p?

REPORT
PROCEEDINGS

ON THE OCCASION 01?‘ THE

§IIe1:q1iin1t sf 11)}: $0115 of 3IeInIh1Ir1g;1u1ft

RESIDENT ABROAD,

JULY 41:11, 1854,

BY THE

CITY AUTHORITIES AND THE CITIZENS OF IINIIWBURYPORT.

COMPILED AND REPORTED

BY JOSEPI-I H. BRAGDON.

, --—---4--ID-4-»-d--~Iv——------
Published by Order of 151m City Government.

N EWBURYPORT :

MOSES H. SARGENT, PUBLISHER.
Moms, nnmwscvnn 85 IIUSE, I»n11~r:rn11:s.A

1854.

Now. It was the purpose of the compiler, at the commencement of this re
port, to give a sketch of the proceedings of the various meetings held in this and
other places, and additional incidents of interest. Also, to give in detail the la.-
bors of the various committees from the city government and the citizens, and the
names of individuals who contributed to produce so laudable a. result, that those
who performed the service might receive the credit due them; but it was found
to increase the matter to such an extent, that it was thought best to abandon the
plan, and condense the account as much as possible.

INTROIDUCTORY.

A re—union in their native town, of sons and daughters, rest»
dent abroad I There is something partaking of grandeur in the
thought. The natural attachment which exists within the
breast of man for the place of his birth, is not merely a senti»
ment, but an afi"eetion, purified and strengthened by associa-
tion. It was implanted within us ere we commenced the
struggle of life, and it becomes so indellibly impressed that

A, time cannot eiface it. It clings to us through age with all the

tenacity of early recollections. This love for the land of our
birth begets in us a love for those who inhabit it, who become,
as it were, a part of the land itself; and the part which brings
it most immediately home to the affections. Imperceptible as
is this bond of brotherhood to those whose days are passed at

~ home, it is fully known to the resident abroad. When we

meet in distant lands a fellow townsman, a native of the place
of our birth, stranger though he may be to us, there is an up—-
rising of emotion that we cannot suppress, and the power of
this bond is manifest. Instinctively we yearn to grasp him in
a cordial embrace, and hear from his own, lips a word from our
old home. Through the plastic power of the imagination, the
joys of a thousand hours are in one moment brought up before
us. There is a charm in his very voice that fascinates our

4   run NEWBURYPORT ennnnnarrou.

. senses. He has breathed the same air, he has trod the same

soil, he has lent vigor to the same social institutions, and we
feel that he is our brother. The warmth of the attachment of
the untamed heart of youth is experienced, and the cup of
youthful joy is once more at our lips. The heart expands and
enjoyment is realized.

But how much greater the happiness the occasion of the

gathering of thousands of our townsmen, who have been sep--'

arated by distance, and almost forgotten through time, of early
associates and playmates, whose forms memory would ever re-—
tain, amid the very scenes of early days, in the places where
association commenced, and in sight of the play-ground of our
youth. There is magic in the thought. It is passing to youth
again. The blood courses quicker through our veins ; and the
fervid delight of boyhood is felt. Caste is forgotten-—-~diplc-
matic fame, academic honor, legal renown, ministerial em-
inence, professional celebrity, mercantile distinction, and
mechanical achievement, all are forgotten and lost, or bent to
this superior force of companionship. The ground whereon we
tread is holy ground---we are inspired by the scenes around
ns——early days once more are ours. The reminiscences of
youth, long treasured in the brain, come crowding thickly up,
forming a panorama of the brightest period of our existence.
The occasion is one of profit as well as of pleasure. We
throw aside the conventionalities of life, the mantle of official
dignity and badge of power, and gather ourselves together, to
talk over, with the unfeignecl simplicity of brotherly inter-
course, the incidents of our career. The fortunes and misfor-
tunes, the trials of fortitude and steady prosperity which make
up the sum of our lives, since we left our native soil, are re-
hearsed, and in therehearsal there is a pleasure that cannot
be estimated, and a profit of incalculable worth to future ex-
perience. It is gratifying and ennobling thus to pause in the
course of an active life, and be permitted to enjoy such a
season 5 to, meet our friends, and face to face review our

‘ mcrnonuoronv. 5

laliors and our struggles. Though classmates in school and
companions in childhood’s sports, the parts we have played in
the great drama of life are as diversified as character itself.
The history of the progress of each individual is a distinct vol-
ume wherein there is much for reflection, much for study and
deep abiding thought. The union of such fragmentary parts
forms an integral body, to contemplate which is the highest
pleasure of the human mind, and leads to heroic action, to the
foundation of lofty virtues.

But the occasion has another aspect. It invites us to the
performance of a sad duty. The graves of our friends speak
to us in a language that cannot be misinterpreted. From the
the scenes of our childhood we went forth into the busy world
to fulfil a destiny which our young ambition had marked out:
we sought broader fields for our enterprise, and among a
strange people struggled for distinction and power. We have
come back to drop the tear of affection upon the soil in which
is mingled the dust of our ancestors. Whatever may have
been our course——-how great soever the rewards of our toil-——
these stones which rise above the ashes of our early friends,
point us to a higher destiny, and show us the worthlessness of
earthly aggrandizement unaccompanied by that moral excel-
lence that can secure for us a more enduring hope. We turn
from them with a purer faith, and feel that when we have gone

from hence, and again mingled ourselves with our fello W-~men

in the active labors of our vocation, it will afford us a gleam of
cheer to concentrate our thoughts upon the lessons suggested
by these silent monitors, and purify the heart with their
teachings. ‘

There is a broader view to take of this subject. Individual
interest must give way to national prosperity. It is through
these great moralprinciples, these high social aims, which first
spring into life through local influencesthat the lofty patriotism
which characterizes our nation is nourished, and its stalwart
strength supported. It is this which imparts that national

«J

6 “ THE NEWBURYPOIRT CELEBRATION.

impulse which gives unity to the actions of men, anti maices
the good of the whole a private aspiration. It is this culture
of the highest social faculties that unites individuals as members
of one family. It is this that gives harmony to our municipal:
affairs, thatsustains the authority of legislative enactments;
that gives permanency to our institutions, that binds together
this great confecleracy, that renders indissoluhle our glorious.
Union. V

 

PRELIMINARIES.

 

Early in April an order was introduced into the City Coun-
cil providing for the celebration of the then approaching anni-

versary of our National Independence. The manner of cele- A

brating was considered during several sessions in both branches
of the city government, and it was finally concluded to make
it the occasion of a great family jubilee, by extending to the

  sons and daughters of N ewburyport and “ Ould Newberry,”

resident abroad, an invitation to come home and join with us
in the festivities of such" a season. An order was passed, a
committee was chosen, arrangements were laid out and the
difierent departments of the order placed in the hands of sub»
committees, with instructions to speedily and effectively carry
the same into operation. Nor were the citizens generally

T backward in the movement. Indeed, before the order passed

through the two branches of the city government, several
meetings of the citizens were held, and resolutions passed in
favor of such a re—union and embodied in the strongest terms.
The feeling was general, and measures were taken to assist
the city authorities in carrying out the programme to theisat-~
isfaotion of all. Private individuals contributed generously,
and every, circumstance promised a happy and glorious oc-—-

, casion.

The publication of the invitation was met with a hearty‘ re-s

8* ran NEWBURYPOBT onnnnnnrron.

spouse from alls sections of our country. The press echoed
the call from the Pacific to the Atlantic coast; from Texas to
Maine; and meetings were called in every place Where the
sons of N ewburyport and “ Ould N ewbury ” could be found

A in sufficient numbers to form an organization. In New York,

Boston, Bangor and other cities, preparations were made to

visit the old homestead with full ranks. Letters and commu-- »

nications were received in great numbers, not only signifying
an acceptance of the invitation, but expressing the liveliest
gratification for an occasion which would afibrd them an op-
portunity to visit the haunts of their childhood, to pay their
devotion to the memories of their fathers, and to exchange
congratulations with the friends of their youth.

The arrangements were seasonably completed, through the
the indefatigable labors of members of the various committees.
The appropriations were judicious and liberal, and everything
was conducted upon a scale in harmony with the magnitude of
the occasion. The following programme was adopted:

PROGRAMME.

The several Church and Factory Bells will be rung, and National Salutes
fired at sunrise and sunset. V

At 9 1-2 o’clock, A. M., a Procession will be formed on the Mall, the right
resting on the southeast end, and moved at 10 o’clock, under the direction of
the Chief Marshal, Col. Amos Tnrmn, in the following order :

Military Escort, (Band) Cushing Guard, commanded by
Capt. Jabez L. Pearson.
Past members of the Newburyport Artillery Company, commanded by
Major Ebenezer Bradbury.
Aid. , CHIEF MARSHAL. Aid.
His Honor the Mayor, Orator, Officiating Clergyman, Reader of the
Declaration of Independence. .
City Government.
Committee of Arrangements.
City Clerk, Treasurer, Assessors,
Assistant Assessors, Clerk Common Council.
School Committee.
Overseers of the Poor.

TPRELIMINABIES. ' 9

‘Selectmen of Newbnry and West Newbnry.
‘Town Clerks of Newthury and West Newbury.
Instmctors ofIPnb1ic Schools.‘
Reverentl Clergy -of the City.
Revolutionary Soldiers.
United States Officers-—Civil, Military and Naval.
‘State and County Officers.
Band.
Invited Sons and Former Residents of Newbnryport.
'iCitizens of Newburyport, Newbury and West Newbury...

an-uuuuuun-:u-n

SECOND DIVISION.
Band.
Aid. Marshal A Ain.
FLORAL PROCESSION.

No. 1-—Flora.

N0. 2-——Landing of Pilgrims.

No. 3--~lM[ay Flower.

No. 4—G‘roddess of Liberty.

No. 5-—Ages:—-Childhood, Youth, Manhood, Old. .A.ge.,
No. 6--Naiads.

N0. 7—Drya.ds...

No. 8———-Morning. '

No. 9--—Night.

N0.‘ 10-—-Spring..

No. 11-—-Sumrnert I

No. 12-———Au.tnrnn.

"No. 13-—Wintcr.

No. 14»-—O1d Lady in the Shoe.

l 

TI-E[IP.D DIVISION.

Aid. , - Marshal. Aicl.

Engineers of the Fire Department.

FIRE DEPARTMENT.
With their Machines, in“ the following order .:
C I Band.
“Deluge” Company, No. 1,
With their ‘invited guests,
“Gen. Washington” Company, No.3, of Milford.
- ‘~‘ Mechanic ” Company, No. 2.

10 * THE NEWBURYPORT GEL*EBRA']”.‘ION.

Band. ~ I
“Protector ’.’ Company, No. 3, with their invited guests,
“ Tiger,” No. 1, of Havei-hill.
“ Tiger ” Company, No. 4.
“ Eagle” Company, No. 5.
“Agile” Company, No 6.
' “Torrent” Company, No. 7.
Band.
“Neptune ” Company, No. 8.
“Warren” Company, Hook and Ladder.

auun-nu-nu--u‘.

FOURTH DIVISION.

Aid. Marshal. " Aid.

Band.
T R A D E S .
Mr. John Emery with his Vessel.

 

FIFTH DIVISION.

Aid. Marshal. _ ‘ Aid.

Marrine Society.
,HoWard Benevolent Society.

St. Mark’s Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons.
St. John’s Lodge.
Quascacunquen Lodge of Odd Fellows.

V Strangers and Citizens generally.

 

SIXTH DIVISION.
Aid. ‘ Marshal. Aid.
Cavalcade,

4-‘...

ROUTE OF PROCESSION.

The Procession will move precisely at 10 o’clock, A. M., through the fol-
lowing streets: . ""

Down High street to Federal, down Federal to Water, counter-xnareh up
Federal to Orange, through Orange to Fair, down Fair to Essex, through
Essex to State, up State to High, up High to Kent, counter-march down
High to Market, down Market to Washington, through Washington to

Green, down Green to Merrimack, through Merrimack, Market Square, State
and Pleasant streets, to the Church.

I‘

PRELIMINARIES. 11

ORDER OF EXERCISES AT THE PLEASANT STREET CHURCH.
1. Voluntary on the Organ. ‘ it

. Reading of the Scriptures and Invocation, by Rev. D_. M. Reed.
. “ Song of Welcome,” by Hon. George Lunt, music by M. D. Randall.
. Reading Declaration of Independence, by Hiram B. Haskell.
. Ode, by Jacob Haskell, music “ Star Spangled Banner.”
. Oration, by Rev. George D. Wildes.
. Chorus, “ Hallelujah,” from the Oratorio of the Messiah.
. Benediction, by Daniel Dana, D. D. 

The music will bepex-formed by a select choir, under the direction of M.
D. Randall, Esq. Organists, Messrs J. W. Cheney and R. P. Morse.

coo:-qaaorisr-cow

PUBLIC DINNER.
After the services at the church, theprocession will be formed‘ anew, and
proceeded to the PAVILLION, erected on Congress street, and partake of a

. Chorus---“ Praise the Lord, ye Nations all ”-—--from Mozart’s 12th Mass,

DINNER provided by Horace I-Iamblet, Esq., Landlord of the Ocean.

House.

un-u-an-.

PROGRAMME 01? FIREWORKS. V
From Chickering street, West of Frog Pond.
Signal and Colored Rockets will be fired from sunset until 9» o’clock, when
the exliibition will commence with
No. 1. A GRAND,ILLUMINAIION-~OfrIndian White Fires, intermingled

with crimson and green.
Rockets, Gold Rain.

2. CANDLES AND Jnrrs---A. battery of Roman Candles, with silver and
colored Stars, mutate to jets of Mexican Fire, with heavy reports.
Mines and Shells. _
3. DOUBLE CnArLnrs—--Horizontal. Wheels of Chinese and Jessamine
Fire, mutate to cluster of Stars and explosion of Bees.
Rockets, Colored Stars.
4. CONSTELLATION----.A. Circle of Stars in Crimson, blue and purple lance
extend to jets of Sun Fires, with reports. a T
. O C Torbillons.

5. A GREETING T0 Vxsxtrme Fmnnns-~.Al highly ornamental and unique»

piece, silver and colored.
~ . " Flight of Rockets.

6. Eevrrrnn P*rn.tMIns—-—-Vertical Wheels of purple and blue Fires form

the ball of pyramids of Colored Stars, and centres of contra revolving polkas.

Mines. - 4 t

7. THE DAY WE C1GI.E13RA'.I‘E.----The motto “July 4,” in letters of Fire,

is surmounted by the American Eagle and Arms, from which extend a Glory E

of Sun Fires.
“ Rockets. pi i

12‘ man Nnwnnnvronr cnnnnnarrorsz.

8. - Mosaic B'Afn1‘ERY--A. Fanciful Design in lance, mutates to a B‘atter;r

of Mines, Shells and Marrons.; » ‘
. Torbillons. 

9.. PERUVILN Cnoss---Decorated with crimson and purple lance, Witlr

resolving centre, mutating to, gerbs of Jessamine Fires with petards.
Flo.ral= Shells“

10‘-—Conn.urr1-ans. Or Messengers,traversinga wcire severalhundred feet...
' Rocket, Silver Stars. V

I1. Qnnnnnrnn Swan AND Pawns-—A gorgeous Star, in blue, white,

crimson and green, lance rnntate to Palrn.Trees,, tinged with green-.
Diamond’ Battery. _

12. THE: lfiiworr-——The American Eagle and Arms are supported by thir-

teen Stars, above which appear in letters of fire, the word “U.'s3.~o2t.”
V Rockets..

13'. Monmne Gr.on1*.—-f-A large Piece, composed of 'Whee-ls‘-of variegated‘

celors, revolving around a solar centre, and extending to Sun Fires, with»

reports.
Torbillons.

14. Grnanzoonn-—-£1 superb Piece of Pyrotechiie, firmed‘ of variegated.
lance work, representing an immense Grirandole, or Candelabra, with crystal!
Pendants of purple, blue, violet and crimsim lance; the arms are decorated
with Candles of Silver and Colored Stars.

Mines of Serpents.

15. SHIELD on Inrsi--A large revolving Disc of Jessamine and Chinese-
Eires, displays a triple centra revolving centre of Polkas, Saxons and Flyens,..
tinged with purple,;,c1:imson and green...

Rockets.

16. Tim Lynn---A representation oi"the “15yre,”' in silver and’ colored ,

lance, partially encircled with a Wreath of‘ Laurel; and‘ surmounted‘ by fiat
Floral base. i
_ Floral Shells.

17. Fnonterrrnm WHEEL PIECE--‘-—.P£ Pyramidical arrangement of'Wheels-'
and Flyers, with a centre o£Po1kas and Saxons, ending with "a discharge of’
Italian Streamers. ” A i

Mines.

1.8.. FI.NA.L]!-—Th6 Sealof the City of Newburypont is supported by two»
ornamental columns enwreathed with fillets, and bearing upon. the capitals.
the mottoes, in silver and colored lance, “July, 1854.” The American Eagle
rests upon the City Seal,.and is adorned with a.ha1o. of" radiating. Sun Fires ;

the-whole forming a brilliant centre, from which extend jets and batteries ot‘

Mines, Stars and Shells, which, with a heavy flight of rockets arching the:
Seal, forms a grand Tableau ale Fue...

PRELIMINARIES. 13

For several days before the Fourth the return of sons com— .

noenced, and ere its arrival, our streets were filled with the
familiar forms of those whose early days were passed in our
midst. Never before have we known such stirring times,--—
everything in the shape of a team for miles around, was
pouring in with supplies for the anticipated crowd, and every
room that could be found unoccupied, was converted into a-
saloon for the sale of refreshments. Everybody was at work,
families in laying in an abundance, and others in preparations
of an ornamental nature. A i p

The setting of the sun on the third, found everything ready,
and the crowds of strangers already present, showed that no
dissatisfaction would be felt. The trains through the day
from every quarter were heavily laden with returned sons and
daughters from the most distant sections of the country.

THE JUBTILEE.  

 

The booming of cannon, the ringing of bells, the sharp
rattle of muslzetry, together with blasts of horns and the harsh
discord of a thousand instruments of clamor, in the hands of
juveniles, announced that the long anticipated day had ar-
rived. The sun rose in all its majesty upon a city Whose peov
ple were jubilant with anticipation. One thing was evident———-
a ztvarm reception was to be experienced, to prepare for which
our city authorities had wisely set the sprinkling machine over
the route of procession. Never have We witnessed a more

cheering spectacle than that presented throughout the entire A

route. Our city was in a holiday dress~——--a dress that was
significant of the intense feeling of the people. There was no
laborious formality clispla§yed——-no garb of vanity adopted. Ev-
ery decoration, every motto, every design, spoke to_the heart
of a patriotism and hospitality that was as pure as the spotless
surface which reflected them; and the cheerful countenances,
everywhere met, were but the index of hearts overrunning with
joy and gratitude.  

At an early hour the several divisions commenced forming
at the places assigned them, in and around the Bartlett Mall.
The Chief Marshal, with the military escort, proceeded to the
depot of the Eastern Railroad, where an immense crowd of
citizens had assembled, to receive the various delegations.-—
Owing to the length of the train the cars were behind their

rnn nndnrrron. 15

usual time, and the train containing the Boston delegation did

, not reach here until half past nineo’clocl;; they Were re-

ceived by the Chief Marshal and escorted tothe City Hall.--—
Owing to the irregularity in the arrival of the delegations from
other cities, there was no formal reception at the depot, though
they came from several cities and towns in large numbers.
The last of the delegations having been received, the invited
sons and former residents were escorted to the City Hall, where
the Mayor and City Council were in readiness to receive
them, and proceeded to High street for the formation of the
procession. Upon reaching the Hall, an immense crowd was

collected there, and in Brovvn’s Square, numbering many

thousands. Col. Tappan,in brief and appropriate terms, in-

troduced the guests to the Mayor, who received them with

these remarks :

SONS AND FORMER RESIDENTS OF :NE”WB'URYPOR'.l.‘--~'

On this occasion, the anniversary of our National Independence, in behalf
of the City, I bid you a cordial and heartfelt welcome to the place of your
birth and former residence. "Never has an event been looked for by our citi-
zens with so much joy and satisfaction as this, the return of her sons; and I

" express but the feelings of all, when I say----Welcorno, Sons of .Newburyport,

to the place that must be dear to the hearts of every one of you.

This is an occasion of no ordinary interest. Many, to-day, that have so
readily responded to our invitation, have long been absent from the home of
their nativity, and will see many and great changes. Many with whom they
had sweet and social converse, in former times, have long since passed from
earth. The graves of your fathers, the graves of your friends, are ties strong
enough to bring back the recollections of former days.

It is with pride the citizens of this city contemplate the position which the
sons of Newburyport abroad have attained, in whatever calling Providence
has seen fit to place them. In the professions, in mercantile life, in the me-
chanic arts, they have attained that high and honorable position, which we,
your friends and brothers, contemplate with the deepest satisfaction. Well
may this ancient town and new city be proud of her absent sons.

We ‘ have made no extended preparations on this occasion. We have
given you no cold and formal invitation to come to your old and venerated
birthplace and former residence. But We have given you a cordial Welcome
to the scenes of your childhood and the home of your early associations.é—--

'16 run NEWBURYPOZRT onnneaarron.

And this morning, with open arms and warm hearts, we are ready and happy
to receive you. '

Friends and brothers--in coming at our request to greet us‘ to-day, you
come amongst a prosperous, happy and intelligent people. A people that
are mutually ambitious, and doing all in their power" to make this a commu-
nity moral in its character, industrious in its habits, and independent in alt
its actions.

Once more, in behalf of our city, I bid you an earnest Welcome heme ,;
and may this meeting be such, that in after years, we shall say that friend-»
ships have been renewed, and formed, which n.othing shall ever sever.

The Mayor was replied to by Warren Tilton, Esq, Chief’
Marshal of the Boston delegation, as follows .2.

Mn. Maren, AND Gnnrnntinu:

We return your greeting, one and all! For this most Warm reception, it
is needless to say we are grateful. For these eager salutations, these enthu~
siastic cheerings, these involuntary and unmistakable evidences of rejoicing
at our presence, we cannot fully thank; you.

Such words as mine will indicate but poorly the character of the emotions-
whieh, struggling within our souls, have no voices for their utterance. Lana
guage cannot enunciate them, for we know how limited is the power of lan-
guage ; and the joyousness and happiness of an occasion like this are not to»
be described: they can onlybe experienceel——~felt..

There is something in that word “feeling ” we can all appreciate, and I:
assure you I can add no. emphasis to the cleclarationwhich I make in behalt“
of myself, and every one in our ranks, that wefizel glad that we are here.

You tell me that, on this, the day of‘ our National J uhilee, you have sum-
moned us hither as the sons of Newburyport... Like eager children we have
obeyed your summons——judge you with what measure oi‘ alacrity. All is
pleasant and joyous around us. It is a joyous day and a joyous occasion,
but our thoughts of the occasion and the day are well nigh merged in those
of the place---—old, stately Newburyport, God bless her !--—-the place of our
birth, the home of our childhood.

We have come with full numbers, and fuller hearts. From all ranks and
professions in life, with whatever of credit and reputation We have won for
ourselves, laying aside all our cares and anxieties for a season, forgetting all
distinctions of position, and putting away all differences‘ of faith and habit,
we have come hither, in a common brotherhood, at your bidding, to enjoy a.
pleasant re—union, to revive old memories, to re-visit old haunts, and be boys,
“ at home again,” together. i

We have the young among us, who, in the morning of their years, have:
yet scarcely tasted the trials of life 5, we have those who have toiled past 

THE rnoesssxon. i 17' ,

neon; we have those whose brows have become wrinkled, and whose limbs
have grown weary in its dusty pilgrimage ; but, to-day, we are, one and all
of us, resolved to be young again together.

Wherever we look-—-everything about us,--the churches and the school-
houses, (those earliest, noblest, best monuments of the fame of Newburyport)
the streets, the trees, the dwellings, the hills, the river-——the placid and beam-

‘tiful Merrimac1~:—-—a1l recall the days of our youth, and to—day we shall be

young again together. .

We shall, indeed, sir, be impressed with the changes you have alluded to.
We shall revisit the old church-yards, stand over the old graves, spell over
the old epitaphs, muse over old friends and companions new translated, live
over old affections, dream over old happinesses, shed anew old tears we
thought forever quenched, and thus, with the sweet, sad memories of .“Long
ago ” addressing the better part of our nature, we shall, at least, today, be
young again together. 

But it is time these words of mine were spoken. This is neither the hour
nor the place for extended remarks. Once more be assured oi‘ our gratitude
for the kindness of this reception. We do indeed believe that you are glad
to see us here; and we know that we are glad to have come. Our pulses
beat and our hearts leap at your words of cheer and commendation. \Ve

h rejoice in the evidences of your prosperity, but when we contemplate its

sources, there is no room for surprise. Character implies prosperity, and en-
terprise impels progress, with communities as with individuals.

Our visit must be, of necessity, a brief one-—-but a Hail! and a Farewell!
Happiness, however, has no limit of time, and we trust we shall return to
our adopted home from this, the home of our boyhood, with hearts refreshed
and purified ; with some of the rust and earthliness of‘ our natures refined
away 5 with higher hopes and nobler courage; and with a fixed and resolute
purpose never to prove ourselves so little worthy as that any man should ever
besorry to acknowledge us (what we are proud this day to be, every one of
us,) sons of Newburyport. “

After the services of receptionywere ended, the company
formed into line and marched to the south east end of the
Mall, wherethel various divisions of the procession were in
waiting. The procession then formed in the following order.
First V

THE oUsHINe GUARD,

With full ranks, preceded by a band, performed the escort

for the ‘occasion. More than a passing notice is due this corps,
which appeared for the first time under their new commander,
9* 4

H

18 THE Nmvennrronr cmssennrron.

Capt. Jabez L. Pearson. In drill and in all their evolutions
the highest perfection was manifested. In appearance the

V gompany has few equals, and the praise bestowed by visitors
' must have lightened the fatigues they endured.

Next was the
N EWBURYPORT. ARTILLERY.

This veteran corps, now lost in the Cushing Guard, whose
roll dates back to 1777, and whose service was required in
war of the revolution,‘ one of the oldest companies in the New
England States, was represented by some fifty or sixty of the

past members, under the command of Major Ebenezer Brad»
bury, the veteran soldier as Well as statesman. In the ranks

V we discovered quite a number of distinguished men, who once
constituted the pride of this renewed company. They wore

chapeaus, dark dress and side arms, and took charge of the
field pieces of the Cushing Guard. In their march and move-
ments they showed that their knowledge of military tactics
was fresh," and that the patriotism which distinguished their
early days was still alive.

FIRST DIVISION.
AMOS TAPPAN, CI-IIEF IVIAn'srrAL.
.PissIs'rANTs.--D. S. Blake, Edmund Bartlett, George Noyes, Robert Bay1ey,Jr..

The Chief Marshal and his Assistants were mounted upon
noble looking animals, richlydressed for the occasion.

The Division was comprised of His Honorthe Mayor, Ora-
tor, Officiating Clergyman, Reader of the Declaration of In-
dependence, the Board of Aldermen, Board of Common Coun
cil, Committee of Arrangements, City Clerk, Treasurer, As-
sessors, Clerk of Common Council, School Committee, Over--
seers of the Poor, Ward Officers, Selectmen and Town Clerks
of N ewbury and West N ewbury, Instructors of Public” Schools,
Reverend Clergy, Revolutionary Soldiers, United States Offi—-

THE. rnocsssrow. 19

eers---Civil, Military and Naval; ‘State and County Officers.

Next came the Boston delegation, as follows:

BAND.
Wanner: TILTON, Esra, Chief Marshal, ,
AIDs—-William. P. Pierce, Caleb S. Marshall.

Assrsranr MARsHALs.-Stepl1en Tilton, Jr., J. Haskell Long, Nathaniel Don-
nels, John H. Bradbury, Charles G. Wood, Nathaniel Foster, Jr., Charles L»
Knapp, George Butler, Seth K. Swcetser. '

CAPT. SaM’LG. ADAMS, Standard Bearer.

This delegation, in which were many distinguished men---
clergymen, lawyers, editors, physicians, merchants and me—~
chanies, numbered about 500, each wearing a badge enstamped

with the seals of the two cities. They had a splendid silken

banner, prepared by “ Oymon,” of the Post, that attracted all
eyes. It bore on one side the simple inscription “Boston ;”
on the other, “ Returned Home, 1854,” and was left at the
City Hall as a memento of the occasion. Other banners were

carried, with the following mottoes :

“ There is no place like home.”

“ Where'er we roam, whatever place We see,
Our hearts untravelled fondly turns to thee.”

“ Should old acquaintance be forgot.”

»« “ No soil npon earth so clear to our eyes,
As the sell We inst stirred in terrestrial pics.”

5‘ There is a spot of earth supremely hlest,

A dearer, sweeter land than all the rest,

And thou shalt find Where’er thy footsteps roam,
That land thy country, and that spot thy lJ.O11'J.(3.”

Next were the Invited Sons, who represented perhaps one
half of the States of the Union and nearly all the principal
cities. We noticed them from all the New England States,
Rhode Island, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Ohio, l\.’[a~
ryland, District of Columbia, South Carolina, Louisiana, Texas,
Mississippi, California and Oregon, and there were others
whose local residence we did not learn.

It were invidious, perhaps, to single out particular delega-
tions, but Maine came strong from her seashore and inland
districts, and from Bangor, Bath and Portland they attracted

20 A THE NEWBURYPOBT cnnnsnnrxon.

particular attention. The largest number from any one place
intNew Hampshire came from Portsmouth, and conspicuous
among them was the venerable Abner Greenleaf, the first
mayor of our sister city. In this State many places were
represented--Lowell, Haverhill, Ipswich, Boston, Worcester,
&c., &c.

Maul-1-nn§Mu

SECOND DIVISION.
Floral Procession.

This was the grandest display of its lzind we have ever had
in this city , nor have we heretofore been behind any place
within our knowledge in these exhibitions. Throughout was
the evidence of refined taste and great industry, which was
highly creditable to all the parties concerned. So numerous
were the persons engaged in these preparations, that we for-
hear to give names that nevertheless deserve grateful recollec-
tion. The sections appeared as follows:

Rurus GRIFFITH, Chief Marshal.
Ams.——-Thomas lvlakinney, James C. Colman.

The marshals were mounted, and the rich trimmings upon
their noble looking studs, attracted universal attention.

SECTION II

FLORA.

Flora’s group leads the procession, and was represented by a young lady
dressed in white lace, with a profusion of pink drapery and flowers. Her
four winged attendants, in pink and white, surrounded her, scattering flowers,
emblematical of the bright and beautiful gifts she ‘is so constantly showering
upon us. Her exquisitely designed car, tastefully decorated with evergreen,
was drawn by two gray horses, and canopiecl with tri~colored cloth, upon
which were the mottoes, “Hail, lovely Flora I” “Flowers, bright flowers,
sweet messengers of love.” “ We are the sweet flowers, born of sunny show-
ers.” Following her car were thirty children. bearing flowers and banners,
with these mottoes: “Flowers are the smiles of Nature, and earth would
seem a desert withou t them.” I

" Flowers bloom by the lowliest cot, I

To gladden, and brighten, and bless our lot.”
“ Flora comes from her sunny bowers,

And decks the earth with her gift of flowers.”

THE rnoonssron. 21

ssorron 11. .
LANDING OF THE PILGRIMS.

The design of this group although suggested previous to any knowledge
of the existence of such as the one recently on exhibition in Boston, was
afterwards executed with strict reference to that picture, and was found to
be a truthful transfer of its pecularities in point of coloring and style of dress.
This cluster composed the first party who left the Mayflower, and landed
from the boat on Plymouth Rock.

Prominent among these is Gov. Carver, whose tall figure and manly
appearance indicates his character and dignity. His suit is of black, the
body plain, and tight fitting-——sleeves large and open in front, disclosing the
shirt sleeves, while a tunic of the same material falls from the waist. The
small clothes are very full, secured at the knee with buckles, and the dress is

finished by long black. hose and low shoes. Miles Standish claims a second i

place in point of conspicuousuess. His dress was military; composed of a

jacket of blue, with bufi‘ sleeves and tunic, black small clothes, and bull’
boots. His hat was black, ornamented with a red feather. , Edward Winslow
stands near Carver, and wears a dark suit of the olden time. By his side
was Mrs. Winslow, wearing a purple dress and blue hood. Mrs. Allcrton
was kneeling on the rock and wore a crimson silk skirt, supposed to he a relic
of former days, beneath a blue dress. Over all was thrown a drab cloak,
and a green shawl was tied over the head. Leaning upon her shoulder was

Mrs. Standish, in a red hood, maroon colored sack trimmed with fur, and
dark green dress. Elder Brewster was personated. in a tall, thin figure,
whose long grey heard, black skull cap, and grey, bushy hair, suggested his

clerical character. I-Iis dress added to the efiiect. It consisted of a black,

loose gown, black small clothes, stockings,  Mrs. Brewster stood near

him, supporting her aged form upon a stail". ller dress was dark, and

becoming an old lady. Mrs. llopkins, with her infant child in her arms,

were a dress of gray, and over her head was thrown a shawl oi’ the sarnc
color. Mrs. Oarver’s place was at the left of her husband ; on one arm she
supported her little infant, and with the other hand led a little child, whose
caresses are bestowed upon a favorite dog. Behind these appeared. William
Bradford and John I-lowland, the former dressed in a dark suit, and the latter
in a suit of blue, hearing on his shoulder a piekaxe and shovel. This group
waspreceded bya banner hearing a representation of Plymouth Rock, carried
by a person in the costume of primitive times, and followed by the May
Flower, rigged as if moored in the bay. A procession of boys, headed by the

motto, “The Pilgrim spirit is not tied,” each carrying some implement of
agriculture, and dressed in uniform, brought up the rear.

snorrron In.

THE MAY FLOWER.
The May Flower was represented by a boat of about two tons burthen,
rigged in polacre style, to imitate the example of those days. In her whole

22 THE Nnvvsunrronr CELEBRATION.

arrangement, she was a perfect picture of our idea of her model. Her
commander, Master George Bray, and a full complement of lads for a crew,
with a young negro lad as steward, were in full sailor rig, and performed
their part like experienced seamen. The Messrs. Pritchard, riggers, are
entitled to much praise for the effective manner in which they contributed to
the perfection of this part of the programme.

snorron xv.
TEIE GODDESS OF‘ LIBE]-R.'I‘Y.,

Was represented by a young lady, dressed in a free flowing robe of red,
whiteand blue, leaning upon a shield, and holding in her hand the liberty
pole and cap ; on her head was a helmet of silver. The temple in which she
stood was hexagonal, and on its sides were the names of the six first
Presidents of the Republic. The American flag floated over her.” Her
followers, symbolical of the States of the Union, thirty-one in number, are
dressed in the American colors, having each a star on the left shoulder; each
boy bore a banner with the name of the State he represented. Some of the
mottoes in this group were, “Glo’ry’s wreath never fades.” “The States of’
the Union———~distinct as the billows, and one like the sea.” “With the shout
of freedom, round thy brow, Columbia, we fresh laurels twine.”

SECTION v.
_ AGE.

Represerrtation of the four stages of Liib, viz :--~ O’/rild/zonal, Youth, Mcm'/reed,
and Old .cil_//(3.

This car was overhung by a white canopy, ensealloped with green, which
hung over the four sides of the vehicle, and bore in evergreen letters these
mottoes :---“Our lot on earth is but continual ehange.” “So flourishes and
and fades majestic man.” “Time brings not back the I’ast.” “Life is on-
ward:” The frame of the car was ornamented with trimmings of evergreen,
the interior hung with scarlet drapery.

Childhood was portrayed by three children, simply attired in white and
blue, reclining among flowers, one blowing soap bubbles, one caressing a fa-
vorite spaniel, and one trundling a hoop. Youth was represented by a lad,
attired as an archer, in a tunic of green, with rose»-eolored sash, white trowe-
ers, Ste; he bore upon his shoulders a quiver of arrows and stood leaning up~
on his bow; the young lady, his companion, wore a rose-colored bodice and
white shirt, with green trimmings; she held a guitar fancifully wreathed with
evergreen. “Manhood” was personated by, a gentleman, engaged in mar»-
cantile pursuits, seated at his desk, surrounded by the insignia of his calling
on every side; a lady dressed with the simple elegance befitting a matron;
busied herself with needle work. In “Age ” we had a glimpse of home-life
at the time of the Revolution, and one might almost fancy that his great

rnn raoonssron. 23

grand-parents strode before him in the cocked hat, small clothes, and knee
buckles which the gentlemen wore, and the mob-cap, brocade dress and trim
rufl‘ of the lady. The devotional and industrious habits of that period were
portrayed by the open Bible on the old man’s knees, and the spinning-wheel
near the old lady. b

Two young gentlemen in antique costume preceded this car, bearing scar-
let banners, with blue centres, on which, in golden letters, appeared these
inscriptions : '

V '.l‘IME’S ormnens.
“ Careless childhood, crowned with flowers,
Ushers in life’s summer glory, ‘
And brave rnanhood’s golden hours,
Yield to Age, the wise and hoary.”
I~IUMANi LIFE.
“ Time and change, alike unheeding,
Haste we onward day by day,
Angel-«guides our footsteps leading,
Safely o’er the unknown way.”

At the corners of the car were four small banners of green with bronze
centres, on which in letters of gold, were seen these mottoes, "referring to the
difi“erent eras of our existence. Childhood : “Heaven lies about us in our
infancy.” Youth: “The years to come are ours.” Manhood: “Touch us
gently, time.” Age: “Elie shadows lengthen on our paths.” These were

carried by four lads, dressed in white with green trimmings ; four marshals '

also attended the car, wearing black velvet jockeys, dark jackets and white

pants. The followers to this group were twenty~four in number, dressed in
T uniform of white pants and grass-green sacks, and having their hats wreathed

with oak leaves ; the marshals for these were attired in the costume of 1776.
Immediately following them was ‘a country wagon, in which was seated at
thrifty farmer and his buxom wife, surrounded by the produce of their farm,
being a true picture of “going to market” ,in the time of the “embargo.”-
Next a young gentleman, carried a whiterstandard, with these words upon it :
“Fashion is a capricious dame.” Then a procession of young ladies wearing
the identical dresses which were in vogue when “ Independence was de-
clared,” and who formed a veryinteresting feature in the programme.
Following which was the old sulky once owned by Mr. Bartlett, decorated
with evergreen, with a motto upon the back “17 76,” harnessed to which was
a nag, apparently as old as the vehicle. This contained two ladies dressed
in costume, the very extravagance of the antique. The horse was led by Mr.
Albert Tilton, in ancient costume, powdered wig, &e. T

O

snorrozv vr.
NAIADS. ,
These were represented by three maids, reclining in a grotto, shaded by
vines andadorned by shells. The Naiads were dressed in white flowing
robes, with mantles of green---trimmings of water-lilies, corals and shells.-‘—

24 THE NEWBURYPORT CELEBRATION.

They were preceded by a banner representing Neptune, their King; and
followed by eighteen lads—a band of sailors dressed as such, white pants,
and white shirts with blue collars, the corners starred as in the navy, without
jackets, and with hats banded by wide ribbons. These supported a banner—--
mottoes, “ We are vassals, willing vassals of ocean’s restless tide.” “ The
world of waters is our home.” ‘

SECTION VII.

D R Y A D S .

N ext in order came the Dryads, represented by three maidens grouped
around a youth, representing the rural god, Pan. They were gracefully
dressed in white, with scarfs of green thrown carelessly over the shoulders.~—-
They also were wreaths of evergreen on their heads, and oak-leaf trim-
mings on their dresses. Two farmers followed this group, the first hearing
the rnotto-—

“While universal Pan,
Knit with the graces and the hours in dance,
Led in the eternal spring.”
On the second was the following:

“Airs: vernal airs,
Breathing the smell of field and grove,
Attune the trembling leaves”,

SECTIONS VIII AND IX.

MORNING AND NIGHT.

Morning and night came next in order, in a car tastefully decorated with
evergreen garlands. Mom was represented by a young lady and four attendv
ants, dressed in illusion robes with rose—colored mantles, with a- wreath of
flowers around their heads. Motto, “First Morn with rosy light appears.”
Night was represented by a young lady and attendants wearing a starry
crown, and veil and flowing robe. Motto, “ Then Night with starry crown.”
The appearance of this group was imposing and interesting, and evinced a
taste in its design and execution highly creditable to the young ladies under
whose supervision it was produced.  '

SECTION 3:.

S P R I N G . A

Spring, the first of the Seasons, was represented with particular reference
to its most beautiful month-——-May. In the centre of the platform was a May
Pole, tastefully decorated with flowers and evergreen. Upon a mossy throne
raised at its foot, was seated a beautiful girl--—the May Queen“-dressed in
green, a mantle of white fastened carelessly--with’ yellow flowers floating
about her- By her side was the May King, placing a flowery crown upon
her head. His dress was of green and white, and upon his head was an oaken
crown. The group was completed by two children, one with a flowery crook

run rnocnssron. 25

and little basket, readily recognized as a young shepherdess, detained by a

youth to peep into a bird’s nest, Spring’s constant «harbinger.

Following this platform were twelve boys dressed in green and white, with
a banner--motto, “ Welcome! flowery huntress, Spring.” Other mottoes
read,“ The rosy-footed May sails blushing on"’, “ Welcome, Spring, birth-
day of the flowers.” .

sncrrou XI.

8 U M M E_R .

Summer is represented by a hay-making group, consisting of five ; three of
whom carried rakes, the fourth a sickle, while the fifth apparently warm and
weary, was carelessly lying in repose, regardless of the playful hint above

l1im—-“Make hay while the sun shines.” A pleasing variety was displayed,

in their dress—-one wore a pink skirt and green bodice; another a white
skirt with a lavender bodice, and the third was in corn-colored and blue.—-—
The car, canopied in hlue and white, bore this motto--“Child of the sun, re-
‘fulgent summer comes ;” and was followed by fourteen boys dressed in
white with flowers, carryingbanners, bearing these mottoes :-

“I bring you orchard fruits, your garden flowers,

Fresh as the air, and new as are the hours.”

“Summer looks out! how ,«-rreen and gay
Is eartll, how l)1*iglt1t her Ilowers;

"Tis nature’s merry holiday,
And these her wl1itc—winged hours.”

stsorron xrr.
A U T U MI N .

This ,r,_;roup was represented by three goddesses, appropriate to the season,
drawn in an elegant car, richly -ornamented. Pomona, the goddess of fruit,
‘here a cornucopia of graceful and elegant design, and her dress was decorated
witlr clusters of grapes and other fruits. At her feet lay another cornucopia,
as elegant, though much larger than that she bore in her arms. Ceres, the
presiding deity of the harvest, here in one hand the ripened grain, and in the
other the sickle, a symbol. of her vocation. Her banner was bordered with
leaves,.and exlribited her name. Diana appeared in her hunting dress,
hearing on her brow the crescent harvest moon. Motto: '

“Diana, goddess of the chase,
Ceres with her ripened grain,
4* _ Pomona, laden with her fruit,
Makes brzilliant ‘autumn reign.”

ssorrorxr zscrrr.

W I N T E R .

This was figured by the old and new years----the former as an old man,
dressed in along furred robe, a hood drawn over the head, partly concealing
the long white beard that descended to the waist. He stood leaning upon an
urn that contained the ashes of the past seasons; and was about handing the

W

26 ms NEWBURYPORT CELEBRATION.

records of the past to the New Year, who full of life and hope stood ready
to receive it. His dress was of white and silver, a crown was upon his head ;,
and nothing; was seen but snow and ice, varied by the red winter berries.
The mottoes upon the canopy were--~“Throned in his palace of cerulean ice,

here winter holds his court.” On the banner were, “The fields put on their

wintry robes of pleasant white.” “Pale concluding winter comes at last and
shuts the scene.” The whole representation was true to winter, and
beautifully done.
snorron XIV.
OLD ‘VVONEAN ‘IN TI-IE SI-IOE.

This unique group, illustrative of the well remembered melody, by Mother
Goose, was drawn in a car made in the shape of a shoe. The ‘Old Woman’
sat in her chair of state, witlfa ‘bowl of soup’ in her hand, feeding her
children, some six or eight little bipeds, who regardless of the absence of"
bread, eagerly devoured the unsavory liquid. The car was followed by a
group of twelve children in straw hats and higli ‘tires,’ apparently well fed,
and sumptuously provided with dainties, (pr-escxiting; a strong contrast to the
half starved progeny of the Old Woman. This idea, so clive1'ti.11g~, was well
presented, and formed the most amusing feature of the procession.

 

TIIIRD DIVISION.

Fire Department.

These guardians of life and property from the dangers of’

fire, with their invited guests, and an abundance of sweet and

stirring music, were out with full ranks, and presented a fine
appearance. Never were better’lool:ing men banded together ;.
and seldom better drilled corps. They marched with the pre-
cision of soldiers, and evinced good discipline, that was liiglily
complimentary to the Chief Engineer, Moses M. Ross, Esq.,
under whom they were out for the first time---and his associate
assistants. We doubt whether any city in the Commonwealth

could have presented a superior department. We name the .

companies in their order.
M. M. Ross, Chief Engineer.
Arne-——J. 13. Pritchard, J. 19. McQuillen.
DELUG-E1, NO. 1,

Uniform consisted of red jackets trimmed with blue, ornamented fire

caps, black pants with buff stripe. l Engine trimmed with an octagon dome

THE raoonssron. . 27

covered with evergreen and flowers, surmounted by a large eagle. This
company was accompanied by the Newburyport Brass Band, 16 pieces, led
by Mr John Knight, who took our citizens by surprise by the excellent man-
ner in which they performed their music-—not unfavorably comparing with

any band in the procession.

GEN. WASHINGTON, No. 3, of Medford,

Invited guests of No 1»-———-with Medford Brass Band. This company brought
their machine with them, which was very handsomely trimmed. Their uni-
form was red jackets, black caps trimmed with gold lace, and black pants
with leather bottoms. This company are a fine lookingset of men, mostly

-ship carpenters, and endured the excessive heat, as well as all the firemen,

dike martyrs.

MECHANIC, No. 2.

Uniform very neat——-blue jackets trimmed with red, and two stars on
the collars ; cloth cap--a very pretty pattern——red quarters, black top, gold
band-—“ Mechanic,” in silver metal letters in front, encircling a figure “ .‘.>.”
-—-—blacl«: pants, red stripe. Engine trimmed with flowers, evergreen, spruce
trees and flags. This is the first time this company has paraded for many
years, but in their new and very handsome uniform, they made a grand dis-

” play. _They turned out as large, if not the largest number of any company,

and their appearance was quite complimentary to their officers‘. They were
accompanied with excellent music from the Navy Yard, at Portsmouth, N. H.

PROTECTOR, No. 3.

Uniform --— red coats trimmed with buff and green ; white pants
with patent leather bottoms ; green belts, with ,,“ Protector ” in silver
letters ; caps--—-red tops, quarters of green, red band trimmed with silver lace,
metals letters in front in shape of a diamond, in the centre of which is figure
3. Engine trimmed very handsomely with flowers, evergreen and flags.-—~
This company marched with precision and showed they had been well drilled.

TEE TIGER, No. 1, of Haverhill.

The guests of No. 3, were accompanied by the Union‘ Brass Band of‘ the
same place. Their uniform was blue coats trimmed with red and white ;
black pants red stripe; red belts on which was “No. 1, Haverhill,” in gold
letters; red caps with the worc “ Tiger ” in silver letters in front. They
brought their engine with them-—one of Jeifers’ “double deckers,” which
plays four streams, has two suctions, and in 10% 1-2 inch cylinder. It is a
most powerful machine, and was trimmed in magnificent style. The com-
pany and machine are an honor to the place from which they come. In the
afternoon they had a trial of its power, which was quite satisfactory. Though
not throwing water to a greater height than either Les1ey’s or Hunneman’s
tubs, yet it is in the quantity of water which it throws that it excels.

28 run NEWBURYPORT CELEBRATION.

EAGLE, No. 5. A

Uniform consisted of white coats trimmed with blue; black pants with

White stripe ;. black glazed cap with white band, figure 5‘ in front. Engine

prettily trimmed with evergreen, flowers and flags. The uniform of this

company, though out of the usual style, looked exceedingly well, and ate
tracted a good deal of attention. I ‘

TORRENT, No. 7..

Uniform consisted of red jackets trimmed with blue and silver. lace 

silver star on both sides of ihe breast; blue cloth caps trimmed with red and
silver lace, figure 7 encircled by a wreath ; black pants with silver stripe‘;
patent leather belttrimmed with red, on which is inserted “ Torrent” in
White Iettezs. This is an elegant nniforrn, the belt alone costing $33. Engine
trimmed with four arches of evergreen and flowers, and an arch on the hose
carriage, all making a fine display.

NEPTUNE, No. 8. '

Appeared in full’ ranks, with blue coats trimmed with red and White, brown’
pants with'red stripes; glazed belt with the gilded letters “Neptune,” on
the back, and the figure 8 in front; caps, top blue glazed, and blue quarters,
ornamented with silver lace and red stripes, bearing the figure 8 and a star
on front. The banner borne by the company was a very tasteful. and neatly
executed representation of the sea god, Neptune, with the company’s motto
sur1:nounted'on his fork---"* Douse the Gli7n ”--—--two boys neatly dressed in sea-v
1nen’s rig, carrying the lanyards of the same. The engine was drawn by
two beautiful bay horses, and was trimmed in a very neat and tasteful man»
ner; onythe topwsat Neptune, or the water god, with long streaming beard,
and cap made of shells, with a tar pot in one hand, and a piece of iron hoop»
in the other, as described by seamen on board ships, on crossing the line, ta.
initiate all new sailors. who. may be on board.

FIOURTII DIVISION.

Trades’ Procession.

The trades were not fully represented, but so far” as they
Went, they made a magnificent display. We noticed among:
them, “particuly, those relating to ship-buildings and finishing:
-~—-the carpenters and caulkers, the ship, joiners and ship
painters. Combined they are the most numerous and impor»

THE rnoonssron. 29

taut of the mechanical pursuits, and from the earliest history
«of the place have been famed for superior workmanship.

SI-IIPWRIGI-ITS.
ELISHA. Sronnv, Chief Marshal.

AIDS-——Frede1-iclr Cheever, J. P. L. Westcott, Dustan Cofifin, Sprague Chase

“The Shipwrights led the trades, number-ing full three hundred---strong,
sturdy, vigorous men---the real bone and sinew——Who attracted . general
attention by their manly appearance. They had a banner with these mottoes
---“I*Ionor to whom honor is due. The aged mechanics-—-truly they are
God's noblcrnen. The works of their ‘hands have covered every sea.” Re-
versed it read-—-“I-Iow dignified and worthy---full of knowledge and happi-
ness—standcth in majestic independence, the self-ennobled mechanic.” The
carpenters followed a platform, drawn by six beautiful, finely decorated
horses, in a line, on which was their “model ship,” more than twenty feet in
lenggthm-taken one inch to the foot of a clipper, sharper than was ever built
on the river, and as much so as any one that ever spread canvas on the
seas: from the plan of a ship 232 feet long on? deck, 46 feet beam, and 23
feet deep. She was designed by Mr. Townsend, of the firm of Currier 8.:
Townsend, who ranks among the first draftsrnen of the country, and was
built under his direction. She was pronounced on all hands, a perfect spec-
imen of naval architecture; and as the hull was finished upon the ways,
ready to launch, she represented all the various kinds of mechanical work in
ship building, sl'iowvin.g the taste and skill of‘ the different artisans, and would
maintain the character they have always supported in this branch of industry.
She was painted by John Burrill 8: Co., to light water, copper colored, and
above entirely black, with the exception of a gilded streak; and on deck:
light. The iron work---elirains, Sac, were by Mr. Abner Kenniston, and the
anchors by Mr. Henry T. Moody. » She had a carved prow---«an eag1e’s
head---gilded, on each side of which was her name-m-INnn1*nNnnnen—and
upon her rounded stern abeautiful spread eagle, holding in his talons a scroll,
inseribed~—--“The Declaration of Independence-1776.” The carving was
done-—--zrnost admirably too-----by Mr. Joseph Wilson «in Son. The windlass,
capstan and wheel were by Mr. Michael Pearson, turner and wheel-«maker,
and the joiners’ work by the Messrs Choate. Over her floated a pennant
and three flags---a liurgee, an ensign, and a union-jack, which were contri-
buted by the patriotie ladies ofBel1evil1e. The flags and all she were bore a
just proportion, so that there was a perfectness in the view, as much so as in
looking upon a large ship. On the platform around her, were numerous
models, in use for the last two hundred years, in striking contrast with her-
self, and showing the progress of the art since the first vessels were built on
the Merrimack. , T .

In the procession theoldest carpenters rode in a vehicle in the form of a
boat, called the ‘-Bonny Boat ;” and from their advanced age, grey hairs,
and many evidences of having reached or passed the last of their labors, were

80 THE Nnwnonrronr CELEBRATION.

in striking contrast with the athletic men around them. Their opinions and’
experience were on the banners they presented: “In ourselves ambition is
dead, but it hath a resurrection in our children.” By culture man may do»
anything short of a miracle.” “We only arrange and combine the ancient
elements of all things.” ""1‘o improve and expand is our aim, but nothing”
of the past has been forgotten.” “Invention is activity of mind.” “There
is a moral magnitude living in the light of example.” i

SHIP J’-QINERS.»

The Ship Efoincrsl were from the workshop of Messrs T. Choate.
The principal feature of this division, was the exhibition of a beautiful cabim
in miniature form, 20 feet long, 110 feet wide, and '1 feet high, reversed inside
out so as to‘ show more fully the style of finish, which was gothic framework.
The cabin was placed on a body Wagon, neatly trimmed and decorated, and
drawn by a splendid span of horses‘. The aft end represented a state rooms
finished, berths, sides, arch, due, The inside was used for a joiners’ shop, the
men finishing their parts of the work, tools hanging around, «Sire. This was
arranged expressly for the occasion, and th~ro-ughouit evinced taste and genius
on the part of the designers. The Whole affair was highly creditable to the
parties, and vvas»another‘proof of that genius which has placed the Merrimack
ship-joiners in the front rank of nautical architects and skillful mechanics.
The mottoes upon the sides of the cabin were: “Industry is life.” No painsp.

, no gains..” “Hope is a workman’s dream.” “Play not with edge tools.”

Banner in the shape of a topsail--«motto, “Ship Joinersw-ZE:xcclsior.”

IE’.A.I1.\TTEIEi.i3.-

The extensive establishment of Messrs John Burri-il &c., was represented
upon a platform 21 feet long by 8 1-2 Wide, drawn. by a span of horses. On

the forward part was a ship’s billet head~, on the front end, specimens of‘

graining for ships’ cabins, &tc.,——aud' above a fancy sign,.“‘John Burrill,’ upon
one end, and ‘S. S. Blake’ on the other, in the centre ‘Paints, Oil and Glass.’
On each side specimens of ornamental Work, door plates, 850...; at the top
‘John Burrill 85 Co., 40 Merrimack street...’ Back end,a beautiful ornarncntal

‘ painting, 9 feet by 6 1-2, gilt frame, shield in the centre; above and below,

in a scroll, were those words ::—--“The Union and the Constitution---with these
We are safe.”' ,

The interior was divided into four separate departments, representing the
various branches of their business.. li’irst, a man at work on burnished gild-«
ingmanother making composition ornaments--—~—another making door plates,
and a clerk writing at a desk. Second, two men employed in ornamental
painting and g-raining, and specimens of Work in this department. Third,
two persons glazing and painting blinds. Fourth, men grinding and pre-
paring paints. Hanging on each side of i this apartment were the various-
tools usually kept in- a painting establishment. T r

ran PROGESSION.   31

THE EMERY BOAT. '"

After the painters followed a beautiful little boat, schooner rigged, belongingi
to Mr. John Emery, of Georgetown. She was covered with flags and other
decorations, and had as mottoes, on one side, “Welcome, Sons of Newbury-
port ;” and on the other, “'Washington’s fame never to be forgo .” She was
manned by three lads in navy dress.

, THE OLD STAG-E.

As the procession was passing the Turnpike, one of the stages, formerly‘
in the employ of the old Eastern Stage Company, drove up, the driver, Mr;
Edmund Knight, one of the oldest drivers, formerly in the employ of that
company, blowing the horn, due. Upon the top was the baggage, valises, «Sac...

marked Hon. George Lunt; D, N. Haskell, Esq., and the whole looked like i

the times when the Wolfe Tavern was in place of the depot.

urn-nu-AI-mini

FIFTII DIVISION.

The oppressiveness of the heat created quite a paucity of numbers in the
lifth division, which, as will be observed by the programme,. was to be made
up of the various Benevolent Associations of this and other places. Had the
day been more favorable, the societies would have turned out in large num-
bers. Quite a demonstration was made by the Masons at a meeting held the
evening before, and somewhat extensive arrangements were made for a disw
play in the procession, by most of the societies mentioned in the programme,
but the oppressive state of the atmosphere, the mercury standing near 100°,
during the time consumed in the march, that it was thought inezspedient to
join the procession.

lnIIlDDIZ@InI%

SIXTH DIVISION.

The sixth division, to be composed of the cavalcade, was likewise meagre
in appearance. This was to be accounted for in the fact that»every horse
that could be procured, was in active service where the labor was not only
more profitable to its owner, but to the people generally.

u-Itnuhn-nun-u-nan:-II!

Owing to the tardiness of the trains, the procession did not move till nearly
11 o’clock. ‘ It marched down High street to Eedera1,down Federal to Wa-
ter, counter march up Federal’ to Orange, through Orange to Fair, down Fair
to Essex, through Essex to State, up State to High, up High to Kent, coun—
march down High to Market. down Market to Washington, through

"32 THE nnwnunrroar CELEBRATION.

Washington to Green, down Green to Pleasant, through Pleasant to the
Church.

Owing to the extreme heat of the day a short distance of the route was
cut 011'. The procession was {the largest ever formed in Newburyport, and
presented an imposing appearanee. The streets through the whole route
were lined with people, and every window commanding a View was filled
with faces.

no-an-nuw-u-can

CHILDREISPS COLLATION.
After the procession was over, the children engaged in it, were regaled
with a fine collation in the City Hall, which was finely decorated for that
occasion. The windows were hung with festoons of bunting, while from the

A centre of the ceiling, streamers were carried to all parts of the hall. The

back of the rostrum was handsomely trimmed with American flags, and a
fine full length portrait of VVashington, furnished for the occasion by the
Quascacunquen Lodge of Odd Fellows. At the opposite end of the hall was
three arches of evergreen, the centre one bearing a pair of clasped hands, and

the inscription--
“ ’Tis the same cordial, hearty grasp
I loved so long ago.”

The children enjoyed themselves highly, as may well be supposed, after
the long and dusty march.

Street Decorations.

We merely give those decorations along the route of the
procession, though many other residences than those men-
tioned were ornamented. We give in the order.

V lVIAl7:.l{E’l‘ STREET.

In front of the residence of Nathaniel Horton, Esq., three arches trimmed
with evergreen, and spruce; upon one, ‘I 645~-----1764 ;’ the centre arch, ‘We
forget not the Absent ;" the next, ‘I851--1854’——-the whole surmounted with
American flags. " 4

Residence of Charles H. Hudson, Esq., an arch over gateway composed of?
evergreen, motto, ‘Come again soon.’

HIGH STREET.
From D.  Bayley’s house was stretched 3» line from which hung the
American ensign. i’

From the front of H. Bartlett’s residence was hung flags and streamers.
At the head of Toppan’s lane, the house of D. T. Colman was ornamented

-with floral arches and flags in front bearing the motto, ‘Union,’ surmounted

srrannr DECORATIONS. 83

n by two hands clasped--festoons were hung from the flag by floral Wreaths,

with motto, ‘Newburyport,’ ‘N ewbury.’

In front of the block at the head of Market street, occupied by the Messrs
Creasey, Lander and Noyes,---flags and banners stretching across the street--
a representation of ‘Ye old Morse house, 1645,’ and and a spread eagle
bearing ashield, upon which appeared ‘1776,’ and in his beak a streamer,
upon which was ‘Success to Newburyport.’

Over the gateway at the residence of Mr H. T. Crofoot, an arch decorated
with evergreen and flowers, with the motto in golden letters, ‘Home Again l’
under which was suspended an elegant Wreath. ~

At the house of Rev. Mr. Verrnilye, an arch over the gateway, with the
motto, ‘Let Brotherly Love continue.’

The house of Mayor Davenport was decorated. by arches and the American
flag, with the motto, ‘Welcome, Returned Sons.’-

At the residence of Messrs Osgood and Brockway an arch was thrown over
the gateway, upon which was the motto, ‘With joy we greet thee-’

I+‘EDl*3RAL STREET.

The house of Rufus Smith was elegantly decorated with arches of ever-
green and flowers, and the entire front and side of the walk hung with f'es~
toons trimmed with American flags and evergreen, mottoes-—‘All hail
Columbia, VVashington, Lafayette, Carver, Iilancock, l/Vinthrop, Jay, Carroll
--—Welcome home sons and daugl1ters—»-Free speeeh—-—free press—religious
liberty guided by truth will perpetuate our national prosperity,’ A large gilt
Bible was hung under the word truth. a

John G. Tilton’s house was decorated,_by an arch in front composed of ever-
green, with the motto, “ Fond memory brings the light of other days around
us‘)?

John Poi-ter——]?o1-tieo surmounted with a large carved eagle, the pillars

festooned with variegated colors of cambric entwined with wreaths of flowers,

and a floral arch thrown in front. Motto, ‘The Union, it must be preserved.’

li‘rom the Globe Mill to the residence of Capt. Symons was a line of Amer-
ican and 'Britisl1lflags—-Porclr of house festooned.
ORANGE STR.lEli‘.'l‘.

Residence of ' J. R. Ire1and——‘-—F1oral arch surmounted with motto, ‘We
greet you.’ ‘

Col. Amos Tappan’s residence was beautifully arranged—--streamers were
hung in front bearing the word ‘Welcome,’ and ornamented with festoons.
The Porch was wreathed with flowers and bore the rnottoes, ‘Welcome the
present-remember the absent.’ V ‘Home again, home again, we joy to greet
thee.’ A highly ornamented arch was thrown over the sidewalk upon Fair
street, and in letters of white in the evergreen appeared ‘Welcome home,’
beneath which was the motto ‘Early friends again united.’

I FAIR STREET.

Residence of Mr Johnson——-American flag bearing the motto, ‘We hail

the day and greet our friends from far.’ i

 THE NEWBURYPORT CELEBRATION.

ESSEX STREET. , ~
In front of Mr S. T. ]?ayson’s residence was hung the American flag,
motto, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone.’

STATE STREET.

Three arches were thrown over the street at equal distances, the pillars of
which were trimmed with spruce, and the mottoes Worked in evergreen.
The mottoes were--
lst. ,“ The spirit of ’76-—May it ever inspire us.”

Reverse-~——“ To love one’s country is to love one’s home.”

2d. “A Reunion To-day and the Union Forever.”

Reverse--“A Glorious Day in our City’s History.”

36!. “ We are proud of our Sons and Daughters.”

Reverse. “ Welcome to Ould Newberry.”

Thestore of Mr Tilton presented the motto, ‘Welcome home, Boston
Sons,’ enclosed by a wreath of flowers.

The Club Room over Mr Jaques’ store was decorated with a shield let-
tered ‘Union,’ surmounted by the cap of liberty, and the American flag and
jack hung from the centre in festoons.

The St. Charles was appropriately dressed with evergreens, &c.

The shop of T. H. 8: A. W. Lord, Market Square, was most magnificently
dressed. The lower part was decorated with fir trees, and from the balus-
trade over the door was thrown an evergreen arch, in the centre of Which,
closed in a magnificent floral wreath, was a plaster bust of Washington in a
military undress. 

From the front of M. H. Sargent’s store was hung the American flag.

BI~tOWN’S SQUARE.
The American flag floated in the breeze in front of the City Hall.
The residence of Moses Sweetser, in the Square, presented a fine appear-

6)

arms. An arch of variegated flowers was erected upon the front, and richly T

ornamented with flags. Alarge stuffed eagle with outstretched Wings, stand-
ing upon the union and shield, helding in his talons the motto, ‘Liberty and
Equality,’ the whole resting upon a base With the motto, ‘Our march is
onward.’ At the base of the column was a seventy four gun-ship, dressed
with the flags of all nations.

PLEASANT STREET.

The house of Engine Co. 5 __was Wreathed and hung with flowers and
evergreen.

Mr SuInner’s store was highly decorated with evergreenmmotto, ‘Industry
the main cause of success.’ Also the stores of Messrs Johnson and Flanders,
the latter was ornamented with flags, surmounting a mot-to, ‘There is no

a place like home.’  ,
Mr Badger’s store was appropriately dressed.

CHURCH nxnnotsns. 85

The Exercises at the Church

Were well performed and of it high order, The music which filled the house
with strains now sweet and melodious——-now bold and startling, thslt moved
all hearts——that excited the best and noblest feelings of our natures, was
performed by a. select choir of fifty musicians of the highest musical talent of
the city, under the direction of M. D. Randell, Esq., whose long experience
in this department pieces him at the head of the catalogue of teachers in his
profession. The Voluntary on the organ by Mr. R. P. Morse, of this city,
was played in the most exquisite manner. He commenced with the national
song, “Ii[ei1 Columbia,” with the full organ, followed by the full strain of
“Should Old Acqmtiintunce be Forgot,” sud closed witl:1§“Ilo1ne, Sweet
Home,” upon the swell orguii, so soft and sweet that the almost breathless
silence of the uudicnce becume necessary to hear it. The iinulc chorus of
the Messiah, by Iinndel, was sung; with wonderful effect; its lofty and sub»
lime strains, sustuinetl by so many flexible, yet) full voices, were truly
inspiring, particularly in the psssugc, “King of li'.in_ggs and Lord of Lords.”
The other chorus, from Mozui-t’s 152th Muss, “I-’ruise the Lord the nations
all,” was no less grnntl in its peri‘orrnunce then the one ulludcd to ubovc.
The “Soiig of W clconie,” by Hon. G-eor;,g~e Lunt, is one of his best ‘]f>:roduc~
tions, and will speak for itself in tl11‘i11ing~ tones. The music for this hymn
was composed by M. 1). Iinntlull, und wns listened to with rl.eligrl‘it, end is
mother of the many items of his compositions. Tlie pstriotic Ode, by Jacob
Haskell, Iilsq., is replete with n1c:1.ning, and its perforinunee by the choir to
the old time oi“"1‘be Stur Spziiigletl Bnnner,” seemed to ctn-ry the minds of
the uudience buclt to dsys long: since pussccl, when its strains were its fumiliur
to ell as household words. The tenor solo in this piece was sung by Mr.
George W. Hula, who possesses in the fullest extent sill the elements which
make it public: sirigei-. The ()l.'§{;‘1tfl£lCS(30l'll,]‘)iLllllI‘l*Cil1l7S to the choir were per-
formed by M1°.J. W. Clheney, in u style fur si:1rpi1,ssing~ uny of his former
efforts. Iglis masterly touch. upon this g,r;runcl mn’i1:>oweri‘ul instrument in the
sublime strains of liiitnclel and Monztrt, were truly inspiring.

Following the llteeding from the Scriptures, by the Rev. Themes M.
Clerk, of Hurtford, C}onn., end a. fervent, eloquent prayer by Rev. D. M.
Reed, came the following

S()NC~3‘r O13?‘ "VVIJLOOJVIE.

RY Gilt 0l{(."-ill‘: LUNT.

Welcome! at tliousund times woleorne honiel
Joy to their pntl1s,---the wsnderers come;

For chiIclhcod’s scenes they liuve pined -so long,
Welcome them buck with the festsl song!

In busy cities, when crowds were gone,
'l‘l1rough soletnn depths of the ‘forest lone,

By distant plains, and where Oceun rolls,
Homewurcl dreams have come over their souls.

86 ms NEWBURYPORT CELEBRATION.

They eo1:ne,——--they gather to greet once more
The kindred form, with its l1e:1rt’s full store,
The elztsping hand and the speakiiig eye,‘
Beloved so well in the years gone by.

Oh, some will treeclatvith ready feet,

Where love sits smiling and home is sweet,-—
And others have passed through stormy Waves,
Only to look on their f':1thers’ graves.

They eo1ne,-—i‘ur their streams of soul run back,
From Li1"e’s wild see, over ehildheod’s track,
And own, for the clearest joy of earth,
A 1'notl1er’s kiss, by it f'a,t11er’s eeztrth.

Weleorne them,--vveleome 3 their hearts are true,
‘On their souls are drops of youth’s first dew ;
Joy, oh,joyl let the wzuiclerers cen1e,-—--
Welcome I :1. thousand times welcome liornel

The Declaration of Independence was ‘well recited by MR. I‘IIRAM B.
HASKELL. After that came the following penriotic Ode by MR. JACOB
l~Is.sI.«:ELL.

. O D E .
IVIUSIC-—“S'1‘AIt Srnxvermzn Bnnnnan.”

All hail to the past—--to the dark trying hour
Which tell of’ our Fathers -~ their struggles, their glory;
How nohly they strove with. the world’s liztiiglity power,
Surpassing in deed all thnt’s Written in story.
In the “perilous figl.1t”———-by the e2tinfl—fi1'e at night,
They were true to their purpose of freedom and 1*ig*lit;
For theirs were the virtues that ever irnpzut
Boundless hope to the soul, and resolve to the heart.

0 1 list We £1.,gfLi11 to the deep‘ tl.iril1ing; tone
" That so loudly was uttered, ere liherty’s dewiiing
Revenlecl to the World that, unaided, alone,

They resolved to be f'ree—-—th:".tt entrenty and fmvuing
Should he thinp_,s of the pest—-- that the elurion blast
Should ring o’er the v:.tle—and our flag crown the mast;
For theirs were the virtues that ever impart
Boundless hope to the soul, and resolve to the heart. ‘

0 I list we again to the PArmo:r’s voice,

As he gloriously spake in the days of’ our trial,
“Give us freedom or death-—the first is‘ our choice,

But for life Without freedom we fling beck denial.
Then bright deed followed deed under Wa.s7zington’sle:1n,
Until from the tyrant our country was freed;

For theirs Werethe virtues th at ever impart
Boundless hope to the soul, and resolve to the heart.

run carries. it 37

"Elie FATHERS are gone, but their memories still
Are lingering around us like sunlight at even,
imparting the firxn and the resolute will;
To sacredly cherish the blessings they’ve given.
Then let us be strong, and battle the wrong,
Till freedom shall gather the world in her throng;
And 0 I may the blessings around us impart
Higher hopes to the soul, and resolves to the heart.

The oration by   Rev. Gnoaen D. W ILDES, was elegantly
delivered, and in the matter of the address and the manner of
its delivery, was worthy of one of N ewburyporifs most prom-
ising sons. But no circumstance excited more attention than
the appearance of the venerable DR. DANA, now more than four-
score years old, to pronounce the Benediction. The eyes of
hundreds who themselves had grown gray and old since last
they listened to him, were fixed upon his thin forrn, and placid,
intelligent countenance ; and hundreds hung upon his words,
probablyto be heard no more by most of them this side the
grave, who felt they were amply repaid for all the trouble and
cost of their visit, in the reception of his solemn blessing.

onnrron.

There is one word in our language, which of all others, best demonstrates
what may lie termed the intrinsic power of words. By this I mean, power,
irrelative of association of ideas or connection of thought; a something almost
electric, which charges as it were the simple combination of letters, and at
the utterance, causes the whole range of the emotional susceptibilities to thrill
andheave with unwonted activity. I know not whether it finds its kindred
in this intrinsic element of power, in the great family of languages: the idea
which it represents, is indeed a universal one; but this I know, that wherever
the great language of sturdy thought, of lofty sentiment and of patriotic
action is spoken; to whornsoever England ._ has bequeathed the rich inherit-
ance of her religion, her liberty, her literature and her genius, there, and to
these, the word can never fail to be an household and a blessed Word. Home I
Home! whose soul is not stirred again at its sound; whose heart does not
love the enchantment of its spell; whose whole being does not throb the

more joyously, under the sweet constraint of its charm’! Who of us, now
gathered again amid its endearments and associations, has not experienced,”-

always and, everywhere, its cheering counseling and consoling influence 9

  38 ran NEWBURYPORT CELEBRATION.

Our Home ! we can never forget thee! The hearth-stone and its welcomes,
the grave and its memories, the living and the loved, the loved and the
departed alike forbid it: the household and the silent land all are to-day
voiceful, in bidding thee but the more surely to our embraces and our love.
_We are gathered at lzome, and in this sacred temple, to-day, under circum~
stances at once interesting and novel. Under ordinary aspects, the recurrence
of this birthday of Freedom is the occasion of high and pure emotion. The
event which it commemorates, gave energy to the young life of Liberty, and
rallied the strong will, and the earnest desire, to the furtherance of noble and
holy purpose. It was an event, whose memory, by each recurring anniversary,
has become interwoven into the very fibre of association, and thus has knit
together our political and domestic attachments in compact and beautiful
order. There are other occasions indeed, which in a degreerl serve to
concentrate our political and local affinities. The ancient fasting time of
the Puritan; the thrice welcome Thanksgiving season, both these are
pregnant with singular power---to link the memories of the early state and
the early home. No other anniversary however, so readily identifies the
National with the domestic associations , none so surely unites in chaste and
graceful wedlock the love of country and of home, as the holiday of Liberty.
W110 of us, has notwto-de.y experienced something of the truth of this
sentiment? Who of us, as the well remembered bells have pealed their
welcomes, and the jubilee cannon has rolled its peaceful thunder over the
graves of our fathers’ rest, who of us has not recognized the early throb and
the jubilant voice of our youthful days, as the undefined germ of what we
now know to be the expanded idea of c0tmtr_2/ and home .9 And Ihold it as an
axiom, that every genuine emotion of nationality is twin-born with the
domestic relation. Need I illustrate the position Ci France, with the
domestic relation an undefined, or at least wrongly estimated one, has ever
needed the might of individual genius, or the glory of individual exploit to
reuse her children to high enterprise. England on the contrary, whose very
name “is a Word victorious,” England, in whose stalwart Sazszon soul we
must glory, as that which enabled our fathers rightly to discriminate and

defend the inherited blessings of her constitutional liberty, England stands, ’

and has ever stood and conquered, because the birthplace of her honor and
manliness was the Christian household. If there be one element rather
than another, which gives endurance to her embattled line, or flashes from
her bayonet in the shock of war, it is that which symbolized by the Greek in
bowing to his mother earth, has become a sanctified principle under the cross
crowned spires and amid England’s home-life scenes. And it is this, which
migrating with the Saxon from his fatherland, has come down through
English hearts to us her children. Gathering new energies as it sprang
forth upon the pilgrimshores; cherished and invigorated amid the storms of

adversity; it flashed in radiant glory amid the fires of the Revolution. In ‘
our later contests it nerved the arms of our countrymen to resist aggression. ,

In our domestic politics it has ever been the secret of that true conservatism

run onarrou. t ' 39

which controls a licentious radicalism with the right arm of—— constitutional
restraint, and points the eye of an honest, yet mistaken policy, to the’ right,

while it invokes the blessing of freedom and equality for universal man.-——- ,

Upon the same base, then, let the national and domestic altar stand,-—

“Long, long in hut and ball,

May hearts of native proof be found,

To guard each hallowed wall:

And green forever be the graves,

And bright the flowery sod,

Where first, the child’s glad spirit loves .

Its country and its God.”

I have thus spoken, my friends, for two reasons. First, because the two
ideas which I have named, are peculiarly identified with our gathering to—day;
and secondly, because the patriotic element is strikingly manifest in theearly
history of our home. I say again our home; for whatever our present social
relations, in whatsoever climes we may dwell, here around the hearth-stones of
our youth, and the graves of the departed, must forever bethe true home of.
our hearts. On this day then, consecrated to the united memories of Free-
dom.’s birth-time and our own birth—placc, it cannot be an unplcasing task if
we review, somewhat at length, some of the causes which have rendered both
clear to our best affections. Identified as was our town with the earliest
manifestations of the revolutionary principle, I shall be pardoned, if in
reviewing some perhaps familiar aspects of our town history, I endeavor to
indicate the lineaments of that resolute spirit which fired the souls of our
fathers, and still marks the character and enterprise of the sons.

It is Burke, I believe, who says that, “it may be doubted whether the

history of mankind is yet complete enough to furnish grounds for a sure‘

theory on the causes which necessarily affect the fortunes of a people. I am
far,” says he, “from denying the operation of such causes, but they are
infinitely uncertain,’ and much more obscure, and much more difficult to
trace, than the foreign causes that tend to raise, to depress, and sometimes,
to overwhelm a community. It is often impossible to find any proportion
between the apparent force of any moral causes we may assign, and their
known operation. We are therefore obliged to deliver up that operation to
more chance, or more piously, perhaps, more rationally to the occasional
interposition and irresistible handof the Great Disposer.” In the spirit of
this latter proposition, and quite in accordance with the general laws of
Providence, the distinguished Arch--deacon Hare remarks, that, “if any
persons are to be selected by preference for the peopling of a new country,
they ought rather to be the most temperate, the most energetic, the most
prudent and the most virtuous in the whole nation : for their task is the most
arduous, requiring wisdom to put forth “all her strength, and all her craft for
its worthy execution. Their responsibility is the most weighty, seeing that
upon them, the character of a whole people will depend for ages.” A senti-
ment so just, may, at first sight, seem inapplicable to the history and charac‘

40 ‘ THE Nnwsunrrosr CELEBRATION.

teristics of a limited locality, and yet I cannot but think that no truth is
susceptible of clearer proof‘, than that the true secret of our nation’s progress,

p is to be found in its truest proportions in our New England town histories.-—

Indeed, is it not true, that that mighty power which reformed and reinstated

the English Constitution in the times of the Commonwealth, drew its

freshest and healthiest life fromtthe limited localities of the English towns 2?‘
It may be said, that an indiscriminate and disproportionate taxation laid its
hand heaviest upon these minor parts of the body politic; but in the face of"
overwhelming influences from the great centres of political action, resistance on
the part of village and hamlet, argues a better and higher life, a power of right
perception inversely proportionate sometimes, to the obscurity of its sources.
In these views I am happy to be sustained by an authority, certainly ‘not
to be disputed here amid the scenes of his early distinction. Says the
distinguishecl Attorney—General of the United States,‘ in the preface to his
well’ condensed history of Newburyport, “ in many countries, and no where
more remarkably than here, the history of towns is a very important part in‘
the history of the nation ;” and in another connection he remarks that “towns
are nothing but the elements of nations, and whatever affects the latter,
affects the former in the same degree.” Pursuing the idea then, I remark,
that the conditions incident to the proper peopling of a new country, seem
to have been most fully met in the character of the settlers of our New
England towns ; pardon me if I say, that in an eminent degree do they seem
to have marked the founders of the ancient town of Newbury. I have read
thevhumble records of their corporate life from the that settlement in 1635: to
but little purpose, it’ the impression oi‘ their temperance, their prudence, their
virtue and energy, has not been a most clear and decided one. Originally
of the class in the main, at home termed “landed proprietors,” they meet
that other condition essential to the permanent condition of a state ; “ for the
strength of a state, humanly speaking, consists not in its population, or
wealth, or knowledge, or in» any other such heartless and merely scientific
elements, but in the number of its landed proprietors.” “ All ancient
legislators, says Niebuhr when speaking of Numa, and above all Moses,
rested the result of their ordinances for virtue, civil order and good manners,
on securing landed property, or at least the hereditary possession of land to-
the greatest possible number of citizens!’ It is reasonable to presume then»,
that habits acquired in the care and disposition of property in England, and
applied to the allotments made to the early settlements, exhibited their
influence in a marked degree in a settlement so. distinguished for the number
of such proprietors as that of Newbury; In reviewing the records of the-
town, it is quite easy to seevhow soon the idea and rights of property were
developed. Passing along those records until the period of the incorporation.
of Newburyport, the operation of this fact of property upon every town
ordinance for the public good is constantly evident. Especially is it manifest
in its relation to that spirit of enterprise which has always eminentlyv
characterized the inhabitants of both towns. ‘ "

rns oaarrou.   41

It must not be forgotten, however, that there were elements of piety and
culture by which the fathers of our town were largely distinguished._ In
every estimate of the causes of the prosperity of New England, the argument
’frOm‘pr0priet0rShip acquires overwhelming force when viewed in the light
of that practical piety and consequent mental discrimination, which as it was
the chiefest glory of our fathers, will hereafter prove their crown. In these
later days we are quite too much in the habit of identifying religion only
with the sentiments and tastes. We practically dissociate it from its political
and social relations; we isolate its influences from those connections, in
which in the wisdom of God it was intended to exert some of its highest
and holiest benefactions. But we much mistake the secret of that energy of
will and purpose, that activity in deed, that early respectability which we are
proud to commemorate in our local history. I say we much mistake the
secret power of these, ifafter all, they were not the precinct of the Puritan
piety. When Macaulay depicts the grand lineamcnts of‘ the Puritan in the
political strifes of the seventeenth century, he draws the features of that same
spirit as the vital ingredient of success in every other relation. When in
burning and glowing rhetoric he says of‘ them, that “they were men whose
minds had. derived a peculiar character from the daily contemplation of
superior beings and eternal interests,” he no more surely touches the key
note of their triumph over despotism at home, than he traces out the peculiar
source of the success of like minds in more peaceful walks. That same eye
which could look calmly upon the stormy battle, because it had first looked
upward to God ; that same heart which quailed not amid the hurricane of the
charge, because it was at peace with its Maker, these were the same, which
in civil and social aspects, were distiriguislied for a precision of view, a cool-
ness ofjudgment, and an inmutability of purpose “ which some have thought
inconsistent with 1'elig*ion, but which were in fact the necessary effects of it.”
And although we may not always be able to connect our own ancestry
directly with the Iluritan oi‘ the commonwealth, yet there is a marvellous
likeness stamped upon their cliaraetcr and habits. There is the same
acknowleclgernent of God in the ascription of every event to His will ; there
is the same subjection of every impulse of’ mind and heart, to the one over~
powering sentiment of God, and duty to him ; there is the same idea of a

practical, present, ever-judging God as the grand arbiter of every act, and the

truest bond of every social and domestic institution.

I combine then these characteristics of the early inhabitants of our town as
among the chief‘ causes, at least, of their succeeding social and commercial
distinction; I unhesitatingly affirm my belief, that in these combined, heav-
enward and temporal aspects of the history of ourilélew England towns, early
distinguished for stable and uniform growth‘, respectability and social impor-
tance, will be found the talisman of any real prosperity or progressin any
community, however humble and limited its locality. When then I read the
homely recordsof‘ Newbiiiy, (and it is to these that we must resort in any

42 one NEWBURYP‘ORT' cnnnnnerroni

analysis of the prosperity and enterprise of our own town). when I marl: 
interva.ls, the quick perception of local aclvantages, for various and usefuh
pursuits ; when I see the forest handing its burthen to the sturdy stroke oi"
the artificer, and the broad stream along whose banks our boyhood revelled,
lifting upon its breast the graceful results of his handiworlit ; when shortly ll
read that theslrill oi‘ the early mechanic, gave a name and a fame to the
naval architecture of these periods, connectitigr our birth-place, even with the
interests of the mother-land by these tokens of its industry ; when I find the
ocean made tributary to its erntcrprise, and that important fishing interest
clevcleping its ener,<;;;ies, which in later times has become an object of national"
concernment; when to these I zuzhl the di.li;g;ent cultivation of the soil, rnalting
it to rival from the remotest periocls, even the rural homes of Englztncl, I
must class all these as the lcgitixnate result of faith in God, combined with
its genuine otfspring, honest and earnest clil.i-genes amid the Works and gifts
of His lianrl.

In entering thus far upon the'causes.. of that importance which has alread
e.ttacl'1ed to the social and commercial aspects of the place of our nativity, I
have passed, behind the record of its own separate municipal existence. I
have done thus because I believe that in any estirnate of social as of individual
c:l1aracte1', the iniluenee of maternity, so to speak, must always largely enter.
We who are tgatliered here to-day, must not forget our G-rendxnotlier, “Oulch
Newberr ,” in honczring; her clzzug,'l:1ter' and. our mother. As those of us ot‘
rnaturcr years Inrre to»day either eml:>rar;:ed our mothers, or, ales! lingered
at their graves, how has the memory fastened upon one in that charmed
eircle of home, wliose departure has reminded us

“How {news in l"a1'adise our store.”

i-iovr has recollection identified one venerable form, and one gent-le and l0\'iI}tg
countenance, to whose presence and counsels in our youth, we must ascribe
quite as much us to any other, Wlitetever of pious and manly‘ stature We ht’tv€;‘”
.attuined., A godly gran‘dmoth,er ! Oh, it is one of the choicest gifts of
hezwen! May we go hence to the strife of life, inspired by the memory, and.»
invigorated in heart, by the tearful, yet sweet remcxn.:bru.nee of those holy
ones in glory!

When I come then to a. brief review of the history of our own. town, I must
turn again to Newhtiry for the formative influences in some degree, of that

r culture and refinement which early distinguished the inh ahitants of our own,

town. The Act for the incorportion of Newburyport passed in 176.4,, in part
reads thus. “Vi’"l1c1'eas the town of Newbury is very large, and the inhab-
itants of that», part of it who dwell by the Water-side there, are mostly
rnerchants, traders and ertificers ; and the inhabitants of” the other parts are
clxiefiyhusbandnien, bymeans whereof‘ many diifieulties and disputes liavcr
arisen in Initllagillg their public atlhirs; be it enacted, the.” In his “1?icl«:le

for the Knowing Ones,” that erudite and classical scholar, the late Lorcl:_

Tiniothy Dexter presents us with the interpretation of some of these

TIIB; onmon. 

difiiculties. VVitl1 that f'elicity of iclcm vxrlmlc-.l'1111:z.t°lw.l his speculntiom, whether’
in trade o1'l.iteratu1~e, quite as nmch as the ahstmce of punctuation distin«
guisshes the l£’Ll3l'.C1‘, he clcgnmtly 1'Qn1z1.1‘lES, that “ l"~l'oL1l;n'y penpel gtoucl strong,
the f'nrn1ers was 12 out of S20, tlmy wanted to have the offesers in the contr ,-
the larnetl in s0epo1'twv:1nt.c:cl to lnwc them. there, flte thny wood, in Law t-l1ey
went to Jlnml Cort to he sot of’ *1‘ =3?   =35 *3? S0 mm;-l1 f'o1: mad people.
of I,.:=.1,1'ni1'1g malws them mad.” At the expeme of cli.~stu1'l)i:ng the ;3;m-vity of
this occasion, I lmve 'ix:xt1-c)<lucml. t.l1.i.~3 0x121:-.u;-.t, l)6C‘.:LuS5(B like all the theories of
t.l1atan1ge Wl'll7f31‘, it "l1T1(;l()tll)l;L‘.t’ll_'§7 c-nntnins fl §,§c1‘m of truth. Ind u.~.=.try and civil
Ol'(.lCK‘ upon, :1. 1"cligious lwzlsis, m'c;z.1:e .l,l7l12C3ll.€;‘»t'.tl;l:'Ll v1<;¥r..:v:.:.~m'.t:i«.'~s. No people are so

E11l‘(3l.O£1.tt£l.iI"ltOtl10 l1l;;l"ms'.t and most llisc-rixninnting‘ culture as at godly

people. '1‘ he ed11<‘:~rxtion N‘ the mmnln in.vc)l‘\'n.~;: 21.9; it grnnncl snr:11tc:t1«:~.c, tlle.
l'xi,q»;l1est SC’£‘tlt'?- ol'1m~r1‘1t.nl tnntl S()('.l:4Ill 1‘U'l'll'1(3*1"l”.lL‘,1‘ll3. I hold the.n to the pmcztical
I3ihle.pl\1ilnnnplty of" om." t'n.tln;*rs Qt’ fl‘.§’«—:ew.Fm.1'y as one tmlzazceclmtt at least of
those 1tmrlc.ex:l inlzellnt.-tn.nl t‘mt;1:n'<;3s <3:=n.'l_v «'lli.~‘.4r:0v<:3r.*.1l:'l<.a in the il’1ll'!ill..Hlt:‘1Tll.S of
1‘lmvl:n.‘n'y}:)nrt; until I .‘l‘("§j."“:‘l.l‘(::l it, n5; lu.;:l'nt'n i'l‘1tlI11$Lt€:("l, an t.lw l.;\:1:‘,~‘l:3 of‘ tl'1n.t.
(’llSl'.i1‘H.'.ll()l1l.l'l]C}L)li.l1lUl1.l l'zl.1'-.:=i:.:'l1l1t.:,cl1‘1£i#Hfi_ mt h<:>nnl~.t.y in lit,er::1.ry cn’aim:nc:L1-,,i1-1
<‘:0tmnm.'cinl and not-,inl }n",wmslt;i<n1,, Wl‘1.i<'l‘1 l‘t3tl.l'S Nam’ .l33rng;l:1.rl:.a<l tc,»-(lny to the very
:np-stotxts 01" the E()(’.iéx1‘ struc:tnz'c. ’I"ln;: Nam Englsstttcl Illllltll 1‘lly”'f‘I‘l(!1“l(lS,lf
you xvrjnhhl f'ln«’l ins sot:n.'r_:n, you n1n.~.%t 1001»: ll0:tvmtnv:‘1,t'd. It»: :1nc:c*..«:t.a'y is nlmve;
its t’-.xtl1nr.~3 am;-. in tlm nltins ; ztnd an tlc)-tl:1,y, you hwolt :tln:0.-tul upon its splc:z*n:licil
trimnplxs in the ,a;°2~t3zl,t rmnma: Wllllfll n.c:l«:m‘r its llistmy ; you nttnst lonlr. upon
them only an the 1'()‘l‘lt3l;l..(3(l g,;l<:n'ix::.~:: of‘ l;l‘1fJ:5t3 gosllly souls; who now “.e;l1i11e as
the stars t‘c:>r~3vc2r tlllfl ever.”

To tslmt‘ £Ll1‘(3:ld~V rr1cm.tlcm<::<.:l. 11'11znt lire :.1.tl.r..l(3d that othe1' nlnmont. (mrivctl from
the cenn.t:tt:t: of tlm. tamxly <;+.mnn:x(;22-ma'01’ our tnwn with f‘oreig‘11 c;-ou1'1t.1'ic:s. An
cz1t<31'}t>x~is;ix1_;'a; (?C)tI1mt":1‘r‘t(3, while it nnust; be (*.l:'m~'.i:1r;l mnclng; tlm 0f7t‘.s:pri12,g‘; of an
c3nl:ttr;:;c3tl moml mul int;nl1l:_~.nt:m=tl. 1:)1*c)grc‘:n.~:, in l1.lt7:)()])C)5lS(3SS(f(I'1 of it most powmfnl
1-eacztivc (21101-gy. "I..jlp<;>1:1. its 1'0!lm::ntA vxrszxm, it ln;nm1's; lmcelt. flmrn caloflcxr zmd more
c:111tivm;mi1 slm-rt=.n, sc>rn<3.wlmt of the spoil of‘ its; til.(lVTtIlT1ClI)Q1‘ title; and I cannot
li»ut.t.l1i11ls: tlxnt. tlm ].‘)l'1.il(;>&m].j)ll,y of tlm l‘ai_;;l1 rnputnti<':»r1 which our town has
always S51‘lSl,:ll1'lt3(l, in the pz-x1'ticrt1lnms:4 1lxn;:'nt;luma«:l, is vm-y c.lirn<;:t:1y to be sm1,gl1t
in the CX.tC.‘.X1t(3f its etwly (:mt"1mt:1'r;:i:.tl <;:0:.1m2c:ti.0ns. In such it prczssence as this
it were £lt1)')(‘3I'llL1()I15§ intl-(M1 to cite pxnoflz of this relation of commerce to
c11lr.m'e. ".[.‘l:nwn1*l.<l in ;;i2~cl1.n:;l to-(hwy by‘ the golden tzinctnre of at splendid
<;:o1ntncrc:e,‘ and f'r<:m'1 tlm. <:lansy>ix':;; Qt‘ Cll:'n'in-tinnity Witlt the minor results of
Emstern nncl :.mc:i«;m.t; tmcln down to tlw em of discovery, and fmrn tlntt periocl
to tl1ei::1m-a.<3mxt reunintt ttwn the nlzoreaa of .T;xpnzt, it is racli:-xnt W.'ll}l1 the
cl11ste1'ingjownls of literntzzre zmd art. It can be no Wonder, then, to pm-a~

phrase thn lz:1x‘1,r,};x.m;f_7;e of the i4(‘)(;&1l11 njutlmrity belbrc quoted, that the sea-port of .

N<:=.wbury li)’;‘.!.°tU‘ll0 tlm m.1ltivnt<.rLl :.1.ml ]‘Clfi110l1“ 1n.unicipn,lity of I\lewl:>utyport.
And while all ot1y,_rn,;a*(:cl in tlmt lfannign interrzourse may not thus early have
partalten of tlmsze ixuflttmfwcls, yet I venture to nflirm, that in this theory may
be found the solution of that ixttelligence, tlmt pmctic-al skill, that large

44 run NEWBURYPORT CELEBRATION.

information and those generous qualities of heart, which have everywhere
and always placed the merchants and navigators of our native town in the
very foremost rank in their several professions.

In entire accordance with my position, then, is the gratifying fact that
almost the first act of our town after its incorporation, was the establishment
of three large public schools ; and the committee report, “that as the inhab-
itants have now the long desired privilege of being well served with schools,
and as they have been heretofore liberal in the support of private ones, we
think it proper that the public schols should be honorably supported.”
Ho72o7*a72ly supported ! the term itself argues that high estimate of education
which is the legitimate effect of causes hitherto adduced. Let that record
never be blotted out from the annals of our town. -Let it go down tothe
generations to come, that the two earliest acts of its corporate life, were its
protest against tyranny, and its pledge to the free and equal education of
its children. Blessed be God, that to this hour its voice and its acts have
been for the honorable educational support of its sons and daughters; and
thrice blessed the fact, that its fruits are gathered in all lands, in the
intelligence, the usefulness, and the honor‘ of the successive, recipients of its
liberal benefactions. “It is believed by competent judges,” says Coffin in his
valuable history, “ that no town has done more for the cause of education, in
proportion to its means, than the town of Newburyport.”

There is a brilliant page in our local history, my friends, which may
perhaps, find its philosophical connections best developed at this point in my
subject. "I have endeavored to show that the character of refinement and

culture which marked our town among others of the old commercial ones of .

New England, was the product of intellectual conditions and commercial
relations, themselves begotten by the God-directed energies of our ancestors
of Newbury. So far as certain departments of more professional life are
concerned, it is quite easy to see, that an active and stirring seaport creates
other necessities which attract the professional supply. The legal profession,
for instance, finds its largest exercise in the variety of contested interests
ever incident to the business relations of such a locality. The medical, must
of course find its largest field in the great centres of population and trade :
while that other, which from the earliest periods has interwoven its influences
into the fabric of the policy and training of New England, will always be
identified with the character and growth of a high moral and social condition.
But there must be something inherently peculiar in that society, which finds
its afiinities in the very highest order of ability in these several departments.
More business necessities fraternize mainly with business tact; the supply
and the demand are co-relative. Professional eminence, however, is the
product of a cultivated soil, or suffers transplantation, only as the soil to
which it is transferred, is adapted to its proper nut-riment and growth. If
this position then be correct, I find in it, the secret of that intellectual and
professional character of our town, in which great names stand as a proud

THE ORATION. 

part of our social inheritance. It is this chemistry of causes to which I have
referred, which has diffused honored hand honorable names along the tablets
of our local history. Sewall, Bradbury, Parsons, Jackson, the Lowells, and
Grreenleaf among our native born, of the legal profession. Adams, “ the
old man eloquent,” Paine, the brilliant eulogist, King, the polished am bassa—
dor at St. James’s, and Thatcher,» among our adopted ones, and Wilde, the
eminent jurist, of the living, Sawyer, and Swett, “ the physician, the scholar
and the gentleman,” and Noyes, the sage and shrewd, of the same profession-,
among our native born, and Bradstreet the honest and self‘-sacraficing, Verg-
nies and Prescott among the adopted, and Jackson, among the living of that
profession. Barnard and Cary, and Webber and Bass, Pearson and Spring,
and one known wherever a pure faith extends its influences, and who to-day
survives among you. May I not name hirn----Dana---whose venerable form and
features it yet delights us to behold. .

“ Doetus et expertus in religious, et arbiter elegantiarum.” These are
among our treasures, and these among the honored names in whom we today‘
glory. And to these may I not add the names of Cross and Dalton, Ste eher
and Farris ; of Greenleaf and Titcomb, Tracy, Brown and Bartlett; the
J ohnsons and Wheelwrights, and Cashing, Wills, Clark and Story, among
our merchants. Perkins and Pike and Knapp -—-nay of many another

departed one in various walks, whose fame in these is matter not simply of"

local, but of world-Wide relations. And in our own times upon what a harvest
of commercial, literary and professional results can we not look. Law, the
“mother of peace and joy,” has chosen hence some of the truest and most
fearless interpreters of her own majestic utterances. Science has here trained
up some of the noblest craftsmen amid her enegies and her adaptations...
Poetry, amid our green slopes, and from the margin of our own silver
Merrimack, has bid some of her own sweetest rivulcts to ‘ glide; while over-
the wide earth are diffused radii of intellectual and moral light, illuminating
and blessing others, yet finding the central source of their usefulness and

distinction in this the home of the warm and grateful heart. Beloved

Mother !
“ Graturn. est quod patriae cives populosque dedisti.”

It is with singular and generouspride, that on this national jubilee, We, the
sons and daughters of Newburyport, can regard her birth-time as identified
with that of the nation. Newburyport was emphatically cradled amidlthe
political storms which immediately preceded the Revolution. Her earliest
inspirations were amid that atmosphere of self-denying and lofty resistance to
injustice, which, charged with power under the attrition of the Stamp-act and
its succeeding impesitions, developed its lightnings in the battle fires of the

Revolution. Her earliest words were the manly and true utterances of that r

older spirit of freedom, which found its occasion, rather than its origin, in the
measures of the Royal Government. Her first writing-book, the town record,
had for its copies, Loyalty and Liberty; but liberty at all hazards. Her first
reading~book was that immortal Declaration of Independence, which is

4.6 THE Nnvvnnarroar CELEBRATION.

sounded to-day in the cars of more than twenty-five millions of men. Her
first school was one of peculiar and trying discipline, but the scholar stands
forth at this hour the mature and honored matron, and “ her children rise up

and call her blessed.” It was my pleasing duty, some years since, to

transcribe from the town records, the proceedings of the various meetings
preceding and during the revolutionary contest ; and Iwell remember at that
time, while as yet the causes and relations of that ‘contest were somewhat
undefined to my mind, the thrill and throb which accompanied the transcrip-
tion. I believe that no nobler sentiments were uttered, and no greater
sacrifices made in any quarter of our land, during that stirring period, than
in this our own town. From the copy of instructions given to Dudley Atkins,
the representative in 176:3 to the General Court of the Province, down through
the letter of advice to the citizens of Boston, from the pen of John Lowell,
upon the non-importation agreement; and from this, and the agreement-to
that act, throughout every town document bearing upon the principles and
duties involved, there is ever to be heard the grand roll of that sub bass of
freedom, which from the times of Milton, and Hampden, and Russell, and
Sidney, has given tone and accompanyment to the voices of the free. And
adequately to conceive of the value of these sentiments, we must learn
something of the corresponding sacrifices. No strain soars so high towards
heaven, none has such power over the heart, as that of resolution and praise
under afliiction. No prayer so directly enters heaven, none partakes so much

of the heavenly spirit as that which rises amid the depression of temporal;

circumstances; and so with the voices and invocations of patriotism; their
genuineness and worth are only properly estimated, when she herself is seen

tearful, yet erect and graceful, amid the ruins of commercial and social

prosperity. “ We have not always‘ done justice,” says Mr. ‘Webster, “to the
merits and sufferings of those who sustained on their property and means of
subsistence the great burthen of the war. Nobler records of patriotism exist
no where than in those of the New England towns. No where can be found
higher proofs of a spirit that was ready to pledge all, to hazard all, to sacrifice
all in the cause of the country. The voice of Otis and of Adams in Faneuil
Hall, found its full and true echo in the little councils of the interior towns ;
and if, within the Continental Congress, patriotism shone more conspicuously,
it did not there exist more truly, n.or burn more ferveritly; it did not render
the day more anxious, nor the night more sleepless, it sent up no more ardent
prayer to God for succor, and it put forth in no greater degree the fulness of
its effort, and the energy of its whole soul and spirit in the common cause,
than in the small assemblies of the towns.”

It is peculiarly true, that every record of our town, from the inception to
the close of the Revolution, is nobly in keeping with the sentiments of
‘Webster. Listen to the vote of August 3, 1774, “Waxed, That the town will
stand by the result of the Congress, even if it be to the stopping of all

_ trade ;” and this too in a town Whose verylife blood must be drained by the

passage of such act. Listen to the modest journal of Lieut. Paul Lunt:---

was ORATION. ‘ 47

“ May, 17 7 5, marched from Newburyport with sixty men ; Ezra Lunt, com-_

1/nander. J une 16, our men intrenched on a hill beyond Bu_nl<er’s hill. June
17, the Regulars landed troops, and we engaged them.” Sixty men in one
company from Ncwburyport at Bunker hill! Listen to the record of 1776.
“Vbted, That if th_e honorable Congress should, for the safety of the United
Colonies, declare them independent of the kingdom of Great Britain, this
town Will, with their lives and fortunes, support them in the measure.” Sons
and daughters ! our mother anticipated the Declaration of Independence, and
practically avowed her devotion to freedom, and that almost in the very words

of the Declaration, on May 31st, 1776. And let me add, that as she was

among the first to strike the blow which severed the States from their mother
land, so was she the very first to give the token of their reunion in a miglity
mercantile hand, which, let us trust, may be one of prosperity and peace
forever. The first American flag which floated in the British waters, after
the cessation of hostilities, was displayed in the river Thames from the Comte
do Grasse, Capt. Nicholas Johnson, of Newburyport. '

These records form but a meagre portion of what might be adduced as

illustrative of the spirit and acts of our fathers in the sacred cause of liberty.’

Nohly did the town second her votes by means and men. It contributed
l:.u-g;cly to all leviesand supplies. On almost every hattlcdielcl was the blood
of her chil.d1'en shed; and their bones are in the lzecping of the hallowed
monuments of their glory. In the naval contests of that period, her sons are
distinp;x:iislicd ztmozig the bravest of the brave. The eagle eye of Paul Jones
fastened upon two of her children for his chief oilicers. Henry and Cutting
Lunt, (the son of one of whom we hope is here present) stood with him amid
the battle and the wreck ; while in private enterprise, none displayed more of‘
yrrtllant daring; than the liardy seamen of Newhury and Nowhuryport. Some
estimate may he forzned of the numbers from our own town, engaged in What
was practically the navy of the Revolution, from the fact that twenty-two
vessels and nearly, one thousand men, from the towns of Ncwhury and New»
huryport, were lost at sea cluriing; the war. And it was not the hope of gain
alone which prompted these enterprises of our fathers : nay, rather it was the
dcterxnination to supply the deficiencies of the State by individual exertion,
which made the seamen of our town the peers oi’ the disciplined navy of
England, in many a hloodyand triumphantbattle upon the deep.

1?»ut I trespass upon your patience upon this point. Let me only add, that
upon the interests of no town in our country did the burthen of the political
diiiicuities of our national history pressmore heavily than upon those of
Newburyport. Shall I say that these were endured with resignation ‘.1 Shall

I not rather say that they served only to compact and mould but the more '

beautifully and firmly the bonds of‘ patriotic devotion to the country ? With
her commerce hampered by the troubles with France in ’98, a number of the

i inhabitants agreed to build and equip a twenty-gun ship, and to offer her to

the Government of the United States. ,In their letter to the Government they
say, “They heartily wish their abilities extended beyond their present offer:

48 ‘ THE NEWBURYPORT CELEBRATION.

but the immense ravages which have been committed on their property by
sea, and the great proportion of the remnant still at risk, forbid them further
indulgence of their inclinations.” With the cessation of these difficulties,
came the season of prosperity. VVith new commercial ties binding her to the
prominent ports of the West Indies and Europe, the counting rooms of our
town were the commercial schools, as they long had been, to which came the
youth of the now great cities of the Northern States for their mercantile
education. Newburyport, Portsmouth, and Salem were the ports whose
business interests and facilities‘ gathered together the clerks of 1? 90, and from
that time to 1810, from the metropolis of our own State. Those with whose
interests many of the young before me are identified in Boston and New
York, came hither, in 25/zcir early days, for the training which they have
imparted to you. In faithfulness to those interests, in your various stations,
remember that you honor those elder merchants of our own town, to whose
practical mercantile skill many of the most prominent of your employers are
indebted for their success.

Adversity followed hard, however, upon ‘prosperity. Aggressions upon
our mercantile inierests from the great belligerents of Europe; the depressing
embargo ; the fire of 1811 ; the war of 181:2-1-at--all these contracted the mer-
cantile energies of the town. Nature too, seemed to combine her forces to
obstructing, not to say destroying, the sources of her fortune and happiness.
Through all these adverse circumstances, however, the spirit of the fathers in
prosperity, manifested itself in the sons. Endurance, fortitude, hope--—-these
wcre but the minor virtues which were radiant in every trial. Business
energy still floated on the bosom of the whelming wave, and was borne along
into other channels of activity and success. While during the days of our
youth, our mother were the weeds of mourning for her departed glory, she
now rejoices in the alliances of her children with the oifspi-ing of her own
former days of commercial and industrial distinction. Her ships, graceful
and unsurpassed under the moulding hand of a McKay, a Currier, a J acke
man, and their compeers, still attract the eye and command the purse of the
merchant princes of our own and other lands. Her manufacturers, inter-
woven with the golden threads of her well improved afiiictions, find “ a name
and a praise in the very ends of the earth.” I-Ier fisheries, still find in the deep
gea line, as it goes down amid the storm and the wave, this emblem of their
own hardy endurance and perseverance amid difficulties. Her schools still
disseminate and enlarge in the character and standing of her sons, the fruits
of her early culture and literary distinction. Her sons, some of the most
distinguished of whom to~day lay their Laurels at her feet, challenge their
country’s admiration in their various walks, and her daughters are still the
same graceful and fair ones who have ever adorned the households and
inspired the best affections and deeds of her sons. May we not apply the
words of the immortal hard then, to the varied fortunes of our beloved birth-
place——- « I ~ '

_ , “ Why then,
Should we with checks abashed behold our works,

figs

‘THE onArIo‘N. i A 49

third think them shnmes, which were indeed naught eise
?Ii;Ti»1it the 131‘Otl‘t-LClJ(H'.l trials of‘ gzgrent Jove,

To find persistivc constancy in rnen?

The ihicness oi” wliich metal is not found

In 'fortunc’s love. For the bold, and covsrurd,
The wise and feel, the artist and unread,
The llerci nncl soft, seem ell uflineci and kin’:
"But in the wind end tempest of her frown,
lT)ist.inctio1i with :1 l;:»ro:u'l sncl p<:m"erl'n,1. l1:“n1cl.,
1”1'1‘fii1‘1g at all, winnows the liglit away,

And what huth mass and mutton, by itself,
Lies rich in vh:tne, rmtl u.,rningle(l."

ll could wish that there were time to clwel-1 upon other aspects of my subgie-ct.
“'ll‘he hour, encl the deliglitful feeturesof this occasion, warn me that i must
«close. I hove endee.vored, very imperi’~et'ly, to trace out some of the sources
-rof'tl1nt merited stability of clierneter, end that enwercl end eernest spirit of
prog1'ess, Which, Whether in prosperity or eclversity, lntve Wrested the circum~
-stances of both to the credit end honor of our native town. Iinowleclge and
culture combined with industry, on the lassis of Christian principles ancl
zeifections, form it bond of stable union and progress more firm and more
permanent than that which unites princes and stetcsrnen. Tliey give rise to
«considerations which tend to the constant production of those social features.
and those e-nlerged ,r;e‘nern.l results which I heve riclinenited es connected with
«our own munidpel history.. They tend to the conviction on the part of any
population, that “‘ all are capable of perferining noble achievements, heroic
‘exploits and sterling enterprises.” That this letter hns been their product
here, let the pages from our ljievoltitionmy encil leter history prove. Nay, that
that they subject and ally even the forces of ill fortune to their own reproduc-
tion and more erttcnsive influence, let the history of our mother and her sons
vto-‘day clcrnonstrnte.. When tenty-eigl'1t years ago, your former historian
rustle the statement, that Newburyport “had never yet regained her pristine
elevation in prosperity and wealth,” he saw before him only the mother in her
tears, and her children uubefriencled, save by her memory and her principles,
going forth from her gates to the battle with fortune. To-day, in her second
mart-iege with noble menufitcturing industry, she sits queenly in the sisterhood
of cities, and welcomes the children of her former and her letter bridal to the
eifectioris and the hospitelities of’ her home.

Sons and dnu,ghters of Newburypert, you who have been long separated
from that revered rnother,'your character (and blessed be God, that Wherever
it is founél, it is unsurpassed in all that renders men honora.ble,) your character
is the legitimate result of this machinery of change encl chance, whose working

has been described. to you in her history. If under the exigencies of‘ her,

depression, she placed you in other hands for the completion of’ her well begun
training, remember that she sent you forth with the memory of a. mother’s
trials in your minds, and the principles and example of a noble ancestry in
your hearts. Wherever your lot in ‘life has been cast, hers was the moulding

?

50 . THE NEWBURYPORT CELEBRATION.

energy which imparted the capacity for whatever distinguishes you among
men. You may read the wisdom and blessings of their training in the names
of the earnest minded, the generous, the refined, and the successful ones,
standing out in glittering constellation from the face of her time-honored
record. If many of these enjoyed the blessings of her prosperity, yours have
seen the uses and fruits of her adversity. He of whom Burke remarks, that
“he possessed everything of discovery the most penetrating, everthing of
observation on human life the most distinguishing,” Lord Bacon, has well
said, that “Prosperity is the blessing of the Old Testament, adversity of the

New.” Let us crown our mother to—day, with a garland of flowers of her _

own planting. Let us minister unto her happiness from the blessings which
a good Providence has bestowed upon her own transplanted energies in our
persons and character. Let us to-day drink at the fountain of her patriotism,
let us scan well those features of our ancestry which are reflected from its
own pure and placid face. Let the vision teach us to look well to the sources
and the care of our domestic, social, and political happiness ; let the draught
invigorate us for high and holy activities in all that concerns the well being
and "perpetuity of our institutions and our Union. Nowhere can we better
kneel in prayer for God’s blessing upon these, than in the home of our fathers;
from no place can we better take our new departure for any new contest in
their support, than from this hallowed centre of their affections and inspira-
tions. Let us turn from the voices of party to the clearer voices and teachings
of home. Then shall we go forth again to the duties and trials of our every
relation in life, blessed with a higher View of our responsibilities, inspired by
a purer sentiment of national interest, and actuated by a‘nobler and more
expansive desire and endeavor for the truest and most permanent happiness

and glory of our «country.

THE DINNER.

**‘“” 

After the exercises at the Church, the procession formed in
the order in which it was to enter the pavilion, and tool: up its
line of march. The tent was a spacious one capable of accom-
modating two thousand persons, and was erected upon the
beautiful and level lot of land on the corner of Olive and Con-
gress streets. Tables we1~e,herespdread for nearly six hundred

 guests, invited by the city, comprising speakers of distinction,

occasion.

the military, engine companies and others; and accommoda-
tions were reserved for such as were disposed to purchase
tickets. Rows of tables were laid the entire length of this
huge pavilion, with a raised cross table at the head of the tent
for distingiiished speakers, and the President, Vice Presidents,
Toast Master, Etc. The gentlemanly caterer had not forget-
ten that important and somewhat notable corps, the reporters,
to whom, in his generosity, he assigned the best seats in the
arena. “It was a pleasant sight to gaze upon. The long rows
of white dishes, alternately relieved by vases of flowers and
dishes of fruit, was enough to drive to madness, appetites
sharpened by such labor and such fasting. However, every
plate that was filled was not emptied, for after the company
had tho1~ou,ghly satisfied their ‘hunger there appeared enough
and to spare for another such company. All praise falls short
of doing; justice to that popular caterer, Henson HAMBLET,
Eso., the landlord of the Ocean House, who provided for the

 

52 The NEWBURYPORT cnnnsimrioit.

Everything substantial, fanciful, luxuriant, dainty---all that

appetite could crave or taste desire, was spread in sumptuous"

magnificence upon the boards ; and the way in which the inul-
titude partook was more cornplimeniary to Mr. H. than any-~
thing we could write. The organization. of the company was
as follows:
PnnsInnNr-MOSES DAVENPORCI‘.
  vice-rnnsinnnrs,

Josiah Little, Edward Burrill,

Samuel T. DeTE"ord, David T. W'oodvvell,
Moses Newell, West Newhury, Mark Synions,

George W’. Jackman, Jr., D. Noyes, West Newhury,,..
Joseph B. Morse, Moses Pettingell,

Moses Hale, « William E. Currier,

John Porter, Eben F. Stone,

James Blood, Stephen Tilton, Boston,
Frederick J. Coffin-, William H. Tyler, Calais,.
Henry C. Perkins, William H. Huse,

John H. Smith, . Stephen W. Marston,
Charles J. Brockway, as Richard S. Spofiord,
William Graves, Nathaniel Hills.

-ToA.sr~MAs'.insn—IP. K. HILLS.

After the company had entered the tent, and all were seated}. ,

at the table-_., the President rose and made theifollowihg re-~

marks:

Sons or Nnwvnnnrr-onm— _
Permit me to congratulate you on this interesting meeting of the Sons and“

former residents with the citizens of this beautiful city. This meeting of’

friends and brothers has been anticipated by our citizens for the past few

weeks with the most intense interest; and I enpress but the sentiments of?

all, when I say, Welcome, thrice welcome to the home of your earliest
associations. . _

This is a meeting in which we should all feel the deepest interest and the
most profound sympatliy. A gathering like this, that brother may meet
brother, and friend meet friend, cannot but result in lasting good.

I will now ask your ‘attention. while the Divine blessing is invoked by thee '

chaplain of the day.

M

The chaplainof the occasion, Rev. Samuel‘ Clark, of Phil-«i~«

adelphia, then invoked divine grace upon the repast; when.

the company’ began to satisfy a hunger which a long and.’

arduous march had sharpened... r

ruse DINNER. 53*

After the company had thoroughly refreshed the physical

man, the President called them to order by the annexed brief '

speech :

FRIENDS AND Sons rnom: Announ-

The citizens of the place of your birth and former home, are most happy to
meet you on this the anniversary of our National Independence, and we
bid you welcome to the hospitalities of our city.

In looking round this assembly, and seeing so many of our sons here, gifted
with the highest order of talent and eloquence, well may we your friends and
brothers, expect a rich intellectual treat; and for the purpose of calling out
some of the talent and eloquence of some of our sons and former residents, I
will call upon the toast—master for the first regular toast.

His speech having ternoinated amid the cheering of the
multitude, he proceeded to announce the toast~—rnaster, Philip
K. Hills, Esq., who read the regular toasts in a loud and dis-
tinct voiee, which were responded to by persons in the manner
given below. A

The .Ii’.ezm~22erl Sons of M:whiny/per-t—-wlio by their talents, character and
attainments, have made her niune so honorably known througliout the length
and breadth of the land.

The President called upon Hon. George Lunt, of Boston,
late U. S. Attorney, who responded as follows:

Mn. Iiiaron, (Z‘xnNrrr.n1\tnr:r sun Frtrnnras : I gladly fulfil the duty which
has devolved upon me by the arrangements of the occasion, of responding to
the sentiment which has just been announced. I congratulate you upon the
suspicious arrival of this great and happy day. I congratulate you upon
those feelings, se honorable to the authorities and inhabitants of our ancient
and beautiful town, which has prompted this call for the return ofits sons
and daughters to the place of their birth-——-and upon those kindling emotions
which have caught the same impulse from city to city and from town to town,
and uniting in one common current have borne the returning pilgrims home
from many a distant shrine, to mingle their hearts upon the altar of a com-
mon and sacred devotion. '

It is thus that this gatliering affords the most gratifying evidence, that the
young have been unseduced by newer scenes iniso forgetfulness of what should
be most dear to them, that the lapse of time has not been able to obliterate
in those of maturer years the memory of early and valued impressions. And
Ihold this to be most honorable and true to the better instincts of our nature,

and these higher motives and principles of our being, which reason and :

reflection and caper-ienee confirm. For whoever is not true, if there be any
fit
0
J

  NEWBURYPOR-T CELEBRATION;

such, to those dear and sacred associations, which in all ages and countries

« have bound the hearts of men to the place of their father’s graves and of‘ their"

own boyish sports——tol the scenes among which their first ties of friE'5ndShip,, ..
and earliest domestic and religious impressions were formed--must be dead
to whatever raises human nature above the degradations of mere animal
existence.. A ‘

Happy is it for us and for you; that this day affords such‘ proof that these-
ties have not been forgotten or disregarded by those who claim. origin here;
that amidst the cares and’ vicissitudes of life, their hearts have still been at‘
home; that the boy who went out from. you burning with the ardor of youthful
enterprise, to face the struggles of’ a more distant World,has come back to-day
with his early feelings grows stronger and deeper amidst the settled purposes-
of manhood; that if there be auy——-and well We know that there are many-
such---who in the language of your sentiment, “ by their taleuts,..character'
and attainments,” have contributed to the honor of their native town-«--be
sure gthat their successes are only more dear to» them, that some Warns

hand here will clasp their own more warmly, that some kind heart at home ' A '

will heat more proudly for their triump~hs—-——and be sure that whatever monu-
ment they may rear to fortune or to fame has a deeper foundation than that

~ huilt outwardly, amongst the graves and ashes of their kindred.

We come amongst you th-en not as strangers, not even as guests, me1'ely,.
hut as children of a common parent. ‘We thank you for your hospitality,
but it~is as a son Welcomes the liberal gifts of his father... We gladly take-
what you generously bestow, hut We cannot help receiving it as a portion and
a birthrigllt. E ‘

And yet, sir, be thanked! For us all, and I speak for all---accept We pray

_ you, our warmest and most filial acknowledgments ; for without this maternal
recall, many of us to-day would be mingling in distant scenes from wliich our

hearts were far, far away.
Not for this day or hour only are we come together. Not with this day or

- this occasion will cease those emotions which have swelled within our heartsr

Not here shall we leave the glow of those sweet and hply remembrances,
which have led us to the embraces of home. 'Wherever our future years may

he passed, the memory of the events of this day will be with us. By thenr

we shall be cheered and soothed and blessed. We shall feel that they have
drawn more closely the ties which bind us to our native soil. We cannot.
forget-mwe will not forget, things and scenes so dear to us; and if it should‘

not be permitted that our dust should here mingle with the ashes of our kin-
dred-- like the Greek, who dying remembered his lovely Argos--—like the
Hebrew, who seeks the land hf‘ his fathers for his place of snpulture-f--we too,"
will desire at least that some of this beloved earth may be sprinkled on our
yinsensible bosoms. l ' r

I have read somewhere that an eminent English author, not long since,

in addressing some association for mental irnprovement, congratulated its
members that such secieties tended to break down the fictitious distinctions

THE DINNER. 55

of life and to bring human beings nearer to each other by a common motive
and interest. Let us trust that such may prove one of the happy results of
our gathering to-day; and allow me to give you, in conclusion, an illustra-
tion of‘ the doctrine I would inculcate in the old and bright history of our‘
native town. In the days of‘ her former pride, and of a prosperity, which I
trust, she will one day far surpass—-—rnore than sixty years 'ago——the first
President of the United States-—-that great and venerated personage, Whom I
cannot help regarding as the noblest and happiest of mankind, since he ren-
dered unequalled services to his country, and went to his grave without a
stain upon his pu.blic or private fame----was here entertained by the author-
ities of‘ the town, in the house of that eminent and patriotic merchant, Mr.
‘Tracy. On the rxiorning; iiollowing his arrival, he was received by Mr.
Dalton, who was, as you well know, a member of the first Senate of the
United States; and in both instances in a mansion yet standing conspicu»
ously in our streets. '

The most noted people of the town were present, and among them one _

eminent divine,‘~‘i= long since deceased, with whom Washington was engaged
in conversation, after br“».aI{f:ts=:t, upon publie aii'ai1~s, in the midst of a clistin«
guislmrl circle of guests. This gentleman venturedthe assertion that in
“twenty years there would not be a crowned head in lEurope"’---from which
opinion l/Vaslrington, with a more Fm:-secirig sagacity, dissented, and while
giving his views upon this important topic, a messenger came in to inform
him that some person at the door insisted on seeing the President. Mr.
Dalton directed. him. to be sent away, but the ear of "Washington had caught
some intimation of the request, and learning, upon enquiry that a poor man
wished to speak with him, he requested him. to be introduced. As he en~
tered, he rushed to the ]?resident with the or , “ God bless you, Major
Wasliingrtoni God. ‘bless you, Ma,ior Washington!” The President recog-
nized him at once, and calling him “ Cotton,” shoot: him kindly by the hand.
it ‘me indeed a person well known to the last generation under the popular
name of “Colonel” (lotion, who had been ‘Washington’s servant in the old
French Will‘, and attended him at lBraddoel:’s defeat, that bloody and disas-
trous day, when the young Virg;i.nian oiiice1' saved the army from utter
destruction, and grasped those first laurels which grew and flourished until
they became immortal as the records of his country’s history. This man
was cordially received and dismissed with a liberal present in the golden
currency of the day---when gold really had a value----which the brolzeudown
old soldier were afterwards suspended about his neck. And I assure you
that among many brilliant incidents of his pgogress through this town and
vicinity, nothing of the good and great Prcsident’s visit has given me more

pleasure than rellcetion upon the lrincl and gentle feeling thus exhibited, and i
which the events of this day are so Well calculated to promote, and, I trust ~

perpetuate to the latest generation.

M-tev. Mr. Murray.

56 ‘ THE NEWBURYPORT CELEBRATION.

The Day we Celebrate.

Rev. Samuel L. Caldwell, of Bangor, was called upon, and

spoke as follows :-—-—-
MR. MAYOR, and to follow my professional fashion, BRETHREN---~

It is a n-151; of my profession to take a text, and say under it what We
choose ; to have the text one thing, and the discourse another. It will not
be strange, sir, if I do not stick to the text you give me, for the fact is, the
Fourth of July is down--—“ The day we celebrate” is in the shade. The
great Republic sinks into the little municipality, and Newburyport takes
possession of our memory and our love. Our heroes are not of ’76--not
of Bunker Hill and Saratoga~——but those who plunged into the “imminent
deadly breach ” between “ Up-alongers "’ and “ Dovvn-alongers.” Our rnem—-
ories are not with Hancock and Adams, J efferson and Lee, but with our old
schoolmasters--—With the antiquities, the human curiosities with which this
blessed old town used to so abound. ,

Mr C./said he felt at home. He was a boy again:

“My feet on is my native heath, and my name is McGregor.”

He loved Newburyport—he loved her sons—-he loved one of her dauglitersw

he loved some of her grandsons, and he hoped one of these days to love some-

of her grand-daughters. And yet, he said, he must confess, that the New»
buryport of the present was not exactly the Newburyport that filled his
memory and his imagination and his love. He was a boy here in that quiet
interval when she had nothing for her boys to do; when she only taught and
trained them and let them go. He confessed, he thought the locomotive an
intruder—-the steam mill an impertinence. Improvement and progress did
not belong here. I_~Ie wanted the old place kept as a relic, and a refuge from
a hurrying and Working-day world, to find here a Sabbath and a rest. ‘He
loved to come here in the Indian Summer, when the year was sleeping toward
its death ; when the brown and slumbrous air lay soft and loving over
“ Turkey Hill ” and “ Old Maids’ Hall ” and the “ Devil’s Den ;” when, on
the old boy-haunts, there was

“ a glory and a gleam

That never was on land and sea;

The consecration and the poet’s dream.”

 

Then it seemed most like the old time. He could sleep and he could dream.

But sir, said Mr. 0., I retract, I retract. It is not so. The day is great.
The love of liberty is superior to the love of place. Liberty, and country
assert their old and just supremacy. The Republic expands again———the little
town, the dear old home cannot fill our love. The Day and the Deed we
celebrate, and not these only, but liberty, the principles of liberty which on
this day were inaugurated ; for which Newburyport made patriotic and gen-
erous coutribution, the memory of which makes her dearer; liberty--greater
than home or country, without which they are worthless; the principles of

TJEIE Drnnnn. s 57

it, the love of it; if in may measure they are quenched or dying---let us here
et the old alter, among those churches and schools by whose discipline and

I love of liberty, the reverent memory of the fathers who stood by it and for it
were nurtured, let us here end now revive and re-kindle it. After it few
Words of the same tenor shout eherishing the spirit of Freedom, impartial
and universal, Mr 0. closed with the hope and the prayer that no son of’
Newburyport, heir of her memories, treined in her sehools and churches,
filiel end. fititlrful to her, would ever he reereent to the principles of Liberty of
which this day Wars the innug;u.rutioi1.

T/an Orator Q/' the. I)c;t_'2/.
Rev. G‘(!C)l'§g'(.‘. 1’). Wildes was onlled upon. He remarked that he belonged to
n church of some nruthoritntive pretensions, but he placed those below those
of his brother who luul preceded him, sud wus Vvillieg; to stand with him. If’
he had been enlled upon to respond to “ Hell Columbia,” or “ The Day we
Celebrute,” he rx“1ig*l‘it have said 5i()ll71(313l”l.lIl;;,',‘; but “ The Oretor of the Day,”
was deeidtedly beneath his powers. Irle lied ulrendy hnd his turn sit the
' church. In his feeble manner he hecl plueed his wrenth upon the altar of’
liberty, end should sit down mid hold his pesos.‘ As for toasting, he had.
been toasted by the s<:o1'<:liing; rnys oi’ the sun until he was perfectly sn,tisfiecl..

In ]|:I’moq4y cg/‘ [fig/its .I.i\'.7‘z72a{/---l;*“ci't* rrmny years at resident of Netrburyport, and
one of the b1'i,;,;l1test_jewo.ls in her crown.

The venereble Doctor Dunn. i'espon<lecl to this sentiment, end
we 1'eg.j;;ret thnt his voiee was so feeble tljxnt but few eould ceteh
his words. V
Mn. I’.1tIs2t3;lI>lalN”"l‘~—~ , .

On this grout oemsiou, end surrounded. us I son by not at few who here
fer superior eleirns to be heard, I iriiglit well content myself‘ to be a mere
listener. v

But the nurse of lfltufhs King hes n. c:/mm which will not Asuiter me to
rein-sin wholly silent-~espeei:L1ly us it is }i)1'0i;)z:tl)lt3 few are present who have
bed equnl e:1v4:“tr1tng;;es for it personal kxiorwledge of this greet men.

Mr. King was not it nutive of‘ Newburyport, but was early an ndopted. and
favorite son. He pursued his ltrgul studies uncler the auspices of enother
greet mun, Theophilus Persons, who for runny” years was a distinguished,

- jurist end plencler nt the her, end who inleter life was no less distinguished
as Chief‘ J iulge of our Suprenie Court.‘ .

It is at 1*eu:uu°l<e.ble ihet, thet in two years efter Mr. King had closed his
studies, he was oeensiorxelly culled to plead eeitses. in which Mr. Persons was
his opponent. It was thoiiglit by many in Ipswiel'1-—-«the pleee where the court
was sometimes l”lCtl<ll-*---tht”l.i} the pupil sustsiued :1. fair competition witli his
preeep-tor. It Wes shout thnt tirne, thnt being :1. boy of ten or twelve years
old, I was repeatedly fenstecil with his eloquence.

i

I

 THE NEWBU1tYPO1’tT CELEBRATION.

It may seem strange, but it is a fact, that at the distance of more than
seventy years I have as vivid an impression of his person, his air, his voice,
his afiduence of ideas and language, as if these were affairs of yesterday. It
so happened that at that time I was studying the orations of Cicero, and it

often occurred fto my mind that if there was any living man who resembled ,

the great Roman orator, it was Rufus King.

Mr. King early represented the town in the General Court. But he soon
after received a more emphatic expression of public approbation and confi—
dence. Thongh little more than thirty, he was selected as a member of the
Convention in 1787, which was appointed to prepare a Constitution of the

'‘ United States. In tliat assembly of great and distinguished men, collected

from all parts of the country, he aided in framing a constitution which has
been the admiration of the world, and which has been, under God, the
principal, source of peace and order, the wealth and happiness of our
country. ,

But a new and arduous duty awaited him. He was chosen by his towns-
men a member of the convention in Massachusetts, which was called to ratify
the Federal Constitution. It is well known, that before the assembling ofthi3
convention, the most formidable objections were raised against the adoption
of the Constitution. Had the vote been taken at its first meeting, it would
doubtless have passed in the, negative. But there were giants in those
days. The sound rcasonings and powerful eloquence of Parsons, King,
Areas, and others of similar stamp,triumphantly refuted every objection, and
the constitution was adopted.

Soon after this Mr. King removed into the State of New York. But his
reputation had preceded him, and he was selected, with Gen. Schuyler, to
attend the first Congressional Senate, which met under the new constitution-
ln that august body, his vigorous mind, his splendid eloquence, and his stores
of political inforination were called into requisition, and displayed to the
highest advantage. His course was undeviatingly firm and decisive’; but he
was no violent partisan. I-le generously cultivated acquaintance and friend-
ship with gentlernen of sentiments opposed to his own. Of this trait in his
character,» Mr. Benton, a well known political opponent, has furnished a
remarkable instance. He had himself uttered a speech in which, under some
excitement, he had uttered expressions somewhat harsh and severe. Mr. King
saw him soon afterward, and taking his hand, spoke well of his talents, and
expressed the kindest wishes for his success in public life. But like a true
friend, he uttered the voice of warning, against those asperities to which an
excited state of mind sometimes exposedhim. The reproof was gratefully
received, and Mr. Benton, in pure deference to Mr. King, suppressed the
speech which he would otherwise have published.

But Mr. King‘ was destined to a still higher elevation. By President
Washington, whose discernment of character, and skill in assigning public

amen to the stations for which they seem best fitted, was proverbial, he was

sent as Envoy to the Court of Great Britain. It is remarkable that, thirty

run DINNER. 59

years afterwards, he was invested with the same ofiice by Ptpesident John Q.
Adams. In this highly interesting station, he sustained with great ability,
faithfulness and success, the rights and interests of his country ; while, by the
mingled dignity and elegance of his manners, he secured the admiration of all
who knew him.

I add in conclusion, that Mr. King gave an ardent and unwavering support
to the policy and measures of the Father of his country. This he did under
the‘ deep conviction that in that policy and those measures, were involved the
clearest interests of our nation. And was not his judgment inlthis grand
point correct? Will any one deny that so far as the principles and views of
Washington have been carried out, our natipn has prospered? ‘Will any one
deny that when this path has been abandoned, we have unfailingly smarted
for it? I can form, then, no kinder wish for my country, than that in each
of its future Presidents, it may find----not a Washington-the wish would be
extravagant“-the age of miracles has ceased---but one who will follow in the
same path. Let me wish, too, that every such follower of Washington may
have the vigorous and efficicnt support of a Rufus King.

A The M'emor__2/ qf Jolriz Bc:tr22a7'd ‘Smelt, M. D, ‘Who fell a Victim to the yellow
fever in 1796, wliile in the d1scharge of his duty. The virtues and self-
sacrificing zeal of the Fatlier, endcars to us the Son.

Colonel Samuel Swett, of Boston, was called up, and replied
as follows :
Mn. Pnnsinnrtrr--

My old age is an all-suflicicnt apology for not making a speech on the pres-
ent occasion, especially as I made and published a speech on the subject of our
native place, at our last Centennial, twenty years ago. Another one of mine
on the subject would be at twice told tale. I pleaded then my inability to
speak from my long disuse of public speaking, and that apology has become
twenty times more cogent now. I have since that, made a pilgrimage to the
birth—place of our adored and beautiful Merrimack, and seen the infant rivulet
nourished by the bosoms fair and beautiful of Squam and Winnepisseoge
lakes, Soon afterwards he puts on, the sport of boyhood, joyously leaping

and bounding, like a feathered mercury, over the wild and romantic falls he
encounters, and sporting in lovely dalliance with the fair streams that unite

' with him on the way, and especially the loveliest of them all, our own sweet

Artichoke. Arrived here in our own town at last, in his full maturity of
magnitude and grandeur, he enters into bans of marriage with the magnificent
Ocean. When the united beauty, of the two, become one, appears to belong
to some brighter region than our terrestrial globe.

It occurs to me also, on the present occasion, that the most ingenious
passage ‘of Pope, the greatest poet of our language, except the hard of Avon,
is directly applicable to our connection as rtownsrnen. He compares the
various circles of mankind with whom we are connected, to the circular waves

60 THE NEWl3URYPOR'I.‘ ostennitrron.

\
formed by a. pebble“ dropped on the bosom of it lslre. And the very first and
most prominent circle he represents as ernbrecing, together with our parents
and friends, our neighbors, which is, in other vrords, our tovvnsmen. And We
are C0_I1'll'1'1{tIlded by the Almighty, to love our neighbors as ourselves.

In rny early days, long time ago, two generations have passed away since,
it was the custom on convivial occasions like the present, to “ drink healths
five fethoms deep,” and the imperative law of the table Was, tl1.‘.-ll), every one
should give his song, tell his stor r, or drink :3. bottle of wine. As to wine, sir,
I am a sworn temperance man. My story is already ttuticiputed, and my
only remaining alternative is to give you my ode or song. Nelson, on his
last victorious engagement, telegre.ph.ed his fleet, “ England expects every
man to do his duty.” And Newbury demands the some of every son of hers
to~day. I yield to no man living in my devoted afiection for my native place ;
1 do love the very stones in the streets of Newburyport. Though no poet, I
will do my best. My theme is

«V

NEWBURY.

Here P-1rl~:er prayed on our li'oref-iithers’ lundi11g—
Women and children pale around him stzmding,
While tonnilnuvlas £Ll'1(.l 55C1“tl{")ll.1g knives were glee.n1i;ng,
And fierce war—whoops fell szwngcs were scre:.-miing.
Dork pothless woods were lowering around; i
Howlings of yvild, bloocl«t.l’1irst.y beast resound;

Foul and venomous reptiles strow the ground;
Iiisutizite clisease and death ztbcund.

His prayer‘ was l1e£t1'(l: and God dispelled the gloom,
Our native town we see on Eden bloom-

Our forest trees are chongecl to lofty spires,

Or to proud gullooris, waiting naval fires,

01' our rich produce over all the World;

Our friendly greeting borne, or vengeance hurled,
Our pullid female ‘'5. now the blooming nmid,

To whom the liomage of all liearts is paid;

Well versed in letters and refined in taste,

As Venus beautiful, as Dion chaste.

On Oldtown, Indian, Turkey, Pipestove hills,

The murderous beast our race no loiiger kills.

But floc‘-‘ s and herds embellish all the land,

A beouteous garczlen, deck-‘er! by nature's hand.

‘The lurking, fieiiidlike India.n’s stealthy puce
Yielded to Anglo Soxonfs lordly 1-nee.

Of patriots“, statesmen, Warriors, noble bond,

'We’ve given our quote to our native land.

Lowells, Joeksons, Persons, Perkins, Tracy, Bartlett, Brown,
Immortulized their names and native town.

A longer list of other names as dear,

Our time restricted wont suffice to hear.

1
l

THE DINNER. 61

But though compelled to name so small a part,
Their worth ’s'recorded ever on the heart.
Our floral youth with joyous hearts we see
Who will transmit our race to our posterity.

He concluded by offering the following .-,

Josie]; Lmle-—The accomplished scholar and gentleman, and the benevolent
man. His noble and munificent donation for a Newburyport Library,
<~.de_n1onstrates to future ages, that though his name is Little, his soul is great.

..'Tunigc .Tczcc.7c.9oa-«-The worthy son of a noble sire--our native town or the
“flomrnonwealth has never produced a more eminent lawyer and judge, a
tourer patriot, or a more honorable men.

The following was then handed to the toast—1:oaster:

James Jac7.l:-son, .M:‘". D. of Boston, a native of Newburyport---the model
physician and universally loved man.

The President of the United’ States -and his C'czbz'net.

Attorney General Cashing responded to this in a powerful
end eloquent speech. Relying upon Mr. Cushing to furnish
yes with a copy of his reinarhs, which for want of time he was
nnable to do, We failed,,to take notes, and our readers will be
obliged to bear with us the disappointrnent in seeing but a
sketch of his able remarks, and that taken from memory:

Hon. Celeb Cushing arose amid unbounded applause and said in substance,
that it was a great pleasure to meet his friends upon this occasion. But he
wished to throw otl? the robes or‘ cities, which were an encumbrance, and
stand before them untrannmcllcd by party distinctions, to return his acknowl—
cdgmcnts for the occasion ; but before doing so he could not forbear, in behalf
of the l"resi.dcnt, in behalf‘ of his executive» advisers, and in behalf of himself‘,
to return his and their thanks for the honorable remembrance of them.
Though the President is not a son of Newburypert, yet his blood is of old New-
bury, and his relation to us was near. His design in addressing this assembly
was to present his sympathies, to lay upon the altar of deer reminiscences,
his heartfelt respect for Newburyport, to desire its highest prosperity and to
dwell on the pleasant recollections of the past. He referred feelingly to Rev_
Dr. Dana, whose voice had been heard, and whose venerable presence graced
the festive board. He wished to dwell on familiar topics, on home and home
scenes, those things so dear to us, but he must be allowed to refer to that
more enlarged and elevated subject, our country, which is the more endeared
to us in proportion to our love of home. We must remember that we cele-

brate the day that inaugurated the freedom, the power, and the greatness of _

our country.
When we look back upon its history, we can but draw the moral, that we
should all have faith in the success and prosperity of this union. We must

62 . THE NEWBURYPORT , CELEBRATION.

take courage, notwithstanding the perils through which we are now passing,
when We look back to the days of our Pilgrim fathers. Through all the diffi-
culties we will stand, and the country is ready to impose its principles, if not
itself, on the crumbling nations of Europe. , p

The Constitution is not destined to go down in our day. Ere the day
comes to destroy the Union, many disasters must come. The sevcmf/z seal
must he broker»-—t/re first seal is not yet opened. Before we cease to be can-
opied by the Constitution of the United States, our cities will be filled , with
the blood of civil war, and then some successful soldier, some niighty hero,
may arise from the smoke of the battle, to rescue us from an oblivious future.
Far is it from me to distrust, to waver, and on this 7 8th anniversary of Inde—
pcndence, We should feel that this is one country——that our interests are
indivisible.

William E. Currier, Esq., being called on by the President,

in arose and said:

Mn. Pansrnsar AND Gn1~:'rLEMnN—-—-

In that country of fame, Where Liberty cltvclls, there is my Horne! That
is the sentiment of every American this day, the anniversary of our National
Independence, Whether they are on the soil of these United States, ‘on the
southern. armof this Western continent, sail.ing cvgr the wild ocean waves, or
on the continents in_other sections of the globe. This day we celebrate. It
is well. By this demonstration, this celebration, we show to the rising; gen-
eration, aye to the world, that We appreciate the independence We en-
joy, that independence so nobly achieved by the heroes and patriots of the
A.rneri«:,-an Revolution, and transmitted to us to foster and defend. The
spirit manifested July 4th, 177 6, at Pi1.i1:l(‘.i(‘.’.l.pl.1i£i., when that sacred instrument
—---the Declaration of American Ir,1<iepender.1cc—--was signcdt has gone out
from that central point like the rays of a meridian sun, shedriirig its genial
influence over the broad surface of the earth. That influence--a rnighty
power, destined to crush the monarchy and aristocracy" of the old world; and
(I predict) before the close cf the 19th century, will establish a Republican
Government over that Vast eastern continent. The continent of New Hol~
land, now being rapidly peopled by citizens from every section of the globe,
feel the influence, and will establish an independent republican government
there. And, that there should be but three General Governments on the face
of the earth, I propose this sentiment—-

T/ae Western Contiaezzt and tire rlcljccmit IsZcmris~—To he the United States of
America. E. Pluribus Unum! with equal judicial, legislative and executive
powers. Independence forever! 1 God protect the American Union! !!

Massac7Lusctts—Our native State. The birth place of our country’s liberty
:-«whose escutcheon remains as bright and untarnished as the ocean that laves
its shores.

Warren Tilton, UEsq., Chief, Marshal of the Boston Delega-

THE S DINNER. 68

tion, being called upon to respond, remarked as follows :—

Mn. MAYOR AND GEN'l‘LEMEN— is .

It were better, perhaps, that some one older and abler than myself should
respond to the sentiment just read. But no son of the Bay State, however
humble, ought, in my judgment, ever to hesitate when called upon to ac-
knowledge the honorable mention of her name.

I need say nothing of her history, for as her great statesman whose ashes
are at Marshfield, but Whose name and fame have extended wherever our
language is spoken, once said, and said truly, “ The world knows it by
heart.” She is small in territorial extent, but in nothing else. She is rich
in more material wealth, but she is richer in intellectual and moral wealth,-—~
Which is far better. “ Who reads an American book it” is the flippant inter-
rogatory over the water. She can refer you to William H. Prescott as merely
one of her sons who can answer that question. And again, “ Where
was ever produced an American Jurist Cl” She can point you, in reply, to
Daniel Webster, Joseph Story, Theophilus Parsons and Lemuel Shaw ; and
so on to the end of the chapter.

Wottld you know something of her serztionents? They were fitly enough
expressed on Bunker Hill, and as for her notions of all sorts, they are pretty
Well known wherever politics, religion, letters, arts, sciences, trading and
speculating are recognized, the world over. Her character and her dis, osition
are a study for the quid mmcs. You can scarcely name a subject she hasn’t
discussed and considered. You can’t name a principle she hasn’t looked into
and Weighed; you can’t name a virtue she hasn’t espoused ; you can’t name
an ism she hasn’t flirted with. She combines the staidness of the matron
with the pert afiectation and charming and attractive nonsense of the maiden
in her teens. In a word, with some f'oibles——-nay, faults if you please--so
many are her noble points, that no one of her sons who believes there is any

thing in the world to thank God for, can ever cease to be grateful that he was N

born on her soil, and educated in her habits—political, moral and intellectual.

It has been said, and with some degree of emphasis, that the American
people, as a class, have no idea of local attachment. How far the fact that
we have no law of primogenituro has furnished a cause for such a charge, I
will not stop now to consider; hut, sir, migratory, restless, and adventurous

as We are, who believes there is a class of men living who have more interest

in the place of their birth than the sons of Massachusetts '5‘ ,

They may be toiling in the mines of California ; they may be penetrating
the forests of the far West; they may be tempting the dangers of distant
‘seas, or Walking in strange countries and listening to stranger tongues; but,
wlierever they are, their “heart untravelled fondly turns ”-r izomewm-cl, for,
they can find, they will tell you, no freer, nobler, happier land than the Old

Bay State, God bless her! A goodly state‘ is Massachusetts to be born in-------

.a goodly state to die and be buried in 1
Today, sir, it is natural to lo ok back upon the early struggle of the Revs»

M was NE‘Wi3'U'RYPt‘rRT C*E'Lli}BRA"1'IOl\l'..

elation, and: consider the steps Massachusetts toot: therein, and it were a:

grateful task to pass them all in review; but, on such an occasion, and at
such a gathering as this, the mind turns,involutarily,,. to that particular spot in
Massachusetts which is of peculiar interest to- all of us, from having been
the place of our nativity... And‘ well may you be proud, sir--(You ?-——we, for
are we not, every one of us, her children, ). for the part she played‘ in that
eventful struggle. She took her standv early, and I have read somewhere,--~
probably in the History of Mrs.. Smith, which has just been published, (and
here let me remark, parenthetically, that, for perspicuity of style, iielicicity
and elegance of diction and occasional passages of simple and nervous~
eloquence, that work is in my j-udgmcnt, comparable to many historical
works of far higher pretensions;-i I‘ have read, I say, that during the existence

of the Stamp Act, not a stamp was ever paid for or used in Newburyport. 4%

At Bunker Hill, as you know, she was nobly represented, as she was, also,
in every battle, probably, up to the surrender at Yorktown. In fact, no»
place in New England, not even Boston encepted, was rcadier in the Council-
or the field. S-he volunteered her opinion on the subject of our National
Independence, in advance of the Declaration, her citizens voting in fall and‘
open town meeting that, if Congress should declare the colonies iindcpendent,
they would support them in the measures with their lives and their fortunes.
She levied her volunteer companies in the broad aisles of her churches,-—-on;
the Lord’s day,¢--in the very presence of the God of battles, and the arbiter
of the fate of nations. Her ministers of the Gosipel, in spit-ed‘ with the love of"
liberty, left the pulpit and the desk to join the army--—-to pray, and if need be,
to fight. "

As Ihave walked through these streets to-day, I have thought Newbury—~—
port was no mean town to claim as one’s birth-place. I have never yet seen,
and I never yet expect to see, the man ashaxned to acknowledge his allegiance-
to her. AS freshly, as if it were but yesterday, though it is eighteen years-
ago, this very mo-nth, do'I remember“ the feelings- I experienced when I tools
my leave of Newburyport for a new home in Boston. 'It"a boy can snf?'er, I
suffered then. My school companions bade me a God speed, and with a»
heart full almost to bu-rsting, as it seemed: to me, I turned my face towards:
new scenes and new experiences. It was a bright and sunny day, and I am;
by no means near-sighted, but, as we passed by Mort-ill’s on the Turnpike,
and I looked out from the window of the old stage coach, it was so misty I
could not see the flag-grounds where we had gathered the “bread and:
cheeses” so otten together. . I

My esteemed friend of the Transcript says that he has heard the charges
made in Boston-nthat Ne-wburyport people are continually “ bragging of their
town,” and he has always replied to it that they had very good reasons for so

‘doing. However that may be, I don’t pretend to know, but I certainly know‘

that for a year or more at school, after we had moved. to Boston, I was nick-
nam.ed~ “Newburyport ” by my companions, because what was always in my:

THE DINNER. 65

heart was always on my lips. I told them then, and I believe it now, that
there was no place for swimming like the Merrimack river and the “ Four
Books” or “ Fur Rock” as we boys used euphoniously to call it,-«no place to
skate on like “Little River” and “the Pond”—-—-and no candy in all the
confectionery shops in Boston, which had or could have the flavor of George
'.l.‘appan’s in Middle street, Newburyport. Speaking of George ’I‘appan’s
candy, sir, forcibly reminds me of ah incident which I cannot forbear
relating, but I trust that the Attorney General of the United States whom
we have with us today, and who, I perceive, has his sharp eye upon me»
won’t go home to Washington and procure a cabinet meeting to be sum»

A rnoncd on account of it. It so happened that the younger brother of the

Attorney General and myself were very intimate friends, and being one day
upon a voyage of discovery, amongst his affairs, we found a box of coins
which in his travels through the various countries of Europe he had collated
with that same degree of industry, probably, which has distinguished his ca-
reer from its very inception to the present day. Many of them, doubtless,
were of considerable value, but looking upon them as “ brumagers ” which
our distinguished guest could not pass, we did him an act of charity by pre-
vailing on George Tappan, from time to time, after we had discovered them,

to “take ’cm.” By degrees, as we thinned them out, and they began to.

look less and less like cents, Mr. Tappan examined them more carefully,
and finally, on a certain occasion, when we had offered him a “ brumagcr”
indeed, he was obdurate hearted, and said to us, substa1'1tially, what Nat.
Willis said to the boy who asked him for a penny, “ individual, I know not
the coin !

I perceive, Mr. Mayor, and I fclicitate you upon it, that you have re-mod»-.

cllcd your (flourt IIouse,~—-doubtless eta Iztrg;e and considerable expense.
You have now, certainly, a very fine andcornmodious buildiiig, and one far
handsoincr than the old one ; but what, I pray you, has been done with that
splendid wooden figure oi: Justice (which adorned the old one and in which the
old one so many years rejoiced) holding aloft those dreadful scales which
were a terror to evil doers? I have seen sir, and have studied, somewhat,
many specimens of ancient and modern statuary, but none which ever ex.-
citcd my wonder and provoked my awe like that; none so. noble, majestic,
(mg/‘at, dire. I can never i‘orge_t it.  r

N or can I forget, sir, the little briclr. school house in the Mall, and the kind
teachers who there initiated mo in the rudiments of application and study.
Least of all can I forget the Sunday School of the Federal street church, and
the disinterested men who taught me (which is, after all, the “ chiefest thing”
in the world) how to strive with God’s grace, to win-—by possibility--—-a place-
in heaven. I thank them now and here for their kindness, and I assure
them their names are gravcn on my memory and my heart forever.

But, sir, it is time I had said my say. I rejoice in the prosperity of your
city. We read in the Gazetteers no longer that “Newburyport is a seaport
town delightfully situated the banks of the Merrimack.” I‘ congratulate

66 THE NEWBURYPORT csLns:sA'rIo1v..

you on your extended influence, I‘ congratulate you on your rapidly increase,
ing ia'cilities_ for intellectual and moral‘ culture; on the enterprise and thrifi’:
of‘ your sons,and the refinement of your mothers, Wives and dsughterst.
Nevvburyport is in advance of Boston in the education of‘ her dairgliters.

She knows full well that the culture of"”her daughters implies thevirtue and‘
stability of her sons, and thnt thereby on her" part, the sulvntion-of the state is.
secured. ‘ I . 

I will give you, in conclusion, the following‘ sentiment 2'

, Tile Patrz'otz'c Dctu_qI"2tcrs of Ncurlrmyporta--tvermly sttschecl to the 0:.-‘dens
sp2'rz'zs of the I*levolut1ons1'y zirncs and st1°engly opposed to tea ; but now, (as-
it is cuptiously stated) bitterly hostile to ardent 'spirits- and equally fond of
tee; and better still every one of them to rt -man in furor of the Union.

The Prqfessz'o72s-—N0ne more eznin-ent in Divinity, I-"hysi'c, and Low, then»
those who were first ushered into-ienistence on the green end lovely banks of"!
the Me1'rizna.cl~:. '

C. I C. Felton, Grreels: Professor of Harverd University, ii»-
native of old N ewbury, replied as follows an
Mn. MAYOR-~

I did not know until lately, that I had at right to pu1'ticipnte in these
festivities. The -orator of the day, in his elegant and interesting discourse,
to which I listened with unbrolgen attention, notwithstanding the i'ervors of’
this July sun, described the early feuds between the inland parts oi‘ the ancient‘
town of Newbury, and the more cultivated region of the see—boe.rd. I belong,
sir, to the “ rural districts,” and not to the commercial and refined quarter of"
the town by the see. The oretor however went on to show that Newbury
was the mother of Newburyport. I am a. son of Newbnry, and consequently
may boast to be the uncle of the sons of l\Tewbvuryport-«of the g1'eute1‘ pert,
therefore, of this most respectable assembly ; end by virtue of this dignified»
relationship, as Well as by the cordial invitation with which I have been
honored, may clhim the right of a seat ut this board, among the returning
children of this hospitable town.

And, Mr. Mayor, I can truly say that I am happy to be here to-day, to
meet the gathered sons of Newbury, on this memorable but sotnewllot
scorching anniversary. It is now nearly forty years-—“ how my heart trernbles
while my tongue re.lstes”—since, in curly childhood,‘ I was borne uway from.-
‘the place of my birth, curing little and knowing nothing, to whet (listens
shores the currents of life were drifting me. I‘ have but seldom visited New.
bury since; but the scenes which first met my eye were impressed on my
memory, too deeply to be forgotten. The old t-ra.i:ni”ng field, where an ancestor
of mine distinguished himself as sergeant in so militia, company, was to me
another Campus Martins ; the beautiful Merrimack flowed, in my imagination,
like the broad and boundless Hellcspont of Homer ; undo“ Pi.pestsff‘ Hill-rose,
like the Grecian Olympus to the sky. ‘Indeed, when recently I land the rure
pleasure of dashing, on board a British steamer, through the allied fleets of
France and England--—a.s they stretched in double line, from Tencdos to

is

THE DINN 67;

Troy-—-~ the most magnificent spectacle the eye of man ever gazed upon--it
seemed to me the renowncdl-Iellespont was hardly so broad and boundless as
my native river, in the memories of my childhood; I

I listened with great satisfaction to the manly, eloquent, patriotic speech of’
the distinguished citizen, (Mr. Attorney General Cushing,) who holds a high
place in the councils of the nation. To every word of that speech, I say a
hearty Amen! He alluded, in forcible terms, to the sufierings indicted on
the country, and on this town, by the last war with England. Sir, his words"
brought back to me the circumstances of the time, when I, a mere_child, left
the place of my birth. Pardon me for dwelling a single moment on the
events the honorable gentleman so eloquently touched upon, and so vividly
brought back to me.

The date of my departure from Newbury--it was one of the coldest days
of the winter of 181'5—is fixed in my memory by the circumstance, that the
news of the peace with England was shouted along the road by the stage
drivers. Child as I was, I had known something of the distress the war had
brought upon our people; of the poverty it had deepened and aggravated ;.
of therdespair that darkened the poor man’s fireside. I have never forgotten
the sudden joy the blessed announcement of peace thrilled through every
poor man’s heart. It was like the outburst of Spring, with the green leaves:
its very perfumes, its soft vernal breezes, and the song of birds, after the snow
and ice, and frozen silence of winter. God forbid--and I call upon your
distinguislied guest to join me in the prayer—-God forbid that this prosperous
city, and the smiling country around it, should again feel as it did then, the
blighting breath of war.

I am called upon to respond to the toast in honor. of the professional men
who iiavew gone forth from Newbury. I am not, myself, a professional man,
in the moral acceptation of that term. But I may claim the honor of having
had something to do with making a great many professional mcn—of letting
loose upon society, a great many lawyers, physicians, and clergyman; like
the fat knight in the play, who, though not witty himself, was the cause of wit
in others. It is, just a quarter of a century since I was called by President
Quincy, to an ofiice of instruction in Cambridge, and during that long period,

' nearly‘ two thousand graduates have passed out from Harvard, into the pro»

fessional and practical walks of life. As I have witnessed the frequent and
brilliant successes of these boys of mine, I have been tempted to es-zclaim,
with good old master Cradock, in Miss Sedgw-ick’s charming novel of Hope
Leslie, “ Did I not teach them the tongues ii”

In the course of my busy life, it has been my fortune to meet with many
leading persons in all the professions, who have sprung fror-.1 Newbury. But I
was notaware, until the call for this reunion was sent out, to sunnnon them
home to the altars and household gods of their childhood, how justly our
native town may pride herself on the aggregate number of her distinguished
sons ; what large support religion and morals have drawn from the learning
and piety of those who have occupied the sacred desk; how deeply the

 68 THE NEWBURYPORT CELEBRATION.

administration of justice has been indebted to the integrity and ability of -

those who have sat in the tribunals, or pleaded the cause of the innocent at
the bar ; and how much the legislation of the country has been benefitted by
the wisdom and patriotism of those lavrgivers who trace their origin to this
town. _

This is not the occasion, nor am I the person, to enlarge on the merits of
the great and good men, among the living and the dead, who, born here," have
consecrated themselves to justice, their country, and their God. But you will
indulge me in speaking briefly of one, who but a few months ago, closed a
long and eminent professional career. I allude to the late Professor Grreenleaf.
I had not the pleasure and honor of a personal acquaintance with this
respected son of Newbury, until he became Royal Professor of Law in the
School at Cambridge, then illustrated by the learning and eloquence of Story.
On that occasion I first knew him. He and I were inaugurated as Prof'essors-——-
he of Law, and I of Greek, on the same day. I I*‘rom that time I enjoyed his

” unbroken friendship, as long as he lived. Of his course and character as a

boy in your public schools ; of his struggles as a young man, with poverty;
of his Christian submission to the bitter lot of sorrow and l>ereavemen"t that
fell heavily upon the early periods of his domestic life; of the success which
crowned with triumph these brave conflicts ; many, probably, here have more
personal knowledge than I ; but I am sure no one can have a deeper impres-
sion of the purity and nobleness of character, which came forth tried like gold
from the heat of the contest. ’ r

Mr. Greenleaf was one of those men, who know how to make the most of
time. No client ever suffered wrong from feebleness or neglect, at his hand;
for he spared no effort and shrunk from no study that could throw light upon
the cause he had undertaken to conduct. As a teacher, he shone with peculiar
lustre. The large body of intelligent young men who sat under his instruc-
tions valued them beyond all price. Calm in his manners ; with the dignity
of superior intellect and extensive knowledge; with the blandness and
courtesy of a Christian gentleman; considerate of the feelings of all who
stood to him in the relation of scholar tomastcr ; conscious of his responsi—
hilities to them, and through“ them to his country—he commanded in an
extraordinary rneasure,.their love and veneration.

Mr. Grreenleaf ’s contributions to the literature of his profession, I, cannot,
of course, professionally speak of. His studies lay in a province far remote
from mine. Of his work on Evidence, however, I may say, that besides
taking the very highest rank among the text books of legal science, it is one
which any educated gentleman may read with pleasure and profit. Of another
work, the ingenious application of the rules of legal evidence to the testimony
of the Evangelists—I may say that it is a striking illustration of the earnest
interest he felt in the establishment of the Christian Faith on the foundation
of the most rigorous argument, while the daily beauty of his life proved with
what fidelity he made the precepts of Christianity his rule of conduct.

Mr. G-reenleaf wasnot, technically speaking, a literary man. In his youth

 
 

{ran DINNER. 6 9

he did not share the advantages of a liberal education. While other young
men were cultivating their tastes, and furnishing their minds “in the Still air
of delightful stuclies”—-——vvith the leisure and exemption from care secured to
the favoredscholar beneath the shades of academic groves—he was already
fighting hand to hand on the battle-field of life. And yet his mind acquired
an exquisite culture. When I have heard him speak, I have adtnircd the
chaste simplicity and attic beauty of his eloquence, and I think no one can
read his public“discourses---his Inaugural Address, for example-—or his
Eulogy on Story--without experiencing in his written style the charm of the
easily flowing lttnguage, of the sparing but tasteful ornament, and of the
clearness and logical accuracy of the thought.

In social intercourse, Mr. Green1eaf’s manners Were malted by a serene
gravity, equally remote from liglitncss and asceticisrn. I think we saw the
traces of sorrow still lingering about hin1——-fond memories, not painful
perhaps, but tempering the joy and exultation of the present, with the reflected.
sadness of the past. His voice was gentle and low; his countenance
thoughtful, but placid, and- often lighted with the sunshine of a genial smile.

His conversation was ready and friendly, and though habitually serious, not’

averse to decent wit, and a becotningg; hilarity. His quiet tastes and constant
occupations had in a measure withdrawn hirn from gcnera.l i,r1tcr<;*.our‘sc, and
concentrated his social joys in the sanctuary of home ; but he {vas no stranger
to the delights of intellectual converse, and when the occasion f'onnd him out}
he contributed there than an equal share to the common fund.

At the close oi’ three score years and ten, after a day of crowded duty and
labor, and closed by the worship of God at the household altar, he lay down,
by a peaceful euthanasia, and slept the sleep of death, ‘ i

“ Liltc one who wr:;tps the drapery oiliis couch

About him aml lies down to p.1.casant clrcaxns.”
But he has left us his ‘i5XtLni17)1iG of Christian fortitude, which should nerve our
hearts when we too are called to practice its lessons ; of perseverance under
disc:o1tz'z;1.g,g-ctr1ct‘tts, vvhich should st1'<3ng-tliett us in otrcrcoxning‘ the difliculties
we too may have to encounter; of intellectual intprovcrncnt in youth, with
few opportunities aml scanty means ; of liiglt moral principle, and religious
faith, in the midst of‘ no couunou pcrplcxitios, and under trials of no ordinary
severity; ofthc l"a.i.tl1i"ul discharge of every duty, in every public and every
private relation.

I feel that I cannot portray the character of l"’rof. Gtrcenleaf, as it ought to
be portrayed here, and as, it has been portrayed elsewhere by his genial and
eloquent collca,g~ue——I5’t'of'. l3arsons—--ailso a son ofNewbury, but unfortunately
not present with us to- day. I could not hesitate, however, to hear my testiu
mony on this occasion to his eminent clairns to be rcrnentbered, in any
assembly of the men of‘ l.\lcwbury; I could not hcsita.te, especially as my
absence in a foreign land, deprived me of the melancholy satisfaction of wit-
nessing the last honors with which all that was mortal of him was committed
to the bosom of our common mother earth. Retut-ning from abroad, and

70 THE NEWBURYPORT CELEBRATION.

finding his place vacant, it seemed to me that one of the‘ old le.ndm-arks had‘
been swept away-——one of the solid pillars, on which the temple of justice,
virtue and religion reposes, had been overthrown.

In former ages, a statue would have been raised to eommeinorate the
excclieiice of‘ such a citizen, that the coming generations tmiglit be incited to
lofty duties and generous deeds. If we erect no statue to eternize his outward
semblance, let us at least set up in our own souls the image of his virtues,
and honor his rneinory, by making those virtues our own.

The Past C'u.p£<:tz'n of the ZVe2ivbm~_2/po7~t Juuenile r1rtzlZc7'y C'ompcm3/.

Rev." T. M. Clark, of liar-tford, Conn., the identical Cap-
tain of that well remembered corps, was called upon, and
responded  “follows :
his lvLu'on ‘AND Fi~:LLow Crrxzsns-

This will hardly do-—it seems rather formal, and I have no intention of
melting a re,«;-ular speeci. You have already had speeches enough and for
more able than I could make. I wish just to. have it tall: with you about old‘
times, mni in rernemhrance of the Juvenile Artillery Company, would ruther
address you as I .

Mn. l\I..i.rorz AND F:s:cLow SoLDI:uns—-—

But this will not do. There is not enough left of that distinguished'corps<
which was disbanded some thirty years ago," to form at Corporal’s Guard.
Let me thz:ret'ore say
life, lihroe AND J3-‘1—:LLow' Bo‘rs——-

"We have come together to revive the reminiscences of our early days, to
reculil the scenes, the thoughts, the associations which belong to our child~r
hood. What were the influences which determinned your character’? HOW
‘were you itlillgilt your first lessons of the discipline of‘ life? ‘What was the
first chapter in your daily morning and evening expex'ienc:e, which prepmred
you For the weurisome routine of‘ this earthly existence? It was when you
drove the cows at sunrise and sunset, to and from the “ old Common Pas-
ture.” I rernen1l")er often, to have met you on the Guinea thOl‘0L1g‘i1flLrC, and
I eon readily recall the expression of sadness and nnxiety which clouded‘
your thee, when its night drew on, the cow was not to be found. Can you
ever l”o1'get your1;iresoz.ne tramps to the distant slough, around which the
cow would sonictirnes ohstinately ling-er; that slougli of despond, which we
supposed to he the veritable spot of l3unyan’s pilgrim’s troubles, with Tur-
key Hill in the rear, where the interpreters house stood in ancient days.‘
How many such associations cluster around that somewhat sterile region,
which insome stx*ange way furnished summer food to nearly all the cows in
Newlnuryiaoi-t.. When We used to read of‘. mzarettos, qusrantines, hospitals,
and asylums for plague-spotted patients, it was the black wooden “Pest-

? House,” in Oornruon Pasture, with its horrid charcoal sketches, said to be

run DINNER. 7 1

drawn upon the walls by delirious inmates, which gave body and pith to our
conceptions. i

Wltere did you learn your first lessons in botanizing? It was on that
sultry, drowsy Saturday afternoon, when you went a “ penny-royaling up to
Common Pasture.” And where did you get your first notions of mineral-
ogy? In l<_:n0ck.ing oil’ serpentine and rag-stone from the walls of‘ the
“ Devil’s Den.” That, too, was the spot to which our minds instinctively
reverted, whenever we read any German tale of dinblerie; for tlicre were
authentic traditions connected with that heap of rocks which often made us
shudder. There stood the Devil’s Pulpit, from which it was said, he preached
at midnight, to an internal crew, gathered around its base; and there was
the name out in the ground, past which it was reported, no creature had ever
returned alive. '

And when we read of the tented field, of the crash of war, of embattled
hosts with their white tents and streaming banners, with nodding plumes
and pealing trumpets,-——-where did our thoughts fasten themselves? What
was the actual scene which rose up before our minds, and gave reality to all
this splendid description? It was the Fall muster on Grasshopper Plains,
with the old gallows stretching out its wooden arm at the summit, and the
huckleberry bushes slmrting the borders oi’ the field. '

And when you heard of sylvan retreats, of deli and dale, of lovers’ walks
and sweet retirements in the shade, could you think. of anything else than
“ Bartletfls Springs,” and the “ Laurels? j” .

'When you were told of foreign lands bbyond tl1e sea, could you ever think
of anything more remote than the mysterious and unexplored regions, which
lay “ over the river 2! ” There was no bridge then to bring that hazy and
distant locality into near contact with us ; but there were solemn ferry-men
who blew the born at intervals from the “ ferry-ways,” as a signal that the
boat was about to move. None knew where these grave men came from;
none knew where they slept at night, if indeed they ever slept ; but there at
their post, they were always to be found, until the shades of evening had
descended, and the merchant-women from “over the river,” had returned
with empty lJ{l.EilriCiJ.‘3i, to the bosom of their anxious families. l i

What can even obliterate the memory of Plum Island, and the Piers, and
Black ltochs, and Salis bury Beach? Can you ever forget that low, moaning
roar of the ocean, which you used to hear in the cold winte1'1.1igl'1ts '2 Is there
a Newburyport boy who cannot feel and appreciate the poetry of the sea’?

I might go on for hours, reviving these early reminiscences, and showing
how your character and feelings have been moulded by the scener , the tra-
ditions, and all the various surroundings of your childhood. Every thing
with which we came in contact then, has left itsmark upon us. Our thoughts
run in the moulds that were grooved in early years. And there must have
been something peculiar in the influences of our venerable mother town, to

have produced such an assemblage of men as are here gathered together.

7 2 run NEWBURYPORT CELEBRATION.

The C7d‘_2/ qf'Boston;-—As we look around this day, we involuntarily ask
What would she have been without Newburyport.

Stephen Tilton, Jr-., Esq., replied :

'. MR. l\Ltron AND FELL0V.V CI'.t‘I55ENS—-

I regret exceedingly that my friends here have called upon me to respond
to the complimentary toast just given to the city of Boston. I am conscious
of my inability to do her justice, and particularly on this occasion, when
memory has engrossed my mind with the things of the past, and dispelled
every other tl10l1g‘l1.l3 but of Newburyport, the home of my boyhood. The
occasion which calls us together is one of no ordinary interest. It is a family
gathering, the return of the sons of the old homestead, when hands join and
hearts speak and the soul overflows with feelings of gratitude and reverence.
Besides the day, which is sure to bring up the past to the mind of every true
son of Nevvbnryport, the occasion revives the memories of youth, and both
combine to banish the present, and for the time being we exist in the past.

This morning as we traversed your streets, the scenes of youth were unrolled
to our view, and every object which our eyes rested upon had its particular
association and peculiar interest ; we saw the -old school house and the old
play grounds; we looked in the faces of old friends and were reminded of
the absent, and of‘ others departed, and fancied we heard their voices; every
thing addressed our feelings and a.wal+:.enccl the associations oi‘ youth, and we
feel that our natures have been refreshed at the fountain of joy.

Among the many objects Wliich recalled the past, notliing, not even the
lioiise in which I was born, more forcibly touched my feelings than the sight
of the old stage coach in the procession, perhaps the identical vehicle in which
I was seated some twenty years since, slowly vvending my way to the old
Eastern Stage Office, in“ Boston. It recalled the emotions experienced at
leaving my native town, my home, and my friends of youth; and it reminded
me of the resolves made and the hopes cherished when With a N ewburyport
boy’s fortune--a common school education, a f‘-ather’s counsels and e. motl1cr’s
blessing-—I entered upon the untried duties of life in a new home surrounded
by strangers.

Since that period years have elapsed, new interests have been created and
new connections formed; and while to-day I bring my tribute of gratitude to
old Newburyport for the education she furnished to, and the salutary influ-
ences she exerted over, her sons; and While I rejoice at the unmistakable
evidences of thrift I have observed at every turning, I believe, sir,'were the
questions put by you to the sons of Newburyport, resident in Boston, which
‘home do you love best ’?--—the answer would be, as children say to parents,

“ we love both best.” Yes, we love the home of our birth and the home of _,

our adoption. We.can testify that the city of Boston stands with extended
arms and open hands to receive all who may. come to reside within her

borders. Her influence and treasury of’ good, gifts are dispensed equally, '

among all her sons, and she hesitates not to acknowledge her indebtedness to
the cities and towns of the “old Bay State,” for the sons ( and dang-liters too)

one DINNER. "73

whicli they have furnished her, and she withholds not her gratitude to all the
ow England States for their aid in rendering her a good specimen of a true
American city. ‘ -

While, sir, the interests of Boston are so closely identified with the interests
of the State, they are peculiarly so with the city of Newburyport. You have
=I.iberal1y contributed your sons to her, and they have advanced all professions
and honored all ernployrnents‘; they have reflected honor to Nowburyport
while assist'ing in creating and preserving the reputation of Boston the world
waver. Boston, then, "freely awards to you your share of establishing her
influence, which extends to every isle of the sea, and to every shore where
where religion, education, the just administration of law, honor and integrity
are appreciated. Gentlemen, I close by giving the following sentiment—-

T/ae 02'Iy of Newbztryport.»--IIer influence cannot be lessened while she

:follows the example of the fathers in educating the sons.

The Mayor in response to the compliment to Newhuryport,
said he would not occupy much more time, and instead of
making a formal reply, would submit a few facts, which, per»
lhaps, better than any rernarlrs, convey an idea of our prosper-

I city. He then spoke as follows;

I will say a few words in regard to old Newburyport, for I know of no
topic more appropriate on this occasion. And I have the pleasure to say,
that at no time during the past thirty years, has our old town been in so
prosperous a condition, in point” of business, as she is at this present day.
(It may strike many of you as strange that I should make such a statement.
But in proof of what I would say, I should like to have‘ you prolong your
stay a few days, and take a course with me to the north part of the city,
where I will introduce you to a thousand or more intelligent, industrious and
«happy ship-carpenters, many of whom you have seen in the ‘procession to-day
I--—tl1e very bone and muscle of our consnnrnity--» men whom we feel proud to
-claim as among our most worthy citizens»-all of whom are constantly em-
ployed, and are receiving a fair and just equivalent for their valuable ser-
wices. . I

I will also introduce you to some of the most intelligent, ingenious and
high-rninded master ship-builders that this country can boast -of-———rne11 that
would be an honor and valuable acquisition to any community. I

And as a further evidence of the prosperity of this portion of our city, I
will show you hundreds of new and neat dwellings, built within the past few
‘years, from the earnings of our worthy and industrious ship-carpenters. I
will also state that during the present year more than twenty thousand tons of
shipping will be built at this part of the city--scattering some million and a
half of dollars in their csnstruction.

After having ll’ll51‘0(lLr}C6(1 you to this portion. of ;our citizens, I should be

74: THE NEWBURYPORT CELEBRATION.

most happy to take you to the south part of the city, and make you
acquainted with the hardy fishermen, who mostly reside there ; and you will
find them an intelligent, industrious and successful people. You will find
the place entirely changed from what it was thirty years ago. The whole
face of things wears a different aspect. The streets and houses all indicate
prosperity, brought about by the industrious habits of the people, most of
whom are happy and contented. This part of our city and citizens we have.
reason to be proud of. V .
I will then call your attention to other portions of your old home and
ormer residence, and you will find our merchants and mechanics, in their
various branches, doing a prosperous and healthy business. I would ask you
to visit our schools, all of which are in a high state of perfection. The city
government being liberal—as they always should be with this interesting and

important departrnent—-—I believe we can challenge comparison with any city

or town in the commonwealth. _

I would invite you to look through the whole length and breadth of our
city, and talk with your friends and the citizens generally, and see if the
universal opinion is not that we are ranging ahead.

It is not probable that we shall ever become a very large city, but I hon-
estly believe that we are, comparatively speaking, doing as healthy and profi~
table a business as any city or town in Massachusetts. And now, my friends,
I will say, this is a proud day for Newburyport, and one that will not soon
be forgotten by us. 

When we look around and see so many of the sons and friends come at
our call to visit the scenes of their early days, we cannot but feel deeply
interested in this gathering. Hardly a friend that has come amongst us
today, but what happiness is seen depicted in his countenance. We are all,

thank God, happy today; and such a family gathering as this can produce
no other result. My only prayer and wish is, that in this union of friends

to—day, our friendships shall be so strongly cemented that nothing on earth

shall ever sunder them.
In conclusion the Mayor offered the following toast:

The Union qfthese United Statesw-It must be preserved although our best
blood be the sacrifice.

1?; City qf New YhrI:--Destined to be the Commercial EI11p01'il1II1 of the
-wor . I

Robert G. Pike, Esq., of New York, was called upon, and
replied: ,
Mn.-i MAYOR AND Fnnnow Cxrrznnsm
V Called upon suddenly and unexpectedly at a late hour last evening, and
consequently somewhat unprepared, I rise with no little difiidence to respond

to the sentiment just offered in compliment to the New York delegation.
Agreeahle as the duty is, I feel there are many among us who can acknowl-

ran DINNER. ~ 75

your kindness far more gracefully, and who can do more complete justice to
the sentiments which I know animate each one of us on this happy occasion.
And then too, what can I say which has not already been most eloquently
said’? Our only thoughts to-day are our country and our home--and what
words are holicr, what words are dearer to every one of us than these?
What can awaken more pleasing reflections, or kindle more earnest aspira-
tions? Yes, the same mingled emotions of joy and pride animate us all
alike to-day; and as kindred sentiments beget kindred words, the same

expressions, ere we know it, are leaping from our lips which but a moment .

before were ringing in our cars.

But, Mr. Mayor, I will not sit down without thanking you for this glorious
reception. When your summons reached us in New York we hailed it with
delight—---our hearts beat warm at the very thought of coming home again——to
our boyhood’s home I where we first tasted the sweet pleasures of existence“
where our life plans had their beginning, and our ambition first plumed its
wing. To come home, not alone, but with all the truants and Wanderers of
the family—--to grasp the hands of old friends, companions and schoolmasters
—-«to visit once more together the old haunts and play—plaees of youth,

“ to memory so clear,

All rich with events oflil‘e’s early career.”

To gather around us once more old familiar faces, to go back as it were, and
with all our old mates to become boys again———to recall, and talk over the
hopes and aspirations of youth with which we started in life together-l--to
visit the old brick school-house, to sit down upon its steps, to loiter upon the
green banks around it--to linger by the shores of old frog pond---frog pond
that fills so large, so bright a space in our boyhood’s history-—-to sit beneath
the old echo tree, and to muse’ on those by-gone days whose memory is like
the dying cadence of some sad, sweet tune. Yes, we wanted to see all the
school-boys of our day, the “upper ’longers,” and the “ downer ’longers,” as
we used to call them-—-the boys that whipped us and the boys that we
wl1ipped--—we wished to see him who stood first in school, and inquire if he
maintained that position in the world-—we wished to gaze on faces that we
remembered only fresh and fair in the bloom of youth, curious to see how
they looked as men. These and a thousand other kindred thoughts crowded
upon us and made us impatient for the gathering.

Yes, Mr. Mayor, we were right glad to come home to the old town and
meet our old townsmen. I say “ town and townsmen,” for these sound more
homelike and grateful to the ear. I do not forget you have become a city--
nay, I am proud of it, I rejoice at it. Newburyport boys have no other
feeling than that of pride and love for the old town. I repeat, sir, I am
proud to see her a city; renewing again her old strength and glory. It is
good. to see her factories multiplying---her ship yards crowded--—-her machine
shops like bee hives. While these speak of the industry and thrift of her
people; her new churches and school houses springing up. on every side tell
of still higher and holier purposes and aims. They tell of the promulgation.

 TH-Iii NE”WBl-.‘lR”YPOR‘Il CELEBRATION.

of intelligence, morality and religion to all alike; leaving no soul uncultivated},
no talents undeveloped. You and I can remember the timewhen a deep.
slumber rested upon her for years, from which she seemingly never wouldi
awaken. Time was, when it seerned’»as it? the patron-G.od*« of the merchant
had frowned upon the place-—as if in his ang-er he had set a curse upon her
wharves, and with his serpent-twined wand had looked up aliher store»-

vhouses, closed all her avenues of. prosperity, and turned yphis back upon the

place forever. No more business was done than barely sufliced to keep the
people alive. Mechanics sought employment elseWhere«--the young left school:
and hastened to the larger towns and cities-—-g;rass upon» the wharves and in
the streets, and wherever you/turned stagnation and decay stared youin tho-
face. But, thanks to God! a change has come over the spirit of her 101155;
dream~'—-her lethargy has passed, and she has once more taken up her rriarch»
on the high. road ofimprorvement-wand the: voices of her laborers, the c:lztng::'

of her workshops, the busy hum of her machinery, seem to mingle tog.etl1err

in the harmonious song of progress and prosperity .. .
And do we not see'a providence in all this 23 Her young men whose enter---~

prising spirit for so many years led them trnants from home,earried with themi-

energy, industry and talen-t--andwhat was the town’s loss was our whole-
country’s gain; for Wherever they went they carried with them the good seed‘:
they had garnered here at home ; and by their wholesorne influence, their‘
example and teaching, they have contributed no little to the advancement anc'£?F'.
prosperity of their adopted homes. It is not boasting to say that Newbury-

port boys are always first and foremost in their calling; wherever they wanderr

they are sure to make their mark, ‘ and that too a broad and bright one. I“

need not mention the names of her clergytrnen, her poets, her. statesmen, her‘

lawyers and physicians, which are ii-uniliar to as all, and a lxriglit constel-we

lation of whom are now gathered within the sound of my voice; but I Will:
simply allude to New York as an illustration of. what I have asserted. ,

It is estimated that there are about three ‘hundred persons, natives of News
huryport, new resident in New York. Of‘ this small number we can point to
that venerable son of a noble sire, the Rev. Gardner Spl'ing;,. who‘ stands first

among the clergy of his denomination--—-to the Rev. Dr. Tyng.. the acknowl-~~

edged chief of the Episcopal diocese; to the I-—Iales,.. w-hose talents,_ industry
and integrity, have founded one of the largest and most successful Mutualt
Insurance Companies in the vvorld———to l3l..BoWditch Blunt, Esq., the present

efficient District Attorney of New Y0rk—t0 Jacob: Little, the J‘:l';tpoleori oil?"

Wall street——to Schoof the artist,.whose productions are nnrivalled—--to Hose,
the machinist, whose inventions rank him among the first of praetiea.l scion»
tific men—and last, but not least,_ to that prince oi‘ landlords, Charles A0-
Stetson, Esq. Mr... Mayor, have I not named enough to satisfy you that the-I
sons of N ewburyport make no mean mark among their fellows ii

Once more, Mr Mayor, I thank you in behalf of the New York ‘delegatiomv
for the handsome manner We have been entertained. We can never forget

this day, We shall gohome with hearts crowded with pleasant memo1*ies.»---«

V 

 

THE DINNER. 77

and if possible shall entertain more affection for the good old town, and the
good old stock she has produced, than ever»--—we shall go back confident that
although much of her energy and talent has been scattered broadcast through
the land, there is abundance left yet, to keep up the old stock, and to pre-
-serve nnsullied, unimpaired, her ancient glory and renown.

The Pen am] the l3’rc.s.s—(3‘xui<ietl by yvisdom and true patriotism, powerful

eiigines in aid of a nation’s prosperity-—--in the hands of unprinciplecl dema-T ,

gogues, infernal rnaoliines.

D. N. Haskell, Esq., editor of the Boston Transcript,
responded.

The sentiment that I am called to respond to, expresses the idea which it
lcontains, in language that “has the directness of a cannon-ball. It aflirzns that
the Pen and the Press are powerful -agciieies for good or for evil. The Pen
has been called the silent mouth-piece of the mind, which gives ubiquity and
permanence to the evanescent thought of‘ a moment. The Press is the
steam-engine of moral power in an intelligent community; and the liberty
of the press is the true xncasnre of" all other liberty; for all freedom without
this must be merely nominal. It is a singular circumstance, that a larger per
centiigc of the Sons of‘ l.\lewburyp,ort, resident in Boston, are connected with
the press in various ways than are to be Found in any other clepartment of
business. One of‘ the number edits a daily morning paper, another a daily
eveiiing; paper, a, third one of the we<'ls:Iies, besides others that are proprietors,
reporters, amateur writers, or printers. Not to mention others still, whose
ancestry resided here, or those wh as children come to Newburyport to visit
their grandmother on their 222cm/ae7"s side.

When Isaiah Thomas, with whose name the press in this country is so
closely iclentitied, came to Newlmryport some eighty years ago, to start ‘ The
Essen Journal and Mlerrimaclsx. PtJ.(':l~1€3i3, and New Il~Iainpshire General Adver-T
tiser,’ he made an address to the citizens, which appeared as the first article
in the first number. Allow mewto quote a sentence from this address, which
the paper states was printed ‘ opposite the Rev. Mr. Parsons’ Meetingaflouse.’
It reads thus: ‘ Many respectable Gentlemen, Friends to Literature, having
expressed their earnest desire that a printing-oflice might be established in
this populous town, the inhabitants in general being sensible of the great
want thereof, and the patronage and assistance they have kindly promised to
give, has encouraged me to procure the necessary apparatus for carrying on
the printing business, and opening here, and aniinates me to hope that every
public spirited gentleman in this and the places adjacent, will promote so
‘useful an nndertalting.’

The public spirited gentlemen of Newburyport responded to this appeal,
and the printer was sustained. It may be of interest for me to state a fact
furnished by my esteemed friend, the editor of the Newburyport Herald, that
the editors of no less than ten newspapers in the United States are graduates-

from the Herald office. These persons, with others who have graduated at.
721%

78 cent NEWZBURYPORT ontnesarrorr.

your common schools, are scattered over the Union, and connected‘with the’
press, from Bangor on the east, to San Francisco on the west; from Never’
Orleans on the south, to Oregon on the North. If they heed the lessons of’
their youth, and are true to the principles» of their fathers, they guide both
Pen and Press by wisdom and true patriotism-, and make them» powerful?»
engines in aid of the prosperity of the nation--. ~
The Pen and the Press 1 Who can estimate the full extent of their power,....
or take the exact gu-age of their influence 2* The great gathering of‘ this day-"
and hour illustrates the power of the press, as by its agency these In-ultitudcs~
have been collected here fr-ornall sections of the country. And this do-able-r
jubilee, this new method of joining to the ordinary celebration of Nation's}:
Independence, the “novel feature of a home festivals»-tlius adding. much of the’
peculiar glory of Th_anksgi.ving day to old John A»d‘arns’s-r noisy mode of?”

celebrating the Fourth of .Fuly-«tliis is a new and striking illustration’ of the" h

potency of the press, for it is the invention of a printer, and was conceived»
in the fertile brain of the fertile and genial man who indites the quaint sayings
and fills the snufi? box of‘ the widow Ruth Partingtont

The allusion in the sentiment to ‘ Infernal Machines,’ reminds Inc of the
effect of modern machinery in a privntingaoflice. It has fairly driven out that
personage formerly known as the ‘ l?rintcr’s Devil.’ His occupation is gone--~
and those familliar with theplirascs oi‘ the craft will u-nderstaml me when I-.
state, that since the devil was banished from the press-room, those two‘-
annoyences, ‘Monks and Friars,’ have rarely rnasle their appearance on the"
sheets. If, therefore, those connected‘ with the press show any indication:
that his Satanic majesty yet cnerts an iniiruence over them, it must ‘ be attrib-
uted to external agencies, and probably arises from the immense quantity of
worthless contributions, some of them in bad grammar, and others filled with
malignant personalities, which they receive continually, and which have the-
effect predicted by the Apostle, when he said that

“ Evil cormnunications corrupt good manncrs..”‘

Let us hope that those who are connected by the Pen to the Press, may be
guided by ‘wisdom and true patriotism"--—that the hands of ‘unprinciplccb:
dernagogucs’ may never, in New England at least, convert this powerful
engine into an ‘infernal rnachinex‘, Let us trust that all the Sons of Newbury—
port, that shall bear the labors, honors and responsibilities which belong to
theyeditorial position, mayadept that glorious Essex county motto, written
more than half a century ago for the Salem Register, by the late Judge?!
Story:- A r - T
,“ Here shall the Press the ‘Peoples Rights ntaintain,

Unaw’d by Influence, and unbribecl by Gain: '

I-Iere patriot Truth her glorious precepts draw,

Pledgecl to Religion, Liberty and Law.”

It now appears that yourcity is soon to have a Public Library, and that
the Pen and the Press are thus to exert a new influence upon your citizens.
Books have been termed “ the monuments of vanished minds,” and ya circuw

run DINNER. , '79

lating library pronounced “ an evergreen tree of knowledge, which blossoms
all the year.” Allow me, Mr. Mayor, to congratulate you upon the fine
auspices which this public institution now enjoys, and to express the hope
that its permanent establishment will be commenced under your administration,
The Pen and the Press can only have influence where the community is
educated. As men rise in the social scale, and mental culture becomes
universal, the printed word has added power, and the influence of the writer
is increased. If a speaker addresses a thousand persons, he is said to have a
large audience; but the editor, whose words go to thousands of homes, and
reach tens of thousands of individuals, what a, powerful engine does he
wield, and when a man or woman writes a book, to what a throng of persons
do they appeal! '

My former relations to the honored Chairman of the Boston delegation-,t
whcnll was his pupil in the town school here, during the time that he had
for his assistant our absent friend, I mean the Hon. Albert Pike of Arkansas,
together with the suggestions made to the mind by the sentiment to which I
and responding, and the cherished associations of my boyhood, in connection

withso many of these familiar faces that new meet my eye, and the rcmem. .

brance of others whose memories are inscribed in marble in yonder cemetery,

these things unite in inducing me to close my remarks with an allusion to the ,

common schools of New England. The theme is an old one, but it is

p seemingly inexhaustible. In the establishment of the Common School, the

fathers of New England atoned for their short--coming in many respects. The
boy who has gone abroad from your town to seek his fortune, and to attain a
position in society, if he took with him the best education your public schools
afforded, had a passport which would admit him to any station requiring
knowledge and intelligence ; and he was already on the high road to honorable
place among his t‘ellcw-citizens. Sir, it must have been gratifying to the
gentleman who has so eloquently and felicitously responded here in behalf
of the returning Sons, to have his former pupils select him as their organ on
this occasion; and sir, last night at early evening, had you been in yonder
cemetery, you would have seen many pilgrims to the grave of they lamented
Peon, who turned from that monument, “erected by his pupils,” with feelings
of respect to the ltgiiorcd memory of their early friend and teacher.‘ In
conclusion, allow me to offer as a sentiment, ”

The Common Sclzools of Maw Etzglatzd-«The ‘peculiar institution’ of our
fathers; may the sons complete the educational system by adding publtc
libraries for adults to public schools for children.

’ Edward H. Brainard, Esq, of Boston, was called upon, who
gave an oh‘?-hand speech, which we feel is doing injustice to the
speaker to attempt to report. It needs his voice and manner
to give to each sentence thatpoint and force imparted by

 ‘ v THE INTEWBURYPORT CELEBRATION.

action. However, asking his indulgence, we have ventured
to give it in substance : i i ‘
Mn. Maren-—~

After listening with great pleasure to the able and eloquent remarks of the
gentlernerrwho have preceded me, and who have covered every point of
interest, I feel embarrassed at being called upon to address you, fea1~inp; that
anything I can say, will be like blowing one of those cent fifes with which
the boys of yore were Wont to discourse such unearthly strains, upon anni-
versaries of the day which We are here to celebrate ; but the interest I feel in
anything that relates to the home of my boyhood, must be my apology for
fifing on this occasion.

Everything to-day seems bright and joyous ; but arriving in town yester-
day and meeting so few familiar faces, and when later in company of a friend
We wandered among the graves of our ancestors and read so many of the
memorials of those we once knew and honored, I could but enclaim, “ It is
here that We find our friends ;” and amid the shadows cast by the descending
sun across their graves, I siglied that I had not some magic: power that I
might call them up before you, that the light of their conntenances rnight
give us more joy than the recollection of their virtues and peculiarities.

’ The men of this place who were the companions ‘of our grand1not,l1ers,

possessed that strong individuality wliieli bordered upon ccccntricity--~their ,

personal appearance even, indicating their occupation; thus, the ministers
looked like ministers, were clo,thed like ministers, talked and acted like min-
isters, and were never mistaken for anything but ministers, and had those
strong peculiarities which caused the" cloth to he held in so much respect in
years gone by. r .

‘You remember one of this profession whose best portrait is found in these
publications called books, (in hotels and drinking houses, although it is to be
hoped that the rising generation do not read such literature) which are pub—
lished in ‘Milton, Mass. I suppose the totvn must be named for the man
with whoseflpictures it has flooded the World; at any rate the name of the
itownend the Parson are synonymous; a painting-of vfltiose phiz by a skillful

- artist of our town was deemed coxnparatively valueless, as being a less correct

representation of the original than the “ Jack of Clubs ” as drawn by Thomas
Crehore, for while the likenesses of the face are very similar, yet Cole omits
the breeches and shoe buckles which the Crehorean artist retains.

Mr. Mayor, I suppose it would be considered an insult to this moral city,
for one to intimate thather chief magistrate ever played cards, but if you
have ever happened in your travels to see a pack, you will hear me Witness
that I am correct in regard to the likeness. » e . 

i Bless his memory! “I see him still,” with his broadbrirnmed hat, his
cut-away coat, his peculiar shaped waistcoat, which allowed in Warm days a
yard of linen to protrude in the form, and for the same purpose of a ventilator

l (a comfortable arrangement in ‘a hot day,) with his fist in the gills of ti. mama

Hi

we DINNER. a 81

moth cod whose tail dragged in the dust, and whose weight caused him to
linger on his way to crack jokes and spin yarns.

All who knew him will bear witness to his ready wit and genial spirit, his
earnest eloquence, his zealous patriotism, his patience under trials, his warm

' . sympathies and catholic- liberality of opinion which thought a man might

reach heaven without going through his church, and lastly, to his stentorian
voice and independence of manner.

“ We ne’er shall see his like again.”

Another member of the same profession was ‘remarkable for his gentle-
manly deportrnent and polite address, which caused him to be respected by
all, though differing with him in theological opinions, of whom it is related
that, when a Seabrook clam merchant gave him a spurious coin, returned it
with the request, “ I shall be very much obliged to you, sir, if ‘you will give
me a four pence ha’penny upon which the pillars are a little more legible.”

I need hardly advert to the venerable clergyman, (Dr. Dana) who site
near you, andto whom so frequent allusion has been made to-day, except to

state that he once told me I was a good boy, and I have always entertained I

a high opinion of his penetration; but there is one who is still perf‘ormi11g
active duty, whose originality of thought and fearlessness of expression,.com-
mend him to all lovers of back bone. I well remember that, about the time
I was put into jacket and trowsers, of attending his church in company with
an elder brother, and in his sermon that evening, he alluded in strong terms to
the absence of the young married ladies from the services of the sanctuary,
and although then unaware of his meaning, I have since very reluctantly
concluded, that there were some in his parish who were not worthy successors
of Joseph or Susannah.

There was the sexton of the same parish, that “ old, grey~headcd chron-
icle,” whose familiarities with death seemed to give him a lease of life, un-~
willing to relinquish his post after fifty years service, whose prodigious “ beak”
resembled the figure-head of a clipper ship, showing up the man as a light»-
house does the coast, creating a shadow seen at a greater distance than l1iI11-
se1f,,and rendering him but an appendage.

Another “sexton of the old school” whose out-works resembled his just
mentioned, though upon a smaller scale, was remarkable among the boys for
his enmity to the mechanical operations which were wont to be carried on
during service, in the pews and seats in the rear of the singers, following up
the young artizans with an unsleeping vigilance, and rendering comparative»
ly insecure the office of Reed the tythingman, who with his long pole poised
in majesty before him, dosed the hours away, and let the boys alone. I

I visited, this morning, my ‘first and last school-teachers, the former a ven-
erable lady who is still engaged, enriched with the results of forty-four years
experience, in teaching the young ideas how to fire at B. C. and A, B. At
the latter, the honorable gentleman who sits behind me, and whose praise is
in the mouths of all who were benefitted by his instructions, but whom we
do not think of so feelingly as we have reason to of another who taught school

I

 TH E NEWBURYPORT CELEBRATION.

at the south part of the (then) town, a part of virhose system of‘ instruction
carried with it great weight. His mode of getting wit in, was similar to that
of getting ‘a cork out of a champagne bottle, which all who are not temper-
ance men are aware, is by thumping on the bottom---of the bottle, conse-
quently all his scholars. remembered him feelingly when they sat down.----
Physically, this mode of instruction had its advantages, enabling the recip-
ient to despise the use of cushions, and to ride without a saddle. Notwith-'
standing the great love of learning and other things which -this teacher dis-
played, he had a kind heart.

Another pedagogue who was located in another part of thetown, practised

a milder and peculiar mode of discipline, consisting merely in placing his

finger to his nose, which act was construed as meaning, that, if the boys did
not behave, they would smell something, but the scent was never ascertained.

And still another, long since dead, whose most terrible punishment con-
sisted in sending the olfender to borrow Master Wfldes’ ferule.

I might here allude, in connection with these men of literary labors, to
those poets whose names have not been blazoned on the record of lame, but
‘whose ready wit and local allusions, afforded a fund of amusement to the
juveniles. One a pump and block maker, who could make a rhyme when he
had--occasion. His works are so familiar to you that I need not quote from
them, but pass on to the author of those beautiful lines, the scene of which is
laid by the seaside, where they catch fish and dig clams.

“J oppa for a-little place,
I think has dnctors many, ,.

Thei-e’s old aunt T. with her three sons,
Besides one doctor Cheney.

Cheney, ’tis said, has got some skill

In beasts both wild and tame;
But all the other doctors there,
, .en’t worthy of the name.

One of the sons as I am told,” &}.~,., 850.

- The least said about this post the better. But there was another one who
‘lived down in Water street, who evinced decided talent-—-the author of

“Some time ago as you must know,
We had :1 botheration;
The people came to Silver lane
To see the dedication. ,
I A pedlar earne- S. was his name,
I In hopesto sell his stores,
With joyful heart, he set his cart
I Just opposite the doors, &e., Ste.”

I have also in my pocket some lines alluding to the truckmen, written by

one whom I hope is here today, of equal merit to those, already read; and I I

a ran DINNER. 88

am reminded by them of the Kezers, Carriers, Beans, JGilmaus, Pages and
Jaques of that occupation, all of whom were willing to give a boy a ride on
the tail of their truclzs, but I particularly remember with pleasure a kind-

hearted man who drove the horse “Labrador,” whose potato bin used to suffer, .

when, in stormy weather we were obliged to carry our dinners to school. As
I passed by his house last night, I involuntarily doifed my hat in remem-

fbrance of the roast potatoes, and regretted that he were not still living that I
uuiglit thank him in person.

Near the same locality, (Guinea) lived the race of colored men now nearly

-extinct, whose little darkeys used to show us the white of their eyes and teeth,
and when children of larger growth attendcdthe public schools, one of whom

sat by my side, whose success in after life has demonstrated the fact, that a
black skin is not always “ f'atal.l” There was “ Uncle Tite Pickering” too»,
who owned a prodigious bull’s eye watch that went when it was carried, and
whose big peepers, which were a match in size with the old chronometer,
used to be about, lest some urchin whose cow was the other side Jordan,
should take one of the male cows from the pen, to ride after hcr—-—-these ani-
mals from training being very docile, made very comfortable if not speedy
nags--a ride being desirable not only for case, but as a means of avoiding

the blood suckers in the slough, who held on like a curb stone broker and

stretch a couple of yards or so before they would give up.

Who does not remember those old maids who sold cocoa nut and tarnarinds
by the lcent’s worth, and long sticks of candy with nubs, the size of a decent
fist, so large indeed that it was a matter of doubt whether they bought the
molasses or got it somewhere else; and also those ancient damcs who brought
berries and herbs from Dogtown, driving twenty—shi1ling nags that were never
known to trot. “ W

I Time would fail should I allude at length to the inhabitants of Oldtown,
West Ncwbury, Pilfersliire, Salisbury and Seabrook, whose locality was as
wellknown by their looks as a Jersey man by the mud on his boots. You
remember all about them, and even in our own town such were the marked

characteristics of families and localities that one could seem to designate the

locality and name of an individual by his personal appearance. Thus, do
you see that man standing against the post in front of me; I he is unknown to
me, but I feel sure his name is I’-—---5, because he has a strong P-—--—-~ look.
He laughs ;---I am right, and I think I could designate many more in the
same manner. ‘N ’ ,
But I fear I am wearying yourpatience, and in conclusionwould express
a heartfelt and abiding interest in all that concerns the welfare and prosperity
of our old mother,, Newburyport, and I but reiterate the sentiments of evepy

I loyal son of her when I say, that whatever of worldlyprosperity, whatever of
, social, political, moral or religious influence we may have acquired, is owing

to the intellectual, moral and social advantages which she“ conferred upon us;
and we rejoice that the area of these good deeds of hers is now expanded ;
we do not want her fenced in as does the Reverend gentleman from Bangor,

84 THE NEWBURYPORT CELEBRATION.

having no fear-that her-virtue is in danger, but that she is able to counteract
-all designs upon it, and that wlien her arms embrace these children of her
adoption she is able to bestow upon them the same nursing care and the same
inestirnable privileges for which we come here today to thank her.

Allusions have been made relative to the importance of the preservation of
the Union of the United States, and believing -that love of freedom, and not
slavery, reverence for the laws of God as revealed in his word, love of order,
and obedience to eonstzftutiozial enactments, form the cement of the Union, and
that not clam shells and tar, but a mutual regard for the rights of each‘ section
of this new city, and above all, that the stern regard for the great principles
of morals, religion, and intellectual culture, which actuated our fathers, must
constitute the bond of union between this old town and the adjacent parishes,
and give her such a degree ofprosperirty and influence among the cities of the
land, that every son filled with enthusiasm at the mention of her name and
“fame, may point to himself with pride, and say»-— ‘

“ This man was born in her.”

‘ I give you, therefor-e—

Joppa and Ballet:-z't’Ze--'I‘heir Union, it must be preserved.

Philip K. llills, Esq. was called upon, but declined speaking,
and oiiered the following sentiment:

T/ze iS'mzs~—--They cannot better compliment the fatfzers than by becoming
such. They cannot find better material for mothers than among the
-daughters.

Maine-’--Her enterprise has not exhausted her resources.
John S. Sayward, Esq. editor of the Bangor Whig and
‘Courier, responded to this sentiment: A .

Mn. Maren-m
The"lateness of the hour, the numerous eloquent addresses to which you

i have listened with so much pleasure, and the hard tasks which the prolonged

and exhausting services of the day have imposed upon you, cause me to feel
greatly embarrassed in responding to the sentiment for my adopted State, and
in whose honor and welfare I feel a deep and abiding interest. Your have
listened today to the orators of whom you are so justly proud---men of high
culture in your public institutions of learning, and Whosawords pass any
where as current coin. I claim—no title to such honor and confidence, but
must submit every thought to be weighed in" the balance, and to pass for only
what the test may prove it. to be worth; I represent the ocean masses -of

those ‘whose lot was cast amidst the difliculties and discouragernents of‘

poverty, and whom a private, and I may almost say, a public necessity, made
it necessary that they should leave the home circle of family and town, and
go forth to labor with their hends in the battle and "struggle of life. A But I

run prunes. 85
W
‘ieel alively interest in the State of Maine,'and since your partiality has
solicited me from among more gifted sons of Newburyport, to speak in her
behalf, I will. trust to the heart to answer, where the head may fail to
suggest. _ S
Your sentiment, sir, is “right, in saying that the enterprise of the citizens of
Maine has- not exhausted her resources. Indeed, so far from this is the fact,
that it may in truth, be said, that the great natural resources and business
capabilities of the State, in their abundance and variety, serve to quicken the
enterprise of her citizens and to invite the attention of skilful, industrious
and sagacious men of other States and communities. Maine has a treasure
of natural wealth upon the surface of her soil, accessible by numerous and
noble rivers and streams and lakes ; while her mineral and other resources of
art and commerce are thickly scattered over the State, and their unfolding
has but just commenced. I ‘
Maine has stood, and still stands, with open arms to give a cordial greeting
to citizens of other «States. She has selected many able men in all the
,,plepartments of learning, and given them honorable employment, and thus

received them as her own citizens. Among these, of men who are an honor

to the professions and to the race, may he found many‘ sons of Newburyport.

Our orator today, while dwelling with so much eloquence and force upon
the men and the influence which Newburyport has sent out into the world,
referred to the moral and educational elements which early brought into
activity by our fathers, and which all along have marked the path of her
history. There has long been a potent influence exerted in the family circle
and at the domestic hearth~st0ne. It has ever been a part of the social life
and home religion of Newhuryport mothers to implant in the minds and
hearts of their sons and their daughters the principles of honor, sobriety and
chastity, and to furnish them with motives of an honorable ambition to make
their mark in the World, and to feel that upon their conduct, in some measure,
rested the honor of the place of their birth and the homes of their childhood
and youth. ' '

This home culture in moral principles and in personal honor and ambition,

has been met with a new and corresponding force, in the excellent character 1

and activities of the public schools. These schools have long since brought
honor to the town, and been esteemed as among her rarest and richest gems.
However adverse may have been the general social state‘ of the people, the
influence of the public schools has been eminently and uniformly in favor of
the idea of an essential, original equality among mankind.

Under these circumstances many sons of Newburyport have been sent
forth from the humblest dwellings of the poor, with no treasures for a
reliance but the treasures of mind, with a discipline already began, a heart
unstained with love. of evil, a mother’s faithful teachings and prayers, and the
Bible tied in the bundle containing the wardrobe. They have gone out into
the world, to meet its battle and its strife, nerved most strongly in the severest
conflicts,vvith the thought that a fond mother at home might be gladdened

86 THE NEWBURYPORT CELEBRATION.

with their success, or pained lat their defeat, or die at their disgrace. And
‘wherever Newburyport boys have thus gone, they have made their mark, and
acquired a good name, and exerted a good influence. They have labored
often amidst discouragements and difiiculties, and found it hard to creep,
where others, from superior advantages, could easily run ; but nerved to the

purpose and motive so often and so strongly impressed upon Newburyport ,

boys to be something, whatever their calling and however hard the conditions,
they succeeded in improving their lot, in establishing an influence-— generally
a good influence--— among men, and sometimes to cause their deeds to be
honorably known beyond the limits of their acquaintances, and their good
name to be cherished in their old town, by those who had never seen them.
There is something hopeful and cheering in this to the young men of our
times. It has ceased to be a necessity for a man to be a warrior or connected
with the professions in order to distinguish himself. The world is full of
want, and every true hearted man my serve a use among men. The demand
is more and more for the practical men, they of the directing head and the
skilful hand. For the reliable shipbuilder, the able mechanic, the thorough

' workman in all branches of labor and art, the capital of the world is seeking.

These arethe men most needed ; and the activities of the world in material
and mechanical contrivances--—in the union of science and art, will cause the
demand to increase, and the reward enlarged, until the engineer shall become
the hero of the not distant future of our country and our age, and receive
the richest material reward, because requiring the largest abilities. There is
a bright hope then in the future, to the poor boys of Newburyport and of the
country, in the present shaping of the public mind. The intelligent laborer,
with a head enlightened by science, and hands made skilful by art, does not
now, and will still less in the future, be compelled to kneel at the foot of
capital to be furnished with work, for capital now eagerly seeks for such men,
and is glad when it has secured their services on terms of an equitable
division of the profits.

The boys, then, that are now in the ship-yards and mechanic shops, in the
mills, and on board your vessels, have the encouragement ofiered them to

“ task all their energies for the new condition of things. Labor has at length

come to be honored in our country, and the laborer to be met on terms of
equality and to receive the respect due to men who are engaged in performing
the highest uses to mankind. , ,

Did time admit, and your patience allow, I should be glad to lead you
forward to a special contemplation of the probable unfoldings of the future;
but I must close. T

A word however may be due to the State of my adoption, suggested by the
sentiment you have ofiered to her. Maine is eminently a working State, with
a population enlightened, moral and ipatriotic. Her great interests are
intimately connected with the peace, welfare, and prosperity of the whole
country. Her interests and feelings, her opinions and actions, are a fact and
.a prophecy of the whole people ;, atleast the industrial T and business people

rrnn DINNER. A - 87

of the free States, and of that prophetic and hopeful future to the individual
sons of toil. Her position to-day, and the progress of her people prophesy
and prove that in the not distant future, the hod-carrier and the ship-owner--—
the mechanic and the professional man—--the clam~digger and the merchant,
and men of all colors and professions»-the lowly and the lofty, shall meet in

fraternal intercourse, united by a common bond of equality, and enjoying .

the blessings of a common culture, and animated by the same hopes, and
seeking the same great ends-—--the uplifting and improvement of the race. I
have an abiding confidence in the future for man, for labor and for my
country. But my hopes for the success of my country in her,‘ as yet, experi-
ment for promoting liberty, and for her progress and her glory, is not in the
fact that reckless and ambitious men may try their hazardous experiments
upon her honor and strength, or in changing her general direction towards
the point of freedom, but rather in the intelligence, right-heartedness, and
patriotism of the masses of the people, who having only honest ends to
accomplish, shall labor to establish the goiernment upon the everlasting
foundations of right, of truth, and moral principles, and who, when bad men
attempt experiments of evil, shall resolve in their inmost souls that the evil
shall be ‘overcome by good-—»by their own resolve to do and to determine

what shall be done.

Old Newbury.

Joshua Coffin, Esq., of Newbury, spoke in substance as fol- i

lows :
Mn. Pnnsrnnn'r--

On an occasion like the present, when memory with its reminiscences
and the heart with its affections are laboring for utterance, it is exceedingly
diiiicult, nay impossible to select what is appropriate, and condense it into a
suiiiciently narrow compass. The poet, who was required to express his
sentiments

“ In twelve packed lines, rich, luscious, juicy, sweet,
No bone or trimmings, nothing there but meat,”
could not possibly have succeeded, had his theme been “ Old Newbury.”—--
He would have said in the language of 'Scotland’s favorite bard,
“ Oh how that name inspires my style, O
My words come skelpin rank and file,
Almost before I ken;
The ready measure runs as fine,
As Phoebus and the tuneful Nine,
Were glowing o’er my pen.”

He would have needed the power‘ to compress an ocean of matter in a
drop of words. But what can I do, who have not that power 21 I find my-
self somewhat in the situation of the celebrated shipwright who built the
frigate Alliance, in the Revolutionary war. On reviewing a treatise that he

 N THE NEWBURYPOR'I" GEIJEBRATIONW

had written on naval architecture he was so dissatisfied with the "worlc that
he tore out leaf after leaf till nothing was left but the index. That, gentle»-~
men, is just my case. I have nothing left but the index, and 1'. can give your
only an abstract of that. But what is there in Old‘ Newbury that is so sug----
gestive and inspiring? It is the place of our nativity. It is the place of our
hoyish days, and is associated with all our earliest recollections. In one word,
which is the most comprehensive in any language, it is or was our “ home.”
Of this brighter, sweeter spot than all the rest, all of us who have even left it.

can say
“ Where‘er I’ roam,.whatever lands I see,

My heart untravelled fondly tnrns to thee...”

There are other reasons also which strengthen our love of home. We are
descended from an ancestry of-' whose names and deeds we are not ashamed ,.
who have left behind them enduring memorials of" their sagacity, their fortiw
tude and their moral worth; and we are this day assembled to pay due:
homage to the memory of those who in the times that tried rnen’s souls,
either in the struggles of their colonial dependence or in the later days of the
Revolution, were tried and not found wanting. When in addition to all these"
considerations, we add that some of the most ‘beautiful scenery to be found:

, anywhere, is within the ,limts of Old Newbnry, who can wonder at our

peculiar love of home it Good old Judge Sewall’, who spent his early days’. in
Newbury, till he removed, as many of those whom I see around melhave
done for a wider sphere of usefulness, in Boston, who was a diligent student
of the prophecies, expressed it as his opinion that the millennium would com-»
mence somewhere in the vicinity of Old Town Meeting House. I used;
to think such an opinion a strange one, but I should not new so much won-»
der if after all the old gentleman was correct. His father was one of the
founders and first settlers of Old Newbury, who were arernarkahle race of?"
men, of great mental and physical energy ;- ofa faith that would remove-
mountains, and‘: of a practice corresponding to» their belief’; and however the
winds might blow or the storm beat on their devoted heads, they, in the lan---
guage of Cromwell, put their trust in God and kept their powder dry. Andi

‘ while Milton, and Sydney, and Russell, and Bunyan, and Hampden were-

battling the tyrannies of the old» . world, were doing in another form an.
equally efi'ec'tive service in this wilderness of the new., God, says Gov.
Slaughton, sifted three nations to bring some of the finest wheat into New”
England. _lThat some of the choicest of that wheat was sown broadcast in»
Old N ewbury, we have abundant evidence, not only from what has been, but
what now is. We have the evidence all! around us.. Grapes do not grow on
thorn bushes, nor figs on Canada thistles. Of the ninety-onelgrantees of this

‘ . ancient and beautiful tdwn, from whom it received its character and who

shaped its destiny, nearly every one could read , and write... .'.l3hey therefore

i felt themselves competent torjudge for themselves, and believing that the Bible

and the Bible only was their rule of faith and practice, they swept away witlm
one dash of the pen every holiday from their calendar with the- enceptieza ed"

4' at

trmr. DINNER. 89

the Sabbath, which was to them emphatically a holy day, a‘ day of sacred

rest, an entire cessation from sport as well as labor. Everything that looked;
like popery was to them an abomination, and things in themselves trifling

"became important in connection with other things. Thus, for instance, long

hair was not to be endured. It was mentioned in wills; laws were enacted
against wearing the hair in the manner of rufiians and barbarous Indians ; and
in one of the town records of this county we find this record: “Samuel
Getchell is fined £10 for building a house on the town land without
permission, but “in case” he cut oil‘ the long hair of his head into a civil
frame he is to be forgiven .135, and in the meantime he may go on with his
house.” These, however, were trifles in comparison with the great and varied
exccllencics of their character. A. single instance of the firmness and decision
as well as tho grcntlcncss of their character, deserves honorable mention, and
with this I conclude. ‘ l

Itl:.tvir1;;ra.ri-ivccl. on the banks of the river Qtiatscacunqtien, they assembled

under the sprcadin,p; l;>rc.nclics of‘ a niajestic oak, and having entered into cov—~
errant with each other, and then chose the Rev. Thornas Parker to be their

ruling; older; after hearing an exposition of his views in respect to church.

governrncnt, they entered into a solemn covenant and compact with Messrs
I’arl<cr and Noyes to he their teacher and pastor. Believing that every church
had a riglrt to choose their own spiritual guides, it follows as an absolute
necessity. that every man should know how to read the Bible.‘ They had no
faith in the (rlognia that “igr'1c>1~:tnc:c is the mother of devotion, and that the
cflicacy of laws depended on their not being understood.” Free schools,
therefore, have been cvcrywlicr-c established, and are the pride and glory of
New Elr'xg1atrit;l.. Our fathers chose their spiritual guides somewhat after the
Il1£l.l‘lIl(lI'()i"tl”).(31?l.1‘1(ii€;':ili3 iimtrtrtns in czlioosing their rulers. “ We that are as
good as you, choose you to be our hing; if you use us well, we will use you
well ; and if not, not.” V One of these “ nets,” which can neither be untied nor
cut, was made by Mr Parker in about ten years after his settlement, by a
change of views respecting church government. They adhered to the original
cornpact, that he should be primes isterpcres. He, on the other hand, was
determined to he ymfirias. Both parties were unyielding and uncompromising-.
The word compromise was not in their vocabulary. The church accordingly
wrote him. a letter, in which among other things they say, “ we are enforced,
though with great grief’ of‘ heart, to suspend you from acting anything that
doth appcrtuin to your oilice,---and in the mean time, as a ‘ gifted brother,’
you may preach for the edification of the church, if you please.” He was
pleased to preach, and they were pleased to hear, regularly attended public
worship for twenty-five years, and regularly paid him his salary, held him in
ltigh esteem, and after his death ordered the river Quascacunquen to be called
thc1'ivcri,I’arkcr, in remembrance of the worthy, learned and reverend Mr.
Thornas Parker. Here was a rernar-kable instance of rnildness and firmness,
which, unless I greatly mistake, has been one of the predominanttraits in the
character of their descendants, to the present day. , The next “ not ” which

90* run‘ NEWBUTRYPORT CELEBRATION‘.

came in their Way, was the usurpation of Andros, which they untied lip“
seizing and sending him to England. The last “ not” was a gordian one,
which the wvhole country distinctly intimated their purpose to cut on July 4th,
1776. One consequence of this declaration, is the present assemblage, virhov-I
have come once more to visit the homes of their childhood, and do honor to
the memory of their fathers. In the name, therefore, of old Newhu-ry, and of"
all the associations that cluster around that time-honored name, I bid you all
welcome thrice, to this green oasis in the world-wide wilderness. I close-
With the following sentiment :.

Old I\7czoc’)ui'y, u*2't7e her two 13/ooiiziiig l)nz.l_q.7:.z*e7's, Port and ‘iilreet-In interests:
and affection, now and forever, one and inseparable.

Rev. Paul Couch, of l_\Torth Bridgewater,Mass, Wasnext.

E called upon andflspoke‘ as follows :

Mn. 1\I.4.*ron-- -
Indulge Inc one moment. F0‘:-ty years ago I attended the public school.-

.~ kept by Den. Long, or as we called him, MasterLong. One of the quaint

usages of the eccentric disciplinarian was to resolve the whole school into a'con1-»-
mittee oi‘ vigilance, under the general instruction “ to seize a talker, and go.”
Now I do not intend at this late hour to incur the risk of being sci.-zed as a talker’
but I wish, in the briefcst manner, to give utterance to feelings which it is».
hard to suppress, at this time and in this place.

Your note of invitation to the sons and daughters of Newhnryport, scat-
tered to the four winds, to come home to a family festival on the fourth. of
July, I read with gladness of boyhood revived, and in the fulness» of c1'0Wdiugr;
recollections, and gushing fecltings, I said, I will go up to that feast. One of
my sti-ongest desires was that of ascertaining ivhat meaning you would give to
the fourth of July; to" learn by observation and sympathy what interpretation
you would give to the declaration of independence ; to learn whether at this
ominous hour Newhuryport was right side up, careeniing, or ca )5lZBCl..

Within the first two hours after my arrival, happening in conversation with
an old acquaintance, to allude to the subject whicli just now takes the lead
of all otheis, I was confounded, saddened, (not to say Inaddened) to hear the
avowal that the late act of Congress, which is a violation of public faith and
honor, and opens Wide territories to the curse and blight of slavery, would be
sustained by a majority of your citizens. I instantly replied, it can? t he so ;.
if I believed  Weret I should take the next train of cars and he oiii

Mr. Mayor, I did not believe the Words of my friend. I considered them,
in meaning, though not in design, an aspersion on the fair fame of my native
town. i

‘I do not, I cannot believe such words. Were conviction of their truth I
forced upon me, I would turn in sadness from the home of my boyhood“, th e

scenes of early joys and privileges, and trials and hopes, from the graves , of‘
my parents, (seeking other dust to cover mine) and in deepest sorrow and

(me DINNER. . 91

eolernnity of spirit, I would go forth. from your city,sl1eking the dust from my
feet as a testimony egeiiist you. But, Mr. Mayor, that cannot be; New»
huryport, true to herself, will he steadfast in defence of freedom, justice end
humanity.

Titre folIowing.g speeches were prepined for the occasion,
by those who were to represent vnxions delegntioxis end hodies,
but the lateness of the i.1Q'Lll” prevented the reading of the reg-
uler toests,lin response to which the gentlemen were to speak.
By perticnlnr request of the Clornrnittee on .l§’uhlicntion, those
gentlemen have ‘l;.indIy l?1li‘l‘1l5'.al'l€i.l us witli :3. copy of their
enticipntecl re1n.:trlcs, which ere here inserted to connplcte the
feast of intellect intended to he enjoyed.

The 0a'ta.:'cn AS'OZ(.‘ZI,'(3i‘y---Tl.'lC5 s:.ii'eg1‘1z1.1?cl of our liberties.

Speech of the Hon. Elzienezcr B1‘2ft(;ll)l1l‘_y',,C)i'.A11l)L11“ilCltllG,,,
formerly co1r1n1:m(:le:>1* of the N cn'li1,1r‘,yp<:>1't Artillery Company,
which position he filled upon the renppen niece of tliztt corps on
this occasion.

(Jim Cxrrmnn iSe»I..1:.>rnns---~ _

The sentiment just announced is suggestive of‘ topics cornrnonly fiorming
the were nnd woc>£'ofIJ‘o111'tl1 oi’ July specclies. To such it sentiment, a.
response could he griven, exceedingly g*cncrel, or psrticuler and studied. My
privilege to respond is e compliment to the 1:>os.ition elssigned to me on this
occasion, by my old military comrades, and I think I do not rnisinterpret their
views, in substituting, in some degree, the c.-oncreto for the abstrczet, the historic
for the spccnletiire. I am quite inclined to edopt the sentiment, and follow‘

the example of our reverend fellow townsrnen, now of Bsng~o1~. To study,

for a. speech on such an occasion is like.e:s;ercising;; in attitude and gesture
preliminary to at filial visit to the paternal homcstced. This, of all occasions,
is one surely for congretnlzttion, for friendly irxterchnngcs, for the revival of
fading reminiscences, end the indulgence of local pride end affection.

Who covets disquisitions on the ides of‘ the citieerz soldzer? To be a citizen
is one thing, to be a soldier is another, and the easier. And then, too,ii' every

92 , THE NEWBURYPORT CELEBRATION.

body was a good cz't£zen We should need no soldiers, and that fact casts a
shadow on this topic. And besides, in discussing this compound character,

. we are in danger of landing on debatable ground. The economist deems it

an expensive mode of defending the right, and the scientic professional
vvarriorcleems it an ineflieient mode. Models of intrepid patriotism, and
military excellence, from provincial and pure revolutionary history, could
be arrayed before you. But who would listen to the question, whether Miles
Standish acquired tactics in the armies of James, or on the heaths of James’
native land, amid the clansmen of the highlands? Of what value is the
question whether Gates, trained in the regular camp, or Greene, from the

V militia parade, were the greatest generals? And later wars are pregnant with

questions not to be discussed, as to the best persomzel of armies.

We came here today as soldiers from a long furlough of a quarter of a
century, to parade ourselves as models of‘ “citizen soldiers,” who in their
day, and in this day, present fair illustrations of the meaning of the character
complimented in the toast. This corps, enjoying the honored historic name
of the “ Nevvburyport Artillery Company,” commenced its career during the
Revolution, and volunteered, with full ranks, to serve under Inafayette in the
Rhode Island expedition. It has from that day to this been a school of
patriotism, of public spirit, of social order, and often of military science. It
has ever been composed of men who knew their rights, and dared maintain

V —them.~ From its ranks many have been called, by popular suffrage, into civil
service, presumptively proving a partial title at least to the honor of the -

appellation of “ citizen soldiers.”

The gratification afforded in this reassembling of old associates from
various districts of the country, has been, to them, greatly heightened by
witnessing the beautiful and disciplined condition of their successors, the
present corps who have so well performed your escort duty to day. May
they never see a darker day, and may they, as have their predecessors in all
past time, deem all their tactics, and training, and sacrifices, as instrumental
and subordinate to the great purpose of securing the civil rights of the com-
munity of which they form a part.

I New Ifarrz12sIiii?e-The fame of her statesmen as everlasting as her granite:
iills. ' ' -i

Speech of Hon. Abner Greenleaf, the first Mayor of Ports»
mouth, N. H. in behalf of the Portsmouth delegation.

Ma. MAYOR AND Ge1~rrLEM:eN—--”

The annual return of this day, even under ordinary circumstances, is of
itself deeply interesting to every American, andalways tends to awaken the
most ardent patriotic feelings. The anniversary of an event by which the old
thirteen United Statestor Colonies became free and independent sovereignties,
can never recur to an American heart Without calling forth some of the

C

THE DINNER. 93“
noblest sentiments of national pride. We naturally, on these occasions, look
back to the facts and circumstances that were instrumental in bringing.,,about
this state of things, and especially to that Declaration of Independence which
so signally marked that great event, and which appears on record as the first
page of our national history. It is now, and has been, from time-honored
usage, the practice, on the return of this anniversary, to read that Declara-

tion, containing as it does the bill of wrongs and oppressions that gave the l

impetus to our separation from the parent country, but not because we are
still harboring or cherishing in our bosorns an old grudge against the people
of that nation to which the States of North America were once subject. We
can have no personal animosity now to cherish-—--certainly not against the

a people of Great Britain in those times, for that generation has long since
passed. to its last account; nor can we be disposed to transfer to the present ‘

generation of lilnglishmen any hereditary national malevolence that may
have been entertained by our progenitors against the past, for that would be
visiting the sins of the fathers upon the children; but we now annually recur
to that instrument as an item of the deepest interest in our earlyvhistory,
inasmuch as it defines the causes that impelled our fathers to the separation--~
shows that our cause was just, and exhibits tothe world the fairness of our
origin as a people. '

It was happily remarked by a cogent and powmerfulm writer of our Revolu-
tion, that “ never had a country so many openings to happiness as this. Her
setting out in life, like the rising of a fair morning, was unclouded and
promising. Her cause was good. Her principles just and liberal. Her temper
serene and firm. Her conduct regulated by the nicest -steps, and everything
about her were the mark of honor. It is not every country, perhaps there is
not another in the World, that can boa-st so fair an origin. Even the first
settlement of‘ Am(31‘it:£t corresponds with the character of the Revolution.
Rome, once the proud mistress of the universe, was originally a band of
ruiiians. I’.1under and rapine made her rich, and the oppression of millions
made her great. But Arncrica needs never be ashamed to tell her birth, nor
relate the stages by Wl}li<'.'.ll she rose to empire.” *

Such was the true and f'aithi'ul delineation of our position and national
character, drawn by a master spirit of our Revolution,-at the close of‘ the
great struggle for independence, and at the very moment when “the times
that tried rnen’s souls ” were over, and the tumult of war had given place to
the tranquility of peace. And now, after a lapse of more than three score
years and ten, we trust we may safely felicitatc ourselves in looking back on
the intervening pages of our history, without a pang of regret to mar the fair

fame that was then so nohly won. This of itself‘, as I have already intimated,

is acause of joy and festivity on the annual return of this day, under any and
all circumstances. But the present occasion, to this numerous assemblage, is
of far more than ordinary interest---rnade so by the return of’ so many of the
sons and daughters of Newhury and Newburyport to the spot of their nativity,
from which they have, many of them for along period of time, been vo1un_

94: THE NEWBURYPORT CELEBRATION.

tary exiles, to join with you in celebrating the nativity of their country’s birth
on the spot where they first inhaled the atmosphere of freedom- There is a
peculiar “charm in revisiting the place of one’s nativity, however humble it
may be, that has a strong hold on every heart ; for there We imbibe impres-
sions that endure through life, and to which we are wont to recur with a
lively satisfaction and even reverence. How touchingly and beautifully has
one of our posts alluded to this innate attachment to the loved scenery of
our early homes.

“ How dear to this heart are the scenes of my childhood,
When fond recollection presents them to view;

The orchard, the meadow, the deep tangled wildwood,
And every loved spotthat my infancy l~:ncw.”

Sir, we have abundant evidence today of the universality of this feeling,
in the present demonstration of the sons and daughters of this ancient town,
who with so great a rush, have responded to the invitation of your city
authorities, to revisit the scenes of their nativity and early life--——-to roam
through your regularly laid out streets—-—to view once more your public
buildings-——your picturesque landscapes—-the Frog Pond and Mall-—-the shores
of the Merrimack———-to visit perhaps Black: Rocks, where we used to fish for
“torn code,” and the sandy, sea-beaten shores of Plum Island, where, long
before a bridge across Plum Island. river was thought of, we used to make
our periodical excursions, picking beach plums, gathering broom stuff to
make Plum Island brooms, with which the girls would sweep and streak our
sanded floors, (for there were comparatively few carpeted floors in those
days,)——-there too we would shoot plovers and snipes, and roll down the steep

sand hills. Finally, to look once more upon your verdant hills and valleys I

and all the fine scenery around you, not forgetting the old Common Pasture
where we used to drive our cows; and above all, sir, to take by the hand
their fathers, their mothers, their sisters, and their brothers, and all their early
associates and connections, to indulge once more in the luxury of mutual
greetings, and join in the rejoicings and festivities of our country's natal
day. This, my friends, is an occasion that reaches every family, every heart_

I know something of this from a similar gathering at my adopted city, on the

anniversary of Independence, one year since, and I doubt if an occasion had
ever before occurred in that city, that imparted to the hearts of our cummu-
nity an equal amount of joy.

Sir, I repeat, the place ‘of our birth, has, I believe, strong attractions for
all hearts ; and those who leave it, whether for permanent residences abroad,
or only for a time, still love it, like‘ “the old arm chair” of their mothers.
Our sons travel abroad and locate themselves in. distant cities, not always
because they like them better than the place of their nativity, but oftener for
purposes of gain. I Theyhpthink, perhaps, they can accumulate more property
elsewhere, and no doubt many of them do ; but their hearts untravelled, still,
at intervals, return to their native home. Some leave their birth-place only

~ for a season, not intending to locate abroad. Such are your weathenbeaten

ran DINNER. "I95

mariners; they cross every ocean——-~every sea---sail to all parts of the world--~
wend their way up every river, but leave their wives and all their loved ones
at the old home. They only go to sea to increase their means---“ to make
the crown a pound,” and the “crown and the pound are both for” their
“ sweet-hearts and wives ” at home. , l A
 It has sometimes been said of Portsmouth, my adopted city, that though
it confessedly owes much to the handicraft of nature, it owes little ‘to the
enterprising efforts of its inhabitants in the improvements of art, and that
hence its population has comparatively increased but slowly, and I do not
know but some such remark has at particular times been applied to this city.
I had supposed, however, that in the race of business and improvements, we
were getting along about alike, in a safe, business-like, quiet way, and pretty
-“much upon home capital. I have heard the remark from old sailors, that
those who make the most sputtering in the water with their ears, are‘ not
always making the best headway. I think, on the whole, if I may judge

from a general view, you are doing well; not always taking it for granted

that improvement consists in a more change of things; and as to the increase
-of population, I trust that, like Portsmouth, you are not so much indebted as
-many other cities, to a current of foreign immigration, setting in upon your
shores like the mountain torrent, threatening to overwhelm you—-—and it is
doubtful if you would be the happier for such an influx. You nevertheless
appear to he progressing, increasing your population steadily, step by step---—~
mostly in the old fashioned way, perhaps---but American mothers, God bless

them, are the best mothers in the world; and from the specimens afforded in g

the delegation from your sons abroad, now come back to greet you, we have
apretty plain dernonstration of the goodly numbers of your progeny that have
from time to time swarmed from the old hive. I have been thinking, since I
have seen them pouring in upon you in such large numbers, that there would
have been no lack of population if all had remained at home.

But it is more than questionable after all, whether it ought to be deemed a
matter of complaint or regret that our sons go abroad, though I have often
thought if they would make the same effort, and submit to the same priva-
tions at home as they necessarily do abroad, they might often do quite as
well at home, and enjoy quite as much of life"; but there is a proper time for
them to enter upon the stage life, and assume, among the people of the earth,
their appropriate station as men and citizens, and if they go abroad they
sometimes better their condition; at all events they better learn to rely upon

their own energies. I speak now, not as a_son, but as a father, for being an ‘

old man it is in that relation that I can best assimilate my own feelings with
yours. It is true that if our sons, leave their "parental roof and go forth upon
the wide world, we are ever anxious for their welfare, and often brood over
numerous imngtinary ills, that we are apprehensive may lie in wait to cut off
their enjoyment of‘ life and mar their prosperity, (and to our sorrow, such
apprehensions are not always groundless.) Yet, the joy in which we luxuri~
ate on their occasional return to us, is one of the great “sweeteners of life,”

96 it run NEWBURYPORT CELEBRATION.

and seems to make ample amends for the anxious hours we have passed in
their absence. Why, sir, even the prodigal son, especially when resolutely
bent on amendment of life, finds a warm welcome in the home of his child-
hood; the parental bosom nurses no “ accusing spirit” _to frown on his
approach,—-—-compassion alone bears sway---the father even runs and falls on
the neck of the repentant son--—they embrace-«heart beats to heart,——a tear is
dropped upon the record of his errors—--they are blotted out forever,--—wiped
away as with a sponge, and remembered no more against him. Even the
best robe is ordered to be brought fortl1,—-the fatted calf is killed, and joy

and festivity resound among the inmates of the old domicil. Indeed, the

pangs and regrets of‘ parting with our friends are in themselves sources of
heartfelt felicitym-they do but prepare thevvay for the alternate joy; of meet-

ing, and both are but specimens of the alternate lights and shadows of which -

this life is made up, and which are in fact necessary to complete the picture ;
for, if therewere no shadows, we would not appreciate the light. How, for
instance, could we have realized the joy of this gréat jubilee, this heartfelt
greeting, if We had never parted? Despairingly, indeed, might we look upon
the “black lettered list” of “ills that flesh is heir to,” were it not that the

“kind relenting angel,” in making it up, has “ slipped in,” here and there, a '

“blessing.” How consoling then the thoughaflthat, amid tears of sorrow, tears
of regret and tears of woe, we are sometimes also permitted to indulge in
dropping a tear of joy.

Sir, I ought not to take up the time of this numerous auditory in speaking
of myself, although Cicero, in his discourse on old age, which he puts into
the mouth of the elder Cato, tells us that it is the peculiar privilege of old

I , men to talk of themselves. But, sir, allow me to say that this scene of fes-

tivity is to me, in a peculiar manner, a sort of jubilee, not to be viewed in
the light of a common festival, but to some ezstent like the solemn festival of
the ancient Hebrews, that was kept every fiftieth year ; for, in a few months,
if my life be spared, I will have entered on the fiftieth year since I left this
place of my nativity, to take up my abode in a neighboring city. I was then
a young man of twenty~one. Hence, in that city, I can look back on the
scenes of my early manhood, there I commenced my duties as the head of a.
family. I There I have reared and brought up children. There a portion of
them rest in their last sleep, and although much the larger portion of the
remainder ofmy progeny are located in distant cities, I must be presumed
to have strong attachments to the city of my adoption, and having lived a
citizen of “ Old Strawberry Bank” for a term verging upon half of a century,
I begin to think I may almost claim the consideration of a native.

But to this, my native town, though my attachments are of course of a
different character, they are nevertheless strong. Sir, my heart is large
‘enough for both. Here the general ancestor of my family first located him-
self and his family with him, some two hundred and twenty years ago, as
emigrants from the county of Devonshire, in England. They were of the

nun DINNER. it ' '97

tscct oi?’ Protcstatits in France, contemptuously termed Hugnenots, who fled to
England to escape persecution, and finailylemigrated to this country and
ilocztted themselves in Newbury, (now Newburyport) in or about the year

1635. So says the tradition which I have often heard repeated by my hon!

«oretl grandmother, and so says the historian who has ‘compiled and is about
publishing (or has published) a genealogical history of the family. I have
.~already alludecl to the “luxury of mutual greetings between the sons of N ew-
buryport and their fathers, their mothers, their sisters and brothers, and all
their early associations; and I most heartily rejoice in the occasion. But
«alas, sir, although I am a son of N ewburypert, I have no father, no mother,

no sister, no brother now, to take by the hand. I am the only survivor of y

twelve children of the same father, and Ifind there are few left among
«other connections of my generation, and few of my early associates and
ti'ricnds.‘, Tliere was a time, sir, when I thought I know and could call by
‘mains nearly every "Family man in this place, and of‘ course most of the boys ;
“but now thcreis not one probably -in a hundred with whom I have had the
{pleasure of an acquaintance. Yet here I. love occasionally to return, to roam
through your city and its environs,-—to view the scenes of my infant days,—-—-
-more particularly among those localities which. have most retained the as-
apect of former tim.es,——-«to look upon the house in which I was born, erected
by my honored father, and in which my excellent mother died, too early,
talus, for me to recollecther, but of whom I have heard so much, that the sight
of this unpretending mansion ever calls forth emotions of filial reverence
and voncration. Honor thy father and thy mother is said to be the first com-
mandment with promise, but where is the son or the daughter claiming the
respect of society, who does not esteem it among the higher order of priv-
alleges, to lovethe immediate authors of their being, while living; and to rev-
«ercnce their rnemories when no more. I 
But as a large portion of my associates and connections here, of my gen-
eration, have passed to their long home, I have only the melancholy pleasure
«of re-visiting their graves. Yet even than I find subjects of contemplation,
:that are neither unpleasant nor unprofitable. I liave nevertheless, on this

occasion, met with a goodly number of old acquaintances, still residents of I

this city, with whom I have been happy to meet, and others, who like my-
self‘, have been long abroad, some living‘ at a great distance, with whom I
should probably never again have exchanged salutations, but for the peculiar
«occasion that has now drawnus together.

There is much more that I would like to say, for the variety of matter that
I would deem applicable to this occasion, is by no means exhausted. I did
intend to have given a few hasty sketches of some of the men who occupied
prominent stations in your community, when I was young, and had, in fact,
committed some of them to writing ; but I am admonished that I have
already extended my remarksbeyond a reasonable length.‘ 4 I will, therefore,
«close by tendering my thanks, both in behalf‘ of myself and my colleagues
composing the delegation from Portsmouth, for the invitation you have

 

98 THE NEWBURYPORT CELEBRATION.

extended to us, in cornrnon with your sons from the various cities throughout
the Union, and for the cordial welcome with which we have been met--—-a
welcome  has thrilled our hearts,---not because we have seen it written
upon. your banners--upon the borders of your streets, or upon your house-
tops, but because we feel that it is more legibly written upon your hearts.

I now offer you the following sentiment : I

The Citizens of Nsztvburyport and their om22.'aZ2ls W ices» and Dctza_q7zters—~—A.

community of a. highly moral character-—-—intelligent, Well educated, liberal
and hospitable ; may her prosperity and happiness ever attend them.

ll’-’t'2yz‘2z2'ct:-—'I‘he birthplace of the most distinguished son in our nation’s
history.

Speech of ‘S. B. T. Caldwell, Esq., of Wheatland, Va. ::

Mn. MAYOR. AND FELLOW Crrxzxsns on N1sw13nnrroit'r—-~

Is it possible I stand here the sole representative of the good Old Domin-
ion ? Is there no one here to respond to the sentiment just offered? If so, I
am sorry she is no more ably represented. Yet something must be said ;,
although it is not my intention to inflict a speech upon you, I must say some-
thing. I owe it to you, whose hospitality I enjoy---I owc‘it to myself and
to my adopted state to say a word or two.

I claim not the high honor of being a native son of Ncwburyport-«No! I
was born among the granite hills of New Hampshire, but much of my time
was spent in this model town. It was here, with unfortunate “ Master
Coffin,” and your highly esteemed and much lamented Banister, that I
passed pleasantly, and I trust profitably, the latter years of my boyhood. It
was here that I first learned the great and important lesson of self'—dcpcnd—-
once. and it was here that I first felt the full force of that curse pronounced
upon all the descendants of Adam, that I was to “ eat my bread by the
sweat of my brow.” I saw too, that this devoted town was withering, liter»

" ally, underthe seething’ effects of fire and sword. The fire of 1811 had

crippled, and the war of ’12 had prostrated, her comrnercial prosperity, and
that there was then poor encouragement for a pennylcss dependent upon any
profession or calling. But a change has come over the spirit of her dream.

With these facts before me, I left the loved horns of my youth “and wan-
dered forth under the guidance of that superintending providence,

“I Who sees with equaleyes as (ind of all,
A hero perish, or a sparrow fall.”

That Providence directed my footsteps into Virginia, and by a singular
fatality kept me there and gave entirely a new direction to my business pur-
suits. For years I felt myself a temporary sojourner there. I did not like
her political institutions, among other reasons, because she disfranchiscd me--~
did not allow me the poor privilege of voting, although she taxed me heavily.
But I did like the salubrity of her climate---the fertility of her soil--«the hos-
pitality of her people, and the fascinating charms of at least one of her fair
daughters. I - I ' ‘

THE DINNER. 99

’“ But in 1830 it pleased the people of that state to revise their - constitution, .

and by so doing they took me into full political communion; still many
deserving citizens were without the pale of the constitution, and many glaring
defects in their organic law still existed. In due time, after two decades, she
again, in 1850, adopted another constitution, more republican in all its
features--——some think. a Zeetle too much so. Under it, however, she -is
arousing from her lethargy---~-following the example of her sister states, by
improving her fair domain—-making her railroads and canals, and developing
her almost inexhaustible resources. No state in this great and glorious con»
federacy possesses greater natural advantages than my good old step—mother.
It is true she has her faults, and where is the community that has not. If
ieft to herself she will correct them as readily as any other people. But
“ With ail her faults I love her still.”

I am proud of my native state, and rejoice in her prosperity. Proud of this,
my ctlma mater, and rejoice to meet so many of her accomplished (not prod-
igal) sons to~day—--proud of my adopted state, and rejoice to see her profiting
by good examples; and proud that I stand before you a citizen of the Amer-

ican Union, feeling no prejudice--— knowing no sectional interest. Proud of

my country, my whole country, and nothing but my country. But my affec-
tions are centred in Virginia. In’ her bosom repose the ashes of my sainted
mother, my beloved wife, and three of my affectionate children. Her soil is
consecrated ground, and I see infused into her institutions a little more of
that spirit which so signally marks the counsels of this and my native state,
and which is the brightest gem "on the fair escutcheon of this enchanting town
---~I mean that noble spirit which liberally provides for the education of_ your
sons and your daughters by the diffusion of free schools among your thriving
population, I should be prouder still.

Your town has been, time immemorial, proverbial for the excellence of her
educational facilities, throwing the door of knowledge wide open to all your
chilclren, inviting them to enter and partake “without money and without
price.” But not satisfied with that, your Putnam has raised a monument to
his memory more lasting than granite, by establishing aschool of high grade,
which, it‘ I understand aright, is open and free to the whole country. Would
to God the whole union had free access to such schools. They are what
makes Newburyport proud of her sons, and her sons proud of her. I will
close by submitting the following sentiment:

Ncwlnzny/po2~t——Hei‘ churches and her school-houses are lasting monuments

of her moral and mental culture; her physical and pecuniary abilities are
seen all around and about as. . .1

The Ziferc/mat and the Artz'sun—-—-By whose enterprise and’ skill our cities
are founded, our rivers dammed, earth’s ocean traversed, and the desertmade
to bloom and bud lilcethe rose. I

. Speech of Thomas Woodman, Esq., of the Lowell dele-
gation. . .

Ma. Pitnsrnnnr-— r I y I ,»
There are heads fuller charged with acceptable thoughts than mine, and

100 sun Nnwnearrenr OEEEBRATION.

better disciplined-J tongues to give them utterance among the small delegations
from Lowell today, who might speak to the edification and interest of this»
large and intelligent group of children who are now assembled arounsl-then
family table ;. but as they seem inclined to an “expressive silence,” I will, in.-
'a few Words, try to unburden a heart almost ready to burst with strong and
varied emotions. I congratulate myself? that I am permitted to be here to-day,
Where there can be no role? shoulders, but where nature seems most cordially
to unite with “the old folks at home” in giving the returning ehildren as
warm a reception» as could reasonably be wished. But sir, intense as the heat
has been, I have escaped a sun-st7'0l:c,., yet I’ must own up to beiing p'ovreri"ullyv
struck by the beautiful and intelligent eountenances of your ciuzzyiiters, and, to
quote an old native bard, whose epitaph was written many years before lie
died, by a sister bard still living, I have vividly flelt that f" there was rnusic:
in beauty,,” and could

“Hardly control -
The wild dance of the soul, -
With dimples and smiles singing by..?"

 

I am not “a man with soul so dead“ as not to love th e spot where I first"
saw the bright green of earth and the calm blue of heaven; and I }l1l.'V'6l‘

reason to love it, sir. One of its beautiful gardens of’ graves is the resting»

place of. my houoredparents, who, when living, “ None knew but to love,”
and whom, now dead‘, “ None name but to praise.’’’' True, my father was a;
rank and file man, he was a baker, but nothing would make, me more c7*zistyr

to find the man who dared to call him slticlc‘-halted, dang/i-fanned or dbzzgbw-r

headed. He was one of the noblest works of God-—~—-an honest man.
Some of my own bones lie here too, sir. It seems to be my lot to pay“
the great debt of nature by installments. I lost part oi’ a finger here some

thirty years since, and but four years ago a part oi’ my right arm, in Lowell 

and although I felt rather modest about saying any thing on this occ.-asion,
who is there betterqualificd to tantra the stamp, or make an mama speech,
than myself‘. I lived‘ in this town nearly twenty-two years before I left it,

and after an absence of eight years returned again and sojourned here a few
years longer, then again bid it goodbye, and in the expressive language of”
Goldsmith,  can truly say, that

' “"1 drag-,g’d at each 1'emevc a lengthening chain.”'

I had long thought Newburyport WSS rather small‘ of her age, but I aim happy
to see that she has grown fast since I was here last, and I honor those who:
led in the movement “thus to “,len'gthen her cords,” sltliough I frankly:
own that I am no annexationist, in the present wide sense of the term.

It gladdens my heart that I’ am again permitted to behold this goodly town,.,
like Mount Zion of old, so ‘I’ beautiful for situation,:"’ the “joy” of all her“
children, and the admiration of‘ all who have ever “stood.Wi.thin her gates;”“'
She“ has been “ a fruitful vine,” and “her children” to day have been “ lihtr
01ive- plants round about her table.” To borrow still farther the language or?
the Bard of Israel, “May her some even he as plants grown up-in their yeuthg,

~ A THE a nrnnen. , 101

and her daughters be as corner-stones polished after the similitude of a

palace.” .
There are many little, but to me interesting localities, the original features

of which have been nearly obliterated by the rapid rnarchoft public improve-
ment, which I need not name, yet around them all .

“ Eacli wish o_f my heart
Entwines itself verdantly still.”

But there are others still left. Frog Pond is not yet dry. Precious old spot!
May its boundaries never be less. I have been glad to see to—day that there
still “ Green“ grow the rushes 0.” But where are those widespreading
willows that shaded the spot where I once went to school, under which I
have made the only whistles that I have not paid “ too clear” for. I I passed
that spot this morning but they were gone, “root and branch.” Theyrhave
mrde their last bows and taken their last leaves, and it made me sad to think
thatl should never sit under their shadows again. That old wooden school-
house is gone too. I shall never forget that. I have been “ clapped” there
many times ; but clapping in those days meant most anything but

applause. r *

’I‘urkey Hill I believe yet stands firm, and other places where shag~barks
could be obtained, that I used to visit in Autumn, when the frost-king had
been over them and left his tokens there. And here, Mr. President, bear
with me if I introduce a few lines of my own, published some dozen years
since, descriptive of a nntting enterprise. '

How often through those woodlands, with some adventurous band
Qt‘ hardy schoolrnates, would I roam with club and pole in hand;
And with our sturdy missiles some towering tree assail,

'l"i1l the armor’d nuts were beaten off and rattled down like hail.

Anti there we loin . er’d till the sun shed his expiring ray,

'l‘hez1 swung our mrdexis on our backs and homeward nrg’d our way,
And lucky wiphts we thought ourselves if when our toil was o’er
No ruthlesss ‘ lawful owners” came to rob us of our store.

I might allude to many other spots, Mr. President, each possessing a
charm, but I forbear. My design was, in a few words, to empty a full heart,
but the tide of strong emotion rushes in much faster than I can free myself
of it in language, and I shall relieve the company, if I do not myself", by
sitting down. Be assured, sir, that this glad meeting to-day has invested the
place of my birth with new endearrnents, and I shall hereafter love it with a
firmer, fender, heartier and holier affection. Permit me to offer as my
concluding sentimentw l r

'1’/is Beautzfful City of Newburyport-r—“Peace be within thy walls, and

prosperity within thy palaces, for my brethren and companions sake.” I
will now say, Peace BE WITIIIN THEE. r

l The EarZy'Remz'niscences of the Old plievisiting Sons. I l l t  .
Speech of JohnlMerri1l, Esq., of New York: up

,Mn. lPnns11>aNr.--~-— , t I I I c
As one of those old sons,“ (thoughlpsomewhat the junior of one of the family

105?) THE NEWB'URYPORT CELEBRATION.

of a previous generation, who has actively participated in the »eelei:irn;tion,h
while I have witnessed the very cor-dial, and in more senses than one the verge
warez reception, accorded to us, and which receives, as it <lomn.nde,. our most
grateful acknowledgments, I naturally" recur to my enrly associations end’:
early associates. Wlint I say on this enhjeet is not the result ofmueh reflee-
tion, being unexpectedly here, end neeessinily 1~efer1-ing to myself in thie
connection may sever of egorzia-m. OF my brief‘ 1-efereriee to e.e;:o<:ie.tee I slxnlit
deal in generalities, esit would he invidious to attempt to ptilI‘i'.iC11ii11‘IZO. I
am fully aware, too, of the irnprantienliility of prep:i.1~ing any etzgggestionsv,
Whielt would be epproprime both to en hi12;triou.e meeting»; and to the oczeneiort
of grave contemplation. Antone; my ee.riie.et ireeollemxione of any gone1*nt
interest, was the lenneh thorn the ship-yerci, nenr Pineltleherry 1*’netnre, (tea
adopt the popular prnnuneietion,) in which I fiiret gnve evidence et’prJeec3eeii1g;
lungs and vitn.1ity;I say the lenneli of. e 2irz.nn.9ter. merelnnit el1ip,'Whieli etztnicztecft
a vast eoneoureeof people, nbour. 5:”; years ztgo end nhont  yeme iifter the
invention, by the builder, of‘ the mode of” i'>uiic.liin,o; by tnociele. Why, sir, she
was about 600 tons, and eelied, I think, the “ M:t:+mec:l1n.eetta.” "I‘l:1et inven~~
tion of the model; with little or no e.lteretion_. hen been grenxitoeely need by
individuals and the U. S. Government ever einee.

Then sir, we were pupils of the i§(L‘.ilfJ()Ii%i in P‘:il1.eli;t1ry’n I1il.I'1rC3---A.i1'i(Iit7-i Whil:--
mere, master, and at very gooci one, tliozsngglr he nnnie no greet pretentiiorie to
high lriterery tttteintneriyts ; £lft01‘iViLrdtl lc;:r;,«.j,v,- en olii-eer oi" the c:1:zsatoz'n.-Le ’I‘h»ere
was announced the cleeeznze oflithe “ lintiiicar of his Country,“ end. in honor‘ of‘
his memory, we heye of ammo lm.lf' e. ciezten yenre et‘ age, i1.ttciiitpti:Li on at very
smell eenle whet we eelleci it miilitnry nelehretien.

‘ Soon after the family removed to whet the Low e'trc;zetern ee.1lea.i “ii 'iiT”iptoe,""
as I suppose tlieyytlieng,-lit thnt enri etreete ieelmi down upon tlmin. ’.l.‘il;:ie:
too, wee in or near the piece known by the enphenirme neme of Ii;’iIii.»rehire,
the hounclnrieeyrof wlzzieh I didrnet know, er lieve ibrp;-ottciii. ’Lif'hen too, the
ehnreh on (Ti'~1~::ieelir'rpper Plnins hevingp ]fiilii:‘:i¢;3(.i the etnpge of‘ oe<:npztrn§y-~tliere
being; no rninieter--—-we went down to town to 1‘nee:ting~, rneny of‘ its to the iron
wvorhe, (I intend no iiierespeet) nenr Ii3rewn’eI ihinere on Etihttimiaziy ei'ter-
noone to recite the shorter ‘Weetniineter if.in.tervl'ii:+;n1, enci when prop'x"ietc)re’
ehilcixreng lied.‘ the privilege of selecting n. “ <:hoil_-.e ” hooh. f'rom. the old Nortit
Library‘; and on friundeys were privile ml with two long eervieeaa, when grenerwl
ally the leghimate doctrines of‘ that Ci:l1i7i2(.*i1ii3iI1*~*ti,S totnl depravity, finnl
perseverance, eiecetion, &e., were clieeriseed end “proved g” and new thrmg,>;h
the foiznrietien remains, the enperetrtietnrre line entirely ciienppeereci. Then
houses of worship were unwztrrnedy. Whet tl‘:inl«t you our modern people
would say to tech £1. service, in such it house, on one of our cold winter lciitye,
Or 0Spec:iu.11y how would enr feeixioheiile heilee i'z‘tl'@, with theii;tI:1ii1 eheee en «:1
thinner ciressee, But here I would any in all eerionex1eee,i that the pfrenuher,

whose eizlmquent preeeliirzg of poiitice, en a i‘eee:'niiet, wnnl<'i not have pre-

ljudg-ed me in his fever, wee iiighly te1eyn'tevi-~—-it powerful ti.I‘;,tfi1L!r and an

a.C00:.I1pIi8i'1£.‘tI gentlemen, and hes left; n yv-tryi wearthy 1'c>preeeriteiive ef cleéseriw

V af'terwarl<1e. These disasters aided in the removal of our young men.

THE Dsxlmltlt.

etlly very high standing, in the person of his son, the oldest clergyman of? our
larggest city. _ ,

But let this kind of rem-ark suffice. I have introduced this trifling partly
that the announcement of my sentiment should not too much sudden the
pleasant feelings of our company, but principally to illustrate a practice then
and previously prevalent, of calling persons and places by lutlicrous or re-
proachful names, but which happily has become nearly obsolete. But I
must pass rapidly along or ll1'€.‘!3[)\£’tt3S on others’ time. The schools, acedeniy
encl college, throng-lit up to the time of‘ the great fire, which had a blighting;
influence on the town, in connection with the 0111i)i.tr§;‘0&3S, non—intex-cont-no and
war,) and thence to eeeking a living; hy lnueiziese occupations, in which I
remained in town longer than many of my associates. In the mean time
tultingg; a very active interest in pczlitiee, in a small minority, and without the
JiI10::li3 remote idea that my Se1‘vie0.~3 gave any claim to a reward, except the
setieiitction resulting from a conscientious cliecharge of duty. Were I in a
rnotiernlpolitieal eeaernhly, I shouhl not xnttke the statement with any ex.-pee‘
tntion.of' being believed. Possibly, some of us were not coneicleretl so green
A-ml
what ehoultl be out 1'eilecti0ne‘? Why, air, they have metwith vuriecl results.
A few have eteppocl high on the lndt.le1~ of ambition; many have heoonee
i(li.*&ii’.il'l§J,I,'1‘l:'-3ll€;'4L"3. in t.he lllI)i.‘.l'z*Ll };>1*<3fiaesiox1s, and many more as; nzicrchante ; some
of us here, a ptotniscxious rneeting of old aznl yonn,s;r;————oi' the associates of the
ferret-.1‘, a larggc proportion have almost inipercelitihly <“l1'o1:»petloii‘ by the we.y,.
t‘tI’h,l the reeitlne, by it wise ];l3.'()VlSii)I,1 oi‘ proviclence, are hcing ehovetl aside hy
tlioi-ae more et1e;21';;;ei.it: and en‘terp~riei'tv‘r, Is this a matter of eompl.-air1t‘? I
think not; a.1'1rla.v on the liest oi‘ the zilgell, and liavingg; some eitpeyieiitte, per-
mit me to give a word of advice in l‘(1i,g‘z1l.l‘(;l to thoee who ere jllliilCI1tU1‘lI'lf.;ll}J()Il
l.l'1e‘r1tc:e. If our boys, (and by the way, I believe there are no Iioyeriot .)
"Well, if your eone are content to live pleasantly anti liamiily on email meen.e,.
let them etay. , ll’ they are tired of‘ the reetminte of home, anti cleterxnineti to
enjoy the ploaeuree of the cities as many view them, hid. thorn farevvell, but
with the l'1<>pe, not reaaonehle expectation, witliout (.'.l‘m.l‘§._*;(Zi, that they will achl
to your cc>r':'ili.n*t, or their own reputation. lint it‘ you have hoye, who have
hx'ui1‘1e,an«i. who regatrd thelprayere, the anitietiee, ti1t.:it(lVit3C*.,,0f' pious tnothere
or parents; who we determitnerl to apply thezneelvce with industry to the

ohjecat for vvhieh they quilt the emlearcxi hozne of’ their infancy anal youth ; e.<.=.~—

pecinl1y,—if they poetanes that iirtrineee of purpose, that intlepcnclcnce of chnr—
enter, those ;.)1'i11clnle.~t; of morality vvhieh will enable them to reeiet the meni-
natione, temptetiomt, iitsliionahle follies and vices with whit-.h they will come
in contact, let them go to our lurgre eitiee, without tcpining, and vvitha feelittg;
of eoniitience that your (,l,t;‘.(':llill1'l,‘_.;;',‘ yeexa will not be etnhitteretl by their dire --
lietione. ‘ Let them keep up with the rail-road speed of proigrees. Let them:
devote their 1ixiti1'ir1g;t:t1ea~gies on juet prineiplee to the object they l1ave in
view, though the Si*;y' oi‘ theirlprt.ie;":rerity may temporarily be overcttet, they
will “eventually succeed. Let them, go <:l1eerl‘nl1y on yourypam, ltfliltafixhti

me A

x

TLO4: THE ‘nnwsusvronr CELEBRATION.

‘purpose on their’s to accomplish the object of their mission. Let them take
little or no interest in the fanatical movements and the numerous humbugs of
the day. Especially, let them avoid political oifice, or at any rate the desire
of it. Having reasonably succeeded, let them return, if they will, and add to
the enjoyment of those who have been the constantly attractive objects of
their meditations in their occasional hours of retirement from the hustle and
cares of business. At least they may occasionally return temporarily, as We
have done, to receive the cordial welcome of old acquaintances, if‘ not the
public welcome, which the city and its citizens have so freely and liberally
extended this day, to their returned sons and daughters.

Tire Pi.tZ].?27t-4-The foundation and support of those virtues which so emi-
nently adorn the New England character.

Speech of Rev. Ephraim W. Allen, of Salem.

Mn. Maven AND Fernnns---—
The chief value of a gathering like this, is not that We who have been
separated from each other by longer or shorter intervals of time or space, are

brought together among these scenes of our childhood, that we may see each A

other’s faces--shear each other’s voices——grasp each other’s hands, and speak of
the incidents of our earlier days—-of our studies and our sports, and dwell fo r
a day upon the experiences of the periods that have fled ; but it is that we
may cherish the sentiment of union, Which, by binding us to the place of our
birth shall also bind us more firmly to the country which is but the aggregate
of its several municipalities. The best son is the best citizen, and the best
citizen is the best patriot. Where the feeling of nationality is feeble, there
we maybe pretty sure to find. an almost total want of attachment to the place
of one’s birth. But, met as We are today, under auspices so happy—with
words of’ welcome so cordial, and with demonstrations of respect and affec-
tion everywhere so abundant—--how can we fail of bearing away with us to
our new places of abode, a love for our old home more intense than ever, and
which shall, jbr her salsa, make more dear the‘ greater home we call our coun-
try. . t . . j
No son of Newbnryport can read her history without being thrilled by the

story of her devotion to our native land.“ Nowhere has patriotism had a ho-
lier shrine-—nowhere has she had more devoted worshipers. And when, to -
day, we listened anew to the voice of her resolves, and were summoned again
to think of the sacrifices of her sons—--—ofher sons given cheerfully to the con-
flicts and perils of the land and sea, I felt that if‘ ever liberty died from the
land, it could not be, until we had forgotten the virtues of . the deeds of our
fathers. l i i ‘

Sir, every patriotic recollection of the past, -must inspirit every ‘son of i
Newburyport to fidelity, to j_ ifreedom-A-,niovv,—-seriously and sadly we say it——- i

now imperiled. The free spirit of the land entered long since upon a contest i
which has had various fortunes, but which has never, presented i a more im-

urns DINNER. l T 105

posing, a more impressive aspect than it presents to-day. The issue of the it
contest cannot be doubtful-—- it will be prosperous——g1orious—--if there shall.
only be no waverings He will best deserve the title, “Son of Newburypor .,”
who will be most satisfied, most persistent, most determined. Allow me,
then, sir, in the spirit of these remarks, to offer the following sentiment :

flllze rS'm2s of’Neurbzn-_yport-—Faithful and earnest in their defence of liberty"

during the Revolution ;---may they be as faithful and earnest in the present.
great C1‘1S1S of our national history.

“ Then let us he st: one and battle the wrong
Till freedom shall gather the world in her throng.”

I?

Tim Plough, the Loom, and the A2wz'l—-Mutually dependent upon eacljr
other. ‘

Speech of Hon. A.llenlW. Dodge of Hamilton.

"M12. Mnronw

I assure you that I enter fully into the spirit of this gatliering to the old
homestead of the Sons of Newburyport. It is the first, and probably the last

‘of the kind that most of us will ever attend. There is something of a

melancholy interest in this meeting of old friends, to witness the changes that
time and care have wrought in faces and forms once so familiar, or to be.
reminded of those who started with us in life, but one after another have
passed away, to be seen among us no more. And then the effort to renew’
our youth, and to be boys again as in days of yore, cannot but impress every
reflecting mind that the etfort must cease with the occasion, and that to-mor—~
row we must join in the lock-step march of life, in the very ranks which our
years have inexorably assigned to us.

The men of former years----those’ representative men, whom we were
accustomed to look upon with reverence and awe---how sadly we miss them
from their accustomed haunts. The eye looks in vain for the well—known
forms of a Spring or an Andrews, of Vergnies and Bradstreet, of Fitz and
Woart, of Bartlet and Brown, of Welsh and Mc'Phail. Here and there we
can see one whom we recogxiize as belong,-ing to that list of worthies, associ-
ated in our memory with'the former glory of Ncwburyport. But the chain.
that linked us to them is hroken.

If sad thoughts steal over the mind, there are pleasant ones too. As we-
walked in the procession through the streets,”the very air was redolent of the
‘good old place, and the scene suggestive of the‘good old times. There were
the same lofty elms and limes—- their shade never more grateful than when we
halted under it now. There was the old court house, rejuvenated like our- “
selves, but Justice, with her even scales, alas, was fled. There was the self
same mall, flanked on either side by the two brick school-—houses-,—-and there.
the pond, just as we left it, when our little craft sailed its last trip upon its
waters. Beyond, were the heights, now so gracefully terraced, studded as.
thickly as ever with monuments to the dead,but with the lonely powder house
no longer standinglsentinel over them.. There were the overnarnchiiig; treesemz

106 THE NEWBURYPORT CELEBRATION.

“the road leading so pleasantly up from Guinea and common pasture, whence
the cows and boys came trooping home at sundown.

We could see the familiar old stee ples, withtheir faithful vanes-—-the only
ones we could ever trust; the flaming face, and the still more flaming coat of
General Wolfe, on the old stage tavern sign-—-and We seemed to see, aye, we
really did see, the identical old stage-coach, lumbered up with trunks and
band-boxes, as in the daysyof sounding horn and rattling Wheels ; and as we
thought of all the merry times we used to have in that old stage-coach, it
seemed to us a pity that railroads were ever invented.

But many of the ancient l-and-marks, by which the town was mapped on our
memory, had disappeared. The lofty statues-—to our young eyes the perfec-
tionof art—— th at once filled the grounds around the mansion of Lord Dexter,
even the three last survivors, who for so many years lingered at their posts
over the door-way-—we1~e all, all gone. The town pump, that rose so majes-
tically in the centre of the marl-Let-square, and imparted to us boys, as we
gazed up while imbibing its waters, our first ideas of monumental architecture,
had dwindled into most woful insignii-icance; and the whole region of’ the
“ ruins,” with its mysterious arches and dismal piles of brick-dust and ashes,
where our lecture-day diggings were often rewarded with pockets full of old
iron and copper, was all built upon, and not a solitary vestige of the ravages
of the Great Fire was any where to be seen.

But I forbear alluding further to the men and scenes of the days of old, in
the place of our birth and education. It is pleasant to ‘refresh our memories
of‘ them, by revisiting, so many of us together, the good old homestead. The
day will not soon be forgotten by us. ‘We all owe a debt of gratitude to you,
Mr. Mayor and citizens, for affording us the opportunity to meettogether
under such pleasant auspices. Surely the ardent prayer of’ us all must be for
her continued prosperity. May her moral and educational atmosphere ever

V remain as pure and invigorating as when we breathed it; and may religion

exert the same benign influence within her gates, as has made her a name of
praise throughout the land. '

.l'Vll's’Z£?zJLll':1/]907‘t-—-l:‘;YOl'I1 the East and West, North and South, her long absent

children iind this day, a delightful. home in her arms and her" heart.
Speech of Col. Amos Tappan, Chief Marshal of the proces-
sion.

Mn. l\Ls.ron--

In response to your invitation to come home, they have from their various
and distant dispersions, with warm and affectionate hearts, found their way
to their ancient home, and with kindred and friends, former residents and
neighbors, we are gathered on this ever memorable and glorious birthday of

l our national independence, to revive the afieetions of early days, to gaze upon

familiar but changed countenances, to speak of things that were, to bring to
mind the men of other days, so eminent in their stations of life, as ministers

tient hearing.

me DINNER. 107

of the p;ospel., as judges and jurists, as teachers of youth, as physicians, as 1”
lawyers, as men of business by sea and by land; to have our minds reireshed '

with the deeds of the heroes and statesmen of Revolutionary times; to speak
of the past, the present, and the future; to mingle in the joys, and festivities
and greetings of this auspicious day, so calculated to inspire and animate
every American heart with feelings of delight, to strengthen and entwine
more fully those atlections which bind the heart of man to man. .

For a long period of time, our little spot has poured out numbers who have
been ornaments and blessings of society in others regions. Their departure
did not impoverish us, but we feel enriched by their return; they went out
from us, not that they were not of us, but that the place was too straight for
the expansion and successful operation of their talents, energy and enter-
prise. 'l‘hey return to the place and find an incorporated city, enlarg*ed'in
its territory, increased in its population, in its churches, schools and manu-
factures, they return sons and daughters, to gladden every heart, and delight
every eye, and with the ancient matron We can cordially say, “these are our
jewels.” .

Amid the joys of the day, there is saddening thoughts which almost neces-
sarily intrude; as our visitors and ourselves are reminded of vacancies once
filled by fond ones never more to be seen on earth. Such is the irreversable
order of Providenlce. Still let us rejoice that above is a Father’s house and
home, where inmates meet and mingle without the fear or possibility of a
separation; nor let us amid these festivities, forget that the proper business
oflife is to prepare for that deligl.itfr1l and happy home.

Mr. l\«Iayor---I will close with the following sentiment:

T/as curly lihtlzcrs qf"ZVe2v?)ur3/port-—I’eace to their ashes, and perpetuity to
their principles. I

May the meeting and the greetings of this auspicious day, be renewed in a
better World. -

' T/ac Iiectdcr qfilzc Dec!rtrcrt2Ton-Tl1e poet and artist---equally successful with
pen and brush -——may he reap that reward which his genius merits. “
Reuiarlts of Iclirarn B. Haskell, Esq., of N ewburyport.
Mn. MAYOR AND h‘Iun1~ms---- .

For so obscure and unimportant an individual as myself, I think I have
to-dayhcontributed my share of public personal _sacrifice---and although the
matted I delivered was not original, it was as good as anything I could get of
myself, as I shall presently illustrate. My inate and ineradicable modesty,
and my lack of the right kind of talent and knowledge--—-utterly disqualify
me for an externpore speaker. However, having been suspicions that some
mischievous friend would call me out-—I availed myself of‘ the aid of a slight
stimulus, and produced the effusion which I will now inflict upon your pa»

Most welcome, Sons! What magic reveille
Hath called you hither from abroad to-day?

108

THE NEWBURYPORT CELEBRATION ..

What mightier summons than the rattling drum
‘G-ives forth, commanded you to come?

.Freec1orn and Home, twin words of sweetest sway,
Beat in your breasts the potent reveille.

Your natal place--day of our country’s birth—_—-
Best day in time, the dearest spot on earth——-

Our glorious oountry—(let the country go!)

My loving muse is warm with friendship’s glow,
Ancl on these gallant “ sons " would rather dwell,
Tlirougli a few lines of humble doggerell.

From the near East and the for West you’ve come‘,
From yonder pole, just by the northern star, ‘
And from the South, I cannot say how f‘-I1‘;

Friends, brothers, gentlemen, you're welcome home.

Oh dear old, beautiful old Newburyport;
Your fountain head of wisdom, work, and sport-—
ln this I wish not to disparage you,

w But I would give the dear old town its due.

Is it not true; as Pope hath said my friends,

*“ The stream no higher than the source ascends?”
Ye poets, favorites of the sisters nine,

Last in the world's reward, first in my line,
..From the most ,<_2;lorious Parnassian climber,
Down to the huniblest narnby-paniby rhymer, ,
Bay, in your loftiest celestial track, 
Do not your thoughts instinctive wander back
To the fair borders of the Merrixnack?

Is not this river»--fairest among streaxns--—

Th’ inspiring Helicon of your noblest themes ?
Ye m:err.-.l1ants, ye who send your ships abroad,
To new Australia or the old Cape God,

To France, and England, and the far Japan,
And all the countries visited by man,

Say, as you stole molasses on you wharf,

Did there not come to you (confound this cough!)
The first sweet drearnings, like a hogsl1ead’s roll,
Of foreign countries, o’er each boyish soul?
Masters,~yet servants of the potent press,

Ye editors, be honest now, confess——

I will not urge you, for I know that you

Your sounclest Wisdom from the Herald dreW—-
And ye who deal in party politics,

What but the stones, the snowballs and the sticks,

The weapons juvenile, that made you brave,
Your earliest lessons in -contention gave ?
When upalong and clovvnalong opposed,

Too oft in fierce and wintry warfare closed.

Ye lawyers, champions of the poor man’s right,
"-What first awoke your infantile delight

THE DINNER. A 109

For justice; say the first time that you heard

01" any ber, csm it not be referred

To Salisbury and I’1umIsl:md’s sandy bar?

Or such as may be found at the “Lone Star? ”

Ye leernecl men of Boston and New York,

So famous for your scientific talk,

What nutcle uppureut first your boyish bent
.,13‘or solid logic and sound argument?

Ere yet your “ ergos” grew to be so great,

Did not your reason learn to clernonstrute,

,Q'Vl1e11 with the grand old “ Ciceroniun Club,”
You here drove home the “question” to the hub?
Ye perllers, ertizznxs end mariners, “

Ye furniers, authors, ml ye reverend sire,

Ye yotung apprentices of every trade, A ‘
Ye men of every culling, every grecle, " 
1"rof'essor, loafer, speculutor, clerk,

Whether you live by wit, or wealth, or Work,

"Twoulcl give me pleasure to address you all, e 
But time is precious, and my talent smell; 4
Pd usk you in u gentlemrlnly way,

If any conscientiously could euy,

'l‘ho.t the first helps to all the good you’ve got,

Did not o1'igir1:rte in this very spot?

My strain is cly'i11g' out, but ere it ends,

Once more I bid you welcome l1on1e,1ny i‘rlenc'ls;

You’1'e weleonie here, as long as you remain,

lint when you leave, I elu‘L1*ge you to sustuin

’I‘he eneient honor of your nntive toWn---

By growing srnurter, odd to her renown---

And by your eloquent, Well spoken praise, , *
Still more her glorious reputation raise;

Eloy, will you say that you were never in yo.

Prettier place, or land it better clinnor ?

VOLTJNTEER TOASTS.
By Edward Burri1I,Esq., of Newburyport.

The Sons cy" Newtum?ort——-Repiresenta,tives of true and well tried Ameri-
cans; may they see to it that the liberty bought by the blood of their eneesa
tors remains secure in all coming, time. u %

By George W. J ackmen, J r., Esq, , 
Our Returned Sons and Daughters, and all others whofere with us on this
occasion---May the reunion  dey formed between them and us, be lasting %

‘ W

110 V THE Nnwnunrronr CELEBRATION.

and long remembered, and as inseparable as the hills ; and if any “ other
union” should be formed between any of the sons and daughters, from abroad ‘

or at home, may it be an agreeable one through life, and signalized by all
the “ events” that are accustomed to occur 111 such unions.»

The Attorney Cv’enemZ of the United ;S'tates--—His untiring industry and
indomitable energy, do honor to his early nurture, and afford a bright exam»
ple for the young.

The Jlrfiemoryof Oliver Putnam--—vvho has left a monument of his wisdom,
benevolence and love of home and of mankind, as prominent and enduring
as the everlasting hills.

Appended to a letter from Wm. H. Tyler, Esq., Mayor of
Calais, was the following sentiment:

Our Native Home--——We love it, and are happy once more to breathe its air;
its moral atmosphere we have taken to our adopted home.

By Frank W. Miller, of the Portsmouth Chronicle.

Benj. P. Shillaber, Esq., of the Boston Post-~—Tlze printer, the poet, the p72z'Zos-=
opher, and the inizzzitahle hum.orz'st :----So long as the sayings of “ Mrs. Parting-—
ton” shall be treasured up in the memory of mirth or deep sensibility, may
We remember, with gratitude, that to him are we indebted for these glorious
reunions. And While we of the slow old Granite State are proud that
Portsmouth established the precedent in these heart-«festivals, we are no less

happy to aid you in enjoying a design conceived in so much grandeur and
carried out to such perfection.

By 001. Swett, of Boston. A
Rev. Dr. Dana»-His actions speak louder than words; for While he attempts

to convince us of original sin, he shows by his life that he is free from it.

The lateness of the hour, (it being nearly eight o’clock when
the company retired from the pavilion,) prevented the reading
of numerous toasts which were prepared for the occasion.

;,...;_.._\
——r—}r

The following letter,from the Hon. Alhert Pike of Arkan-«
sas, in reply to an invitation to speak to the citizens of N cw-4
buryport upon this occasion, we insert, as deserving a place in
this report. A A . .
V LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, June 7, 1854.
My dear Sir.-.

I fear that you will imagine I have been guilty of neglect, and Wanting in

courtesy. Although I reached here from the East more than three Weeks
since, I was immediately compelled to visit a distant part of the State to

Lnrrnas. 111

attend a case, and it was only yesterday that I again reached home, you will
therefore please pardon the unavoidable delay of answer to your letter.
When I left the East, late in April,‘ it was my full expectation and intention
again to be there in the latter part of the present month, but since my return,
circumstances have occurred that render it utterly impossible. I must very
reluctantly forego the pleasure of once more visiting the old town, walking
its welhrememhered streets, being greeted by the pleasant smiles of old
familiar faces, and Welcomed to my old home‘ with the old hearty good
humor and kindness. ‘
And I will not deny, but frankly admit that it would afford me the greatest
pleasure, before I die, to address the people among Whom I was born and
reared, upousuch an occasion as that of our National Anniversary. It would
be the proudest day of my life. I thank the City Council and Committee for
the invitation they have extended, and you for the very flattering terms in

which it hasbeen conveyed.
Respectfully your servant,

ALBERT PIKE.

:-an-:2:-on

The annexed letters from absent sons of Newburyport, were
received by the Mayor, and announced, but for Want of V time,
not read. I I

New Onnnans, June 24, 1854.
To his Honor, the MEL;/or of Mawburyport: ‘

Sir: As a son of Newburyport, it was my purpose to accept your invita-
tion te return to the place of my nativity, and join with you in the celebration
of the day of our nation’s independence. ~ , _

A reunion of this kind has often suggested itself‘ to my mind, and last
year I indulged the hope it might be brought about, towards the close of the
summer. Being at that time a resident of New York, I found many natives
and former inhabitants of the “good old town,” who expressed themselves
Warmly in favor of such a plan as that which promises now to be carried
through, with the most gratifying success. It was found, however, to be too
late in the season to perfect the arrangements, for that year, and the idea was
relinquished, with the understanding that it should be revived the next
Spring. - _ «

Since that time, my lot has been cast in a part of our common country still
more remote from my native home. But the chain that binds me to it, though

, lengthened by many added links, is still unbroken. It is an electric chain,

and sensitive to the slightest touch of memory and association. I thank you,
sir, and those you represent, for the test you have made of its integrity and

power ; and assure you most sincerely that no one of all the hearts to which
It

your affectionate appeal has been made, beats with a truer and more cordial

112 rue NEWBURYPORT CELEBRATION.

response than my own; though I am prevented, by circumstances beyond my

control, from telling you so in person.

Sir, one half of my life was spent in your beautiful city. That term
included my childhood, my youth, and my early manhood. Connected by
blood with more than one family there, and by intimate association with many
others-—and by all, I feel an excusable pride, I trust, in saying, still honorably
remembered among you—~there is a store of old recollections of those early
years laid up in my memory, which such an invitation as yours was sure to
awaken, and that an acceptance of it, were that possible, would greatly deepen
and intensify.

“ The house where I was born,” and many ahouse that was its neighbor--
the home fireside, the fields through which, and the companions with whom I

. roamed at will; the trees, whose venerable trunks were as well known to me

as the forms of. men, and out of whose fantastically grouped foliage fancy
used to form familiar faces ; the blue and sparkling river, to cross which, on
a holiday, was one of the joyous incidents of my childl1ood’s days; “the
sound of the church.-going bell ;” the message and the messenger its chime
invited me to hear : the grassy grave without, the bridal altar within that little
church ; these, and many, many more than these, are the associations which

your aifectioiiate bidding home have awakened.

Be assured, sir, and do me the favor to assure those whom you represent,
that, far wanderer from the cherished scenes of my childhood and my youth,
as my lot in life has made me, I am yet, and feel that I ever shall be, a loyal
“ Son of Newburyport.”

And as such, sir, permit me to subscribe myself,
Your friend and brother,
JAMES F. OTIS.

Accompanyingthe above was the following sentiment:

.ZVe2vbw"_yp0ri—-“ I-Ier children rise up and call her blessed.” May their
children’s children, to the latest generation, repeat the filial benediction.

tB.u.La:a:osvrr.nn,‘ Oldham Co. Ky. June 20, 1854."
Dear Sir: . _ p ,
Having in the week past received the Herald of the 16th inst. containing
the card of your committee,kind1y inviting the absent Sons and Daughters
and former residents to return and participate in the celebration of the glo-
rious Fourth, and having had apressing request from my relatives, to the
same effect, I feel that I ought to send some acknowledgement meet for it.
The call, I can assure you, made my bosom thrill with lively enthusiasm,
awakened feelings long dormant, and aroused an almost irrepressible desire

. to visit the home of my birth and my child.hoo%d,‘andi the last resting place of

LETTERS. 11$

my ancestors of generations past; but ties not to be severed hold me back
for at time. Yet absent in person, my heart and soul shall be with you on the
occasion. Permit me to submit this sentiment. \ l p
The _/irst great Fom2.z'Z_y Festival——-May the gratulations and affiliations of this
day raise a pyramid of grateful emotions and kind affections, whose base
shall be as bread as the earth, and whose apex shall reaclrup to Heaven--—~
may the rich and the poor, the high and the loW1y,‘vvithout rank or distinc-
tion, linl: in one common bond to make it a day to be remembered by all,
and registered in the annals of ages.
‘ l Yours in friendship and esteem, ‘
JOHN SWAIN, M. D.

 

The subjoined letter from the Committee from the City Gov»
ernment, and reply of Hon. George Lunt, We insert as matters
connected with the occasion.

CITY HALL, Nnwnonrronr, July 11, 1854. C
Rev. Geo D. Wa'ZcZcs:

Dear Sir: At a meeting of the City Council, held last evening, the under-
.si.gned Were appointed a “joint special committee,” to present to you the
thanks of the City Government, for the able and patriotic Oration delivered
before the Sons and Daughters of Newburyport, on the late anniversary of
American Independence, and to request a copy of the same for the press.

F. J. COFFIN,

W'M. GRAVES, I

I~II~DNRY BARTLETT, }-Committee.
l

:o. s. BLAKE,
EDWARD BURRILL, J

BOSTON, July 15, 1854.

Gentlemen : Your note, addressed to my kinsman, Rev. Geo. D. Wildes,
requesting for the press a copy of the Oration delivered by him, before theE
Sons and Daughters of Newburyport, on the 4th instant, has been received
by me. ‘

Mr. Wildes sailed for Europe on the day following that of the Anniversary,
He had previously placed the manuscript in my hands, to be disposed of as
circumstances might warrant. I gladly transmit it to you, rejoicing in your-
desire to give permanent form to whatever may tend to illustrate that happy

meeting“ at home,” long to be recurred ‘to with deep and gratified feelings,

by all who have any concern in the welfare of our native town. , .

l I am,‘ gentlemen, very respectfully, , C 

i E Your friend and servant, -

. E E E if . , l GEORGElIzUNT.

C Messrs. F. J. Coflin, Wm. Graves, Henry Bartlett, 1). S. Blake, Edward
Burrill, Committee. E D . . p p E D * E

CONCLUSION.

 

‘ LEVEE AT CITY I~I.A.LL.
This was a glorious re-union, in which the old and the young,

the grave and gay, mingled, filling the entire building. Among
.‘ the distinguished personages We noticed the Attorney General
of the United States. The hall had been specially fitted for

the occasion, and was magnificently decorated. Strips of ,

buntin run from the centre to the corners, of the hall, the sides

‘were hung with festoons of the same material"; behind the

rostrum was a very large and beautiful portrait of Washington,
enclosed by two American flags, over which an arch of ever-
green, intermingled with silver stars. At the entrance was a
large arch, trimmed with evergreen, enclosed by two smaller
ones. Round the large one, and enclosing two hands united,
was the motto, “ The same cordial grasp I loved so long ago.”
Also other decorations, which served to make the appearance

of the hall really enchanting. Here, in promenading, Waltzing,
and conversation, much of the night was whiled away, and
the concluding of this great city party ended a day that will i
it ever be remembered in the history of N ewburyport.

pi EVENING PERFORMANCES.

The thousands of strangers in the city---—most of Whom re»-
mained over night, though the cars went out in all directions,

in crowded, and not less than one thousand persons Were Waiting‘

the outward trains at thme Eastern Depot, at 12 o’cloclr Tues-
day night---—-who sought acquaintance, entertainment and

eonctusrcn. T ‘ 115

amusement, at the private dwellings of our citizens, that were

liberally thrown open---—at the piiblieflall, and on the ground is l

9
in the vicinity of the Mall; and never were happiness and joy

more universal.

THE ENVIRONS. '
As night set in, brilliant bonfires marked the position of the

‘various eminences inthe vicinity, while “ the rockets bright

glare ” on every hand showed that the country was determined
not be entirely outdone by the city in patriotic display. .

The “Andrews Sharp-shooters ” turned out in the morning:
1 in fatigue uniform, and erected a large bonfire on Indian Hill,

where there was the customary display of _fi.re-works.

 l

MASONIO I-'tE~UNION
St. John’s Lodge, which was originally chartered in 1776,
and has recently been reorganized under the most encouraging
circumstances, received the “ Brethren of the Mystic Tie ” on
Monday evening. The hall was decorated for the occasion

with evergreen, flowers, and devices---a masonic arch standing»

in the East, on which was inscribed “ Welcome to St. John’s.”

The ceremonies of the evening were not, of course, communis ,

heated to the uninitiated, but we learn that there was a large

number present, embracing several of the reverend clergy and

other eminent individuals. The re-union of those who received

their first degrees from “ St. J ohn’s 7%’ in “ Auld Lang Syne,” my
and have since testified to the excellence of the institution in ‘

various parts of Christendom, must have been highly agreeable“

and satisfactory. T
- THE l FIRE-WORKS A A _
V Were more extended than usual, tandysuperior in design and

quality; and the enthusiasm of the multitude who were int

1116 run nuwsuarronr cnnnenarroiv.

r from all the surrounding. towns, and the frequent cheering;

evidenced the gratification of the spectators.

1-unu-audit!-$—

Thus passed one of the days long to be remembered by the
present generation as the brightest period in the history of our
young city. Had the day been more auspicious the pageant
might have been more extensive, yet upon the Whole the occa-
sion could not have given greater joy. Great credit is due to
our city authorities, to private individuals who contributed so
bounteously, and to the citizens generally.

were disappointed in not meeting, upon their arrival, with a
formal reception and escort. in behalf ‘of the city govern-
ment, the compiler would here roma:rl:: that every moment of
the time from early dawn until the march of the procession,
was consumed in receiving delegations at the City Hall, and
it is to be regretted that the arrangements were not more gener-
ally understood. The Chief Marshai,in concert with the authori-«
ties, used every exertion to Wait upon the various bodies and
escort themto the Hall, but owing to the irregularity of the

. trains, and their simultaneous arrival at the diflerent stations,

it was impossible to pay that attention to eacli delegation that
the pleasure of Marshal and Committees would dictate.

A In conclusion, We would hope that the remembrance of this
festival may stimulate us to patriotism and virtue, and that
the lessons taught us on the occasion may draw us nearer
together and make us a community determined to advance not
only our own and others’ interests, but the general welfare of
a city, than which no other can boast of higher advantages.

‘. gag“-¢
V ——

Enema. Col. Swettfs speech, 9th line, for “sports” of boyhood, read
“port” of boyhood. Iupoem, 2:3d1ine,for “nature’s” hand, read "‘1abor's ”‘

 t t

f

It has been
rumored that one or two delegations from neighboring cities

. ,.  ‘;0