willett, in his memorable sortie from the Fort, Sir John Johnson's Regiment is never in a single instance called the "Royal Greens", but always the "King's Roval Regiment of New-York." ixTRonucTouv. 17 Indians fror.i tlve (3neida, Seneca and other Tribes about Niagara, having descended the Susquehanna in boats land- ed a short distance below the mouth of Bowman's Creek, a large mountain stream that empties in on the west side of the river not far below Tunkhannock, and about twen- ty miles distant in a direft line from Wyoming. After securing their boats, Butler m irched hi> army across the upland by the short route, and arrive^l on the mountain adjoining the Valle\^ during t'ac night, or earh' on the morning of the last day of June On the same morning eight persons who had gathered at Fort Jenkins opposite Pittston, not being aware oft'.ie proximity of the enemy, took their arms as usual and proceeded up the river about three miles to their labor in the fields. During the after- noon they were set upon by a band of Indians of Butler's force, and four of them were most brutall)' murdered; three were carried into captivity; only one, John Harding, made his escape to tell the story of that cowardly attack, and give warning to the people in the Valle\'. This was the opening struggle of that bloody campaign. (lATMERIXC AT FORTY FORT. This sudden and fatal blow being reported in the Val- le)' by the survivor of the party, the people were appri- sed of their impending danger, and the marshaling of such force as could be relied upon for defence was hurried- ly begun — Forty Fort being designated as the ren- desvous for the main body of the citizen soldiery. Thei'c was no aftual military organization here, but b}- a sort of tacit consent. Col. Zebulon Butler of the Continental army, who happened to be at home on leave, assumed command of this determined bod\' of undiciplined farm- ers who were ready and willing to risk their lives in defence of their families and homes. On the 1st day of July, Col. John Butler entererl the Valley by marching his army down along the creek that enters back of the village of Wyoming, and took position at the Fort, or stockade of one Wintermute, who proved r s' f .VI f< o D uci'o R r. to be ill sympathy with the British. The camp of the in- vaders was about midway between the point where they entered the Valley and Fort Jenkins, further up the river. The same evening a detachment was sent up to capture the latter ; the little garrison fought bravely, and after three of the defenders had been slain, the remaining four surrendcred and were brought into camp in triumph as prisoners of war. On the morning of the 2.1, a Mr. Ingersoll, who had been captured at Fort Wintermute, together with one white man of Col. John Butter's command and one Indi- an, were sent under a flag of truce to Col. Zebulon Butler at Fortv Fort, demanding a surrender of the Fort with .the forces there assembled, or under his command, imply- ing a complete surrender of the Valley. To this de- mand Col. Butler declined to accede. THE DIE IS CAST. On the following morning, the fatal 3d, after the flag, had been dismissed^ Col. Butler called a council of his [principal officers, and opinions were freely expressed. Col. Butler, Col. Denison, Lieut. Col. Dorrance, anda few more advised non-a6lion. and said that it would be more prudent to await developements and reinforcements that were then known to be on the way. As opposed to this pol- icy of ina6livity, it was urged by Capt. Lazarus Stewart and tho.se in favor of aggressive action, that the enemy would ravage the Valley and murder the inhabitants in detail as he had already begun in the caseofthe Hardings and at Fort Jenkins. That the army could not be kept together, and that unless led to the attack, each man would hasten to the prot6lion of his own family, and all would be lost. To attack and defeat the enemy was the only hope of the people of these settlements. This des- perate resolve finally carried by a large majority, and the ininority, with reluctance and fearful forebodings yielded tht^ir assent, and shortly after noon, the column, consist- ing of near four hundred, man\' of whom were old men 1NTR0DI7CT0R\ . If) an J. boys, unfit for military clut)', marched out of the Fort to a tack the enemy in the field. The little arm>' was niM.iized into six nominal companies, with man\^ inde- Mits or volunteers not attached to an\' company, who csolved to put their serx^ices where they could be v> : effeftive in the fight. i lie distance from the place where the enemy la>^ en- caii![)ed, was about four miles, the intervening country be- ing a level plain not thickly wooded. Every movement of the Americans was reported at head-qu;irters by But- ler's alert scouts, who could be seen stealthih- hurr_\-ing back and forth in hot haste among the bushes as our little band of patriots approached. THE IXVADER.S PREPARED FOR BATTLE. As it became evident to the British commander that the Americans intended to bring on a general engage- ment, he speedily formed his men in line of battle ; hi?; left on the edge of a steep bank near the river at Fort Wintermute, which for some reason had been fired ; the line extended across the more elevated ground; the right centre being occupied by Johnson's Ro}-al Greens; a body of Indian sharp shooters occupied the centre of the line; the main body of the Indians was placed on the extreme right, extending into an alder swamp, through which the Lackawanna and Bloomsburg railroad now passes. Col. John Butler was in command of the left wing in person. It has been asserted b)' some historians that the Indians were commanded by Thayendenega, a distinguished Mo- hawk Chief, known to the white people as Capt. Brandt. It is also denied on equall\- good authority that Brandt was with the Wyoming expedition at all. Certain it is that it was the universal opinion of the people of the Val- ley at that time, and long after the battle, that he was the moving spirit among the Indians. FACE TO FACE WEFH THV-LICE THEIR NtlMP.ER. Such was the enemy's order of battle, at 2 P. M. as the Americans approached his line. Col. Zebulon Butler had 20 IXTKODL'CTORV. sent Captains Ransom and Durkcc forward to fix upon a {)lacc for formin;^- his line of attack. These experienced officers approached as near the enemy's hne as the\' deemed prudent, and upon the cominj^ up of the column, th^^ compinies were direrfceJ to deploy riy;ht and left, forming- in line of battle as they took the places assigned them ; the right resting on the steep bank fronting the enemy's left, and extending like his, across the gravelly flat about a c]uarter to half a mile to the morass or swamp bounding it in that dire6lion. The plain intervening be- tween the two armies, thus standing face to face in hos- tile atitude, was thinly covered with scruboak underbrush and yellow and pitch pine trees of stunted growth. Cap- tain l^idlack, occupied the extreme right ; Captain Hew- itt, the right centre ; on the extreme left was Captain Whittlesy with the Plymouth Company. Capt. Stewart occupied the left centre, while Captains Geer and Buck of Wilkesbarre and Kingston held the centre of the line. Col. Butler, supported by Maj. John Garrett, command- ed the right wing ; Col. Nathan Denison, supported by Lieut. Col. George Dorrance, was on the left ; Captains Durkee and Ransom, as military advisers, were stationed, the first on the right as aid to Capt. Bidlack, the latter on the left to assist Capt. \Vhittlese\'; Anderson Dana was acting Adjutant. No artiller\' was used on either side, and but few of the officers were mounted. As Col. Butler rode along to hastil\- inspecl the line\ he addressed to each Conipan\- a few words of encourage- ment, exhorting the men to stand firm, as all depended upon resisting the first shock. "Stand firm" said he, "and the Indians will soon give way." IlIK HATTLl-: OPENS. It was about 4 o'clock ^\hen the order to advance to t he attack was given. The men having been told off into odds and evens, were ordered to advance alternately by numbers, five s':eps, then halt and deliver fire ; while the the 1 rjar file woul 1 again advance and fire in their turn. IX'l'RODrCTO'^.V. 2 1 F'or a while the firing was rapid and stead}- along the American line, and was returned in an equally spirited manner. The enemy's left being hard pressed by Capt. Hewitt's Provincials on our right, began to recoil, and a shout ran along the line that the British were being driven back. At this critical moment, the greatly superior num- ber of the enemy enabled the Indians on our right to out flank the Americans at that end of the line, and while Capt. Whittlesey was hotly engaged in front, a large number of the Indians had penetrated the swamp and were emerging from the thicket some distance in his rear. Seeing this movement Col. Denison ordered Whit- tlesey's Command to change front and form a line facing the enemy in that dire61ion. A FATAL MISTAKE. The battle had now raged for o\'er half an hour and was becoming hot and furious. The savages rushed in with fearful yells; still our men stood firm, returning shot for shot without thought of giving way before the furious onslaught, but when the order was given by Capt. Whit- tlesey for his Command to v/heel backward from the left with a view of forming a right angle with the original line, the order was understood by the men to be to re- treat, and they at once became demoralized and broke and fled in the wildest confusion. It was in vain that Col. Butler stro\e to rall\- his men by recklessh' exposing his own life as he passed along the line between the two fires; but it was too late ; a panic had seized upon these raw militia which the assuring words of no General could al- ia}-, and they broke and fled as the }'elling savages doubl- ed up our line b}- their onward rush from the left flank. The right stood its ground with desperate heroism. One ot Capt. Hewitt's officers said to him, "we are beaten, the Indians have gained our rear, shall we retreat .-'" "No ! I'll be d--cl if I do while a man stands b\- me" was the heroic reply, and he died at his post pierced by a shot from the British Rangers. Thus ended the battle of Wvominir but not 22 INTRODUCTORY. THE MASSAC'RK. A portion of the Indians who had thus flanked the American left, did not stop to give the finishing blow to this doomed band of patriots, but pushed forward to the rear of the defeated army, to cut off its retreat to Forty Fort, thus completely hemming in those who sought to save themselves by flight, the river forming one side of the enclosure. Being thus surroimded on all sides, con- sternation reigning supreme, with men running hither and thither impelled by a sudden fear, the slaughter went on while a man was left within the fatal enclosure. Some were taken prisoners by the Greens and Rangers of Co . John Butler, but these were subsequently massacred in the most cruel and revolting manner by the Indians on the night of that dreadful day. Seventeen were slaught- ered by that semi-savage Hecate, Queen Esther, on a flat rock a short distance above the battle ground. Groups of other dead bodies were found in the vicinity, showing that they had been mAirdered in the most shocking man- ner after they had been taken prisoners. Of all the pris- oners taken on the field, it is not known that halt a doz- en escaped being barbarously murdered by the infuriated Indians ; a few evaded the vigilance of their captors, and succeeded in making their escape while being carried into captivity. Some swam the river and fled to VVilkesbarre, while a few passed the cordon of Indians in the rear of the battleground and reached Forty Fort unhurt, though hard pressed by the pursuing savages to its ver\' gates. THE DEATH ROLE. Not less than two hundred of the Conneclicut people were slain on that day and night of terror, including Lieut. Col. Dorrance, killed in the retreat. Major Garrett, Adjutant Dana, the six acting Captains, three volunteer Captains, without commands ; also ten Lieutenants and five non commissioned officers. As some palliation for this fearful tleath roll, be it said with honest sincerity, that it is not known that an\' women or children were mur- INTRODUC rORV. 2} dered duriiu{ the bloody contest of that day, or during the stay of the enemy in the Valley, with the approba- tion or consent ot the British Commander, though a few murders may have been committed afterwards in dire6l violation of his positive orders, by the uncontrolable to- ries and savages, afting as allies. As Col. Zebulon Butler was a Commissioned officer in the Continental army, and not willing to run the risk of being taken prisoner and carried into captivity, if no worse fate should be in store for him, it was judged pru- dent for him to retire from the Valley before a surrender of the forces should take place ; therefore the task of ar- ranging for the surrender devolved upon Col. Denison, the second in command. THE surrendp:r. The next day after the battle, the morning of the 4th, Col, John Butler sent a messenger to Forty Fort, re- questing Col. Denison to come up to his head quarters near Fort Wintermute, and agree upon terms of capitu- lation. Taking with him two civilians, Obadiah Gore and Dr. Gustin, Col. Denison repaired to the quarters of his victorious enemy, where, after a full and free discuss- ion, terms were agreed upon verbally. The conditions exacted by the victorious Butler, taking all things into consideration, were exceedingly liberal, and show that notwithstanding the atrocities that had been commit- ted by his savage allies, that he himself was aftuated by humane and generous impulses in his hour of triumph. All the parties met at 2 o'clock of the same day at Forty Fort, there being present also Zerah Beach, a prominent citizen, and Rev. Jacob Johnson, the Pastor of the Congregational Church at Wilkesbarre. Mr. John- son was invited to aft as Secretary, and the full text of the articles of capitulation were reduced to writing by him , and after being signed by the high contrafling parties, and duly witnessed, the surrender of the Fort, together with all the surrounding country to his Majesty's forces. 24 - INTRODUCTORY. took place at 4 o'clock P. M., Jul)- 4th 1778 — a son-\- end- ing for the second anniversary of American Indepen- dence, here in Wyoming. The articles of capitulation as finally agreed upon and signed by Col. Denison on the part of the settler's forces and Col. John Butler, com- manding the British army of invasion, were substantially as follows : 1st. It was mutually aijreed that the inhabitants of the settlement should lay down their arms, the Fort be demolished, and the Continental stores be delivered up. The inabitants of the settlements were to be permitted to occu- py their farms peaceably and without molestation of their persons. 2d. The loyalists were to be allowed to remain in undisturbed possession of their farms, and to trade without interruption. 3d. Col. Denison and the inhabitants stipulated not a^ain to take up arms during the war. 4th. Col. John Butler agreed to use his utmost influence to cause the pri- vate property of the inhabitants to be respected. Notwithstanding this solemn guarantee on the part of the British Commander, the Indians and irregulars of the in- vading forces, scattered themselves through the Valley in marauding squads, and burned nearly every hut not be- longing to a tory loyalist. They "confiscated" whatever of the slender posessions of the rebelious Yankees the>' could find, which had been left behind in their hurried flight to escape the vengeance of those ruthless invaders of their country and their homes. The sufferings of the fugitives, of men, women and children, of all ages and conditions, during their flight across the mountains to- wards the Delaware, and through the "shades of death", as the dense hemlock swamps they passed were after- wards called, may never be known, but certain it is, that even at this remote day, it is fearful to contemplate the trials and hardships they must have endured. The invaders did not long tarr}-, as the objeft of the raid had been fully accomplished in the destru6lion of the set- tlement so obnoxious to the tory element, and the en- tire army finally left the Valley by the Indian path up the Lackawanna three or fourdavs after the battle. INTRorXCTm^iX. 2^ llIK FIELI* OK SI.Arcn TKR. After the escape of the surviviiiLj settlers. ancUhe with' drawal of the enem}-, the coimtry Mas t:inirely deserted by both friend and foe for atime. and t'-e dead bodiesofthc viftims of the t-errible slaughter near Winterniute's Fort, .lay unburied on the battle field, for devouring beasts and carrion birds of prey to gorge upon U^ng after the confli<5l: and it was not until some time in the ni<,nth of ( Vclober following, that the remains, n" were then disinterred and removed to their present resting place beneath the monument since erefted to conimem- t)rate th*,- events of the battle and of the a6lnrs therein engaged, to the end, that it may remind future genera- tions, of the services and sacrifices of their patriotic an- cestors, and mirkth:; spot wh:?i'e tluy. animate:! by des- perate valor, met their fate, or yijl Ic 1 only before vastl\' superior numbers, at th ? "Rattle and Massacre of W\o- ming", where wide-soread havo: and desolation marketl the bloody fo )tprints o! the savage invaders oi our \'alle\' REFI.KC'TIONS. The battle of Wyoming was not a great, battle direct- ly in its results, as afife6ling their struggle for Independ- ence by the Colonies. It was not great in j) )int of the numer of men engage! in the conflifl. Hut it was great in this : the exaggerate:! stiir\- of the atrocities commit- ted by the British troops and their allies, (Hea\en knows the truth was bad enough ), fired the heart an 1 nerved the arm ofever\- American patriot in this broad land, wherever the stor\' became known. It crossed the broad and tempes- tuous Atlantic and the s)'mpathies of Kuropean ci\dli/.a- tion became enlisted on the side of the struggling Colo- 26 INTRODUCIOKV. nists, and material help came from across the water. It has made the name of "Wyoming" almost as a new Ther- mopylae — a synonym for desperate valor and a patriotic devotion to the cause of country with us as Spartan valor was regarded as the highest type among the Greeks of old. It was to preserve the memories, and commemorate the heroism and sacrifices of the actors in that historic event, that a few of their descendants, determined to make an effort to inaugurate the first "one hundredth year memorial service" on that once ensanguined field, at the foot of the monument of stone erefted to mark the spot where the bones of the victims lie mouldering back to mother earth, on the 3d of July 1878. The story of the inception of that patriotic undertak- ing, its progress, the hopes and fears of the men engag- ed in the task, and their struggles with material diffi- culties, together with its crowning triumph in an over- whelming demonstration on that centennial day, is fully and unreservedly set forth in the following pages com- piled from original documents relating thereto. IN ME MORI AM. THK HKGINNING. 'CiPM^Wl^^^fi:' H K expedicncx of proxidinij for a lOOth ^IP'^^^^ll year memorial observance of the Battle '^^T^->^^y^l\ ''"'^^^ Massacre ot Wyomin<(, on the an- f^nixersary of the completion of the first centurv after that tragic cv'cnt which '''^ brought destruftion and death to so many of the earl\- settlers in old Wyoming, had already enga- ged the attention of some (>\ mw citizens, descendants ol a few of those who aftivelv participated in the battle on that memorable day, as well as others more remotely, but !iot less keenly interested in the histor)' of the Val- ley; but no steps had yet been taken in the a6live prep- aration, until some tinu- in the month of June iS>//, Messrs Steuben Jenkins and Calvin Parsons, happened to meet in the Court House grounds in Wilkesbarrc, when the subje6l of taking immediate aclion in the matter c^f so preparing for a memorial ser\ ice on its lOOth anniver- sary, was incidentall)- mentioned and commented upon, and its proj)riet\' fully coticeded b}- both. It was then and there decided to enter upon the preliminary work at (uuc. Some davs after this iiu-eling, notes of invitation, 2^ riRsr S(V.ElfNG. (the followiiij^ beiny; a copy of one of them), vxerc pre- pared and sent to a few persons whom it was supposed might feel an active interest in the proje6l : "Wyomiiiy;, Juitt- 29th. 1877. I>K.VK Sue : I would likem iivnn vdu at tlie Coun House, in WilkesliaTc. •M) I'uesifaiy, July 3d 1S77. at 10,30 A. M., tf> consult n\> >n the |>r.>priety of r. ^eiiteimial L'elehiatiou of the Rattle of Wyoniini,', Vours truly ivrc, SiKLUKN Jknicins. Wh>yLEV follN.'^iON, Wilkeshane, fa.'' This was the initial move in the work of actively pre- parini^ a memorial service one hundred vears after that disastrous event. All the proceeding's following in fur- therance of the undertaking, are faithfull\- embodied in the following work, takei^ from the minutes of the Associ- ation. ;ind from articles for publication furnished to the ])ail\- i)apers by the Secretary at the close ot each meet- ing. Nothing of importance relating to the subject has been omitted ; the obje6l being .to furnish a full recortl and transcript of all such matters and things as came up for consideration before the Association at an\' and all of its meetings. .\M) \\ H.\r ( .A.MK OF ri". What action was taken at this first informal meeting, in pursuance ot the foregoing invitation, is gi\en in the report as (oUows, under date of Jul\- 4th ii^yj- "Yesterday was the 99th anniversary of the B;ittleand Massacre (jf Wxoming, where perhaps three hundred, out of about foLu- hundrc;d of the Connecticut settlers fell, on that bloody field in the upper portion of the Valley. it was therefore a fitting occasion for the descendants of these brave men. to meet and consult together on the subjeft (jf preparing, thus earlv, to honor the first hun- dredth anniversary of the tragic event, b\- arranging a suitable memorial ser\ice to be obserxed on that day. In l)in'su;iiue of this desire on the j)art of many of our citi- zens, tliere was ,in informal meetinsj' held at the Arbitral- TEMroRARv or(;anization. 29 tion Room in the Court House, at half past 10 o'clock A. M., for taking into consideration the propriety of thus observing the Centennial of the Battle at its next anni- versary, one year hence. Of citizens, who responded to the invitations sent out a few days ago, and were present on this occasion, there were: Hon. Steuben Jenkins of Wyoming ; Hon. Kdmund L. Dana of Wilkcsbarre ; Gen. Henry M. Hoyt of Wilkesbarre ; Hon. Lazarus D. Shoemaker of Wilkesbarre ; Col. Charles Dorrance of Kingston; Dr. Horace Hollister of Providence Pa.; Priest- ley R. Johnson of Wilkesbarre ; Calvin Parsons Esq. of Parsons Borough, and Wesley Johnson of Wilkesbarre. On motion. Gen. Dana was called to the chair, and Wesley Johnson appointed Secretary. Mr. Jenkinsand Dr. Hollister, each addressed the meet- ing at some length, urging immediate aftion in prepar- ing Co make the looth anniversary of the Battle, one to be long remembered in Wyoming. b\- renewing in the minds of the rising generation a just appreciation of the perils and hardships to which their ancestors were subje6l- ed, and teaching them to emulate the example of those brave and heroic men, who laid down their lives in de- fence of this fair land, whose fertile fields and stores of mineral wealth the (owners of to day enjoy in peace. After whicli Mr. Jenkins offered the following Resolutioii. which was unanimously adooted. /\i'S()/rc'(/, That a Committee of Seventeen, of which the chairman of this meeting shall be one, be appointed, w hose duty it shall be to report at a subsequent meeting, a plan for a permanent organization, and for the proper commemoration of the Battle of Wyoming on the 3d of July 1878. Whereupon the following named persons, all lineal descendants of participants in the Battle, and many of them of vi<5lims in tliat cruel massacre, were appointed bv the meeting"- \iz : 30 fo.MMITTKK OF SKVKNTEEN. Has. Sua nv.s Jknkins. of Wyoming. Ges. KdmuM) L. Dana, of Wilkcsbarrc. l)K. HoRACK HoLi.isrKK, of Providence. SiKWAR r Pkakci: Ks(.).. of Wilke.sbarre. Coi,. CnARi.Ks DoRRAXCK, of Kingston. Hon. La/.ar( s D. Shokmaker. of Wilke.sbanc. Ira Davkni'ori Kso . of Plymouth. JK.ssK Ha ti)iN(; P2so.. of l\aton. Coi,. I''ranK Stkwar 1. of Ikrwick. Cat'i. C" a IAIN Par.sons. of Parson.s. Dr. .Xndrkw Bkhford. of Abington. Kdward Wki.I.s E.scj , of Wyalusing. SrKrHF.N Hi ILFR Ks(,) , of Wilke.sbarre. VV.\i. Ross Mafffit, Wi:sLF\ Johnson. Hon. PkI'FR M. OsiFRilori', of 'runkhannr)ck. Kl.isii a Hi.AiK\F-\N I^S(^).. of Pitt.ston. .Alter the announcement of the committee the meeting adjoui-ned to meet at the same place on. the 25th inst, at half past ten o'clock A. M. It was e\iuth were among the earl}' T,2 WHO THKY ARK. settlers here and of course shared in all the danglers and hardships of pioneer life. Jesse Harding of Eaton is of that family of Hardings who were the first viftims of British and Indian barbarity in the Wyoming Campaign; of the entire family of father and four sons, only one, the grandfather of Jesse, escap- ing to tell the tale in the valley, as he fled from the bloodstained cornfield near the present family residence, two days before the battle. Col. Butler's last words be- fore engaging the enemy were: "Men, yonder is the enemy; the fate of the Hardings tells us what we are to e.xpe6l in the event of defeat." Col. Frank Stewart is also of the family of Cap't. Laz- arus Stewart, one of the " Paxton Boys," the same as Mr. Pearce. Edward Wells is a grandson of Matthias Hollenback on his mother's side of the house, and the name of Hollen- back is so extensively woven into the early history of the valley, as well as of business enterprises of a later day, and down to the present, that a mere reference to the faft of his ancestry, will be sufficient without further mention. The venerable Steuben Butler is a son of Col. Zebulon Butler, the chief in command at the Battle, and with the exception of Mrs. Sally Abbott, a daughter of Col- Nathan Denison, second on that day, is perhaps the only living representative next in degree to the old patriots of the 3d of July Battle. Dr. Andrew Bedford represents an honored line, and his mother. Miss Sutton, then a girl ten years old, had with others of the surrounding country been gathered into the Fort, and well remembered many of the trying scenes of those dark da\'s to the close of her life. Wm. Ross Maffett is nearest of kin to the brave Ross family whose historx' was written in blood on that da\', being a grandson of Gen. Wm. Ross, an opulent land holder of Wilkesbarre. who at a later da}' was prominently WHO THEY Al^l". 3;> conne6led With some stirring events in tlie strife between Pennsylvania and Connefticut. Wesley Johnson is a grandson of the Pioneer Preacher^ Jacob Johnson, who \\ws present on the day of the Hat' tie, but did not participate in the bloody work, having been detailed to remain at the Fort to comfort and ad* vise the women and children gathered there for proteft- ion, but he had the honor of being selefted to a6l as Secretary to the high contra6ling parties, for the purpose of reducing to writing the terms of capitulation, that had been verbally agreed upon between the victorious Butler and the vanquished Col. Denison who was left in com* mand of the settlers after the retirement of CoK Rutler< and whose name also appears as one of the attesting witnesses to the articles of capitulation^ Judge Osterhout represents old Putnam and comes of stalwart stock, and the Blackmans were well known in those dark days of pioneer trials and sufferings in the field of fame, as w-ell as in more peaceful pursuits. The pub- lic will watch with no little degree of intere.'^t the out* come of the w^ork of this committee of seventeen." Such was the very flattering report that went forth on the wings of the newspaper press of this first effort to organize for the coming event, now acknowledged on every hand, destined to be one of great importance to the valley in familiarizing the country with its histor.v, and incidentally dire6ling attention to the vast wealth, and importance of the almost ine.xhaustible stores of anthra- cite coal hid awa\' in the bowels of the earth beneath our fertile soil. C.^TTIXC. DOWN TO WORK. The work of organization being now well under Wa\*, and the committee already engaged in arranging a definite and practical plan for future operations, the press again on the i8th of July, called attention to the subjeft as follows : 34 COMMITTEE MEETINGS. "A meeting is called for to-day, of the coinmittee ap- pointed at the meeting of the 3d inst.. the business of which will be to report a plan for a permanent organiza- tion, to make preparations for th» proper celebration of the Wyoming Centennial next 3d of Juh'. It is probable that some plan will be adopted at this meeting, or at least the plans submitted will be reported to the citizens' meeting to assemble, as per adjournment, on the 25th inst. Suggestions from any citizen will be in order, if handed in to any one of the committee of seventeen. It is not proposed or desired to make this thing exclusive. The movement was initiated, as was proper, by the descendants of the old settlers, and the committee was made to consist of seventeen members to correspond with the number of Conne6licut townships in the old land company's grant, and each committeeman is sup- posed to represent a township and the people thereof. But history is the property of the nation, and the obje6t is to make this a national celebration, as the event which it is to commemorate was of national importance, and was one of the scenes in the great drama of the Revolu- tion which gave independence to the struggling colonies of North America; and established a firm confederation of sovereign states for all time, as we hope and trust. It was not alone in our own land that humanit\' stood aghast at the recital of the savage butchery of unresist- ing citizens that followed on the evening and night of that fearful day. The story of the atrocities of the Wyoming Massacre was heard round the ci\'ilized world, and one of the finest poems in the English language, by one of England's great poets, received its insjiiration from this notable event, and though Campbell's description of scenery may be a little too warm for Penns\l\ania's mountain valley, \'et the poem is exquisite; and although it is denied that "The monster Brandt Willi all his howlino;, desolatiiii^ liaml, Fought on that fatal tlav," (OMMITTEK MEETINC.S. 35 yet the fa.&. is patent to all students of our local history that it was •'A (lay of blood upon the plain," where youth, manhood, and feeble old age alike poured out their blood as water upon the parched earth; and when we, the descendants and successors of those brave men, forget their sacrifices "may our right hands forget their cunning, and our tongues cleave to the roofs of our mouths," when strangers ask us to recount the thrilling story of the Massacre, of which they may have been but imperfectly informed. " THE PLAN OUTLINED. The committee appointed at the primary meeting on the 3d to prepare and report a plan for a permanent organization met in the Arbitration room, in the Court House, at half past ten A. M., July i8th. There were present Hon. Steuben Jenkins, Chairman; Wesley John- son, Secretary, and Gen. Edmund L. Dana, Col. Charles Dorrance, Dr. H. Hollister, Dr. A. Bedford, Hon. L. D. Shoemaker, and Elisha Blackman of the committee, and also James Augustus Gordon of Plymouth, and H. B. Plumb of Hanover. Letters were read from Mr. Ira Davenport requesting to have Frank Turner substituted in his place; also from Mr. Jesse Harding, of P2aton. em- bodying his views on the subjeft, and manifesting a lively intetest in the same, but pleading his advanced age for not attending in person. Judge P. M. Osterhout, of Tunkhannock, also sent in his regret at not being able to be present, as did some others. After the question had been fully discussed, Mr. Jenkins submitted a paper embodying a plan of organization, which was unanimously adopted on motion of Gen. Dana, and recommended to the general meeting, to be held at the Court House, on the 25th inst., for favorable consid- eration. This plan provides generally for an association to be known as the Wyoming Centennial Association, with a President, seventeen Vice-Presidents, Secretary, 6 coNfMiTTEF-: ^rKp:TrN(rs'. Treasurer, etc., and also for the appointment of commft- tees to take charge in detail of the various branches of a meinorial ijervice, such as this is like to be, but as the work I's still incomplete we forbear to make further men- lion of it at present. The utmost harmonv of sentiment prevailed, and there seems to be a fixed determination to make this the event of 1878. Pennsylvania has but three revolutionary battle fields — Branch' wine, Germantown, and Wyoming — if we exclude Paoli, which was a mere butchery of defenseless men, ami not a battle, and it seems therefore required of us as a plain duty w hich we owe the past, that we should not negle61 to remember these few hallowed spots in our earh' struggle for independence. On motion of Wesley Johnson, a committee of five was ordered to be appointed, of which the chair shall be one, to report at the meeting to be held on the 25th a list of suitable persons to serve as permanent officers of the association, and that the committee also report an esti- mate of the probable expenses to be incurred by the proposed memorial celebration. Alter interchanging views on various names suggested, the committee adjourned to meet on the 25th, at nine A. M., at the same place, a few hours in advance of the general meeting in the C(^urt House, to perfe6l its list of recommendations. The meeting of ne.vt week will be entirely open to all citizens, and it is proposed to ask 'of the Commissioners the use of Court Room No. 1 to accommodate the large attendance expe6led, and all are invited to make sug- gestions touching the subjeft-matter under consideration. riiK .'\sso(;iATiox okcwized. The members of the committee authorized to report a plan for the permanent organization of an association, to prepare for and arrange the contemplated memorial centennial services, met early on the morning of July 25th, 1877, for the purpose of revising and amending the COMMITTEE MEETINCS. yj plan as already agreed upon, if circumstances should render such aftion advisable A few names were added and substituted for others already on the list, but the work was pronounced good, and at half past ten o'clock A. M. the committee repaired to the office of the Bar Association, in the Court House building, where a large attendance of citizens had assembled to listen to the reading of the report of the committee. General E. L. Dana, Chairman pro tcin., called the meeting to order, antl the minutes of the former meeting were read and approved; after which Hon. Steuben Jenkins, chairman of the committee of seventeen, reported the plan as adopted in committee; also the names of permanent officers of the association, and the names of suitable per- sons to serve on the standing committees provided for, which report, on motion of Hon. Hendrick B. Wright, was adopted, and the several persons named therein were duly elefted as recommended. REPORT OE COMMITTEE. The committee recommend that the association shall be known as the Wyoming Centennial Association. Its officers shall be a President, seventeen Vice-Presidents, a Treasurer, a Secretary, and an Assistant Secretary. There shall be the following standing committees of the association, viz.: On Invitations; on Addresses, Ora- tions, Poems, &c.; on Historical Collections and Data; on Museum of Antiquities and Art; on Finance; on Buildings; on Dinner and Refreshments; on Procession; on Reception; on Music; on Preparation and Decoration of Grounds; on Arrangements with Railroads for P'ares and Freights. The President, Treasurer, and Secre'tary, with the chairmen of the standing committees shall be an PLxecu- tive Committee. There shall be a Superintendent, or Direftor General, to be appointed by the P^xecutive Committee. Each (^f said officers and committees shall have charge of and i3er{(>i-nu the duties indicated by tliteir rrarrre arrd e:hara6ler. All moiTcy' rarstTJ for the purposes of the associatiorQ "ihall be under the oi'der and direT5lion of the Rxecutive Committee, and shall be paid ou-t on ordetrs- drawn by the President, and attested by the Secretary. The (yhjeS. of the association shall be tocosmneinorate in proper and patriotic nn»anner the Centennial Anniver- sary of the Battle of Wyoming, on the 3d of July, 1878, and celebrate in like ir^anner the national birthday ons file 4th of July, 1878. rhe exercises af the firs>t da.y to be of a solemn and smpressiv^e character; those of the second day of a digni- fied, patriotic rejoicing," thws conforming them to the history and character of the resp>e6live days. The Vice-Presjdents shall consist of one person fron"s each of the original seventeen townships, and it shall be the special duty of each of said Vice-Presidents to write, or procure to be written, a sketch of the history of his township, to be presented and read as a part of the com- m'emorative exercises, and published with the proceed- ings of the association. It shall also be his duty to collect all historical papers and docunients that can be had, for the purpose of publication, that every fa6l in the history of Wyoming may be colle6led and preserved. That the Luzerne County Agricultural Society's fair l^rounds, being about midway between the battle field and the monument ere6led to the memory of the slain, and in the immediate vicinity of bloody Queen Esther's Rock, is selected as the most convenient and suitable ground on which the ceremonials shall take place. The committee also report the following persons as officers for the permanent organization ot the Wyoming Centennial Association: President — -Charles Dorrance. Treasurer — Lazarus Denison Shoemaker. Seere/ary — Wesley Johnson. ^y^&^- V_ C C. •COBMri'TEE XlEETlXGs. ^'^i Assis'taut Secretary— lidmwwd G. Butler, Vice-Presidenls^-lc.d\CdirA Herrick, Athens-, Williaiw Allen, Bedford-, Maj. John Sturdevai\t, Braintrim, O. H. V. Kinney, Claverack-; jarrces Hads&U, Kxcler; Stewart Pearce, Hanover-, A. N. Harvey. HKntiwgton", Steubeit Jenkins, Kingston-, Washington Lee, Newport; Gordoii Pike, Northmoreland; Elisha Blackman, Pittston'; James A. Gordon, Plymouth; Dr. B-. H. Throop, Providence; Samuel Stark, Putnam; Colonel Frank Stewart, Salem; (Springfield ai\d Ulster not filled); Steuben Rut-ier and G. Murray Reynolds, Wilke^-Barre. STANDING COMMlTTEli^S. Invilalions — Hon. Garrick M. Harding. Stcwatt PeaTcc> Sharp D. Lewis, Dr. B. H. Throop, Joseph A. Scrantonv Dr. W. H. Bradley, H. B. BeardsJee, William Ransom. Charles Parrish, and James W. Kesler. Addresses, Orations, Poems, c5^i;-.— Kdmund L. Danux C. L A. Chapman. John K. Barrett. George M. Richart> P. M. Osterhout. William A.Campbell, O. H. Wordcn. Historieal Colleetions, Data, &e.— Tii. Horace Hollistcn Rev. Geo. Landon, William P. Miner, Dr. Harry Hakesv S. S. Benedia, Rev. David Craft. Rev. S. S. Kennedy. Ralph D. Lacoe, and Hon. Sylvester Dana. Jr.. Concordx New Hampshire. Museum of Antiquities, ctV.— Steuben Jenkins. I-ldward Welles, Harrison Wright, Daniel S. Bennct. J'ortcr Marcy, W^ H. H. Gore, and George W . Beach. Finance — Payne Pettebone. Theodore Strong. Abram Nesbitt, Edward P. Kingsbury. George S. Bennett. I''rank Turner, John W. Hollenback, George Sanderson. Buildings — George Corey, William 0'Malle\-, H. H, Harvey, J. D. Green, A. S. Davenport, David Perkins. Dinner, Refreshments, &e. — J. Milton Courtright. Jos. ¥.. Patterson. K.J. Ross. Col. Harry A. Laycock. Samuel Raub. Addison Church. William S. Shoemaker. Mar.v Lone. 40 COMMITTKK MKETIN(;s. Procession — Gen. Henr}- M. Hoyt. Gen. K. S. Osborne. Col. C. K. Campbell. Col. T. D. Lewis, Col. E. W. Pierce. Col. Cha.s. H. Wilson. Maj. T. C. Harkness. Maj. Oliver A. Parsons. Reception — -Hon. Hendrick B. Wright. Col. Ira Tripp. Dr. Andrew Bedford, Gen. P2. W. Sturdevant, Hon. John Handley, Lewis Pughe, Edwin Shortz. B. A. Bidlack. John A. Carey, Peter Franklin. Preparation of Grounds — James P. Atherton. Bradle}- Williams. David Blanchard. Daniel Searle, James S. Slocum. Decoration — R. J. Wisner, Wijliam H. Butler, James Searle, Benj. Y . Dorrance, James Sutton, E. A. Hancock. Bruce Price, Benj. G.Cooper. Rev. Abel Barker. Bradley Downing. Music — Calvin Parsons, E. C. Fuller. Aaron A. Chase. Henry Stark, Edward P. Darling. Robert J. James. Railroads, Fares, &c. — Stanle\' Woodward. Victor E. Piolett, George L. Dickson, A. B. Dunning, Henry W. Palmer, Robert A. Packer, William R. Maffett, James Ruthven, William L. Conyngham. Publication—^. E. Butler, E. D. Barthe, J. A. Clark, E. A. Niven, G. Murray Reynolds, Robert Baur. On motion of Col. Wright, it was Resolved, That the Committee on Invitations be direfted to give the ladies of the Wyoming Monument Association an invitation to attend the memorial cere- monies, and that seats be assigned to them in an appro- priate place. On motion of Col. Frank Stewart, it was Resolved, That the Committee on Historical Collec- tions, &c., be requested to colle6l a list of the names and residences, as far as pra6licable, of the living descendants of those who fell in the massacre, for publication in the general proceedings. On motion, adjourned to meet at the call of the Presi- dent. NAM H —ON K H r N 1 )K i; 1 ) 1 H . 41 The persons to wliom was delej^ated tlic task of pre- paring for the eentennial exercises iHd not remain idle, tliough nothini^ was done by the association until the I ith of October following-, when a meeting was held un- der tiie call of the President, as it was deemed important not only to forward the undertaking by preparing for work in committee, but also to awaken an interest in the public mind by keeping the matter well adxertised in the newspapers, as it would be by the publication of the re- ports of the association's transactions, and to show that the project was not to be dropped out of sight. At this meeting, held in the Cit\' Council chamber, there were present Col. Charles Dorrance, President of the associa- tion; Wesley Johnson, Secretary ; Lazarus D. Shoemaker, Treasurer; and the following named chairmen of com- mittees: Invitations, Judge Harding; Orations, Judge Dana; Historical Colleftions, Dr. Hollister; Antiquities, Mr. Jenkins; Decorations, Mr. Wisner; Music, Mr. Parsons. There were also present as members of committees Hon. Charles Abbott Miner ami William Ross Maffett. On motion of Mr. Jenkins, it was Rcso/7'cd. That the commemorative exercises on the 3d of July next be held on the battle ground at Wyom- ing, and that the exercises on the 4th ije in the cit\' of Wilkesbarre. Hon. Garrick M, Harding, of the Committee on In- x'itations, offereti the following: Rcsol'i'i'd, That this association be known b)- the name and style of "One Hundredth Anniversarx' of the Battle of W\-oming," and that this designation be adopted in all its correspondence and other transactions. Judge Harding said: "The word 'centennial,' since the International P^xhibition at Philadelphia last year, had become so common as to excite almost ;i feeling of ridicule in the mind of man\- people. \W' hear not only of centennial e.xhibitions, centennial churches, centennial 42 RKASONS \\I[\' hotels, hut so iow in (h'i^nit}' has the word fallen that now we are reminded by certain enterprising dealers in small ware's that the\- keep lor sale 'centennial soaps" and ' mucilai;e.' I, therefore, mo\e \'ou, Mr. President of the association, that we crideavor to reform this thinif, so far as in us lies. b\' eliminating this much abused exotic Avord from our records by substituting the pFain English term 'one h,undrc:dth' in its stead. Our climate is too cold, and our hills too rugged, to afford a congenial home for the language of sunny Italy, when we ha\e w^ords derived from our stiird}' hLnglish ancestors which express our meaning full as well, if not better, than these angli- cised Latin ones." The resolution was unanimously adopte.l. .\ plan of the order of exercises was made up and dis- cussed at length b\- the meeting, but not finall\- decided upon. This plan contemplates, in a general wa\', the assembling -it the Wyoming Fair Cjrounds, at 9 o'clock-. on the morning of luly 3d of next,\'ear, to listen to an ora- tion, an historical address, and reading of original poems suitable to tJie occasion; also an original h\'mn and music. It is proposed that there be erefted on the kur grounds a log cabin m imitation of the homes of our lathers. from the Ijalcony of which the proceedings will take place. After suitable refreshments ha\e been partaken of, the procession will form, with music' and b.inners draped in mourning, an;i march to the monument. It is e.\pe6led the several Posts of the Grand Arm\' throughout this and other Slates will be well represented on the occa- sion. .\t the monunn'nt an original h)-mn will be sung, and a solemn dirge !)>• the band will comi)lete the exercises of the commemorative service at the completion of the first huntlred \ears ,ifter the battle, which co\'ered the plain with corpses, and caused mourning and weeping in almost everv household in the vallew rRKsn)i:\r aM) covkunors. 43 The ])rocccding's will be carclLill)' note;! and ])ii!)lishccl in book forni. to be preserved (or exhibition at the recur- rence of the second century of this sorrovvfn] da\-. On motion of Judge Dana, it was Ri'soli'cd, That the Committee on Invitations be iii- •stru6led to invite the President of the United States, and the Go\x-rnors of New York and New Jerse\ and (tf the New England States, and such other (jtuernors as the\" ma\- deem advisable. On motion. Judge Dana and Steuben Jenkins were ap- pointed a committee to procure a heading ami adopt a device to be used in all correspondence. On motion, it was Rvsol7'cd, That the chairman of each sub-committee conx'ene, without delay, his committee to receive sug- g'estions and make arrangements for carr\ing out the work set apart for such committee, and that w hen this meeting adjourns it will adjourn to meet on .S.iturda\-, the lOth da\- of November next, at lO o'clock A. .M., at the sairse place, to receive reports of committees. At the next meeting of the I'i.xecutixe Committee, lield on the iith of November, there were {^-c-ent Chas. Dorrance, President; L. D. Shoemaker, Treasurer : and Weslex' Johnson, Secretar}-; of chairmen of committees, Juciges Dana and Harding, (jen. Ho\-t, Dr. Hollister, and Messrs. Parsons, Corey, and Wisner; also Dr. Hakes, 1). S. Rennet, P^dward S. Loop, Harrison Wright, and J;imes Searle members of committees. Juflge Harding said, in repl\' to a cpiestion put 1)\- the chair, that no formal invitations hail gone out, but the committee is in receipt of communications on the subject, showing that there is a deep interest being manifested in the success of the enterprise. It cannot fail to be a grand success. Messrs. Dana and Jenkins, who were appointed at the last meeting a committee to procure a heading and adopt a de\'ice to be used in all the correspondence of this 44 ■'^^''> MASSACRK. association, reported that on the left hand upper corner of the sheet there be a picture of the VVyornincr monu- ment, surrounded by the Latin legend, " Dulce et decorum est pro pat r in iiiori;" on the right, in artistically dis- pia)-ed t\pe, '"One Hundredth Anniversary of the Battle of Wyoming, July 3, 1778 — July 3, 1878." ( )n motion of Judge Harding, the report was received. Dr. Hollister moved to amend the report by adding the wonls •' and massacre " after the word "battle," as re[«)rted, and urging the adoption of this addition as more clearly defining the character of the event we are about to commemorate. Dr. Hakes spoke in fa\'or of the addition, as the event has alwa\s l)een known as the "Massacre of Wyoming. " It is true that there was a battle, and after the battle, and after all resistance had ceased, there was a terrible massacre ot the unresisting prisoners, of whom none escaped. .Ml perished who fell into the hands of the blood thirsty savages on the e\'ening of that fatal da>-. It was not onl\' a nobly fought battle, but the night of that terrible da\- witnessed such horrid scenes of rapine and miu'tler and outrage u})on the conquered that the story oi our w rong moved the s\-mpathies of the whole civilize! world in f.ivor of the struggling colonists, and inspired the theme for one of the most beautiful poems in the I'Lnglish l.mguage, .md served to adorn man}' an historic tale. Upon the question being put, shall the amendment prevail.'' it was unanimously carried, and the style will now be, "One Hundredth Anni\ersary of the l-5attle and Massacre of Wyoming, July 3, I778--July 3, 1878." Cien. Ho\t, the chairman on procession, said that from all quarters he had the most cheeiing e\'idence that this thing is taking hold of the hearts of the people. The feeling is in favor of making it a splendid fivation. Tlie military, as represented l)\' the (irand .\rmy of the Republic and x'eterans, will lend us material support in INDIAN RELICS. 45 helping to swell the grand pageant on that day. He proposed that there be added to the programme a repre- sentation of some of the tragic events, such as Queen Esther's horrid orgie and murder on the blood\- rock, which was favorably received by the meeting. Mr. George Corey, on Buildings, reports favorabl)-. and his committee will not be behind in its part of the pro- gramme. Judge Dana, on Orations and Poems, is in correspond- ence with Ba\'ard Taylor, J. G. Whittier, and others on these subjefts, and expefts something by way of original poems that will live in the memory of the coming gene- rations for the next hundred \-ears. Mr. Jenkins, on Antiquities, proposes to build a log cabin in the style of our grandfathers on the fair grounds, in which to display suCh relics as can be collefted; also the grand collections of Indian relics owned by himself and Dr. Hollister, which together will constitute the finest colle6lion in the United States. This will be a great attraction. Mr. Parsons, on Music, reports favorably on his part of the work. All the bands within a reasonable distance will be invited to assist with appropriate sele6lions. On motion of Harrison Wright, it was Rcsol'i'cd, That there be appointed a committee to arrange the exercises, and to conduft the proceedings on the ground. Mr. Wright was appointed chairman of this committee, with P^rnest V. Jackson, John \^. Alexander, John P.spy, and E. W. Weston as members. On motion of Dr. Hollister, it was Resoh'cd, That a commemorative medal be prepared from a design to be submitted by a committee appointed for that purpose. It is thought that enough of these may be sold to more than pa\' the expense of their preparation. 46 FK01'()Si:i) KXKRCISKS. Messrs. Harrison Wrii^iit, K. L. Dana, and Steuben Jenkins were appointed on this committee. On motion of Judge Dan;i, it was Resolved, That the Secretary be directed to procure a sufficient number of printed slips containing the names of the members of the different committees, to furnish each chairman with a Hst of the members of his respec- tive committee. On motion, it was Resolved, That when this meeting adjourns it will ad- journ to meet at this same place, on Monda)-, the 24tii da\' of December next. FAVOR.\BI.E PR0(;RHSS RKl'OR TKI). A large and enthusiastic meeting of the se\eral com- mittees and others of the association was held at the Arbitration room, in the Court House, on December 24, 1877. at 10 o'clock A. M. The President, Col. Dorrance, called the meeting to order. A communication from the Scranton Veteran Soldiers" Association, proposing to assist in the memorial, was read b\' the Secretary; and on motion it was ordered to be referred to the Committee on Procession, with a recommendation to take favorable action in the matter. The Chairman of the Committee on Addresses, Ora- tions and Poems, reports the general plan of exercises t<^ be observed on the 3d and 4th to the consideration of the meeting. The main feature of this plan contemplates the assem- bling at the W\'oming Fair Grounds, at 9 o'clock A. M., on the 3d of Jul\- next. The reception address will be delivered b\- Col. Wright. The procession will then form and march to the battle ground, about half a mile distant, where an explanator\' address will be made, pointing out the positions of the two contending forces, and a general [)lan of the l)attle, to enable persons the better to imderstand the historical address that will fol- low, upon a return to the fair grounds, where the princi- I'RorcisKD i',.\i:ri'1si:s. 47 pal exercises will take place. Messrs. Jenkins and C. I. A. Chapman will be assii^netl to make these explanatory addresses. .After listening to the historical address, the procession will again form and in solemn order move to the monument, where, after saluting the dead heroes by dipping the draped banners and firing a funeral salute by the assembled veterans, a grand and solemn dirge will be performed by the united bands and singers, who are expected to be present in large numbers. The ])rocession will then return to the fair grounds for refresh- ments, and the afternoon will be occupied in reading an original otle b}- Re\'. Henry Coppee, D. D.. of the Lehigh Universit)-, and one of a commemorative character by Jesse Hardmg, of W)'oming Co. The exercises will be properh' interspersed with choice music and rex'erential prayer. One of the addresses will be by Rev. Wm. P. .\bb()tt, of New York. i)r. Hollister reported his committee as hard at work, and mak'ing good progress. Dr. Hakes reported favorable action on the labors of his committee on historical data in fixing the location of old forts and roads, and that they are preparing a map to be exhibite.l showing the houses and cleared farms in the \alle\' of a hundred _\ears ago; also of the old SuUi- \'an road, made in 1779. Mr. Pettebone, Chairman of the Committee on iMuance, explained his \iews of the ways and means of meeting the expenses of the unc^ertaking, and asketl for informa- tion as to how much the association intended to e.xpenei. On motion of Dr. Hollister, it was /vr.sv-'/rvv/. That the chairmen of the several committees be instructed to report to the Chairnitin of the I^^inance Committee the amount ot funds recpured for the use of each of such committees, and that tiie Chairman of the Finance Cominittee report at the next meeting the ag- gregate of such amounts, and that the expenditure be limited to the sums so reported; with a recommendation 48 MEDALS — INDIANS. of the Chairman of the Finance Committee as to the mode of raising the required funds. On motion of Mr. Jenkins, it was ordered that the amount to be expended shall not exceed $3,000. Mr. Atherton asked for instructions as to the amount to be expended on buildings. Direfted to report esti- mates of his committee. On motion of Dr. Hollister, it was Resolved, That a committee of ladies be appointed to aft conjointly with the committee already appointed on decorations. Ordered that the chair appoint such additional mem- bers to the number of seventeen. Mr. Parsons, on Music, reports that his committee has a6led in the matter, and have chosen as Musical Direftor Prof. C. B. Derman; Prof. Coggswell has been chosen Direftor of Bands; and that they '-"ad requested the Committee on Hymns to invite composers of music to arrange the rhythm in the choral style. Mr. Harrison Wright, Chairman of the Committee on Medals, submitted samples of two st)'les of commemora- tive medals in bronze or silv^er, and the cost of the same. The committee was directed to aft finally, and to pro- cure the medals. Mr. George M. Richart introduced Mr. John Billings, an Indian of the Onondaga Tribe, who came all the wa\' from his home to attend this meeting. He said it it is deemed advisable, that not less than fifty Indians in their native costume would attend on the 3d of Jul\-, accom- panied by their brass band, and thus add greatly to the scenic effeft. He said his tribe numbered about four hundred. The name of their head chief is Thomas Webster, and his post-office address is Onondaga Castle, Onondaga county, New York. On motion of Judge Osterhout, of Tunkhannock. the Committee on Procession was direfted to confer with Chief Webster on the subjeft of sending a delegation. M1:ET1NG Al FOKTV FOKF. 49 This will be a pleasant feature in the commemorative service, where Indians in their war paint and feathers will commingle freely with the descendants of those pale faces whose fathers met in deadly confli6l on the same ground one hundred years ago theancestors of these now civilized red men, who appear here by special invitation to render the commemorative s^rvi:e^ more true to nature. The Committee on Historical D.ita was directed to procure a map of the country as it was in 1778, and re- imburse itself for the expense by a sale of the maps. Adjourned to meet on the 31st day of Januarr next, at the same place, at 10 o'clock A. M. MEKriNG AT FORTY FORT. On January ist 1878, a large concourse of citizens as- sembled on this historic spot, under the auspices of the Association, to witness the ceremonies of inaugurating the opening of the centenary year, and as preliminary to the more imposing ones expe6led on the 3d of July. The Wyoming Artillerists' battery of four guns, was pos- ted, one piece at each of the two eastern angles, and two in the centre of the Old Fort. President Dorrance called the people to assemble at the foot of the flag staff, and Dr. Hakes was invited to discourse upon the object and signification of t,he meeting. He said it was to awaken in the minds of the citizens a more acflive interest in the service to be held on the bat- tle ground on the 3d of July, and as this was the spot on which that desperate resolve was made to meet the ene- my in the field, and the place from which the little arm\' of farmer soldiers marched on that fatal da\', it is there- fore right and proper that it should witness this first grand gathering of the people assembled to honor that event one hundred years after the conflift. It is desired to make the third of Jul\' 1878, one almost as worthx' of a place in the historx' of the Vallew as is the 3d of the year 1778. We expe6l to witness an immense assem- bling of people from all parts of the countr\- on that day. 50 .\r!-:i:riN(: at forty fort. lo ilo honor to the memory of our dead who rest beneath yonder monumental shaft. We hope to make it such a day to be remembered, as Wyoming has not seen since tiie day of horror a hundred years ago. We expe6t to see a hundre 1 thousand people gathere.l on the battle field on that morning, and from what I see and hear around me, I feel assured tliat we will not be disappointed. But in order to accomplish this, we must not relapse into ap- allvv'; we must arc^use the patriotic sentiment in the hearts oT our countrymen, and we must be prepared to show that vve are going to place before the multitude such an e.xhi- bition as is hot likely to occur again, at least not until the end of the next century, and that this is their last chance of witnessing so grand a reverential display. We mtist agitate the matter — agitate — agitate, keep the thing red hot, and all will be well. Col. Samuel Bowman upon being called to the front, complimented the Artillerists, as being the first in the field to fire a shot for Old Wyoming, and said it warmed iiis heart to witne??s so o\crwhelming a demonstration at this opening of the* centennial year. Hubbard B. P.i\-nc expressed his gratification at the livel\' interest this thing is awakening in the hearts of the entire people, and as the time for aftion has now arrived on the part of the military, he proposed that Capt. Parker direct the gunners to let their Artiller\' open their brazen mouths and speak in tones of thunder of the brave men, whose memory we have met here to honor. At a given signal the four pieces belched forth a salute of a hundred guns to correspond with this, the centen- nial \ear alter the battle. Alter whicb a bountiful repast, prepared l.)' the ladies of Forty Fort, was partaken of b\- the multitude. The "Old Sullivan gun" broken oft" below the trunions was brought out and several shots were fired to show that she is not yet entirely silenced. This gun w.is l)rouy;ht over the mountains from Easton by Gen'l Sullivan in 1779, and left buried on the Denison farm near 7r^£c^ yW/^ ^ t^ji^.'irJ'X^ MF.ETINC: AT I'OUTV FOUr. 51 by, as being too heavy to be conve\'ed in tlie small boats used in his expedition of that year against the Indians in the State of New York, It was in the year 1840. while firing a 4th of July salute at Wyoming, that this old rel- ic had the misfortune to be blown assunder and more than halt of the muzzle end was scattered among the crowd, but no injury was done, other than the cutting o'T a large limb from a neighboring apple tree. President Dorrance being loudl\' called tor, responded very handsomely, and said he felt prou:l to see that the people of Wyoming still cherished the memor\- ot the men of the past 78, and he now had no fe:ir that the ap- proaching memorial of the present '78 will be an e\'ent not to be soon forgotten. Secretary Johnson was also called out. He. said he was not an orator to stir the hearts of the multitude with words of burning eloquence, as tiie gentleinen who had preceded him were able to do. Nor was he descended from a line of illustrious heroes, nor from a vi6lim in that death struggle of a hundred years ago, as some of the gentlemen here could claim, if their modesty did not forbid such an assumption. But being calle 1 out as a descendant of the men of 1778. he would frankly confess that his ancestor was not a man of brawn and bone, whose good or bad fortune it was to do deeJs of noble daring on the battle field, as he had been informed, but rather it was his office to follow in the path of slaughter. to soothe the dying, bless the dead, and comfort the widow and the fatherless through the consolation of religion, as given to us by the word of God, and point the way to that hea\en of rest, where wars are no more, and all is rest and peace. So in t'ais task which we have undertaken in preparing the commemorative service, he was placed in merely a clerical positu)n, and it is left (or others of more daring and energetic natures to acl in marshaling the forces, and leading them on to vi6lor\- or defeat. But it will not fail. This is a measure that was 52 RKi'LFKS PROM THK POKTS. not born to die; but as my friend Dr. Hakes has well said, we must keep the thing "red hot" before the people and the press, which I, in a humble way, represent, will not f'dl to do its share in awakening an interest therein. COXSIDKKTNC; THK WAYS AND MEANS. The Kxecutive Committee met at the Arbitration room, at lO o'clock A. M., on Saturday, the 31st of Jan- uary. Besides the chairmen of the several committees, who constitute the Executive Committee, there were present a large number of citizens not of the association. The chairman stated the objeft of the meeting to be to receive reports of committees as to the probable amount of funds required, and the ways and means for raising the same, after having disposed of less weighty matters. Replies fcom Henry VV. Longfellow, John G. Whittier, and Bayard Taylor were then read by General Dana, Chairman of Committee on Orations and Poems, in an- swer to propositions to them on the subject of preparing a suitable poem to be read on the occasion, in which they all declare their inabilit}- to comply with the re- quirements of the committee. Mr. Taylor suggests that poems are not to be manu- faftured to order, like articles of merchandise, and although he had the honor of preparing the one for the opening of the Centennial Exhibition, at Philadelphia. he did not feel himself competent to undertake the prep- aration of one for this, as perhaps more might be ex- pected of him than he was competent to perform. Great poems, even from great poets, of which he did not claim to be one, are not of every day occurrence. The divine inspiration of the poet must come unsought, for labored efforts are too methodical to touch a responsive chord in the hearts of an enthusiastic people. Dr. Hollister, on Historical Colleftions, reports that his committee is progressing finely, and have alread\' ob- tained plenty of m.'.lerial lo uuikc .1 wduable exhibit. COUNTINC; THE COST. 53 Dr. Hakes produced a sketch of a map of the country as it was a hundred years ago, showing the improvements, \f roads, fortifications, etc., which he explained in detail. This will be handsomely engraved, and ready for distri- bution before the 3d. Rev. David Craft, of Wyalusing, gave some reminis- cences of Colonel John Franklin, who a6led a prominent part here, but died in Bradford county. His friends will prepare a sketch of his life, to be illustrated by a steel engraving, and this will also form a contribution to the historical colleftions. Mr. Jenkins, on Museum of Antiquities, reports that his department will not require over $100 for the ereftion of a suitable building in which to displa\' the magnificent collection of Indian relics, probably the most extensive in the United States. Mr. Corey, on Buildings, estimates that $300 will be required in his department. Gen. Hoyt, on Procession, reported that there will be required for livery hire for invited guests $100; for six bands of music, $600; for getting up a trades" procession, $500; for subsistence of 2.000 troops two days. $2,000; in all, $3,200. The Grand Army of the Republic will also have from 1 .000 to 1,500 veterans on the ground. The report was approved, and ordered to be carried into execution, so far as prafticable. Mr. Atherton, on Grounds, reported that the fair grounds, not under cultivation, could be had free of charge, so far as the uncultivated ground was concerned. If all is required, he estimates the paying for growing crops and preparing grounds at $150. The report was approved, and the committee direfled to a6l. Mr. VVisner, on Decorations, reported his estimate of j)robable expense at $300. Report approved, and committee direfted to execute iletails; cost not to exceed $300. 54 COUNTINCi THK COST It was said that the descendants of Anderson Dana, one of the vi6lims of the massacre, desired to present in the name of these famiHes to the association a memorial flag, ah-eady procured, and which it is intended to hoist on a suitable flag-staff at Old Fort\' Fort on the 22cl of February next. Dr. Hollister said the idea was a good one, and he hoped this a6lion of the descendants of one of the earl\- settlers will stiniulate others to make contributions, and offered the followed, resolution, which was adopted unan- imously: "That the flag presented by the ladies of the Parsons and Dana families to the association, to be used at the One Hundredth Anniversary of the Battle and Massacre be accepted, and used as indicated, and that the thanks of the association be tendered them for their thoughtful and patriotic gift." It was found, upon footing up the items as submitted by the several sub-committees, that at least $4,500 would be required to defray the e.xpense of the undertaking. These estimates were considered too low, and Dr. Hakes moved that the Finance Committee be requested to pro- vide the sum of six thousand dollars to meet the neces- sary expenses. Mr. Pettebone, Chairman of the Finance Committee, said we should not fix the sum too low. and that was the opinion oi' another member of the committee now here, Mr. John Welles Hollenback. We will probablx- find that we will not raise any more than is asked for, though the expense m:\v be much greater. We had better not start out with the idea that an\' considerable help will come from outside ol our own coun.tw We must make up our minds to meet it ourselves, and pro- vide for it. The President said he was gla 1 to hear such a senti- ment from the Chairman of the Finance Committee, and as that was probabl\' the unanimous sentiment of the MEDALS. 55 entire committee, he thought we need have no fear of the result. Mr. Corey said he never knew a celebration that the cost did not exceed the estimates. Thinks $6,ooo is not a high estimate. It will probably cost more than that. Dr. Hakes said we don't want the idea to go abroad that this is to be a money making scheme for anybody. We are not going to employ hired mourners to attend our funeral. People must come at their own expense, or not at all. We think it due to the old patriots that we, their successors in this beautiful valley, should devote one day in a hundred years to honoring their valor and their memorw I am in favor of keeping down the ex- pense to a reasonable amount. The resolution, as finally passed, was, that the Finance Committee be requested to raise as much as $5,000, but they are not limited to that amount, and if more is re- quired, let it be obtained if possible. On motion of Mr. Core>', it was Rcsj'vcd. That the Committee on Invitations be in- structed to invite Gen. Samuel Thomas as an honorary guest. This is thtj "Captain Thomas" mentioned in the old poem on the shooting' of James Bird, which runs: '•.\m()n;..;st the trojps iliat marclied to Erie Were the Kingston Vohin tears, C'aptain Thomas them coinmanded, ' To protect our west frontiers." Mr. Harrison Wright, on Medals, being unable to attend, sent in for inspection of the Executive Committee drawings of appropriate medcds proposed to be struck with a cut of the same. It was suggested that, as the design represented the murder of women ^and children, it was therefore not true to nature. It was proposed that a change be made in accordance with the fafts of history. Adjourned to meet on I^'riday, the 1st da)' of March, at the same place, at 10 o'clock A M. 56 rHK POETS. INTERESTING MEETING. A meeting was held at the Arbitration room, at 10 o'clock A. M., on March ist. Col. Dorrance, President, in the chair. Judge Dana, on Orations and Poems, reported verbally that Dr. Henry Coppee. of the Lehigh University, has accepted an invitation to read a poem, and that it is already in course of preparation. Mrs. Harriet Gertrude Waters (Stella of Lackawanna) is preparing an ode for the occasion. Also, Miss Susan ¥.. Dickinson has con- sented to favor us with one of her exquisite pieces. Some original hymns of merit have also been submitted to the committee, but as to these no public a6lion can be taken at present. Mr. Jenkins said the opinion has gone abroad that the collecftion of Indian relics in his possession is to be exhibited as a part of the demonstration. If it is so desired by the association, he is not averse to the mea- sure, although the labor of removal and arrangement will devolve entirely on himself, as he would not dare to trust these relics in other hands. He has the largest colle6lion of these relics of any in the United States, with the e.xception of that of his friend, Dr. Hollister, and the Doctor is such an eager antiquarian in this direftion that he is fearful that the disproportion between the two collections might increase very much to the ad- vantage of his rival archaeologist. Dr. Hollister signified his willingness to exhibit his colle6lion side by side with that of Mr. Jenkins, and good humoredly retorted upon the latter by saying that it was a remarkable fixS. that the same idea had struck him. only in his mind the parties were reversed. However, as he would watch o\er his colle6lion personall\', he thought he might safely risk their exhibition, and that he would be able to keep even witii the Wvoming Antiquar\" in the matter of ■"increase." PRESIDF.NT HAYES. 57 Mr. Pettebone reported that his Committee on r'inance had taken no a61:ion as yet, but wlien the proper time arrives he had no fear that the means of payini^ expenses will be provided. Col. Wright, Chairman of the Committee on Reception, was not present, but Col. Dorrance stated he had just returned from Washington, and in compan\- with Col. Wright they had waited on President Haves. The ques- tion of the massacre having been introduced, the Presi- dent stated that he had often felt a desire to visit the far-famed Wyoming Valley, and expressed his determi- nation to be present at the one hundred \-ear anniversary exercises next July, if he can possiblx' spare the time without neglefting his public duties. If Congress shall not be in session at that time, he will surely attend. Dr. Hakes suggested that Congress seemed to be get- ting on cjuite comfortably without the P^xecutive sanation to some of its acts. Mr. Atherton asked for information whether stands for the sale of refreshments are to be permitted on the grounds; and if so, whether the privilege of setting them up would be let to persons for hire. This matter was considered as entirely within the jurisdi6lion of the Committee on Grounds. The senti- ment of the General Committee seemed to be unani- mous that the sale of into.xicating liquors should not be allowed. Mr. Fuller read a letter from Prof Derman, in which he says he will give his attention to the preparation ot the music if his expenses of travel, etc., can be provided for. The committee was authorized to aft as they may think proper. On motion of Mr. Chapman, it was Resolved, That the chairmen of the several sub-com- mittees be requested and directed to report in writing at the next general meeting programmes of the proceedings intencied to be carried out in their several departments 58 [fISTORICAL SOCIKTIKS. at the annivc-rsary exercises, in order tliat the same may be finally afted upon. On motion of Mr. Jenkins, it was Rrso/vcit That an invitation be extended to the Con- nefticut Historical Society, the Pennsylvania Historical Societ)', the Dauphin County historical Society, the Bradford Count)' Historical Societ>', and the Wj'oming- Historical Society, and other kindred Societies and asso- ciations, to join with us, and request thrit the}' be_ repre- sented on that occasion in such manner as shall seem most ajjpropriate to them. Mr. Billings, the Onondaga Indian, who proposed to attend with a delegation irom his tribe, has written to Mr. lenkins to know \wiat action will be taken with regard to their attendance at the commemorative ex- ercises. On motion of Dr. Hollister, it was Rcs"l-i'('(t That Chief Thomas Webster be written to, in order to learn what will be the probable expense, and how many of the braves can be induced to come here if it is decided to bring them at all. Adjourned to meet .it the same place on Thursda}-, the 28th insl.. at lO o'clock A. M (■ONSIl)i':RIN(; ''KrORTS. At the meeting of March 28th, ordered for the pui'pose of receiving and coiisidering reports under Mr. Chapman's resolution, the I'resident. Col. Dorrance, called the meet- ing to order. The Chairman on .\ddres-;es, (ien. Dana, submitted the following report, which w.is chrecled to be receix'etl and filed: "1st. That Steuben Jenkins, M^q., has been selected to ileliver the historical aildrcss on the 3dof Jul\-; the Re\'. Willi.im 1'. Abbott to (leli\er a national address on the 4th; that an inxatation has been sent to Gen. Joseph R. Hawley, of Conne6licut, to make'a prefatory address on the 4th. but no answer has been recei\'ed. COMM IT TKK R KPORTS. 59 ■■ 2d. Thai in compli.iiicc with invitations extended to them therefor, Mrs. Harriet G. Watres, Miss Susan E. Dickinson, and Mr. Caleb 1'^ Wright have each promised original odes, to be sung during the exercises, which have been phace 1 in tlie iiands of the Chairman of the Music Committee; that Mr. [enkins has also written an ode, but has not \'et furnished the committee (Mr. Par- sons) with a copy; Mrs. Mar\' Richait has also com- menced a poem to be read. "3d. The committee further reports that Rev. Henr\' Coppee, LL. I) , of the Lehigh Universit}-, agreeable to invitation, is preparing a descriptive poem, to be read on the 3d; that invitations were also sent to Mr. Ta\lor, Mr. Longfellow, and Mr. Whittier, but were severall\- declined; that the Hon. Sylvester D.ma, of Concord, N. H., was invited to attend the celebrati^■s wii.i. (^ki.kbrate. no such word as failure shall be written in the record of this association." Mr. Woodward said: "Almost all questions have two sides, and some ev^en more. I am in favor of having a commemorative service at the graves of our wives' an- cestors on the one hundredth anniversary of the day on which they patriotically offered up their lives in defense of this fair valley; and I am in favor of having a fine cel- ebration on the 4th, after we have duly attended the ob- sequies of our honored dead, for you know it is to the solemn notes of the 'Dead March' that we go to the grave of a deceased comrade, but return playing 'The Girl I Left Behind Me;' and if the General Committee cannot furnish the requisite funds for the 4th of July cel- ebration in this city, then the boys will do it, for we are going to have a big parade and a big show on that day. There will be some expense attending it, but the boys will see that these expenses are met. We are going to have a splendid pageant — tableau.x of a hundred years' progress. It is inevitable, and let it come — but I don't think that remark is hardly original with me. First we will have the wild and savage Iroquois Indian in his tent of skins; his arms, the simple bow and arrows. Then the zealous Christian missionary, Zinzendorf, with snakes crawling out of his boots — but not from the effe6l of bad whiskey. Then the old settlers in home-spun attire and the old fire-lock of the past. Then the Pennamite and Yankee war — the traditionally lean Yankee and the rotund Quaker contending for the master\- in this valley. The revolutionary period will be represented in character. The first attempt to burn anthracite coal, with Jesse Fell blowing up the fin; in the grate, down at the Old Fell House. A Canestoga wagon on its way to Philadelphia for store goods. The war of 1812 to be full}- represented, as also the Mexican war, where our own Artillerists pla\ ed so conspicuous a piwi; and then the present con- ('.ilion with mercantile ,ind mechanical dis[)lays; also, the SALE OF RKFRF.SHMKNTS. 6/ future with a big wagon lo:\(led with mortgages fifteen feet high, all satisfied, and a tall pole with the emblem- atic goose and everything lovely when we have free gas, free water, and free lunches. The procession will be about five miles long, and we will h ive such a jubilee as old Wilkesbarre has never \-et witnessed." Mr. Jenkins said: "The onl\- tlifficult)' about funds will be for the grand parade on the 4th. and I am glad that the young men have taken this m itter up in earnest, and if they are determine i there can be no question even as to that." The plan contemplated an exhibition of firewtirks on the 4th, and on motion of Dr. HoUister, it was Rrsoh'ed, That the committee be instrufted to ascer- tain the cost of suitable fireworks, and to report the same at the next meeting. On motion of Judge Dana, it was Resolved, That the Committee on Music be authorized and direfted to place four bands of music at the disposal of Col. Woodward, the Chief Marshal of the day. Mr. O'Malley, of the Committee on Buildings, reported that it would cost about $60 to ere6l a booth with seats for five hundred guests for dinner, and for a platform 30x50 feet, $62.75. On motion of Dr. Hakes, it was Resolved, That the Committee on Grounds be author- ized to let at a fixed rate the privilege of erecting stands for the sale of refreshments. It had been previously determined that no spirituous liquors were to be permitted to be offered for sale. On motion of Dr. Hollister. the name of J. C. Piatt, of Scranton, was added to the Committee on Antiquities. On motion of Mr. Chapman, the name of Bradley Downing, of West Pittston, was added to the Committee on Decorations. Mr. Harrison Wright. Chairman of the Committee on Order of Exercises, read a contemplated programme. 68 F[IB[JCATIOX — OT)KS. but as it was not yet fully determined upon it was not filed and adopted. On motion, it was Resolved, That when this meeting' adjourns, it adjourn to meet at the same place on the rith o.f May next, and that after that day we meet once es/K:vy two weeks. Mr. C. E. Butler, Chairman of the Committee on Pub- lications, through Prof. W. J. Bruce, submitted , his report, which was ordered to be received and filed, with approval. On motion, it was Resolved, That the following recommendation of the committee be a6led upon at once; the chairman to pro- cure suitable circulars to be sent out without delay: "This committee further contemplates, as a portion of their duty, the drafting, in circular form, for immediate publicati m in the leading journals of the country a brief account of the proposed anniversary, and the efforts thus far put forth to secure its'perfefl success, to the end that a wider and more universal interest in the aporoaching event ma)' be e.xcited." Mr. Parsons, Chairman of the Music Committee, reports that his committee have completed their arrangements for the music. They have four original odes. One by Mrs. H. G. Watres, of Scranton; music by Prof. Derman, of Scra"nton. (^ne by Miss Susan K. Dickinson, of West Pitt'^ton; music by Prof. C. Pabst. of Wilkesbarre. One by Caleb K. Wright, l^^sq., of Do) lestown; music, Keller's American Hymn. One by Mr. Jenkins, of W\oming; music by Prof. Coggswell. Ihc committee, through Prof. Derman, have secured two iiundred and fifty sing- ers, ami four bands thrMINr, IN. The General Committee nicetii'ii; was liekl at the City Council rooms on the 1st of June, at 9 o'clock A. M. Mr. Harrison VVriij^ht, Chairman (vf the Committee on Order of Kxercises, reports that on the programme an hour is allowed for havins^ short addresses from distin- j^uished <^uests, and it is now determined that Re\ . W'm, P. Abbott be assignetl to occup)' a portion of that liour. Mr. Beardslee, on Invitations, says Judge Hardinu^, the chairman, is hard at work sendint,^ out invitati^ins and answerint^ letters. Mr. Woodward, of the Special Committee on Finance, tjives a cheerinLj report. We have now pledsji^ed sub- scriptions amountiuLj $5,269, and he knows of $300 more that he thinks he can count on as certain. He cxpefts to make it at least $5,500, and the entire amount required is estimated at onl\- $5,000. , On motion, a vote of thanks of this association was tendered to Mr. Woodward for his zeal and success in the good cause, and that he deserves the good will of all concerned. Col. Dorrance said he was pleased to hear that Pitts- ton has waked up, and is coming forward handsomel\-. Dr. Hollister said if the\- have waked up, don't let them go to sleep again. Mr. Wisner said that Pittston had raised $400. and they had trouble to keep it down to that figure. I'ittston will not be backward on the finance cjuestion. On motif)n of Mr. Woodward, it is ordered that wlu-n this meeting adiourns, it will .idjourn to meet at this place, at lO o'clock A. M., on Saturda> next, and that the chairmen of the several committees be requested to make out approximate statements and reports of the amount of money required b\- each in his tie[)artmcnt. to be submitted at that meetin<>. .?2 f:fa:( TfoN' or noorn's'. Mr. Harrison Wright, Chairman of the Committee on Order of Exercises for the 3d, subn-vittcd a programme n\ exercises. Notice was ordered to be giv'en that the Committees on Refreshments, Antiquities, Deco>rations, Grounds, an c! Htiihiings \VfI{ n7eet at 2 ©■"clock P. M., c:»n Wednesday next, at the mc^nument, and that all persons desirous of crefting booths or stands for the sale of refreshments are recjucsted to meet with these committees for the purpose n\ selecting locations and fixing on rules to be observed (.luring the services. Adjourned to meet on Saturdaw June 8th I.N WHICH SOMK I)OIN(;S ARE DKCH)!':!) ON. The Executive Committee met at the Arbitration room, at icj o'clock A. M., on Saturday, the 8th day of June. Col. Dorr.ince. President, called the meeting to order. Mr. Jenkins read a letter he had received from Mr. John Billings,' of the Onondaga Tribe of Indians, who propose to send a delegation of fifty of their tribe, pro- vided they can have all their expenses paid and $2 per day each in addition. Ordered that the offer to pay all expenses be renewed, but that the association cannot pay the per diem wages of these braves. Messrs. Courtright, chairman, and Laycock and Long, of the Refreshment Committee, report the bill of fare as agreed upon in conimittee for dinner for musicians and orators. This offers a great variet)' of gooti things. ( )n fnolion, ordered that the committee be authorizetl to contract with some suitable person for furnishing the dinner as piT bill of fare at a reasonable prict: for each person serw-d. and that the association guarantee to pay lor foul' hundred dinners for the musicians and orators of the daw The Secretary to procure the tickets in blank, to be signed, b)' the proper officer, the President. Ordered that a sum not to exceed $100 be appropri- Mn.llARV Bor)!!.^ INVlll/O. 1^", i'ltecl to repair the inmuunent and put it? goi^d cop.dil ion where it is falling into deca\'. Messrs. Pettebone> Dana, aud Harrison Wriij^hl ajv appointed a special committee to sec thai tliis \» ork he properly attended to. On motion of Col. Woodward, it was Rcsoh>cd,Th\\i this committee extend a cc-idial in\ita- tion to all military bodies and ori^ani/.ations to partici- pate in the commemoration on the 3d and 4th of julw but in the opinion of this committee the invitation of an\ division as such a militar\' body is deemed inexpedient. Col. Woodward was dire6led to notif}' Gen. (^sbornc v:)f this a6lion of the Executive Committee. On motion of Dr. Hakes, it was Rcso/7'cd, That the sum of $500, or so much thereof as may be necessary, be and hereby is appropriated to de- fray the expense of the historical jjarade and table.iux on the 4th in Wilkesbarre. Adjourned to meet at the same place, f>n Saturday, the 15th inst.. at 9 o'clock A. M. ITF.NfS FROM rHK I'RKSS. '■ T/ic President 6V-'////«if.-— President Hayes will arrive in HarrisburcT on the 2d of July, and be the cruest ol His Excellence Governor Hartranft for the da\". .\ special train on the Northern Central Railroad will lea\'e Harris-- burg, having on board these two distinguished citizens and soldies; the one the Governor of our own State and Ccjinmander-in-Chief of all the Militia of the Common- wealth, and the other the Comm.ander-in-Chief of the Army and \a\\\- of the United States. Tlu-)- will be met at some point by a suitable militarv escort and guard of honor, and upon being conducted to the monument grounds will be assigned their appropriate j)laces in the solemn ceremonies of the day. It is not known whether Gen. Hancock will be jKesent or not. WMieii he was here last siunmer he signified his intenlion to hie present, unless his dut\- imi)erati\ely recjuired his presence in the ii4 MKMoKIAf. Afr.DAf,*:. field. 1 lie Committee on Buildings is now negotiating' for H manjmoth tent to be put upon the monument grounds^ capable of accommodating lO.OOO persons, if the day should be rain\': or if ver\' hot, as it most likely will be, a tent f>f this kind will prove a great comfort in the ab- sence ot buildings or shade trees. " '^ Mi'inoricil Medals. — Wyoming memorial medals are for sale by Faser & Smith. Timothy Parker & Son, and by Harrison Wrigiit. Chairman of the Committee on Medals. Ihe price is sixty cents. The subscription list for silver medals will be forwarded to-night (June 14th). but an\' names handetl Mr. Wright to-day will receive attention. One of these beautiful medals, struck in coin .silver, is now before us. It is not c^uite as large as a dollar pice of our cn Saturda}-, the 15th day of June. 1878. The President. Col. Dorrance. read a communication from the Committee on Invitations of the Valley Forge Centennial Association, inviting this association to send a delegation to the Valley Forge celebration on the 19th instant. Ordered that the President be requested to attend on that day as a representative of Wyoming. The President signified his acceptance of the trust. On motion of Mr. Corey, ordered that the Chairman of the Committee on Invitations extend the same invita- tion to tlie Valle\' Forge Association, if it has not already- been done. Mr. Wisner submitted a plan of decorations to be put up at Wyoming, and asked that a further sum of $100 be appropriated t(^ his department. On motion of Dr. Hollister, ordered that the commit- tee be direfted to a6l, the expense not to exceed $400. On motion of Judge Dana, ordered that the Commit- tees on Buildings and Museum of Antiquities be instrufted to make suitable provision for the proper exhibition of the grt)up of statuetter\- representing the massacre of W\-oming, sf) exquisitly modeled in clay by Mr. Hazel- tine, ot Wilkesbarre. Judge Dana read a letter from Rt. Rev. Bisiiop O'Hara, ot the Scranton Diocese, regretting that his time would i)e so occupied b_v liis pastoral duties during the next month as to prevent him fi om being present to lead some of the religious services, as he had been invited to do. 86 MAY HAVK HAD ITS KFFECT. The Judge said that the Rev. Father O'Harran, of St. Mary's Church, had signified his acceptance of a similar invitation subsequently extended to him. Adjourned to meet at the same place, on Saturda\-, the 22d inst., at 9 o'clock A. M. The following newspaper mention of June 24th was only a joke of course, but it may have had its effeft to bring in persons alwa\s anxious to witness unusual events, all the same: ''What Next? — It is said that Barnum's big show will so arrange its appointments as to arrive in Wilkesbarre on the morning of the 4th, and join in the centennial procession, and present tableaux of oriental lite, one ot which will be a grand triumphal entry of the Empress of India into Benares on the back of a gigantic elephant, seated in the gorgeous State Houdah of the ancient monarchs of that barbaric country. This to be followed by other high officials riding on elephants and dromeda- ries, with pages mounted on giraffes and zebras. Sir [ohn Franklin will be represented in the Harbor of Desolation, surrounded by polar bears, white foxes, and sea lions. Stanley's explorations in AJrica will be repre- sented by roaring lions and growling hyenas, and a band of savage Africans in their native costumes, with a gang of slaves chained by their necks on their wa\- to the Portugese or Arabic dealers, where they are to be sohl to the traders for shipment to civilized countries. .'^11 these and more will be represented on that da\'." THE WORK (U)KS 15RAVF.I.V ON. The Executive Committee met at the Arbitration room, at 9 o'clock A. M., o!i Saturday, June 22d. Col. Dorrance, the President, called the meeting to order soon after. The President said he had attended the Vallc)' Forge Centennial as a representative of VV)-()ming in a t\\r)-t()ld ca})acit>' -to obtain some pra6li- THF. APPROPRIATIONS. 87 cal knowledge of the mode of arranging the details, and Id engage the great Lexington tent, that is capable of sheltering ten thousand people, in case the weather should not be favorable for out-door exercises. It will be liere; is now on the wa)'. The tent is one hundred by two hundred and fifty feet, has si.v central poles, with a flag on each; it is clean and neat, and will make a beautiful appearance, and add greatly to the attra6live display at the monimient. Chief Marshal Woodward submitted a general appro- priation bill, which, after being amended so as to appro- priate ^2,000 for the exercises at W)'oming on the 3d. was adopted, and the several sums therein named appro- priated as follows: Kxpenses at W\-oming $2,000 Historical Parade 500 Music by the Bands 400 Decorations at Wilkesbarre 500 Printing 300 Carriages i 50 I'^ire-works (evening of the 4th) 500 hLrecling Stand for Speakers 50 \V\-oming Artillerists 250 Sprinkling Streets, etc 50 Telegrams and Miscellaneous 50 Firemen's Reception 75 Total $4,825 judge Harding, Chairman of the Committee on Invi- tations, said: "1 have sent out thousands of invitations. To some, as the President of the United States and the (iovernors of States, I have promised hospitality, but a great m.ijority of them have been general invitation to the j)arties adttressed, inx'iting tiiem to join with us in the commemoration. .Some ha\e accepted, and will be l^resent. Many have sent their regrets, and a few have •is yet made no reply. Among the high officials who S8 WYOMINTi'S (IF.NKROSITN'. will honor us with their presence, I am happ\- to report that His Excellency, the President of the United States, and His Excellenc}', Governor Hartranft, have si<^nified their acceptance of the invitation, and will be here on that day. Judges Strong and Mercur, of the Supreme Court, will be here also. It is not necessary to enume- rate at this time all who will honor us with their pres- ence, but the happiest feature will be that the people will be here from all the surrounding countr\'. 1 am as- sured from personal observation in my travels that ever\' town, and every hamlet, and every fireside in this large county, and the surrounding counties, nearlv all the dwellers will be here on that day. Let us welcome them kindly, and show them that old Wyoming now, as in the past, knows how to greet her friends, or to meet her enemies, if need be, as on the historic field in front of Wintermute, where so man\' of our unfortunate ancestors yielded up their lives as upon Queen Esther's blood)' rock." Col. Dorrance said: "Wyoming's sons in the past have stood high in the estimation of the countrx- for generosit)' and hospitalit)', and I feel assured that the generation of to-day is not degenerate, and I trust that all who can will invite some friend or acquaintance to partake of their hospitality, if, as the showmen say. 'for one da\' only.'" Judge Dana reported that ever\thing was prepared by the Committee on Orations and Poems. On motion of Col. Woodward, it was Resolved, That Messrs. Hoyt. Dorrance, Pettebone. Harding, and Dana be appointed a special committee to receive the President and Go\'ernor Hartranft. and en- tertain them during their staw It is now arranged that the Presidential part>' will arrive at Wyoming b\- a special train on the Lackawanna and Bloomsburg Railroad on the morning of the ^fi; that they will be escorted to the fine old mansion of Mr. Pettebone at Wvoming. where thev will be entertained n\V. ONONDAGA INDIAN."^. 89 till the ceremonies at tlie inonuii^ent demaiul their prc-^- ence there. At the conclusion the party will drive to Col. Dorrance's suburban farm m.msic^n in Kingston, where, after beine;' refreshed with a cup of iho Colontd's •excellent tea, they will be escorted \r, the Wvomini^ Valley Hotel, in Wilkes])' them during their stay. There will be abaut [35 in the battalion, which will be under the command of Adjutant General Latta. These war-worn veterans are making arrangements to have a good time of it, and enjoy their little reminiscences of the tented field with as little dis- comfort to themselves as possible." "Hozv to Come to 'Wyoming . — Mr. H. P. Baldwin, of the Central Railroad of New Jersey, writes to inform the Committee on Railroad Fares, that his road will issue excursion tickets, good from the 1st to the lOth of July, from any point on its line to Wilkesbarre at two cents a mile. Mr. Halstead, of the Delaware, Lackawanna, and Western Railroad, says he will make the same rate. Mr. Sayre, of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, will make the same rate, and two special trains will be run from Easton, landing passengers at Wyoming on the 3d, and probably the same arrangement will be made for trains from the north. Mr. Thos. Dickson, of the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company, sa)'s all passengers attending the Wyoming exercises will be carried at half rates. The specific time allowed the excursionists is not mentioned in any ot the above offers, except the Central Railroad of New Jersey, which limits the time to ten da)s, but it is probable the others will give the same terms. Instruc- tions will be given to the ticket agents at once, and notice gi\en to the public." ITEMS FROM THl": TRKSS. t)9 ""Our Guests. — His Excellency, Governor Martranft, and Henry Armitt Brown, will be the i^uests of Stanley Woodward, P-sq. Senator J. Donald Cameron, wife antl two daughters, and Col. A. Wilson Norris, will be enter* tained by Gen. H. M. Hoyt. Hon. Wayne McVeagh will honor Mr. John C. Phelps with his company. Hon. Chas. R. Buckalcw will be entertained by his old neigh- bor. Judge Rhone." ''One Hundred Years Baehcard. — The map of Wyonv ing Valley as it appeared one hundred yeas ago, prepared under the supervision of Dr. Hakes, is now finished, and it is a wonderfully accurate representation of the topog- raphy of the valley, and the courses ami distances are laid down with mathematical accuracy. It gives all the principal improvements of that day. Beginning wit*li the old forge and grist mill at Nanticoke, their positions are accurately noted, and a brief reference is given to each in explanatory notes at the bottom. The Indian villages are all located, as well as the settlements and forts ol the Conne6licut colonists; the cleared lands, hills, and plains; the lines of battle on the bloody 3d of Jul}-; antl the river, as well as the smaller streams. The Doctor is deserving of great credit for the skill antl judgment, as well as the energy, he has shown in preparing so valuable an assistant to the students ot our local historv, but we must not give all the credit to him, for he was ably seconded in this work b\' his assistant t)n the Committee on Maps, Mr. Wm. H. Sturdevant. whose skdl a^ a sur- veyor helped to reduce the first brief outlines to order and accuracy of detail. Mr. Thomas Flemming, of New York, is the artist who completed the map." Hon. Wm. Bross. ex-Lieutenant Governor of Illinois, and now the President of the Chicago Tribune Company, has engaged rooms at the Wyoming Valley Hotel, and will attend the one hundredth \ear e.vercises of the 3d and 4th. ! ->r ^ fOO fTKMS FROM THE PRESS. "Aiiotlicr Pole Raising. — At two P. M. to-day, if the weather shall prove favorable, a pole will be raised on the northwestern boundary of the old stockade at Forty Fort; if the weather is not favorable, then on the next fair day. The trenches of the old stockade will be opened to demonstrate the true location of the same. An invitation is extended to all the old citizens of the valley and the public generally to be present. The above a6lion was agreed upon at a meeting held on the 20th instant, at which John M. Pettebone was Chair- man; R. McD. Shoemakc, Treasurer; and M. Walker, Secretary." "The billiard tables at our principal hotels are to give place to dining tables on the 3d and 4th. This is a good mov^, and will be duly appreciated by the hungry crowd.s that will gather here. " "Mr. George Murphy, of Sheshesquin, whose mother was a sister of Judge Obadiah Gore, one of the first judges of Luzerne county, and who was born in Judge Stroud's* barn in September, 1778, his mother having {led from Wyoming at the time of the battle, will be a guest of his relative, Mr. John G. Wood, on the 3d and 4th." " Several of the visiting fire companies will be quartered in the large storehouse building of Z. Bennett & Co., on North Main street, called the iron warehouse. The building is a large one. three stories in height, and with proper cleansing will afford comfortable quarters for a large number of men." "Col. Woodward has received positive assurance that the Second Regiment of the National Guard, from Phil- adelphia, will be here on the 3d and 4th, 350 strong, and bring with them their fine bands and drum corps. Col. Wickersham will be the commanding officer. What in the world will we do to provide for this great influx of humanity.''" ITEMS FROM THE PRESS. lOI ^'Doiit Croak. — Our centennial parade to come off in tliis cit\- is already bearing" good fruit in the increased activity in every branch of business. Everybody is mak- ing ample preparations for the grand event. The tailors are overrun with orders for new suits; the dry goods merchants are all full of business; the painters are at work fixing up things so as to make them look rcspefta- ble; the street commissioner has a full complement of men repairing streets and street crossings, while others with ladders and saws are intent upon lopping off the branches of trees that for so long have obstructed the carriage-ways on Franklin and other streets. All this betokens better times, and this is the spirit that is needed to bring about a resumption of business. Let those slow coaches who have poo-poohed the attempt of a few en- terprising old fogies to engineer this thing on to success, remember that it is not by sitting down with folded hands to bewail the hardness of the times that the times are to be made any better. The country is as rich as ever it was. Nobody has lost an\^thing. only by the coming down of fi6litious values. Let us all buckle on the harness, and go to work at something. Aftion is what we want — a6lion! aftion! action!" "Our Distuigiiishcd Visitors. — President Hayes will be accompanied by his wife and two sons, and Governor Hartranft b\' his wife and two daughters." "Fitteen teams and sixt\-hve men and bo)-s left town at six o'clock yesterday mornmg to procure evergreens for decorative purposes on the 4th." "Mr. A. Clintop Snowden, city editor of the Chicago Times, is here to do the centennial memorial at Wyom- ing to-morrow. He expresses himself much gratified with the appearance of things here, and his account will occupy a large space in our Chicago namesake on the 4th and 5th." 102 ITEMS FROM THE PRESS. '"Tenting on the Old Grave Yard. — Ely Post. (i. A. R., will set up a tent 36x100 feet on the lot donated to the Wyoming Geological and Historical Society, in the old grave yard grounds, near the corner of Market and Washington streets, to be used as headquarters during the 3d and 4th. We are not informed whether the visit- ing members of the Grand Army intend to camp here during these days, but presume many of them will, and kindle anew the old camp fire as of yore, and at night wrap themselves in the regulation blanket and lie down to dream pleasant dreams on the bosom of old mother earth, where so many of the forefathers of the rude ham- let slumber beneath the green turf" ''Making Hay while the Sun Shines. — Andrew H. Dill, the Democratic nominee for Governor, accompanied b\' United States Senator Wallace, and Messrs. Bucher, Allen, and Yerkes, and ex-Congressman Speer, arrived at the Wyoming Valley Hotel last evening, and were escorted to their quarters b\' a few personal friends. In the evening they were serenaded by a band of music, and receiv^ed the congratulations of many political friends of Mr. Dill. Senator Dill responded in a neat little speech, which made a favorable impression on all w ho had the pleasure to listen to it." "An Interesting Exhibit. — The Hon. Sylvester Dana, of Concord, N. H., arriv^ed here yesterdav, bringing with him an original oil painting of Gen. John Sullivan, whose name is so intimately conne6led with the histor}' of Wyoming, though his great military e.xpedition arrived here the year after the battle." " Landmesser's Hall, al the corner of Main and South streets, has been secured by the colored people as head- quarters for their visitors for the 3d and 4th of July. A large number of these, our enthusiastic fellow-citizens from different parts of the count}', will be in attendance." ITEMS FROM THE PRESS. IO3 "'The President's Cane. — Captain T. C. Parker has on exhibition a beautiful cane of buck-horn wood, cut on the Wyoming battle ground, and varnished in its natural condition, having a solid gold head, quite heavy. On the gold top is engraved, 'Presented to the President of the United States by the Ladies of Wyoming Valley, 1878.' This cane, so appropriate in its associations with the President's visit here and the occasion, is to be pre- sented, as the inscription indicates, at the coming visit of His Excellency. " '"Veterans to Arriz'e. — The Veteran Battalion of Phil- adelphia. Col. James W. Latta, the Adjutant General of Pennsylvania, commanding, will arrive this evening (July 2d), at 8 o'clock. They will be saluted by the firing of thirteen guns by the Wyoming Artillerists on their arrival, and will be met by a reception committee and escorted to their quarters in the G. Murray Reynolds house on River street. "All Things Prepared. — During the afternoon of the 2(1 a committee of obserx-ation, composed of representa- tives of the press of Wilkesbarre, visited Wyoming for the purpose of viewing the state of preparations for the coming day. This committee reported that they found everything in a state of forwardness, and prepared as far as possible in advance, for the ceremonies to follow on the 3d. The great Lexington tent was up, as were all the buildings required, and booths for the sale of refresh- ments in abundance. Dr. Hollister was found hard at work arranging his colleftion of Indian relics, and had been hard at work since early morning. Mr. Jenkins had not got his collection in place, but intended to re- move them the same evening. Accommodations for the newspaper correspondents not v^ery ample, and some improvements were suggested to the workmen engaged in giving the last touches to the preparations. Mr. Pettebone was found busil\- engaged preparing for the 104 ITEMS FROM THK FRESS. Presidential party to be entertained on the morrow. He had three large tents pitched on the lawn surrounding his residence, where he intends entertaining the ciistin- guished guests to a breakfast and dinner. The commit- tee appointed to escort the President and party from Northumberland had everything arranged for leaving at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, and the special train will arrive at 9 A. M. to-morrow; Mr. Fred. C. Johnson, of Wilkesbarre, to accompany the committee as special press reporter. "This report was regarded as entirely satisfaclor}% and was the last a6l of preparation for the looth-year memorial to follow. Nearly all the leading journals of the country will be represented by able correspondents, and those of New York. Philadelphia, Chicago, Cincinnati. Boston, St. Louis, and other towns and cities will contain full reports of the interesting ceremonies, sent by tele- graph immediately upon the conclusion of each day's transa6lions." SERVICES, AT THE MONUMENT, JULY 3, 1878. N Tuesday evening, Julv 2d, the com- mittee of escort, consisting of the follow- ing named gentlemen, viz: Abel Barker, of Wyoming; W. R. Storrs, of Scranton; ■^^^^^^Abram H. Reynolds, of Kingston; Dr. Benj. H. Throop, of Scranton; Theodore Strong, of Pittston; and Benj. F> Dorrance, of Wilkes- barre, proceeded to Northumberland by special train fur-^ nished by courtesy of Superintendent Halstcad, of the Delaware, Lackawanna, and Western Railroad, arri\ing there at 10 o'clock the same evening. The Presidential train arrived at the same point during the night from Harrisburg; and at 5 o'clock A. M. all the arrangements had been made for continuing the trip. At 5:30 the Presidential party received the escort in the jiarlors of the hotel, and after the ceremon)' of mutual introduc- tions and a cordial greetings all around, the train started soon after for Wyoming, the great central point of at- traftion for many thousands from all parts of the United States on this 3d of July, I.S/.S. The Presidential party occupied a Pullman palace and another car for baggage, the engine "Shawnee " carrying the veteran engineer Charles Gurvis, and profusely deco- rated with flags and bunting. Stops were made at (06 Mi;M()RlAf. SllRVK'KS Hlo()!Tisl)iirg, Berwick, Shickshinny, and Kingston, at all of which phices brief speeches were made by President Hayes, Attorney General Devens, and Secretar\' of the rrc\'isur>' John Sherman, the immense gathering of peo- l)lc greeting the distinguished party with unbounded enllnisiasm. At Bloomsburg, the Hon. C R. Buckalew stepped aboard, and .returned the remarks pf welcome. .Ml of these stations were decorated in fine style, and thousands of [)ersons availed themselves of the memora- ble opportunity of shaking hands with the President. Mr. Hayes was accompanied by his estimable wife; Mrs. Sol lace, a friend of Mrs. Hayes; the two sons of the President. B. A. and Webb G. Hayes; O. L. Pruden. Assistant Secretary of the President, and Mr. Crump, (iovernor a!ul Mrs, Hartranft were attended by their daughters, Marian and Annie, and their two sons, Samuel and Linn; Chester N.. Farr, Private Secretar}'; H. B. Howland, of Indianapolis, and Jas. P. Sterrett, Judge of the Sujircme Court. Wyoming was reached about 8:30 o'clock amidst a gre.it throng, the City Guartis of Scr.inton being drawn up in line, under command of .Major Boies, as a guard of honor As the train approached the station, in accord- .ince with a preconcerted arrangement, Mr. F. A.Seabert, a railr(\id f)fficial in charge, directed the engineer to give four shrieks from the locomotive whistle, which was the signal agreed upon for the Wyoming Artillerists to open fire with their batter}- of four guns for the Presidential salute, the cannon immediately belching forth their thunder in honor of the supreme executive head of the National Government. The distinguished guests were met at the station by the Committee of Reception, con- sisting of Col. Dorrance, Mr. Pettebone, Dr. C. S. Logan, Gen. Hoyt, Judge Harding, Gen. Dana, and Mr. Wood- ward. As he stepped from the train, the President w^as introduced in white, presented the President with a beautifid boquet, wdiich he received with a gracious smile, that will prob- ably ever remain a pleasant memory to her while she lives. The President then thanked the committee for the ver\' flattering reception and welcome he had received, and in return presented Attorney General Devens and Secretary Sherman, members of the Cabinet. After which he stepped into a barouche in waiting, accompa- nied by the two Cabinet officers and Col, Dorrance, and was driven to the residence of Mr. Pa\'ne Pettebone, whose guest he was during iiis stay at W\'oming, there to partake of a generous breakfast lunch, and enjoy a lOS .UKMORIAT. SKRVKK.'> short repost: aftt-r the all nii^ht ride from Harrisburgf. 1 he party was escorted by the Scranton City Guards. H'ith officers mounted, and making; a decidedly martial (. is pi ay. T H !•: I > A y W I". , C O M M K M ( ) li A T V. . l^Lirint;^ a brief space, the expected exercises of the da>' were anxiously awaited by the surging mass of not less than ten thousand hot and perspiring people, who had vainl}- sought shelter under the immense Lexington tent. The day was marked by a cloudless sky. from which the sun poured down its hottest rays from an early hour in the morning, wdiile ev^ery hour added to the mul- titude that was pouring into the field surrounding the monument, until there was an assemblage that no man could number. Probabl\- not less than fifty thousand persons visited the grounds during the day. Shortly after 9 o'clock the booming of guns was heard from the dire6lion of old Forty F'ort, where the W)-oming Artille- rists had arranged for the firing of a salute as a signal for the opening of the appointed exercises of the day. As Col. Dorrance was doing the honors to the Presidential party, and necessarily absent from the place of meeting at this time. Judge Dana assumed the dire6lion of aft'airs, and the appointed exercises were proceeded with. The band, under direftion of Prof. Coggswell, gave some choice sele6lions from " Maritana;" after which the following prayer was very earnestl\' and ably offered by- Rev. D. J. Waller, a descendant of a family that suffered severely in the massacre: prav?:r of rev. mr. waller. "God of our father, our God and Father in Christ Jesus, in the name of our Divine Redeemer we approach Thy throne of grace to pay our homage, and to render unto Thee our thanksgiving and our praise. Thou hast created us rational, accountable, and immortal beings. Thou AT THE MONUMENT. 1O9 hast opened unto us sinners the way of salvation through the blood of Thy dear Son. The lines are fallen unto us in pleasant places. We ha\'c a goodly heritage. Thou didst lead our fathers to this region of beauty, fertility, and hidden wealth. Here they rejoiced in Thy smile, and trembled at Thy frown. On this frontier of civiliza- tion and Christianity Thou didst call them to stand for that liberty wherewith Christ makes his people free. Help us, O Lord, to-day, as the revolving year and the rounded century recall the scenes of carnage and sounds of wailing, to estimate truly the purchase and the price. We would tenderly recall and enshrine in our hearts the memory of those who braved the storm to shelter their succeeding generations. We bless Thee for the heritage of truth and freedom bequeated to us. Make us faithful stewards of this great trust. Called to stand against human wrong, or hellish unbelief, may we be strong in the Lord. Open thine eyes to behold the mighty power enlisted on the side of divine and human right. Let peace and righteousness prevail in this favored valley and in all our land. May Thy word enlighten every household, and Th\' spirit enliven every heart. May our rulers be peace and our exaftors righteousness. Bless especially, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy servant, the Chief Magistrate of this great nation, and endow him richly with wisdom and all heavenly grace. And may the chief executfve officers of all our States be partici- pants in the same rich blessings. Impress upon our legislators a deep sense of their responsibility. May the ermine of justice be everywhere preserved from pollution. May our whole people be a God-fearing people. And when we leave this earthly heritage to our children, may we enter upon that inheritance — incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away — reserved in Heaven for all them that love the Lord and wait for His appearing. And the praise and the glory shall be unto Him who sitteth upon the throne, and to the Lamb forever. Amen.' no MEMORIAI- S'^KVICKS At this juncture the Presidential party arrived on the platform, accompanied by Governor Hartranft and staff in full uniform, the President being at once recognized was greeted with prolonged applause, and on being in- troduced by Col. Dorrance, Chairman of the Kxecutive Committee, spoke as follows: THE president's ADDRESS. ''Ladies and Fclloiv-Citi'jcns : It will be impossible for me to make myself heard by any considerable part of this great assemblage. I do not think, however, that it is of any great importance, as I have not been set down for any formal speech on the programme. The centen- nial which we commemorate to-day differs materially from any of those more joyous ones celebrated during the past three years. Yours — ours, if I may be permit- ted to say so, for the battle of Wyoming one hundred years ago to-day was of national importance, and being a citizen of our great republic, I claim some of the glory and endure some of the sorrow that attaches to any of its citizens. And living as we do, removed one hundred years from the stirring events of the Revolution, we ha\'e had a c'onsiderable number of centennial anniversaries, and Pennsylvania has borne so important and honorable a part in those events which made u> a nation of free men, that it is not to be wondered that 'the celebrations in this State should be largely attended. The great deeds of daring warriors and accomplished statesmen are enthusiastically remembered. But this grand ingather- ing of the people here to-da\' is a peculiar one in man\' respefts. It is not the ccl('bra»^ion of great militarv achievements or wonderful statesmenship. It is a jiioneer demonstration in honor of \.\\c mL-n and women who settled this valley, reclaimed the wilderness, ani fitted it up for the habitation of a civilized people. Almost ever\' part of these United States has its similar celebra- tions in honor of the pioneers, and most ^f them h u'e Ar rilF. MONUMENT. Ill passed throut^di the same bloody experience in their con- tests with the wily savages of the forest. It was so with James river, the "dark and bloody ground' of Kentucky, in Ohio, and the same scenes are to-day being enafted in Idaho. Arizona, Colorado, and elsewhere." He then gave his views on the manner of our treatment of and treaties with the Indian tribes. He did not charge all Indian wars to unfair dealing, but said they were some times instigated by unprincipled white men. or prompted by foreign nations. He said that in any event in their intercourse with the red men, white men should be pro- te6led in their homes and possessions. He paid an elo- quent tribute to the gallant Custar, and said that in case war with the Indians could not be avoided, it should be made as short, sharp, and decisive as possible. The President's speech was listened to with marked attention, and at its close Mr. Steuben Jenkins presented him with a handsome buck-horn wood cane, having a solid gold head, engraved with the words, "Presented to the President of the United States by the Ladies of Wyoming, July 3d, 1878," and the gift was gracefully acknowledged by the recipient. Hon. Hendrick B. Wright was next introduced by the Chairman. Col. Dorrance. Col. Wright had prepared the address of welcome, but at this point in the proceedings so great a hub-bub and commotion was caused by the appearance of eighteen Onondaga Indians in full war paint and feathers, direft descendants of the redskins, some of whom assisted in the massacre, that to attempt an address of welcome, or anything else, seemed a hope- less task. These distinguished braves took seats on the platform in true Indian style, by squatting upon the floor, and everybody seemed to be impelled by a childish desire to get a sight of them in their normal simplicity of attitude. Had it not been for the facl that the Onon- dagas are now a partly civilized tribe, and that they no longer follow the war path, their presence at this time 112 MEMORIAL SliRVICES could have been nothing less than odious; as invited guests, however, they were welcome, and lent a special feature to the occasion. During the height of the excitement the speaker said the white people here making all this racket and confu- sion behaved more like savages than did these children of the forest, from whom lessons in decorum u'ere to be learned by many present. But at length order was re- stored, and Col. Wright delived the following address: COL. WRIGHT'S ADDRESS. My Friends: I speak the prologue of this centennial anniversary. I am but the Herald, to proclaim the opening ceremonies of this grand and imposing pageant, and to bid you all a welcome to this consecrated ground, baptized in the blood of heroes. A hundred \'ears have made their annual round since the exciting events oc- curred which make this field immortal. A thousand cycles more will detraft nothing from its renown, nor dim the lustre of its glor)-. The Wyoming battle field is chronicled on the page of history. The\' will live to- gether; one will not survive the other. We do not form our opinion of the grade and charafter of the battle we assemble to commemorate, compared with other fields, as to the numbers engaged or slain, or the consequences dependent upon the issue. If this were so, the small band at Thermopyhe, who fought under the shade of Persian arrows, or the charge of the Six Hundred at Balaclava, would be absorbed in the fame of Marathon and Platea. of Jena and Waterloo. On tliis ground four hundred breasted an uneven conflict, and three hundred of the four were left upon the sanguinarx' field. History furnishes us with but ^cw examples, in the great battles of the world, where the carnage was so great, comjjared with the rank and file of the little army which filed out of yonder fort on that fatal 3d day of July, 1778. Our estimate of the character of the battle of Wyoming must ,^:^^^i.c 'e^^^S;l/>i^^.lf ^ AT THE MONUMENT. tl3 be formed upon the courat^e and valor ot" our men; upon their deeds of daring on the field; upon their contempt of death itself, and of the almost unprecedented slaughter. Measured in this way, the undaunted courage of the fouf hundred who braved the storm of serried war will favor- ably compare with the like number of men that ever marched on a battle field, under any captain, in any age, or in any land. And in the name of these mart\-rs, whose lives were sacrificed upon the altar of Freedom; here upon this field, stained with their hearts' blood, in the presence of this vast multitude, I boldly challenge the world— barbarous, civilized, or enlightened — to name their suneriors in cour.'ige and manly fortitude. To their countr)'- they dedicated their lives. We are here to reap the rich harvest of their faultless memory. May their daring example, in future trials, be our cloud by day and pillar of fire by night. A hundred )'cars have passed, and he who speaks to ynilias scored seventy of these; and in that long and eventful time our love and affe6lion have clung closer and closer to their memories. To those of us wdio were born ij this valley, and have listened to the sad story of the b.i Itle and massacre from the lips of those who mingled in the fray, or have had the tradition handed down to us fresh and green from the reeking field, there comes up at this time, and amid this display, a sensation of profound veneration for the bravery and valor of our dead. Many of us, who are residents of this valley, have become owners, by inheritance or purchase, of the estates of the men who fell in the battle, and on them we have erefted our family altars and reared our children; and thus, year after year, has the power of association brought us in close and intimate relations with the story of the stirring and exciting events of this field. To us, there- fore, there is no battle ground which ranks with that of our valley home. It is the common property of us all; nor can we allow partition to be made of it. (f4 .UE;\roRrAL services But It is no part of the duty assigned me, in this day's business, to speak of the details of the conflict, or the massacre, which made this spot one of the most bloody and. revolting scenes of the Airrerican Revolution; nor fo classify or enumerate the opposing, contending forces who met here in hostile array, or name those who con"t- manded, who fell, or who escaped the dread ordeal of battle; nor shall I dwell upon the repulsive and sanguin- ar)' deeds which on this plain leveled civilization to the instincts of brutes. Where the Vv'ar between men speak- ing the same language, born under the same government, and in some instances linked by the sacred ties of the same blood and kindred, made the slaughter more hide- ous and a carnage unparalleled. The civilization which marked the Christian era a hundred }'ears ago should have governed and controlled the angry passions and turbulent will of men reared and educated under the sublime lessons ot the cross. The unbiased judgment of an enlightened world asserts this. But the feelint^ and conduft of those infuriated men, composed of British regulars and volunteer American Tories, were in accord with the wild and untamed children of the forest, im- pressed with the idea from infancy that bloodshed, and torture, and revenge were manly virtues, and the proper subje6ls of reward in the spirit world, totalh' ignorant of those God-like principles of clemenc^^ mercy, humanity, and forgiveness, revealed to man, and sealed in blood upon Calvary. For these untutored children of nature there was an apology in their afts of brutality pra6liced upon our un- fortunate people, captured upon the field and afterwards submitted to the torture. But what can be said in ex- tenuation of the wicked conduct of that other branch of the invading army, composed of Tories and British reg- ulars, born and educated under the genial influences of a higher order of civilization, and imbued with the belief of the future accountability of man, who, it they did not AT THE MONUMENT. \\\ pnr'tlcipate in Indian revoltin<^ barbarities, might at least have suppressed the frantic orgies, or alleviated the. cruelties by the sudden death of the vi6lims.^ Of the details of these horrid scenes, at the close of the battle, I shall not speak; or of the heartrending sen* sibilities of those who were out of danger, but witnesses of that carnival of blood that made that night hideous, which threw its dark mantle over a field of horror and woe; or of the widespread consternation which visited helpless and terror-stricken women and children, whose fathers and husbands and brothers lay orostrate upon the field of death; or of the wild, devouring flames which consumed and devoured their humble dwellings— ^a per- fect bon-fire of hell, and a torch-light in the path of demons! The recital of these events is assigned to those who will follow. As the Herald, at the close ot a century of years, and after the long and composed sleep of our fathers, I stand here to-day on the same ground where they fell, and in the presence of tens of thousands of sympathizing and anxious people from all parts of this broad country, to proclaim the opening of these imposing ceremonies. And in behalf of the illustrious memory of the dead, and with the good will and generous impulses of the de- scendants- of those whose brave and honorable deeds have summoned us together, as well as by the united voice of the whole population of the Valley of Wyoming, I bid you welcome! Welcome, visitors, to the land once occupied by heroes! This is no empty and unmeaning pageant. It is an ele6lric chord that binds the living to the dead. The visible and invisible in communion. Earth and heaven clasping hands. Memory, rich, exult- ant, triumphant, impressing the great multitude with the moral lessons of imitation. Do thou likewise, when the time and occasion demand the sacrifice. You corne here with willing hearts to swell this grand pageant, making it imposing in numbers, and grand in If6 MEMORIAL SERVICES your s}mpathies. You come, with laurels in your handfy^ to help us weave a chaplet for our dead, and to join us in swelling an anthem in their praise. You come, a count- less multitude, far exceeding any these mountains and plains ever witnessed before. You come, in strength and majesty; the high official and the man of toil; the rich and the poor; the high and the low; without class or distinclion; all upon the common level of equality; worshiping at one shriiie; imbued with one idea — honor to the dead. But \(!'U come in the hour of peace and tranquility, rhe terrific yell and screech of battle have lost their echo in the decades of a hundred years; the mountain, w alls which skirt this lovely valley will hear it no more forever; the glittering spear and lance are broken; the smoke of musketry has ascended to the clouds; the red .stains of blood are blotted out; the groans and anguish of the dying have ceased; and the widow's wail and the Orphan's cry are silent; the forest trees, under whose branches deeds of daring valor were done, have fallen before axman's blows; and the virgin glebe has }'ielded to the plow-share of the husbandman. You come in the hour of peace and plenty; the fields of waving grain proclaim your welcome; blades of corn* supply the blades of steel; and old nature has cast a smile over the hostile field; the tear that suffused her eye dropped upon fresh graves; but it was a tear of welcome to the dead hero, for it was a symbol of im- mortality. But you come with sympathizing hearts. You come to bow in silence over the mouldering bones which repose in peaceful grandeur at the base of yonder mausoleum. Humble in its pretentions for the great event it chroni- cles, but its blocks of granite have been piled up by grateful hands, and by men with throbbing hearts. The loftiest pyramid of the Nile is no more expressive than this little shaft which designates the spot where our AT THE MONUMENT. I I7 fathers fell, and commemorates their valor; and never did lofty column rest upon the bones of braver or more patriotic -men. There is solemnity in its simplicity; there is eloquence in its silence. It is a type of the pure and rugged men whose names are carved upon its tablets. It is the monument of our Bunker Flill. Let it be vene- rated for the great idea it suggests — '"Diilcc et dccoruiii est pro patria mori." It tells us there is a reward for the brave and good. By night and by day, in sunshine and storm, in the winter's cold and the summer's heat, it silently, but significantly, points to the spirit home of the men who sleep the sleep that knows no waking at its solid base. We respeft it, too, because it bears the names of many of our most honored citizens, and who are among the representative men of this fair valley. And those of us "who had no friend or brother" in the fight, but born upon the soil, or having selefted the valley as our home, will not be second in our love and veneration for the men whose memory it preserves. The hundred thousand people who to-day are residents of the Wyoming Valley claim this monument, and the glories which cluster around it, as their coinmon property, and their joint in- heritance. Let us here, then, in the presence of each other, upon this battle field, and beside the bones of patriotic heroes, resolve to support and maintain that Government which they, with other patriotic men, established in this land at the cost of their lives. Let us be moved by that im- pulse which is above and beyond all others — the perpet- uation of the American Union! And to that league, let the departed spirits of the slain upon this field bear witness. MRS. WATRKS' ODE. Next came the beautiful ode, "Wyoming," composed by Mrs. Watres (Stella of Lackawanna), of Scranton, a gifted sister of song to Dr. Hollister of the same place. Il8 MEMORIAL SERVICES Set to music by Mr. C. B. Denman, Musical Dire6lor of the day. Chorus of 500 voices. Band accompaniment (sixty pieces). WYOMING. Over the dust of a century's dead, Hushed be our laughter, and muffled our tread; Voice no loud anthem; we stand where they stood — Kinsmen that hallowed the turf with their blood; Soft as the strains of a lute o'er tlie sea. Let the deep chords of our symphonies be; Noiseless the footfall, and low bowed the head. Over the dust of a century's dead. Who has not shuddered, with cheek ashen pale. At the appalling and soul-thrilling tale, Traced o'er the page of a weird long ago. With the deep pathos of measureless woe ? Who never traversed — tho' seas roll between — Cool breathing wildwood and shadowed ravine. Where rang the war-whoop and bended the bow. Of a red-handed and treacherous foe? Curls the blue smoke from a home so apart That never quickened a throb of the heart, O'er the dire story of rapine and wrong. Blighting our beautiful valley so long ? Stretches a solitude — gloom-girt and far — Where gleams a sunbeam, or glitters a star, That never caught, from the night-wailing blast. Hints of our tragic and terrible past ? As clears the mist from the forehead of night Brightening the sky; see! what sparkle, what light, O'er the green slope of meadow and hill, Where the wild roses are nodding at will: Over the river that moaned in its flow. Twice Hfty perilous summers afo, Where, by its tide, in the sunset's low fires, Fell, with slow torture, our fiend -hunted sires. Down the far centuries — winding tlieir way 'Mong the gray vapors of time — shall the clay. Tenderly wrapped at the granite's pure feet. Be all forgot in life's hurry and heat ? No ! sob the waves from the muse-haunted shore; No ! sigh the forests, with arms drooping lower; Nor may the years — swift as eagles above — Purge the red stain from the valley we love. AT THE MONUMENT. IIQ Over a century's historic dust, This be our legacy, this our proud trust — That no invading and arrogant tread Press the dear turf folded over our dead: And the sweet tide of each incoming spring To our fair homes no disloyalty bring: This be our legacy, this our proud trust. Over a century's love-hallowed dust. In the proi^ramme of exercises, C. I. A. Chapman, Esq., of Pittston, was assigned to deliver a short address, but it was found that the exercises as arranged were too ex- tended, and the address was omitted, as was that of Judge Dana, who also gave way to the next on the pro- gramme. The following, being the closing paragraphs of the address of Mr. Chapman, as intended to be deliv- ered, is well worthy of a place in the annals of the day, the entire paper not being at hand: MR. chapman's address. A late writer and traveler speaking of the ruins of an- cient Balbec says: "A race of gods or of giants must have inhabited Balbec many a century ago. Men like the men of our day could hardly rear such temples as these. In a great pit in the quarry still lay tne mate of the largest stone in the Temple of the Sun — a solid mass of stone, fourteen feet wide, seventeen feet high, and seventy feet long, squared and ready for the builder's hand, just as the giants of that old forgotten time had left it when they were called hence; just as they had left it to remain for thousands of years, an eloquent rebuke unto such as are prone to think slightingly of the men who lived before them." Friends, let me repeat the sentiment, "They left it to remain for thousands of years an eloquent rebuke unto such as are prone to think slightingly of the men who lived before them." Such there are in the world — self-sufficient and vain glorious fools — who look upon the present as the most 120 MEMORIAL SERVICES perfe6l of all ag-es, and the paSt as barbarous and value- less. To such this monumental pile speaks in no soften- ing or subduing tone, carries no majestic and solemn front; but to the true philosopher and sterling patriot its utterances are neither trivial or obscure. That obelisk which commemorates Wyoming's day of suffering and sorrow stands before you in its modest grandeur, as com- pleted by my fair countrywomen, with the simple story told upon its sides far better than I can narrate it. As Napoleon said to his legions at the foot of the Egyptian pyramid, "The past generations look down upon you from the summit of this monumental pile, and call you to lives of fortitude, of virtue, of patriotism; call you to sacrifice all of greed or of lust, of passion or of prejudice, and lay them willingly and cheerfully upon the altar of your country, her institutions, and her honor," so let yonder cold and silent monitor, mute in the lan- guage of the baser senses, yet ever appealing to the finer emotions of our natures, remind us that it is our dut}- to emulate the virtues and patriotism of those brave men, whose mortal remains are now mouldering back to mother earth beneath its solid foundations, and who yielded up their lives on this plain, that we, their de- scendants, may enjoy the fruits of the sacrifice. The past can never return. The future is before us all, and I know not how I can sum up all I would sa\' in conclusion better than by continuing the c]uotation with which I set out, wherein the author describes his emo- tions as he visited the Egyptian Sphinx. Something of his pathos and his meaning I would ascribe to our mon- ument here: "After years of waiting it was before me at last. The great face was so sad, so earnest, so longing, so patient. There was a dignity not of earth in its mien, and in its countenance a benignity such as never anything human wore. It was stone, but it seemed sentient. If ever image of stone thought, it was thinking. It was looking At rilK MONUMKN'I'. 121 towards the verge of the landscape, yet looking at noth- ing — nothing but distance and vacanc\'. It was looking over and beyond everything of the present, and far into the past. It was gazing out over the ocean of time; over lines of century waves which farther and farther re- ceding closed nearer and nearer together, and blended at last into one unbroken tide away tf)wards the horizon of remote antiquit)'. It was thinking of tfie wars of de- parted ages; of the empires it had seen created and destroyed; of the nations whose birth it had witnessed, whose progress it had watched, whose annihilation it had noted; of the joy and sorrow, the life and death, the grandeur and decay of five thousand slow revolving years. It was the type of an attribute of man; of a fac- ulty of his heart and brain. It was memory — retrospec- tion wrought into visible, tangible form. It is grand in its loveliness. It is imposing in its magnitude. It is impressive in the mystery that hangs over its story, and there is that in the overshadowing majesty of this eter- nal figure of stone, with its accusing memory of the deeds of all ages, which reveals to the beholder some- thing of what he will feel when he shall stand at last in the awful presence of his God." This it is friends^ — this spirit I would here invoke; this feeling I would here arouse, and bid it lift \'ou out of your fond dream of selfishness and littleness to the grand conception of American liberty! The idea that all mate- rial greatness and grancleur; all accumulation of the fruits of science, art, and industry; all that wealth may amass, learning ornament, and philosophy develop, are but as the small dust of the balance compared with the preservation of eternal justice, mercy, and truth — of the immortal principles on which American liberty is based, and without which it must soon crumble to utter and indistinguishable ruin! , 122 MF.MORIAI. SERVICES' I'Ijc Rev. Charles Dana Barrows, of Lowell, Massa- chusetts, was then introduced, and, after a few remarks, read the followini^'- poem: A TRIBUTE OF MASSACHUSETTS TO WYOMING. 11 J^E come with reverent feet To .staiul beneath the shadow of thy hills, While, touched hy unseen hands, the being thrills- With strange vibrations as, with awe, we meet Thy past, O vale of tears ! Within this magic hour The circuit of a hundred years is closed. And with electric thrill, where all reposed But yesterday, the echoes leap with power. Forth from the thrall of years. With the pulsating air We breathe the terrors of that fearful strife — See in each shining leaf the red man's knife. And sunlit dew-drops on the lily fair, Are newly fallen tears. , Oh ! is it not a dream ? The answering dove ; intone a requiem soft. The willows fling despairing arms aloft, Then droop, in hopeless grief, upon the stream. Far up among the pines, with mighty surge, The echoes meet in mournful rise and swell. While quivering grasses in the .shady dell. Mingle their murmurs \\;ith the solemn dirge. The falling torrent shivei-s in their power; The niountain tops are veiled in folds of haze. Whose vapory blueness hides from mortal gaze Their still, mute agony in memory's hour. Wrapped in majestic .silence, grand and stern. The giant cliffs their awful .secret keep; A tremor stirs even the lake's calm deep. Smiling to cheer the timid fluttering fern. Shrinking we stand, to hear and .see and feel The dead past springing up to life anew, When, sweeping on before our wondering view, Ikliold ! we trace the wheel within a wheel. (;;;^^::i^^--7^ ^. ,c^(jZl--'-H-^<^ AT THE MONUMKNT. 12^ TRolleil through the ages by the hand divine, It leaves amid the gloom a track of light;' Thus the fair vale received a glory bright, And blessings that eternally will shine. He-re Freedom made her regal resting-place, And mighty deeds were born of courage rare, While saintly women — gentle, pure, and fair With strength from Heaven, met death with shining fate. Or, cowering within the "Shades of Death," They wept for loved cues killed before their eyes. Watched their dear homes in flames, and smoke arose. Mingling like incense with their praying i)reath, Bathcti in supernal radiance from t!ie cross, Brave souls went up to wear a martyr's crown, And, from the heights of Heaven to-day look dowp To see their victory through pain and loss. The winding Susquehanna's peaceful flow Gave earnest, then, of a triumphant hour, Fed from tlie hills — is moved in cpiict )iower. Amid the sorrows of the plain below. The circuit breaks, the century moves on All nature smiles — but, as cloud-shadows fal) At noon, come tender memories of all, Who gave us liliefty, so dearly won. The following address was prepared bs' Judge Fldmund L. Dana, whose grandparents on both sides — the Stevens' and Danas — were killed in the massacre, but not read, as the programme was found to be too extended to ;id- mit of all the exercises laid down therein: UnxU-: DANA'S ADDRESS. The Battle and Massacre of Wyoming have been so often and circumstantially described in history, and will be so beautifull)- presented in the poems, and so full)' treated in the addresses, to which yoiu" attention will soon be invited, that a lengthy account at this time would be a needless addition to the overcrowded pro- grainme of the day. 1 he\' are, however, the events we 124 MKMORIAL SF.RVICES are here to commemorate, and a brief introductory reci- tal of the leading ra6t>, on the spot where they occurred may serve to explain the exercises which are to follow, and thus add to the interest of the occasion. The battle was not one of the great battles of history, either in the skill displayed, the numbers engaged, or in the casualties suffered. It was fought, however, against superior numbers, arms, and discipline, and in defense of life and home. It was great in the motives which prompted and the courage which inspired the heroes who gave their lives to their country and their example to all time. One iumdred years ago this day they stood where we stand. The same July sun shone upon them, the same river reflected its beams, the same soil was beneath their feet, and the same mountains enclosed them. Stationed upon a remote and exposed position, tiiey had been dis- ciplinetl to trust in God and in their own strong arms The trial of their faith and strength was at hand; an ene- my who recognized no plea for mercy, no rule of civilized warfare, was upon them; hate and havoc occompanied their march. The few defenders of the valley whom the pressing exigency of the general government had left at home, numbering between three and four hundred, were gath- ered in council at Forty Fort on the morning of July 3d, 1778, and after consideration of all the fafts within their reach, resolved on giving battle. The enemy, compris- ing about four iiundred British provincials, a body of Tories, and from five to seven hundred Indians, entered the valie)- on the morning of June 30th, through a notch of th e mountains just above where we are now assembled On the 1st of July they took possession of Fort Winter- mute, treacherously delivered to them, and having dis- patched parties to gather cattle and provisions, a flag was sent, and another on the morning of the 3d, demand- j)g the surrender of Fort\- Fort. Both were promptly AT THE MONUMENT. 12$ refused. Learning from his scouts, and those accompa- nying the flag, that the Americans were preparing to attack, the Tory Butler, at about two o'clock in the afternoon formed his forces in line, with the left, under his immediate command, resting on the rising ground just above P^ort Wintermute, whilst the left, consisting ot Indians and Tories, occupied a swamp. Parties of Indian marksmen were concealed on either flank. The American force consisted of only six organized companies, and were joined as they marched out, at about two o'clock P. M., by such of the old and young in the Fort, as were able to handle a gun. From the Fort to the Monument, they came along the route of the present road, and thence to where they met the enemy their line of march was along the brow of the steep bank which separates the low river flats from the plain. From time to time, as the small column advanced, scouts were sent forward, and precautions taken against ambuscades and surprise. On approaching Fort Wintermute, then in flames, they found themselves in front of the enemy, and deployed the left into line ; the right, comprising Cap- tains Bidlack's and Hewitt's companies rested on the bank and the left under Captains Whittlesey and Stewart, upon the swamp. The distance from the bank to the swamp, and the length of the respeftive lines of battle, were some five hundred yards. Col. Zebulon Butler supported by Major John Garrett commanded the right, and Col. Den- ison aided b)- Lieu't. Col. Dorrance the left of the line. Advancing in this order they met the enemy, and at about four o'clock began firing, advancing as they fired, whilst the British left wing slowl^^^ and in good order fell back. The firing was rapid and continuous along the whole line, and was especially destructive upon the Ameri- can left. The Indians in overwhelming numbers and with fearful yells, issued from the swamp and turning their flank began to close in upon the rear. The only alterna- tive, asreinlorcements could not be furnished, was a change 126 MEMORIAL SKR VICES of front in this portion of the Hne : But with undiscip- lined troops, with an attenuated Hne, in which death had made large gaps, and where a dense growth of scrub oak and pine impeded regularity of movement, the attempt to retire the left flank under such pressure and embar- rassment resulted in its giving way. The Indians and Tories, encouraged by success rushed from their coverts, and although on the part of staff and company officers, all that courage could do, was done, the line gradually crum- bled away from left to right, and finally, broke from con- trol and fled. In many cases officers and men disdaining to fly were shot down fighting at their posts, and some few left alone by the flight and pursuit, passed througii the swamp lately occupied by their foes, to the mountains and thus escaped. The Indians having gained the rear of the American left before the flight began, dispatched with rifls, tomahawk and spear, many of the fugitives, whilst many more were captured, and their deaths that night, at " Bloody Rock" and other points, amid the glare of torches and savage yells and dances, with such aggra- vation of cruelty as malice and mockery could devise, have caused the day and event to be designated as a massacre rather than as a battle. The force which marched from Forty Fort numbered as stated, between 300 and 400 men. After the massacre 227 scalps were presented by the Indians and payment made for that number by the British government. Many are known to have been shot in the river, whose scalps were not taken, so that two hundred and fifty would seem to be a reason- able estimate of the killed. This exceeds the number whose names are inscribed on the monument, and the number given by the several historians of the valley. It ■is believed, however by those who have carefully exam- ined the records which time has brought to light, that the accuracy of this estimate can be established b\' ade- quate proof, and a commitee has been appointed by our local historical society carefully to en(iuire into and re[)()rt upon the fa6ls. AT TlIK MONUMENT. 12/ The duty assigned to me, of presenting a brief outline of the battle and its disastrous results has been accom- plished. To others, on whose alloted time I may not encroach, it belongs to tell of the dcstru6lion of property and homes, of the weary wanderings of defenceless wid- ows and children, to gather up and group the sad lessons of that day, and also to speak of the flowers of peace, prosperity and wealth which in the century just closed, have sprang up to bless the soil bedewed with our fathers blood. FAIR WYOMING. Next came the original ode, "Fair Wyoming". Con- tributed by Miss. Susan E. Dickinson, and set to music by Prof. Charles Pabst of Wilkesbarre, wdiich was ren- dered by the centennial chorus, led by Prof. C. B. Der- man. The words are as follows; ■l/OICE of proud .song, on all our hills Send forth a mighty tonel Make thou our dead who nobly died To latest ages known. Let every wind that sweeps abroad, Be vocal with their fame, Till high hearts, near or far, are stirred At fair Wyoming's name. Breathe low, breathe low, oh voice of song) For martyred ones who fell, Mother and babe, by burninr homes. Thy requiem notes must swell. Yet with the dirge should blend a strain To tell of triumph won ! We reap the fruit they sowed in tears; Sing out their benison ! Remember these, with those who pressed To battle bravely on ; The young, whose bright fair brows yet wore The glory of the dawn ; The old, who gathered back their strength. For God and home to die ; Ring out, ring out, oh voice of song, Of praise and^victory ! BEAUTIFUL WYOMING. A poem by Rev, Henry Coppee, L. L. D., President of Lehigh University* THE INVOCATION. OTREAM out, O flag, o'er mount and plain,- To greet this glad Centennial morrow ! They reap, in joy, the ripened grain, Whose fathers sowed in blood and sorrow Let thundering salvos rend the skies, War's music lend its thrilling power^ And shouts of men accordant rise To welcome in this happy hour. Anon, let reverent silence rest ; An instant hush the wild commotion. While mute appeals, to Heaven addrest, Arise on wings of pure devotion. Then when the fervent prayer is said, Let grand thanksgivings rise in choru9 To Him who, as the years have sped, Hath sent His cloud and fire before us O Thou, who wast our fathers' God, In danger's dark and bloody hour, Btill be their children's sure abode, Their refuge strong, their mighty tower FAIR WYOMING. k\ MATCHLESS vale, when first the white man's eye Caught a bright glimpse from yonder fissure high He saw the ideal of the poet's dream, And claimed thy beauties for the poet\ theme. To him no fairer region had the sun In his revolving journeys lieamed upon : — Pure, limpid rills, bright skies and balmy air-, Rich ])lains, glad promise to the planter's care -, The jjainted hills, in checkered beauty proud, Flecked with the varying shadows of the cloud ; P'rom Lackawanna's gap to Nanticoke, Crowned with embattled pine and \ine-wreathed oak. The mighty river pours its brimming tide, While bending o'er the marge on either side. Scarlet and purple flowers inflame the wood. And on the stream reflect their mantling blood. The red deer, pencilled on the clear blue sky. Tosses in pride his antlered crest on high. Then, bounding swift to shun the gaze of men, Seeks his sure covert in the tangled glen : While soaring high, in majesty serene, The fierce gray eagle hovers o'er the scene, - Unconscious symbol, in the days to come. Of patriot valor, and fair freedum'.s ho\ne ! Wh-i: wonder that of this romantic vale In distant lands went forth the alluring tale ? That blue-eyed Saxon and mercurial Celt Came to find homes where perfect freedom dwelt ? 1 Campbell's Ledge a precipitous ledge, about five hundred feet high, on the e.ii* baf'k of the river, at a point where it enters the valley from the north. I30 MEMORIAL SERVICES' That bleak New England sent her thrifty niers To seek for richer fiekls i» this fair glen ? That, warmed to life by CampbeU's tender tale Of Gertntde, fairest flower of all the vale, Old Pantisocracy would fain renew The social fabric which a Plato drew ? Put one there was, \Vho, in a nobler quest. Came, with the zeal of Heaven within his breast ; Good, pious Zinzendorf, who journeyed far. Not for the greed of gold, or spoils of war : (ientle and honored in his native land, He left his friends and home at God's command ; And, counting earthly riches biU as dross. Plunged deq^ into the forest with his cross, And fearless ^^1)0(1, where wondering natives ran To hear strange tidings of the Son of Man. See, as he lies- beside the forest fire, Like Paul at Melita 'mid dangers dire. The wily Indian glides, the axe is raised : What stays his arm, what hath his vision dazed ? O'er the reclining form, innocuous creeps. The deadly serpent, while the good man sleeps : The murderous foe starts back — " The mail is blest Tis the Great Manitou that guards his rest L" The days of settler strife and feud are o'er, Peace spreads her wings on Susquehanna's shore. If hardy life condemn to daily toil. What rich rewartis rise teeming froni the soil I How large the promise made to honest worth Of a new Eden on this troubled earth ! On Susquehanna's banks, an age of gold. Like the pwrc age by ancient jioets told, When man, o»ce more, as in his first abode, .Secure troni siv^ and ill might walk with (Jod I [f day brought toil, when the soft waning light Recalled to rest with " voices of the night," A holy calm, with swifi but noiseless wing. Came down in angel guise on Wyoming. The miHin is up, one broad mv\ dazzling gleam Of ripjding glory lies athwart the stream ; The groups of gray -haired men, your sires of yore. Meet on the sward around the cottage door. Or wander thoughtful by the river's brim. And chant in unison, the holy hymn : .\T Till-: "NTONUMENT. i \l While to t!ie s luiid uf iUeasured music sweci The youths and maidens ply the nimble feet, With shout and soug, with laugJiiug gam^c and jest. Till thought of morning labor ivarasto jest. Years pass, the days cvf peace are nrimbei-ed now : Thick clouds are gethering oa the mountain's brovr : For, darkly horeriug ou the ■western verge, With English scorn and Tory hate to urge, The red man lurks with ancient vengeance fillecL To blast these fields by patient labor tilled : S^rief the delay, the ^portents quick expaaid ; The first blood spilt, xvar rages through the laK.l ! Our counlry calls, her valiant sons reply : ■\Vhere honor beckons them, to do c«- die J .All who are strong to fight have left the glen. Its only guards are boy.s and ancient men. Yet, in that desperate hour no laggards they ; ■Quick they build .forts to hold the foe at bay ; Nor yet too soon, for, ere the work is done Under the burning of the summer sun, .Hark ! from the western notch the distant druni- vv-flight like stomiy rain. And lon\a]iawk in air. With I'ajiid glances cast around. Our leatler seeks a sitrer ground :' " Fall back," he shouts ; the unhappy worii Through battle din is faintly heard ; A fatal echo .sounds "retreat !" rhe meadow swarms with flying feet ; And Panic, with its withering breath, Strides o'er the field in league with death- AT THE MONUMENT. 133 What any;uisl) filled tlie leader's soul When rank on rank, beyond control. Reels back and back, a stricken host. And flies the field before 'tis lost, Nor hears the frenzied cry : — ■"Stand firm, my lads, O stay, yet stay ! And victory still may crown the day ; Or let us stand and die !" ''"00 late, alas ! the huddlintx ranks Rush to the hills and river banks. On these the tomahawk is plied ; On those who seek the flowinsr tide, A thousand bullets spend their force, And strew the stream with many a corse- Mark but one fiendish deed, the worst In annals of war-crime accurst : Vou know the tale. With words of cheer, And sniilintj promisees to spare, A brother lured his brother back From the swift river's devious track. "Come safe to land," he cried : His father's son comes faint to land, And there, instead of rescuin^^ hand, He cleaves him down with fiendish scream. And throws him backward in the stream Dead, floatini^ on the tide! A ghastly scene the morrow's sun In lurid brightness shines upon : The Mohawk war-hoop echoes round, The mangled bodies strew (he ground ; The eager vulture swooping low, Follows the track of cruel foe To glut itself with blood; Till silent desolation's gloom Settles upon that field of doom By .'^usquelinnna's flcuxl. THE FLIGHT. r\V all the band that saw the morning H^'it I'lUt few were found to guide the fearful flight ; The war-whoop peals upon the Western wind ; The wilderness before and flames behind : Fear lends them speed ; by broken paths they fly. To cross the desert, o'er yon mountain high. And who the horrors of that flight can hear, Nor shed, even now, the sympathetic tear? Old women, taxed beyond the strength of years, Drop on the sand o'erwhelmed with mortal fears. Through Pocono they press with scanty breath, And call the mai-shy heights " Tiie Shades of Death. There, helpless mothers, sinking to the earth. In fearful travail of imtimely birth. Bear their dead babies by the dusiy road. And leave them naked to a chastening God ; Or, wandering on, in Nature's sorest pain. Clasp the dead blossoms with a frenzied strain. Till generous hearts come forth to greet and save. And give each waxen form its little gi-ave. The strife seems o'er, though desolation reign ; The wasted settler ventures back again. A touching .story crowns that later time ; No sadder tale is found in poet's rhyme : One child there was wlio met the bitterest fate. Snatched by an Indian from her flying mate, While, rushing wild, like (Grecian Pythoness, The mother shrieked her impotent distress. Poor little Frances,! sought by friends in vain, Through weary years of hope deferred and pain : Sad .supplemental trophy of the war, Borne through the wilds'to western lands afar. At last by Wabash stream, a willing slave, She grew an Indian — squaw of Indian brave : No more remembered Susquehanna's tide ; Frances .Slocuin, iiamcil by tier captors .Maconaqua AT THE MONUMENT. 135 Her dusky brood around her rose in jiride. And yet strange visions o'er her soul would stray, Delicious glimpses of an earlier day ; Till, when long years had past, her kinsmen came.. Traced the old features, called her by her name.; Back rushed the past with overwhelming tide ; Once more she stands on Susquehanna's side ; Beholds as in a dream her motlier's face, As once it shimmered in a last einbrace, 'Tis passing strange : We read her story now. Poor Maconaqua, with her furrowed brow, The lonely wigwam l:)y the prairie broad, .No lingering memory of her mother's (jod ! We cross the vale of intervening years. And give her yet the tribute of our tears. A hundred years I how changeil the scene to-day J .Nature still smiles, though man and art decay,; Industrial science waves her magic wand, •And wealth and comfort crown the happy land. Where once the settler tilled his little field. The j'awuing depths a richer trea.sure yield. And genii of the mine, with clang and tramp, Show greater marvels than Aladdin's lamp ; "I'urn earth to ashes, with a glory bright, And fill our homes with genial warmth and light. A hundred years ! where your great grandsires bled Their honored record still with i^ride is read ; Their children's children still possess the soil Which yielded scant subsistence to their toil. Where Butler faced the fearful battle shock, Your Butlers vindicate the proud old stock. Here, where Fort Jenkins frowned upon the plain, An heir of Jenkins keeps the old domain ; '■ With patriot zeal and antiquarian taste, (lathers rare relics of the battle waste. l)orrance,2 at liome, Jooks out upon the flood Once crimson with his brave ancestral blood ; While Denisons and Bennets proudly tell How in those days their fathers fouglit and fell, lilame not the'poet that he may not name .\11 wlio illumine this bright r )11 of fame. 1 Steuben Jenkins, Esq. 2 Col. Charles Dorrance, grandson of I iciit Col fieorcre DoiTarce, who f«'! ii; she i?atl!e. 136 MEMORIAL SERVICES One man there was, allied to many there : Ever in Wyoiiiins^ to memory dear. Fashioned in Nature's best and stateliest mould, A frame of iron and a heart of gold, — Knightly but gentle, lofty but devout ; Ever for truth his manly voice rang out ; When this fair vale of Wyoming is sung. His noble life is theme for every tongue : When native worth and honor are iM-oclaimed. Let lohn N. Convngham be jiroudly naniccbi And thou, O friend of youth's illusive hour, Illusive in all else save friendship's power. Shall we forget how, on the hostile plains. Where Montezuma's sj^irit yet complains. We read our Greek, or sang our roundelays, On weary march, or by the camp-fire's blaze ? Time hath wrought changes ; but \\ ith steadfast truth Thou hast well kept the promise of thy youth ; An upright judge, a ]5atriot soldier true, O man of arts and arms, I sing to you ! Well pleased if, when another century end, The poet shall be known as Dana's friend. 2 A hundred years ! llie seed our fathers sov.ed Grew to rich verdure, watered by their blood ; A century plant I by Heaven's peculiar grace It stands to-day a glory in its place ; And now the unsealed petals wide expand, To send rich perfume through the smiling land ! A hundred years, fair town, who.se stones were laid When Wilkes endured and generous Barre plead. Proud is thy lot to-day ! A Nation comes 3 To the glad welcome of thy river homes ! As long as rolls bright Suscjuehanna's wave, Bc-thou proud warder of the patriot's irave ! 1 Judge John Nesbit Conyngham was for thirty years on the bench of Luzerne Countv as President Judge. He married Aliss Butler, a grand daughter of Col. Zebulon Butler. 2 Edmund L. Dana, a Captain of Pennsylvania Volunteers in the Mexican war; Colonel of the 143d Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers during the war of the Rebellion ; Brevet Brigadier-General. Additional Law Judge of Luzerne county. He is the great-grandson of Adjutant Anderson Dana, who fell in the Massacre. 3 The President of the United States, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Attorney-general, the Govenor of the Slate and his staff, were present at this celebration. AT THE MOXUMKNT. Tcacc Ik- for aye h.-irjath thy niouiuain caves, Anci jik-iity fill th.'c w'.th It-T Inns.';) i sli-.ives I And th )u, my cijuiitry 1 laiul t)f every clime. From Howery tr.Jplc to the Artie rime, 1-a.iid of the po.ni) of streams and moantain pride ■; Laml of the ocean ijorders, stretchin;j; wide ; Land of our fia^^j, bright galaxy of stars - In peace a guide, a meteor in wars ; Whos; stripes, by danger's tempest wide unfurlt-d. Stream proud defiance to the unfriendly world ; Tair land, where honest toil has mted and worth. And man is man, whatc'er his rank and l)irth ; Centennial land, for thee our prayers ascend I tiod keeps thee ever until Time shall end I While flocking to thy light the peoples comc To share thy plenty and to tind a home. In I'aith's perspective glass I see revealed A larger harvest in a wider field. O let us labor in this fruitful ground, That when a hundred years shall run their round. Treacling the noble path our fathers trod, Our motto — " Love to man and love to Ciod" — Our harvest home, by future poet told, Shall be Coitcnwal frii'tt —a htindi'c'd fold\ ■ My task is done ; the struggling muse takes fliglil To higher regions of empyreal light ; Vet, as her form in air grows dim. She leaver to future bard this jiarting hymn ; Sing of our .sires' heroic deeds, A spirit-stirring song ; Let hill, and stream, and fertile mead- The grateful sound prolong. Here, where upon this hallowed land, They fell before their foes. Here, where wild nature 'neath their hand Has blossomed with the rose : {$S MEMORIAL SERVICES"' Here, where above their honored dust" Their memoiy still is bright, A beacon-ray to guide the just Onward to perfect light ; Here tell again in loftier strain Their virtues and their fame, Till every ear shall thrill to hear Ef.ch loved ancestral na.me. O Thou, who wast our fathers' God In danger's darksome hour. Still be their children's sure abode- Their refuge and their tow-er I The reading of the foregoing- poem was listened to ^vith marked attention by all of the vast audience within sound of the author's voice, and at its conclusion he was the happy recipient of some flattering congratulations for his splendid literary effort, heartily and honestly be- stowed by the President of the United States, and mem- bers of his Cabinet, who were delighted auditors on the speaker's stand. HISTORICAL ADDRESS, Hv Stkubkn Jknkins Esq. There is no event of equal magnitude, that occupies so large and conspicuous a place ; none that has made the scene of its enactment so celebrated in. history and song, as that of the Battle of W\'oming, with its attendant mas- sacre and conflagration ; none that has so largely called forth the execrations of mankind against the one side, and their feelings of compassion and sympathy for the other. We are met to day to recount the scenes enacted here on this ground just one hundred years ago, and to com- memorate the valor and patriotism of that little band of heroes who went forth to stay the march of the ruthless invaders of their soil and save their families, their homes, their flocks and their harvests from havoc and destru6lion. They were not soldiers, trained and inured to martial service, well armed and equipped for the fray. They had no great commander with an army of veterans, going forth conquering and to conquer ; to sate his mad ambition or wreak his vengeance upon an innocent, unoffending peo- ple. There was no one among them who possessed an ab- solute command. They were principally old men and boys unfit for the aftive and arduous duties of the field ; who, from inefficiency had remained at home, while the young men. better fitted for those duties, were serving in tlie ranks of our countr\''s defenders in a distant field. 140 HISTORICAL ADDRESS. It was no war of ambition, of plunder, or of revenge ofl their part ; it was to save themselves and their families from butchery, their homes from the torch of the incen- diary, their flocks and herds from being slaughtered or driven off, their harvests from being destroyed, and their liberty from being overthrown. ' \Vc cannot talk (M" judge of them a.s soldiers, for soldiers .they were not. We cannot talk of them as an army, for an .irm\- they were not. They were simply a hasty gath- ering of a rural settlement for defense against their inva- ders. As such I shall speak of them to day. As such Uc must judge of their acls. To more fully understand the position of affairs on that terrible day and night of carnage, devastation and blood, go bick with me in the history of the Valley for one hun- tlrcd _\ears ; for it is of that jicriod of its history we are met here to-day to talk an J reilecl. We find quite a dif- ierent state of affairs existing here then, tVom that Vvhich surrounds us here to-day. Instead of cities and towns, the abodes of wealth, of luxur\- aiid ease, we see onl\- a little hamlet or two, with lo;^ lujuses scattered heie and there, occupied by Ijusy toilers winning from the willing earth in the sweat of their brows, the means of subsistence. Instead of cleared fields, stretching from mountain top to mountain top, dot- ted witli fme farm houses, palatial in sixe and in grand- eur t)[ adornment, surrounded with large fields, finely fenced a'nd subdued to the wish of the cultivator ; we find an almost forest waste, with here and there only a cleared .-pot, encumbered with sturn[^s and brush, mostly bord- ering on the ri\er. Insti:ad of the screech of the locomotive, as it wheels its ccjurse through the \-,il!e\' at more than race horse speed ;■ coinmunitating and exchanging the interests and business of the whole countrw and bearinga share of the connncrci- of the world to ami fro through it ; was heard \\\r hcjwi ol' voracious vvoU'cs, the' screech ot the stealthy AT THE MONUMENT. I4I panther, and the friohtful yell of the more stealthy and blood- tiiirsty Indian savage, bearing terror, desolation and death to the unguarded settler. Their communications with the outer world, instead of being borne upon the lightning's rapid wing, instanta- neously throughout the whole continent, were borne on horseback or on foot, through an unbroken forest, with- out roads or bridges ; and it was a five or six days' jour- ney out, and as many to return again, and then only the nearest antl feeblest sttlements were reached. In passing from house to house through the settlement, instead of hearing the organ or the piano swelling forth their rich strains of liarmon\', or the hum and clatter of machinery gathering the abundant harvest and preparing it for the market, we hear the hum of the spinning-wheel, the bang of the loom, whack of the thrashing flail, the stroke of the felling axe, the grinding of grain with the pestle and morter. Tin? people were lew and scattered, covering a hundred miles up and down the Susquehanna, lim.ited in means and resources, and yet, with brave and true hearts, they battled maiifully against the toils, the sufferings, the privations and dangers that pressed them on ev^ery side. Such was tile condition of the settlement here, one hun- lired years ago. And w ho were those people thus isolated from the rest of the civilized world, the pioneers of a new colony, strug- gling with povc:rty ;ind want, battling with foes without and foes within, and yet maintaining their ground amidst all their dangers, affliflions and sufferings ? They were principally born and raised in the land of "steady habits ;" were the sons and daughters of the hon- est \eomanry of Connecticut and Rhode Island ; not the refuse of tow lis, not gold hunters or greedy speculators, •or reckless adxenturcrs. but the j'oung, the energetic and enterprising part of a rural population, whose parents were ministers, deacons, ;ind inenibers of Evangelical 142 HISTORICAL ADl^RF.SS. churches. Those from Rhode Ishmcl were mostly Quakers, or Friends. They came to fell the forest, cultivate the land, and establish a society on the banks of the beau- tiful Susquehanna, where, under a more genial sun. and on a more fertile soil, they might enjo\' all the privileges of their ancestors, and transmit to their posterity homes possessing all the chara6leristic excellencies of those of New England. They were joined in this enterprise by a company of settlers from Dauphin and Lebanon counties, of Presbyterian stock, who settled the town of Hanover. These were chiefly Scotch-Irish and German. They brought the gospel- and the gospel minister with them and provided liberally for their support. They established schools and made ample provisions for edu- cation throughout the settlement, laying broad and deep the foundations for a religious, intellectual and moral community. Such were the sources whence came the people whose story we are telling, such the people them- selves. The labors, the sufferings, the dangers and deaths they endured in preparing the ground and sowing the seeds of future prosperity and greatness tor their descend- ants accomplished their work, and have given, not alone to their descendants, but to hundreds of thousands from all parts of the civilized world, abundant cause for grati- tude and jo\'. The soil they hallowed with their blood yields to us a bountiful supply of all that can gladden the heart and make life happy. With these introductory remarks I will at once enter upon the history of the events of the day we have met to com.memorate, and yet, to treat of them properly, it be- comes necessary to detail, to some extent, the preceed- ing history of the times which wrought out the.se events and their sad termination. The country was engaged in a great and earnest strug- gle for freedom from the exactions and tyranny of British government. It was the common cause of all the colo- nies, and nowhere was th:it cause more earnestly espoused AT THE MONUMENT. I43 and more ardently sustained than here, at Wyoming. In addition to this cause for anxiety and disquiet among the settlers, another existed, which had, up to this time, given them more trouble and been productive of greater alarm. This was the struggle with the Penn propietors, and those claiming under them, for the supremac}' in government, and the right of soil where they inhabited. Although this struggle had much to do in framing the destin)' of the people here, and, in fact, in bringing the great evils about, that wrought, ruin, desolation and death to the settlers, there is no occasion to go into a history of that struggle, beyond a statement of its grounds and what it may be necessary to mention in passing on in our narrative. Ill 1620, Charles I., of England, granted to the Duke of Lenox, the Earl of Warwick, and others, under the name of "The Council of Plymouth." "All that part of America lying and being in breadth from forty degrees of north latiturb to thi firty-ei j;lith, i.iclasively, an 1 in l^ir.^a 1th throu^hoat the main lands from sea to sea." Robert, P.arl of Warwick, in 1630, obtained from the "Council at Tlym outh," and the next year, 1631, having obtained confirmation of his title, by royal patent from ('harles L, conveyed to Lord Say and Seal, Lord Brook, and others, "All that part of New England, in America, between the fortieth and forty-third degrees tjf north latitu;!^. V.ille_\- for the puriiose of obtaininc^ recruits. Lieut. CJb:i- (li;ih (lorc, witii twenty or thirt\- others, marched under Wisner to the field of conflift. On the 4th of July, 1776, Congres.s, after due deliber- ation, declared the Colonies independent of the British crown. At a town meeting held at Wilkes-Barrc, AiigiKt 24, 1776, Col. Zebulon I'mler, Moderator lor ye work of ye day : "A'oted, As the opinion of this meeting, that it now Ijecomes necessary for the inhabitants of this town to erect suitable forts, as a defence against our com'.iii'ii enemy. riiat tliis meeting do recommend it to the jieojile, to proceed forthwith i-n iiuilding said forts, wiiiiori' KiiUKK !•»: or kewakd kkom yk town." In ]:>ursuance of this vote, John Jenkins. Stephen Hard-* ini;, the Ciardners, their relatives, with their friends, pro-- ceeded to build a stockade arouud the house of John Jenkins, which \Vas called "Jenkins' Fort." This was in K.xeter township, now West Pittston. about ten or twelve rods above the northwest end of the Pittston ferry bridoe. h'Jisha Scovell and some other inhabitants of P^xetef township, joined with the Wintermutes, the Van Alstynes, ed as aforesaid, commence when they ari: 'ariui'd and mustered, and that they le liable to serve in anv ]iart of the United S'.aies, when ordeied 1)\' Congress That ihe saiil iiDop^ be crnli-,ted to -erve during the war, \mless sooner dis viiarged by ('ongiess. "' .August ■26th Congress proceeded to the election ofsun- dr\" ofticors. when Robert Durkee and Samuel Ransom Were elected Ca])tainsol the two companies ordered to be raised in the fov\n of Westmoreland ; James Welles and Pi-nin Ross, I'"irst Lieutenants ; Asahel Buck and Simo;5 Spaulding, Second Lieutenants, and Herman Swift and -Matthias Hollenljack, kLnsigns of said companies. I-^arl)- in .September information \\as recei\ed of the res- solutions ot Congress, and rende7,\-ous for the enlistment ot men on the terms proposed, were opened by Captain Durkee on the east, and Captain Ransom on the west side: of the StisqLieh- that there- -.jtiisite number mi^ght be raised. .Some Lhange in the offi- 150 HIS lORKAI. ADDRKSS. cers was made, Lieut. Bucl': resigned his ptisitioii, and John Jenkins, Jr., was api)ointed in his place. On the 17th of September the two companies comjile- ted their t[uota and were mustered into the serxice ot Congress, and were known as the "Two Independent Companies of Westmorehmd." At a meeting' of the Connefticut Assembly, in October. 1776, an aft was passed for raising a military comp:ni\- in ■the town of Westmoreland, to be a part of the 24th Reg- iment of Conne6licut Militia, of which compan\- Solomon Strong was appointed Captain ; (Jbadiah Gore. j\., I'irst Lieut., and John Jenkins, Jr., Second Lieutenant. As has been stated, Lieut, (iore had gone with ,1 bodv of men, under Col. Wisner, and Lieut. Jenkins had joined Capt. Durkee's compan)\ before their appointments were made by Conne6licut. We thus see how a6liv^ely and earnest 1\- our peo[)le had engaged in the struggle against tlieir oppressors, and to maintain the declaration of Congress. But the enmy were quite as a6live. The American army, under Gen. Washington, pursued by an overwhelming force, was driven from Long Island, and, on the 15th of September 177^, New York was taken possession of by the British. On the i6th, F'ort Washington fell into their hands. Washington was retreating before them from post to post through New Jersey, and on the 8th of December he crossed the Delaware. Congress immediately took measures to retire from Philadelphia to Baltimore. At this moment of excitement and imminent peril, they resolved "That the two companies raised in the town of Westmoreland be ordered to join General W^ashington WITH ALL POSSIBLE EXPEDITION. They then adjourned amidst the utmost trepidation, to meet in Baltimore on the 20th. The two Wyoming companies promptly obeyed the or- AT THE MONUMENT. I5I tiers, and before the end of the \-ear reached the place of rendezvous. About tliree weeks afterward, or on the 20th of Jan- uary, 1777, they took part in the battle of Millstone, and for their brave and g^allant conduct on that occasion, received the thanks of their commanding officers, in gen- eral orders. They were afterward in the a6lions at Bound Brook, at Brandy wine, at Germantown, and at Mud Fort. They were decimated by disease and the casualties o^ War, each company losing more than one-fourth of its original number. The general campaign of 1777 opened amidst gloom and despondency for the American cause. Gen. Bur- goyne, with a large and powerful army was descending from the north, along Lake Champlain and the Hudson, and Howe was moving up that river to join him, hoping thereby to sever the Eastern Colonies from the Middle and Southern. The Indians had, until tliis time, re- mained, in a great measure, quiescent, but they were se- duced from their partial neutrality, and, on the 20th of June, at Boquet river, taken into full service of the British, by Gen. Burgoyne, and a market was opened by him for human scalps, at ten dollars each, that the In- dians might gather in their work of desolation and death. The Tories, also, were roused up to join with the Brit- ish and Indians in their bloody work, and it now became evident that besides the regular warfare that might be expefted from civilized nations, the frontiers would be o\ er)u here overrun by the Indians and their more savage allies, tlie Tories, and would become one long line of conllagration, dexastation, and death. This state of affairs soon began to be felt at W)-oming, i\nd a •^\stem of guards and scouts was established and regular!}- kept up among the settlers, to watch the In- dian paths and the movements of the Tories,- a number of the latter li\ing on the northern border of the settle- nunt. It was soon ascertained that communication wa>" 152 IllSl'ORK'AI. ADDKKSS. kept up by the rorics.rcskliii!^ at TLinkliannDck a;ul ah(n"c. with the Indians about Tioi^a, Clienunig, an-J Newtown. In the fall of 1777, many of the settlers on the ri\er above Wyoming, who mov^ecl into that locaht>' from the Dekaware, and from New York and lower Penns\ Uania, under the auspices of the Pennsxdvania government, be- gan to give manifest evidence of their sympath\- with the British crown, and of opposition to the American cause. In October, Lieut. Asa Stevens was detailed on a scout by the committee of inspe6lion, with nine men^ who re- turned bringing in five suspe6led persons as prisoners. In the latter part of November, Lieut. John Jenkins, while out on a scout, at Wyalusing. was betrayed by the Tories into the hands of a body of Indians that infested that locality, and was taken by the latter to Fort Ni- agara. Upon report of this facl at Wyoming. Col. Nathan Denison, of the 24th Conne6licut Regiment of m litia, organized his little force and prepared to march into that locality. He reported that on the 20th of December, being informed that a band of Tories were forming on the north and westward ot'.said town of Westmoreland, in order to stir up the Indians of Tioga to join the said Tories and kill and destroy the inhabitants of Connefti- cut, he ordered part of his regiment to be immediately equipped and marched to suppress the conspirators. The part)' marched about 80 miles up the river and took several Tories' (about 30,) and happily contented the Tioga Indians, and entirely disbanded the conspirators. Eighteen of these prisoners were sent to Connecticut, where "they were received and treated as prisoners of war, having been taken in arms against the United States." — See the War of the Revolution, p. 313-600. About the 13th of February, 1778, Amos York and' Lemuel Fitch were taken prisoners from the same locali- ty, and hurried off to Niagara. Richard Fitzgerald was captured at the same time, but being an old man, they discharged him. AT THE MONUMENT. 133 Tlie prisoners, captured by the Indians and Tories, w (Me kept at Niaj^'ara all winter, amon^r a camp of Ijrit- ish, Iniiians and Tories, of the most brutal and degfraded character. Many of the latter were from the Susque- hanna, above Wj'omini^, and hence bore a particular enmity to the prisoners, who, from this cause, sulfered man)' hardships and injuries from the hands of their cai> tors and keepers. The force winterin;^'- at Niaii^ara had, a great part of it at least, been with Gen. St. Leger, in his attack on Fort Schuyler, in August previous, and, in consequence of their defeat there by the American forces, under Col. Gansevoort, w-ere greatly exasperated, and for tlris rea- son, were exceedingly venomous and cruel in their treat- ment of the prisoners in their charge. They received neither clothes, shoes, blankets, shelter nor fire, were kept starved for provisions — -and v.diat they received was of the worst kind, such as .spoilt flour, bis- cuit full of maggots and mouldy. The Indians would crowd around them with knives in their hands, and feel of them, to know who was fattest. They dragged one of the prisoners out of the guard, with the most lament- able cries, tortured him for a long time, and both the Indians and the Tories said they ate him, as it appears they did another on an Island in Lake Ontario. De Veaux say.s of this terrible place — "Niagara was the headquarters of all that was liarbarous, unrelenting and cruel. There were congregated the leaders and chiefs of tho.sc bands of mur- derers and miscreants who carried death and destruction into the remote Anier^ ican settlements. There civilized Europe revelled with savage Ame'rica, and ladies of education and refinement mingled in the society of these who only distinc- tion was to wield the tomahawk and the scalping-knife. There were the squaws of the forest raised to eminence, and the most unholy alliances between them and officers of the highest rank smiled upon and countenanced. There in this stronghold, like a nest of vultures, securely, for seven years, they sallied forth and preyed upon the distant settlements of the Mohawk and Susquehanna Val- leys. It was the depot of their plunder ; there they planned their forays, and there they returned to feast until the time for action should come again." It was amid such people and such scenes as these that our prisoners spent the winter, and of which they each r54 HISTORICAL address:. and all suffered their full share. Leaving our prisoners here for the winter, let us see how affairs were progress- ing at Wyoming. We have learned, as has been already stated, that nearly all the able bodied. men were away in the service of their countr\\ The remaining population, in dread of the savages and their allies, were building six forts, or stockades, requiring great labor, and "without fee or re- ward." The whole available force was formed into train- bands, guards, scouts, &c., and in constant active ser- vice. The small-pox pestilence was in every distrift, and no remedy or means then known, could arrest its spread or stay its virulence. "At a town meeting, legally warned, bolden December 30, 1777. John Jenkins was chosen Moderator for ye work of ye day. Voted, by this townj That the Committee of In.spection be emjwwered to supply tiie sogers' wives and the sogers' widows, and their families, with the necessaries of life."' Miner say.s of this vote — '•I.et it be engraved on plates of .silver I I^t it be printed in letters of gold ! (."hallenge Rome, in her Republican glary, or Greece, in her Democratic pride, . 10 produce, circumstances considered, an act more generous or noble ! Justice and gratitude demand a tribute to the praiseworthy spirit of the wives and daughters of Wyoming. While their husbands and fathers were away on public duty, they cheerfully assumed a large portion of the labor which female^ cniild do. They assisted to plant, made the hay, husked and garnered the corn and gathered the harve>t. They thrashed the wheat, or shelled the corn, and ground it in mortars with pestles, or putting it in a bag acro.ss a horse, WDuld get on top, and taking the youngest child in their arms, would thus con- vjy it to the nearest mill, sometimes a distance often miles, waiting till it was ground, that they might have bread for tlieir children on their return hume." — Miner, p. 212." The year i//^) brought great distrust and fear to the frontiers generally, but i)articularly to Wyoming. The surrender of Burgoyneat Siratog.i had left the British without sufficient avadablc force in America to carry on a regul.ir camuaign fur that year, and. as the war was t(^ i)e C(jntiniicd. the only resource left to the British government and her commanders, was to employ the Indians and Tories almost exclusively, in carrying on a war of desolation on the fiontier. This was their de- AT THE MONUMENT. 155 clared policy, and it was at once suspe6led and feared that Wyoming would be among the first to be attacked, for none were so hated and exposed as the people on the Susquehanna. The}' had been among the first to declare against British usurpations, and had been the most aftive and earnest in supplying men and means to support that declaration. The position was known to be, in a measiu'e, delense- less, and far removed from immediate support, and their situation seemed to invite rather than repel the design of an invasion. A portion of the enemy, particularly the Tories who had settled up the river under the Proprietar)' government, were exasperated by the efforts of the peo- ple in the cause of independence, and their careful watch- fulness of the movements of all not co-operating with them, and especially by the arrest of some of their num- ber, who had betrayed certain of them and delivered them into the hands of the enemy, and it was strongly suspe6led that they would incite a movement against Wyoming, if it were possible to do so. It was known early in the spring of 1770, that a large force was colle6ling at Niagara, for the purpose of laying waste the frontiers of Pennsylvania, Virginia and New York ; and as early as P^ebruary, General Schuyler wrote to Congress to inform them that such was his belief. In March he wrote again to Congress saying: "A nuniber of Muvvhawks, and many of the Onondagoes, Cayiigas. and Senecas, will commence hostilities against us as soon as they can. It would be prudent, therefore early to take measures to carry the war into their country. It would require no greater body of troo])s to destroy their towns than to jiro- tect the frontier inhabitants." In this state of affairs, the people of the frontiers ap- pealed to Congress for forces for their protection. The people of Wyoming in particular, represented to Congress the threatning situation of their locality, and made an earnest appeal for aid. Moved by their entreaties. Con- gress came to the rescue of Wyt)ming, in the following remarkable resolution : 156 . HISTORICAL ADDRESS. "March 16, 1778 Resolved. That one full company of foot be raised in the .town of Westmoreland, on the east branch of the Susquehanna, for the defense of t!ie said town and the settlements on the frontier in the neighborhood thereof, a-.,'ainst the Indians and the enemies of these States; the said company to be en- listed to serve one year from the time of their enlisting, unless sooner discharged by Congress; and that the said company find their own arms, accoutrements £iid blankets."— Journal of Congress, vol, iv, p. 113. It would not be difficut to estimate just how mucli this resolution of Congress added to the effective force at Wvoming. It was equivalent to a suggestion of thi.9 .sort : Wyoming has appealed to Congress for help- She needs help, undoubtedly. Let her help herself. She lias the permi.ision of Congress to do so; provided she builds her own forts, and furnishes "her own arms, ac- coutrements and blankets," and defends her settlements on the frontier in her neighborhood. If there was ever a case in which the asking for bread and receiving a stone was exhibited in all its enormity and ungratefulness, more than in this, history has failed to record it. Tiiis faft will stand out more prominently when it is understood that the Wyoming people had exhausted ;\11 their means and force, available for a6live service, in fitting up iind sending out the companies of Durkee and Ransom, in addition to those who had gone back to Connecticut and entered the service there, and ihosc who had, under Lieut. Gore, joined Col Wisner's regiment. This astrniishing m;ignanimit\- of Congress was not .- again informed Congress — that same Congress — of the threatninc^ danger, and their exposed and defense- less position, and praxed tliat tlie two Wyoming compa- nies of L.'.rkee antl Ransom might be returned home, to i'uar.i and protect them through the impending peril. The\- felt th.it there shoidd be no difficulty about this demand being granted, as those coinpanies had been v.dsed for the express purpose of defending their homes. AT THE MONUMENT. I 57 :\nd by the resolution of Congress, were to be "stationed in proper places, for the defense of the inhabitants of said town and parts adjacent." \Vl;en called upon, however, to go on the distant service of the Republic, in an hour of peril, and leave their homes defenseless, they marched with the utmost alacrity, not a murmur was heard, for every man felt that the case was one of urgency and imperious necessity, and not one of them, or those they left defenseless be- hind, entertained a doubt but that the agreement, "to be stationed in proper places, to defend their homes,' Would be religiously observed, and, when occasion re- quired, they would be ordered back to the Valley. But there was undoubtedly an influence at work on Congress, looking more to private advantage than public good, whose purpose would be better subserved by the destruction of the settlement at Wyoming, than b\- its preservation. That influence prevailed, and Wyoming was left to the fate that they knew so immediatel}' impended over her devoted people. A few straggling Indians and Tories, lurking about the settlement, pretending to be friendly, had been closely watched by the settlers, and they had become fully satis- fied that the presence of these strangers boded no good, but that their designs were evil. ;ind mischief was medi* tated for Wyoming. In the midst of the fear, the doubt, and uncertainty that prevailed amouL; the people, Lieut John Jenkins ap- peared upon the scene, having escaped from his cajitors and returned home. He, with York anti Fitch, h.ad been taken by the Indians earl)' in April to Montreal, wliere the Britisii authorities discharged York and Fitch, they not ha\ ing been found in arms, were not considered as properl\- prisoners of war. They were put on hoard British trans[)orts, to be conveyed to some point in New iv.igland, for release, b'itch died of fever on the \^oyagc; Voik sur\ i\cd until he re-ached the rc-sidence ol his fatJi- 158 HISTORICAL ADDRESS. in-law, Mmassah Miner, in Voluntovvn. C.)nn., wlurj lie was taken sick and, died cle\'en days before ins iamilx' reached tlierc, in their flight from Wyoming;-, aitcr the massacre. He died believinsi' that his f.imilv had all been cut off in that massacre, as they had been dclayc 1 0,1 the way by sickness. Lieut. Jenkins was taken by the Indians from Montreal to Albany, to be exchanged for an Indian chief who was "a prisoner at that place, in the hands of the .Xmcricans. When the party arrived at Alban\'. the chief, for whom he was to be e.Kchanged, had died of the small-pox. Thc\- refused to exchange him for an\' other prisoner, but re- tained him, to take him to Seneca Castle, to be disposetl of by the Grand Council of the nation, which they ex- pelled would be gathered at that place, b\' the time the\' should arriv'e there. On the fourth night after the i)art\- left Albany, the prisoner, by the aid of a young chief, with whom a strong friendship had existed from the first period of his captiv- ity% made his escape, and arrived at home on the 2d of June. He brought information that the great mass of the Tories from up the river liad wintered at Niagara with the Indians and Jiritish, that the\' had been insolent and abusive, had threatened to return in the spring, bring the Indians with them, drive the settlers off, and take possession of tiie country themselves ; that a plan of this sort had been concerted at Niagara before he left there. This was the first reliable information the settlers had received of the threatened invasion of Wyoming, although it was known, much earlier, that an invasion of the front- iers somewhere, was to be made from Niagara, by the combined force of British, Indians and Tories that had wintered in that locality, and from the condu6l of the straggling Tories and Indians, to which we have alluded, it was strongly suspected that Wyoming and its neigh- borhood would be the objeftive point. The story of Lieut. Jenkins confirmed the worst sus- AT THE MONUMENT. I 59 picions of the settlers, and they .became aroused to the daiif^er of their situation. An express was immediately sent to Washington and Congress, to inform them of the certainty of the inva- sion, and to ask that the companies of Durkee and Ran- som be immediately sent to Wyoming, together with such additional force as could be spared for the occasion. Capt. Hewitt, who had been appointed to enlist the new company, under the resolution of Congress, which has been given, and who were to furnish their own "arms accoutrements and blankets," was immediately sent up the river on a scout. ^ On the 5th of June, there was an alarm from Indians, /, and six white men, Tories, coming in the neighborhood of Tunkhannock, about twenty-five miles up. the river from Wyoming, and taking Elisha Wilcox, Pierce and some others prisoners, and robbing and plundering the inhabitants of the neighborhood. News of this incursion was brought to the Valley on the night of the 6th, and on the 7th, although Sunday, the inhabitants set to work to complete and strengthen their fortifications. On the yth, there was an alarm from Shawnee. For a week or inore alter this, there appeared to be a lull in the storm at Wyoming, a calm, as often precedes a violent temj)est, but it raged with great fierceness in other quar- ters. The forces that wintered at Niagara and in Western/ New York, in pursuance of orders issued b}' Col. Guv' Johnson, assembled at Kanadaseago, or Seneca Castle, early in May, anil from this point sallied forth in divis- ions to carr}' on their hellish work. Although the objec- li\c point was W\oming, \et lhe\ were to divide their forces into parties and attack different points, lay them waste, spread terror, consternation and death on every hand, that their ultimate destination might not be known, antl no force of sufificient si^e to offer successful I'esist- l60 HISTORICAL ADDRESS. ance be concentrated "against them; and by dividing; their force and sending it into different localities, the\' would be the better able to learn the strength and di- rection of any force which might be sent to oppose them. Capt. Joseph Brandt, or Thayendencgea, with his Mo- hawks, some Senecas, Scoharries and Oquagos, went b}' way of the outlet of the Cayuga Lake and the head waters of the Mohawk, and arrived in the vicinity of Cherry Valley about the 25th, of May. His mission, with his destru6lives there, was to lay waste that place. He secreted them on Lady Hill, about a mile east of the fort, to await a favorable opportunity to strike the fatal blow, and slay or capture its occupants. A company of boys happened to be training, for b(v/s caught the martial spirit of the times, as Brandt, like the eagle from his eyrie, was looking down from his hiding place, upon the devoted hamlet, seeking his prey. Mis- taking these miniature soldiers for armed men, he deferred the attack for a more favorable opportunity. After killing Lieut. Wormwood, a promising \'oung of- ficer, from Palatine, who had left the fort but a fevv- min- utes before, on horseback, and taking Peter Sitz, his com- rade, prisoner, Brandt directed his steps to Cobleskill. Sims' Scoharrie. p. 28. Border Warfare, p. 126. On the 1st day of June, was fought the battle of Co- bleskill. The Indian forces, commanded by Brandt, amounted to about three hundred and fifty. The Amer- ican forces, commanded by Capts. Patrick and Brown, amounted to about fifty. The battle was mostly in the woods, and both parties fought in the Indian style, under cover of trees. Of the American force, twenty-two were slain and their scalps borne off in triumph, among them Capt. Patrick. Six were wounded and two made prison- ers. The Indians had about an equal number killed. — Sims— ^Campbell — Stone, p. 353. From here, Brandt, after committing a few further dep- redations in that quarter, led his forces to Tioga, where AT THE MONUMENT. l6l he joined the main body of tlie arm\', marching to the invasion of Wyoming". At the same time that Brandt started on his expedition, from Kanadaseago, Major John Butler, commonly called and known as Col. Butler, being at that time, however, only a Major, with the British and Tories, amounting to about four hundred, and a party of Indians, under Gucing- crachton and Kayingwaurto, both Seneca chiefs, amount- ing to about four hundred, passed up Seneca Lake and proceeded to Chemung and Tioga, at which point Butler and Kayingwaurto engaged in preparing boats for trans- porting themselves and their baggage down the Susque- hanna. A considerable body of Indians, under Gucingerachtcjn, were detached at Kanawaholee, or Newtown, and sent across the country to strike the West Branch ot the Sus- quehanna and lay it waste, while the boats were being prepared, and Brandt should rejoin tiie main part)' with his forces. Gucingerachton. with his party, arrived on the West Branch near the mouth of Bald Eagle creek, on the i6th of May. and at once commenced his work of death and desolation. He continued at this work, overrunning the whole line of the lower West Branch, until the loth of June. He and his savage horde swept that whole region as with the besom of destruftion, and the final catastro- phe in the bloody work occured on this latter day. Meginness says — "This \va.s indeed a bloody day. The savages glutted themselves with murder and plunder, and retired in triumph. A gloomy pall seemed to have fallen over the infant settlement, and weeping and wailing where heard on every hand. Children weie murdered before their parents' eyes ; husbands were compelled to witness the horrid deaths of their wives, and in turn, chil- dren were compelled to gaze upon the mangled bodies of their parents. Neither age, sex, nor condition were spared ; the wails of helpless infants, the imploring cries of defenseless women, failed to awaken a chord of pity in the adamantine bosom of the tawny savage. He laughed their pitiful appeals to scorn, and with a fiendish grin 'oming. They left the largest of their boats, and with the lighter ones passed on down to the "Three Islands," five or six miles below, laying them up in K.eeler's eddw about fifteen miles from the Valley. From this point they marched overland, and encamped on the evening of the 30th of June, on Sutton's Creek about two miles from where the Hardings were killed. On the 1st of July, while the settlers were marching up the river to bring down the dead bodies of the Hard- ings, and if possible, chastise their murderers, the enemy were marching toward the Valley, by a route back of the mountain, which lay between them and the route the settlers took in marching up and returning. They arrived and encamped on the side of the mountain bounding the Valle\^ on the north-west, at a point di- reftly opposite Wintermute Fort. Parties from the enemy passed in and out of Wintermute Fort the same night. On the morning of the 2d, the gates of the fort were thrown wide open to the enemy, and possession taken by them. It was said thai the inmates of the fort consisted chiefly of Tories, who treacherously surren- dered it to the enemy. This became their hcadcjuarters while they remained in the Valle\-. The evening of the 2d, a detachment, under the com- mand of Capt. Caldwell, was sent to reduce Jenkins' fort. Originall}-, the garrison consisted of seventeen, mostly old men. six of whom. Miner Robbins, the two Hardings, two Hadsalls, and the negro were slain, and three made prisoners ; two, Phelps and Reynolds, wound- ed ; Samuel Morgan, sick, and two, lame, so that no means of resistance being left, the stockade capitulated on honorable terms. l68 HISTORICAL ADDKKSS. During all this day the settlers were engaged gather- ing all the force they could cominand, with their women and children, at Forty Fort, and the other forts, chief!)' the former, about four miles below Wintermute Fort. It was a day of alarm, excitement and terror; a day of preparation, running to and fro, fleeing and seeking shel- ter from impending wrath and death. Let us look at the position of affairs as the}' existed on the 3d of July, 1778. The upper part of the V^alley, on the west side of the river, was in the hands ofthe enemy, numbering i.iOD men well armed and equipped, thirsting for conquest and blood . So complete and effe6live was their possession, that no person had been able to pass their lines to give infor- mation of either their numbers, position or purpose. Jenkins' Fort, on the Susquehanna, just above the west end ofthe Pittston Ferry Bridge, was in their possession, having capitulated the day before, but possession had not been taken until this morning. Wintermute Fort .situate on the bank of the plain, about a mile and a half below and about half a mile from the river, had been in their possession all the da\^ before, and was used as their headquarters. Fort\' Fort, some four miles further down the river, situate on the west bank of the Susquehanna river, was tlie largest and strongest fort in the Valley. Thither had ficd all the people on the west side ofthe river, on the [St and 2d, and this was to be the gathering point of the patriot band. The Wilkesbarre and Pittston Forts v.'ere the gathering points for the people in their imme- diate neighborhood. The forces, such as they were, were distributeti through- out the Valley somewhat as follows : The Kingston company, commanded by Capt. Aholiab Buck, numbering about forty men, was at Forty Fort. The Shawnee compan\'. commanded b\' Capt. Asaph Whittlesc)'. numbering about fort\-four men, was at Fort\' I'ort AT THE MONUMENT. l6c) Tlic Hanover compan}-, commanded by Capt. Wm. McKarrachen, numbering about thirt}', was at home, in Hanoxer. The upper Wilkesbarre company, commanded by Capt. Rezin Geer, numbering about tliirty men, was at Wilkes- barre. The h)\ver Wilkesbarre companw comanded b\' Capt James Bidlack, Jr., numbering about thirt\--eight men. was at Wilkesbarre. The Pittston company, command- ed by Capt. Jeremiah Blanchard, numbering about fort)' men, was at Pittston Fort. The Huntington and Salem company commanded by Capt. John Franklin, number- ing about thirty-five men, was at home. These were the militia, or train-bands, of the settlement, and included all who were able to bear arms, without regard to age. Old men and boys were enrolled in them. Then there was Capt. Dethick Hewitt's company, formed and kept together under the resolution of Con- gress, to which reference has alread\' been made. Besides these, there were a number who were not enrolled in anv of the companies, numbering about one hundred ; and in addition, there were a number in the Valley who had been driven from the settlements up the river. Making altogether in the Valley, a force of men of all ages and boys, numbering about four hundred, besides those in Pittston k'ort. Notwithstanding the neglect which all their former ap- peals for aid had met willi, a new appeal was made by the settlers when the)- learned the certainty and immin- ence of the danger that was threatening, and fast closing in about them. Again was an express sent to Washing- ton and to Congress, informing them of the immediate presence of the enemy and of the imminent peril which threatened, requesting the aid of their two companies, with such additional force as could be sent : but there was so much hesitanc)- in deciding, and so much dela)- in letting the companies go after the decision was made. 1/0 HISTORfCAL ADDRESS. that Captains Durkee and Ransom, and Lieutcnmfs Wells and Ross, and some others, resigned tlieir com- missionsr in disgust, and hurried home to the reliet of their beleaguered neighbors^ friends and families. The two Wyoming companies, targ^ely reduced by dis- ease and the casualties of war, were thereupon united antl placed under the command of Sim.on Spalding, as- •Captain, raised to that position from a Lieutenancy in Durkee's company. After a day or two's detention, thi.'--- company alone was sent by a roundabout way to Wy- oming. Although Captains Durkee and Ransom, Lieu- tenants Ross, Wells, and some other.s, arrived before the march to battle, they could give no definite inform.ition as to when the company might be depended upon to ar- rive for their assistance. Capt. Clingman, at the lower Fort Jenkins, thirt}'-fivc miles down the river, had been sent for by express, the urgency and danger of the situ- ation made known to him, and his assistance, with hi.s command, consisting of ninety men, earnestly solicited. There was not much hope or expe6lation of this company marching to their assistance, from the facfl that it was a Pennsylvania Company, feeling no interest in the salva- tion of the settlement, yet it was thought their humanity might prompt them to do their duty, and hence they might assist in driving back the savages and British. On the 2d, Col. Denison had sent a messenger express to Capt. John Franklin and Lieut. Stoddard Bowen, to hurry for- ward to the scene of danger, with their Huntington and Salem company, without delay. Col. Zebu Ion Butler was at Wilkesbarre, putting everything in that neighbor- hood in a defensible position, and awaiting developments- Such was the situation, when, on the morning of F'ri- day, the 3d of July, Major John Butler sent a flag to Forty F'ort, demanding an unconditional surrender of that fort, the public stores, and Capt. Hewitt's company, vv th a promise that he would, when in possession, give them good terms of capitulation, and with a threat that in AT THE MONlJMENr, \y \ case of refusal, he would move on them at once in full force, riie deniauvl was refused by Col. Denison, then in com- mand, \)ut the refusal was accompanied with a suggest tioji that he would like time and opportunity to consult with Col. Initler and other officers, who were not then present. The flag was born by Daniel Ingersoll, a prisoner, taken at Wintermute Fort, who was accompani- ed by a Tory ai'd an Indian, to serve both as guards and spies. They returned, bearing the refusal of surrender, and it was supposed that upon their return and report to Major Butler, he would iinmcdiateh^ march upoi\ them. A messenger was forthwith despatched to CoU Jkitler, at Wilkesbarre, informing him of the situation, and requesting ids immediate presence with all the available force at command. Col. Butler at once order- ed the two Wilkesbarre companies and the Hanover company, to march direftly to Fort}' Vcvi. They promptly responded, and at one o'clock they were all at the place of rendezvous. Information had been sent to other parts of the Valley, for every man to hasten tt> Forty Fort, as an ;ittack was hourlx' e.\pected. Im- mediately upon Col. Butler's arrival, a consultation of the officers was held, in which the situation was fuUv discussed. It was decided not to surrender, but to hold the fort at all hazards. l^'or the purpose of securing, by dela) s in negotiations, sufficient time to permit the arrival of Franklin and Spal- ding's companies, and possiblv Clingman's. a flag was sent to Major Butler, for a conference with him. upon the subject of his demand of the morning. At the same time scouts were sent out to make reconnoisance, and learn, if possible, the strength and situation of the enem\-, and watch his movements. In fact, sLich scouts had 'oeen out all the morning. The flag had not proceed- ed half way to Major Butler's camp, when it was fired upon by prowling Indians and Tories, probably out as spies, and compelled to retin'n, .\ftcr consultation, an- lyi HISTORICAL AD/)Kl::f;S. other flag was sent out. It was also fired upon and compelled to return. The scouts sent out, returned with the news that they had not been able to get near enough to the British camp, to ascertain more than that the)' were still occupying the neighborhood of Wintermut:' Fort, and that the Indians were prowling about in every direction, many of them moving down the Valley, cap- turing horses and cattle which were roaming about in the woods. Other scouts were sent out, and it was re- solved to try another flag. This had not proceeded far, when it was fired upon and compelled to return. Scout.*? that had been out returned with reports that the enemy were moving down toward the fort, and that their num- ber was not greater than that in the fort. It was at once resolved to go out and meet them, and,, if possible, beat and drive them back, at least stay their progress of destruction down the Valley. Accordingly, the force gathered at Forty Fort, numbering about four hundred, including old men and boys, marched out, at about 3 o'clock in the afternoon, to defend their homes and harvests against the invaders, leaving the fort, with a few old men and young boys, women and children, many of them sick, under the command of Lieut. John Jenkins. They marched from the fort in martial array, with the Stars and Stripes at their head, to the tune of "St. Patrick's day in the morning." played on the fife by a true son of Erin, and drums beating, and proceeded as far as Abraham's creek, at the point where the road now crosses it at the stone bridge, a little over a mile from the fort. Here on the hill a halt was made, and the party properly disposed to resist an attack. The posi- tion was well chosen. The creek at this point makes a complete elbow, round a hill which rises, abruptly, about twenty feet above the stream, largely protecting their right and front, while a branch of the stream and a marsh, on the left, covered that pait of their force, and their rear was open for retreat to the fort, should that AT THE MONUMENT. 173 become necessary. The position was will calculated to be successfully held against a largely superior force, at least it gave them a great advantage in case of an attack upon them. From this point a flag was again sent out, and other scouts, and their return awaited. This flag was also fired upon and returned. Scouts that had been previously sent out, had, by great skill and energy, succeeded in making a reconnoisance of the enemy, by passing along the foot of the mountains on the west of the Valley ; but on their return, when in Western Wyoming, hear the present site of Shoemaker's mills, were shot, one fatally; the other, slightly wounded, made his way back to head- quarters. The information brought was to the effe6l that the enemy Were in commotion, but what their design or which way they were moving, could not be told, but the supposition was they were preparing to leave the Valley. All the information gained was too indefinite and too slight to be of any use in judging of either the numbers or design of the enemy. All was doubt and uncertainty. Speculations and discussion now began to arise as to the intent of the enemy. The march upon Forty Fort, which had been threatened by Major Butler in the morn- ing, unless a surrender was made, had not taken place. What did it mean .' Had the threat any meaning, or was it mere braggadocio ? It was suggested that the invad- ing force had been over estimated by the timid ; that if Major Butler had the overwhelming force pretended, he would, long ere this, have put his threat in execution, instead of breaking camp and leaving the Valley, as now appeared most probable. What did it mean .-' Was it a mere threat to frighten, and thus evade pursuit ? Such were the queries the situation gave rise to, and in con- sequence of no satisfactory answer being at hand, the discussion grew warm — hot, I may say. In the discus- sion, scouts returned reporting that the enemy were 174 HISTOKirAL ADDRESS. b,\:-!iini^ all the settlement above, and colle6ting all the caltle within their reach, and, from appearances, it was s-!;)posed they would not risk an immediate attack on Forty Fort, at least, did not intend to do so, but would burn, plunder and destroy all tlie upper settlements, probably cross the river to Pittston, take possession ot that fort, destroy that and the neighboring- settlements, massacre the people or make them prisoners, and then re'turn back with their booty from whence they came- This report put an entirely new feature on the face of affairs. Although speculative to a great extent, \-et it afforded those who had been fierce to march and meet the enemy, new grounds on which to urge their views. They had become tired of seeking the enem\' b\- flags, and demanded to march, meet and attack him wherever found. They insisted that his force was small, too small to cope with them, or he would, ere this, have executed his threat of the morning. The cool and more judicious of the officers, on whom the responsibilities rested, thought prudence the better part of valor, and decided that their present position' being tenable against a superior force, and serving to protecl the lower and main part of the valley from the encroachments of the enemy, would answer the [jurpose of protection to that part of it, until the cxpe6led rein- forcements should arrive. At this point in the debate, Lieut. Timothy Pierce arrived with information that the company of Spalding was on its wa\', and would probably arrive on Sunda\'. for their assistance. This news did not, however, calm the troubled waters. It was conten- ded that Sunday would be too late. That the enemy by that time could prowl through the ^'alle^•, rob and burn their homes, and kill or take captive the women and children, drive off their horses and cattle, and destroy their harvests, while the\', like base and cowardly pol- troons, were standing b\' with arms in their hands, and seeing him do it, without making an ;ittemi)t to prevent AT THE MONUMENT- 175 it. Besides, were they to remain where they were, or s^o back to the fort and shut themselves up in it, to await deUverance, that they had not collefted and in store suf- licient provisions to hold out a long siege, or endure a long delay. The discussion became heated and personal. Charges of cowardice were made by Capt. Lazarus Stew- art, tiien a private in Capt. McKarrachen's Hanover company, against all who opposed advancing, particularly against Col. Butler the principal commander, who was against an advance, and he threatened to report him as such to headquarters. Stewart was ordered under arrest by Col. Denison. The Hanover company became mutinous. Capt. Mc- Karrachen resigned, and the company immediately elect- ed Stewart in his place. They now threatened a revolt, unless a march should be immediately made against the enemy. Col. Denison. a cool and quiet man, who had taken little or no part in the discussion, as yet, urged the propriety of careful and considerate action, and the im- propriety and danger of hasty and inconsiderate aftion. That it would be far better to wait until more was known of the number and movements of the enemy ; that it was hardly possible that they would attempt to overrun the Valley as matters then stood ; that a little delay would give them more information upon these points, when they could a6l intelligently, and in the meantime, Spald- ing's and Franklin's companies would arrive, the latter, certainly. These suggestions did iiot meet the feelings and views of the men generally. They had become warmed up by the fiery words of Capt. Stewart, and de- clared that it would be a disgrace never to be forgotten or forgiven, should they remain there, or lie cooped up in the fort, while the enemy should'devastate the Valley, plunder and burn their homes, and then draw off with their booty, and they too cowardly to offer the least re- sistance. It was therefore determined to march, and meet or attack the enemy. 176 HISTORICAL ADDRESS. Those who would be disposed tcj blame the command- ers of the settlers for permittin;^ the decision of the question, whether to march or remain in position, to be made by the rank and file, should remember that a perfe6l Republic existed here. The people were their own rulers, in the stri6lest and fullest sense of that term. They met in town meeting and disposed of rU their affairs. The town meeting- was a legislative, judicial and executive body, all in one. There was no \'eto on its enaftments ; no appeal from its decisions, and no escape from its execution. All \vere accustomed to take part in its deliberations and debates; all \otcd on its final decisions, and all submitted to its authority. Could they do less on this occasion .'' It may be obie6led that this was a military body, and as such, ought to have been submissive to the commands of its officers. This was not the view they took of it. It was only a town meeting, met for militar\' purposes, in which they all had an equal interest, and from the a6ls of which flowed a common danger or safet)-. When it was decided to advance and attack the enemy, Col. Butler discharged Capt. Stewart from arrest, saying: "\Vc will march and meet the enemy, if he is to be found, and I will show the men that t dare lead where they dare follow." The order to march was immediately given, and the}' proceeded cautiously on their way as far as the hill, just below the monument, where another halt was made, and where scouts met them witii information that the enem\- had set fire to Wintermute Vovt and were leaving the Valley. In confirmation of this report, they pointed out the smoke from the fire o( the burning- fort. The men i-iow became eager to advance and ])ursue the enemy. Here, Richard Inman, one of the Hanover men. wearied with the long march and the burden he was carrying, lay down alongside of a log fence, while they were halted, and went to sleep. After a halt they mo\ed on toward Wintermute Vovi. to test the accuracy AT THE MONUMENT. 1 77 of the inronnation broui;ht in b\' the scouts. Tliey ad- vanced to a point dire6ll\- in Hnc with the south-western boundary of the P'air ground, wliere the\' formed in battle order, their h"ne extending from the hill which forms the plain, up in a north-westerly direction, about i 500 or 1 600 feet. Cip'ains Durkee and Ransom, and Lieutenants Ross and Welles, havnng no immediate command, were detail- ed to mark off the ground and form the line ot battle. Their march had been in column along and just on the hill mentioned, and on coming up to the line marked off, the column deployed 'o the left, and every company took its designated station and advanced in line to the proper position, where it halted, the right resting on the hill, the left extending to the northwest. Yellow and pitch- [)ine trees, with scrub-oaks about breast high, were cver\'whcre over the plain. There were very (cw trees of an\- size. The InJians were accustomed to burn the plain over e\er\' year, to make jjasture for deer and other game, and thus destroyed the growth of trees of large size. The line was formed with Captain Hewitt's com- pany on the right ; next. Captain Bidlack's ; and next. Captain Geer's. Captain Whittlesey's compan\- was placed on the left ; next. Captain Stewart's, and next Captain Buck's. Captains Durkee and Ransom, and Lieutenants Ross, Welles and Pierce were assigned posi- tions on the field, rather as aids than commanders. Lieutenant Stoddart Bowen had arri\-ed with a few men, from Salem, and the}' \\ere added to Whittlesey's com- pany on the left. Ca[)tain Blanchard remained at the Pittston Fort with his force. The Indians and Tories iiad taken jiossession of all the water ci'aft in the upper part of the Valley, and consecjuentl\- Blanchard's com- pany could not get over to join our men, had it been prudent and proper for them to ha\'e done so. Col. But- ler, supported by Major Jonathan Waite Garret, assisted by Anderson Dana as adjutant, commanded the right 178 HISTORICAL ADDKKSS-. wing. Col. Denison, supported by Lieut-Colonel George Dor ranee, commanded the left wing. Such was the ground, such the forces, and such the order of battle. While these arrangements were being made, scouts were coming in bringing information of the movements of the enemy. They had succeeded in making their re- connoisance to the immediate vicinity of the fort, saw it burning, and a few Indians and others lingering near. The enemy, in the meantime, had not been idle. From their scouts they had learned the movements and pro- gress of the settlers in their march ; had called in their scattered forces, particularly those at Jenkins' Fort, and had placed them in position to receive the settlers upon their advance. Major Butler, Capt. Wm. Caldwell and Lieutenant Turney, with the British, were located on the left of their position, from the hill toward the marsh ; next, and on their right, were the Tories, under Captains Benjamin and William Pawling and Hopkins ; and to the right of these were the Indians, under Kayingwaurto, Gucingerachton and Thayendenegea, reaching beyond the marsh and doubling down behind a covert of alders, white birch and other brush ; the whole force being ar- ranged nearly in the form of a crescent. They skulked and hid away in the bushes, so that the few who were stirring about the open space near the burning fort, were all that could be seen. After the settlers had formed their line of battle, they marched, in single line as formed, nearly a mile, and to within forty or fifty rods of the fort, their right still rest- ing on the hill, and their left extending about 1600 feet towards the marsh, and to within 400 feet of it. where they halted and sent forward scouts for further recon- noisance. On the advance of the scouts, Indians would pop up, fire at them and flee, some in one direftion, some in another. Here they began to realize the fa6l, that the enemy might be near in sufficient force to make their further advance a bloodv one, in fa6l. that a battle was AT TllK MONUMKNT I79 imminent. Ihcy came to a halt. Their officers rode along the line informing the men of the situation, and addressing and encouraging them to stand bravely up to the work. Says Col. Butler — "The enemy i.s probal)ly iu full force ]ust aliead of us. If so, we shall have hot work. Remember your homes I Your women and children call on you to protect them from tlie tomahawk and scalpinij;-knife of the savages. Your own fate, as well as that of your women, your children and your homes, is in your hands. Remember the fate of the Hardings and make sure work. Vic- tory is safety 1 Defeat i^ death I Let every man do his duty and all will be well!" The line at this point was counted off into odds and evens, from right to let't. The advance was made by the odds marching forward five steps and halting, and then the evens marching ten steps, and halting and so on, al- ternately, each division or seftion marching ten steps, halting, firing and loading, while the other was going through the same e.xercise, imtil more than half the dis- tance to what finall)' became the field of battle had been gone over. As they advanced in this manner, a num- ber of Indians, here and there over the field, would rise, deliver their fire and flee before them. The fire would be returned and our people would continue to advance. Soon a squad of British arose, delivered their fire and fell back. Our commander cries out. "See ! the British retreat! Stand firm and the day is ours!" They con- tinued to advance and soon another squad of British arose, delivered their fire and fell back. Again the cry, "The British retreat! The day is ours!" Our men had now arrived at a point just opposite Win- termute h'ort, on their right, and on the edge, in front, of the only cleared space on the plain, which was an open field of three or four acres. They continued their advance slovvl\- and cautiousl)-, when they soon found the British in full force in front, standing up to the work, though apparently yielding ground The firing now be- came general along the lines on both sides. Our people felt they were gaining ground and driving the enemy be- I So HISTORICAL ADIjRESS'. (ore them. loo much attention had been de\'oted to the movements of the British, in tVont, to properly observe and understand the movements and dangers of the other portions of the field. The British lay behind a log fence which ran along the upper side of this clear- ed field down to the foot of the hill, at a marshy spot, and were largely concealed and protected by it. Tiic Indians, l}'ing behind the mar.sh, on the other side of the held, which ran diagonally across the front of our line, and concealed behind its dense shrubbery, had not manifested their force on the field, and their location wa.9 not really known. When the settlers had advanced fully into the cleared field, and were, as they supposed, driv- ing the enemy before them, the Indians broke from their covert and fell upon their left, yelling like demons, pour- ing in their fire and pressing to close quarters with the spear and tomahawk. Their number was sufficient not only to outflank the left, but to turn it and gain the rear. Col. Denison, on discovering this movement, at once gave orders for the left to fall back, and form an oblique line to the position of the right, and thus bring the left into a position to face the enemy. The order was not fully understood, or was imperfeftly communicated, and hence the movement was confused. In the midst of the noise and confusion, the word oblique was understood by some to be retreat, and the line was not formed, but the left began moving in on the right in a broken, confused mass. The officers, meantime, made every possible effort to have their orders understood, and to restore order and bring the men to face the enemy and stand their ground, but in vain. Col. Dorrance fell , severely wounded, while riding along the line gallantly laboring in this vain attempt. The mistake was a fatal one and could not be retrieved. The Indians, meantime, rushed in upon them, yelling, brandishing their spears and tomahawks, and the Ikitish and Tories pressed down upon them in front, pouring in a terrible fire. Broken, AT THE MONUMENT. l8r borne down by ovcrwhehning numbers, and pressed b}- an irresistible force, tlie left gave way and fell back on the right. The movement was rapid and confused and brought confusion on the right. From confusion to dis- order, from disorder to broken lines, and thence to flight were but steps in regular gradation. The flight became a slaughter, the slaughter a massacre. Such was the battle. It was impossible that the result of the battle should have been different. The enemy were nearly three to one, and had the advantage of position. (3ur men fought bravely, but it was of no avail Every Captain fell at his position in the line, and there the men lay like sheaves of wheat after tlie harvesters. The flight from the battle-field, although confused and made under overwhelming pressure, by a furious on- slaught of the enemy, yet. was not entirely devoid of system. The men. generalh", gathered in scjuads, and commenced moving oft, frequently turning back, like the hunted lion, and holding in check their pursuers, by their threatening attitude and the mutual support they gave each other. On the left, a squad of a dozen or more, unconscious of the fatal state of affairs by which they Were surrounded, one man only, John Caldwell, having fallen in line, stood their ground and loaded and fired, not only after all their friends had fled and were gone, but until the enemy had passed by them in their pursuit. They commenced moving off the field together, but one by one broke off, seeking safety in separate flight, by hiding in the bushes, and fleeing out of the line of pur- suit. Part of them were taken prisoners, and with others, to the number of ten, were taken about half a mile above the battle-field, about midway between Win- termute and Jenkins' Fort, on the top of the hill, on the line between Exeter, and West Pittston, near the river, where they were put to death with savage torture. l82 HISTORirAL ADDRESS. Capt. Blaiichard and others, at Pittston, seeing fires burning below on the opposite side of the river, ^went dovv n to see what was going on. They beheld a scene of torture of the most horrible and revolting charafter. Several naked men were being driven round a stake, in the midst of flames. Their groans and shrieks were most pitious, while the shrieks and yells of the savages, who danced around, urging the victims on with spears, were •too horrible to be endured. They were powerless to prevent or avenge these attrocities, and withdrew, heart- sick, from the, sight of the terrible orgies. Among the prisoners was Joseph Elliott, who, seeing the horrible fate that awaited him, if he remained, sprang, and broke through the death circle of the savages, and fled to the river and plunged in. When out about twent>- rods, a ball from his pursuers struck him in the shoulder, wounding him slightly He continued on, crossed the river, and [)roceeded safely to Wilkesbarre Fort. A body of the fugitives surrounded Col. Butler, and all moved off together. Another bod\- surrounded Col. Denison, and kept together until they reached Forty Fort. On their way, with three Indians in hot pursuit, Rufus Bennett, who held Col. Butler's horse by the tail, and was the hindmost of the party, remembered that Richard Inman had lain down at the hill, at their second halt- ing place, and not gone on with the others. As they came near to where Inman lay, Bennett turned his head in that dirc6lion and saw Inman sitting up rubbing his eyes "is your gun loaded. Inman.'* "Yes. it is!" " Shoot this Indian ! " Inman raised his rifle and the fore- most Indian, as he passed the fence, was shot through the heart. He sprang up. uttering a fearful yell, and fell prostrate. The other pursuing Indians turned and fled back, leaving the party unmolested. Col. Butler repaired to the Wilkesbarre, or Wyoming Fort. Col Denison took up his quarters at Forty Fort. The)' at once took all necessary precautions to hold their AT THK MONUMENT. 1 83 positions and keep safely their inmates lor the night, and until other arrangements could be made for their security. The men fled generally back to the fort on the route they had marched out, or to the river, pursued closely by the British, Indians and Tories, and it would be difficult to tell which took most delight in shooting and cutting down the fugitives. No quarter was granted. All were indiscriminately slaughtered, wherever found. It was a dreadful hour. Men seemed transformed into demons. Lieut. Elijah Shoemaker who had fled into the river and was quite out of harm's way, was hailed by Windecker, a Tory, who had worked for him and received many favors at his hands, and requested to come back and put himself under Windecker's protection. Shoe- maker stopped hesitating what course to pursue. "Come out ! Come out !" says Windecker. "You know I will protect you !" Shoemaker, trusting to the assurance, came back, and as he extended his hand to take VVin- decker's to help him up the bank, Windecker struck his tomahawk into the head of his viftim, who fell back into the river and floated away. Many other fugitives were in like mannner lured to shore, by promise of quarter or safety, and in like manner slain ; too many to be re- counted on this occasion. The account of the horrible orgies at what has since been known as Queen Esther's Bloody Rock must close this part of this most bloody event. On the evening of the battle, sixteen ot the prisoners taken on the field of battle and in the flight, under promise of quarter, were collefted together by their savage captors around a rock, near the brow of the hill, at the southeast of the village of Wyoming, and a little more than a mile from the field of a6lion. The rock at that time was about two feet high on its eastern front, with a surface lour or five feet square, running back to a level with the ground and be- neath it at its western extremity. The prisoners were arranged in a ring around this rock, and were surround- 184 HISTORRAI, ADDRESS. ed by a body of about two hundred savages, under the leadership and inspiration of Queen Esther, a fury in the form of woman, who assumed the office of executioner. The vi6lims, one at a time, were taken from the devoted circle and led to the east front of the rock, where they were made to sit down. They were then taken b\' the hair and their heads pulled back on the rock, when the "bloody Queen I^sther, with a death-maul would dash out their brains. The savages, as each viftim was in this manner immolated, would dance around in a ring, hold- ing each others' hands, shouting and hallooing, closing with the death-whoop. In this manner fourteen of the party had been put to death. The fur\- of the savage Queen increased with the work of blood. Seeing there was no other way or hope of deliverance, Lebbeus Ham- mond, one of the prisoners, in a fit of desperation, with a sudden spring, broke through the circle of Indians and fled toward the mountain. Rifles cracked ! Toma- hawks flew ! Indians yelled ! But Hammond held on his course for about fift>' rods, when he stumbled and fell, but sprang up again. Stopping for a moment to listen, he found his pursuers on eacli side of him, or a lit- tle ahead, running and }-ell!ng like demons. He stopped behind a large pine tree to take breath, when, reflecting that his pursuers being alread}- ahead of him, he would gain nothing b\- going on in that direcl:i')n. he turned and ran for the river in such a course a= to avoid the part\- around the fatal rock, and yet to keep an eye on them. He passeJ b\' without being seen, went down and plunged into the high grass in the swamp\- ground at the foot of the hill, where he remained concealed for about two hours, watching the movements and listening to the yells of his savage pursuers. He finall)- crawled out of his con- cealment, cautious!)' made his wa\' to the ri\'er, and thence down to the tort. Let us go back to the battle-field. On the fatal left we find onl}- the bod\- of John Caldwell, of Captain Whittle- AT TIIK M()XlIM-:X'r. 185 sev's company. He was killed b\- the first fire of the In- (iians ; in fa61: they fired but once, and dropping their guns rushed in with spears and tomahawks. Not a living, breathing soul is found on the field. All who had not been able to fl\', except Col. Dorrance, w^ere put to death and scalped. The wounded were killed where the)' law or were dragged to the buining fort and thrown upon the fire, pierced and held on with s[)ears. They pleaded in most jiitious terms to be s])ared. but the)- appealed to hearts of adamant, that rejoiced in their sufferings and laughed at their merciful supplications. The bod)' of Cap- trin Ransom, who was a fleshy man. was lying near the fort ; his thigh was split with a knife all around from the knee to the hip. Captain Buck was lying b)' his side, his head cut off. Captain Bidlack la)- a short distance off; he had been held on ;i fire in a heap of old logs and brush and burned to death. All were shockingly muti- lated. It was a terrible sight. The stencJi from the burning bodies polluted the atmospheie with its noisome odor. Night came, but it did not put an end to the work of death. All through its dark shadows, the Indians and 7\)ries. like beasts of pre)', prowled along the line of flight, hunting out those who had concealed themselves, slaying them on the spot, and tearing off their reeking scalps, or capturing and reser\'ing them for torture. To those who were in the forts, and those who had escaped the pursuit of the murderous savages, that was a night of consternation, of alarm, and of terrible agony. The shrill whooij of the Indians, mingled with the yells and hootings of the Tories and British, as they gathered near, proclaimed a fate as horrible to the survivors, as that of an)- who had iallen into their Ifands. All through the night w.'is heard the \-oice of lamentation for the late of husbands, fathers, sons, brothers and friends, wdio had fallen b)- the- hands of the enem)' ; and weeping and wailing for tribulation, danger and death, that seemed to await them on the morrow. To the survivors it was l86 HISTORICAL ADDRESS. "a night long to be remembered," never to be forgotten. The morning of the 4th dawned amid the deepe.st sor- row and the most gloomy forebodings. Wliichevcr way the afflifted people turned their eyes, death stared them in the face. The vi6lorious foe seemed but to iiave whet their appetite for blood by the carniv^al of the preceding d,a\' and night. They spread themselves everywhere •tin'oughout the V'alley, and their pathway was marked b}' the shrieks of falling viftims, the conflagration of their dwellings, and the destruftion of their teeming harvests. About eight o'clock in the morning, Major Butler des- patched a messenger with a flag to Forty Fort, request- ing Col. Dcnison to come up to headcjuarters and agrct- on terms of capitulation. He went, accompanied by Oba- diah Gore, Esq., and Dr. Lemuel Ciustin. A demand was made for the delivering up of all Continental troops, as prisoners of war, specially naming Col. Z. Hutler, Lieut. J. Jenkins and the remains of Hewitt's company. iJenison desired time to consult, which was given. It was determined that those parties shoidd at once leave the Valley, and the capitulation should be onl\^ for the inhai^itants Col. lUitler at once fled across the moun- tains to the Lehigh, and Hewitt's company- fled down the river. Terms were agreed upon, on a renewal of negotiations, in all respcfts favorable to the inhabitants, e.xcept that it provided, "that the property' taken from the people call- ed "'Tories, up the river, be made good ; and thc\' to re- main in "peaceable possession of their farms." This was the only provision against the settlers and in favor of the enemy, or an)- part of them. "Ncvertlieless," says Col. Denison, 'Hhe enemy, being powerful, proceeded, l^'undered, burned and destroyed almost everything that was valuable ; murder- ed several (jf the remaining inhabitants, and compelled most of the remainder to leave their settlements, nearly destitute of clothing, provisions and the neces- saries of life." William Gallop, on oath, says : "We were not to be plundered, but they jilundered ns of everything. They kept us three or four days, then told us to go. (~)ne hundred and eighty wo- AT Till-: MONUMKNT. 1 8; incii and cliildrcii, aiconipanied I))' only thirteen men, went tOL:;clher. '1 Iiey suffered exlreiiicly, all on foot, 1 arefoot, V.areheadcd, in great want of ])n)vis- jons. Two wonen were delivered in the woods. Those of tlie men who had been in the battle made their escape before the fort surrendered, as the enemy -said they would kdl all that had been in the battle. The savages burnt all our iaiprovenieiits : svareely a house left that was valuable. About_tiiXi.Jinndred nien were then absent, serving in the Continental army. The greater part of theTvien, women and children had fled east and down tho river on the night of massacre. Cro.ssing the river at Forty Fort, they plungeil into the wilderne.ss and made their way to the mountains. Many lied on the night of -tlie 4tli. Vhc number of fugitives fleeing east from the N'alley was about two thousand. The saxages, fmdijig they had fled, pursued them. Many were sla'n by the jiursuing savages in their flight, some died of exeitemenl: and fatigue, others of hunger and exposure, wiiile many were lost who never found their way out. I Fundred.s were never .seen again af^er they lurneil their backs on Wyoming. l!y wlut sufferings and torture they died the world will never know. On their way was a long and (b-eary swamp to be traversed by them, whicii, on account ol tlie number w!i ) f.-dl and iierished in its mire and among its tliorny lirandiles. was called "Till'. Sii.vuKs oi-' Dkath.'' On the evening- of the 5th, the advance part)' fell in with C.ipt, Spalding'.s comp tii)- at Bear Swamp. On the in()rnin;^>- of tlie 6th. Lieut. Jenkins joined the compan\- and they continued their march toward Wyoming. When they arrived on the top of the mountain.s, w ithin sight of the a.fflicled \'alle\', the)' halted and sent out parties to protect the fugitives and drive back the pursuing savages. They remained here engaged in this work for two or three d,'i)-s, when they fell into the rear of the fugiti\'es, scatter- ing themselves through the woods, picking up those wdio had fallen bv the waw exhausted from hunger and fatigue. gi\ing them food, and encotn-aging and lielping forward the women ami children. The ntmiber slain in the battle and massacre has been variousl)- stated. It ma>- be put down at 300, Those wlu) j:)erislied in the wilderness ma\' be i)ut at 20O making a total oi 5CC, in the battle, niassacre and flight Major John Btitler, m his repc^rt, sa}s 227 scalps were taken at Wyoming. Man\' were shot in the 1 iver, w hose scalps were not obtained. As the e.xaft number o\' the slain is a matter of great doubt. I gi\'e the numbers as stated b)- \arious parties H ISTOR IC A I. ADDK KSS. who may be presumed to know somewhat about it. Major John Butler says 227 scalps were taken ; Col. Zeb. Butler says 200, about ; Lieut. John Jenkins says 300, and a number of officers ; Col. N. Denison says 268, priv-ates, 1 Colonel, 2 Majors, 7 Captains, 1 3 Lieutenants, 1 1 Ensigns ; Captain John I^^ranklin, 204; Isaac A. Chapman, 300; Hon. David Scott, 300; T. F. Gordon, 330; Rev. James May, 300; George Grant, 300; Dr, David Ramsay, 360; Bartram Galbraith, Jr., 340; Abram Scott, 340; Col. W. L. Stone, 300 ; Dr. Geo. Peck, o\er 200 ; Charles Miner, 160; Col. Pickering, 170. The story of the sad fate of Col. Dorrance remains to be told. On the 4th, as the viftors were moving down to Forty P'ort, to avail themselves of the full fruits of their vi6lory, the captors of Col. Dorrance, two Indians, started to take him down to that post. Being an officer of prominence, dressed in a new uniform, with new sword and equipments, he had been spared when the slaughter of the wounded on the battle field had taken place, un- der the idea that more could be obtained for his rdnsom than could be made from his slaughter. About a mile from the field he became e.xhausted, and was unable to proceed further. What to do with him was a matter of pressing inciuiry with the savages. Behind them was a desolation, ahead, new fields of plunder. To remain where they were and take care of their prisoner was out of the question. Stepping aside they held a short con- sultation. When the Indians returned to Col. Dorrance, one of them demanded his sword, which he refused to deliver up. Thereupon the Indian seized it by the scabbard and attempted to wrest it from him. The Colonel held to it by the hilt. The Indian, seeing that he was not getting the sword, grabbed the blade, and in the struggle his hand was severely cut. The other In- dian then came to his assistance, forced the sword from the Colonel, and with it cut off his head. They then di- vided their spoil, one taking his scalp and sword, the AT THE MONUMENT. 1 89 other his coat and cocked hat with leather. The latter at once doffed his own habiliments and donned the coat and hat of their viftim, in all else being in piiris natural- il>7is, and thus proceeded to the fort with his companion. Gaily and proudl}' as the veriest dand\- in new toggery, he strutted about and through the fort, before, as he sup- posed, an admiring audience. He took particular pains to exhibit himself to Mrs. Dorrance, who sat grieving over the sad fate of her husband. Ludicrous and comi- cal as the sight would be as a comedy, it was a sad and mournful one as part of a bloody tragedy. I have thus gone over the leading events connected with the Battle and Massacre of Wyoming, as we have learned them from our ancestors, and it may appear to some to be but a one-sided stor)', told with the views and in the interests of that side onl)'. Deeming it but fair and proper that both sides should be heard, I \\ ill give you the story, as w ritten b\- a historian on the other side. Capt. Alexander Patterson's petition to the Legis- lature of Pennsylvania, in 1804. Sa)s : "111 the year 177C, there were a number of inh.ibitant.s, settler,^ en the north- east branch of the Susquehanna, near Wyalusiny, under the Pennsylvania title. Amongst these were two brothers by the name of Pawling, of a respecta])le family from the county of Montgomery. They had paid one thousand pounds in gold and silver for their farm at W'yakising, unto Job Gilaway, a useful, well-informed Indian, who had olitained a grant for said land from the late proprietors of this State. Among the settlers were the Messrs. Secord, Depew, Vanderl'p, and many others, wealthy farmers. Tlie Yankees at Wyoming be- ing more numerous, and though at the distance ot sixty miles, insisted that the Pennsylvania settlers should come to Wyoming and train and associate under Yankee ofificers of dieir own appointment. As may be supposed, the proposals were very obn ixious to the inbabitants of Pennsylvania, and very properly re- fused, alleging they would associate by themselves and would not be command- ed by intruders, who had so repeatedly sacked the well disposed inhabitants of Pennsylvania, and at that time bid defiance to its laws and jurisdiction. This gave a pretext to the Yankees for calling them Tories. They then went in force and tied the Pennsylvinia settlers, and b.oujhl; them to Wyoming, with all their moveables, and confined them in a log house, until the Indians who lived in the neighborhood of Wyalusing — and loved the Pennsylvanians, and at that time were well afifected to the United States -some of whom had joined 190 IIISTORKAI. ADDRKSS. These Indians came to Wyoniins^ and requested that the I'ennsylvan'a people hiiould be released from confinement. After some altercation, ami the liidian>- declariniT they would complain to Congress, they were released, and on their return, with property, were ambushed and fired upon by the Yankees. The events ►)f all this was that the Pennsylvania people were .so harrassed by the in- truders, that they were driven to seek an asylum with the Indians, and at length retired to Niagara for protection. It was well known at the time, on the front- ier.-; of Northumberland and Northampton counties, that the conduct of these Yankees occas ioned thej gcasMaB-ol^lig Five Nations from the United' States. As-"W^s natural to imagine, those PennsylvanTa^hSeltlers-who Jiad-beeft-strcrueTly robbed of their proDerty wt)uld endeavor to regain it. Their address and ino\-- ing complaints induced Joseph IJrandt, a welbknown Indian chief, and a Col. Butler, Superintendent of Indian Affairs, to come witli them to Wyoming with a number of Indians, for the i-ecovery of their property, goods and chattels. The party arrived at a place called Abraham's Plains, about five miles above Wyoming. Tiie Yankees were apprised of their being at that place, aud nuisi needs go and fight them, led on by the old murderer, Lazarus Stewart, first having drank two barrels of whiskey to stimulate their spirits. They marched in riot, with drums beating and colors flying. The result was that a number of them was killed. Those who asked quarter were humanly treated, nor was a woman or child moles:ed, only enjoined to leave the country to the rightfitl owners. Surely there was no jiropriety in calling that a massacre or murder. The wretches brought it U]):)n themselves, and so be it. Benj iniin P.iwiin;^-, in a letter dated at .Xiagara, in 17H4, to luhvard Bartholomew, at Philadelphia, states that the Pennsylvania claimants were the people that cut off the Connefticut settlers, at Wyoming. Col. Guv Johnson to Lord (ieorge (iermain. New York, lOth Sept.. 177H, says: " * ■' \'om- Lordshi]-) will have learned, before this can reach you. of tin- successful incursions of tlie Indians and loyalists from the northward. In con- formity to the instructions I conveyed to my officers, they assembled their forces early in May,, and one division, under one of my deputies (Mr. Butler), proceed- ed with great .success tiown the .Susjuehanna, dcstrroying the posts and settle- ments at Wyoming, augmenting their numbers with many loyalists, and alarm- ing all the country ; whilst another division, umler .Nh'. Brandt, the Indian chief, cut off 291 men near Schoharie, and destroyed the adjacent settlcment.s, with several m.^gazines, from whence the rel'els had derived great resources, t'.iereby a'.firdia ( enccuragement and oiiportunity to many friends of govern- ment to join the.n." * I hesc 294 s.-aljjs of men cut off !)\- .Mi- lUitler and the chief, Bran't, and their associates, an 1 sold in the ]^riti-~h AT THI-: MONUMENT. IQl market, were gathered on the followint^ fields. namcl\- : Cobleskill, 22 West Branch of Susquehanna, 45 Wyoming", 227 --294 It is said by some that Brandt was not at Wyoming-. The story as told by both sides is that he was. If these be not the fields wherein were harvested and prepared for the British market these 294 scalps of human victims, please tell me from what fields they were gathered ? The number is sure to be correft, for the report comes from the purchaser, a high dignitary ot the Ih'itish crown, a wholesale dealer in the article, for which he paid $2940 in British gold and silver. A (e\v more may have been gathered and lost by the wa\-side, but this was the num- ber taken tc^ market. At ten dollars each the}' were too valuable to be coimted loosel)'. The number agrees with the stumps upon the ground in these localities. Until we know better we must accept the stor\" as told b}' both sides at the time of the transaction. Truth and iustice require that another fact, which has been omitted, should be told at this time. So far as known to the people here, not a woman or child was slain by the enemy in the Val- ley. How many, if any, were .-^lain by them in the woods and mountains, whither the\' pursued them, was never know"n. There was no shutting up of whole families in their houses, and then fire set to them and the whole consumed together. No slaughter of whole families, men, women and children, in that or any other way. The wickedness and atrocity to make tlicm execrated throughout the civilized world. Major Butler, on the morning of the 5th, received a letter from a messenger. He called his officers and the Indian chiefs around him and read its contents. He ad- dressed them earnestly, at' the conclusion they gave a great shout. He at once prepared to leave the Valley, and set out by way of the Lackawanna, accompanied by 192 HISTORICAI ADDRKSS. Brandt and his command. The)- gained the Susquehan- na at Great Bend, from which point Brandt continued on to Unadilla, where he is found on the 9th, writing to Persifer Carr for corn. Gucingerachton and Kayingwaurto went up the Susquehanna, accompanied by the Tories. Capt. Spalding's compan\-, accompanied the fugitives flying east as far as Stroudsburg, where they remained until the4t]i of August, when they returned to the Valley, accompanied b}' many of the fugitives. They took pos- session and held it till the close of the contest with (jreat Britain, although often assailed, and man\' of them killled or taken prisoners. The dead, Vvho had fallen on the fatal sd, remained un- buried until the 22d of October. On the preceding day the following order was issued : Camp Wkstmorki,.\ni), Oct. 2r, 1778. Ordered, That there be a party, consistini^ of a Lieutenant, two .sergeant i two corporals and twenty-five men, to parade to-morrow morning, with arm-; as a guard to tho.se who will go to bury the remains of the men wlio'were killed at the late battle, at and near the place called Wintermute Fort." In i)ursuin:c of this order. Lieut. John Jenkins, on the morning of the 22d, took charge of a party and went forth on the mournful duty assigned them. They took with them two carts, some shovels and some two-tined wooden forks. The weather having been dry for some time after the battle, the bodies had dried and shriveled ui) so that few ccndd be recognized. The}' had become so light that two men, one at the head autl the otiier at the knees, could take a boJy up on their ft)rks and toss it into the cart without diffictdtv. Passing along up from J'orty Fort they had reached but little more than half wa\- to the field of conflict before their carts were full. Tiie}' then stopped and (Uig a hole in the e.irth, to burv tiiem. After putting in what bodies tl:e_\- had, they found the hole still capable of hoi ling m )re. They therefore proceeded on to thj battle-held and gathered up all they could find there and on the way, and hauled them all to this spot, making for them one common grave. It was well AT rilK MOXUM'iXT. I93 it was so (lone, for they went out and fell together in the same glorious cause, and in death thev should not ha\'e been divided. After they had deposited all that could readil\- be found, they closed the grave and left them to their rest, where they remained until the 4th of Jul\', 1832. when they were exhumed, for the purpose of crefting a monument to their memory, wliich it is gratifying to record has been done. What bodies were not found and buried on that day in that grave, were afterwards buried when discovered, on the spot where they lay. The number buried at that time, where the monument now stands, was 96 — 60 of whom were from the battle-field, the rest on the line of flight. Upon tlic reception of the horrible tidings from \\')- oming. Gen. Washington direfted Col. Thomas Hartley to form a rendezvous, gather troops and mo\'e against the invaders on their own ground. At the same time. Col. William Pnitler, of the 4th Pennsyh-ania regiment, was ordered from Fort Stanwi.v to go down and form a junc- tion with Col. Hartley, at Tioga, and together operate against the enem\'. Col. Hartle\- went as far as Tioga, took some Indians prisoners, burnt Queen Estht^'s town and palace, -and destroved Tioga; but Col. jkitler did not appear to join him He returned to Wyoming. ( )n his way he was attacke.l bv a considerable bodv of Indi- ans, between Wyalusing and Lacey\'ille, on Indian Hill, and quite a sharp fight was had. The Indians were beaten and fled, leaving ten of their number dead on the held. Col. Butler mistook his wa\'. He went down the head waters of the Delaware, instead of the Susquehanna. Discovering his mistake, he struck across to the Susque- hanna, but too iate to C(voperate with Col. Hartle\-. He. however, destroyed the Indian castles and villages in the neighborhood of Unaddia, up and down the ri\'er. The whole country had now become aroused to the terrible state of affairs on the frontiers, and vigorous and 194 HISTORICAL ADDRESS. ample means for subduing these inhuman monsters were demanded on all hands. Accordingl)' an expedition against them was devised during the winter of 1778-9, and set in motion in the following spring. This expe- dition was put in charge of Major-General John Sullivan, who marched into the Indian country as far as the Gen- esee river. He met the enemy in several pitched battles the most important of which was at Newtown, and de- " feated them in ail. He destroyed forty of their vdlages and towns, with 160,000 bushels of corn, and devastated their whole country along the line of march. Among the slain in a battle at Chemung was Ka\ingwaurto, one of the chiefs who led the Indians at Wyoming. This ex- pedition, while inflicling serious injury upon them in the destru6lion of their homes and means of subsistance, as well as by their utter demoralization as a warlike force, was not so seriously destructive to them in the loss of life, as the results which flowed from it. B\' the destruc- tion of their town and crops they were thrown completely on the hands of the British, who were compelled to take them in and provide for them at Niagara. The ensuing winter was (Mie of great rigor and severity. The snow fell early and to a great depth, as much as eight feet, and remained upon the ground all the winter. The cold was intense and continuous, so that it was quite ' impossible to travel or get about. Shut up in narrow ciuarters, and fed on salt provisions, the scurvy broke out among them, and a large number died. They never re- covered from these complicated calamities, and the once mighty Indian confederacy melted away with the open- ing of spring, and ceased, from that time forth, to be a power of any consequence or importance in the contest in which the\' had previously acfled such a conspicuous and terrible part. The haughty and chivalric of this splendid race of savages, whose skill and eloquence in council, and whose mighty conquests and long-continued domination over AT THE MOXUMKNl'. 1 95 surroundinor tribes attrafted the attention and won the admiration of the enlightened world, seemed to liave been worth\' of a better fate, but the degrading and de- moralizing influence of association with the British and Tories, dragged them down to the lowest depths of de- pravity and terminated their career amidst the execra- tions of mankind, with none to mourn their unhappy end. The IVitish government, from the time when the news of the terrible atrocities committed at Wyoming reached that country, had all the moral power of her people against her in a further [prosecution of the war. The opposition became strong and zealous, and it was with difficult)' supplies were obtaineci for that purpose. The war lingered along without moral force or power for some x'ears, became a scheming with treason and a work for incendiaries, and finally resulted in a glorious viftory for the Americans, and an ignominious defeat of the British, who lost not onl\' all they had fought for, but thirteen of the brightest jewels from their imperial diadem. The Tories fled to Canada, losing eAer\thiiig, gaining nothing but an immortality of infamv'. The concjuered and their descendants, arose from this holocaust of blood and flame with renewed life and vigor. They built up the waste places, cleared awa\' the forests, erefted homes, established institutions, embellished this beautiful Valley, now grown to be what )'ou see them around you here to-day, and, perchance, ma\- see to- morrow. The nation they fought and sacrificed and died to es- tablish, is great and mighty, the home of freemen, the abode of liberty. In all that enriches and ennobles man- kind, in all that iionors and dignifies a nation, she stands without a peer. Steam navigation, the telegraph, pho- nograph, telephone, microphone, electric pen, and other wonders in science and in practical life, have been in- vented and wrought out by the genius and skill of her people. They have given a mighty impetus to the human 196 MEMORIAL SERVICES. mind, and wiped out all the bounds that have hitiierto been set to control its onward progress. The dark, the the stone, the brazen, the silver, the golden, the iron, and all other ages have been swept away and superceded by the eleftric, or lightning age, and this great and mighty people have realized in themselves the mytho- logical Jupiter Tonans of the ancients, grasping and wielding the lightnings of heaven, through dire61:ing them to bless instead of curse mankind. ODE TO WYOMING. A Poem composed by Mrs. Mary B. Richert, of Pittston, and read in a very handsome manner by Miss Essie Hopkins, of Brook Hall Female Seminary, Media, Pa. OEAUTEOUS VALE ! in by-gone times ^ I ott have rov'd where tuiieful chimes Pealed merrily in distant climes — Yet, wheresoe'er I have sojoiu-ned, Or wheresoe'er my feet have turned. One thought on mem'ry's shrine has burned In all my roaming ; This thought in many a heaving swell Has bound me in its magic spell To thee, sweet vale, beloved so well — Wyoming ! Upon thy fields, so broad and green, Lying in their changeful sheen, The high, blue, circling hills between, 1 have gazed when noon of day With silent march had given way To the softened, glimmering ray Of early gloaming; And wondered if Elysian field Ever more delight could yield Than thy landscape then revealed - Wyoming ! AT THE MONUMENT. 1 97 Where tlie Red man's lofty clock; (i) Rugged, grey, old Dial Rock; Peers at fair Monockonock, Or where crooked Susquehanna, By the isle of Gonhiganna, Meets his sister Lackawanna So wildly foaming: Is there aught that can compare With the beauty thou dost wear ? Can there be a scene so fair — Wyoming ? Sweetest valley ! I would sing All the thoughts that wanton spring To soar away on fancy's wing — Yes, I would light the sacred fire To sweeep the strings of harp or lyre • In unison with heavenly choir — With clear intoning — I then would chaunt in wailings low Of all thy trials and thy woe That day, one hundred years ago — Wyoming I See the silent, hlootl-stained stone Once with murdered corpses strown; Cruel Esther's transient throne. Or Wintermute, where scenes of gore In those trying days of yore Crowned all bloody scenes before; W'hen sad the groaning, Of thy children, rose in vain, When their cries of want and pain Swelled in terror o'er thy plain — Wyoming I For battle cry and bugle sound, F'rom hill to hill in mad resound, Hath echoed o'er thy classic groun From Forty Fort one Summer day Thy sons marched forth with banners gay To meet the foe in deadly fray: Then at the gloaming — Where those gallant heroes, where ? With will to do and S3ul to dare — Died they for their country there — W^yoming ? 198 MRS. RICHKRT's PORM. Nor fretted vault, nor costly shrine, Where gnarled yew and ivy twine. Entomb those noble sons of thine; But on thy face, so fair, outspread Beside the river's silver thread. With skies of azure overhead So high cndoming A sepulchre, where daisies wave Above the ashes of the brave, Thy sons have found an honored grave - Wyoming ! Vale of my heart ! I pra'se thee yet; Thou peerless gem in mountains set Whose pine-ridged tops the storm-clouds frei; To thee alone my praise belongs; ' Thou art the theme of all my songs, While still the story of thy wrongs With wild bemoaning In mournful numbers erst again. Brings back to mind the old rehain Of all thy suffering and thy pain- Wyoming ! Though I may roam m future time In many and many a distant clime And gaze on scenes far more sublime: Yet wheresoe'r I may sojourn. Or wheresoe'r my feet may turn, O.ie flair.e will in my bosom burn Through all my roaming; A true Pole-star this flame will be; A beacon light on every sea. To turn my heart to thee, to thee Wyoming ! (i) Campbell's Ledge, sometimes called Dial Mountain, a perpendicular cliff several hundred feet in height at the upper end of the valley, presenting a face bearing almost exactly North and South, is a noted landmark to be seen from all parts of the plain below, indicating 12 o'clock noon when the Sun is observed to be shining on its face. ORATION. Hv Rev. Wm. F. Abbott, D. D. In all ages and lands the unselfish heroism of those who have sacrificed for liberty and loved ones has been the kindling inspiration ot eloquence, of poetry and pa- triotic fervor. It inspired the muse of Collins in his beautiful ode, "The sleep of the Brave ;" it inflamed the enthusiasm of (Chatham, whose favorite theme was the greatness of his countr}' and the glory of her defenders ; it evoked the majestic eloc[uence of Webster, and on Bunker Hill he marshalled the sturdy heroes of seventy- six in glittering arrav. It has stirred the hearts of those whose ancestors, a liundred years ago, dyed red Wyom- ing's soil with their life blood ; and from the north and south, the east aild west we have come on a pious pilgrimage to this ancestral shrine, and by the tomb containing their ashes, under the shadow of this shaft which marks it, we commemorate their struggle and their end. It may be asked by some. What means this vast as- semblage here ? And wh)- are Gertrude's, sons and daughters gathered here .^ .Vnd why booms the cannon, beats the drum and sounds the bugle bla=t, the grand address, too, that quivere:! on the morning air.'' And when we answer that here three hundred fell, among' the noblest of the sons of man, we may be told that disas- ters have occured on sea and land, which in a moment's time have hurried to etcrnit}- more souls than the dis- imprisoned host who soared to heaven from Wyoming's battle field a hundred years ago, and yet their sad end 200 ABBOTTS ORATION. has secured their name and memory no such testimonial as this. Why should those who perished here, the vi6lim-^ of an ambuscade, with notev^enthe glamour of vi6lory over their fierce invaders to enfold their deeds with splenior-- Why should these receive this ceremony, pomp an 1 gorgeous pageant .'' I answer, first; because this event of the nation's liis- fory was one of many that helped to steel the heart and nerve the arm of those composing the Continental arm\- in their awful struggle with British servitude and savage fury. In critical periods of great movements, ha\-e you no- ticed how often Providence has used some passing epi- sode, apparently most trifling, to nerve the heart and stimulate the arm of their defenders and hasten on the viftory.'^ No Roman historian, at the time, thought the Crucifixion scene on Calvary worthy of a passing men- tion, but Goi has made Golgotha to flame with light, the hated cross, the rallying point of all the nations and the symbol of their advancing civilization. The sacred ban- ner of the Moslem was once the red shawl of Ma- homet, hi'^ scarf in battle, a screen in camp to hide the contents of his (jrand Pavilion ; but since his death that mantle has been to Islain, like Klijah's to Elisha, an inspiration and a power ; its light has ever fired the Turkish heart and intensified its blood)- zeal. As that b.inner tr) the Turks, so Wyoming, red with the blood of Jul\' 3d. 1778, was to the American army. The sturdy colonists saw, in the tr.ige Iv ena6led there, their end if the foe could work his will, and from it came an inspiration inflaming their zeal, increasing their strength, spurring them on ag.iinst the ranks of British regular, Hessian hireling and inhuman sa\'age ; h df clad, half fed, sometim:^ with frozen bleeding feet, till at last at York- town the Lion of the Normans and the Cross of St- George went down before their starr\' banner and the freedom for which the\- sii/hed was wo.i. AT THi: MONUMENT. 20I But more than this: We are here to-day became these slatrq^htered viftims were our sires. Their record was brief and bloody, but their children need not blush as llicy pjruse it. Not storied pages of the past, the voice of oratory, nor poet's moving strain reveal a brighter glory than that streaming from their faithful lives and tragic death. Demosthenes may talk of those who rush- ed upon di.-.tru6lion at Marathon, stood unflinchingly at Platea and slept in the tombs at Artimissium ; Chatham may stir the English heart with recitations of valorous deeds wrought by their armies ; Webster, calm, grand, sublime, from 'Olympus' Loftiest Peak' with thunderous eloquence, may laud the heroes of Bunker Hill, but we talk to-day of the heroes of Wyoming, our fathers, who in the purity of their lives, the dauntlessness of their valor and the costliness of their sacrifice, stand shoulder to shoulder with the greatest warriors who have ever wielded gleaming blade or shouted for the battle. And yet, it is not mine to linger here. The fitting, rich and elegant eulogies paid their memory this morn- ing, bv those so honorable of their descendants : — Wright, our orator and statesman, Chapman, whose manly utter- ances have made our hearts to glow; the studious Jen- kins, whose research has this day culminated in a historic narrative which will immortalize his name ; the classic Dana, just fitted for ever}^ sphere in which he has been placed, from where waved his warrior plume at Vera Cruz, and Cerro Gordo, to where he stormed and carried El Pinal's pass and entered Mexico, down to the more re- cent struggle crushing out rebellion, where he exchanged the eagle for the star; as gifted at the bar as on the field, while from the bench he comes with his judicial ermine pure. These have paid the richest tribute to ancestral- worth. Be it mine to dwell upon the fruitage of their toil. From the beginning, humanit\' has reached the high- est conditions of civilization only through ordeals most terrific. Indeed, the law of all advance in civilization, 202 AliHOTT S ORATION'. morals and religion, is this, "Throus^h much tribulation.' Perhaps, standing where I do, so near the anniversar>' of our nations inrth, it may not be inappropriate to illus- trate this thought by referring to her struggles past. We look out over our fair heritage, extending, says the lam- ented Duncan, from where God's perpetual bow of peace glorifies Niagara's cliff, to our southern sea-girt line, where Divine blessings makes it seem an Eden of beauty and perfe6lion ; from Plymouth Rock, where the Eastern song of the sea begins its morning music, to the far off Pacific, where the tides murmur an evening benedi6lion upon our beloved land as they roll out neath the setting sun. A vast territory twent}'-six hundred miles in length, and twent)--four hundred miles in width, possess- ing every variety ol climate I'rom polar snows to tropic heats, and in it all, we glor}-. We look upon our go\ein- ment founded b)- men like Washington and Jefferson, de- veloped and preserved by those like Claw with his elec- tric fire and impassioned eloquence; the clear, terse, logical Calhoun, who. Tell-like, alwa\s cleaved the ap- ple with the darts of his well filled quiver; and honest Lincoln, who, while securing the interests of one race, redeemed another. All greater statesmen than Greece or Rome could boast of, even in their palmiest days ; and of this government we are proud. We look at its resources from the anthracite and iron of our old Ke\"Stone state, to western ri\"ers whose sands are mingled with gold, and to western mountains so tinftured with silver that they glimmer in the moon,s pale ray and the western prairie, the world's harvest field and granary ; at the inventive genius of its inhabitants made manifest in machinery for steam, driving the leviathan of the brin)- deep, and palaces more gorgeous than Cleopatra's barge on all our inland waters; making iron horses to chase each other wildly throughout all our borders, and in e\ery form of wonder, from that which captures the fire)- lightning's flash to imprisonment of AT rHK MONUMENT. 203 souiiil and articulations of the phonosj^raph ; we look up- on rvur educational system interwoven with the life of our rciHiblic; our churches. smokin^G^ altars where the incense of the nation rises unto God both day and nii^ht; our open Bible, the palladium of our libert\'; our forty millions of population, who in spite of agitation caused by dem- agog les were never, for a generation past, as united under, nor allied as firmly to our constitution as to-day. And as all this, the vastness of our territor)'. the stability of our government, the greatness of our re- sources, the splendor of our institutions, our scholarship and religious freedom, together with the world-wide re- spe61: our flag commands — as all this passes before our visio'.i we sing : My country 'lis of tliee. Sweet land of liberty, Of thee I shil;: I, anil where our fathers dieci. Land of the ril;.;rlm's |>ride, I'roni every mountain side. Let Freedom ring. Hut let us ask a c^uestion here. From whence all this.'' Was this Eldorado, looming up between the seas, all green and golden amid the dashing billows, the acme of perfection both in territory and government; was this the home our fathers found when first they breasted oceans fury in search for freedom ? We answer, No ! To-morrow I am told will witness, — passing through the streets of W'llkesbarre, marshalled and led b}- one of her truest sons, the noble Stanle\' Woodward-a grand procession symbolic of all interests connc61ed with W^\-- oming's history from the beginning. Let me antedate that panorama with another, if less interesting, only be- cause less graphically portrayed, but showing some scenes through which this nation has passed on her way to the position she occupies this hour Time, the tireless weaver, has been taking into his great loom the hours, the days, the weeks and the months of storied past, and from tliem throwing off the product 204 ABBOTT'S ORATION. in all the years which mark our history, all of them eventful, and yet as one star differeth from another star in glory, so the years of our history have differed. Some stand out with sublime distin6lness like lofty mountain peaks, and from their summit we behold a landscape fraught with intensest interest to all before me. Let us scale a few, and from their brow watch this nation in its onward march. We are standing now on 1620, and look- ing Eastward we behold a band of men, the purest, sifted from European ignorance and bondage, embarking at Delft Haven, and from that Netherland harbor glides the Mayflower freighted with principles as well as souls im- mortal — principles which have struggled hard with Eastern tyranny and have been driven out to waken echoes from a bleak New England shore, to rise above the surging main and howling tempest of a Northern winter, to thrive amid the perils of most fierce disease and fiercer savage foes till at last they culminate in liberty civil and religious. And now ascend another peak. It is 1776. The little one has become a thousand. Out of that feeble New Englanci colony and other sisters of sim- ilar weakness, a host, three million strong arises along the Atlantic sea-board. But the oppressor's hand rests heavily upon them. Taxationgrinds out hatred to the mother country and rude soldiery inflame the rankling fury of their wrath, until at last, at Philadelphia, the de- claration to the world is made that these American col- onies are free and independent. Eor six long years the suffering colonists wage a fearful contest against tremend- ous odds, until at last freedom comes. Through fire and blood, through battle and death, America is exalted a long way up toward the goal of a perfect civilization. And now another mountain let us climb ; it is that of 1 86 1. For eighty \ears America has flamed up along the path of national greatness as n<.> other country ever had. Hut a cloud was looming up athwart her sky. At first it was no bigger than a man's hand ; it kept increas- AT IHE MONUMENT. 205 ing and the muttering thunder of its fury was often heard. Through compromise it would decrease for a Httle time, yet only to enlarge again, assuming each time greater di- mensions than before. It was the gathering storm of the rebellion, generated b}- human bondage — at last it came. Battle fires where lighted over our plains and along our rivers, cannon mouthed their notes of death, musket an- swered musket, steel clashed with steel and patriot and rebel fell together in a common grave. Four x'ears the contest raged until at length the stain upon our otherwise fair history was washed away with blood, and up from the conflict this Republic marched, bearing aloft the same banner that had waved in triumph at Yorktown years before, with not a stripe erased nor star eclipsed, whilefrom thebendingpine topsof our north- ern boundar\" to w here the orange and magnolia of ^ lor- ida are blooming, from stern New England's coast to broad Columbia's flowery slope nought then was heard, nor is there now but one grand shout of universal liberty. From whence this heritage, in extent so vast, in gov- ernment so benign, in resource so rich, and in population so happy ? We answer, out of tribulation. Her robes are pure indeed, but she has washed them in the blood of fathers, sons and brothers What is true as to furnaces of trial through which this nation has been compelled to pass in order to see the splendid spectacle she exhibits to the world to-day is true of Wyoming Valley. Pause here a moment and survey the beauty of this far famed vale. All around it, as if for walls of ston)' defense, rise mountains, modest allies of the Alleghenies. from whose summit their distant peaks are visible. Its territory twent\' miles in length, from four to five in width, is that ot fertile uplands and rich alluvial flats. Over all its fields the ripening harvests wave, or else the yellow glebe bespeaks them gathered, while through it winds the .Susquehanna, with waters pure and limpid as those that gladdened Eden when earth . 20D ABBOTT S OR A TIOX. was [)ure and God walked and tallccd with man. Its sil- very rippling' waves flowin<^ between the floral borders, on inarch to the distant sea, murmur more distin6lly now as •r anxious that their music shall swell the chorus of mel- litluous host who by their side in sweetest song, recite this day Wyoming's trials and her triumphs. Here rise a line of villages from Exeter, still keeping watch and ward over northern entrance, to Pittston, divided by the ^ftream, on one side lovely as. a poet's dream, and on the other bearing marks of industry and rich reward ; next comes Wyoming and Old Forty I'ort, the theatre of the awful tragedy we now commemorate, and Plains, the home of men whose names and deeds add lusture to our histor\' ; while Nanticoke still watches the Southern Pass. In the midst of all a beauteous queen arises ; lier throne is one of splendor, her robes of gold and ]:)urple are from the loom where industry and love both weave; her crown is set with gems, not plucked from others by war's rude hand, but from her own deep mines they came, polished by subterranean lapidaries in the densedarknessof her hills. Beneath her septred hand no sullen subjeft toils, but cheerful vas.sals sing and serve. Her offspring are of clas- sic taste and manly courage, and of hospitality unbounded. In all her tlisposition we see the heroism of brave Wilkes combined with tne generous nobility of aesthetic Barre, and thrilled with admiration for her worth we bow down and worshio with the pra\'er that, while over her the blue sky scatters sunshine and distils the dew, while stream- lets murmur down her wood-capped mountains and sparkling Susquehanna lingers at her feet, and her found- er's deeds are an inspiration both to acts of charity and deeds of valor, Wilkes-Barre may shine on, Wyoming's Queen, the l^mpress of this lo\'el)' vale. As all the beaut)- of this charming \'alle\', so rich and varied, her s(^il {)roliinc. her mineral wealth unbounded, a native po]~)ulation intelligent, with art and science facilitating their ad\'ance, annihilating distance, promot- AT THE MONUMENT. 2O7 ing- case in travel, speedin.^^ on this thought, as all this lies spread out before us we ask from whence it came— and if fallen downward from the throne of God or upward leaped from the soft green -sward ? Is this rich inheri- tance the accident of a single hour ? We answer : No ! Not through srh:)ry's myrtle arches, Not by grand triumphal marches ; Hut by a pathway sad and ih-eary, And with Ibotstfps worn and weary has Wyoming reached the proud and coveted honors she so mdestly wears to day. Mr. President : I wish 1 had the ability to do better the task I have undertaken, to present a pifture of these peaceful homes, and God-like blessings, so that all might more fully appreciate their worth. Marc Antony when calletl upon to recite the tale of C;esar's wrongs and tragic fate, felt himself alone unec^ual to the task, and so he held up before the eyes of K.ome the rent and blood- stained mantle of the conqueror. "Look!" he said: "In this place ran Cassius' dagger through. Through this the well-beloved T^rutus stabbed, and as he plucked the cursed steel away, mark how the blood of C;vsar followed it." Mr. President ; as keenly as 1 feel my inability to do the work I have undertaken, I should be more embarrased still if left to naked fafts, or alone to the resources of my imagination. But I have other help. No blood-stained garment worn by some sturdy hero of the past is mine to wave before you, but the place, the theatre where strong foes grappled and a tragedy was wrought, among the bloodiest of the world, is here. To this I point. Here came the Kastern settlers— Here they halted. Here amid the stillness of forest wilds, its poverty and fear, they found a home. At first the days were dark. The war for independence demanded their strong men, and they freely gave them. The Pennsylvania claimants sought to drive them from their hard earned substance ; and so amid alternate hope and fear they came to the opening of 1778. That gifted orator and polished writer, 2o8 abijott's oratiox. wliosc life for }'ears was one of toil for the development of his valley home, a man loyal to every trust, no mat- ter whether felling forest timber, making maple sugar, rafting down the Lehigh and the Delaware, the anthracite in which he had such faith, inditing at the editorial desk the sayings of Poor Robert, representing his adopted coun- ty in the Legislature of the state, writing the history of Wyoming, or standing by the side of men like Clay and Webster — his warm personal friends — pleading for the abolition of slavery in the Distri6l of Columbia, and at the last, when bending beneath the weight of four score years and four, beholding in the emancipation proclama- tion the harvest whose seed he helped to scatter, shouted as the angel host stood waiting to convey him home : "Now Lord lettest Thou, thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation." Charles Miner, thus paints Wyoming in the opening of 1778. — The first bright beams of a January sun lighted a s:an2 at Wyoming of white, cold, yet placidbeaut\- ; hill and dale were clad in virgin snow, the smoke rose curl- ing to the skies from a hundred cottages, barns surround- ed with stacks of wheat showed that the staff of life was abundant. Cattle and sheep, sheltered in rude sheds, sleek and thriving gave evidence that they shared in the superabounding plenty of those fertile plains ; the deep- mouthed watch -dog barked fierceh' at the passing sled drawn by a span of smart horses, with jingling bells, and filled with merry boys, and girls going to some wedding or quilting party. The flail sounded on the thrashing floor. The flax-break and hatchell were in a6tive requi- sition. The spinning wheel buzzed its lound, while the shuttle sped in its rapid flight. How peaceful and how quiet then. Yet it was onl\- like the calm which pre- cedes the fearful storm. A few brief months are past and the strife begins. At Exeter, blows among the first, are struck by savage foes, and as the\' pluck the cursed steel away, see how the AT THF. MONUMENT. 209 blood of Harding and of Hadsnll flows. And there is Forty Vovt, the place of gathering when signal gun was sounded. We see it filled with terror stricken wives and mothers and brave men both venerable and yoimg. The war conucil is at an end, the demand for unconditional surrender refused, the resolution passed to fight, if need be, to die, but to surrender never. And out the\- march that brave three hundred, to find a new Thermopylae. Farewells are spoken, kisses waved by manly hands from lijjs never again to breathe the sainted name of wife and mother. Yet not there upon the open fields is all the suffering of the da\- ; within the fort is anguish terrible. Here is the recent bride, her blushing beauty changed to ashy paleness, for ever}' rifle's crack and savage yell seem but the death-knell of her love. And there I sec the aged mother, listening for notes of victory and returning footsteps, to greet her hearing nevermore. Here smiles unconscious infancy, and wondering childhood prattles, and lisps forth questions concerning absent father, which pierce the heart of mother like the steel of bayonet and glittering sword. But hark ! Yonder the rolling drum, the fife's shrill notes, the rattling musketrv all speak the opening of the fray. At first the enemy retires, but soon the Spartan band awake to the fa6l that the>' are dupes of Indian cunning, and panic seizes them. All around there rise a demon host. " No quarter for damned Yankees !" is their cry. Scalping knife, and tomahawk are dripping with their life's stream. Mutilated, dead and dying strew the ground. Grey haired sire and manly youth are alike disfigured beyond the recognition of the penetrating eye of love. Pillage and conflagration follow; the sky is lurid with the light of burning harvests and homes; the air is hot with flames. Humanitx- and mercy hide their face ; fiends have an hour of triumph. This, this is but the carnival of Hell. Yonder sleeps Monockasy — How like an emerald gem it rises now above the limpid water : Then it was a scene 210 ABIIOTTS ORATION. of fratricidal murder and barbaric deeds. And there is Queen Esther's bloody Rock. The t^rass and Howers co- quette so gaii)' with each other as this da\s" summer I reeze bestirs them ; then a spirit damned, in awful fury dashed down with war club the captured heroes of the hour. And ( ther scenes are here all sjicaking" of unrest, of toil and fearful sacrifice, and up from these and out of fne and blood and death this tair Arcadia, we call \\'\-omini^', has come to us. We stand to-da\\ where our fathers did a hundred years ai^o, but how great the change. They fought for libert\- and a briglucr future : we bask in the noontide splendor of their brightest anticipations. Like Moses on shining Pisgah, they looked forward to a rich inheritance: vvc have entered in ; the corn, the wine, the oil are ours. Their's was the song of the sower treading in the furrow ; ours is the jubilee of the reaper with the music of the waving harvest in his hearing. They looked onward, with expeftant gaze to future blessings ; we look back- ward over the winding paths of destinx', at Red Seas and Jordans whose obedient waters parted at their coming, showing that naught can hinder the onward march of those who step to the drum beat of Providence. One hundred }'ears ago ! why, every circumstance then was but a pro{)hes}- whose grand fulfilment is unrolled before us on this festal da>'. The wood fire on old andirons, around which the fathers gathered for rest and social cheer, was but a symbol of that now glowing from dia- monds black, long buried neath our feet, but at last dis- co\-ered and made to burn, b}- h'ell ; enriching those who followed, and populating the \alley till the tread of dusky workmen, and the hum of busv industry have forever dis- turbed the pastoral quiet. 'The rude log huts in which the fathers dwelt, were onl}^ types of architefturc that rises in palace grandeur on every side. The monthly peri- odical, which the\' so gkidly hailed from their Hartford home, was but the harbinger of the thousand dailies, all flying like tiie wind, and welcome messengers at every AT TIIK MONUMENT. 211 door. The lumhcrinir .stage coach, with its \veekl\' round was a herald of the h^coniotive,. which, with U^ng wliite plume and startling scream, now climbs our splendid liigiits, while in his train we see the mirrored palace di- vesting travel of its weariness. While the postman's horn so sweet and clear, rising from th.e plains below, and up- ward leaping from crag to crag, iVom mountain peak to mountain psak. rDUsing from his lair the deer, antl from his eyre the e.igle. wis oidv tempting the harnessed lightning's fame, to-day sweeping the chariot of our thoughts over the black wires yonder, the iugh wa\- o'er which it dashes. The noble dead who.se deed.s we this day commemorate, were but the advance guard of a mightier liost. their children's children and descendants, mustered into service for this dyas willing march from Forum, Bench and Bar ; from sacred desk and physican's noble toil ; from honest yeoman's home and the halls of education; from mer- chant's counter and banker's desk; from editor's chair; from high rank in the army and where the na\'\- floats; from all the walks, of bus\' honorable life ; and at their head I see the children of the joint commanders of Wy- oming's arm\' a hundred }'ears ago. — Steuben Butler, son of gallant Zebulon, highl\' honored this day, not alone because of royal parentage, but for his own intrinsic worth, witii long and spotless life and x^enerable form he stands before us now, the embodiment of all that is good and true : and Saraii Denison Abbott, daughter of the chivalric Nathan Denison, and with saintly spirit, gen- erous heart and chara6ler s\mmetrical, she seems as graceful now at four-score },'ears and six, as when she bloomed in lovely maidenhood. Following these we have come to this sacred place to drop our tribute of re^pefi: upon the tomb of those who died for home and libertv. But I must not linger, and \'et before I close I would like to impress one thought upon the hearts of all who hear me. Perhaos I can the more successfuUv do this bv 212 ABBOTTS ORATION". asking a single question. On what depends the perpe- tuit}' of national life and its attendant blessings, the fruit of our fathers' toil and blood ? On wealth ? No, for gov- ernments whose wealth was equal to that of "Ormus and of Ind" now only live in history and in song. On terri- torial acquisition ? No, for Rome once thought this necessar}' to the preservation ot her life, and under Julius Caisar her eagles flew through Asia, reddened the Rhine with German blood, pursued the shattered army of the great Pompey into Africa, and made all the rivers of the Adriatic to roll along the sound of their viftories ; yet Roman glory paled before the Goths and Vandals. On military prowess, vast armies and brave chieftains .'' No ! No man more thoroughly respefts the army, from our Great Commander, Sherman, to the humblest private in the ranks, I revere them all. But when I find that not- withstanding the brazen clad hosts of Philip, and the mailed warriors of Xer.Kes, both Macedon and Persia have only fragments of ruined grandeur left, my faith in military power to preserve the nation is shaken. Nor can we hope for governmental perpetuity from far-sighted statesmanship, for Greece gave birth to Lycurgus and Pericles, Solon and Socrates, and others whose wisdom, purity and eloquence have ever been the admiration of the world. But Greece is now the tributary of a stronger power. Nor yet on intelligence may w-e depend. I know that knowledge is a balm for poverty and some- times its cure ; a solace in adversity, often drawing its envenomed sting ; a critic of legislation often probing to the death unjust exa6lments ; a bulwark against crime, and a help to its abatement, and because of this we glory in our free-school system which tends to the acquisition and diffusion of this knowledge. Yet not alone may we hope for the future of our Gountr\'. The word of God is tile corner stone, and its teachings the frame work of this republican temple, dedicated to civil and religious liberty, and as we hope for life, to this must we cling. Our Bibles. AT IHl-: MONUMENT. 213 !iot our statute books; our altars, not armies, are the deep, strong and- lasting sources of our national prosperity. All the blessings resulting from a proper use of wealth, Christian statesmanship, territorial grandeur, and en- lightened intelligent civilization, spring from this foun- tain. Remove this book and its influence from our midst, and the darkness of the middle ages, the darkness which covered France like a pall, during the "Reign of Terror," will settle down upon our nation. If we desire that our land shall furnish the novelist; the orator and painter, the wild romantic scenery of war, the march of glittering armies and the revelry of the camp. If we desire that anarch)' and confusion, shall take the place of law and order ; that jealousy and selfishness, hatred and revenge shall have full and unlimited sway in our midst, then let us ignore the truths and influence of the precious word of God. But if we desire the blessings of the present time to be perpetuated, to transmit the fair heritage, that cost our father's sacrifice and blood to our posterity; if we desire a record as a nation, such as shall honor God and bless mankind, a record -whose smile might play upon an angel's face and whose tears would not stain an angle's cheek, then let us cling to the Bible with a schol- ar's enthusiasm, a Christian's hope and a patriot's love. Note — Rev. William P. Abbott, author of the foregoing oration, was a son of Stephen Fuller Abbott and Char- lotte Miner Abbott, daughter of Charles Miner, the his- torian of Wyoming. He was born in old Wilkesbarre. now Plains township, about the year 1834 — He was a popular and eloquent Divine of the M. E. church, and died at his post of duty in charge of a leading church in the city of New York soon after this, his last public ap- pearance on any important occasion. WYOMING MASSACRE. Historical Poem by Jesse Haidiny;, whose grandfather was one of the proto- martyrs of the Massacre, having been killed l)y the Indians, at Exeter, on the day prior to the liattle. Rtad by Judge Dana. T I FT thy mantle O Time ! let us s^e what appears; '^ Read wliat is inscribed on the face of tliy scroll, The handwritings left by the flood tide of years, A century's pages vouchsafe to unroll — The phantoms of hopes and the rivers of tears Which have gladden'd the spirit or crush'd out the soul; The rulings of Fate, to demolish or spare, Let us see, let us read, for our fathers were th.-re. Far down to the East, beyond mountain anrl ylen. Where old Ocean is stay'd by her roci< serried shore. Our forefathers landed, brave, resolute men ; It vi^as freedom of conscience they sought and no more. Their right to serve (jod as seemed l)est unto them. Provide for their wives and their chikb'cn a store; Denied of these riglits, unappalled, undismay'd, Tliey fled from the toils that (3]ipression had laid. We must pass by an age to adaj)! and fultill, An age to expand, to budd up and ac(|uire — See, now there are farms upon valley and iiill; Eacli vale lias its schooiliouse, each village its spire, And each Httle streamlet is turning its mill; And all seem as touch'd with the finger of fire. Connecticut, filled to the point of unrest, Is already telling her sons to "go West." The old road to Empire; they folk)w'il the track By the dim, fading paths the natives had made. Made Wyommg vale their first point of attack, By feeling their way through the forest's dark shade; Their worldly possessions they carried by ]iack, By horse, or by cart, as necessity liade - Came not to destroy, like the Vandal or Hun, Bat each l)rju.cht his s:hjjl bj )ks, lis bihL' an 1 gun. AT THE MONUMENT. {'5 Their axes and other rough tools were at hand, Such arms as men use in the battle of life, To build them log cabins and clear up their land, . .And make the way pleasant for children and wife. The wild and the wayward were kept in command. Their oil was pour'd out on the waters of strife; In the right ever ready to dare and defy. Their faith and their powder were always ke]H dry. Like' old Cincinnatus, to farm was their trade; All soldiers and statesmen, both little and great, Ever true to their precepts, they fought as they pray'dj And laid deep and wide the foundation of state. They wore well their honors, their titles display'd — "Gen'ral" or "Oorp'ral" there was nought to abate. In political fervor somewhat in excess, "Town meetings" their Congress, the "town tree" their press. Our grandmothers, O may their spirits still rest. And over their dust may the verdure still bloom — God's gifts to our grandsires, the first and the best. They lift up the way through the forest's dark gloom; Their hands were at home on the coat or the vest; They work'd with a will at the wheel or the loom; Well skill'd in the arts of each feminine trade. The wheel was the organ those ancient dames play'd. Ever ready to chide, to advise or to leach. Good Puritan maxims they have at command; Their knitting work seldom gets out of their reach And household utensils are always at hand; Their cakes and their pies are most excellent each, Their "baked beans and puddings" the best in the land; Each claims the first prize for the best pumpkin pie. And the 1 e^t smoking loaf of Indian and rye. ImiMoveinents went onward; the highways and farms, The church and the schoolhouse, the bridge and the mill, The march of mind's culture, society's charms. Each, all had their office and end to fulfill; But Rumor arriv'd, with her stock of alarms — A voice of foreboding she'd heard on the hill — And borne by the winds, as a sound from afar, Came the yell of the Indian, the mutt'rings of war. In the Spring of seventeen seventy-eight War clouds in the North had begun to expand— 2l6 HARDINCr'S POKM. Loom'd on the sky like the frovvnings of Fate, And roU'd their dark volumes in gloom o'er the l;\n; Brought down the crowd with a shout and a thrill — All yelling and pointing with Ijarbaric glee, "He little Indian! little Indian he!" Another short episode here let me tell : As our army came up, one soldier it seems, Had imbibed quite too freely — stumbled and fell, And .slept by the roadside to fight in his dreams — His foes in the "dreamland" to fall on pell-mell — Not basking in glory's but .Sol's fervid beams. Rum's antics prevailing 'gainst all sorts of odds And craz'd fancy breaking a lance with the "gods," But a rush, and a shout, a rattle and din Brought the slumbering Richard 5 half-way to his sense; Without taking the whole situation quite in He sat on his haunches beside the log fence. And wondering much what the matter had been; When Zeb Butler 6 rode up, (Dick .scarce knew from whence,)! Said, "Dick, is your gun charged ?" the answer was "aye." "Then shoot that big Indian or Bennett 7 must die." AT THE MONUMKNT. 219 Dick drew a bead, "took the master tjood sii^lu"' — (So he always said, when the story he told,) Down came the grim savaije, to kiss and to bite The ground, upon which he was suddenly rollM. Poor Benhett, exhausted almost, if not ijuitc, And bleeding at mouth, was unable to hold Much further the course; the life race was run The big Indian dead and Bennett had won. Just one hundred years since and this smiling plain Was sprinkled with blood, and, most painful to tell, Was strewn with the mangled remains of the slain. Whose bodies were left to decay where they fell- To fester, and moulder, the ravens' disdain — Their requiem "the war songs," the "death whoop" their knell: Beset with wild terrors their children and wives Were weeping and fleeing the land for their lives. A century has wash'd all the blood stains away, To-day all is peaceful, delightful and fan- - No signs of the conflict, no marks of the fray; Time has done well the sad wrecks to repair. But memory lingers, as surely she may. And Fancy sees omens and sights in the air - The voice of their anguish comes up from the ground. And their wandering manes seem floating around. Another Centennial and who will be here? Who will be president, speaker or bard ? The republic remain, or an emjoire appear ? Our force volunteer, or imperial guard ? But we'll hope for the best and rei)udiate fear, Make man's sacred rights our especial regard. And trust the oppress'd of all nations may find A resting-place here, the last hope of mankind. Eaton, Wyoming county, I'a., July 3, 187S. , Commander of the British and Indians. 2 Night encampment. 3 A ( .uiTiea negro named "Quocko," slave of Captain Martin. 4 Elisha Harding. sRich- ard Inman. 6Commander of the American forces. 70nc of the settlers. STRIKE THE LYRE. ()(lc by Slcuben Jenkins, set to music liy Professor Coggswell, rendered by the Centennial ("horns (jf five hundred voices. CTRIKE the lyre in warning strain ! •^ Wske the hearts of daring men ! Bid them for tiieir country stand, (hiard then- homes and cherished land ! Tyrants trampling on their rights, Savage hordes whose presence blights, March, their homes to desolate; Hid them rise ere yet too late I Strike the lyre in martial strain ! Rouse to action, valiant men ! See I they meet in battle's shock, Meet as waves meet frowning rock I Crushed beneath o'erwhelming force, Carnage mai^ks their flight's fell course. Three to one the forces prove, Three opposed to one we love. Strike the lyre in mournful strain 1 t.et it peal a sad refrain ! Let its notes a requiem prove. O'er the graves of those we love. Martyrs for our liberty — Dying that we might be free — Honored be the patriot dead I (Horious be their gory bed. Strike the lyre in joyful strain ! Strike, O strike it yet again ! Let its joyful tones resound, Let it echo all around ! Bid it tell of glorious deeds I Bid it tell how freedom speeds ! Tell what gallant men have done— ■ Tell how liberty was won ! Strike the lyre in dulcet strain ! Strike for all good-willing men I Fruitful blessings on each hand Flow throughout our happy land; Perfect love in full accord. Peace and j^lenty crown the board: .Ml from bondage now are free, All rejoice in liberty. THE CLOSINC; EXERCISES. 22 1 BENICDICTK^N. This rendition concluded the exercises proper for the day. After which the following benedi6lion was feel- ingly pronounced by the venerable and Rev. E. Ross Snowden, of Kingston : Having rendered due h(jnor to our worthy Chairman, and his distinguished associates, it devolves on me to close these impressive exercises and commemorative services by our giving all the Glory to God, to whom it is due, and receive his blessing. Glory unto God rhe Father ; Glory unto God the Son • (jlory unto the Holy Ghost : One God, our God, our Father's God; our Country's (iod, and God over all — Blessed forever. May the people praise Thee, O God ! May all the people praise Thee ! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ ; the love of God, and the communion of the Holy (xhost be with you all. Amen ! and Amen !! Thus ended a day long to be remembered in the annals of Wyoming's History, as the closing event of the first and the beginning of the second century after that dis- asterous event that befel our forefathers on the Plains in front of Fort 'V\^intermutc. The first, opening amid sor- row and gloom ; the second, amidst auspices of hope, and bright promises for the future. May the end of the sec- ond, still find us as united, happy, and prosperous a people as to-day are preparing to celebrate our nations birth on the morrow. AN INTERESTING AFTER PIECE. At four o'clock his Exccllenc\', President Hayes, ac- companied by Sacretary Sherman, Attorney General Dev^ens and Col. Dorrance drove to the big tent at the Monument grounds after the exercises proper were over. A crowd of 4OD0 or 5000 persons yet remaining, they were very desirous of seeing and hearing the President. many of them having arrived after the speech of the morning. His Excellency was introduced by Col.. Dor- rance, when he said that he appeared there again in obedience to a request of many of his fellow citizens now before him. It was perfe6lly natural to expe6l the people to make such a request, and it was altogether proper for him to appear in obedience to such a rec[uest. He said lie had taken occasion to say at former calls of this kind that he did not presume that it was from personal merit in him, but that it was to honor the office, no matter who may happen to hold it for the time being. He knew that it was human to err and that perhaps he made as man\' mistakes as most other men would make under like cir- cumstances ; but he was certain that when he did make a j mistake he was apt to hear of it, and that the worst 1 criticisms on his condu6t were sure to be cut from the \ newspapers and sometimes sent to his wife, and then he 'was sure to iiear of it in a'decided mannei'. After a few more pleasant remarks he said that now having got himself out of ;i difficulty he would take pleasure in introducing the Hon. John Sherman, Secretar\- of the Treasury, who he feared inade e\en more mistakes than lie himself did. Mr. Sherman made som^: [)ertine:it allusions to the event that had induced this immense and happy gathering ot his fellow citizens, showing also that the experience of AT 'I-HE MONUMENT. ' 22 1 the valley had been the experience of the peoole of every part of the country, where the Indians had been forced to retire before the inexorable logic of events. He then spoke of the wealth of the country; how the course of trade is causing a rapid and steady flow of our bonds from Europe to this country, and he hoped to see the day when they will all be owned by our own people in large and small amounts; and he wanted also to see the green- back currency equal in value to gold, and he woidd use his best endeavor to hasten that happy event. He con^ eluded by .saying that Attorney General Devens was here and as he was the orator of the cabinet he would gladlv give way for the General. General Devens said it was well known that Secretary Sherman was the best joker in the cabinet and this is one of his little jokes. The General spoke for a few minutes in a sensible and humorous way, and then said that the circumstances here reminded him of a little story— that of a Boston tallow chandler, who, alter he had grown rich at the business concluded to retire from trade, but in so doing, stipulated with his successor that m order to keep him in mind of his old calling, that* he might always attend the shop on melting days. And now, my friends. >ou see. said the General, the perspira^ tion dripping from his face. I am with vou here on a melting day, but I hope you will excuse me from enjox- mg this amusement any further. The Attorney General then closed his remarks, having made quite as good a joke as did the Secretary and perhaps better, for the General is really a fine talker. The meeting then gave three rousing cheers for the IVesident and Cabinet after which the partv were driven to the station and took seats in the special train await- ing them, and were soon landed at Kingston, from whence they were driven to the Wyoming Valley Hotel, in Wilkesbarre and shown to the handsome rooms set apart for the use of the President and family. INCIDENTS AND ACCIDENTS. The heat was so intense, and the crowd so utterly un- manageable that it was necessary to cut down the origi- nal program fully one- third, and it was with a feeling of relief that the adjournment of the morning session was heard. The tired thousands then sought food and shelter, the former on the grounds, the later in the cooling shade of the neighboring hillsides. The number of persons in attendance can hardly be estimated, but it is supposed it was at least fifty thousand. The accommodations for entertaining this vast concourse proved utterly inadequate, lunch and refreshment booths, restaurants, sandwich wagons, etc., failing to boar the strain upon them. A much needed provision for the sanitary well being of the people, was the hospital service appointed by di- reaion of Doftors HoUister and Hakes, of the Executive Committee, and who named Doftors Crawford, Murphy and" Davis as attending physicians — all of these gentle- men were on duty, together with other praflitioners who volunteered their services. A commodious wall tent was pitched under a clump of apple trees affording a grateful shade ; medical supplies, as well as a nurse also, being in attendance. An ambulance ran from point to point and by noon, nine persons had been brought in tor treatment. The cases were not serious, being simply prostration by the heat, with the exception of two ladies who were some- what injured by the crush in the Lexington tent. Their names were as follows:— F. W. Rice. Scranton City Guard ; Michael Gorden, Ashley ; Mrs. Finn, Pittston ; Mrs. Johnson, Dallas; Mrs. Ide Lehman; Alexander, Scranton; E. VV. Todd Scranton, and Josephine Thomp- son and Annie Heiss, of Newtown, the latter two were injured in the crush. AT THE MONUMENT. 225 The mc^numcnt modestly entwined with huirel wreaths, and "guarded bv' a squad from Scranton Soldiery was the Mecca toward which visitors bent their steps throug'hout the entire da\'. The rush that followed lor the trains and ferries was a si^ht to be remembered. Besides the Presidential and ^gubernatorial parties pres- ent alread)^ noted, were the following officers of the Go\'er- nor's staff: — -Gen. Co.ve, Col. Scholl, Col. Compton, Col. Campion, Col. Jamison, Col. Knight and Col. Young, also Hon. Aaron A. Dunkel, of Phila ; C. R. Buckalew Rloomsburg ; Hiester Clymer, Reading ; Andrew H. Dill Lewisburg ; Wm. Bross, Chicago Tribune Co.; Col. Eu- gene B. Beaumont. U. S. A; Hon. H. A. T'onda. Milton ; J. L. Steinmetz, Lancaster; Daniel Krmentrout, Reading; Hon. Jos. Powell, Towanda; Judge Khvell, Bloomsburg ; Sheriff Layton, of ]-5radford count}-. Several ])rrties from as far up the river as Owego, N- Y. arrived during the da_v by boats. As far as could be learned the follcjwing newspapers wore represented. C. H. Hart, of the New York Herald ; ]-:. A. Mott, of the New York Times; Thos. Cole- man, Philadelphia Ledger; J. H. Lambert, Philadel- phia Times; Chas. Crutchfield, Philadelphia Liquircr : J. H. Britestool. Rochester Democrat and Chronicle ; J. 1^'. McGinnis, Williamsport Gazette and Bulletin ; T. S. Welsh, Honesdale Herald ; J. A. Scranton, H. A. Doud and J. }i. Barrett, Scranton Republican; Wesley Johnson Scranton Daily Times ; Drayton Lewis, Philadeli)hia I'ress ; J. C. Powell, Shenandoah Herald ; W. B. Keller. Wilkesbarre Leader ; P'red C. Johnson, Chicago Tribune ; G. M. Richart, Pittston Gazette ; K. A. Parsons, Towanda Argus; Ben. H. Pratt, Wilkesbarre Record ; Hon. C. B. Brockwav, Columbian, Bloomsburg ; W. B. Gallagher Philadelphia Sunday Mercury ; Mrs. M. L. Burns, Palmira Advertiser ; J. S. Sanders, Hazleton Sentinel, besides many others wdiose names could not be learned. 226 INCIDENTS AND ACCIDENTS. The following named aged persons, descendants of early settlers, were in attendance at the commemoration : — Steuben Butler, son of Col. Zebulon Butler, aged 90 years ; James Slocum of Brownsville, a nephew of Frances Slocum, the "Lost sister of Wyoming ;" John Breese, Horseheads, New York, aged 88 years ; Archibald Jenkins. Elmira N. Y.. 86 ; John Elliot Wyalusing, Pa. 75 ; Jesse Harding, Elton, Pa. J^ ; John Fassett, Mahoopany, Pa. 83 ; James A. Gordon, Plymouth, Pa. 82 ; Uriah Swetland, Eaton, Pa. '/'^ ; Alvan Dana, Missouri, 84 ; Elisha Blackman, Pitts- ton, Pa. 88; John Clarke, Plains, Pa. 88; Mrs. Mary Jenk- ins, West Pittston Pa. 88 ; Mrs. Laura Carey Downing, West Pittston, Pa. 81 ; Sarah Denison Abbott, daughter of Col. Nathan Denison, aged 84 years ; Mrs Mary John- s vii ]'\:)ster, Jackson Township, Pa. 81 ; Henry Roberts, Falls, Pa. 86 ; John Breese. W\-oming, 83 ; D. Gordon Dorrance. 68 ; John Gore, of Kingston Pa. 83 ; Mrs. Price (Miss. Cooper). Of other aged persons there were Hon. Asa Packer of Mauch Chunk. Pa. 74 ; John Raymond Esq. Scranton, 86; Dr Avery, of Chatauqua. N. Y. 75 ; John P. Rice, Trucksville Pa. 74 ; Abram Hunneywell, Wyoming 86; Peter Pugh, Forty Fort, 85. In a temporary wooden building a short distance to the eastward from the monument, and which was honored by a tall flag staff from which the stars and stripes hung limp in the sultr\- air-, was displayed the combined col- lection of Indian relics of Dr. Hollister and Steuben Jenkins, said to be the most extensive of any colleftion of a similar characfler in the country. These were ar- ranged in two separate exhibits, one belonging to each of the gentlemen named. The\' were convenientl)^ and tastefully arranged on shelves and tables over thirty feet in length, occupying both sides and the centre of the exhibition building. These relics were nearl\' all found in this locality and to the eye of the archa,'ologist or student of the unwritten history of the aborigines of tile countr\- must possess unusual attractions; and when AT THE MONUMENT. 22/ taken collective!}' give an approximate illustration of the habits, manners and religion of the Indians in their primitive condition before the advent of the white man in America. Almost every weapon of war and implement of peace used by the Redmen, could be found in this combined colle6lion. In the same museum of the past were several articles of furniture that were rescued from Fort)' Fort, and among others the identical little walnut w ood table upon which the articles of capitulation were signed. No spirituous liquors w'ere permitted to be sold on tlie ground, and though stands for the sale of that mild German beverage, lager beer, were numerous, there was an entire absence of drunkenness and its consequently disorderly cffe6ls any uhere, to be deplored. About 500 musicians and singers sat down to a bounti- ful repast provided by the Association in a tent near the monument. For the comfort of the assembled thous- ands, water pipes had been laid in various parts of the grounds, and Indrants were placed at central points, where casks of ice water were to be found, which proved a great blessing to the panting and perspiring multitude. Sprinkling wagons had been at work all the night oi the 2d and the sandy roads in the vicinity of the grounds, were rendered comparatively free from the annoyance of dust which otherwise would have been the case. No serious accident to life or limb occured in or about the grounds, or in the coming and going of the crov\ds of visitors. Govenor Hartranft's staff consisting of Col Young Campion, Scholl, Knight, Compton and Jamison with Gen. Coxe, Chief of Staff were present in their gorgeous uni- forms, and were duly photographed in all the pride pomp and circumstance of feathers and chapeaux as they sat in front of the tent assigned as their quarters in the Pettebone lawn. A group consisting of the President as the central figure, with Elisha Blackman on the right and 228" iN'CT DENTS OF THK t>AV'. Genl. K. W. Sturdevant on the left, and Mr Pettebone a little to the left and in the rear of the General, and in the same line towards the ri^^ht, appear G. M. Harding, Dr. H. Hakes, Sylvester Dana, Col. H. B. Wright and one of the "Noble Red Men" of the Onondagas; Henry W. Pal- mer peeps over the shoulders of the second row. The program of decoration'^ as previously submitted .by the chairman of the committee on decorations was fully and artistically executed. The monument stood in its mute eloquence gracefully draped with a spiral wreath of emblematic laurel and oak from apex to pedestal, and with a laurel Wreath encircling the marble tablet on which is inscribed the names of the martyrs of that disastrous 3d of Jul)'. Over the gateway leading to the monument enclosure, Was a triple archway surmounted with the words : "E'en from the grave the voice of Freedom cries." "P2'en in their ashes live the Saci'ed fires." On a piece of canvass suspended from an arch span- hing the 100 feet wide road in front of the monument, was the inscription : "W)'oming honors her patriot dead." Over another arch was a portrait of Washington, and pcMident the quotation from Chief Justice Marshall, slightly altered : "First in War, first in peace and first in the hearts of all— 1776." On the opposite side was a portrait of the founder of our own Commonw'ealth, and the inscription : "Peace on earth, good will toward men — 1878." Over the gateway leading to the memorial grounds was an ornamental archway bearing the inscription : "Our Fathers died that Libert)' might live." All the residences on the road leading from the Rail Road Station, and in facl, all, anywhere within miles of the monument, were lavishly, if not tastefully decorated with flags and mottoes suitable for the occasion. AT THE MONUMENT. 229 AN APOLOGY. At one o'clock the proceedings were intermitted for an hour to enable the assembled multitude to partake of needful refreshments. At the opening of the afternoon services the following fervent Prayer was ably pronounced by Rev. flenry H. Welles of Kingston, a grandson of Matthias Hollenback, who was present and took part in the battle, being an Ensign in one of the most hotly en- gaged companies. This by accident, being omitted at its proper place in the order of exercises, is here inserted; its omission being one of those unpleasant "incidents" that some times befal novices in book making : We adore Thee, all glorious Jehovah, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, as the Creator of all things, and the giver of every good gift. We thank Thee for granting a success- ful issue to the struggle our fathers made to secure civil and religious liberty for themselves and their posterit\- ; we thank Thee for the unexampled growth of this nation in wealth and power; we thank Thee for our National Constitution and for star after star added to the galaxy on our flag; we thank Thee for the preservation of our Fed- eral Union and the destruction of slavery; we thank Thee for just and equitable laws, the administration of which affords security to property and life ; we thank Thee for our common schools and higher seminaries of learning ; we thank Thee for the printing-press and its multiplied issues for the instru6lion of our people ; we thank Thee for the wonderful and increasing facilities for the trans- mission of thought of persons and the results of labor ; we thank Thee above all for thy Holy Word, the entrance ' of which giveth light ; we recognize it as the corner stone of our liberties ; we thank Thee for our church.es and Sabbath schools, which are engaged in spreading the Gos- pel light over this land and over the world. We pray for the continuance and growth of the insti- tutions, founded bvour christian fathers. Grant wisdom to 2^6 /NCIt)KNTS OF THE DAY. those who make and execute our laws ; deliver us from political and social corruption ; give increased favor to a just, humane' and peaceful policy toward the remnants of our Indian tribes ; stimulate all efforts to prepare our freedmen, as well as all foreign immigrants, for an en- lightened christian citizensliip ; make our schools of all grades, disseminators of intellectual, moral and spiritual light ; let not the public press become a corrupter of morals and a propagator of infidelity ; deliver us from the machinations of the Commune and all other conspira- tors against the peace of society and the safety of the State ; and, above all, pour out abundantly of Thy holy spirit upon all who 4iold the truth as it is in Jesus, that they may, with unflagging zeal, use all Scriptural means to evangelize the people of this land and of the whole world. Let not this nation, like those of antiquity, burthened with accumulated sins, have its decline and fall. May ours become growingly a christian people, sending forth to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, the glorious news of salvation by a cruciled Redeemer. Hasten the time, so long the subjecl of proph- esy and prayer, when the kingdoms of this world shall become the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. CELEBRATION, AT AVILKESBARRE, July 4. sS/.S. S JOY followc mourning, so the second day's services in Wilkesbarre partook more of an ^ ^^ ^old fashioned 4th of lulv celebration, than the \ wS- ' o^''^ ^^"''^^ preceded it at Wyoming on the 3d. f^' ^ The city was full to overflowing with strangers ^ • ^ on the night of the third, and the gay bunting that so conspicuously floated to the breeze in all the principal streets, was relieved by the dark green festoon- ing that was so important a feature in the decorations, the whole scene being lighted up by thousands of gas jets in the various windows ; and the four calcium lights placed at the four sides of the Court House tower, rend- ered North and South Main street and the East and West portions of Market street as light almost as at noon- day. At intervals the principal druggists would display red and green lights in front of their stores giving a weird and unearthly glow to all surrounding obje6ls. Little sleeping was done by the majority of the visitors, who had come for a few days of pleasure, and they were determined to make the most of their privileges. At sunrise, the battery of the Wyoming Artillerists under Capt. Thos. C. Parker, thundered forth their one hundred rounds as a morning salute, and all the bells in the city simultaneously sent forth their merriest peals to greet the natal morn of our nation. 23-' cp:lebration. Soon the people began to gather and each train on the several railroads brought in its cars over freighted with expe6lant humani y, who long before the hour of inid-day filled the streets to overflowing, and it would be safe to estimate the throng at, certainly not less than a hundred thousand souls, and it may have been even greater than that. At about eleven o'clock a gun from the Battery broke upon the still air, and the assembled pageant, consisting of seven divisions, began to move down River street in the following order : h^irst, the Wilkesbarre city police mounted on fine horses and headed by chief John W. Gilchrist ; next Rieg's Band playing a patriotic air ; after the music, chief Marshal Woodward and aids, fift)' in number. Next, Ma\. Gen. Edward S. Osborne and staff followed by the I^'irst Regiment Veteran corps of Philadelphia's Band in brilliant scarlet coats and white pantaloons, J. S. G. Beck- band master. Next came the Scranton Battalion, Col. Boies, two hundred and fifty strong, with a beautiful Gatling gun drawn by a pair of splendid gray horses, George Sander- son of Scranton, commander of gun squad. The Ph'm- outli Cornet band, led by Editor Barthe of that Borough came next ; close following marched the McCleilan Rifles of Pittston, commanded by Capt. Ginley, accompanied bv the Port Griffith band ; and then the Wyoming Artil- lerists, Capt. Parker with their Battery of four eft'ective six pound brass guns. This organization carried the old flag that they had when marching on to the "Hall's of the Montezumas" in 1846-7 ; now a mere tatter, but enough of it left to show its deep blue grountl and the arms of our beloved Commonwealth emblazoned thereon. TIIK SIX'CiNl) AND TIIIKD DIVISIONS, Were united and consisted of the veteran corj^s and members of the Grand A.rmy of the Republic, with Major Charles M. Convngham and Col. Harrv Laycock as mar- AT WILRESBARRE. 233 slials. with mounted aids, and headed 1j}' the New Mil- ford Cornet band. In this division marched the survi- vors of the Andersonville Prison, a melancholy array of brax'c men who had suffered perhaps the inevitable harci- ships of war as Federal Prisoners during the late inter- state strife. Here came Capt. P. l)e Lacey at the head of the Veteran Soldiers Association of Luzerne ; these were followed by a drum corps. A pleasant feature of the parade comini^ in here was the Grand Army Cadets, of few companies of boys enlisted and trained by Capt. Charles Brodhun. TIIK FOLKTH DI VI SI OX. Composed of the various Fire Compan\' organizations of Wilkesbarre and other places represented, was headed by Bristol's Band, and with Charles Law of Pittston, and Thaddeus S. Hillard of Wilkesbarre as marshals. The companies in line were the P^ranklin of H\-de Park, Liberty Hose Jr. of Providence, Rescue Hose, with Brother Jona- than as footman ; the horses attached to the carriage were led b\^ tastefully arra\ed colored grooms, dressed in Orien- tal costume. At the head of the Eagle Hose from Pitts- ton marched the Thistle Band, and Leonard's Opera Band leading the Niagara Hose, whose Engine was drawn by four beautiful white horses with trappings of l:)lue. The Tunkhannock Band and Triton Hose company made a good display. Next came a company from Montrose, after wliich the Kingston Mechanics Band and Hose No. 1 of Kingston. \V) oming Hose No. 3 from the F^mpire mine and Columbia Hose of Carbondale followed, and then the Young Men's Silver Cornet Band of Pittston. These were all visiting companies. Of Wilkesbarre companies, were the Lanning Steamer No. 2 ; Mechanic Steamer Company No. i ; Hose No. 3, Eagle Hook and Ladder No. 5 and Hose Companies Nos. 6, 7, 8 and 9 — -Phinney No. 4 Engine Company of Green Ridge closed the Fire Division. 2^4 CELEBRATION'. THE EIFTII DIVISION. With Capt. James P. Dennis and Dr. Olin F. Harvey as Marshals, was composed of Civic and Benevolent Socie- ties. Followini^- ten mounted aids, was Dieu Le Veut com- . mandary, Knit^hts Templar of Wilkesbarre, and Cour de Leon commandary of Scranton in their gay uniforms, with Knightly badges and small arms, presentijig a pic- turesque and martial appearance. Here followed a col- ored Band at the head of a small colored delegation. THE SIXTH DIVISION. Was made up of a series ot historical tableau>;. and was the feature of the procession. The marshals were George H. Parrish and James P. Dickson. This depart- ment consisted of ten subdivisions portraying in an strik- ing manner the past, present and future of Wyoming. First came a delegation of Onondaga Indians, genuine sons of the forest, marching in the traditional Indian file: Ne.xt came a representation of the Count Zinzendorf in his tent, with a rattle snake crawling over his feet, two would be Indian murderers looking in at the opening, and who appear to be awe stricken at the spe6laclc— Here followed Mr. Hazlctine's representation of the battle of Wyoming appropriately modeled in clay. This was followed by a company of young men in the costume of revolutionary times. The Frigate Hornet mounted on trucks and drawn by four horses was man- ned by American Jack tars, and bearing several Quaker guns, with the traditional "Long Tom" as a bow chaser. The vessel was full\- rigged and attracted a good deal of attention. Shawney a hundred years ago. was represented by a domestic scene of the period, on wheels drawn by a span of horses and yoke of oxen harnessed to a heavy wagon. Another wagon showed "How we made cloth ninety vears ago" in which a number of comelv maid's anci mat- AT WTLKKSBARRK. 235 rons were engaged in spinning and weaving flax and wool into eloth for domestic wear. This represented tiie peace period. One wagon represented a quaint kitchen scene, (they did'nt have drawing rooms in those days,) in which a number of people in the happiest of moods, caused a good deal of merriment to the lookers on, as they observ- ed the fiddler close to the hearth furnishing most ex- cruciating music for a number of young persons who were dancing away as if for dear life. The "Threshing floor" came in for its share of admira- tion where two stalwart young fellows were pounding away in dead earnest, with real old fashioned flails on a quantity of straw spread on the wide threshing floor on wheels. Following this was another wagon with a happy farmer and his son breaking and "scutching" flax on a scutching board and hackling it on a sharp toothed hackle. Next came an old grandmother drawing out the threads on an old fashioned "Little Spinning wheel"' propelled b)- foot power, while the young belle of the neighborhood was fashioning stockings with busy needles. And then came a sight never seen before — a real "Apple Cut" on wheels, in which the countr\- lads and lasses were having a jolly time of it, having disposed of all the "quarters' by hang- ing them up to dry on strings around the old fire place in which a wood fire was burning.- An old freight line over the mountains to Philadelphia was represented by the remains of an old Canestoga wagon, and the staging business over the same route b\' an old Stage Coach that had been used by Mr. Searle of Montrose, more than fifty years ago. The Mexican war was illustrated b}- a detachment of veterans who had served in the war. known as compan\- K, consisting of Capt. E. L. Dana, Lieuts. Robt. Klotz and Henry Coppee; Sergeants Thomas R. Crellin, John W, Pryor; Corporals D. C. Kitchen, Joseph Heilman; Privates 236 CELERRATTON. luhvard Remel, Edward R. Blaine, E. N. Ranks and William VVilhelm. These were the titles borne b\' the t^^entlemen named while in the service in Mexico. With tlic part)' was a g'enuinc Mexican, K. L. Granedos, dres- sed in Complete Caballero costume and armature, Lance, Lasso and all. A Mexican flai^, captured at the Garita dc Belen was carried in this procession. The first attempt of Jesse Eell to burn anthracite coal I'n an open grate, made in this valley '"ebruary i ith 1808, was admirably represented in the parade. The Brooklyn Band of Susquehanna County, had the honor to lead a tableau representing the future of Wyo- ming, and as our future is undoubtedly shrouded in mys- tery, so was this emblematic representation, being about as unintelligible as are some of the tea leaf fortunes that old ladies forecast with so much accurac}' in their cups. A team of sixty mules ridden by driver bows, and hauling a mme engine in full motion, belonging to the Lehigh and Wilkesbarre Coal Company, mounted on heavy trucks, and attached to two loaded coal cars, wa.s supposed to typif\- the new order of things to follow the labor of mule power in the mines; a disconsolate looking mule thirty years of age, that had worked in the mines at this work twenty-six years was the precursor of t'is new motive power which was labeled "Old Tom's Suc- cessor. Then followed a mniiature coal i)reaker in full opera- tion, which terminated the liistorical parade. Till': SKVEiXril DIVISION. This illustrated the business interests of the vallev with Col. W. X. Monies and Joseph W. Patten as marsh- als with mounted aids. The display of the Dickson Manufacturing Company was mounted on three heavy wagons. The first drawn by four horses showed a large pile of patterns for ma- chinery castings. Next a wagon showing the compauN^'s AT WILKESRARRK. 23/ foundr}' at work, and the other wagon showed boiler makers at work closing rivets up and banging away on the hollow iron cylinders. Wire rope making was illustrated by the Hazard wire rope compan}', borne on heav\' wagons, showing a pyra- mid of wire rupe of all sizes and patterns as used in and about the hoisting machinery of the mines and elsewhere from the heaviest cable tapering up to small ropes pile J up in coils. Almost every business man in the city of an\' prom- inence exhibited a wagon loaded with the goods of his line in tasteful and profuse disphu's. Mr. Robert Baur had a printing press and book bindery hard at work. The Leader also had a press throwing off slips as the procession passed along. Isaac i\I. Thomas had Wright's (now Miner's) mill pict- ured as it appeared in 1795. One car represented Ceres, the fruitfid, in which were a number of little girls mounted on elevated spangled seats, and bearing in their hands sheaves of wheat, this was a pleasant feature in the parade. The last of the tableau.^ was a dairy with churns in operation and oleomargarine at a discount. It required over an hour for the procession to pass any given point, and after traversing the route as laid down in the program, it was conducted to the Wyoming Valley Hotel on River Street, where on a stand erefted on the opposite side of the way next the river, the grand pro- cession passed in re\iew before the President, Attorney (general Devans, Secretary Sherman and Governor Hart- ranft and Staff; the various Seftions cheering as they passed the Presidential position. The President, with hat in hand, bowed his acknowledgments, and expressed gratification at many features of the parade. 'Idle crowd now was so great that it was with difficulty that the President and other high dignitaries could re- turn to the Hotel, where in response to repeated calls for 238 CELEBRATION. "the President" from the excited, but good humored crowd, His Excellency ascended to the balcon}' and spoke about as follows : "My friends, if it were at all possible for my voice to reach any considerable portion of this grand gathering. I would gladly gratify your desire to hear me speak. 1 desire to express my gratitude to this vast assemblage of the inhabitants of Wyoming, for the splendid reception we have received." I understand it however to mean not a personal com- pliment to any one individual, but that \ou, b}- }'our a6lions honor the Nation and the flag of liberty; in your re-;pe6l for the President, forgetting all distinclions and parties, and if need be, to stand up for our flag as }-our fathers did one hundred years ago. Yours is not an obscure portion of the great National Commonwealth. Its stor\' is known throughout the length and breadth of this broad land; yes, wherever the English language is spoken, and from my earliest boy- hood I have had a desire to look upon a valley so renown- ed in song and story, and so rich in the material elements that go to strengthen the nation both in peace and in war. I am not surprised that you are proud of this noble inheritance, purchased b\- the blood and suffering of your ancestors, I am glad that I am here to unite with you in showing honor to the memor}' of the 'brave men of one hundred years ago. and to rejoice with }'ou, on this, the da_\- of the Nation, whose destinies, I for a brief space am called upon to administer." This was followed by prolonged cheering, after which Governor Hartranft, in response to loud calls for the Gov- ernor, stepped to the front, and briefly thanked the mul- titude most heartil}' for the reception which had been ex- tended to our guests, the President and a portion of his Cabinet on this auspicious occasion, in this beautiful and far famed Wyoming. He also in behalf of the Commonwealth whom he, as AT WILKESBARUE. 239 chief executive had the honor to represent, took pleasure in announcing that the strife that once existed between the early settlers of the Valley and the Proprietary gov- erment of William Penn, is now happily allayed forever, and that the descendants of the Yankee and the German elements are now blended in a homogeneity of fraternal love, mutual fellowship, and kind regards. O D E. Ivellei's American Hymn. Words by Caleb E. Wright, Esq., of Doyles- I own. Pa. Sun of the East ! in tire century old, Here stood our fathers to greet thee at morn ; Yon mountain peak gleamed in crimson and gold, . Morning dews drinking from meadow and corn. Waking the bird -hymn in bramble and thorn. Drums beat to arms! and war's colors unfold! Swell the stout hearts to the trumpet and horn !^ Foemen are nearing to circle the fold. Sun of the noon-day ! how lurid thy beams ; Blood-tides are tinting among the green pines! Sabres 'mid summer leaves mingle their gleams, Dun clouds hang over the wavering lines — Death plies his sickle along the red lines ! Mohawk and Tory commingle their screams — Flag of St. George round the tomahawk twines!— Victims of slaughter are yielding life's streams. Sun of the West ! turn to look o'er the plain—- Mothers and maidens are flying in dread ! Gory the field of our patriot slain, Horrid the revel o'er patriots dead — Palsied the hand that dishonors the dead ; Torture exulting in ruin's wild reign, Faggot and torch on their banquet are fed I— Sun of the West ! turn to weep o'er (he plain. 240 CELEBRATIoVl. IN THE NAME OE CHARITY. A free dinner to the worthy, and perhaps some un- worthy poor, who attended the celebration of the Cen- tennial was served in a building erefted for the purpose on the old graveyard lot near the corner of Market and Washington streets. An efficient corps of waiters was on hand, composed of some of the best citizens of Wilkes- barre, who volunteered for the occasion, and thanks to the liberality of the people, there was an abundance of substantial tbod, and none went away hungry who sought to be fed. About a half an hour after the pro- cession had disbanded the doors were thrown open and the hungry were invited to enter; but for the purpose of preserving order, and that no imposition might be prac- ticed by the undeserving, none were admitted to seats at the table unless provided with tickets which were dis- tributed gratuitously to such by a committee in charge, consisting of Francis M. Nichols, Thomas R. Martin, George R. Wright, Albert S. Orr, George A. Wells and Daniel L. O'Neill, Esqs., and Reverends Father O'Harran of St. Mary's, Theophilus Jones and J. D. Griebel. The hearts of many hundreds of all sort.-^ and conditions of the children of the lowly were thus made glad on this joyous occasion, who but for this thoughtfulness on the part of some of our \'oung men in providing for their wants, otherwise might have been compelled to go hun- gry amid all the festive display provided for more favored visitors, but which unfortiinatelx' for these, their means might not have permitted them to e.ijoy. AT WILRESBARRl-;. 24t AFTERNOON EXERCISES. Shortlx- after 4 o'clock the I'residential party was con- veyed to the lower end of the Common, where an im- mense crowd had gathered in anticipation of further sv^ht see\n' unbounded care and nierc}- all our brethren and fellow citizens throughout the United States, that we may be all blessed in the knowledge, and san6tified in the observance of thy most holy law; that we may be preser\ed in that union and peace which the world cannot give. And after enjoying His blessings in this lilc, may be admitted to enjoy those blessings which are eternal in the life to come. AT WII.KEbBARRK. 245 Praise the Lord, ye children, praise the name of the Lord. IMessed be the name of the Lord henceforth and for- ever; from the rising- of the sun to the going down of the same, the name of the Lord is worthy of praise. Praise the Lord all ye nations; praise him all ye peo- ple, for his mercy is confirmed upon us, and the truth of the Lord remaineth forever. Amen ! After which President Hayes w^as introduced to the audience amid loud cheering by the multitude in attend- ance. The President, after apologizing for not having a prepared speech, spoke for a short time in an otThand manner, and drew a favorable contrast between the peri- ods 1778 and 1878 in the valley, remarking tiiat the pro- cession of the morning had anticipated this, in a manner that appealed more strongly to the senses than any words at his command could possibh' do. He said this celebra- tion, commemorative of the virtues of the pioneers of a century ago, and anticipatory of the pioneers in the west and the south west, whose experiences are even now being woven into the woof of future history, are identical. He then referred to the Indian problem, and in substance his speech was mainly a repetition of what he had said at Wyoming on the 3rd. Governor John F. Hartranft was then introduced and spoke for a few minutes, occupying about the same ground as the President. Ex- U. S. Senator Charles R. Buckalew, was introduced and spoke for a short time on the ever recurring theme "Wyoming", its original meaning in the language of our Indian predecessors. He said it is asserted on what ap- pears to be authority, that the word Wyoming, as pro- nounced by the Indians, signified "Big Plain," and Sus- quehanna, our beautiful river, "The river of the winding shore," a name at least peculiarly applicable to the Sus- quehanna. 246 CELEI5RATI0N. Henry W. Palmer read the Declaration of Independ- ence, as no Fourth of July celebration would be complete without that service. Secretary John Sherman pronounced a hi'^h eulo^ium on this immortal document, which he held to be in im- portance second to the Holy Scriptjres only. It wis tho birtii and dawning of liberty all over the world. It re- generated France through that terrible revolution, which perhaps was necessary, as desperate cases need desperate treatment, and under the almost insane and demoniacal measures of Danton, Murat an 1 Rob;spe rre in th-jir new- born zeal for "Liberty", despotism in Fran:e went down with the XVI Louis, never it is ho[:>ed to rise again in our Sister Republic. Mr. Sherinan then spoke on the present state of our country and its finances and the efforts being put forth in the Treasury' Bureau to make every promise to pay of these Lhiited States as good as gold coin of equal face value. In conclusion he said we are not a nation of paupers, but the richest nation in the world; winding up his remarks with a \c\v complimentar\' notices of our Valley, and saying that he wouKl return to his work, refreshed and encouraged. Attorney General Dcvens was the next speaker, antl in a few brief remarks pointed out the close community of interests existing between the people of Massachusetts and this valley, saying that he was gratified in finding so great a similarity between them, even to the names of the citizens here and in his native State. Hon. Sylvester Dana, as a preface to the follow^i ng ail- dress^ exhibited a life size oil painting of Gen. John Sullivan, whose name is so intimately associated with the history of this valley in consequence of his ex[)edition of 1779, while on his way to chastise the Indian Tribes living on the Chemung and about the small lakes in the State of New York, which had been loaned by the Gov- ernor of New Hainpshire, and brought hither for exhibi- tion on this occasion — : AT WILKESBARRE. 247 ADDRESS. It is with indescribable staisfaftion that I have been able to come down from New Hampshire and be with \-ou on this occasion — to behold for the first time this [glorious valle}', where my ancestors lived and suffered, and to hear a rehearsal of their virtues, their achieve- ments and their misfortunes. This view, so long desired, I expelled, in the language of the poet, "to die without the sight." From my father 1 learned in early life concerning many of the localities hereabouts — all included in the town of Westmoreland, that more extensive town than ever ex- isted on this or any other continent, which his father, Anderson Dana, represented in the Connc(5licut Legisla- ture, rctiuning to this place on the da}' before the battle to take part in it and to die. M\' father often described to me how at the Wilkes- barre I'ort, on this very spot, on the 3d day of July 1778, he anxiously listened to the rattling of musketry upon yonder battle field ; how, on the da)' after the disastrous result, being nine years old, he fled with his mother and the family towards Connecticut ; how the party of some twenty, wearily pursued their march into the night and into the morning ; lest they should be overtaken by the Indians; how the only man in the party followed behind the exhausted children, freely applied the rod to them when the)' faltered and fell asleep in their tracks ; how they suffered from hunger, the loss of shoes and other privations as they crossed the mountains before reaching the Hudson ; how they were once aroused from their wel- come repose in the wilderness by bowlings which were supposed to emanate from a band of ferocious and blood thirsty savages, but which on investigation gave them the comforting assurance that they were only uttered by a less ferocious and less bloody pack of wolves. And how at length they reached Connefticut, where scattered among friends, they passed the remaining days of child- 248 CELEBRATION. hood, and in after }^ears not a few of them, (including my father and two of his brothers) returned to this desolated Valley and commenced life anew. But omitting further allusion to those sad events, I now inquire who delivered this fair Valley from the thraldom in which it was involv- ed .' Who crushed out the Indian murderers, and broke forever the power of the Iroquois confederation .■* All _this was achieved, as you well know, under the auspices and command of an eminent citizen of New Hampshire, Maj. Gen. John Sullivan, of whom it is peculiarly appro- priate on this occasion to make mention. John Sullivan was born at Somerworth. in the county of Strafford, New Hampshire, February i8th, 1740. His father was in part of Irish origin, who, it was said, emi- grated to this country in consequence of the opposition of his family to his proposed marriage to a person be- neath him in rank. He followed the profession of teach- er, and hence his son, John, became unusually well edu- cated for that period. In his later youth John commenc- ed the study of law in Portsmouth, the largest town in the Province, where he soon evinced extraordinary ap- titude for his chosen profession, and after his admission to the bar he settled in the town of Durham, N. H.. which ever remained the place of his residence. There he entered upon a lucrative practice, and not conhning himself to his profession merely, he gave much attention to manufacturing enterprises, which were successful and for which that part of New Hampshire has ever since been distinguished. Then came on the troubles with the mother country which preceded the revolution. Sullivan familiarized himself respe6ting all the great battles of the world, and was accustomed to drill his neighbors in military evolutions long before the conflict opened. In fa6l, he was one of the first to commence that confli6t, for in December, 1774, he participated in an expedition which took from Forts William and Mary, near tlie en- trance of Porstmouth Harbor, ninet\'-seven casks of AT WILKEbBARRE. 249 powder. These were stored near his residence, in Dur- ham, for a time, and they became of invaluable service to the Americans at the battle of Bunker Hill. Sullivan was a member of the first Continental Con- gre'=s, which assembled at Philadelphia in September, 1774; was on important committees and was particularly distinguished for his eloquent reply to Dickinson, who proposed a second address to the King, which speech elicited much praise from John Adams. On the appoint- ment of Washington as Cammander-in-Chief in 1775, Sullivan was chosen one of the eight generals under him. He was present at the siege of Boston, and, when the term of service of certain Conne6licut troops expired, he repaired to New Hampshire and brought down 2,000 volunteers to take their places. He was soon after ap- pointed to the position of Major-General, and went to Canada and rescued, by a successful retreat, the remains of Montgomery's army from capture by the British. He was in the battle of Long Island, where he was taken prisoner, but soon exchanged. At the battle of Brandy- wine he hail a horse shot under him. He also participa- ted in the battles of Germantown, Monmouth and several others, and in 1779 was detailed to administer chastize- ment to the Indians, who had desolated this beautiful Valley. The result of that expedition is known to you all, and I will only here add that if any military move- ment during the Revolutionary war was crowned with complete success, it was emphatically this. With an army of over 3,000 men he returned to Easton with the loss of only about 40 men by disease, battle and accident. Gen. Sullivan was a man who freely expressed his sentiments, and his allusions to the inertness of the Board of war in not reasonably and sufficiently furnish- ing the supplies for this expedition rendered him an objefl of disfavor in some quarters, but the result proved that Sullivan was right — for during the return his army had to be put upon half rations. His health being im- 250 CKr.KKKA'riON'. p.iire(.l b\' d continuous ser\'ice of nearly tivc years in tlie arm)'. Sullivan, late in 1779, resigned his commission, much to the regret of Washington, who addressed to him a highly complimentary letter. In the following [une he was chosen b\' New Hampshire to represent her again in Congress, which he did with marked ability. I'u'o \ears later he became Attorney General of that ^tate and rendered important ser\ice, and in 1786 he was elected Chief Magistrate of New Hampshire, and sub- sequently re-ele(5led to that position. He was President of the New Hampshire Convention that adopteci the Constitution of the United States, and contributed much to that result. In 1789116 was appointed by Washington Judge of the United States District Court of New Hamp- shirv.\ and held the office till his greatly lamented death, in January, 1795, he then being nearly 55 years of age. Much could be said in praise of the character and achiexe- ments of Gen. Sullivan which have gone through severe and uncalled for criticism unscathed. His fame and rep- utation will ever be duly appreciated by a people who have received so much benefit from his services, and I only add that among all the eminent worthies who served the American cause during the l\.e\olutionai \- struggle, no man manifested more disinterested patriotism — more ardent and well direfted zeal, and, under the circumstan- ces, attained more complete success than did JOHN Sullivan. People of Wyoming, what a rich inheritance has been handed down to you ! Not merely of material things, but the greater inheritance of an ancestr}' whose annals comprise all that is manly, good and elevating in human nature. Keep bright the Council fires which they lighted in this then secluded \'alley, amid so much hardship and suffering. Cultivate here their stern virtues, the cardinal virtues, with unfaltering assiduity as you commence an- other era in your history. And now, my friends. I must bid you adieu, and set AT WILKKSBARRE. 25 1 my face towards Conneclicut and beyond, as did my father one century ago this very afternoon, but under cir- cumstances, liow immensely, how immeasurably diverse I Rev. John Pearce pronounced the benediftion and THE BIG SHOW WAS OUT so far as speech making was concerned. In the evening illuminations throughout the city were generally displayed from the public buildings and hun- dreds ot private residences on all the principal streets- A calcium light on the Court House tower revealed the surrounding decorations with peculiar vividness and effeft, while the residences along the river front and the trees on the Common, presented a fair scene of daz- zling splendor. At nine o'clock in the evening the grand pyrotechnic display took place on the Common at the foot of Union street, and was witnessed by the thousands of dehghted citizens gathered there. The pieces, many of them were very fine and elaborate in design, the dis- play having cost the Association the sum of $500. After the fireworks, President Hayes and Mrs. Ha\'es attended a reception at the residence of Charles Parrish, where a large number of persons called to pay their respe6ls to the Chief Executive of the nation, and to partake of the generous hospitality of the worthy host and hostess. It was observed in all these impromptu greetings be- tween the head of the Republic and the people, that there can be no established line of social position in this Democratic government of ours, for the old workl idea of the Divine right of Kings is something we plain Re- publicans can have no conception of The following is a list of Aids to Assistant Marshals, distributed throughout the parade at their proper places: Gen. Paul A. Oliver. Col. Sam Bowman. Col. R. Bruce Ricketts. Gen. VVm. H McCartnev. 152 CELEBRATION'. Maj. I'.'isha A. Hancock. Maj. Chas. M. Coiiyngiiam. Col. A. von Schluembach. Col. Oliver K. Moore. Maj. George N. Reichard. Col. Jacob Lacier. Dr. Edward R. Mayer. Dr. T. M. Murphy. Capt. Jed C. Paine, Horace A. Moore. John T. Lenahan. Henry W. Palnier. J. Frank Lee. Wm. L. Paine. Allan H. Dickson. Joseph Stickney. Wm. S. Hillard. Sheldon Reynolds. Wm. C. Reynolds. Fred Mercur. G. Mallery Miller. John McNeish, Jr. Seligman J. Strauss. Joseph D. Coons. Patrick M. Conniff. Patrick J. Kenney. Sai'nuel J. Tonkins. Joe W. Patten. Wm. Penn R}'man. G. Mortimer Lewis. Elijah C. Wadhams. Charles A. Miner. Dr. J. Arthur Bullard. Charles H. Sturdevant. ¥.d. W. Sturdevant. James S. Lee. Edward Mercur. Geo. S. Bennett. John C. Phelps. Wm. L. Conyngham. Charles Parrish. J. Henry Swoyer. Robert R. Morgan. Harrison H. Harve\'. E. Greenough Scott. Edward Stark. Andrew H. McClintock, Harrison Wright. George R. Bedford. Dr. Geo. W. Guthrie. John L)nch. Gustav Hahn. James P. Dickson. Wm. S. McLean. Alexander Earn ham, Lewis C. Paine. Walter G. Sterling. Will N. Shoemaker. Chas. P. Hunt. George R. Wright. John P. Brownscombe. Oscar J. Harvey. Thomas H. Atherton, Irving A. Stearns. Elliot P. Kisner. El wood Hunt. Ed. A. Niven. Thomas R. Martin. A. W. Long. S\lvanus Ayres, Jr. J. Ridgeway Wright. J. R. Coolbaugh. Charles H. Leonard. Alexander H. Bowman, AT WILKESBARRE. 253 Wm. G. Phelps. Byron Stark. Frank Wheaton. Addison A. Sterling. Walter S. Riddle. Edward R. Raub. Ernest V. Jackson. John G. White. Walter S. Carpenter. Lewis B. Landmesser. Rev. P. A. Smith. Dr. John H. Peacock. Rev. Father Nagle. Isaac M. Thomas. Richard Sharpe. Jr. J. Vaughn Darling. Isaac S. Osterhout. Charles E. Rice. Richard B. Brundage. Wm. V. Ingham. Henry Crandall. David P. Ayres. Harry H. Derr. Henry M. Hoyt, Jr. John S Harding. George C. Lewis. Sam Newhouse. Sterling Catlin. Harr>- Reynolds. Fred Parrish. Capt' J. E. Roberts, Piuston. Joseph K. Bogert. L. Evans, P.ttston. JOTTINGS FROM THE PRESS. If ever there was a jam of human beings in any poor over-crowded city, Wilkesbarre has a right to claim to be the banner city of the jammed. For not less than eight mortal hours there was a mass of sweltering and surging humanity, old men, children, women and girls, of tender ages and all sorts and conditions of people push- ing and crowding each other on our sidewalks and on the public grounds. Such a day had never been seen here before, and as far as we can learn good order and jollity charafterized the people. During the middle of the day the grand parade claimed all their attention, and the exercises at the stand on the Common, near South street, came in for its share later in the day. Two large flat boats came down from up river on the evening of the 3d, carrying a large number of excur- sionists who seemed to have everything to make them 2 54 CELEBRATION. comfortable. One was called the Ovvego and the other the Belle Barton. They were fitter! up in good .st}-le as regards living, having tables, ranges, mattresses, and there is no doubt the x'oung folks had a good time bar- ring the excessive heat, on the water. The Scranton Battalion had a dress parade on the river Common at six o'clock and were reviewed by Gov- ernor Hartranft and the President, who expressed them- .selves much pleased with the drill and material of our . • , ...» sister city s military organization. LET US FEEL THAXKFLIL. The great W\-oming Centenarx- has passed and we are happ}^ to announce that no serious case of accident or prostration occurred for us to chronicle. The hospital fitted up on the lawn at the resilience of Dr. Mayer, on River street, was under the able charge ol the Doctor himself, assisted b\' Dr. II. Hakes and the other physicians invited to attend upon the .'^ick and wounded on that day, and they attended strictl\- to the dut\' during the entire day, and we were pleased to learn on inquiry at the temporary hospital that no serious mis- hap had occurred. There were brought in for treatment during the da_\' : James Higans, of Sugar Notch, aged 13 years, slight ' sunstroke; but soon relieved and sent home in good con- dition. Margaret Searle, of Lackawanna, a married woman, prostrated by the heat, soon relieved, and Minnie Cross, aged 18 )cars, of Mosex'town. suffering from slight congestion of the brain caused by heat and e.xcitement. After being treated by the doctors who were giving their time and experience in the interest of humanit)-, she soon was relieved of any serious apprehension and sent to her home in the ambulance. This speaks well for the pro- fession xvho have so kindly x'olunteered their services, and we have cause for congratulation that the)' had so little xvork to tlo on this Centennial tlax'. AT WILKESBARRE. 255 The earnest efforts made generally to provide for the wants of the great influx of strangers who attended the celebration on the line of the streets traversed by the parade, proved very ;icceptable to the thirsty masses. Barrels containing ice water were placed at convenient points where all C(ndd slake their thirst at will and with- out money or price. Thirty-five thousand excursion tickets to Wilkesbarre were sold in Philadelphia on the 3d and 4th. It recjuired sixty-three cars to transjjort passengers between Scranton and Wilkesbarre. President Mayes and party, accompanied by United States Senator J. Donald Cameron left the city on the morning of the 5th for their respective places of abode. Of the commemorative medals ordered by the appro- {)riate committee, there were struck in gold 7, in silver 200, copper bronze 300, copper gilt 151, white metal F,oo2, after which the dies were broken and the fragments forwarded to the proper committee. THE R EC ATT A. The citizens in charge of the regatta contest met at the Valley Hotel on the evening of the 5th for the pur- pose of awarding the prizes of medals to the successful crews. The medals are the same as the silver and bronze Centennial medals, but of solid gold, and are of the money value of $160. Hon. Lazarus D. Shoemaker was called to the chair and made the proper kind of a speech to the aquatic heroes. Mr. Thomas R. Goucher presented the medals. The crews responded in a fitting manner, and returned thanks for the kindness shown them by their entertainers in this city during their stay. The Quaker City crew of Philadelphia were the vi6lors in the four-oared race and received the first prize. In the one pair-oared race, the Undines, also of Philadelphia, being the only entry, the crew each received a medal. Mr. Henry Bond, of the 256 CELEBRATION. College Club of Philadelphia, was the vi6lor in the single scull race and a medal was awarded to him accordingly. Mr. A. S. Dressel had entered for this race but his boat was disabled before starting. The Plxmouth Star Row- ing Club had a race for a silver goblet which was won bv' Mr. Thomas B. Barnes. County Treasurer John McNeish, Col. Frank Stewart, of Berwick, and Col. A. J. Frick, of X)anville, each had his say at the boys when thc\' all repaired to the residence of Mr. Shoemaker, where a reception was held and at a late hour the festivities closed, all feeling that it is a pleasant thing to be a joll\' good water man in these gay and festive days. THE VETERAN CORPS. The following resolutions neatly engrossed were for- warded to the Association in acknowledgment of cour- tesies extended to the Corps during its Centennial visit ; At a meeting of the Veteran Corps, First Regiment, Infantry N. G. Pa., held immediately upon its return from the visit to participate in the ceremonies attending the Centennial commemoration of the Massacre of Wyoming, it was unanimously resolved : 1. That the thanks of the Corps be tendered to the people of Wilkesbarre for the reception tendered them. 2. That the participation in the commemoration of an event which so developed the nerve, energ\' and sacrifice of American manhood, is of itself a special pri\'i!ege; yet the graceful, easy attentions will doubly intensify the recolle6lions of its many pleasant incidents, and have secured the pronounced verdi6l, that Wilkesbarre has no rival in her happy way of showing her desire to make the stranger feel that her people have generous homes where he is always welcome. 3. That our thanks are hereby tendered to theWyoming Artillerists, Grand Army of the Republic and the citizens committee, who received and escorted the Corps on its arrival on Jul)' 3. AT WILKESBARRE. 237 4. That especially are we indebted to many of Wilkes- barre's distinguished private citizens for particular cour- tesies. 5. That a copy of these resolutions be furnished the chairman of the committee of arrangements. Wilkesbarre. James W. Latta. Col. and President Veteran Corps. Attest: G. H. NORTH, Adjutant and Secretary, etc. CLOSING UP. . The Executive Committee met at the Arbitration Room Saturday morning, July 6th, at ten o'clock. In the absence of the chairman and secretary, who were unavoidably detained at home, E. L. Dana was called to the chair and W. H. Bradley appointed secre- tary pro tern. Bills were presented from the several committees ag- gregating in amount about $4,500. The subscriptions have been mostly collefted, and there yet remains on the books enough to defray all expenses in full, so that, besides having had a very excellent celebration, the com- mittee have the additional satisfa6lion of having it in their power to be able not to leave a single debt unpaid. A committee consisting of Gen. E. L. Dana, Hon. Steuben Jenkins and !Ion. L. D. Shoemaker was ap- pointed to draft resolutions expressive of the sense of the Association of the hospitality of the citi7,ens of the valley, and their indefatigable labors toward the success of the occasion. On motion of Dr. Hakes a resolution of thanks was extended to the press — both local and general — for their courteous and liberal notices, both in advance and in re- porting the proceedings. A committee, consisting of Dr. Bradley, Dr. Hakes and Rev. Abel Barker was appointed for the purpose of 258 CELEKRATION. ascertaining" as ncarh' as possible the number of persons in attendance at Wyoming and Wilkesbarre on the third and fourth days of July. It was on motion resolved that the Wyoming 100 th year Association be continued as a permanent organiza- tion, to meet annually at Wyoming, on the third day of July in each recurring year so long as any of the original members shall survive. On motion, it was determined to make out a list of the contributors to the expenses of this Centennial, and place the same in the rooms of the Historical Society. Drs. Hakes and Hollister presented the lithograph stone of the map of Wyoming Valley as it appeared 100 years ago, which was directed to be preserved in the rooms of the Historical Society. Adjourned to meet on Wednesday at the Arbitration Room at 10 o'clock to transatl finally the business of the celebration. SUMMING UP THE RESULT. The great one hundredth anniversary, with all its pleasures and discomforts, is now^ a thing of the past and has taken its place in the history of our country ; and perhaps at this time it may not be inappropriate for this department of the Times to indulge in a 'i^v^ reminiscences of the past year as connected with the days we have just celebrated. On the 3d of July, 1877, a few of the citizens represent- ing "the pioneer settlers of Wyoming, met at the Court House in this city. Among them was the Wilkesbarre representative of this paper, and it was then and there determined to make the effort to commemorate the cen- tenary year of our sorrow in a manner that would show to the world that the descendants of those brave men were not unmindful of the sacrifices made on the bloody 3d of July, 1778. AT WlLKEsr.AURE. 259 Throughout the past year the Times has ever been foremost in advertisinij to the world the preparations that were being made, and the expectations of the men at the head of this great undertaking. We have been nobly seconded by the local press of the county and sur- rounding country, and though some of them may have en- tertained lingering doubts of the success of the enterprise at first, still all in the latter part of the labor have done their best, and we think that old Wyoming, the old Westmoreland commonwealth may well feel proud of our grand and overwdielming demonstration, that has taken captive the heads and the hearts of almost the entire country, and by reviewing the events of the past in the minds of the people, given us a j^lace in historN' that must forever remain fixed and determined. But this is not the most pleasing feature of the event ; it has brought to- gether the old citizens from all quarters of the country,, who for years have been estranged from each other, re- newing and recementing the ties of kindred and friends who may have grown cold in their early love by distance and lapse of time; and it has thus caused many happy reunions, which, but for this, would never have occurred- In our brief account of the ceremonial transa6lions, we have avoided anything like self-gratulation, as ex- pressing any opinion as to the success or otherwise of the exhibition, but contented ourselves with giving the plain facts, leaving our readers to infer from these, what the result must have been. • We have now only to sa\-, that we consider it an overwhelming success. It has accom- plished all that was designed by its originators ; and though some of the details may have been lacking in the order of arrangements, this can in no way detraft from the grand result. We have given our labor freely without hope of reward, We have had no little hatchet to be set on eA^gG by gathering scraps of history relating to any of the a6live participators in that hot Jul\' day, as none of our ances- 26o celp:rration. tors were great braves or Indian killers of pre-revolii- tionary times. Oar lineage comes from a different vocation ; our ancestor was a man of peace and not war, and no laurel dabbled in blood can be supposed to deck his spirit brow. We have sought only to vindicate the facts of history in common with others engaged in the great undertaking. We are content to leave history to •deal with us as we deserve. — -Scranton Times, July Jtlt. NEWSPAPER MENTION. Messrs. Faser and Smith sold over twenty thousand flags during the Centennial excitement in this city. TO BE CLOSED FOR lOO YE.A.RS. The Executive Committee met in Court room No 2, at 10 o'clock a. m. July I ith and was hard at work all day scrutinizing and auditing bills. The amount passed and dirfted to be paid amounts to $5,698 79. The amount alreac>y collected on subscription amounts to $5,111.50; of this amount Pittston has contributed $430; and the great city of Scranton $0000.00. Upon the fafts appear- ing that the Association was short about $500, a few of the gentlemen present very liberally and patriotically offered to increase the amount of their subscriptions so as to cover all obligations incurred in the demonstration. The orders will be drawn to-day and those entitled to receive the money can obtain them at the Secretary's office. The committee adjourned to meet at 10 a. m. on Sat- urday next, for a final meeting to close up business till the bi-centcnary rctirn of the anniversary may call others to preform a similar dut\' HUMORS OF THE lOOTH YEAR PARADE. The colored element was in a ferment of excitement and the sable sons of Ham were in dead earnest, for the AT WILKESBARRE. 26l Wvomini^ centenary services were at hand, and had not the thirst)- earth at Wyoming- drank of the rich red blood of a Gershom Prince and a Ouocko on that fatal 3d of ful\'.? Therefore duty and patriotism to the mother country required that her descendants should duly honor their memor\' on this rooth anriiversary of their fall. Meetings were called and held; resolutions were passed, committees api)ointed, a hall for headquarters was en- gaged for the gathering hosts, who were expelled to honor tiie occasion with their presence from all parts of this broad land. At least ten thousand of the once despised race, now free and independent citizens, would assem- ble here on the 3d. The Centennial Committee pledged $iOO to assist them in entertaining the visitors from abroad. More resolutions, more committees, more horses for the marshals was the result. Owens was in his glory; Towns was eloquent ; Rex was truly regal in his adorn- ments ; but lo ! on the glorious 4th, when they appeared in the procession, we were doomed to a cruel disappoint- ment. First came the marshals mounted on fiery steeds, with epaulettes, chapeaus, sashes and spurs. These were follewed by Holmes' hired colored band, and then— oh ! we regret to chronicle it — -came the grand procession of one poor dejeftcd mortal, who blushed when he thought of the ridiculous part he was acting, of, into a thousand parts trying to divide one man, to make imaginary puis- sance. We pitied that poor fellow, and if we knew his name would give it as a tribute to his pluck and energy. It is hard to be an end man in a parade, and this being the head and tail both of a grand procession, must be ver\- trving to weak nerves. — Times Julv 6th, AUDITING THE BILLS. The Executive Committee met on Thursday, July i ith, for the purpose of auditing bills for necessary expenses and for other purposes. Orders were direfted to be drawn on the Treasurer, aggregating in amount $5,883.79. 262 CELEBRATION. The committee appointed to draft suitable resolutions expressive of the sense of the Association, of the hos- pitality of the citizens of the Valley, made the foUowin^^ REPORT. The committee to whom was referred the duty of pre- paring and reporting an appropriate expression of thanks to those who aided in the commemoration of the looth •anniversary of the Battle and Massacre of Wyoming, beg leave to report the following : This Association, organized for the purpose of adopt- ing plans and obtaining from subscriptions, the means fo'r the due observance of the 3d and 4th of Jul}-, having now accomplished the primary and leading objecl of its organization, desires to express its obligation to the general public and to the citizens individually, who, by afliv^e efforts and liberal money contributions, aided in rendering the exercises and display connected wMth the Wyoming Centennial, a gratifying and memorable suc- cess. The Association observes and gratefully recognizes the good order and the respectful attention shown b\' the vast assemblage of citizens, both at Wyoming and at Wilkesbarre. Its thanks are due and are hereb)' cor- dially tendered to the high officials, both national and state, and to the military and civic organizations, who by their presence and active participation, added to the exercises; and also to the orators and poets who favored us with their eloquent, appropriate and beautiful contri- butions. The Association desires especially to express its thanks for many creditable odes and poetic productions, which for want of time could not be read. The writers are assured that their contributions will be carelull}^ pre- served among the proceedings of the Association. The Executive Committee returns its thanks to the ladies and citizens of Wyoming, Pittston and Wilkes- barre, for the rich and tasteful decorations of the streets, the buildings, public and private, for the skill and labor AT WILKESBARRE. * 263 employed in tlie historical and mechanical displays, and for the hospitality so generousl)' shown in ministering to the wants, and contributing to the enjoyment of our guests. The Association further expresses its gratitude for the pleasant weather with which we were favored, and the fa6l that no accident, injury or disturbance occurred to mar the enjoyments or sadden the memory of the occasion. Respeftfully submitted, E. L. Dana. Steuben Jenkins. L. D. Shoemaker. ^ Committee. SETTLING UP CENTENNIAL BUSINESS. At a meeting of the Executive Committee on Satur- day morning, Jul}' 13th, Col. Dorrance called the meet- ing to order, after whicli the following proceedings were had: Dr. Bradley, chairman of the committee appointed to investigate as to the numbers present at Wyoming and Wilkesbarre on the 3d and 4th, reported after consulta- tion with the several railroad companies, that there were at W\oming about 60,000 and at Wilkesbarre 80,000 persons brought there by rail. Where.\s, It appears from the otificial returns of the several railroad com panics eentering at Wyoming and Wilkesbarre that, during the two days of our Centennial ceremonies they carried to and from these points nearly 80,000 passengers, without sacrificing a single life or injuring a limb, but on the con- trary, by the "exercise of extraoixlinary caution — the manifestation of special interest and the courteous attention of sujDerintendenls, officers and employees, they contributed so largely to the success of the celebration, therefore Resolved, That the thanks of the Association are due and hereby tendered these several companies, their officers and employees. Resolved, That in an especial manner are our thanks due W. F. Halstead, Superintendent of the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad, who carefully placed a special train at the disposition of the Reception Committee for use of the Presidential party, and in every possible way, both individually and through subordinate officers and employees contributed to the comfort, convenience and pleasure of those who attended the e-xercises at Wyoming, 264 CELEBRATION. On motion, ordered that one of the flay^s used in the decorations at Wyomini^- on the 3d be presented to each of the following persons: Charles Dorrance, president; Payne Pettebone, chairman Finance Committee; Wesley Johnson, secretary; R. J. Wisner, chairman decorations; Dr. H. Hakes, chairman on maps, etc.; Dr. Hollister. on historical data; Steuben Jenkins, chairman on antiquities; Abel Barker, on decorations. The flag voted to Col. Dorrance ^was by him imme- diately presented to Payne Pettebone, Esq., as trustee, to be held for use whenever it shall be thought proper to use a flag by the W}'oming Monumental Association. Adjourned to meet at the same place at 10 a. m. on .Saturday next. The Executive Committee met at 10 o'clock a. m. on Saturday morning, July 20th 1878, at the office of L. D. Slioemaker, Treasurer. On motion, ordered that the sum ot $25 each, to Miss Susan E. Dickinson and Mrs. Gertrude Watres, be donat- ed as slight testimonials for their poems for the 3cl of July. Dr. Hollister deposited with the secretary for the use of the Publishing Committee documents, curious and historical, collecled by him during the past }'ear. On motion, ordered that one of the Hags belonging to this association be presented to the Scr.mti^n Hattalion in recognition of their services on the 3d. On motion of Dr. Hollister, ordered that this associa- tion will meet at the Wyoming Monument on the 3d of Jul)', 1879, at 10 o'clock a. m. of that day, and annually thereafter while any of its members shall live. Adjourned to meet on Saturday August 31st. at lO a. m. at the usual place. AT WILKKSliARKK. 26: The count No. I II 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 24 25 26 27 28 29 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 folhnxing is a list of pax'ments and on what ac- tlie money was paid : To Calvin Parsons, for music, vocal and insinimental, - $ 489 co W. II. Bradley, for large po.ster.s, . . - 13975 J. C. Paine, for Grand Army, - 100 co Steuben Jenkins, antiquities, 18 92 (leorge Coray, buildings, - - 461 06 II. A. LaycocU, dinners for singers, - 40000 .•\. I'.arker, transportation of battalion, 102 50 janies P. Atherton, dinners for battalion, - 35 *"'° lames P. Artherton, dinners for artillerist.s, - '5 5° lames P. Atherton, dinners (or police, - 17 20 C. Dorrance, for P. V. Wambold use of chairs, 19 75 T. C. Parker, for Wyoming Artillerists, 250 CO R. J. Wisner, decoration at Wyoming, 500 00 James P. Dickson, historical tableaux, - - 500 oc A. Barker, transportation of Indians, - 121 co Silkman & Woodling, barouche for the President - 60 co T. S. Hillard, for firemen,- - - - 7500 J. K. Bogert, printing, - - 130 co Wesley Johnson, for Colored Band, - 50 oo Payne Peltebone, repairs to montiment, 100 00 Thomas Halfpenny, boarding Indians, 40 co John Raider, boarding Indians, - - 45 cc II. Hakes, ambulance and hospital stores, 54 50 I*;. L. Dana, expense of committee, - - 21 co Robert Baur, printing, - - - - - 55 'O (McClellan Rilles, $50- declined — cancelled) S.unuel Newhouse, decorations at Wilkesbarre, - - 408 88 Stanley Woodward, for telegraphing, - . - - 50 co C. Dorrance, expen.se Lexington tent, - - - 25 co J. W. Patten, for tin cups, - - - - - 4 00 I*;. L. Dana, exj^ressage on Ccn. Sidlivau's portrait, 3 60 |olin Long, for ice at Wyoming, - 10 co .Marx Long, for collecting, - 5000 C. C. Jones, stands on the Common, 50 00 Janies P. Atherton, expense of tents, 372 03 Stanley Woodward, for bands on the 4th, - • 37500 H. W. Palmer, fireworks, 500 co Payne Pettebone, painting monument fence. - - - 100 co James P. Atherton, additional expense, 65 50 John Zeidler, meals for battalion, 42 50 Harry Courtright, livery hire, - 10 co A. F. Snyder, posting bills, - - 300 Mrs. 1 1. C>. Watres, for poem, - 25 00 Miss Susan E. Dickinson, poem, 25 00 .Steuben Jenkins, balance exjiensc, i 25 J. P.. Stark, hotel bill for President, 48 25 C. A. Miner, expense of Wm. P. Abbott, 10 00 A. liarker, flag for Scranton Battalion, 21 00 John Knelley, trmiming trees, - - 6 50 James P. Atherton to pay police, - 35 "t) Total orders issued, $6,131 89 l(^ CELEBRATlOrV. THE FLAG PRESENTATION riie ceremony of presenting the flag voted by the Association to the Scranton BattAlion o City Guards, took place at the Armory in Scranton, on September 17th 1878. JN^ajor Boies had paraded the Battalion in full .'rcss uniform, and shortly after 4 o'clock in the afternoon the officers of the Association, being Col. Dorrance. Presi- dent, L. D. Shoemaker Treasurer, Wesley Johnson ScM'e- tary, Payne Pettebone of Pinance Committee, Steuben Jenkins, Abel Barker, Dr. H. Hakes, E. L. Dana and J)r. Hollister of P^xecutive Committee were duly escorted to the Armory, where a Large number of ladies and gentle- men spe6lators had assembled to witness the interesting ceremony. Ceneral Dana offered the presentation speech, and de- livered the flag, a beautiful one, to Major Boies, which was accepted in behalf of the Battalion in the same graceful manner, thanking the Association, not only for the handsome donation, but also for the spirit of the donors in making so appropriate a gift to this association of citizen soldiers. The flag was then raised on the Armory building, where it was saluted b\- the soldiers in due form. The members of the association, were then escorted in carriages to the parade ground where the Battalion performed some of its best military evolutions of field drill by firing volleys, file firing and firing in skirmish line, advancing in fine style on an imaginary enemy. Also exhibiting the efficacy of the Galling gun fire at a target at considrable distance. General Dana, a hero of two wars expressed himself much pleased at the Battalion drill. The day passed pleasantly, and will be one long to be remembered by all concerned. VALLEY FORGE, On the 22cl of November 187S. the Valley Forge Cen* tennial Association paid a complimentary visit to its sister Association of Wyoming. A special train on the Lehigh V;ille>' road under command of Alexander Mitchell, Sujjerir.tendent, left Wilkesbarre at 8 o'clock a. m. and met the visiting part}' at East Penn. Junclion, (Allentown j. Dr. Hollister and Calvin Parsons as a committee of escort, met the train at Mauch Chunk; Dr. Hakes and W'eslex- Johnson boarded tiie same at P^spy Station to act as an auxUiar)' reception committee. The visiting party consisted of eighty-five ladies and gentlemen, of Philadelphia,' Norristown, Reading, Con- shohocken, etc. The party was in charge of Col. Bean manager for the Regents of the Association : Among other distinguished members were Col. McOuade, R. R. Colson. J. P. Jenkins, Col. James Boyd, E. Beers, Col. Ellis, Ira Roberts, P.sq., Secretar\- of the Association, and Jolm Eckman, Treasurer, Maj. and Mrs. Holstein, Mrs. Aubrv' H. Smith. Mrs. McGuire, Gen. Gregg, Col. W. H. H. Davis. Mr and Mrs. Wickersham. Mrs. R. R. Coursen. Mrs. Mercur, Mr. P Smith P^athey, Editor Bar- ton, of the I'illagc Record, West Chester, and Lewis Davis, Editor, of Pottstown, Gen. Albright, of Mauch Chunk, etc. 'Phe train arrived in Wilkesbarre at 2:50 [) m., in the midst of a drenching rain, when the visitors were met b\- a Committee of the Wyoming Association, consisting of Abel Barker, L. D. Shoemaker, p:. L. Dana, Steuben Jenkins, Benjamin F. Dorrance and Dr. P^dward R. Maver. Carriages were in waiting to convey the party to the Wyoming Valley Hotel for rest und refreshments. After mutual greetings had been exchanged, and the visitors, such as desired to be, had been introduced to the Governor- ele6l Gen. H. M. Hoyt. and Lieut. Governor Stone, all repaired to the spacious dining hall where din- ner was waiting. After dinner the Governor-elecl was introduced to the, visitors by Gen. Dana, who in conse- quence of the absence of Col Dorrance on account of 268 CELEBRATION. illness, was a6linij for the Wyoming. Gen. Ho\ t in tlie few happy remarks, which were addressed to the guests of the occasion, regretted that their visit had fallen on so inclement a day as tins has been, and gallantly remarking that the smiles of the ladies present were the only gleams of sunshine with which we have been favored or will be favored during this visit. This v\-as responded to by Gen. Louis Wagner in an equally gallant and happy manner, after which Gen. Dana, on behalf of the Wyoming Association, made a few remarks as to the mission of these sister Association.^, that of keeping green the memory of those brave men of the tr\ing times of the Revolutionary struggle. The stor_v of Valle\- h^orge, while it does not call to mind the shock of battle, where brave men fall mid fire and smoke and clash of arms and sabre stroke, or by lingering torture of prisoners after tlte combat had ceased, as ours of Wyoming does, }'et when we recall the events of that winter's encampment on the banks of the Schuyl- kill, we see Washington and his little army of patriots during the darkest period of our revolutionary struggle. We see a body of men destitute of almost everx'thing that tends to make camp life endurable. Without proper food, without clothing, without shoes, their naked and lacerated feet leaving tracks of blood in the snow through which they were compelled to wade in the performance of duty. And yet they, thanks to the indomitable will and cheering presence of a Washington, never lost heart or faith in the ultimate triumph of their cause. And permit me to say to \ou, members o( the Valley Forge Memorial Association, that }'ours is a high and noble trust — cherish it — cherish the name of Washington, and through him his noble compatriots, who after a night of gloom amid the Pennsylvania hills on our own lovely Schuylkill, were destined to behold the first streakings of the morning light of liberty for the oppressed colonies struggling to be free. VALLEY FORGE. 269 Mrs. Aubry H. Smith. Regent of the Valley Forge Association, responded to Judge Dana's chara6leristic remarks in a manner equally eloquent and patriotic. She thanked the officers and members of the Wyoming Asso- ciation, in the name of the Association which she repre- sented, for the handsome reception accorded it — remind- ing the members of the former, that they too had a duty to perform to posterity as well as to the past — that of cherishing the memor\' of the virtues and sufferings of the noble dead whose remains rest beneath W\oming's monumental shaft, as well as those others, equally brave men, who in the Providence of God outlived the slaugh' ter of July ^d. I feel proud of the people of my gener- ation when I remember the overwhelming success that attended your recent efforts at inaugurating a memorial service, worthy of the name, on the completion of tlie first hundred years after that disastrous event. I cant assure you that \-our efforts were watched with the utmost solicitude by the Association in whose name I am now speaking, and in our name I can most heartily respond, "Well done, sister Association." This spirited little speech of Mrs. Smith closed the social part of the ceremonies, and at half-past 5 o'clock p. m. the visitors again took the train and departed for their homes. CORRESPONDENCE. The Committee on Invitations, in the name of its Chairman, Jud^e Harding, having been direfted by the Association to invite the President of the United States, the Governors of the "Old Thirteen" States, and such other high officials and distinguished citizens as should be thought advisable by the committee, as guests of the Association, to be present on the 3d and 4th at the memorial and celebratory exercises of these days, sent out numerous invitations as requested, the following being a copy of the one sent to the President. The replies follow in tlieir order. Wilkesbane, Pa., April 15, 1S78. His E.kckllency, Rutherford B. H.wes, IV.'sidciJ of the UniUd States, S'r -The descendants of tliat brave Ijand of patriots who were massacred in th:i Valley of Wyoming, on the 3d day of July, 1778, have determined to celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of that event. They will be joined by the citizens of Pennsylvania generally, and also by the citizens of New England. It will give us great pleasure to have you honor the occasion by your presence. Allow us to hope that we will be in an early receipt of a favorable response. With considerations in the highest degree respectful I am very truly yours, Garrick M. H.\rding, Chairman of the Committee on Invitations. From the President. E.XECimvE M.'WSioN, Washington, Mav 11, 1S78. My D.ar Sir : I have delayed a reply to your note transmitting an invitation to attend the Wyoming Centennial, in the hope that I should be able to accept. If Congress continues in session until July 4th my engagements and duties will prevent my attendance. As affairs stand I am therefore compelled to decline, if I now decide the cjuestion. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. [This letter was directed to Hon. Hcndrick l*. Wright, and was marked "private" on the upper left hand corner. The President, however, on the 20th of June sent to Judge Harding a formal acceptance of the invitation to he present, which is given on page 91.] o \Yvvvvt\^Uv , K f^A-lH^V^C V v :JE G-AHR-ICK M HARDING- Dear Hardin" COUUFSPONDENCE. S;! From the Governor of Pennsylvania. EXKLTTIVE CiiAMiiKK, Hanislniy;, Pa., May 2o, icSjS. Your letter of invitation for July 4th has been received and in answer have to say that I expect to be with you. I yesterday mentioned the subject to the President, as I did once before, and I find he has not made up his mind yet to decline, and believe he will accept. I proposed that he and his party should come to Ilarrislnirg the day before he visits Wilkesbarre and remain here over nit^ht^ anil we would join him in the mornini^ and accompany him and party to your rei^ion. Perhaps a special letter would settle the matter with him in our favor. Yours sincerely, J. F. IIaktkanft. From the Governor of Nevv York> E.XKctru'E CuAMKKR, Albany, May 28, 1878. Hon. GaRrick M. Hakdinc. 1 Dc-ar 6'/r— The Governor has received yoUr polite favor inviting him to attend the celebration of the hundredth anniversary of the Ma.ssacre of Wyoming. He desirek me to express his very cordial acknowledgements for your courtesy and his regret that he will not be able to participate in the ceremonies which will possess so great an interest to every student ijf our history; but official business will prevent his absence from the State at tlie time named, and he is therefore obliged, reluctantly to forego the pleasure if uniting in the exercises on the occasion. Very truly yours, D. C. RoisiNSON, Private Secretary.. From the Governor of Virginia. Governor's Oieice, May 16, 1S78. Hon. G. M. Harding ; Dear Sir — Your very cordial invitation to be present at the hundredth anniversary of the Battle and Massacre of Wyoming has been received. lii returning my thanks I have also to express my regrets as not being alle to 1 e present on the interesting occasion. It would afford me gretit pleasure to n.eet the Governors of the "Old Thirteen, "whom you hope to be present, and revive memories, which, while they call up the trials and sufferings that were, in one form or another, borne by our common ancestry, ought to make us the more earnest to preserve the common heritage which those trials and sufierings wcii. Very truly yours, Fred W. M. Hoi.i-inAYi 2/2 CELEHRATION. From the Governor of Maryland. P'XKCUTiVE DErARiMKNT, Annai)i)lis, May 17. 1878. Hon. G. M. Harding, Wilkesbarre : My Djar Si?- — Your communication of the ist was duly received. I apjjre- ciated most highly the cordial invitation you have tendered to me to be present on the occasion of the celebration of the hundredth anniversary of the Battle &nd Massacre of Wyoming, in July next. I wish it were possible for me to be with you and to join with the descendants of the memorable slain, in the inter- .esting ceremonies which I see you have jireparcd for that day, but I regret very much that my engagements for July 4th will prevent my attendance. Believe me, very respectfully your obedient .servant. John Lkk Carroll. From the Governor of Vermont. E.KECUTlVt': Depaktment, St. Johnsliury. May 28, 1878. Afy D-ar Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your courteous in vitation to attend the hundredth anniversary of the Battle and Massacre of Wyoming on the 3d of July ne.vt, and regret that my engagements will deprive me of the pleasure of being present. I am yours very truly, Hon. G. M. Harding. II0R.A.CE Faikp.axks. From the Governor of Maine. E.KECirnvE Department, Augusta, May 27, 1878. Hon. Garrk'k M. Harding, Wilkesbarro, Pa.: D ar S'r — I have the honor to thank you for the very courteous and cor iiai invitation you favor me with to be present at the commemoration of the hun dredth anniversary of the Massacre of Wyoming, and I regret exceedingly 'liat my engagements are such as to prevent my attendance on that interesting occasion. Yours very respectfully, Selden Connor. From the Governor of Nor h Caro'ina. E.\i-;ctrnvE Depart.ment, Raleigh, .May 16, 1S7S. Hon. G. M. Hardinc;, Wilkesbarre, Pa.: My Djar Sir — l acknowledge with much oleasure your invitation to attend the hundredth anniversary of the Battle and Massacre of Wyoming, to be celebrated in your city on the 3d of July next. I do assure you that it wMuld he exceedingly agreeable to me to accept it and be jiresent if circumstances permitted. Unhappily, in addition to the ordinary duties of inv o;'''ce. \\hich might be postponed, the illness of my wife, which threatens to be long con- tinued, compels me to forego the great pleasure of vi.sitingyou. I can therefore make no engagements for the future which would take me from her side. I desire, however, to return you my thanks for your courteous invitation, a id CORRESPONDENCE. 2/3 I assure you and tho^e whom you represent, that I wish exceedhig well to all such efforts to co;n.ne,iiorate the virtue, valor, and suffering of our ancestors which constitute the common ground of affection and pride of all American c'.tiz;:is. With s,'nti.ne.its of rej;ard I am, D.-ar Sir. respectfully yours, Z. B. Vance. From Ex-Governor Seymour. Utica, May 9, 1878. A/y D^ar Sir — I am glad to leara that th^re is to be a suitajjle commemo. ration of the Mas-^acre of Wyominj;. I attach great importance to everything which tends ti keep alive in the minds of our people the recollections of historic even'.-,. 1 am surj that the celebration in tliis State in tlie course of the this year have made our citizens more intelligent, virtuous and patriotic than they would have been if no notice had been taken of centennial events. I send you a copy of the proceedings at .Schuylerville where Burgoyne .surrendered hi.s army. I will also try to let you have the record of the Ori.skany celebration. I do not tliink it will be in my power to bo at your place on the 3d of July. If I find that I can gratify myself in this respect I will give you timely notice Horatio SiiVMOUR. Hon. G. M. Harding, Chairman, etc. From Ex-Governor Andrew G. Curtin. I][:i.LKFoxrK, Pa., June, 1878. My D.-ar Sir — I am extremely oljligc'l for your invitation, and I will come and swell the crowd. I cannot say whether Mrs. Curtin or Katie, whom you seem expecting to want, will come \^ith me. If either of them will come I will write. It will be Katie if either. Truly your friend, A. G. ClRTIN. Hon. Garrick M. Harding. From an Ex-Acting Governor of the Northwest Territory. Ripo.N, Wis., June 27, 1S78. ]\Iy D^'iir Sir — Your kind letter of invitation was received and I had foniUy hoped I should have had the pleasure of being with you at the looth anniver- sary of the battle and massacre of Wyoming, 3d of July, 1778: 3d of July, 1878. Having been upwards of sixty years ago a graduate of Wasliington (College in dear old Pennsylvania, and where I had been taught the doctrine of free principles and emancipation, even before the teaching of Greeley himself, I had entertained the very great pleasure of meeting at least some of my col- lege friends. Ill health of myself and family alone forbid my attendance on that truly in- teresting occasion, so appropriately celebrated to reanimate the spirit of our 274 CEl.KHkAl'ION. ever to l)e ;i])precialed and truly to be lionored ancestors in their struggle for Liberty and Independence, through blood and massacre for seven long years of hunger, nakedness, toil and cold of Northern winters, as personally related to me by my patriotic ancestors of the States of Maryland and Virginia, pater- nal and maternal, and as exhibited by the records of the CJeneral Government. I feel, therefore, the same patriotic determination, and at the same costs of hunger, risk, privation and cold, to jireserve the Re]rablic inaugurated and brought into existence by my patriotic ancestors as they suffered to bring it in- to existence. With sentiments of the highest regard for the motive of the gentlemen of the •association, so patriotic as they must be, and deeply regretting my inability to be present ; I am there, however, in spirit in full sympathy and concert of ac- tion, determinedly to preserve, defend and maintain Washington's tjovern- ment, conquered by Washington, and sustained by the wisdom of Franklhi, Pennsylvania's great political luminary and son, without either of whom hav- ing lived, the effort of Independence might have failed. John S. 1Ii)km:k, Acting Governor of the Northwest Territory under Andrew Jackson's Pre>i dency of the United States. lion. G. M. Harding, Channian, etc. From the Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania. Warren, Pa., June 23, 1S7S. 3fy Dear Sir — Your invitation to be present at the Wyoming anniversary celebration on the 3d and 4th prox. was duly received. Thanking you for the courtesy of the invitation I accept the same and shall be pleased to join in the observance of this interesting historic occasion. \'ours truly, Chari.es W. Stone. [Ion. ('<. M. Harding, Chan'man, etc. From the Governor of Rhode Island. Newi'ort, R. I., June 7, 1878. /)/)' Dc'tir Sir —I liad hoped that I should be al)le to accept your pleasant in- viation to be present at your anniversary, and I have delayed complying, but I am compelled by official engagements to remain in my State and regret that I must forego the pleasure I had anticipated. I wish you much hapi^iness. I am, my Dear .Sir, most truly yours, GiiARi.Ks C. Van Zandt. Hon. (j. M. Harfling, Chairman, etc. f:ORRKSl'ONDENCE. ■^/b From the Secretary of State. Dki'art.ment of State, Washinc ton, June 8, 1878. J/r D.ar Sir 1 am this iiioining in receipt of your very courteous invita- tion to the celebration of the tooth anniversary of tiie l)att]e and massacre of Wyoniinti;, on the 3CI of July next. It wuulcl Ljive me s^reat pleasure to take part upon so interesting an occasion, and therefore regret extremely that I am unalde to foresee that it will be in my |H)\\er to ije present at the proposed celebration. I beg to tliank you for the very kind and friendly expressions of your note, and am Very truly yours, Wm. M. Evakis. Hon. (i. M. Harding, Chairman, etc. From the Secretary of the Interior. I )i;i'AKrMi;NT of ihk Interior, \VAsiiix(;roN, June 8, 187S. My Dear Sir — I have received your letter of the ist inst. and thank you sin- cerely for your kind invitation. It would give me great pleasure to accept your hospitality so cordially offered, but my official duties will not permit n^.e to leave Washington at the time of your interesting celeljration. ^'ery truly yours, C. SCFIURZ. Hon. (.;. M. Harding, (/iiairman, etc. From the Chief Justice of the U. S. Court. Sr. NiciKJi.A.s Hotel, New "S'ork, June 8, 1878. A/v Dear ..SVr— Your very kind invitation to be present at the commemora- tion of the looth anniversary of the massacre of Wyoming, on the 3d of the coming month reaches me here, and I regret exceedingly that my engage- ments are .such as to make it impossible for me to accept. Nothing but im- perative necessity could prevent my being «ith you. The occasion is one that cannot but be full of interest, and I know how much I should enjoy it. With many thanks for the invitation and for the kind w ords in whicJi you have been pleased to communicate a, I re.nain very sincerely yours, M. R. Waitk. Hon. (i. M. Harding, Chairman, etc. From Speaker Randall. HoisE of Represent.\tives, Washington, IJ. C, June S, 1878. My Dear .S'/r— Permit me to thank you for your jiolite invitation to be present on the occasion of the icoth anniversary of the Battle and Massacre of Wyoming, and to express my regret that owing to other engagements 1 r,hall be unable to attend. Very truly yours, Sam. J. Randai.i.. 27t) CELEBRATION. From Senator Conkling. UN'irKi) States Senate Chamber, Washington, luiie lo, 187S. Ml' Dc-m' Sir- — I have the invitation to the looth anniversary of the Battle and jMassacre of Wyoming, and with it your courteous letter pressing; me to at- tend, and enumerating many tempting inducements. I would gladly accept the invatation were it within my power, Lui it is not. A conflicting engagement, conditioned on the session expiring in season to keep it, woukl alone constrain me to deny myself the pleasure of being present , on the occasion. Please receive my thanks for your kind words. Very truly yours, ROSCOE CoNKI.lNc;. Hon. G. M. Harding, Chairman, etc. From the President of Yale College. Yale Coi.i.EbE, New IIa\en, Conn., May 22, 1878. My Djar 5//- —Plea.se accept my thanks for the courteous invitation to be present on the 3d of July at the lOOth anniversary of the Massacre of Wy oming. It would give me great pleasure to visit your beautiful valley on that most interesting occasion, but my engagements will probably lie sucli as to prevent me from being present. No event has left a deejx-r impression uji on my imagination than the story of the massacre as I heard and knew of it in my childhood, and it would gratify me e.vceedingly to hear it told and see it commemorated a century after tlic event occurred. With my best wishes for the success of the comii:en;(:iati( 11. aid n y tliards.icieof W'yoniin:^ if my pulilic duties will jtermit, lnU at ])reseiit 1 a 11 unable to promise that I wdl attend. 'fhankin.j you f)r the invitation and triistiui; that circumstances may permit my ai tendance, I remain very respectfully, I). M. Ki:v. Postmaster (lencral. Ifon. (_;. M. IJardin,;, ( hainiian, etc. From the Secretary of War. War Uei'ARTmen r, WASiiiNcnoN Criv.June 19, 1878. My D.\ir S.'r The .Secrt'tary of War directs me to inform you that he rey grjts exceedingly that jjuhlie duties will ]irevent an acceptance of your ver- kind invitation to he present on tlie occasion of the celebration of the looth an- niver.>ar\- of tlie Ilattle and Massacre of Wyoming, at WiJkes-Barre, I'a., July 3- \'ery respectfully, W. W. (IKI.AIT, Private Secretary. Hon. CI. iM. Hardin^', Chairman, etc. From the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. PlllLADlT.l'illA, June 10, 1878. i'\f\' Di-(ir S.'r It would afford me great pleasure to accept your kind invita- tion to particijiate in the ceremonies in commemoration of the ever nicmoraljle 15a(tle and .Massacre of Wyoming. But domestic aflliction of a very severe eharaUer will prevent me. \'ery truly your^, Geo. SiiAKswooi;. H 1.1. Carriek M, Har ling. From Judge Strong, of the U. S. Supreme Court, Washington, June i, 1878. Mi' D^ar Sir I acknowledge receipt i)f the courteous invitation to attend the coming celeliration of the looth anniversary of the Massacre of Wyoming, aad 1 hope to be able to accept it. I see nothing to prevent unless my court at Williamsport sliould be unexpectedly prolonged. \'ours very truly, W. Strong. lion Ci. M ilai'din''. ( hairman. etc. 2/8 CELEBRATION. From Judge Mercur, of the Supreme Court. Harrisburg, June 7, 187S. My Dear Sir — 1: will give me great pleasure to participate in the cere- monies celebrating the looth anniversary of the Battle and Massacre o( Wy- oming. I remain yours truly, Ui.YSSES Mercur. Hon. Ct. M. fiarding, Chairman, etc. From the Prothonotary, Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Supreme CofRT R(_>oms, H.arrisburc;, June 6, 1878. My Dear Sir — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of an invitation to be present and participate in the celebration of the lOOth anniversary of the Massacre of Wyoming, to be held July 3d next. In response to your flattering invitation I beg to say that I shall take pleasure in being present on the occa- sion referred to. It is a celebration worthy of the encouragement of every pa- triotic citizen of the Commonwealtli. I have the honor to be very respectfully, ROBI". SN()DGR.\SP. Hon. C M. Harding, Chairman, etc. From William L. Stone, Historian. New Voric City, June 14, 1S7S. My Dear Sir — I regi'et that a previous engagement to deliver an address in the northern part of the State on the 4th prox. will prevent my accepting the polite invitation of yourself and committee to Ije present at the centennial cele- bration of the Battle and Massacre of Wyoming. I trust that some of your speakers will do justice to the character of Thay- cndanegea (Brant), and vindicate his memory from the charge of Campljell in his "Gertrude," that he was present on the occasion of the massacre. On this point see my father's "History of Wyoming" and "Brant." Your obedient .servant, W.\i. L. Stone. I should be greatly obliged if you would kindly send me a pajjer with the speeches, etc. Hon. Ci. M. Harding, Chairman, etc. From the Speaker of the H. of R. of Pennsylvania. Allegheny, May 30, 1878. My Dear Sir— I am in receipt ot your very kuid invitation to visit Wyoming and Wilkes-Barre on the occasion of the lOOth anniversary of the Battle and Massacre of Wyoming. Please accept niy thanks for the same, with the promise that I shall endeavor to be present on the interesting occasion, and participate in the celebration of that noted historical event. Very truly yours, H. M. Long. Hon. G. M. Harding, Chairman, etc. CORRKSPONDENCE. 2/9 From the Editor of the Philadelphia "Times." Philadeli'HIa, May 28. J/r Deal' Sir — I have your kind invitation to attend the Wyoming Centen- nial, and will do so with threat pleasure, health perniittintj. Respectfully, A. K. McClvrk. Hon. G. M. Harding, Chaumian, etc. From Prof. Thacher, of Yale. New Havp:x, Conn., May 21, 1878. My Dear Sir— I thank you for your complimentary invitation to attend the celebration of the anniversary of the Massacre of Wyoming. It is an attrac- tive invitation ; but the state of my health does not permit me to promise to avail myself of it. Very respectfully, Thomas A. Thacher. Hon. Ct. M. Harding, Chairman, etc. From Prof. Hubbard, of Yale. ^'AI,^: Cou.KGE, New Haven, June 15, 1878. Afy Dear .%•— In acknowledging the polite invitation of your commutee to attend the Centennial celebration of the Battle of Wyoming, July 3d, 1878, I have to say that I expect to be absent in Europe at that time, otherwise it would afford me pleasure to accept the invitation with thanks. Respectfully your.s, Stephen C H' iiuard, M. I). Hon. C M. Harding, Chairman, etc. From Col. Mallery, of the U. S. Army. Washington, D. C, June 4, 1878. Aly Dear Sir — I have the honor and plea-ure to acknowledge the receipt of your invitation to the ceremonies attending the looth anniversary of the Battle and Massacre of Wyoming, and nothing but duties now unexpected shall pre- vent my presence. The accident of my birth in the Valley excites my interest in the occasion far less than the prominent connection with it of life-long friends, while my recent official researches into Indian history, &c., will as.sisl in the appreciation of its special features. I remain with sincere regard your friend and co-namesake, (iAiuucK Mai.lery, Bvt. Lt. Col., U. S. Army. Hon. G. M. Harding, Chairman, etc. From the Secretary of the State of New York. CoMfi koi.t.er's Oeeice, Alhanv June 17, 1878. My Dear .S'/r— Your note of invitation to attend the celebration of the looib anniversary of the Battle and Massacre of Wyoming is received. Official business will prevent my being present, but I hope that tlic celebra- tion will pi-ove to be all that its promoters desire. Thanking you for your courtesy, I am, Most truly yours. F. P. OlXOTT. Hon. G. M. Harding, Chairman, etc. 280 CELKISRATION F"rom the Attorney-General of Virginia, ArroRMCv Gknkkal's Oiik k, Kiciimomi, May 24, 187S. My D:ar S'r -Allow nie to e.\pre>s my L^'rateful tlianks for your invitation to attJnd and participate in the looth anniversary of tlie ISattle and Massacre of Wyoming, on the 3d day of July next. I shall esteeai it not only a great pleasure, but a very high honor, to lie present with you upon that interesting occasion, and if my official duties will permit I shall testify my appreciation of your kind invitation, and of all that is im])lied in the ceremonies, by being personally present with you. I have the honor to be very truly )-our obedient servant, JAS. Cr. FlKI.l). ll;)n. (i. M. Harding, Chairman, etc. I'rom Judge Boggs. RiTTANMNC, June 19, 1878. A/,' Deal- .SV;'— I sincerely thank you, and the committee of which you are Chairman, for your very kind invitation requc>iing me to l.c pre'-ent on the 3d ami .jtli of [uly, 1878, at the celebration of tlie lOOth anniversary of the Battle and massacre of Wyoming. I siiall lie with you if health jierniits, and 1 as sure you it will give me extreme jdeasure in taking ])art in celebrating an ancient battle in which the honored dead loved freedom more than life. Vours with kindest regards, Jackson I>(h;(,s. Hon. (1. M. Harding, Chairman, etc. From a Candidate for Governor. Lkwimu'kg, June 3, 1878. My Dear Sir—\ have your favor in\iting me to attend the Centennial cele bration of the Battle of Wyoming. 1 expect to be present and desire to express my obligations for the imltaiion and for tlie kind manner in which you have extended it. Yours truly, -A. H. I Mil.. Hon. C. M. Harding, Chairman, etc. 1 lom Prof. Loomis, of Yale. \'.\Lii Coi.i.KCK, May 27, 1878. M\) D'fir Sir I iiave received xourletu-r announcing the proposed celelira- tion of the looth anmversar)' of the Massacre of \\\oming, and inviting me to participate in the ceremonies. I feel a deep interest in the event whit ii you propose to com inemorate, but my |irevious engagements will probably render It impossible for me to be jircsent with you on the 3d of uly. V()ur.> truly, Ki.lAS I.ojMis. Hon. (j. M, i larding. ('Iiairman, etc. CORRESPONDENCE. 28 [ From Samuel G. Williams. CoLCHKSTER, CoNN. May 17, 1S78. My Dear Sir — Please accept my hearty thanks for your very polite invitation to attend the lOOth anniversary of that clay of sorrows, July 3d, 1778, in Wyo- niing. It would afford me much ]ileasure to be present; but will not I fear, be practicable. I trust the day and the transactions will be all the committee could desire. Very Respectfully, Samuel (1. Willi.\ms. Hon. Garrick M. Hardin'', Chairman, etc. From Dr. Wey. Elmir.v, N. Y. June 5, 1878. Djnr .9/;- —Accept for yourself and your associates in committee, my thanks for an invitation to be present at tlie one inindredth anniversary of the Battle and Massacre of Wyoniin;^ on the 3d and 4th July next. Respectfully &c.. Wm. C. Wey. Hoa. Carrick M. Hardini^, Chairman, etc. From a Grand Daughter of Col. Z. Butler. BiJRE.\u OF Education, Washington U. C. May 27, 1878. Dr. and Mrs. Alexander Shiras owe many thanks to Judge Harding and his foUow-committeemen for the kind invitations seat them to be present at the anniversary of the Battle of Wynanng. Mrs. S. hopes to have the pleasure of being present to commemorate an event in which her grandfather had so prom- inent a place. But whetlier lier husl)and's duties will allow liim also to appear, is yet, to his regrets, extremely doul)tful. Hon. Garrick M. Harding, Chairman, etc. From G. M. Beebe, Member of Congress House of Rei^resent-atives. Washington, D. C, June 10, 1S78. Dc-nr Sir — I acknowledge with thanks your invitation to attend the One Hundredth anniversary of -the Battle and Massacre of Wyoming, to be observed at Wilkes-Barre on the 3d of July next. I very much regret that duties here will detain me so long as to render it impossible for me to meet with you on the interesting occasion indicated. Be good enough to express to your a.ssociates my very high appreciation of their favor, and accept personally the assurances of my highest regards. Very Truly Yours, G. M. Beehe. Hon. Garrick M. Harding, Chairman, etc. 282 CKLKBKATION'. From Old Connecticut. JlAKii'dKn, Cc'NN. May, i8, 1878, Di-ar S/'r—l have received tlie circular and invitation regardinj^ tlie centen- nial commemoration at Wilkes- Harre, July 3d 1878. It well not he convenient for me to attend, but I am pleased to see the lathers thus honored for their ser- vices and sufferings, and hope that the enieiprise, of such touching anil roman- tic, as will as patriotic interest, will he most auspiciously consummated to the satisfaction of its worthy projectors. Yours, Respectfully, O. E. DA(K;t;i r. Hon. Ciarrick M. Harding. Chnirmnn. etc. Frjm the Easton Grays. HkAIX^HAUIKRS, E.\ST0N GuAVS, COMI'ANY "f." Foi'Krii Ri-.i-.iMic.NT, N. G., Siaie of Pennsvi.vama, Kaston, I'a., June 11, 1878. Djnr Sir — It is with sincere regret that Co. "F, " (Kas:on Grays) are compelled to decline your invitation. Otir Company was organized on the 3d day of July 1873, and consequently the coaiing 3d is our 5th anniversary. Uur friends and the Company itself, have already made very extensive arrange- ments towards celebrating it in a worthy style, and thua necessitates our declin- ing. Very Respectfully, J. W. I'"i,Ai), Sect'y Easton Grays. Hon. Garrick M. Harding, Chairman, etc. From Prof. Twitchell of Yaie. Hakikorii, Conn. June 3d, 1878. Dt e^pres-; my de2[) interest on the occasion, for, in what heart has nrjt Wya -niu '^ aa I h:;r dijJs of h );nr and herjis n touched a ch jhI? Nearly thirty years a^o I visited your historic sjene-;, and ])ut in print my youn,j im- pressions. Now it will be a real pleasure to me to call up the emotions of earlier years, and lilend theai uji an the same scenes, with the enjoyment I shall find in the sa:;iety of descendants, soaie ot whom I know anil have learned to value as friends. Gentlemen, I respectfully accept, and unless j^revented by some matter be yond my control, will be one of the throng to echo the cry, "c;/. Stanly 011^ Very Respectfully, S. R. Pkai.K. From Cj . Bonnaffon. C.M'K May Citv, N. J., June i5ih, 1878. lion. (".. M. Hardiii'^, Chairman of Committee of arrangements. IloiiorjbL; Sir -On behalf of the ex-officers of the late 20th Re^t. N. G. P. I accept your kind invitation for July 3d and 4th at the Wyoming Celebration, and will endeavor to notify as many of the oflicers as possible, to be present at that time. Very Respectfully, S. BoNiNafi'o.n, Jr. From Judge Hall*. Eciidval;:, nkar Hkdford, Pa., June 7, 1878. My D.iir .S"';- — I have your courteous invitation of the 1st ultimo to partici. pate on the 3d pro.\. in the cele!)ration of the centennial anniversary of the Massacre of Wyoming. It will give me great pleasure to do so if nothing in- tervenes to prevent. Vours, Truly, Wm. M. Hall. To Judge Harding, W'llkesbarre. Better late than never. I'lrrsi'.LMu;, Pa., 11 September, 1878. ilfy D.'iir y d;;.' -An all Summer absence abroad, from which 1 only return- ed last night, I regret to say, prevented my complying with the re([uest of your committee to participate with your numerous invited guests and selves in cele- brating the One Hundredth anniversary of the Massacre of Wyoming. I can only hope, as I have no doubt you had, "a good lime generally." If you had not, It certainly would be the fault of your hospitable people, as I iiear and know of them. May I beg you will commend me most kindly to Judge Dana and General Hoyt; and believe me dear Judge, Sincerely, yours, John M. KiLrATRiCK. Hon. Garriek M. Harding, Cliairman, Wilkesbarre. 284 CELKBRATIONT. From a New York Lawyer. No. 12 Wai.1. St. N. V., June 5, 1S7S- Hon. Ganick M. HarclinL,s and Gentlemen of tiie Committee on invitations. Gentlemen — I am to-day honored by your invitation to be present at youC centenary on 3d pro.K. I shall be only too happy to leave the many engrossing engagements of a busy lawyer life, to enal)le me to participate. 1 look forward to it with a double interest, both from pleasant memories of my visits to your" beautiful vale, as well as in the e.xpected enactment of a thrilling drama of a ruthless tragedy whose only issue was fraught with so much .solid good, that many who sowed in tears, returned bearing with joy their sheaves of plenty. Trusting that your present patriotic effort may be a complete success, and that after successive generation;*, the next Centenary may lind your city tlie . great Metropolis of the mineral wealth of the Su.-quehanna: in that event, may we not hope that they who shall then occupy your.places, will equally guard the Sacred ashes and adore the memories of those who laid down their lives on your consecrated soil, that it might remain an inheritance ft revtr to their childien and a tomb to all \\-\€\x genei-ations, bringing forth in large harvest the sturdy virtues of the Sires who long since dwelt therein. Accept my sincere thanks, and believe me with real respect and regard. Yours, KoBT. Dodge. The following were received by Judge Dana, Chairman of the Committee on orations and poems, from eminent poets, divines and others. From Bayard Taylor^ Pennsvi-va.ma's Favorite Poet. New Yoi^K, June 28, 1878. Dear Sir — I am obliged to your Committee for the compliment implied in selecting my name. But both as an American and a Penn.sylvanian, I have already performed my share in the commemoration of this centennial period. The preparation of a poem for a special occasion is the hardest task which can fall to any author — and the moit thankless; for wh le, it is next to impossible to produce a good poem to order, the public is never satisfied with less than the best. I do not think that the circumstances of my having given the National ode, at Philadelphia, should make me liable for all the odes in the century — it ought rather to relieve me of any further duty of the kind. But I have been compelled to decline invitations from Saratoga, Bennington, Germantown, Oriskany, Brandywine and many other places, and therefore cou'd not with propriety accept yours to Wyoming. I trust that you will understand my feelings in this matter, and the absolute necessity of my adopting a resolution which compels me to disappoint you. Very Respectfully Yours, Bay.^rd T.vvlor. Hon. E. L. Dana. From the author of "Hiawatha," Cambridge, June 7th, 1878. Dear Sir — It would give me great pleasure to comply with your recjuest if CORRESPONDENCE. 285 it were in 1113- power; hiU my engagements are so numerous and pressing that it is absolutely impossible for me to undertake anything new. Regretting that I cannot meet your wishes, and those of the other gentlemen of your committee. I am my dear sir, Yours, Very Truly, Henry W. Longfellow. Hon. E. L. Dana. From the Great Quaker Poet. Oak Knoll, Danvers, Mass., ist. Mo. 17, 1878. Hon. E. L. Dana. D:ar Sir —\ thank thee, and through thee the committee, of which thou art Chairman for tl e invitation, to write something for the coming celehraiion of the Wyoming Tragedy. 1 must however decline it, as I have done many sim- ilar requests for the past year, owing to the state of my health, which will not admit of any serious mental tasks. It has been a long desire of mine to visit your beautiful Valley, classic in ihe verse of Campbell; but I fear I may not be able to realize it. Truly Thy Friend, John G. Wiiittier. From Gen. Hawley, President of the International Exhibition of 1876. United St,\tes Centennial Commission. Office of the President, Hartford, May 2, 1878. Djar Sir—\ am really sorry that I cannot be with you on your "Centennial of the Battle and Massacre of Wyoming." It is well to Celebrate the anniver- saries of such battles, and to make mention often of the heroes of those old days, for only thus can we hope to have heroic Spirits in our own day. And so I am sorry not to add one to the number who will crowd your lovely Valley on that day. Before this reaches you, I shall be on my way to Europe, on business which must detain me there several months. Sincerely and Respectfully, Yours, JosEl'H R. Havvlev. From Bishop O'Harra. Scranton, June 13, 1878. Hon. Judge E. L, Dana. Dear Sir — I returned to Scranton yesterday, and found your letter of invita- tion to be present at the celebration of the looth anniversary of the Battle and Massacre of W^yoming. I would be much pleased to take part in the ceremony for that occasion, the memory of which should be cherished most affectionately by all good citizens, and most sacredly handed down to posterity. But my ap- pointments for the current year do not lea\Te me free to accept. I will be absent until the middle of ne.xt July. Please accept my cordial thanks for yourself and also present the same to the gentlemen of the Committee for this mark of regard which I consider paid, not only to myself personally, but also to that body of citizens, which I, in my official capacity i)efore the entire community in many respects represent. Very Respectfully, Yours, etc., William O'Harra. Bishop of Scranton. ANNIVERSARY, 1 ^ ^--^^^^ REUNIONS. N N ACCORDANCE with a resolution here- tofore passed, a special meeting of the As- ■ sociation was held June 8th 1879, ^'^'' '^'^'^ \^,' ^^ purpose of arrangint^ a program for the loist '' '4ii'4^ .-->=-. -I i/^ in niv^ersary. Ciiarles Dorrance, President, 'chE^'''^- called the meeting to order and explained "^^l^ the object of the call ; whereupon, on mo- tion of Dr. Hakes it was Resolved, That we will meet at the Monument on the 3d da)- of July next, at lo o'clock A. M., and there par- take of a dinner to be provided for the occasion ; and that a committee of three be appointed to make the necessary arrangements. The chair appointed Messrs. Hakes, Jenkins and Coray to constitute such committee. On motion of Mr. Jenkins it was Resolved, That we extend a general invitation to all who have sympathised with us, and who aided us in our last year's memorial, to unite with us on the same terms as members of the Association; and that the members of the Association be requested to bring with them the lady members of their families, and such friends as the\' shall desire to introduce on the occasion. On motion of Dr. Hollister, AT THE MONUMENT. 287 Rexoli'fd, That this Association, or as many of its members as can mal-:e it convenient so to do, will attend the Cliemung Centennial at Ehnira, on the 29th of August next, and that all who intend going", signify the same at the 3d of Jul)' meeting. On motion of Rev. Abel Barker. R('soli-cd, That we humbly acknowledge our gratitude to Almighty (jod for his inhnite merc\' in thus far pre- serving the live.^ of the members of this Association, and permitting them to enjo)- the blessings of a healthful exercise of both mental and bodily condition. And be it hu'ther. Reso/vfd, That in the event of a death occurring among the members of the Association, between any of the an- nul reunions, as hereinaftei" provided for, that at the next meeting a short obituary address on the life and charac- ter of the deceased, shall be prepared and read by some one of the survi\ing members. Resolved, That the original members of this Associ- ation will meet at ihe W\oming Monument on the morn- ing of each recurring T^d of July, while an\- of their num- ber shall live, there to renew their devotion to the memory of the men and women of 1778, by keeping alive the spirit that a6luated us in the year 1878, and to enjoy a social repast, to be prepared as i)rovided for in IJr. Hakes' resolution. Mr. Barker said it is expe<5led that the citizens through- out the valley will displa}- their flags at half-staff in honor of the first anniversary meeting, in this the beginning of the second century after the Battle and Massacre, and at each succeeding anniversary thereafter, antl it is hoped that the custom may be kept up by succeeding gen- erations until the morning of the 200th year may again call the people t(} meet at this sacred fane, as they did in the year 1878, to do homage to the noble dead of Wyoming's bloody day. The annual meetings of the survivors of the Association, he could not 288 REUNION. regard but with feelings of mournful anticipation. We are nearl)' all of us men bordering on the middle age of life, some perhaps having passed the allotted three score years and ten vouchsafed by God unto his creatures. It must inevitably come in the nature of things, and that at no very distant d?y, that some, in fact all of us will be called away to render an account of our stewardships here on Earth, and it is with feelings of sadness with which I look forward to the time when the last man, old, tottering and infirm, shall assemble himself in the shadow of the monument, on some hot July morning a few years hence to partake of his lonely meal and pay a final trib- ute to the memory of his departed associates. At the suggestion of Mr. Barker, and on motion of Gen. Dana, it was ordered. That a committee of three, to be appointed by the chair, be selected to prepare a plan of permanent organization for the Association, which committee was requested to report at the openmg of the meeting on the 3d. The chair appointed Messrs Dana, Jenkins and Johnson to constitute such committee. Adjourned to meet at the monument at 10 A. M. July 3d 1879. AT TEIE MONUMENT. At 10,30 o'clock A. M., Col Dorrance called the meet- ing to order. Rev. K. H. Snowden made an able and appropriate invocation to the Throne of Grace for a blessing upon the people there assembled, and for the Divine favor to rest upon the cause of thus patriotically honoring the memory of the dead. A volunteer chorus of ladies and gentle- men, ne.xt sang the patriotic air of "The Star Spangled Banner," after which Judge Dana took his station upon the steps of the monument and delivered the following .\r THIi MONUMENT. 289 chaste and eloquent address, as a review and sequel to tiic memorial exercises of the preceding;- \-ear: Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen.— - Oiie year a<^^o this day marked the close of a century since the fathers of \\^\-oming' i^ave their lives on this plain, in defence of their loved ones at home. It was proper th.at an anniversary of such interest, should be observed witli ever\- mark of veneration which a grateful community and nation could bestow. It was proper that distinguished representatives of the nation and of the state shoidd unite with the citizens of the valley, in hon- oring" the memory of tliose whose heroic sacrifices and tragic fate, have awakened such wide and enduring in- terest. The careful research of the historian was well emploxed in the eff. rt to rescue from oblivion, and to traU'^mit to coming centuries, ever\' incident in the record , of tlieir courage, their endurance and suffering, which forms so prominent a ch.apter in the national annals. Eloq; ence rdso found on that occasion, a theme worthy its power, and with the recurrence of the da_\" and its obserx'ance, liencelorth will be indissolubly associated the name of our gifted Abbott, whose last public utterances in tile Valley of his nativity and of his love, were his beautiful tribute on that Centennial afternoon one year ago, to the mem()r}' of the heroes and times of '78 Poe- try and music also brought their offerings. The immense audience which assembled that morning long before the opening services, and notwithstanding the oppressive heat and dust, gave respeftful attention until the closing benediction, showed that a hundred years had not dimmed the memory, nor diminished the veneration of Wyoming for those whose blood had con- secrated her soil. To have suffered that anniversary day to pass with'^ut appropriate observances, would have been disrespecl to the dead and disgrace to the living. But is it not proper, is it not a duty to usher in the first \car of a second centurv with commeinorative ser 200 REUMOX. vices? 1 he patriots who sleep I)ene.ith this niomimeiU struggled, endured and cUed, not lor one centur\- alone; ) ( r should the century bound their memories. They should not be forgotten while the blessings the\' secured lor us are enjo}ed; whilst the lands the_\- rescued from solitude and the savage, \ield their increase, or the beavitiful river they loved continues to flow. In this belief we are assembled here to-da\-, to bring to their shrine our annual offering. Reverence for the tombs of ancestors is as old as our race. The care, the preservation and adorning of the last resting places of their dead were lield as religious obligations by the an- cients. Outside their houses, near at hand in the field, was a tomb, the sacred home of the family. There the several generations of ancestors repose together. Death wraught no separation. Between the living and the dead of a family there were only the few steps that separated the house from the tomb. On certain davs fixe 1 for each family by their domestic religion, they assembled to brmg their offerings, and to repair the resting places of their dead. In return they sought and beliexed that they re- ceived prote61:ion and aid. A community of interest was supposed to e.xist. the living having need of the dead, and the dead of the living. We see in their histor\-, in the struflure of their language, how much respe6l and rtciiirocal affe6lion this belief tended to establish in the familw The\' gave to the domestic virtues, the obedi- ence of the son to the father, the love which he bore to his mother, the attachment of the father and tenderness of the mother for the child, the name piety. Whilst we do not worship the dead, or invoke their agency in the exercise of supernatural powers, we do revere their mem- ory and desire to imitate their \irtues, and to profit by their example. We are met together this morning, on this hallowed ground, not for mere display, or to join in mere unmean- ing ceremonies, but in grateful remembrance of those who AT ITIK MONUMF.Xr 291 sowe.l in sorrow that \vc might reap in jow and to lay upon this shrine the oi'ferini^s of reverent affecflion. The occasion does not require, nor does the brief hour aHotted permit, the rehears il of their achievements and suffei-ings. The facls have been full\' and faithfully col- lected b\' historians, and the stor\- is too deeply traced on thj pag-e of memory to be fori^otten. We may, however, pause to iiKiLiire what it is that ,^ives to the persons and incielents of those times, such vitalitw such enduring interest. \Vh_v have their memories survived the absorb- ing experience of a hundred \'ears, and of such an hun- dred ye irs.' The answer is not found in their sufferings alone, nor the tragic fate which overtook them on that July afternoon. It is a benign provision that sorrow, lilv'c ioy. is not enduring, that over the most poignant grief tin^e eventuallv draws the kindly veil of oblivion. The memories of that Jul\' da\- are not all sadness; we are nf)t here to-d ly wholly as mourners; the shades of those heroe-; revisiting this spot, could we see them, have not the aspecl of victims, but wear the palms of \'i61ors, of tlio^e who conquered even in death. How much more re d t!ie life of those who fell that da}' under the tomahawks, than of those who, after their carnival of blood, skulked avva\', physically unhurt, \et in ,1 death of ignominy and shame. The lessons we are here to-tiay briefly to review, and whi:h gi\'e meaning and point to our reverence, are those of courage, persistent endurance, energy, econom}-, inde- pendence and self reliance, blended with strengthened faith. The earl>' settlers of new lands who form the suh- struSlurefor future social developement like the earlier rock of oi;r globe, are usually charafterized b\' strength and rug- ged simplicity. Their circumstances, all their surround- ings and e.vperiences give prominence to the manly virtues, and especially to the courage that deliberately imi)erils life in defense of countr\' and kindred, the virtue, as the word implies, of manhood and manliness. Theirs 1^)2 RKfJ.VIOX. was not mere resentment or resistance to sudden violence, attack or insult; no sudden passion that may infuriate cowardice into rashness. It was rather, the deliber;ite, unselfish, courage, which looking to remote results, to good in which they can hardly hope to share, move them to renounce the quiet securit\^ of their old homes, to en- counter danger, and what is still more trying, to undergo ceaseless privation and trial, in building c;f new ones in the wilderness tor themselves and posterity, 'i'his is the class of men by whom States are founded, th.cir limits extended, the rights of life, liberty and property secure,!, and the forces of nature subjected to human control. It is easy for us to enumerate the results now they are accomplished, but we cannot realize full}' the trials, the endurance, the exposure b\' which they have been attained. Long distances were to be traversed, and sup- plies carried through pathless forests; at tlie end oi their wearv and perilous journe}', there was no place of needed rest and repose; the stern requirement to work and to watch hailed their arrival; and with axe in one hand and a rifle in the other, they attacked the forest, toiling day by day, and sharing in guard duty at night. Nor were these severe requirements merely temporary, during an existing war, or for an\' definite time, but for and during their probable lives. Their enemies too, were formidable in numbers, vigilant, stealthy and cruel; against such obstacles, such discouragements and foes, the perseve- rence shown by the pioneers of Wyoming formed a marked trait in their chara6lers. When the rude homes they had constru6led, and the crops they had planted, were repeatedly destroyed, neither danger nor discouragement deterred them from rebuilding and replanting. Strength- ened by disaster, rendered fearless by association with danger, self reliant and disciplined in defending their persons, property and rights against aggression, they were amongst the earliest advocates of independence of the mother country, and became in proportion to their numbers its staunchest defenders. ■AT THE MONUMENT. 293 Wliilst laying broad and deep'thc foundation of a prom- inent and prosperous community, they did not forget the claims of religion, and of education, and made as the records show, early and ample provision for the support of schools and a Christian Alinisti}-. The duties of the hour and place assigned to me to-day cannot be discharged in a proper manner without an al- lusion at this point, to the women, the wives and mothcis of those days. Their bones do not rest under this mon- ument, their names are not inscribed on these tablets, yet the_\' shared fully in the trials and sufferings, and doubl}' in the an.xieties of those times of trial. 1 heir anxieties indeed, were multiplied by the number of tencier charges to their care. No one can sa\', how mucn of the courage of the fathers, was inspired by the heroism of the wives and mothers. The matrons of Rome exhibited no such fortitude, were subjefi: to no such trials as were here daily encountered. Some here present have listened to the narratives of daily and nightl}' alarm, to which they were exposed, }'et tradition and imagination fail to pre sent the full measure of their trials. What volumes of thrilling experience were buried in their now forgotten graves! Fclhnv citirjois — Shall not each recurring 3d of July be suitably observed during the centur)- upon which we have entered.' Shall not the names, the virtues, the example and sacrifices of the pioneers of Wyoming be kept in grateful remembrance.-" To aid in effefting these obje<5ls, a committee appointed for that purpose, have prepared the following plan for a permanent organization, which I beg leave to present to your consideration and acceptance. THE PLAN. Your committee recommend — First. That an Association be formed to be designa^ ted the Wj'oming Commemorative Association. 294 KiaiNION. Scco/i(L That it shall consist of such officers and mem- bers of committees, lieretofore appointed and chari^ed with the duties of commemoraiing', on the 3d of July 1878, the one luindreth anniversary of the l^attle and Massicre of Wyoming. July 3d 1778, and such descendants of parti- cipants in the Battle, and of Pioneers of the Valley, as may signify their desire to join the Association by sub- scribing these articles. Third. This Association shall meet on the third of July of each year, or when the 3d occurs on Siuida)', on the preceding Saturday, at the monument grounds, or at such other place as the Association shall designate, and shall also meet at other times upon call ot the President. Fourth. The officers of this Association shall consist of one President, two Vice-Presidents, a Treasurer and Secretarx', to be chosen annualh' b\' the members of the Association, not in arrear for dues. Fifth. The objefts of this Association are to col leer and preserve the fafts, traditions and incidents relating to the early history of Wyoming; to perpetuate the mem- ory of the services and suffering of her pioneers, and thus aid in inspiring emulation of their examples. Sixth. The officers of this Association shall constitute an E.xecutive Committee, who shall meet at least one month prior to the 3d of July in each year, and prepare a plan of the order of exercises for the ensuing anni\er- sary, and give notice of the same. Sc-i'ciith. The annual dues to be paid in advance by each inember of the Association shall be one dollar, to be appropriated to defray the expense of publishing, in permanent form, the proceedings of the annual meetings of the Association, and for such other purposes as shall AT THK MONUMENT. 295 he designated I:))' the I'.xecutive Committee: all of whieh is re spefl fully submitted. EDMUND L. DANA. WESLEY JOHNSON, STICUI^EN JENKINS, Wyoming Jui.v 3d 1879, Committee.^ The report was unanimously adopted. Among other citizens who had taken and aflive ])art in the centennial services of 1878, there were present at the monument, Hon. L. D. Shoemaker, Dr. H. Hakes who delivered one of his characleristically elocjuent ad- dresses, Calvin Parsons who lead in the vocal music, George Coray, Steuben Jenkins, Col. Charles Dorrance President of the Association from the beg'inning-, Wesley Johnson, Secretary, Rev. E. H. Snowden, James P. Ath- erton. Rev. Abel Barker, Dr. W. H. I^radlex- of the /wvyvv/ of the Tiiirss, John P^sp\-, Bradley Smith, Rev. E. B. Hodge, John B. Smith, R. J. Wisner, Abram Lines. James A. Gordon, John Welles Hollenback, Edward Welles, Rev. H. H. Welles, Capt. Chester Tuttle, PLlisha Blackman, Payne Pe.ltebone. Hubbard W. Payne, Charles A Miner, His I'ixcellenc}' Henry M. Hoyt, Governor of the Com- monwealth, Gen. John 1*". Hartranft PLx-(iovernor, Dr. H. Hollister, P). H. Pratt of the Sci-antoii RcpiiblkaJi ^ C. L A. Chapman, Miss, Susan \\. Dickinson, &c. The mornint^ exercises closed by singing "Americ.i' and a Benediction b}* Rev. F. B. Hodge. The people then repaired to the Wyoming Hotel where about one hundreci sat down to a spLMidid repast pre- pared by Col. Laycock. The first toast, "The United States", was responded to by Gen. Hartranft, as he being Post master of Philadel- ])hia was a proper representative of the United States Government to speak in behalf of the whole country. The General said it would suit him better to speak later in the exercises, and being called upon at short notice he 296 REUNION. did not know what response to make, and as his friend Ueneral Iloyt had superceded him in the Gubernatorial office, he thought the best thing he could do was to step down and out and let the Governor respond to the sec- ond sentiment — the Commonwealth ot Pennsylvania. (lovernor Hoyt made a few offhand remarks and some happy hits, retiring in good order from the contest of wit an i sentiment, which seemed to be the ruling spirit of the hour. George R. Bedford Esq., in a carefully prepared speech responded to the fifth sentiment, and Dr. Hollister gave some interesting fafts relative to the history of Luzerne County. Steuben Jenkins, in his pains taking way re- viewed the subject of the Wyoming Prisoners. John P2spy and Abel Barker, each in his place delight- C-! tlie guests for a short time. Stanley Woodward got off some good things in his after dinner st\de of oratory, and Dr. Hakes amused the people for a few minutes in his hard headed common sense way. ]-'ayne Pettebone gave a brief and concise history of the Wyoming monument, from the time of finding the place where the bodies of the slain were first interred, in 1832, down to the present, all of which he saw and part of \vhich he was. Mr. I lenry 11. Welles spoke in behalf of the clergy, and Mr. Wesley Johnson for the press as follows: I feel honored by your preference in sele6ling me to respond to the sentiment, 'The Press," but I fear I shall reflect but small honor on the profession by the few and crude remarks I shall have to make in its behalf. If you had before you some one of the distinguished gentlemen of the great Metropolitan Journals of the countr}% he might justly claim your attention, and you would listen to hini with pleasure, and I doubt not with profit; but I AT THE MONUMENT. 29/ feel tliat the best service I could render \'ou would be to stop where I am; besides I am not vain enough to claim a very close fellowship with the honored fraternity of editors. But since vou have invited me to the task, it would be churlish in me not to attempt to sa>' a few words on the subject. The triumph of mind over mere brute force is happily put. in the well known e.Kpression attributed to the Great Cardinal of France, where the dramatist makes him to say that "In a nation Supremely great, the pen is might- ier than the sword," and if we but substitute the word "Press" for pen, we will more full\- comprehended the force of this grand utterance The word pen has a poetic fitness of name and origin to its office, and it was emi- nently proper for the Prince Cardinal to apply it in that connexion, as in the language of old Rome we have the word penna, a quill or feather, and a feather plucked from a gray goose's wing, was the onI\' instrument by which our forefathers, before the age of printing from types, were enabled to communicate their thoughts, in the spreading of light and knowledge throughout the world. And as the pen is but the instrument to register the in- spirations of genius, so. the press is but a more perfeft mechanical combination, to multiplw ten million times, it may be, the power of extension to the thoughts of the great master minds, that are to-day, moulding senti- ments for good or evil, in all ci\'ilized nations of the Earth. To-day, we behold the speftacle of the Autocrat of all the Russias, the proud despot, who by the law of his realm, holds absolute power over the li\'es and liber- ties of his millions of subjecls, protected as he is b)- his grand army, trembling on his throne, before the unseen but potent printing press, which scatters the dreaded Ni- hilistic appeals to the down trodden people, now strug- gling for a more free and enlightened form of government as lavishly, but mysteriousl)' and silently, as the snow- flakes that fall upon their rude dwellings in the darkness of their long winter nights. 298 RKUNION. Tyrants in all countries have feareti the Press, and endeavored by restri6live laws to render it subser\ient to their own corrupt use ; but in England and Free Ameiica, where the people through their representati\-es rule, all c}uestions of public polic\', and the acts of all public servants can be discussed without let or hin- drance ; and it is only when some unworthy member of the profession seeks tc:) lay before the public false accusa- tions against the public or private citizen, that his licen- tiousness is condemned by the law of the land. The influence of the i)ress, particularly in a countr\' like ours, is almost incalculable ; it is the might}' lever that mo\es the destinies of the world. An ancient heathen mathematician and philosopher said of mechani- cal power, given a fulcrum on which to rest his engine, and it would be possible to multiply leverage that would move the solid earth. We have that fulcrum established in the education of the masses of the people, and the ver\' foundations of the world of thought, on subje61:s political and s])iritual, are being moved from their solid places b}' the power of the press. The orator in pulpit or forum, may swa\' his thousands b}' the power of his burning eloquence, but the editor has his millions for an audience ; and whatsoever the united press of the coun- try would build up, that shall be exalted ; and whatso- ever it would pull down, that will be abased. The majorit}' of mankind are too busy or too indolent to think for themselves, and are content that others should do it for them, and the utterances put forth during the last Quarter of a centur\' in the great metropolitan journals, by a Greelex', a Bennett, a Raymond, a Mc Michael and hundreds of others of lesser note in the world of journalistic fame, have been more potent in the formation of a national sentiment in our people, than all the orations and sermons, as such, that have been spoken since the "Mayflower" landed her first Pilgrims on Plvmouth Rock, AT THli MONUMENT. 299 l^ut in order that the world may be made better, and not worse b\- so powerful an instrument in the hand of man, it is essential that journalists should be men of pure morals and endowed with a sense of lofty patriotism. It is not to be supposed that men of the hit^hest intel- leftual attainments ma\' not some times err in judg- ment ; that their conclusions ma\' not some times be erroneous ; and there are questions upon which men may honestly dilTer in th.eir opinions, and it is for time alone of demonstrate the truth of the matter under discussion. In this, as in all other professions and callings, there are grades of respeclability in the members, and while liberty of the Press to print all matters necessary for the people, should be preserved inviolate, the licentiousness of the Press, and the mendacit\- of unprinciple scribblers, should be sternly rebuked and punished if need be by the strong arm of the law. The liberty of the Press is the /Egis of popular libert}', Init the licentiousness of the Press is moral death to society. I trust that the people of these free United States will ever preserve, protect and cherish the one as carefull}-, as the>' sternl\' and promptly rebuke the other. Mr. C. I. A. Chapman replied in an eloquent manner to the sentiment, Wyoming, after which the Chairman Col. Dorrance. declared the exercises of the re-union closed. ANNIVERSARY. SECOND REUNION. |VHE ASSOCIATION met on the 22d of I May. 1880, under a call by the president. Col. Dorrance called the meeting to ■order, and in a \c\v well put observations explained J.he obje6l of this meeting to be to arrange the preliminaries for our ne.\t meeting on the 3d of Jul}-. After arranging for the I02d anniversary meeting as follows : That the services of our ne.xt meeting conform as nearlv' as may be to those observed last year, and that the same rules regarding the dinner and refreshments be observed. On motion, adjourned to assemble again on Saturday the 26th of June, inst. The Association met agreeabl)- to adjournment at Court Room No. i, at lO o'clock A. M. There were pres- ent Charles Dorrance Presitient, Weslej- Johnson Secre- tary, L. D. Shoemaker Treasurer; and the following mem- bers: Steuben Jenkins. Dr. H HoUister, Calvin Parsons, E. L. Dana, Dr. H. Hakes. George Coray, Pa) ne Pette- bone, E. G. Buttler. James A. Gordon and Marx Long. Dr. Hakes suggested that as this Association is not expe6led to die out with the passing away of its present members, that a rule be adopted that each member, during his life, may name a suitable person to be hi^ suc- cessor; if none be named, the Association to fill the va- cancy by appointment. Judge Dana moved to amend AT rUF. MONUMENT. 3OI by authorizing the President to name a committee of tiiree to report a plan to perpetuate the organization, with a view to keeping it ahve until the bi-centennial of the Battle and Massacre, if possible. Dr. Hollister ap- proved of Judge Dana's motion, but moved to postpone any a6lion in the matter, with the view of first obtaining an order of court, under authority (tf law, making this Association a body corporate. Dr. Hakes seconded this motion, whereupon it was adopted, and the chair ap- pointed Messrs Dana, Hakes and Jenkins to constitute such committee on corporation. Mr. Jenkins reported the proposed order of exercises and the meeting adjourned to meet at the foot of the monument on Saturday next, July 3d, that being the I02d anniversary of the Battle and Massacre. MEETING .\T THE MONUMENT. On the morning of July 3d the air was cool and bracing, and in this respecl very different from that of the great centennial year. The flag staff and the monument were dressed in the identical centennial buntingof 1878, and the monument was decked in evergreens, flowers and sheaves of ripened wheat, when at i i o'clock Col. Dor- rance called the meeting to order, and invited Rev. H. H. Welles to open the exercises with pra)-er; after which "America" was sung by a chorus of young lady voices assisted by Messrs Jenkins and Parsons. Col. Dortancc made one of his happy impromptu addresses as an open- ing to the exercises. Rev. Andrew Brydie, of Pleasant Valley, made a short address, during which he said he could hardly be expe6l- ed to feel in these matters the same degree of enthusiasm as animated the hearts of the immediate descendants of the colonists who fell here in 1778, being himself a loyal subjecl of Queen Vi6loria, b\' the grace of God, ruler of Great Britain. But being a dweller in this i'vee and hap- 302 SKCOiND REUNION. py land, he respected its institutions and the cherished objefts of memor\- of the people, and next to his t)\vn bonnie Scotland, he regarded America as the fairest land that ever the Sun shone on. He sai.l, that in tiie Prov- idence of God, England and America were destined to give language to, and shape the institutions of the , world. Dr. Makes, being called upon, said, he knew not what better to .say on this occasion than to read the inscription written in enduring marble on the tablet set up in one of the sides of this plain pillar of stone before us; it reads: "Near this spot was fought, on the alternoon of Friday, the third day of Jul)', 1778, the Battle of Wxoming, in which a small band of Americans, with a courage that deserved success, boldly met, and bravely fought, a com- bined British, Tory and Indian force of thrice their num- ber. Numerical superiority alone gave success to the invader, and wide-spread havoc, desolation and ruin, marked his savage and bloody footsteps through the valley. This m inuniint, commemorative of tiiese evjn:s, and of the aftors in them, has been creeled over the bones of the slain, by their descendents and others, who gratefully appreciated the services and sacrifices of their patriotic ancestors." This, my friends, tells the whole story, and we have come here to-day to gratefully re- member the ser\ices and sacrifices of the ancestors of many I see aroimd me — not m}' ancestors, for I am not de- scended from these brave men, anci am content to count niNself among the "others" as written in the inscrii)tion from wliich I have just repeated the story. But I am of bur common countrx', and partake some ofthe glor\', and I have come here to-day to do my share in helping to keepali\'e an interest in this da\-,upon this hallowed spot, and while I live I am going, to keep doing it, and I am glad to see around me so many who are not wholl\' un- mindful ofthe p^ast, and can devote one day intherolling year to honor the memory of their ancestorson this blood AT TllK MONUMENT. 303 Stained iielcl. l^ut as there are other L^entlemen who have come here prepared to give you a better speech than I am capable of, I will now give way for my friend Mr. Ma\den, who is no doubt charged to the muzzle with historic facts. Rev. H. E. Hayden after some perliminary remarks as an off set to Dr. Hakes" humorous conclusion said, "My friends, I hearlilv congratulate you upon the public spirit which has led \()ii to commemorate the event of the 3d of Jul}-, i/JcS, and to recall to the minds of their decen- dants the heroism of those whose struggle for all that makes life v.'orth li\ing, was so brave \-et so ajoparentlv unsuccessful. If I have a suggestion to make it is, that \'('U perpetuate this commemoration by making such arrangements for its continuance annuall)', that it sliall not become a forgotten fact. Some of >'Ou ma\- have read Miller's Historv' of Swit- zerland. If so, you will remember how just five hundred }"ears ago next Frida}-, on 'the 9th of July, i3i.6.^c^ .y^. yi^^^ HENRY M. HOYT. GcTvernor ci AT THE MONUMENT. 305 Uf lost Atlantis and its sunset plains, Drew first pils^rims here as to a shrine. These came and saw its loveliness, and so Went back and told their homes— we found A landscape full of peace, of rest, of joy, Stretching out wide from the famed battlefield. There are far grander scenes where Alpine heights, Lift up their rose crowned ice peaks — none more fair Has earth to show; none where the heart is held By subtle influences tliat say, O, stay ! Here still is an inspiration to brave deeds, To noble living ; to all worthy acts That war or peace may c i.i t )r : if still Life calls you h^uce we send with you a thought ; A mingled memory of lives laiil down Grandly for home and altar — and of all Such sacrifice h.is won. So year by year The record grows of those who come and go. And carry with them as a treasure hence The name and fame of Wyoming. Should we — Whose fair inheritance was won by those Whose simple monumental stone in sight Uprises, — should we fail to bring our gift Of song, of speech, or flowers ; nay — most of all — Of loving memories — of hearts that say, "Our lives shall be our best memorial." The following letter from Governor Hoyt was then read : COMMONWKAI.TH OK PENNSYLVANIA, \ Executive Chamber, f Harrisburg, June 29th, iciSo. //('//. SL'iibrii Jt-iikiiis, IVyomiiig. Pii. My Dear Sir :— 1 had hoped to comply with your kind suggestion to ma\e a short address on the character of the Connecticut Settlers, before your association on the 3d proximo. I hive had a painful fight with rheumatism for three months, and so far have got the worst of it. At the date mentioned I shall be absent on what I hope will be a final campaign against it. Judging from my own experience, I am persuaded that there is little real knowledge, and a very inadequate appreciation of the men who settled the Seventeen townships of Connecticut. On their part, it was an exodus from their old homes, for the pure and simple purpose of founding new homes, and 306 SECOND RKUMON, layint;; a foundation for the jiliysical and nioial well hciiii^ of them^elves and their children. There was no idea of Empire in the movement. They went to the wilderness and to harpships, as courageous, persistent and honest a body of men as ever confederated for a high and legitimate motive. Unfortunately they fell into a dispute about territorial jurisdiction, and the immediate rejire- sentative of the Province of Pennsylvania, of course, resented, their prc->encc as an invasion, and for many years made inadeiiuate and futile resistance. The Connecticut people were outside the sympathies of the ofl'icers of the Province, and of many of the people ; and their descendants yet bear un- pleasant memories of those Yankees, and for aught I know, of their descen- dants ; but the great mass of the frontiersmen, German and Scotch-Irish — themselves the victims of imperfect protection against the savages, whom the Q.ixk.'rs ware unwilling to regard as enemies and evil-doers, sympathized in the highest manner with the settlers along the upper Susquehanna. The controversy was bitter ; at times bloody, and lasted from 1763 to 1799. For self possession, calmness and philosojihic waiting for deliverance, the conduct of these people was admiralile. It is time some exhaustive, but accessible view of tliese men, their conduct, tliiir niJtives, and their patient heroism, was brought before their descendants. What they did on the 3d of July, 1778, strangers in, to them a strange land, their title to which was denied, exalts into a new level the mere patriotism of other great sufferers. I trust that at your pleasant gathering you will be able to look back over the intervening century, and see what a grand and Ijrnve strain, and what a fine fi'ore wa? uoja the brains ail hearts of the m.M wh )se memories you meet to fitly commemorate. Again regretting my absence, I am, Yours very truly, Menkv M. Ilovr. Thus it will be seen, after long years of tedious wait- ing, the men of Connecticut who first settled our Valley, and who in their lives were regarded as free-booters and traitors by the early Governors of the Province, are here full)- vindicated and eulogized by another Governor who has carefully reviewed the question in the light of justice, and this vindication though late, comes to us unsought, in a semi-official character bearing date in. and emana- ting from the K.xecutive Chamber of the Commonwealth, under the hand and sanction of the legally constituted successor of the great William Penn himself. AT THE MONUMENT. 307 Mr Chapman delivered a ringint^" little speech of five minutes, after which the Ljuests proceeded to the Hotel of Col. Laycock to partake of a bountiful repast. Judge Dana was called to preside over the after dinner exercises. In assuming the honors of presiding over the further deliberations of the meeting, the Judge said that Col. Dorrance, with himself and others, three years ago undortoo'.: the organization of this society to give direct- ion only, and not to arrogate to themselves the sole right of keeping the.;e events in mind ; outside parties are wanted to take an interest in it. Some jealousy has been felt that those who were instrumental in forwarding the one hundredth anniversary exercises, had taken it upon themselves to be custodians of the memories of those who gave their lives for their principles. These had a right, and it was proper for them as the immediate descendants, to initiate the movement, but they wanted others to take an interest also. Some had said this was no event of an}- considerable importance ; that it was onl\' a little skirmish, (ireat battles are not necessary — the number of men engaged and the shedding of much blood is not necessary to make an event important — this battle is remembered in detail a hundred years after, the day, as vividly as ten )'ears after, which is all that can be said of any of the great battles of Napoleon. The importance depended on the result. This battle lead to the expedition of Gen. Sulli- van of the following year, which forever wiped out the power of the Iroquois in the state of New York, where they were still living in all the pride and power of their original independence. This was the beginning of that series of events, which, step by step ended in the surren- der at Yorktown. The story of Wyoming at once brought to the American cause the influence of the conservatives in the British parliament and materially aided the strug- gling colonists to achieve their independence. Dr. Hollister excused himself from saying an)' thing at this time. 50-^^ Johnson, Secretary, and Messrs E. L. Dana, Calvin Parsons, Dr. H. Hollister, Abel Barker, H. Hakes, D. S. Bennet and Marx Long of Committees. Judge Dana, Chairman of Committee reported a plan for organization and incorporation which was read and committee continued for further a6lion. The following officers Were then ele6led for the ensuing year. President, Charles Dorrance. Vice Presidents : E. L. Dana, L D. Shoemaker, Calvin Parsons, Dr. H. Hollister and Steuben Jenkins ; Treasurer. Dr. Harry Hakes ; Recording Secretary, Wesley Johnson ; Corresponding Secretary, Abel Barker ; Librarian, D. S. Bennet. On motion Resolved : That a committee of three to be named by the chair, be appointed, to make arrangements for the annual service and dinner at Wyoming, on the 2d of July next. Messrs. Bennet, Barker and Jenkins, were appointed to constitute such committee. 310 THIRD REUNION. On motion, Messrs. Hollister, Shoemaker, Dana and Hakes were appointed a committee to prepare the order of exercises for the day. On motion, Resolved : That a committee of five, of which the Secretary shall be chairman, be appointed as a committee on publication, to arrange the matter and pro- vide means for printing in substantial book form, all the proceedings of this association from its first meeting on the 3d of July, 1877, to the present time; including the addresses, orations, poems and all other proceedings of the memorial services on the 3d and 4th of July, 1878. The President thereupon named Messrs. Johnson, Bennet, Jenkins, Dana and Hakes to constitute such committee. Adjourned to meet at Wyoming monument, at 10 o'clock a. m. on Saturday, July 2d, 1881. THIRD ANNIVERSARY EXERCISES. Saturday the 2d of July, 1 881, was a perfeft day in all its early summer luxuriance. The heat was not oppress- ive but the shade was gratefully sought by many of the assemblage of perhaps two hundred persons, gathered within the monument enclosure for the purpose of rehears- ing the old story of the times and the event they were about to commemorate on this, the one hundred and third anniversary, of the battle, now become the event of the year for the village of Wyoming. The meeting was fi.xed this year on the 2d and not on the 3d, the aftual anni\crs- ary, the reason being that the 3d falls on Sunday and its observance on that day is hardly regarded as decorous b}- the association. At II o'clock Col. Dorrance called the meeting to order, disclaiming an)- intention to make a speech, further than to welcome the few who were present, and said he hoped they would all return from year to year to com- memorate the day of all others held dear and sacred to MA.JDS RENNET AT THE MONUMENT. 3II the memories of our forefathers whose remains repose beneath this simple shaft of mountain stone erefted to mark the spot of their last resting place here on earth. The entire company gathered at the monument, then sung in chorus that grand old hymn " Trom all that dwell beneath the skies." An eloquent and fervent prayer was offered b}- Rev. Abel Barker, in\oking the Divine blessing to rest upon all assembled here, and that peace and plenty may never fail us while we continue to serve the Lord and do his Heaven !}• will. Rev. Henr\' L. Jones, Reftor of St. Stephens Episcopal Church, Wilkesbarre, favored the association and assem- bled citizens with the following chaste and appropriate Eulog)' to the mart\Ted dead : Ladies and Gentlemen ; Fellow countrymen : We meet on one of those anniversary occasions which have well and wisel}- been called "heartlinks" — heartlinks between the future and the past : "When a common jo}- or common sorrow falls on kindred hearts, kindred in blood or coun- tr)', or in faith, it melts them all, and melts them into one. And then the day that makes it annual, takes its color to them all and swa\'s them to its tone." To-day, we go back in thought to a field of blood and suffering, sacred to many before me, as identified with personal reminiscences poured into the listening ear of childhood-sacred to all as identified with our country's honor and renown-immortal the world over, for, histor- ian and poet, novelist and artist have given their choic- est efforts in depi6ling what befell "On Susquehanna's side (at) fair Wyoming," a little more than a century ago. A hundred times and more, since then, has winter covered the streams with massive crystal, and spread the marvellous beauty of the snows over field and forest, vale and hillside. A hundred times and more, the snows and ice have melted in the breath of Spring and vegetation has renewed itself in verdure and bloom. A hundred 312 THIRD REUNION. times and more the sultry summer has brooded over the hills and warmed the deepest valleys. A hundred times and more, has summer ripened into autumn, and then : " The melancholy days have come, the saddest of the year, Of wailing winds and naked woods and meadows brown and sere." The Sun that shone upon our fathers' fathers, pours up- on us from the same deep blue sky, the same cxhaustless flood of warmth and splendor. Nature in its perpetual changes, perpetually reproduces itself. But history, is not merely a record of the weather, deals with some- thing else than the mere ongoing of nature; it has to do with events that spring from man's intelligence and vol- untary power, and the diversified influences which, under an overruling Providence aft on human character and human welfare. That simple shaft, hewn from the solid rock, recalls the history of a generation of the national life — its days of darkness and of woe, its throes of agony and its majestic triumphs. All this is epitomized as we look down upon the silent dust of the men who fell in the great struggle for freedom to which they "gave their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor." There is a voice that issues thence to stir our inmost souls. It leads us back to the presence and the heroism of our dead fathers. There throb in it the stern pulses of martyr life. It is keyed to the music of early forest temples, where, " 'I he sounding aisles of the dim woods rang. To the anthem of the free." "Some when they die, die all ; their mouldering clay Is but an emblem of their memories ; The spai e c[uite closes up thro' which they p.issed." Not so with these. "Thai which the open book could never t^ach, The closed one whispers." It is easy to be brave when things go well ; it is easy to head a work of triumph, or be borne onward on the chariot of success ; but when the stake in life is heavily against us ; when our friends and allies hesitate ; when support is unattainable or grudgingly offered ; when for- AT THE MONUMENT. 313 tune and fame seems to smile on that against wiiich we contend ; then to watch and seize every opportunity; never to be disheartened; never to be disma3^ed ; eve' and ever to persevere, demands the spirit of a hero. Such were the\- who died * * * " midst flame and smoke, And shout and groan and sabre stroke, And djith s!nl fallin,' thick and fast" in the "Battle and Massacre of Wyoming." Of the details of those eventful days; of the me norie:? of household altars then deserted ; of the back-griun 1 of character, wdiich lends weight to the priceless heritage beqtieathed ; of the changes time has wrought ; of the-;-', it is not m\' office to speak. Others will tell again the sad familiar tale of tragedy and blood. Were I to ven- ture in t/iis presence before so many able local hiuorians as I see around me, i fear I should appear to disadvan- tage in their eyes for lack of knowledge in points of de- tail which to them are but as household words, and my bknidering niight excite a smile, if not a pity in their minds. I shall, therefore not attempt it. My duty is but to spread the cloth for the feast of good things which other tongues more eloquent than mine, and minds more richly stocked with historic lore, backed by the rights of ancestral privi- lege, stand ready to provide. Yet before I close, let me re- mind you of one feature of this monument, which reflects credit on the foresighted, broadminded patriotism of those to whose energetic and loving efforts its erection is due. Among the memorials of the Revolutionary' pe- riod, it stands, if I am not misinformed, unique in this; that while others tell otit to posterity, o///j' the names and deeds of gallant officers, well known on pages of historic fame, this recognizes a greatness in unknown names ;. a claim to common immortality on the part of all, officers and men, high and low, who did their duty be- cause it was their dutv, and ditl it all. 314 THIRL) REUNION. We are told that years after the celebrated battle of Thermopylae, a traveler on visiting the spot found a mon- ument with the simple inscription, "stranger, go tell at Lacedaemon that we died in obedience to her laws.' "Why is it," he asked "that the names of those who fell here are not inscribed on the stone ?" "Because," was the proud reply, "it is impossible that any Greek should .ever forget them." But my friends, while it may be truly said of the men of Wyoming, their a6ls are graven on the hearts of their countrymen, and time hath no power to obliterate the charafters, and that, throughout this broad land, "The meanest rill, the mightiest river, Rolls mingling with their fame forever ;" it is also true, that Spartan simplicity reckoned not on the lawlessness of the days of free inquiry and adventur- ous speculation ; the keenness and accuteness of our nineteenth century criticism, the ease with which we set aside the a6lual and historical charafter of those who occupied even the most distinguished places in past times. All honor to the fair women of Wyoming, that, graven on this obelisk of stone, their offering in memory of the patriotic dead, the record is complete. Not a single name shall be "erased or polluted, not a single star ob- scured" by any historic doubts that rise. These, at least were men, not myths. They belong to the world and can never pass away. They abide forever. They will live to teach the future. Ages to come shall hallow their memory. Mrs. Harriet Gertrude Watres of Scranton, "Stella of Lackawanna" had prepared a poem for the occasion, entitled "The Wyoming Monument", but not being present in person. Judge Dana was requested to read it, which he did in a masterly and effc6live manner. The words arc as follows : Is it only a dream, that our valley So peerless in beauty to day. AT THE MONUMENT. 315 With the peace of the dawn iu each sunset Tliat lightens the landscape, once lay Wnthin;j; under the sorrowful starlight, With bosom dismantled and torn I3y the tooth of a slaughter more monstrous Thau ever made ghastly the morn ? Who would say — glancing down these pure meadows, Still flushed by tlie bold gaze of June — And their full-nested verdure a-quiver With silence unbroken in tune. That along these broad slopes rang the war-cry That startled and thrilled all the land, While but savage delight marked the noon-day And blazed in the night -kindled brand ? Ah! we need not yon tablet of granite Time-marred and storm-written, to tell Who the heroes that valaintly struggled For birth-right and fireside— and fell 'Mong the furrows their glad feet had followed In many a dew-sparkling morn, Ere the orchards grew tinted with promise, Or shaped the gre^n arrow., of corn : For our hearts can afresh the sad story, The many tongued summons repeat In the scent of mown grass by the hedges, And affluent stretches of wheat : As our fancy wings back o'er the distance That bridges a century's tide, To the fields where our kinsman lay murdered, That sweet healing time may not hide. And the better we love the fair valley, — Aye, fair as the shore of a dream When the moon hangs in mist o'er the maples With young love awake in her gleam ; That it's pitying turf spreads a pillow As soft as the dying might know ; And a couch for the white-bosomed mother, With babes clasped in hunger and woe. 3l6 THIRD KEIIMON. Who would chide, though our pulses grew quickened, To-day o'er the massacred dead ? Or who smile, that each eloquent summer Brings back the old summons of dread ? Till the twilights grow peopled with phantoms That through all the shadowy wood ; As grim ghouls through invisible gateways To feast at a banquet of blood. On the shore of our valley enchanted With garlands half mingled with pain Press we now to do homage, as children Of sires in their loyalty slain ; And, where met they those dusky marauders, And perished in claiming their own. With bared brow and low speech would we hallow Anew this memorial stone. Lightly blown be the breezes that fan it ; Caressing the touch of the rain ; Let the sunbeams the lone crypt remember. And pause in their dance on the plain. Be the green spot of earth that up-bears it With loving concern on its breast, Ever sacred to those who defended The vale, where, as martyrs they rest. Mr. Charles I. A. Chapman next ascended the steps of the monument and made an adchess which he said had been prepared for the 1878 exercises. It was replete with classic allusions gathered from ancient history, and was listened to with marked attention. His peroration was a caustic arraignment of the policy — political, commercial and social of the age — dwelling particularly upon the depravity of the political condition of the country. Dur- ing the delivery of which the audience was shocked by the announcement in suppressed whispers, "The President has been assassinated," and a feeling of deep sorrow fell upon all present. This report proved all too true for in that hour President Garfield had received liis death wound at the hands of the infamous assassin Guiteau. AT THE MONUMENT. 317 R n-. David Craft, of Wyalusing, then spoke. He re- lerred to the common property of this memorial event ; said it was not the property of this region alone, but of the whole country. He had faith in any land that was true to the patriotism of its fathers, and kept green the memory of those who fell in defense of their country. Such a feeling was the antidote of those forebodings which his predecessor had just bewailed. Wyoming is not iso- lated. It had its antecedents and consequences. It was not a turning point in our history. He traced the con- nexion between the Wyoming Massacre and the Sullivan campaign. He said that those who died on Wyoming's field, and whose bones lie beneath this shaft, gave their lives for more than they thought and more than their genera- tion thought. The speaker dwelt eloquently upon the les- son, that he who fights for, and dies for a principle is Sure to live in the hearts of his countrymen for ages to come. Rev. H. E. Hayden upon being introduced to the aud- ience, spoke as follows, indulging at the same time in a slight vein of sarcasm in making some of his points : Not having seen my name on the printed programme as a speaktr, I feel as if the distinguished committee of arrangements had taken a "snap judgment" on me, in calling for an address, without giving me proper time for preparation. It is embarrassing to speak of Wyoming history in the presence of six historians of Wyoming. However, it is possible that Wyoming history may not be so widely known in detail outside of this circle, that a little reference to it should come amiss. I was inter- ested a few days ago, in an article in the Weekly Leader^ from the pen of my venerable friend James A. Gordon of Plymouth. In it he stated his purpose to defend the character of Col. Zebulon Butler from the charges made against him, though he did not in his article make any such defence. As my great grandfather v>'as Butler's 3l8 SECOND REUNION. Adjutant General during the Revolution, I had learned to regard the Colonel's charafter as above reproach, and asked myself — What defence does Col. Butler need at any man's hand in this day of historical research ? Who believes any charges against Zebulon Butler .•* Then I rem^embered how man}' historic myths still burdened the pages of history. How our school histories still perpet- uated the old and exploded story that Pocahontas had .saved Capt. Smith's life ; how School Histories still re- peated the old fable that Maryland was a Roman Catho- lic Colony — and that Romanists had passed thfe first a6l of religious toleration in America, and I thought it is possible that some believe to-day the old, old slanders about Col. Butler. The thought drove me to my library for investigation, and to my surprise I found it true, that this man — sa^s pcur ct sans repi'ocJic — the gallant soldier and chivalrous gentleman Zebulon Butler was still regar- ded hy some writers, who take their history always sec- ond handed, as having been derelift in his duty at Wyo- ming. And I learned also that even in my small library there are three distin6l accounts of the event which to- da}' we commemorate. How is it possible, ladies and gentlemen, that the truth of our historx' can be reached by the majority of readers, with three distinft versions of it in circulation } Let mc tell }'Ou briefly what these three are — Fiist, let me remind you. that you have not yet reach- ed the true " American Catholicity"-which was lately ex- ampled by a distinguished citizen ofAmerica,C. W. Field of N. Y., who erected on the spot where Andre was hanged, a cenotaph to commemorate his virtues. The greatest of British spies, whose rnanh' virtues wrung tears from foes, and won the sympathy of the world, Andre, died as de- served a death as any felon who ever stepped upon the gallows, and \et an American has erected a monument to his memory. If one of the histories to which I refer, be true, we have in this Valley, somewhere, the remains AT THE MONUMENT. 319 * of Col. Butler, Jos. Brandt and Sir William Johnson, his reputed father. And yet no granite shaft, no sculptured marble, no funeral urn, no engraven brass marks the spot where these three heroes lie buried. I say we have not reached the true standard of American Catholicit}'. On the 3d of Jul\- 1778 the massacre of Wyoming oc- curred. July 20th 1778, there appeared in the JVcw Yv7'k JotiDial a very extravagant account of the affair, stating that Col. John Butler with 1600 Indians, and tories paint- ed like Indians, had descended on the fort at W\oming, defended by 40O patriots under command of Col's Butler and Denison. To the demand for a surrender of the fort. Col Denison had replied, asking on what terms — John Butler replied "The Hatchet." The tcinis were refused; and the battle began, resulting in ne colonists. John Butler took 145 scalps, bcvciifx uieii escaped to WilJ'ou will never be able to give your posterity a true knowledge ot" the tleeds of your forefathers. Bring your c'/i'd;re)i to this sp:)t, when yoa come one year hence. Instrurt them carefidly in the events you commemDrate. Teach them to value the valor of their forefathers. Re- move from their childhood's literature, the niN'thical ac- counts of the Massacre, and teach them intelligently an 1 lovingl)' to honor and revere those whose blood was here shed for their liberties. Dr. Hakes followed with the announcement that there was a conspiracy on foot to talk the audience to death, 322 THIRD REUNION. and he was going to help do it if it could be done. He entered upon the subje6l of Wyoming b\' avowing tlK t those who fought and fell on Wyoming's field didn't fight for us or their posterity, but for their cabins. 'I'he)- gave honest blows for their own lives and prosperit}— not for that which we praise them for. He said it was crcJitalde for their descendants to come here and celebrate this event, but for fifty years the very desceiKhuUs of these ■men didn't even know, or try to find out, where llicsc heroc's bones lay. He claimed that the lies and ex;ig- gerations about Wyoming's battle and Massacre, were grand in their vengeance, arousing energetic liClion, ;is they fired Sullivan to do things he never would ha\e done hadn't the stories of the Massacre been put good and strong. Who is to say that it was not important because of the lies that were told about it } We don't know, said he, whether the spirits of these men who died here look- down on us, and those assembled from time to time, but if they do they have good things said of them, and we will be remembered for remembering them, and we ouglit to be. Dr. Dunning was called upon, and said that though not as familiar with the history of W\oming as he ought to be, he had become deeply interested in this an- niversary exercise and hoped it would be retained in the interest of the communit}' and perpetuated from year to year. After music, "America was sung, and abenedi6lion by Rev- E. H. Snowden, the exercises concluded, and the members of the Association and their invited friends, la- dies and gentlemen, to the number of forty-five, left the grounds and repaired to the Wyoming Hotel, where a sumptuous repast was enjoyed by the company. Mis. Judge Pfouts, of Hanover — a grand-daughter of Captain Lazarus Stewart — offered a resolution that hereafter the dinners of the Association be fixed at the Wyoming Hotel. It was unanimously carried, after which the chairman, AT THE MONUMENT. 323 Col. Dorrancc, thanked the assembled t^uesls for their at'icn Jaiice and interest, and hoped each would come from Near to year and do likewise, -and that the custom would bj perpetuated until the great grand-sons of those present became j^reat [grandfathers. Judi^e IJma tlien rose to place himself on record as proterLilv:,^ in a very decided way, against an idea that ha 1 been oresente 1 and considerably commented upon at tlie monument ground, to the cf{c6i that the battle and mis;aore of Wyoming were ver)' much of the myth orler. H .; nee le i no more evidence of the untenable- ness of this theory than the significant fact that no pris- oners wjre taken in that struggle, and that all engaged eit'aer escaped or were on the spot most cruelly dispatch- ed. Idea Imitted that while the battle and massacre may hive been exaggerated in many respects, in others he believe 1 justice had never been done those who fought ani fell — hat the deeds of valor and heroism done b\' these men were greater than we ever credited them for. He believed they were the greater and the grandeur be- cause the\' fought without support, with nothing what- ever to rely upon. He didn't want the myth theory to get anv ground ; he wanted these occasions continued : he desired to see this room crowded every )'ear with frien Is of the movement. -He wanted to preserve the memory of this event, and to do so apart from the His- torical and Geological Society. It had been charged that this was a confli6ling association with the Historical, whereas it is an ally of that society. He spoke of the Ladies j)resent and referred to the part that women had taken on that occasion of which this is a memorial. He spoke warmly in favor of earnest and enthusiastic labor in the cause, and more work dr/orr than at 10 a. m. on the morning of the next 3d of July, to which time this meeting now stands adjourned. THE MONUMENT. LMOST half a century had elapsed before any determined moxxment, so far as we know, ^toward ercfting a moni.mcnt to ccit memo- rate the fate of those who fell near Fort Win- '-Wb'i 1^ termute on the 3d day of Julw 1778, wliich ^"•|j^^ disastrous confii6l has long been known as " the Indian battle" or "VVyrming" Massacre." was made on the 22d day of Jul\' 1826, in the villa^^e of W'ilkesl^arre- The Committee appointed at this initial meeting held another meeting on the 9th of August following, when General William Ross was called to the chair and Arnold Colt appointed Secretary. At this meeting a preamble and resolutions were adopted expressive of the sense of the meeting ; among other things it was said : " Forty eight years have rolled away since the bones of the fathers of this valley were committed to a common grave, and not a monument or beacon is erefted to pf)int to their sleeping dust," (and it might have been added, no man knoweth the exact place of their sepulture even unto this day.) " The monuments and trophies of the dead are useful only to the living. They prompt the rising generation to that noble devotion, that heroic daring, and that ardent love of country, vyhich is at once the strength and glory of a nation." THE MONUMENT. 325 " Is there any one who has lost a relative or friend in thit frightful massacre, who, in passing those memcMahle plains, does not feel an emotion of regret, that the ashes of those martyrs to savage fury lie unhonored by any monument to awaken the sad remembrance of their fall ?" Therefore, Resolved, that a monument be erecled in memory of those who fell in the Wyoming Massacre." A Committee to obtain subscriptions was then appoint- ed, consisting of two or more persons for each township in Luzerne, as well as several in Bradford antl Susque- hanna counties in this State and Tioga county, New York. The Col., John Franklin, then of Bradford count)- was named as one of the Committeemen. Of the entire list of names, seventy five in number, only three were living on the 3d of July 1878 ; viz ; Henry Roberts of J<"alls township, 87 years of age. Abram Honeywell, of Dallas, 85, and Jol\n Gore of Kingston 83. Steuben Butler of Wilkesbarre, Editor of the paper in which the j)roceed- mgs of the meeting were published, was stiil living at the age of 90. He died on the 12th of August 1881. On the 3rd of July 1832 "a large assembly convened at the opening of the grave for the purpose of pa\inga tribute. to those heroes who were killed in the Wyoming Battle and massacre, and to adopt measures preparatory to erecting a monument." Rev. James May delivered an address suitable to the occasion ; among other things said by the speaker were : " I find myself here in the midst of some venerable citizens who were in the ranks which faced the enemy on that memorable 3d of July, and who survived the perils and sufferings of that terrible day, and the vicissitudes of more than half a century since — ''^ '^ The enemy'.s force was from 900 to 1,200 men, of whom upwards ot 400 were Indians, headed by their Chief Brandt. On this dreadful day about 300 were killed or missing and never heard of, and about 230 wives made widows. 326 HISTORY OF " See, fellow citizens," said the speaker, " the sacrifice wiiich was made by the first civilized tenants of this val- ley ! The grave containing their bones is uncovered be- fore you. You see for yourselves the marks of the toma- h.nvk and scalping knife on the heads which are here un- covered, after having rested for more than fifty years. Peace be in this grave! Sacred be the memory of them tiiat sleep here." Then addressing himself to the survivors of the battle, s li 1 ; "Venerable citizens ; we respeft you for your years, we honor you for the part you bore in the doings, an 1 sufferings of those days, we love and cherish the pnnciples of liberty which animated you ; we owe you a tiebt of gratitude for the happy inheritance you did your p irt to preserve unimpaired to your children. * " On this d ly. an! where you now are, you cannot but think of vvii;it you once saw in this place. We would stand aside while you look into this grave and see the bones of your brothers, which fifty-four years ago you assisted in sadly laying here. We would not intrude whilst you stand be- side these bones, and think how you stood beside your friends when they lived. For your sake we are glad this day has come. We rejoice to think that you may yet see a stone raised here, on which the names of those you laid in this spot are engraven. May the strangers who in af- ter times may visit this spot, and see here a stone raised in memory of those who fell in the confli6l ever find here a population worthy of their parentage ; may the features of those heroes live in their posterity. Though the air I first breathed was not of this valley, I am proud to be amongst you. My heart is with you in the object of this days meeting. When the bones which we see here be- f(3re us shall rise from their bed of dust, and ours with them, may we have an inheritance which wars shall nev- er disturb. The inheritance which blood, but not that of man, has purchased. THE MONUMENT. 327 Rev. Nicholas Murray ("Kirwaii") being" called ui){)n for a few extemporaneous remarks, spoke as follows ; This paper, which I hold in my hand, is a subscription paper for the ereftion of a moniniient over the bonts of the patriots murdered at the battle of Wyoming. 1 am recjuested by the committee of arrangement to present it for your signatures. And why is it my fellow citizens, that we are permit- ted to meet here to-day under such auspicious circtm- cumstances .'' Why from these western mountains is not the war-whoop of the Indian heard to disturb our quiet ? Why is not the peaceful bosom of yonder river disturbed by the swift gliding canoe bearing to the midst of us the savage foe thirsting for our blood .' Why permitted to live with so much comfort, and so little fear, on this fer- tile soil, and in the midst of blessings which are but rare- ly surpassed ? Let this scalped skull (holding up the skull of one of the vi6lims bearing plain marks of a murderous tomahawk upon it,) answer. These heroes whose mouldering bones are before us, met the savage foe on the very soil we are now treading, and purchased everything we love at the price of their lives. And will you, their sons and successors, refuse them a monument ? Whilst over many an ignoble grave is erefted the speak- ing marble, will you permit these remains of }'our brave ancestry to sleep in silence and solitude without a stone to tell the passing stranger where they rest ? I feel just- ified in saying for you all, / k)iow yon will not. You see these bleached heads and bending forms around me. These worthy sires of the rising generation have come down to us from the last century, and were the companions of the heroes to whose manly frames these mouldering bones belonged. Could the breath of life be breathed into these bones — could they rise in the possess- ion of living energy, they would find even among this small remnant a few brothers and sons. As the gentle- man on my right (Rev, James May) was narrating the 3^8 HISTORY OF incidents of the terrible massacre, I saw the tear steal- in;4 down the furrowed cheeks of these fathers of our comniiinit)-. That tear told me the_\- lelt, that they deep- ly lelt and remembered in as^ony of s[)irit the mi^re than sa\M;^e tortures inflicted upon their unfortunate l)retheren and friends, companions in arms, on that fearful da}- of blood upon this plain. And methink's there is not a heart in this vast concourse that does not sympathize with them. Tlie\- desire that a monument shall be ere6l- ed over the common grave of their fathers and brothers and companions. And do you not, my fellow citizens sympathize with them .^— -I know you do. I feel persua- ded that you are anxious to place a liberal subscriplirjn on this i^aper before you retire from this place. You cov- et the honor of contributing to the ereftion of the Wyo- ming monument. My great fear is that we shall not all have the privilege of giving. 1 would therefore caution the rich (this caution was showMi to be entirel\- unnec- ess,u'>- in the light of future events) not to indulge their patriotic feelings too freely, least they should be debarred the privilege of contributing their mite. We all want to have, each one, his stone in the monument, and poor as I am I want to give my dollar for that purpose. A word to the managers of the concern. In erecting this monument la}' its foundations deep, where the wave of time cannot reach it. Build it firm antl strong that the winds and the storms cannot shake it. Erect it high toward heaven, that it may catch the first ra\' of the ris- ing, and reflect the last of the setting sun. And far up towanls its summit, let it bear aloft, on ever}' side, and in letters of gold, the eloquent inscription placed over the ashes of the great Conde, changed only to e.xpress the plural, Shi, Viator, ca/rcas hcrocm and then, to all com- ing generations it will be a memento of the valor of their ancestry. It will teach them the price at which their liberty was purchased, and the value they should set upon it. It will teach them that the possession of civil THE MONUMENT. 329 an.l relicjious liberty is more valuable than that of life. If ever the foot of a despot shall tread upon our extended anel liappy shores, a glance at the monument of Wyo- ming will rouse the spirit of her sons ; will kindle in their bosoms the patriotism of their fathers, and will bring them to the noble resolution, that if despotism must come, it must march over their lifeless bodies ; and lift- ing its towering column toward that heaven, to which we humbly hope some of the spirits that animated these bones have ascended, it will sa\' through all the coming years to every stranger that passes. Stop traveller, here rest tJie ashes of the Wyouiing heroes. LAYING THE CORNER STONE. On the 3d of July 1833 the corner stone of the Wyo- ming monument was laid with great pomp amid salvos of musketry firing, the sound of whioh came to the child- ish ear of the writer hereof across the quiet waters of the Susquehanna, and is now remembered with vivid distinfl- ness. Hon. Chester Butler grand-son of Col. Zebulon Butler, pronounced an oration and eulogium upon the dead, well worthy of the occasion and the man who pro- nounced it. After a brief reference to the well known leading incidents of the battle, Mr. Butler said, " who will attempt to portrax- the fatal issue of the fight .' It would require an angel's voice and an angel's tongue to ade- quatel\- tell the tragic conclusion. I might perhaps re- vive in the minds of these venerable survivors, who have been so long preserved and handed down to us as honor- ed relics of that dread day, pleased but melancholy wit- nesses of these solemn ceremonies, a recolleftion of those events — of their own hair breadth escape, and of what they saw of the struggle and death of their associates. I might point them to these mutilated bones of slaugh- tered friends, once instin6l with life and animated with 330 iiisroRV OF like spirit with tliemselves, and remind them that per- haps that broken Hmb belonged to him they passed " In the lost b.ttllo l)onie 'lown l)y the flyint^, " vainlx' calling for that aid which none could render -that the fatal blow which bore to the earth that crushed skull, rang its death knell in their ears, the unheeded praxers for mcrcN" cut short by the swift descending stroke. Hut ! forbear. Let us draw a veil over the scene, and call •back our '.houghts to the more pleasing duties for which A\e are here assembled. We have now laid the foundation of a stru6lure which shall evince to future ages the grateful sense we entertain of our obligations to the patriotic dead, and the admira- tion we feel for their chara6ler and principles. Too long ha\-e the)- slept in an unhonored grave. "'■■' ^' It never shouUl be forgotten, that our fathers planted the Tree of Lii^ert)' and watered it with their blood ; that they fenced it round with the stony wall of the Union upon which was inscribed "Union and Libert}'. — one and inseparable — now and forever." Safe and un- touchetl by hostile hands the tree still flourishes, and }'et unbroken is the wall that protefts us, and shall our fath- ers' sons be permitted to break down the walls of safe- ty, and put forth a sacrilegious hand to the tree, pluck its foliage and lop its branches, till it stands a lifeless trunk, shorn of its leafy honors, a monument of our folly and degeneracy } God grant that we may never be call- ed to meet our brothers in mortal combat — but, rather than see the tree stripped of a single leaf, or one stone placed for its prote6lion removed, here let us vow, here on this altar consecrated by the blood of martyrs— and with their bleached bones at our feet, while their pleased spirits are hovering above us ready to carry the grateful vow to Heaven's registry — here let us swear to offer up our fortunes and our lives a willing sacrifice for its de- fense. — for, " a day — an hour of virtuous liberty is worth a whole eternity of bondage." THE MONUMENT. 33 I If this speech had been made in the beginning of the )'ear 1861, it could not have been more applicable to the time and (juestions then agitating the minds of the Amer- ican people. P)Ut to those who can remember the " NuU- ific the Wyoming Moiurment C )mmittee, und^r certain conditions the surface right to a lot not exceed- ing one half an acre, embracing the land upon which the monument is crefted and contiguous thereto for the sole purpose of an enclosure for the sii 1 monument, now the said lot is conveyed to the said Pettebone, his heirs and assigns to be held in the same right by which it is held by the said Gay, and to be,subje5l to th.- sime liabilities that Gay is responsible for in the said premises.' 13eed 29th April 1856, Payne Pettebone and wife to Moses Willis Woodward, Deed Book 65, page 597. Ac- knowledged 29th April 1856. Recorded 2d May 1856. S^mc land. "Subject however to the terms of a certain agreement heretofore made by Fislier Gay, grantor to l^a)uie Pettebone," as recited above. Deed 30th April i8b4. Moses W. Woo Iward to the Wyoming Monumental Association. Deed Book 94, page 599, &c. Acknowledged i6th July 1864. Record- ed 27tii July. iJescription : — Begins on the main road and runs south- easterly ten rods on line parallel to the south west face of monument, and ab;>ut 63 feei from the a.xis thereof — ■ thence by lines parallel with the sides o{ the monument to place of beginning containing one-half an acre of land, and stated as being same piece embraced in the agreement of hdsher Cia)' and reservation of Payne Pette- bone. By the foregoing it will be seen that the surface title- lo the ground on which the monument stands is perfeft- ly good and sufficient ; the only fear being that the Company owning the coal deep down in the earth TIIK MONUMENT. 339 m;iy at some future d.iy, an 1 not very far in the future either, un lerniine the monument in such a \va\' as to en- dan^jer its sifety aad stabiHty in the event of a cave-in of the workiiii^ below. The monument is a plain obeHsk in the dark tji'ay stone of the valley cut on t!ie face an 1 laid in blocks of from tu-elve to fifteen inches in thickness, and of convenient lent;th.s. It is in heii^ht sixty two feel six inches from the surface of the t^round, rectan;_;'ular in form and of proper propor- tions to render it jn-aceful an 1 of architectural propriety, with four equal sides. The Ijase rises three steps from the foundation, in which is a chamber containin;^ the bones of the victims, so far as the bodies were recovered. Resting" on the base is a square die with a tablet of mar- ble let into each face. The one on the north-west con- tains the following' appropriate inscription by EdwarJ C- Mailer}', great grand son of Colonel Butler : Near this spot was foui^ht On the aflonioon of Friday, the tliird day of July, 1778, THJE battlt: 01<' U'TOMING, In which a small band of patriotic Americans, riiieflythe undisciplined, the youthful and the aged, Spared by inefficiency from the distant ranks of the Republic, Led by Col. Zebulon IJutler and Col. Nathan Denison, With a coura;j;e that deserved success, Boldly met and bravely fought A combined British, Tory and Indian force of thrice their number. Numerical superiority alone gave success to the invader, And wide sjiread havoc, desolation and ruin Marked his sava;:;c and bloody fo:)tstep.s tlirough the Valley. THIS MONUMENT, Commemorative of these events, and of the actor.s in them has been erected ovEjt Tiii:iiONi:s of the slain, By their descendants and oihers, who gratefully appreciated the services and sacrifices of their patriot ancestors. 340 HlSTORV OK Those on the south-west and north-east sides contain fhc names of tlie slain so far as was known at the time of the building; a few names have since been added to the list which is now as follows : DULCE ET DECORUM EST PRO PATRIA MORI. SLAIN IN BATTLE. 'Lt. Col. George Dorrance, James Bidlack, jr., Aholiab Buck, Robert Durkee, A. Atherton, Aaron Gaylord, Perrin Ross, Lazarus Stewart, jr, Jeremiah Bigford, Silas Gore, Jabez Atlierton, Christopher Avery, Ackke, A. Benedict, Jabez Beers, Samuel Bigford, David Bixby, Elias Bi.Kby, John Boyd, John Brown, Thomas Brown, William Buck, Joseph Budd, Amos Bullock, Asa Bullock, Henry Bush, Eson Brock way, John Caldwell, I-IELD OFinCKKS, Major Jonathan Waite Garrett, CAPT.VINS, Rezin Geer, Samuel Ransom, Dethick Hewitt, Lazarus Stewart, \Vm. McKarrachen, James Wigdon, Asaph Whittlesey. LIEUTENANTS, Flavins Waterman, Elijah Shoemaker, Stoddart Bowen, Asa Stevens, Timothy Peirce, James Wells, ENSIGNS, Jonathan C)tis, Asa Gore, I'RIVATES, D. Denton, Anderson Dana, Conrad Davenport, George Downing, James Devine, Levi Dunn, William Dunn, Ducher, Benjamin Finch, Daniel Finch, John Finch, Elisha Fish, Cornelius Fitche'.t, Eliphalet Follett, Thomas Faxon, John Franklin, Stephen Iniller, Tliomas Fuller, Titus Ilinman, William White. Joshua Landon, Daniel Lawrence, William Lawrence, Francis Ledyard, James I^ock, Conrad Lowe, Jacob Lowe, William Lester, C. McCartee, Nicholas Manville, Nero Matthewson, Alexander McMillan, Jol) Marshall, Andrew Millard, John Murphy, Robert Mdntire, Joseph Ogden, THE MONUMENT. 54» Josinh Carman, J ns'"]-)h Cary, Joel Church, William Cofferin, James Cofferin, Samuel Cole, Isaac Campbell, Campbell, Robert Comstock, Kingsley Comstock, ( Cook> Brothers J Cook, ( Cook, Christopher Courtright, John Courtright, Anson Corey, Jenks Corey, Rufus Corey, Joseph Ci'ockei", Samuel Crocker, Jabez Darling, Darius Spofford, James Spencer, Joseph Staples, Reuben Staples, Rufus Stevens, James Stevenson, Nailer Sweed, Gamaliel Truesdale, Ichabod Tuttle, Abram Vangorder, Lieut. Boyd, George Goie, Gardner, Green, Benjamin Hatch, VViliam Hammon, Silas Harvey, Samuel Hutchinson, Cyprian Hebnrd, Levi Hicks, John Hutchins, James Flopkins, Nathaniel Howard, Zipporah Ilibbard, Elijah Inman, Israel Inman, Samuel Jackson, Robert Jameson, Joseph Jennings, Henry Johnson, John Van Wie, Elihu Watei-s, Jonathan Weeks, Bartholomew Weeks, Philip Weeks, "Peter Wheeler, Stephen Whiten, Eben Wilcox, Elihu Williams, jr., Rufus Williams, Abel Palmer, Silas Parke, William Parker, John Pierce, Henry Pencil, Noah Pettelione, J'"- Jeremiah Ross, jr., Elisha Richards, William Reynolds, Elias Roberts, Timothy Rose, Abram Shaw, James Shaw, Joseph Shaw, Constant Searle, Al)cl Secly, Levi Spencer, Eleazer Spragiie, Aaron Stark, Daniel Stark, Josiah S]>cncer, Eson Wilcox, John Williams, Johii Ward, John Wilson, Parker Wilson, William Woodring, Aziba Williams, Wade, Ozias Yale, (Sersliom Prmce, colored, killed at Eorty Fort after the Battle. On the south-east side over the door leading to the vault is a slab containing a Hst of the survivors as follows : COLONELS, Zebulon Butler, Nathan Denison. LIEUTENANTS, Daniel Gore, Timothy Howe. ENSIGNS, Daniel Downing, Matthias Hollenback. 342 HISTORY OF JaSc/. Fisli, Jo'i 1 V'-'-^'f. (jiilcou Baldwin, Zcra Beach, Rufiis IJeniiett, Salomon Bennett, Elislia lUackman, N.uha 1 Carey, Samuel Carey, George Cooper, Joseph 'J'.Uiott, Samuel I'inch, Roswell t'.a iKJin, H i^ii Forsman, John Gardner, Daniel Carr, Samuel Carey. Wtllian Crooks, Minjr %. i i > a-;, Bjnjamin Hi;\!in'. SF.KGEANT, I'hineas Spafford, PRIVATES, Thomas Fuller, Joh 1 CTr-rvetf, Samuel Gore, Lemuel Gustm, James Green, L-c;bl)eus Hammond, Jacolj Ilaldron, Elisha Harris, F^benezer Heberd ; William Fleberd, Richard Inman, David Inman, Gates. Jose; h iMorse, ThoMias Neill, Josiah Pell, Phineas Peirce, Abraham Pike, John N. Skinne;-, Giles Slocum, Walter Spencer, Edward Spencer, Amos Stafford, Roger Searle, Cherrick. We ;ibrook, Eleazer West, Daniel Washburn. John Jamison, Henry Lickers, pr:so.\krs taken from Wyoming, • Daniel Wallen, Elisha Wi!coX, Daniel Rosencrans, Pierce. KILLED ON .A.PPROACII TO WYOMING, Suikeley Hartling, Wm. .Martin, James Hadsall, Quocko, [colored.] James Hadsall, jr. Abov^e the die is a j^roiectinf^ cornice of some two feet in thickness, the whole supporting the obeh'sk proper wliicli tapers upwards, terminating in one soHd cap-stone in the form of a flattened pyramid at the ape.x. The entire cost of the monument, includinf^" s^irubber- ry and fencing the lot has been something over eight thousand dollars. A IIITIIFRTO UNPUBLISFIED ACCOUNT OF THE BATTLE. The following affidavit ma\' have no particular effect in sliedding new light on the events of the battle and its attendant horrors and is introduced here merelv as con- THE MONUMENT. 343 ni-mini,^ the history we ah'eady have on that subjea ; and being- thus solemnly sworn to so soon after thebai.lc ma>- be regarded as truthful and reliable. The origir.al affidavit is now (1878) in the possession of Dr. Charles G. McChesney, of Trenton N. J., and has never heretofore been given in any of the histories of Wyoming. It was discovered l)y the committee on historical matters con- ne(5led with this Association, and is now first given to the public :— "Wallpack. Sussex <^ounty [ Julv 8th. 1778. i Personally appeared before me, Timothy Sxmmes, one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas for this county, one Jeames Green, one of the inhabitants of Wyoming, who being sworn on the Holy Evangelist of Allmighty God, "deposeth and saith that he was one of (persons) destined to defend a fort in Kingston, and that the enemies commanded b>' Col. Butler and one PLnglisli Lieut. Col., and the King Owago an Indian commander, with part of six tribes of Indians, 8co, who fought well without taking to trees, but lay flat on their bellies to fire and load. Said Green sa\'s that these men to the amount of twelve hundred as he heard, came within three or four miles of the fort he was in, on P^'rida}- the 3d da\- of this instant; on the morning of which day the enemies sent in a flag to Col. Uenison to demand the fort, with offer of good quarters upon their surrender, and threat- ening men women and children with emediate death if one gun was fired against them. He sa}-s he thinks no answer was returned by this flag. About two or three hours after, the same flag came in again. He says he knew the man well. He was one Daniel Engerson [In- gersoll] who they took prisoner at the first fort. He brought much the same proposals as he brought before, which were still rejecled. To a challenge they sent in to our people to fight Col. Butler, Dennes [Denison] and Durrencc [Dorrance] with all the men they had which ware 3 or 4 hundred, marched to the place appointed at 344 HISTORY OF the appointed time, and not findinc^ the enemies tiiere, tliey waited about one hour, and then marched up the river until they met the enem\'. when a battle began on the right wing, which extended to the left in about one minute and continued very smart on both sides; but our . people were partly surrounded on the left wing in the space of ten minutes, when the left wing of our people fled to the amount of about 20 men ; the others of our p'eople fought about one hour when they were surround- ed by superior numbers, and some killed and some drove into the river, where many perished. Some got to an Is- land in the river where they found Indians plenty to mur- der them. He says he has seen one Bill Hammon who was taken on the Island with 6 or 7 more vvho were made toset down, when the Indians tomahawked them one af- ter another, but before it came to his turn, he said he jumpt up and run and made his escape by swimming to the lower end of the Island. S'd Green says that the night after the Battle he .saw the fires and heard the noise of a Grand Cantacoy (''') amongst the Indians, who he. said Green judges were burning their prisoners ali\'e ; he sa}'s it was the judge- ment of others besides himself ; for the flag bearer wlio was the next day in the fort told them that he did not know that there was a prisoner alive among them ; and that he had seen an hundred and ninety four scalps in one heape. He further says that the fort was surrendered or evacuated the next day after the Battle when the people fled towards the Dellaware River, and in the night sent back George Cooper and Jeames Stiles, who went to the top of the mountain and saw the houses from the lower end of Wyoming about haff ways to the upper end, all in flames, and it was supposed they meant to burn the whole settlement. Sivorii before me) t x ^Tt7c• /^m-ir v " I nnothy Symuies. ) (') Note.— I do not find the word "Cantacoy" in Webster's Dictionary, lait it is a good Yankee word, meaning a jolly time, boisterous merry making by several persons assembled. — Spelling in atlidavit same as original.- (Ei)iroii.) ADDENDUM. THE PIONEER PREACHER <;,i- EW OF the pioneers who stood fore- most in the more stirring events of our valley have lacked able historians to record their deeds, either of valor or ability to govern men and guide the state in' times when leading spirits were nee'Ted.^^There is, however one profession that ha? never received suitable recognition at the hands of our local historians, and one man whose humble and retiring life incidents, have with few exceptions, ever been thought worthy of mention. In order to do justice to an honor- ed profession, and to one who gave a quarter of a century of his life to the task of promoting the spiritual welfare of this people ; one by whose sanftion the marriage feasts of our ancestors were solemnized ; and he who stood by the open graves of the, perhaps rude forefathers of the hamlet, as their remains were lowered to their last sleep, and by his presence and words of consolation com- forted the mourners in their desolated homes, the fol- lowing sketch in the nature of a romance, but true in all its essential details, has been prepared. n. The )ear of our Lord 1722 was 'l\inj^ in the niL^ht, The storm that swept the New Knyhmd coast \v;is ciri\'- ing fiercely over its rugged hills and sparsely culti\'atecl valleys — a Connecticut mother \\ilha tall, dark-l:aiied bo\' of ten by her side was kneeling in prayer at iht; family altar, as the clocks in the little town of (iroton chimed forth the close of the old and beginning of a new year. She was a pious mother, ami as the storm howled without, and the drifting snow crept higher and highei' up the small window panes of her humble cottage, she realized more than ever before, her dependence on the goodness of that Heavenly Father she had alread\- \'0w- ed to love and serve ; and the great question arose in her mind, what can I, even I do in return for His man\' mercies shown me and my house ? and there, up >n bend- ed knees, while clasping the dearest treasure she possess- ed on earth to her bosom, she invoked the blessing of Almighty God upon that bo\\ and like the pious Hannah of old, vowed to dedicate him wholly to the service of the Lord. Time went on ; the gentle boy became a conuly youth, honoring the pious teachings of that mother, and fitting himself by study and deportment for the high and holy calling he willingly espoused, and was destiliinge:l for a more extended walk and field of labor in the service of religion and of Jesus of Naza- reth his acknowledged Lord and Master. He became acquainted with and learned to love and respecl the pious Sampson Occum. a christianized Indian of the tribe of Metacomet. and s\-mpathized with him in hii efforts to elevate his race by making of them a civili- ze. 1 and a christianized people by means of gospel in- stru61ion. His was the spirit of Lox'ola. and he knew no rest until he had entered the Great Wilderness, then the home of the powerful Iroc[uois, and proclaimed the truths of tlie Gospel of peace and love to the red man in his for- est home. There was certainl}- danger, there might be death by torture reserved for him, but there he must go. At Canajoharie, at Fort Stanwix, at Oneida Castle, and prrhaps at other frontier stations we find him laboring in j the cause of his Master. He had secured the prote6lion I of SiiL^JWiUiam- Johnson, and gained the confidence of Brandt. He had learned the language of the Mohawks, anJ other Indian dialefts, and could proclaim Him to these people in the language of the forest, and where they fmcied the angr\- presence of the Great Spirit in the rnsh.irig winds of the tornado, the thunder's roar or the lightning's fatal stroke, he could tell them of the mercy of the Christian's God, pciut to the crucified Savior, and exhort them to turn from their savage rites and trust to the all healing blood of Jesus, shed upon the cross as a redem[)tion for all nations and races of men. Again we hear of him as the pioneer preacher of the Gospel under the proteftion of the Susquehanna Land ]V. Company, invited to the far off Westmoreland Coloiiw lliat little Republic in the Wilderness, b)' "the ri\'er of the winding shore," about to pass throus^h storm-; of war, and its fair plains to be drenched with paternal and fratrici- dal blood. Here he labored for \-ears, preaching to the whites as well as to the Indian.s in their own tongue ; sharing the hardships of frontier life in cominon with other settlers, but seeking not earthlx* possessions, he de- sired rather to possess the confidence and esteem of his neighbors than the rich lands of the valley. From earh' life he claimed to possess the gift of proph- esy and to some extent, th; • /; - O' .d Poems : .122 Barrows, Rev. C. D., • ' ' " ^_j, Coppee, Henry, • • " ' '^ '\ . . o T7 • ■ • 12/, jt 4 Dickmson, Susan h>., • ^ Harding, Jesse, .•■•■' ^^^^ Jenkins, S., ■ ' ' " ^^^^ Richart, Mrs. M. B., • 95- -53 Press Items, • ■ " ' Publication, Committee on, . • ' ' ^ Permanent Organization, Plan of, ■ • • ■ ~)J> 6c, 263 Railroad Travel, • • " Regatta, ■ • ' ' . ' . 286 Reunion of 1879, . • ' . " " 1880. . • • ■ " " 1881, . • ' ■ ■ Ricliart, Mrs., Poem, . ■ " ' I(;6 224, 254 34" 22.1 Sanitary Measures, . • ' ' ' Slain in the Battle, . ■ • ' Snowden, Rev. E. H., benediction, • • • Standing Committees, ' ' ' " ' ^ Sullivan, [ohn, Sketch of, • • • ■ ^^ " 1. u . • 2i;8 Summmgup Results, . • ■ •> Taylor, Bayard, Letter, . ■ ■ ' ^ '^ Valley Forge Centennial Association, visit from, . • 267 Waller, Rev. I). J., I'rayer, . ■ • ■ 1*=^ Watres,'Mrs. Ode, . ■ • ' * • "7, S'S Welles, Rev. H. H., Prayer, • ' • -^9 Whittier, Jolm C, Letter, • • • ' ^ * Wright. H. B., Address, . . . • Wright, C. E., Ode, . • • ' Wyoming, the name, . • ' * " early settlement. Battle and Massacre, . - 20,178-184,342 112 39 10 II \ m LAST LOOK,