FIRST GOVBHSrOR

OF MASSACHUSETTS.

'o: O^i^

Froi'n/ tfij; ori^un^ puOir/-, uv possesi-ian^ of IVm,. P. L'ndiaaet .Esq Su^Urn- Mass.

ACCOUNT

OF THE

Ctntennid iiekkatioit

IN DANVERS,

JUNE 16, 1852,

TOGETHER WITH THE

PROCEEDINGS OF TIIE TOWN

IN RELATION TO

TIIE DONATION

OF

^forgp Mnhh\, ^!\.,

OF LONDON,

PRI\TED BY ORDER OF THE TOW.X :
185 2.

/¦.nffT-ai/^:?. -fbr j< ,.-:.. t. HvL-al -S7at4!/tes or'JMimd/iZ/ir:

OF LONDON,
THIS BOOK IS INSCRIBED AS
AN EXI'RESSION Of THEIK ESTIMATION OF THE HONOR WHICH HE HAS IlEFLId'EL)
(!Dn l}ig ^'"atice €cmin,
IN THE HIGH POSITION WHICH HE HAS REACHED
BY A SAGACIOUS AND DEVOTED .lAPP.LICATION
TO HONORABLE PURSUITS,
.-• ¦¦«Sfe(fc. ,'
AND THE PK0M0TI0N;"0F INTERNATIONAL COUKTESIES,
®£ tj)c lifiecalitg toitj iujicj' Je ai)p):ojj;tate.9
>' GREAT WEALTH
TO PURPOSES OF HUMANITY AND SOCIAL IMPROVEMENT,
AND AS
A TESTIMONY OF GRATITUDE
iFotr f^t MnniUtmt donation
WHICH HE HAS BESIOWfiD ON DANVERS,

/or tIjB itffDBiDii nf ^Htfttl InnmlBigB oraniig its (Citt)piis.
f Committee of
r PuBl.iCAriu.s.

ANDREW NICHOLS,
MILTON P. BRA.WAN,
SAM'L P. FOWLER,
r. POOLE,
JOHN W. PROCTOR,

CENTENNIAL

CELEBRATION,

AT DANYERS, MASS,

JUNE 16, 1852.

"Lives there a raan "with soul so dead,
Who never to himself hath said,
This is my own, my native land ?" Scott.

BOSTON:
PRINTED BY DUTTON AND WENTWOETH,
No. 37, Congress Stbeet.
1852.

Ck ^3, ¥8 3

Aged 83.

ADDRESS,
BY JOHN W. PROCTOR

Welcome, friends of Danvers, to the land of your hirth, and
of your choice!
It gladdens the heart to meet so many cheerful countenances
on this One Hundredth Anniversary of the independent munici
pal existence of our town.
In behalf of my fellow-citizens, I bid you all a hearty wel
come here. Your presence gives assurance that we have not
mistaken your sympathies with the occasion of our meeting.
Why these thronging crowds in every avenue of the town ?
Why has the farm,er left his plough, — ^the tanner his vat, —
the currier his beam, — ^the trader his shop, — the shoemaker his
bench, and every one his employment ?
Why this gathering of thousands of children, — the future
men and women, to govern and adorn, — and the interest that
beams in every expression of their animated countenances ?
Why have our friends from the North, the South, the East,
and the West, favored us with their presence ?
Is it not to bring to mind the virtues, the toils, the sufferings
of our fathers ?
" It is a privilege to learn what shall be from what has been, —
to turn experience into prophecy, — to view in the mirror of the
past, the vision of the future."
The settlement of Salem, early known as Naumkeag, was
begun by Roger Conant and others, in 1626, and much in
creased, in 1628, by the arrival of John Endicott and others,
all emigrants from England.
I a

It then included Salem, Danvers, Beverly, Marblehead, Wen
ham, and parts of Topsfield, Manchester, Lynn, and Middleton,
bounding northerly by Agawam, southerly by Saugus, westerly
by Andover, easterly by the Atlantic ocean. Then Saugus,
Salem, Gloucester, Agawam, and Newbury, extended all along
the coast of Essex to the Merrimack ; and Andover was the
only interior town south of that river.
Whoever would do justice to the topics brought to mind by
the occasion, should trace the origin of each of the towns that
have sprung from Old Naumkeag. Time will not now admit
of this. ' My purpose is, to pass over the first century of Naum
keag, excepting as to the part included in the act of the Legis
lature, passed " Anno Regni Regis Georgii secundi, &c., vices-
simor quinto," — or, in plain English, the 25th year of George
the 2d, our then Royal Master, — or Anno Domini, 1752. By
this, Danvers was set off from Salem, as a distinct municipal
district, with all the privileges of a town, except that of choos
ing representatives to the General Court, which restrictive con
dition was taken off by an act passed June 16th, 1757. Upon
a view of these acts, the town determined to date their inde
pendent corporate existence in the year 1752, — ^which determi
nation we take to be conclusive of the matter.
Our then Royal Master did I say ? By the grace of God,
and the pleasure of the King, then came all our privileges. I
know that the generations which have since arisen have but an
imperfect idea of this obligation to the king, but a grievance it
was, and so our fathers felt it to be.
What do we most desire? Is it not independence? In the
language of the most gifted mind* of the age, (I say it with
emphasis on this 16th day of June, A. D. 1852,) when the
aspirations of millions are turned towards him with anxious
solicitude, " Hail, Independence ! Hail, that best gift of God
to man, saving life and an immortal spirit !" That Indepen-
I dence, which gave us
" A Church without a hiahop,
A State without a king,"
* Daniel Wehster, the fanner of Marshfield, Mass.

NAME OF DANVERS.
Whence came the neime of Danvers ? why applied to this
territory ? are inquiries often made, but never, to my knowledge,
quite satisfactorily answered.
For years before the separation, the name Danvers was occa
sionally applied to the middle precinct of Salem. Among the
settlers, prior to the separation, were several by the name of
Osborne, — a name connected, by marriage, with the Danvers
family in England. Earl Danvers was one of the regicides,
the fifth who signed the death-warrant of Charles. Sir Henry
Danvers, the last of this family, died in 1643, a man of wealth,
as is to be presumed from his liberal donation of £5000 and
more for the advancement of learning in the University of Ox
ford. It is highly probable, the name of the town was derived
from this family. This name has one merit, — it is not found
anywhere else. Mr. Felt, the careful annalist of Salem, thinks
the name was suggested by Lieut. Gov. Phipps, from gratitude
to one of his patrons, and refers to a letter that so states the
fact. It may have been so. But if the people of Danvers were
then so obedient as to adopt a name because a Governor sug
gested it, it is a characteristic that has not remained one of
-their distinguishing qualifications. Few towns have been less
disposed to follow the lead of any master. This example was
early set by their file leader. Gov. Endicott.
If the noble Earl, for whom the name was probably given,
had anticipated the perpetuity to accrue to his name in this
humble district of these Western Wilds, and the present wants
of its High Schools, now Weltered only in hired tenements of
cast-off chapels, he would, without doubt, have contributed of
his abundance to the relief of their necessities.
This era of separation has not been chosen for celebration
because of the severance. Though severed in name, we have
ever been united in spirit; and though our good old mother^
Salem, nursed us at her bosom all of one century, she has not
failed to feed us with pap of various kinds, ever since. Some
times we have given her sauce in ir©.tiiria, but ©ftener the sub-
stantials of Ufe.

Notwithstanding our fathers thought many inconveniences
would be remedied, and many advantages gained, by being a
distinct town, as appears by their petition to the General Court,
it must be apparent to every reflecting mind that the balance of
benefits, consequent upon separation, was against us. True,
being a distinct corporation created a few municipal offices, for
¦ the gratification of ambitious aspirants ; but generally speaking,
; a review of the lives of such office holders wUl show, that those
who have least, fare best ; and those who strive to do most,
¦instead of receiving benedictions, are usually loaded with the
^opposite. 'The petitioners were a scattered population of about 200
families, containing from twelve to fourteen hundred persons,
chiefly occupied in the cultivation of the land. Those from
whom they sought to be separated, were mariners, traders, and
merchants, densely located, with interests, in some measure,
clashing with those on the borders. The busy hum of mechan
ical and manufacturing industry had then scarcely begun to be
heard in the village of Brooksby, as the region hereabout was
then called, where the brooks from the hills united with the
waters of the ocean.
At first, towns assumed to own all the lands within their
limits not specifically granted. Grants were made, by the
colonial authority, or by towns through the agency of seven
men, or selectm,en, according to the standing of the grantees, or
services rendered, — as seats in the church were assigned, first
to the Captain, then to the Lieutenant, not omitting the En
sign, and the Corporal. Thus the records speak of
Captain Samuel Gardner,
Lieutenant Thomas Putnam,
Ensign Cornelius Tarbell,
Corporal Samuel Twist,
Deacon Malachi Felton,
Daniel Eppes, Esquire,
arranged in the order of the consequence of the titles they sev
erally mounted.
These are referred to as illustrations of the style of the times

— as our kind friends from the school districts have shown us
cocked hats, hooped petticoats, and high-heeled shoes, as illustra
tions of tiress in times gone by.*
It was of little consequence what the title was, as Corporal
Twist said, on his return home after his election, " if it had the
ril to it, — so that when the bell tolled at his funeral it could be
said, Corporal Twist is dead."
Who will presume to say, that, in the term Corporal, there is
not as much body, aye soul to, as in that of General ?
" Worth makes the man, the want of it the fellow.''
But three instances of colonial grants are known to have been
made on our territory, viz. : — 1. To John Endicott, in 1632
and 1636 ; 2. To Samuel Shelton, in 1634 ; 3. To John
Humphrey, in 1635.
The grant to Endicott is thus described. " A neck of land
Ijring about three myles from Salem, called in the Indian tongue,
Wahquameschock," situate between the inlets of the sea, now
known as Waters River on the south, and Crane River on the
north, bounding "westerly by the maine land." Such was the
precision of early grants.
* My recollections of the " A^e of Homespun," impresses my mind strongly
with the propriety of the following passage in a Centennial discourse by Dr.
Bushnell, at Litchfield, Conn., in August last : — " The spinning-wheels of wool
and flax, that used to buzz so familiarly in the childish ears of some of us, will
be heard no more forever, — seen no more, in fact, save in the halls of the anti
quarian society, where the delicate daughters will be asking what these strange
machines are, and how they are made to go ? The huge hewn-timber looms,
that used to occupy a room by themselves in the fa-m-houses, will be gone,
cut up for cord wood perhaps, and their heavy thwack, beating up the woof,
will be heard no more by the passer-by. The long strips of linen bleaching
on the grass, and tended by a rosy-cheeked maiden sprinkling them each hour
from her water can, under a burning sun, thus to prepare linen for her own
or her brother's marriage outfit, will have disappeared, save as they return to
fill a picture in some novel or ballad of the old time." Who will presume to
say, that, in these labors of our mothers, will not be found the hidden power
that gave firmness to the muscles and vigor to the constitutions of their de
scendants .' I would give more for the lessons learned on 07i« spinning-wheel,
or over one milk pail, than those acquired on ten piano fortes. I have often
thought that girls would profit more by learning to jump over fences or clamber
ledges, than by dancing polkas, or practising other fashionable amusements, —
many of which are better calculated to excite the passions, than to improve the
health of body or mind. There is much propriety in the admonition, " Lead ug
not into temptation."

8
On a beautiful eminence between these rivers. Captain E.,
who, as acting governor, was chief magistrate of the colony
previous to the arrival of Winthrop in 1630, established his
residence. The selection of this site speaks favorably of the
judgment of the man. It would be difficult to find one more
eligible. For two hundred years at least it remained in the
Endicott family ; and when the ability of many of those, who
still bear the name, is considered, it is matter of surprise that
they should have suffered it to pass from the family. How can
a man better do honor to himself, than by venerating his ances
tors who were worthy of it ? I know, our republican notions
cut across the doctrine of entailments ; but still, there is some
thing impressive in the contemplation of those venerable
abodes, in our fatherland, that have remained in the same
family for centuries. The fortunate possessor, thus advised of
what his fathers have done, is prompted to endeavor to " go
and do likewise."
From this position, before roads were laid or bridges con
structed, the Governor was accustomed to go, in his own
shallop, to and from the seat of government at Boston, while
engaged in the government of the colony, either as chief magis
trate or as one of the assistants.
On this orchard farm (so it was called) in front of the man
sion about sixty rods, now stands the celebrated Endicott pear
tree, celebrated not so much for the fruit it bears, as for the
time it has borne it. It is probably the oldest cultivated fruit-
bearing tree in New England, — itself brought from Old Eng
land, — thereby constituting a direct connecting link with the
mother country. The fruit is called Bon Chretien, — ^whether
so called from its own merits, or the merits of its owner, I am
not advised. It is of medium size and fair quality, but not
quite equal to the Seckel. In 1850, the tree bore one and a
half bushels of fruit, as I myself witnessed, and new shoots
grew upon it, more than six inches in length. One thing is
made certain by this tree, viz., that a pear tree will last two
hundred years, — ^liow much longer may be told at the next
Centennial.

9
On this same Endicott grant, now stands the Parris house (so
called) from which sprung other fruits* not quite as worthy the
name of good Christian as the Endicott pear.
The grant made to Rev. Samuel Skelton, — the spiritual father
of Endicott, and associate pastor with Higginson, at the First
Church in Salem, — was situate between Crane and Porter's
Rivers, bounding westerly, also, by the " maine land." So at
first, these grants to the Captain and the Parson gave them
a presumptive title to all the town northerly of Waters River.
This section between Crane and Porter's Rivers was long
known as Skelton's Neck ; — then as New Mills ; — and recently
as Danvers-port.
The natural advantages of this part of the town are second
to none other. Free communication with the ocean by water,.
and with the interior by railroads, its facilities for business are^
first rate. It only needs energy and capital to go ahead.
In 1635, a grant was made by the colonial authority to John
Humphrey, in the westerly part of the town, — whence came
the name of Humphrey's Pond, situate on the line between
Danvers and Lynnfield ; a beautiful sheet of water, containing
165 acres, about 100 feet above tide water ;-^in the midst of
which is an island of five acres, on which the first settlers had a
fortification as a retreat from the Indians. The recent location.
of a railroad from Salem to Boston, by this pond, has probably
laid the foundation of a thrifty village in this vicinity, — as soon
as the lands shall pass from the hands of visionary speculators
to the control of men of sound, practical common sense.
December 31, 1638. "Agreed and voted, that there should
be a village granted to Mr. Phillips and his company, upon such
conditions as the seven men appointed for the town affaires
should agree on." Hence the origin of Salem Village. This
Mr. Phillips was a clergyman. He did not long abide in the
place. He removed to Dedham, and thence to England, in
1642. Probably Putnam, Hutchinson, Goodale, Flint, Need-
ham, Buxton, Swinnerton, Andrews, Fuller,. Walcott, Pope,
* See the story of the Salem Witchcraft, that follows.
2 b

10
Rea, Osborn, Felton, and others, were of the associates in the
settlement of the village. Their business was farming. Labor
in the field for six days of the week, and going to meeting on
the seventh, was their chief employment. Companions of
Endicott, the puritan principles they imbibed, even to the third
and fourth generations, bound them to their meeting. He that
cut the cross from the flag, would not allow his attendants to
sail under any other banner than such as he chose to hoist, or
any deviation in their voyage. He was one of those lovers of
liberty who was not unwilling to engross the largest share of it
himself. Sure that he was right, he felt it to be his duty to
see that others acted according to his notions of right. He
was indulgent to those who were obedient.
One of the grievances alleged by the petitioners, as a reason
for separation, was, that their children could not conveniently
attend school. This was indeed a grievance. Situate four,
five, and six miles from the school, how could they attend ?
Early taught by Endicott himself the value of these institutions,
it is not surprising, when they found the superior advantages
enjoyed by the children of their fellow townsmen, in part at
their expense, that complaint should have been made.
Be it remembered, the first free school in the land, if not in
the loorld, was established at Salem. The language of the
selectmen's order, by which this was done, is worthy to be
inscribed on the same tablet with the Declaration of Independ
ence. It reads thus : —
" Sept., 1641. Ordered, that a note be published on next
Lecture-day, that such as have children to be kept at schoole,
would bring iu their names, and what they will give for one
whole year ; and also that if anie poor bodie hath children, or
a childe, to be put to schoole, and is not able to pay for their
schooling, that the toione will pay it by a rate."
Here is the seed whence sprung the free schools of Massa
chusetts. It contains the germ of freedom itself Here it was
planted, on the orchard farm of the Governor, under his own
care, as Governor of the Colony, and Chairman of the Select
men of Salem. Governors in those days were well employed

11
in looking after the fruits of the field and the childreii of the
household; — the oozings of the still did not then trouble them.*
In 1634, one of the earliest grants was made to John Putnam
and his three sons, Thomas, John, and Nathaniel. They came
from Buckinghamshire, England, settled, cultivated, and peopled
it. This was situate in the Village Parish, westerly of the
grants to Skelton and Porter ; probably along the line of what
is now known as Whipple's Brook, extending from Judge
Putnam's Mill to the house of Daniel Putnam, — famous as the
birth-place of Gen. Israel Putnam, who made his mark on
Bunker's Heights, at Charlestown, June 17th, 1775, witnessed
by Warren, and many others, and sealed with their blood ; — he
who nobly exclaimed, " My sons, scorn to be slaves ! "
No name is more prominent in the annals of the town than
that of Putnam. Although hundreds have gone out in all
directions, still, from the beginning, there has been more of this
name than any other. By the kindness of Col. Perley Putnam,
— who has taken unwearied pains to ascertain the facts, — I am
informed that he has the particulars of between five and six
hundred families of the name ; many of Avhom had from ten to
seventeen children, — amounting in all to 3500 descendants of
John, in 220 years, an increase worthy of the highest com
mendation of Adam Smith, who considers numbers the first of
all national improvements. If all the settlers had done as well,
both in quantity and quality, there would have been no occa
sion for further importations. I should be glad to notice the
worthy, particularly ; but if all should be thus noticed, the
world would scarcely contain the books that would be written.
I am happy to see so many present, of age and ability, to speak
for themselves ; and from them I hope to hear an account more
full than is in my power to give.
Another grant, purporting to be 500 acres, (covering, at least,
* In Felt's Annals, (Vol. I., p. 253,) it is stated that William Trask ex
changed with Governor Endicott 250 acres of land for 500 apple trees, from
his nursery ; — a pretty good bargain, if trees grew then as readily as now. It
is highly probable that the space between the mansion of the Governor, and
the bank of the rivet, in front, was used for the growing of a nursery. I am
well assured of this fact by S. P. Fowler, Esq., an intelligent cultivator of
fruit, residing on Skelton's Neck.

12
700,) was made in 1635, to Emanuel, a descendant of Sir
George Downing, and known as the Downing Estate, (on
which it was my lot to be born. ) This extended southwesterly,
from the head of Waters River, to what is now known as
Proctor's Brook; and in 1701, passed by deed from Charles
Downing to Benjamin and Thorndike Proctor, sons of John,
(of 1692 notoriety.) This included the tract of tillage land,
in times past known as Hog-hill, but recently christened Mount
Pleasant, — and with great propriety, if fertility of soil and
beauty of prospect are considerations worthy of this appellation.
Another grant, of 300 acres, southerly of this, was made
to Robert Cole, — extending from Gardener's Bridge to the
Downing Estate, — which passed through Jacob Reed to Daniel
Eppes, Esq. On this tract sprung the celebrated Eppes Sweet
ing, better known as the Danvers Winter Sweet ; a variety of
apple more extensively cultivated than any which has originated
in Massachusetts, — excepting the Baldwin and the Hubbardston
Nonsuch. This tree stood on land now belonging to the Hon.
Richard S. Rogers. The original stump is now distinctly to
be seen, with a sprout from it ten inches in diameter, yielding
the genuine apple ; clearly indicating the fruit to be natural, —
not grafted. The tree is thrifty and hardy, the fruit excellent ;
as all lovers of apples and milk will cheerfully testify.
It would be easy to enumerate many other grants of land
to individuals, all of which would be interesting to those of the
same name, or to those claiming under them ; but my limits
will not admit of anything more than a specimen of the manner
of doing the business in olden time.
WITCHCRAFT DELUSION.
The events of the year 1692, commonly spoken of as Salem
Witchcraft, made an impression so deep on this community,
that they cannot with propriety be overlooked, in any complete
notice of the town. More than twenty citizens, some of the
first respectability, were, in the course of a few months, ar
raigned charged with capital offences. Half this number suf
fered the severest penalty of the law. For this precinct, con-

13
taining at that time probably not more than five hundred souls,
to be thus decimated in a few months, was a calamity tremen
dously awful. Now-a-days, when one man* is arraigned, tried
and executed, for good cause, (if there ever can be a good cause
for execution,) the whole state, as well as states adjoining, are
agitated to their centre. What could have induced the apathy
that endured such things then, it is impossible to conceive.
This moral m,ania is said to have originated with children,
under twelve years of age, in the family of the Rev. Samuel
Parris, of Salem Village. A part of the identical building in
which Mr. Parris then lived, it is said, now remains, situate
on the easterly side of the Ipswich road, about twenty rods
northerly of the Collins house. It then was a part of the par
sonage, standing a few rods northwesterly of the village church.
It should ever remain a monument with this inscription, "Obsta
principiis." Although this delusion may have begun with children, it was
not the work of children alone. It is chargeable upon those of
an older growth, — upon those whose station in society demand
ed from them better things, — clergymen and magistrates. I am
sensible that I speak plainly of those in authority ; but nothing
less plain Avill meet the case. I use the words of "truth and
soberness." When these extravagances in the children were first noticed,
the Doctor was consulted, and gave his opinion "that they
were under an evil hand." "This," says Cotton Mather,
"the neighbors took up and concluded they were bewitched."
Whether he was a doctor of medicine, of law, or of divinity,
who gave this opinion, I am not advised. Of the name of the
doctor, history gives no information, — ^not even the learned Dr.
Mather's Magnalia, which tells all that was true and something
more. This is certain, the Reverend gentleman, in whose
house the malady began, and his associates of the neighbor
hood, did very little to suppress the evil ; much less than they
should have done. Says Dr. Mather, "Mr. Parris, seeing the
condition of his family, desired the presence of some worthy
• Prof. J. W. Webster, of Cambridge.

14
gentlemen of Salem, and some neighbor ministers, to consult
together at his house ; who when they came, and had inquired
diligently into the sufferings of the afflicted, concluded they
were preternatural and feared the hand of Satan was in them."
I cannot better express my views, than in the terse language of
the Rev. Dr. Dwight, President of Yale College, who can never
be charged with want of proper respect for the clergy.
Says he, "Had Mr. Parris, instead of listening to- the com
plaints of the children, and holding days of fasting and prayer,
on occasions so preposterous, applied the rod as it should have
been ; had the magistrates, instead of receiving the complaints,
arrested the complainants as disturbers of the peace ; or had the
Judges ofthe Court quashed the indictments, as founded on the
baseless fabric of a vision, and discharged the prisoners, the evil
might have been arrested, in limine. But unhappily these were
efforts of reason, which lay beyond the spirit of the times."
Those who conducted these trials were not only deceived
themselves, but they were willing to deceive others. They
were not simply zealous ; but they were corruptly furious.
They introduced testimony, equally at variance with law, with
common sense, and with the Scriptures. Children incapable of
any comprehension of the topics about which they were inter
rogated, were in some cases the only witnesses. A venerable
man was found guilty on the testimony of his own grandchild.
What is worst of all, the answers desired were put into their
mouths by the illegal forms of the questions proposed.
Time will not admit of a reference to each of the victims of
this delusion, that had a home in Danvers. Among them were
the following : — Rev. George Burroughs, (who himself had
been a settled minister in the village ;) Giles Corey, and wife ;
John Proctor, and wife ; Rebecca Nourse, George Jacobs, Sarah
Good, John Willard. Dr. Mather estimates the whole number
of arrests, at 100 ; the whole number executed, at 19.
I will briefly advert to a few of the cases as samples of the
whole ; at the same time must say, that in the examination of
the trials as preserved, I have not noticed a single error, in con
duct or opinion, in those who were accused. On the contrary,

15
the more prominent were theii' virtues the more likely were
they to be accused ; and the less chance had they for escape.
In the case of John Proctor, (whose character I feel in duty
bound to vindicate from all unjust aspersions,) his only fault was
a kind regard for his wife. When she was arrested and about to
be carried to prison, (her health being such as to forbid her being
imprisoned,) he insisted upon going with her; whereupon, her
accusers cried out against him, and he was arraigned also. Dur
ing his trial the Rev. C. Mather was in Court, (at the special
solicitation of the prisoner, see his admirable letter of July 23d,
1692,^ and fearing there might be some hesitation in the minds
of the jury on account of his well-established character for integ
rity and piety, volunteered to testify that he himself had seen his
Satanic Majesty, the Devil, whispering in the ear of the prisoner,
while there in Court. To every intelligent mind the statement
of such a fact carries with it its own commentary. The learned
Doctor must have had the impulses of his own fears, in the eye
of his mind, when he presumed to give such testimony ; not to
speak of the wisdom of the judges, who permitted it to be
given.* In the case of Rebecca Nourse, a sister of the Church, of fair
character, the jury returned a verdict of not guilty ; but the
* That injustice may not be done to Dr. Mather, whose greatest defect
seems to have been his egregious vanity, I will quote the views of Mr. C. Rob
bins, of Boston, who appears to have examined the part acted by Dr. Mather
with much kindness and discrimination. "That Cotton Mather was enchanted
in the same spell with the other prominent actors in these tragic events ; that
he was credulous to a ridiculous extreme ; that he was inordinately fond ofthe
marvellous ; that he was too easily imposed upon ; that his intense and undis
guised interest in every case of alleged possession, betrayed him into indis
cretions, and laid him open to censure ; and that he busied himself unneces
sarily with the trials, are facts which rest upon indubitable evidence, — are
blemishes which can never be wiped away from his name. That he was under
the influence of any bad motives, any sanguinary feelings ; that he did not
verily thii.k he was doing God service, and the devil injury ;— the most careful
examination has failed to make me believe."
Bred as he was of the blood of the Mathers and Cottons for many genera
tions ; reverenced as they had been by the people as the elect of God, before
whom the people bowed at their nod, as was the custom of the times ; it is not
surprising that he assumed to dictate. Humility, in those days, was not an
indispensable qualification in the character of a Christian minister ; on the
contrary, it was a qualification rarely found in their possession. It is said, " to
do all the.good he could to all, was his maxim, his study, his labor, his pleasure.
(Hist, of 2d Church, Boston, p. 111.)

16
combined influence of the populace, the church and the clergy,
brought about her execution. She was first excommunicated,
then hung ; the first instance of the application of Lynch Law,
to be found in the annals of New England.
Giles Corey and Martha his wife, who lived in the western
part of the town, on the estate recently occupied by the Hon.
Daniel P. King, were accused and suffered' death. He was
eighty years old. His contempt for the entire proceedings was
such, that he stood mute and refused to plead to the accusa
tions. Because he so refused, they undertook to press or extort
an answer from him, and so suffering, he died under the press
ure. Thus dying, his body was denied a Christian burial, and
it is said was deposited at the crotch of the roads, near Tapley's
brook, as was done with the bodies of infamous malefactors.
This is the only instance of the application of this kind of tor
ture, to my knowledge, in this Commonwealth. The idea is
most forbidding. A grey-headed veteran thus treated, in a
Christian land, and by those too who professed to have imbibed
more than a common share of the spirit of Christ ! If such be
a Christian spirit, how shall the opposite be described ? The
very thought produces a chill of horror.
George Burroughs, who, for several years, was a pastor of the
Village Parish, having removed to Portland, where he was re
spectably settled in the ministry, was cried out against by his
enemies, tried, convicted, and executed with the others, August,
1692, on Gallows Hill. He is entitled to be remembered with
high regard, as he had the firmness to resist the infatuations
that overcame the minds of so many of his brethren. Says
Mr. Willis, the historian of Portland, "there has nothing sur
vived Mr. Burroughs, either in his living or dying, that casts
any reproach upon his character ; and, although he died a vic
tim of a fanaticism as wicked and as stupid as any which has
been countenanced in civilized society, and which at the time
prejudiced his memory, yet his character stands redeemed in a
more enlightened age, from any blemish."
I have sought in vain for the part taken in these trials, by the
lawyers as such. The trials appear to have been carried on before

17
a special tribunal, organized for this special purpose, partaking
of the powers of civil and ecclesiastical tribunals, having little
or no regard to the rules of evidence, or any other proprieties ;
and thus to have continued, until it broke down under the
weight of its own extravagances. Messrs. Stoughton, Salton
stall, Richards, Gedney, Sewall, Winthrop and Sargent, were
the seven eminent citizens selected for this purpose. They
were men of high respectability. A special jury was organized
before which all the cases were brought. The depositions and
affidavits used, show that rules of law were entirely disregarded
in the trials. A species of infatuation seems to have pervaded
the minds of all concerned. The entire movement, from begin
ning to end, was an anomaly most extraordinary. I am not
unmindful, that trials for like offences had been carried on in
England, and on the continent of Europe, and that some of the
purest jurists of the time, had participated in the trials. But
such was not the fact in regard to the witchcraft of New Eng
land. These trials bear no marks of wisdom, and very few of
honesty of purpose. Perhaps the reason for the appointment of
a special tribunal for the trial of those accused of witchcraft
was, that the Provincial Charter did not arrive until May, 1692,
and no regular court was organized under it, until December
following. Here then was an interval in which the regular ad
ministration of justice was suspended for the want of a proper
Court ; from which a lesson is to be learned, that such experi
ments should not often be repeated.
But why do we dwell with such abhorrence upon the follies
of olden time ? When in our own times, and almost in our
own circles, are extravagances, quite as irrational and unintelli
gible. That there may be phenomena, from natiual causes,
electrical, galvanic, or otherwise, of a character to astonish and
confound, I will not presume to deny, though I have not wit
nessed any such. Btit that any communications with the
spirits of the departed, directly or indirectly, have ever been
had; or any revelations from them, through any such agencies,
I do not believe. All such pretences, under whatever name
they may come, are false and deceptive, and only calculated to
3 c

18
mislead. They are to be classed in the same category with
witchcraft of olden time.
I am not unmindful that it is said by high authority, (Exodus
xxii, 18,) " Thou shah not suffer a witch to live." There are
many other things said by the same authority, which, in my
opinion, were not intended literally to be regarded as rules for
our guidance, without some qualification of circumstances.
Suppose this rule to be followed, and the idea of a witch, then
prevalent, to be taken, — what would be the consequence ? "A
witch" is defined, in the Magnalia of the learned Doctor, to be
"a person that, having the free use of reason, doth knowingly
.-and. willingly seek and obtain of the Devil, or any other god
(beside the true God Jehovah, an ability to do or know strange
: things, or things which he cannot by his own human abilities
arrive unto." A witch was supposed to have renounced allegi
ance to the true God, and to have promised obedience to the
Devil. Some of the clergy construed the Scriptures as recog
nizing the validity of such contracts. Was it strange, then,
to believe, that the persons supposed to be beioitched were
I moved ¦ of the Devil ? Were not those who thus taught and
misled those whom they taught, justly chargeable with the
blood of the innocent sufferers? I have no respect for the
agency of the Devil, as he is supposed to have operated in 1692,
or as he is now operating in 1852 ; and as to good spirits ope
rating through such mediums to instruct and bless mankind, I
have no faith in it.
These accusations continued to multiply, until they were
checked by their own extravagance.* The arraignment of
* Dr. Mather says, (Vol. II, 413, § 1 1,) " By these things you may see how
¦ this matter was carried on, viz., chiefly by the complaints and accusations of
the afflicted, bewitched^ones, as it was supposed, and then by the confession
of the accused, condemning themselves and others. Yet experience shewed,
the more there were apprehended, the more were still afflicted by Satan ; and
the number of confessors; increasing, did but increase the number of the ac
cused; and the executing of some, made way for the apprehending of others:
far still the afflicted complained of being tormented by new objects, as the
former were removed. At last, it was evidently seen that there must be a stop
put, or the generation of liie. children of God would pass under that condemna
tion. Henceforth, therefore, the juries generally acquitted such as were tried
fearing theyliad gone too far; before .'" " Considering the confusion this mat
ter had brought us into, it was thought safer to unckr do than to over do, espe
cially, in matter8.'C^pital, where what is once compkated, cannot be reprieved."

19
Mrs. Hale, wife of the minister of Beverly, and of Mrs. Proctor,
wife of John Proctor, beforenamed, ladies eminent for their vir
tues, opened the eyes of jurors and judges to reflect, that their
own tifne might soon come.
The jurors before whom the accused were tried, with one
accord, acknowledged their error in acting upon such evidence,
or rather without any evidence ; and the judges, particularly the
excellent Chief J. Sewall,* continued to lament their mistakes
while they lived.
Whether Justices Hawthorne and Corwin, the magistrates
who conducted the preliminary examinations, ever made the
amende honorable, does not appear. Perhaps, as they were
judges of an inferior court only, a correction of errors was not
deemed an essential part of their duty. This is certain, the
higher law of common sense gained the ascendency, and false
interpretations of the laws of Moses were soon in a measure
corrected. The Devil was deposed.
I have dwelt long upon this antiquated topic, because justice
to the memory of those who died without blemish, together
with the unaccountable propensity of the human mind, even at
the present time, to give credence to irrational absurdities and
visionary fancies, forbid my saying less. I am not insensible
that my views of the subject are extremely imperfect. Nothing
less than an entire volume would do justice to it. All the facts
deserve to be gathered and chronicled, as a warning to future
generations. Had not those in high life participated so fully, it
would, ere this, have been done. " Dog wont eat dog," is
" A maxim true
As human wisdom ever drew."
revolutionary incidents.
Passing over events of a temporary character, let us glance
for a moment to the period immediately preceding the Revolu-
* The Hon. Samuel Sewall, afterwards Chief Justice of the Court, and a
magistrate of sterling integrity, was accustomed annually to ask the prayers of
the church and congregation at the Old South Church, where he worshipped,
for the pardon of his offence in the part he took in condemning those charged
with witchcraft. He was not so meaJly mouthed as some of the present day, who
would charge the error entirely to the times, and take no part of it to themselves.
Such men would hang witches, or do anything else that expediency might
prompt.

20
tion, when trifles light as air were big with the fate of nations.
The refusal to use a paper with a government stamp upon it,
was interpreted treason. The sale of a little tea, for the use of
the ladies, involved loss of caste and imprisonment. The charge
of an exorbitant price for a piound of cheese, public posting, by
order of the town, as faithless to one's country.
The seeds of jealousy planted at the time of the granting of
the Act of Incorporation, whereby the right of representation
was restricted, were never eradicated. It was not the value of
the privilege withheld, but the manner in which it was done,
that excited the indignation of the people. His majesty had
given special instructions that no more towns should be incor
porated, with the privilege of choosing their own representatives.
Our fathers were jealous of their rights, especially when in
fringed by the power over the water ; and there were those on
this side of the water who took good care to keep this jealousy
.enkindled. The Adamses, the Otises, the Q,uincys, the Pick
erings, were not silent, and did not live in vain in those days.
The spirit they infused, pervaded every artery of the body
politic. How else could it have happened, that simultaneously, from
all parts of the State, came up resolutions of similar import.
Doubtless these resolutions expressed the feelings of the people ;
but they probably had a common origin. Although messages
were not then circulated by lightning, or handbills published
through the daily press, still, messengers were not wanting, nor
prompters to tell the people what to say. James Otis, John
Adams, Joseph Warren, Samuel Adams, Timothy Pickering,
and many others, were intent on securing the freedom of the
colonies. In 1765, it was deliberately resolved, in town-meeting assem
bled, " that the inhabitants were greatly incensed by the burdens
attempted to be imposed upon the people, and were ready to
resist to the uttermost."
In 1768, Dr. Holten, delegate to a convention holden at
Faneuil Hall, the cradle of Liberty, in Boston, was specially
instructed "to look well to the rights of the people." With

21
such marked ability did he then discharge this duty, that he
thereby laid the foundation for a distinction more prominent,
and an influence more pervading, than any other citizen ever
acquired. While he lived, to hesitate to yield assent to the
opinions of Dr. Holten, was by many deemed political heresy.
The ardor of his feelings and the purity of his life gave an au
thority to his views that could not be resisted.*
In 1772, Messrs. Wm. Shillaber and others were appointed a
committee of vigilance. The manner in which their duty was
dischai-ged shows them to have been a vigilant committee, —
regulating not only what men should say and do, but what they
should eat aud drink, and what should be paid therefor. If
those who would reform the manners of the age, as to diet and
regimen, would seek precedents, they may readily find them in
the records of those days. Our fathers were a law-abiding
people, — provided always, they had a voice in the making of
the laws, — not otherwise. They were sensitive and jealous of
their rights in the extreme. The spirit of Robinson, of Peters,
of Williams, of Endicott, of Bradstreet, and of Winthrop, per
vaded their entire nature. They felt that they were born to be
free, and they suffered no opportunity for securing this privi
lege to escape without improvement.
So marked were these characteristics, that, in 1774, a regi
ment of royal troops was quartered on yonder plain, in front of
the then residence of the Royal Governor Gage, — for, be it
remembered, that twice in our history was Danvers the resi
dence of the royal governors. So ardent was the patriotism
of the citizens at this time, that it is not improbable the first
bursting forth of the flame of liberty was here apprehended.
So correctly did they augur coming events, that, in February
next following, less than two months previous to the battle of
Lexington, the first onset by the British was aimed at Danvers.
Col. Leslie, with his regiment, came from Boston for the pur
pose of destroying cannon and military stores supposed to be
deposited at Danvers. Without doubt, such deposits were here.
* See remarks following, by Rev. J. Warburton Putnam, for a more com
plete view of the life and character of this estimable citizen.

22
In those days, patriots had to have their eyes open in all direc
tions. They had to Avatch their enemies at home and abroad.
The tories were on the watch, ready at all times to give in
formation of every movement.
While Col. Leslie was parleying with parson Barnard and
others, about crossing the North Bridge in Salem, near the line
of Danvers, Mr. Richard Skidmore (familiarly known as Old
Skid) took care to trundle off the cannon, upon the carriages he
himself had made. So the brave Colonel returned to Boston,
with his first lesson distinctly conned, that a yankee was not to
be caught napping. This excursion was on the Lord's day,
Feb. 26th, 1775. The troops landed at Marblehead, while the
people were at church in the afternoon, and it is worthy of
special notice, as the resistance here experienced was the first
resistance to British arms. As Gov. Kossuth recently happily
remarked at our own monument, in allusion to this event, " the
men of Danvers were ready to fight, and this is quite as good
as fighting. Would the people of the United States just say to
the Czar of Russia, what the people of Danvers said to Col.
Leslie, I think the Czar of Russia would do as Col. Leslie did,
go back again, and thus my own beloved Hungary would be
free." Had it not have been for the pacific wisdom exercised on that
occasion, by Messrs. Barnard, Pickering and others, Salem
would have been the theatre on which the first blood for liberty
would have been shed, and thereby she would have plucked
the feathers from the caps of Lexington and Concord.*
The men of Danvers were there. Messrs. Rev. Clergy,
Wadsworth and Holt, were there seen in the ranks of the mili-
* Rev. J. W. Hanson, in his History of Danvers, (page 86,) says " This
was the first resistance, bloodless indeed, but determined, which was made on
the part of the people of this country to the encroachment of foreign aggres
sion. In the town of Salem, nearly two months before the battle of Lexington,
the people of Danvers, joined by those of Salem, opposed and beat back the
foe, and established their title to the quality of determined bravery. But for
the calmness and discretion of Leslie the English commander, North Bridge,
at Salem, would have gone ahead ofthe North Bridge at Concord, and Salem
itself have taken the place of Lexington ; and February 26th would have
stood forever memorable in the annals of the Republic. The British under
Leslie numbered 140, The Americans under Pickering numbered 50."

23
tia, with their guns ready for battle, under the command of the
brave Samuel Eppes. When the alarm was sounded, the ser
mon was cut off, and the concluding prayer, with the doxology,
were deferred to a more convenient season. Then, men not
only slept upon their arms, but carried them to meeting. The
best of men were ready to fight. All were soldiers, — none too
good for service. Their country's rights, not their own aggran
dizement, were the objects for which they watched without
ceasing. battle of LEXINGTON.
Thus continued the town, in a state of constant preparation
and alarm, until the morning of April 19th, 1775, an era most
marked in the annals of Danvers. Then, every man capable
of bearing arms, from the stripling of sixteen to the veteran of
sixty years, was seen trotting at the rate of four miles an hour,
to the field of duty and of glory, — with what effect, the return
ing wagons on the following day, loaded with the dead and
wounded, too plainly told. Seven of the young men of Dan
vers, whose names are registered on yonder monument of gran
ite, quarried in our own hills, the corner stone of which was
laid by Gen. Gideon Foster, their commander, on the sixtieth
anniversary, then became entitled to the inscription, " Dulce et
decorum est, pro patria mori." As many more received marks
of distinction from the enemy, that they carried with them to
their graves.
Think of it, my friends ! Suppose your father, son, or
brpther, one or all,- as was the case with some families at that
time, to have been thus exposed, when the distant thunder of
conflicting arms came echoing over the hills, and the lightning
flash of artillery illumined the western horizon, you will be able
to appreciate the price paid by your fathers for the liberties you
now enjoy.
The impulse given at Lexington was never suspended. The
funeral knell of those, whose lives were thus sacrificed, constantly
resounded in the ear. As a specimen of the feeling that then
pervaded the entire commimity, I beg leave to recite an anec-

24
dote of an event that occurred on that morning, which I had
from tlie Colonel himself, and therefore it may not be ques
tioned.* BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL.
On the 17th of June, next following, (a morning not unlike
the present, when the grass was waving in abundance on the
plains,) Captains Foster, Flint, Page, Porter, and others of Dan
vers, were found in the post of danger, at the bloody ramparts
of Bunker Hill, under Gen. Putnam, the commander, — himself
of Danvers. There they stood, shoulder to shoulder, side by
side, with Warren, Stark and Prescott, the motto of Patrick
Henry on their helmets, colors not to be mistaken, " Give us
Liberty, or give us Death! "
Shall it be said, my friends, that Danvers did nothing towards
securing our freedom ? — Danvers, that poured out her best blood
in the midst of the fight ? of one, who had rather die than stoop,
though cautioned to do so, — one, who, when questioned where
he should be on the day of battle, replied, " Where the Ejiemy is
there you will find me! " All who know our country's history
must be aware that I refer to the brave Captain Samuel Flint,
who fell fighting, sword in hand, on the mounds of Bennington,
in the prime of life and vigor of manhood ; leaving descendants,
whose highest pleasure it should be to imitate the patriotism of
their grandfather, and the amiable virtues of their father, — the
late Hon. D. P. King.
On the 18th of June, 1776, it was voted, in town meeting,
"if the Honorable Congress, for the safety of the United States,
* When the troops from Salem, under the command of Col. Timothy Pick
ering, were on their way to meet the enemy, (the Danvers companies having
started ahead by permission,) they halted at the Bell Tavern, now Monument,
to arrange their places ; and while thus stopping. Basket Qerby, one of the
soldiers, stepped into friend Southwick's, the house opposite, with whom he
was acquainted, where Mrs. Southwick said to him. Friend Derby, tliee knows
that my principles will not allow me to do anything to encourage war ; but as
there is a long and tedious march before thee, and thee and those with thee
may be in need of refreshment, this batch of bread, just taken from the oven,
thee may take, if thee please,— /or it never can be wrong to feed the hungry.
And she put into his knapsack a cheese aiso. The same facts have been
affirmed to me by her son Edward, who, with the soldier from Salem, lived to
be men of the greatest wealth and influence in their respective towns.

25
declare them independent of the kingdom of Great Britain, —
we, the inhabitants of Danvers, do solemnly pledge our lives
and fortunes to support them in the measure," — language
smelling strongly of the Declaration made at Philadelphia, on
the 4th of July next following ; — which Declaration was unan
imously approved by vote, and ordered to be entered, at length,
in the records of the town. Yes, there it is, my friends, in
bold relief, on the page, — for the instruction of future genera
tions. This little incident speaks volumes of the feelings that
pervaded the minds of the community. This little town, with
less than two thousand inhabitants, thus ratifying the doings
of a nation, and taking upon itself the responsibility. The
spirit of Holten, of Foster, of Hutchinson, of Shillaber, and
their compatriots, is apparent in this thing. When such a feel
ing prevails, victory or death must follow. No compromise is
admissible. No tory spirit was found here. While these men
lived, there was no doubt where Danvers would be found..
Her sons have every reason to be proud of the patriotic spirit
and determined purpose of their sires. The names of many
brave men are conspicuous in her annals. Let their sons, to.
the latest generation, see to it, that a reputation so nobly earned
shall never be tarnished. REVOLUTIONARY HEROES.
On the page of history that shall mark the efforts of Danvers^
in the Revolutionary struggle for Independence, will be found.
the names of — Gen. Israel Putnam,
Gen. Gideon Foster,
Gen. Moses Porter,
Col. Jeremiah Page,
Col. Israel Hutchinson,
Col. Enoch Putnam,
Major Caleb Lowe,
Major Sylvester Osborn,
Capt. Samuel Eppes,
Capt. Samuel Flint,
4 d

26
Capt. Jeremiah Putnam,
Capt. Samuel Page,
Capt. Dennison Wallis,
Capt. Levi Preston,
Mr. William Shillaber,
Dr. Amos Putnam,
Dr. Samuel Holten,
Capt. Johnson Proctor, (my father,)
the last survivor of the revolutionary worthies, who died No
vember 11, 1851, aged 86. A class of men worthy of the
cause they so ably defended. They were none of your milk-
and-water heroes ; salt pork and bean porridge constituted the
basis of their diet.* AGE OF SOLDIERS.
It is interesting to notice the extraordinary length of lives
attained by these patriots. Of those named, their average ages
exceeded 80 years. What could have so extended their lives
ten years beyond the period ordinarily allotted to man ? This
is an inquiry of much interest. It could not have been quiet,
and freedom from exposure, — for none were more exposed.
The incidents of the soldier's life, under circumstances most
favorable, have little to charm or amuse ; but the Revolutionary
Soldiers, half clad and half starved, as they often were, must
have lived on something not fully appreciated, to hold out as
they did. May it not in part be attributed to their energy and
activity of movement in early years? to that buoyancy and
cheerfulness of spirits that naturally flow from such movements?
Who has not witnessed the animation with which the old
soldier adverts to the perils of his youth, and
" Shoulders his crutch to show how fields are won " ..*
Who will presume to say that cheerful spirits do not essentially
contribute to the prolongation of life ?
* There are many others, " good men and true," who did much service, with
equal energy and patriotism, but who were content with being brave, without
any proclamation made of it. Those who float readily on the top, have not
always the most solidity.

LEVI PPvESTO

Aged 33.

27

CENTENNARIANS.

But two instances, within the limits of the town, of persons
living to the age of one hundred years, have come to my
knowledge. These were both soldiers, who had seen much
service in many wars.
The first was Thomas Nelson, a native of Scotland, who
died in 1774, at the age of 113 years.
The second was Lemuel Winchester, a native of Brookline,
Massachusetts, who died in 1844, at the age of 100 years 8
months and 5 days.
Of father Nelson, I have heard my grandmother say, (who
herself lived to be almost one hundred,) that when he was
more than one hundred, he often walked from his residence to
Salem, six miles, as upright as any young man.
Both of these gentlemen possessed cheerful dispositions and
active habits. Both of them were free from those excesses so
common to the age in which they lived, though probably not
tee-totallers, — a description of beings that were not common in
revolutionary times.
How important then, to those who would possess health and
long life, to imitate their example in the cultivation of habits
of activity, temperance and cheerfulness. It was remarked by
Lord Mansfield, one of the most sagacious of men, that he
never knew an instance of a person living to extreme old age
who did not rise early ; and he might have added, who did not
live temperate. Temperance and activity are the corner stones
of health and usefulness.

RELIGIOUS WORSHIP.

The first setters of Salem were Puritans. They were men
who aimed to be governed by the impulses of their own con
sciences, and to keep themselves void of offence.* Such were
Endicott and his associates when they came to Salem. I do
* In the language of Governor Bradford, when a young man, " To keep a
good conscience, and walk in such a way as God hath prescribed in his Word,
is a thing which I rauch prefer before you all, and above life itself."

28
not presume to say they were without blemish, — the sun has
spots, — but " their faults leaned to virtue's side." They had
more of merit in them than many men's virtues. Thus moved
by a faith that gives dignity to man. — purity to woman, — and
loveliness to the child, — it would have been strange indeed if
they had neglected to provide all needful accommodations for
the worship of God. As early as 1666, the farmers of the
village were incorporated into a society for religious worship.
This was the Second Parish in Salem. Parish privileges and
rights of citizens were then essentially connected. No man
could exercise the rights of a citizen who did not belong to the
Church. In the meetings of the Church, matters of business
were moulded as much as they now are in caucus assembled.
The first thirty years of the Village Parish covers that period
when the witch delusion and other controversies were agitated
to such extent that little may be said of the religious influences
then prevalent, — if regard be paid to the text, "By their fruits
shall ye know them."
In 1697, Rev. Joseph Green became the pastor of this society,
and so continued for a period of eighteen years. He died
among his people, universally beloved and respected. He must
have been a very good man to have lived and died as he did,
at such a time, surrounded with such influences.
He was succeeded by Rev. Peter Clark, who continued to
minister until all those who settled him had left the stage ; a
period of more than fifty years. His funeral discourse was
preached June 16, 1768, by Rev. Thomas Barnard, of Salem.
Such permanency in the ministry speaks well of pastor and
people ; — and is in accordance with our best New England
notions. I know that many have grown up of late who think
they know more than their fathers did, — btit I have heard it
said old Doctor Clark once said to his son Caleb, "Caleb! is
-there no nearer way to Heaven than round by Chebacco ? " —
-meaning thereby to reprove the new light influences then
prevalent. So in modern times, many are not content to pursue
the good old way to Heaven, but want to go hy steam ; when
they start thus, there is danger of bursting the boiler.

29
Rev. Benjamin Wadsworth succeeded Mr. Clark, and minis
tered unto this people for more than flfty years. My first
impressions of a model minister were taken from this 'gentleman
when a boy at school. Subsequently, when an older boy,
myself attempting " to teach the young idea how to shoot," I
had the pleasure of a more intimate acquaintance, which con
firmed my first impressions. He was a gentleman, in the best
sense of the term. He knew what to say, and when to say it.
He too lived a long life harmoniously with his people, and died
beloved and respected. What Christian minister can ask a
better eulogy? Who that remembers the words of wisdom
that fell from the lips of these venerable men, will fail to
rejoice at their good fortune in being thus instructed? I know
of nothing that savors more of Heaven, than lessons of instruc
tion from a virtuous, modest, wise old minister. Very few
societies can render so good an account of their stewardship.
Since the decease of Dr. Wadsworth, the increase of popula
tion has been such as to demand a division, and two societies
are now sustained on the old foundation. Of the living, I
forbear to speak, well knowing that the sound of their own
voices will be their highest encomium. They are favorably es
teemed wherever learning or piety is regarded.
The inhabitants of the southerly part of the town worshiped
with the First Church in Salem, until 1710, when a new soci
ety was incorporated, under the name of the Middle Precinct
Parish. This was the Third Parish in Salem. Their first effort
was, to obtain from the town, a grant of "a quarter of an acre
of land to set a meeting-house on." This was so located, that,
in process of time, it expanded to more than an acre. Whether
fortunately, or not, involves too many incidents to admit of
discussion on this occasion.
In 1713, Rev. Benjamin Prescott was settled as pastor over
this parish, and remained such for a period of forty years.
His pastoral relations were closed in 1752, (the year of the sep
aration from Salem,) in consequence of contentions that had
arisen about the collection and payment of his salary. There
were, within the parish, duakers and others, who thought they

30
could not conscientiously pay for such preaching. The laws
had no regard to scruples of conscience of such a character.
After the dissolution of his pastoral relations, Mr. Prescott con
tinued to reside in the parish, a worthy citizen and magis
trate, dying in good old age, respected for his talents and
virtues, and was buried at the foot of the hill bearing his name.
A shrewd observer, with much experience in ministerial
affairs, remarked, in relation to Mr. Prescott's ministry, " When
a minister and people cannot get along without quarrelling
about his salary, it is better for both that the connection should
be dissolved. God and Mammon cannot peaceably occupy the
same tenement."
The Rev. Nathan Holt succeeded Mr. Prescott, and minis
tered with good fidelity for a period of thirty-four years. He
was a peaceable, clever man, — deeply imbued with the patriotic
spirit of the times. Of his services in the pulpit, I have heard
but little. His labors among his people were highly prized,
and productive of a happy influence. " He was an Israelite
indeed, in whom there was no guile."
Rev. Samuel Mead followed Mr. Holt, and was pastor about
ten years. The record of this period is lost ; it is not safe,
therefore, to speak, where the best evidence is wanting. I
remember him well. His peculiarities were many.
In 1805, the Rev. Samuel Walker was settled, and remained
the pastor for a period of twenty-one years. His life was termi
nated by a painful casualty. He was faithful to his calling,
discreet in his movements, and died with a kind remembrance
in many a bosom. Since his death, a Unitai'ian, a Methodist,
a Baptist, and a Universalist society have grown up in the par
ish, and flourished with various degrees of success, leaving the
Old South Society still one of the largest and ablest in the
county. For a few years they were ministered unto by the Rev.
George Cowles, who, while on his way south with his lady, in
search of health, was suddenly lost on board the steamer Home,
dying with these last words, " He that trusteth in Jesus is safe,
even among the perils of the sea." He died deeply lamented.

31
having previously resigned his pastoral care on account of ill
health. The Rev. H. G. Park followed for a short time.
The Rev. Thomas P. Field succeeded Mr. Park for a period
of ten years, laboring successfully to a harmonious and happy
people, — which labors were unfortunately interrupted by his
being called to a position of more extended usefulness at Troy,
N. Y., with the offer of a compensation better proportioned to
the worth of his services. When it was too late, the people
saw their error. The disappointment experienced in parting
with one so highly esteemed, with no appreciable reason as
signed therefor, poorly prepared the way to treat with kindness
and Christian sympathy his successor, the Rev. James D. Butler,
who, after a conditional settlement of one year, was crowded off,
without ceremony. May his eminent learning and Christian
humility command a position in which they will be duly appre
ciated. Several other religious societies have grown up in different
parts of the town, and been sustained with varied success. A
Baptist society was organized at the New Mills Village, under
the pastoral care of Rev. Benj. Foster, sixty-eight years since.
The present pastor. Rev. A. W. Chapin. There is also a Uni
versalist society in that neighborhood, which was organized
thirty-seven years since, now under the pastoral care of the
Rev. J. W. Putnam.
Within my memory, four valuable churches have been de
stroyed by fire, probably caused by incendiaries. One offender
only has been brought to justice, and he under his own con
fession. Within the last twelve years, there has been expended ih the
construction and finish of churches, more than f 50,000.
The present annual payments within the town, for the sup
port of religious instruction, cannot be estimated at less than
$10,000. The predominant faith at the present time, (exclusive of those
who have no faith at all,) is a modified version of the notions
of the Puritan Fathers of New England ;— how far improved

32
by the modification, must be left to the better judgment of those
who have really experienced its purifying influences. That
there may be such, I cannot doubt, — but something more than
mere profession of religion is wanted, to satisfy my mind. I
incline to the belief, that his faith cannot be wrong whose life
is right. And where the life does not illustrate and adorn the
profession, the profession will be found " a sounding brass and
tinkling cymbal." EDUCATION.
Popular education, in the broadest sense of the term, has en
grossed the attention of the people of Danvers as much as any
other topic. From the time of their first meeting, March 4th,
1752, when Daniel Eppes, father and son, were moderator and
clerk, each year's record shows more or less of interest in the
education of the rising generation.
Previous to the separation, but little attention had been given
to supporting schools for the children on the borders.
In 1783, when revolutionary troubles had subsided, the peo
ple began to look after the condition of the schools.
In 1793, an interesting report on the reorganization of the
schools was made to the town, by Dr. Archelaus Putnam, which
appears in full upon the records, — ^a fact worthy of notice, be
cause many a report, placed on file only, is not now to be found.
Files that are handled by every body, soon become every
body's property.
In 1794, pursuant to a plan proposed by Gideon Foster,
Samuel Page, and John Kettelle, the town was divided into
districts. In 1802, the districts were remodelled, at the suggestion of
Sylvester Osborn. Thus we find Holten, Foster, Page, Osborn,
and others, who were foremost in their efforts to secure our
rights, going ahead in their endeavors to educate the children
to understand those rights.
In 1809, the present system of school districts was estab
lished, — then nine, now fourteen ; — then containing 800 chil
dren, now more than 2000, of age suitable to attend school.

33
It is not easy to understand how schools were supported as
well as they were, with the limited appropriations then made.
Masters must have taught for the love of teaching, and children
studied for the sake of learning. The days of study, and not
the days of vacation, must then have been their seasons of
amusement. In 1814, an order was adopted requiring a report of the
condition of the schools, for the year next preceding, to be
made at the annual meeting in each year. This is worthy of
notice, it having become a State regulation since.
In 1820, an order was adopted requiring the names and ages
of children between four and sixteen years, resident in town
on the first day of May, to be returned by the prudential com
mittees, and recorded by the clerk. This also was in advance.
of the action of the State to the same effect. Both of these
regulations have been found highly serviceable.
The money appropriated for the support of schools has since
been apportioned to the several districts in proportion to the
children thus returned, with donations to the districts containing
a sparse population, to equalize the advantages of schooling as-
far as practicable.
High schools have recently been established with good
success. The present year, a new plan of superintendence has
been ordered and entered upon with high expectation of ben
efit. It remains with the person who fills the ofiice whether
these expectations shall be realized. The superintendent enters
upon the duties this day. I cannot doubt the efiiciency of
individual superintendence when regulated- by competent ability,
with a single eye to the advancement of the schools.
The predominant feeling has long been, that it is the bounden
duty of the town to carry out the free-school principle first
proposed by Endicott, viz, — to provide for the complete education
of all the childreti, at the public charge, in such manner as
their condition in society demands.
In this way alone can it be explained that Danvers has edu
cated so small a proportion of her sons at colleges, according to
her wealth and population. On locking over the list of natives
S e

34
of the town who have had the benefit of a collegiate education,
for one hundred years last past, I find six clergymen, three law
yers, two physicians, five farmers, and two others, — in all,
twenty ; — a number much less than will be found ¦ in many
towns with one half the population.* 1 speak of the fact as
presenting considerations worthy of reflection, and not because
I deem such an education an essential qualification to good citi
zenship. Instance the success of Franklin, of Washington, of
our own Bowditch, to the contrary. The truth is, the people of
Danvers have been anxious to realize a more speedy income on
their investments than is ordinarily found by trimming the mid
night lamp. As a general thing, they value objects in possession
more than those in expectancy ; their faith is not strong enough
to sustain the hope of distinction by means of literary eflbrts.
An elaborate attempt to abolish the district system of schools
was made in 1850, but the people were not prepared to give up
what they deemed a certainty for an uncertainty.
* CoiLEGF. Graduates. — Names of natives of Danvers, who have been
educated at Collegiate Institutions :—
P. *Daniel Putnam,
F. *James Putnam,
T. *Daniel Eppes,
F. *Tarrant Putnam,
P. *Archelaus Putnam,
L. Samuel Putnam,
T. "Israel Andrew,
C. William P. Page,
C. Israel Warburton Putnam,
C. Daniel Poor,
L. John W. Proctor,
C. Ebenezer Poor,
L. *Winiam Oakes,
P. John Marsh,
F. *Daniel P. King,
C. Allen Putnam,
P. Samnei P. C. King,
C. Ezekiel Marsh,
*Augustus E. Daniels,
*Thomas Stimpson,
6 of the above became clergymen ; .% lawyers ;
2, physicians ; 2, occupation not yet determined.
Ten have deceased ; ten now living.
P. Parmer ; C. Clergyman ; P. Physician ; L. Lawyer ; T. Teacher.
Several other citizens have engaged in professional employments, without
the aid of collegiate instruction. Several are now preparing for such employ
ments.

Harv.

1717.

Harv.

1746.

Harv.

1758.

Harv.

1763.

Harv.
1763.
Harv.
1787.
Harv.
1789.
Harv.
1809.
Dart.
1809.
Dart.
1811.
Harv.
1816.
Dart.
1818.
Harv.
1820.
Harv.
1823.
Harv.
1823.
Harv.
1825.
Amherst
. 1831.
Yale.
1839.
Harv.
1846.
Amherst.
, 1850.
rs; 2, teachers;
5, farmers;
35

SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS.
I
There is no town in the county where the appropriations for
schools are more liberal, in proportion to the number to be
educated and the ability to pay. Mr. Webster, in his late speech
at Faneuil Hall, says it is the glory of Boston that she applies
one quarter part of all the taxes assessed, for the support of
public schools, viz., $50,000 out of |20(),000, — there being a
population of 140,000. Danvers applies 1 10,000 out of $25,-
000, — there being a population of 8000. Danvers has a valua
tion of 13,000,000;— Boston, $300,000,000. Here is a question
for boys at school to answer, which of these places does best
for the support of public schools, according to its ability ?
If the schools of Danvers are not advanced in proportion to
their appropriation, the defect is not chargeable to the mass of
the inhabitants, — their will is to have flrst rate free schools.
SCHOOL FUNDS.
The wisdom of the town in applying the surplus revenue,
that came to their use in- 1844, as a permanent fund for the
benefit of schools, over and above a prescribed sum of not less
than three dollars per scholar, to be raised by the town annually
for this purpose, must not be overlooked. This fund now
amounts to the sum of $10,000, and is invested in the hands of
trustees chosen by the town. Considering the many jealousies
brought to bear on this topic, the act whereby the investment
was made will ever remain most creditable to the town. No
man did more to bring this about than the late Elias Putnam,
who in this, as in all his other public services, showed himself
a vigilant friend of the best interests of the town. Danvers
will long mourn his departure in the midst of his usefulness.
He was " a man of marked energy and decision of character.
Selfish to some extent, — for who is not, — ^but public spirited,
far beyond most of those around him. Those who knew him
best, valued him highest. It was often my privilege, as on
this subject, to cooperate in the objects he had in view. I knew
him well.

36

WALLIS FUND.

By the generosity of Capt. Dennison Wallis, who died in
1825, a local fund of $2500 was established for the benefit of
School District No. 1, in which he then lived. He intended
the fund should have been $5000, but the phraseology of the
will so far fell short of the intentions of the donor, when tried
in the crucible of the Supreme Court, as to reduce the amount
otie half.
With this fund, the Wallis School, for the education of chil
dren between the ages of six and twelve years, has been estab
lished, and sustained for twenty years. If the spirit of the
donor could look down upon the cheerful countenances of the
happy group of children, educated by his bounty, on one of
their days of successful exhibition, it would discover abundant
reason for rejoicing in the wisdom of the donation. Happy
spirit that I which can contemplate a life of toil and perplexity
terminated so gloriously. When another century shall have
passed away, who will be remembered with more admiration
than he who laid the foundation of the Wallis School ? Al
though his name may not live in the offspring of his own loins,
it shall be immortal in the benefits conferred on thousands.
This crowning act of his life will be cherished with gratitude,
even when his heroic exposure at Lexington shall be forgotten.

SUPPORT OF PAUPERS.

As a municipal regulation, next in importance to the educa
tion of the young, is the support of the unfortunate poor. By
the record of the first meeting, it appears that both these sub
jects were provided for. Still, no well-established system of
relief to the poor was adopted, until about the year 1800, when
the attention of friends E. Southwick and S. Shove, moved by
the combined considerations of economy and humanity, were
directed to this subject. To the credit of these gentlemen, be
it said, notwithstanding they belonged to a class of Christians
whose sense of religious duty will not suffer any of their num
ber to be a charge upon the public, that they did more to alle-

37
viate the condition of the paupers, as well as to relieve the
town from the expense of their support, than has been done by
any others. Their shrewd observation discerned, what was
not then generally known, that almshouse establishments, with
conveniences for industrial employments connected therewith,
adapted to the capacities of the inmates, were the true means
of benefiting their condition ; — that by thus being employed,
they would be saved from many a temptation incident to their
humiliated position, and the burden of their support would be
greatly diminished.
At this time a house, with about a dozen acres of land ap
purtenant, was appropriated to this use. But it was soon found
that the locality of the establishment was too central, for the
convenience of those around ; and that the growing wants of the
village demanded its removal. Accordingly, it was transferred
to the extensive farm of two hundred acres now occupied, then
chiefly covered with wood. The selection of this site, although
censured by many at the time, shows the superior discernment
of those who chose it. It is airy, healthy, and easy of access,
and readily made a secure abode, far removed from evil com
munications, and evil spirits also. Whoever would deal with
paupers, must prepare to guard against the influence of such
spirits with eagle eyes.
The rival efforts of these gentlemen, (Messrs. Southwick and
Shove,) to see which could out-do the other in saving for the
town, and the suggestions made by them, from time to time, in
their annual reports, will ever be interesting features for exami
nation. They were, in fact, a sort of Q,uaker duel, in which
no blood was shed, — although occasionally one would say to
the other, " Thee lies, thee knoics thee lies, under a mistake."
During their administration of this department, the State allowed
twenty-one cents per day for the support of paupers, instead of
seven, the present allowance ; which materially aided in bal
ancing their accounts. ALMSHOUSE.
The present, almshouse, with the farm and its appendages,
cost $25,000. It was erected in 1844. The town was moved

38
to its erection, by the admonitions of Miss D. Dix, of Boston,
whose generous philanthropy has done so much for suffering
humanity. There were those who thought her officious, mis
informed as to the facts she stated, and disposed to meddle with
that which did not concern her. I know there were such. But
even those will now cheerfully acknowledge, that she was
actuated by good motives ; and that she did the town a service,
for which she ought ever to be held in grateful remembrance.
Noble soul ! that looks around and sees how many tears of
suffering she has dried up, and how many pangs of distress she
has alleviated. Her own reflections are a heavenly reward.
May her shadow never be less.
There is no town in the Commonwealth where the unfortu
nate poor are regarded with more sympathy and kindness.
Every rational movement for their benefit has always met a
cheerful approval by the town. Care is taken to secure the
services of intelligent and humane' overseers, and the establish
ment entire is a model worthy of imitation.
A careful analysis ofthe concerns of this department fox flfty
years last past, will show, that at least three fourths of all those
who have received relief at the almshouse, have been brought
to this necessity by reason of intemperance, notwithstanding
the unremitted efforts of the town to stay the devastations of
this debasing vice, — this inexhaustible fountain of suffering and
of crime. May God grant a safe deliverance from it, even
though it should involve the total annihilation of all that intox
icates. TEMPERANCE.
In the efforts that have been made to advance the cause of
temperance, for the last forty years, Danvers has taken no mean
position. During all this period, many of her best citizens have
been actively cooperating with the best friends of the cause.
As early as 1812, Samuel Holten, Benjamin Wadsworth,
EdAvard Southwick, Fitch Poole, Caleb Oakes, and others, were
pioneers in this enterprise. They dared to say, even then,
when it was almost the universal practice to " take a little for
the stomach's sake and often infirmities," that "the use of

39
intoxicating liquors, as a beverage, was an evil, and only evil
continually." It is glorious to find these experienced, upright,
and keen observers of human nature, putting forth the doctrine
that total abstinence, from everything that intoxicates, is " the
only sure guide," the only principle that can be depended upon.
What the zealous friends of law (Massachusetts law, may I
say?) have recently discovered, they seem to have known by
instinct. They preached temperance, and they practised what
they preached. Without which, on any subject, preaching is
" a tinkling cymbal," — an " empty show."
Danvers was the first town that took action, in its corporate
capacity, against licensing the retail of intoxicating liquors.
The motion, (to my certain knowledge,) was drafted in pencil,
at the Village Church, and presented at the annual meeting,
1835, by S. P. Fowler, Esq. To the credit of the town, its
authorities have constantly adhered to the faith then promul
gated. Not so Avith all the authorities in towns around, — and
hence has flowed misery and crime. Since 1835, there has
annually been appointed a committee,' to watch the progress of
the cause, and to advance its success. What Maine now is to
other states, Danvers has been to other towns, a beacon light on
the eminence of Temperance. May its effulgence be strength
ened, until the path of duty shall be, as illuminated hy the
noonday sun. BUSINESS. FARMING.
Attention to business has ever been a prominent trait in thc
character of the people of Danvers. For many years, the cul
tivation of the land was their chief employment. Throughout
the early records, they are spoken of as the farmers, in contrast
with those engaged in commercial pursuits, for which Salem
has been eminent from the beginning. Among the farmers
best known, will be found the names of Putnam, Preston, Proc
tor, Felton, and King. Their fields have exhibited samples of
cultivation that will compare with any in the Commonwealth.
They have stirred their soil deep, and aimed to understand the
reason for so doing. The town affords every variety of soil,

40
from very strong to very shallow. The lands require much
labor, and unremitted attention to the application of invigorating
substances. As the population has increased, their labors have
been concentrated ; and it Avould not be difficult to point out
those who raise as much, and live as well, from the products of
ten acres, as did those before them frora the products of one
hundred acres. I forbear to dilate. The story of their farm
ing has often been told, and can be better told elsewhere.
TANNING.
About one hundred years ago, friend Joseph Southwick com
menced the business of tanning, in a few tubs or half hogs
heads. This business has since so expanded, that it now occu
pies as many thousand vats. It is the staple business of the
place. For many years, it was carried on chiefly by Messrs.
Southwick, Shove, Wallis, Sutton, Poole, and a few others,
who made fortunes in attending to it. The hide and leather
business, in all its modifications, has probably done more to
advance the wealth and resources of the town, than any other ;
especially when the manufactures, of which leather is the prin
cipal component part, are taken into view. The annual amount
of these manufactures is estimated at not less than $2,000,000.*
EARTHEN WARE.
A class of coarse ware, known as Danvers crockery, has been
coeval with the existence of the town. Forty years since, it
was made much more extensively than of late. It is now
thrown out of use by articles of more strength and beauty, pro
cured at less expense from abroad, — though for many purposes,
it still finds favor with those accustomed to its use. The clay
cfn the margin of Waters River has been found particularly well
adapted to this manufacture.
The Osborns and Southwicks have done more at this work
than any families within my knowledge.. William Osborn, the
first of the name, was spoken of as a. potter. His descendants
• See Appendix, for statistics of this business.

41
for four generations certainly, have shown their regard for their
ancestor by sticking to his employment.
OFFICIAL STATIONS.
The right to participate in the making of the laws has ever
been esteemed one of the choicest privileges of a citizen of New
England. As early as 1634, the settlers here had beeome so
numerous, that they felt the necessity of delegating their au
thority to representatives of their own choice. It was the jeal
ousy of the infringement of this right that moved our fathers to
resist the oppressive taxation by the mother country, — and not
the amount of tax imposed. It was the interference with this
right by Lieut. Gov. Hutchinson, under the special instructions
of " Georgius Secundus," at the time of the incorporation of
the town, that specially aroused the indignation of the people
of Danvers.* Thus early awakened, it would have been
extraordinary indeed if the citizens had not, at all times, been
careful to be represented by " good men and true," — by those
understanding their duty, and ready to discharge it.

* Lieut. Gov. Hutchinson entered upon the Records of the Council his pro
test against the act, as follows, viz. : —
" I protest for the following reasons :
" First. Because it is the professed design of the bill to give the inhabitants
who now join with the town of Salem in the choice of representatives, a power
of choosing by themselves ; and the number of which the house of representa
tives may at present consist being full large, the increase must have a tendency
to retard the proceedings of the General Court, and to increase the burdens
which, by their long session every year, lies upon the people, and must like
wise give the house an undue proportion to the board ofthe legislature, where
many affairs are determined by a joint ballot of the two houses.
" Second. Because there being no governor in the Province, it is most agree
able to his Majesty's commissioij to the late governor, to the message of this
board to the house at the opening of the session, and in itself is most reasona
ble, that all matters of importance should be deferred until there be a governor
in the chair.
" Third. Because the board, by passing this bill as the second branch ofthe
legislature, necessarily bjing it before themselves as the first branch for ass^njt
or refusal ; and such members as vote for the bill in one capacity, must give
their assent to it in the other, directly against the royal instruction to the gov
ernor, when the case is no degree necessary to the public interest ; otherwise,
their doings will be inconsistent ajid aheu^j^. Thos. Hutchinson.
Council Chamber, June 9, 1757."
6 /

43

JUSTICES.
Of the County Courts, Hon. Timothy Pickering, Hon Sam
uel Holten, and John W. Proctor, have been Justices.
Of the Court of Probate, Hon. Samuel Holten was for many
years a Judge.
Of the Supreme Judicial Court, Hon. Samuel Putnam was
for many years an eminent Judge, as his well-digested legal
opinions in the Reports bear testimony.
Of Judges Holten and Putnam, it can in truth be said, what
rarely is true with men in ofiice, that they were more ready to
leave their offices, than to have their offices leave them, — they
having both voluntarily resigned, when their services were
highly appreciated. Judge Putnam still lives, at the green old
age of eighty-five, beloved and respected by all who know him.
REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS.
In Congress, the voice of Danvers has been heard, through
the representatives of the second district of the State, for about
one eighth part of the time since the organization of the gov
ernment. Hon. Samuel Holten,
" Nathan Reed,
" Daniel P. King,
have occupied this station. Mr. King was the immediate suc
cessor of the lamented Saltonstall, of Salem. Few, very few
districts in our land can boast of representatives so unexcep
tionable in all those qualities that best become a man. They
will long be remembered as stars of the first magnitude in the
constellation of worthies from Essex South District.
MUNICIPAL OFFICES. CLERKS.
In the management of the concerns of the town, there is no
duty of more responsibility than that which devolves upon the
clerk. On the correctness of his record rests the tenure of
office, and essentially depends the character and reputation of
the town.

44
How else is he who caters for the intellectual part of the
centennial entertainments to be advised of facts? What is
now learned of time past one hundred years can be come at
through the records alone. What those present at the next
centennial will be able to present, must be drawn mainly from
the clerks' records. Nothing else will have a character to be
relied on ; unless perchance some floating leaf of this day's
doings shall chance to be preserved by some careful antiquarian.
Fortunately the records of Danvers were commenced by
Daniel Eppes, Jr., and kept for two years in a form highly
exemplary. His chirography was plain, his knowledge of lan
guage good, so that he used the right words in the right place,
neither more nor less ; — a qualification not sufficiently regarded
by many of those who have come after him : — -among these,
James Prince, .6 years,
Stephen Needham, 11
Gideon Foster, 4
Joseph Osborne, Jr., 6.
Nathan Felton, 27
Benjamin Jacobs, 6
Joseph Shed, 17
and others from one to three years. Joseph Shed, Esq., the
present clerk, has greatly improved upon the records of his
predecessors by his mode of indexing and flling of papers.
There still remains much to be done to make the records intel
ligible, without the explanation of those who made them. Let
any one experience the inconveniences I have met in ascer
taining facts that should be readily imderstood, and I will
guarantee that he will not come to any other conclusion. A
town like this should have their own office for all their papers,
and all their papers arranged in systematic order, under the
care and keeping of the clerk, — and not otherwise.
MEDICAL PROFESSION.
No educated physician, to my knowledge, resided in town
previous to the separation. Female attendants were at com
raand, without doubt, in cases of emergency, which often

45
occurred, as the increase of population fully demonstrates. A
Dr. Gregg is mentioned, as early as the year 1692, as being
consulted in the diseases that then prevailed ; but where he
resided I know not.
Drs. Jonathan Prince, Archelaus Putnam, Samuel Holten,
and Amos Putnam, are the first named physicians in the North
Parish. Drs. Parker Cleveland, Joseph Osgood, and Joseph
Torrey, are the first in the South Parish. All of these are
believed to have been regularly educated physicians, of the old
order. Other names have appeared, at different periods, such as Drs.
Chickering, Nutting, Hildreth, Bowers, Carlton, Clapp, Cilley,
Little, Peabody, Gould, Southwick, Porter, Bush, Patten, <fcc. ;
but they did not remain long enough to leave any distinct im
pression of themselves or their practice. Within my memory,
Drs. Andrew Nichols,
George Osgood,
Ebenezer Hunt,
George Osborne, and
Joseph Osgood,
have been the medical advisers chiefly consulted. All of these
are well experienced in their profession.
Dr. James Putnam, son of Dr. Amos, accompanied his father
many years.
Dr. Joseph Shed, a pupil of the celebrated Dr. B. Kittridge,
also practised several years.
Drs. David A. Grosvenor, and Samuel A. Lord, have recently
been added to the number of regular physicians.
How many there are, or have been, who have rested their
fame on the new-modeled notions of cold water applications,
hot pepper mixtures, and inflnitesimal divisions, I Avill not
presume to say ; but I will say I have good reason to believe
that prescriptions of nauseous drugs have essentially diminished,
and probably will continue to do so as people grow more en
lightened. There is no science in which so little is certainly
known as that of medicine.

46

LEGAL PROFESSION.
I am not aware that any one ever attempted to live by the
law, in Danvers, previous to 1812; since then many have
started here ; no one (except myself) has remained many years.
The order of residence has been as follows, viz. : —
Ralph H. French,
Frederick Howes,
Benjamin L. Oliver, Jr..
George Lamson,
John Walsh,
John W. Proctor,
Rufus Choate,
Joshua H. Ward,
Frederick Morrill,
William D. Northend.
Alfred A. Abbott,
Benjamin Tucker,
Edward Lander, Jr.,
Benj. C. Perkins.
No lawyer has ever died in town with his harness on ; and
no one, to my knowledge, has ever realized a living income
from professional business. It is a poorly paid employment,
and not worth having by those who can find anything else to
do. The proximity to Salem, where such men as Prescott,
Story, Pickering, Saltonstall, Cummings, Merrill, Huntington,
and Lord, have ever been ready to aid those in want of justice,
has taken the cream from the dish of the professional gentlemen
of Danvers. AFRICAN SLAVERY.
A glance at the last one hundred years of the history of the
town, suggests a word upon the slavery of the African; a
topic that has agitated and still agitates our country to its centre.
Do not fear that I am about to introduce party topics, for I am
no partizan in this matter. True, I am opposed to slavery,

47
root and branch, — as I presume every genuine son of New
England is, — and am ready to do all that can be done to extir
pate it from the land, consistent with the presei-vation of indi
vidual rights, and the obligations to regard the constitution.
At the time of the separation, there were, within the limits
of the town, twenty-five slaves, — nine males, sixteen females.
These became free by the abolition of slavery in the State, on
the adoption of our constitution. Most of them remained,
while they lived, in the service of their former owners. I am
happy to know that some of them were valuable citizens, and
left descendants much respected ; one of whom. Prince Former,
son of Milo, slave of Mr. William Poole, lately deceased at
Salem. Since the decease of these slaves, scarcely an individ
ual of this colored race has found a home in Danvers. I do
not now know of any one in town. There are many citizens
who say much about the rights of the oppressed African, and
the wrongs they suffer, and profess great sympathy in their
behalf. I have never known of any efforts of theirs to en
courage the residence of such persons among us. On the con
trary, I have known some of the most zealous to advise them
to be off.
In 1819, the town expressed a very decided opinion against
the further extension of slavery, in a communication made to
the Hon. Nathaniel Silsbee, then representative from this dis
trict, in Congress, by a committee appointed for this purpose,
consisting of Edward Southwick, and four others.
In 1847, when considering the expediency of the Mexican
war, a resolve, prepared by myself, was unanimously adopted,
" that the town would not, in any manner, countenance any
thing that shall have a tendency to extend that most disgraceful
feature of our institutions, — domestic slavery." These opinions,
deliberately adopted, I believe, express the feelings of a very
large proportion of the citizens, — in fact, nearly all those who
had given attention to the subject. It cannot be doubted, the
anti-slavery feeling is constantly increasing; and it would have
been universal, had it not have been for the ill-advised move-

48
ments of some of its advocates. How can it be otherwise?
Who Avill presume to contend " that man has a right to enslave
his fellow man " ? The laws of nature and of God forbid it.
This is an axiom too clear to be illustrated by argument. He
who thinks otherwise, is unworthy the place of his birth.
Freedom, unqualified freedom, shall ever be our watchword.
BURIAL PLACES.
The numerous burial places scattered over the surface of the
town, amounting to more than one hundred, is a feature so pe
culiar as to demand a moment's notice. Almost every ancient
family had a deposit for their dead, on their own farm. Nearly
one half the families that were here one hundred years ago,
have run out or removed from town. The consequence is that
their premises have passed to other names, and the deposits for
their dead to those "who knew them not." If there could be
any certainty of continued title, burial among friends would be
a delightful thought ; but when we are constantly reminded that
in the next generation the ashes of friends may be disturbed
by the unfeeling operations of strangers, we are compelled to
give preference to public over private cemeteries.
Even these are not quite secure. A few years since, in mak
ing a street to Harmony Grove the remains of hundreds of cit
izens were disinterred in what was understood to be the oldest
burial ground in Salem. One stone marked "R. B. 1640," was
found, supposed to indicate the grave of Robert Buffum, a gen
tleman of that age.
Near this, on Poole's Hill, is one of the oldest and most ex
tensive of the public cemeteries. Here rest the remains of
Cook, Daland, and Goldthwait, patriots who fell at the Battle
of Lexingtoa, and of the reverend pastors. Holt and Walker,
whfl alone, of the large number who have officiated as pastors
ia the South Parish, died with their harness on.
But what more than anything else excites the curiosity of
stuangers is the burial place of Miss Elizabeth Whitman, the
oeigiflal »f EUgia Whmrton, inunortalized, by a lady, wife qf a.

49

clergyman at Brighton, as the American Coquette. A constant
pilgrimage to her grave has been performed until the path is
firmly beaten, and the monument which is of freestone is nearly
crumbled in ruins. Tradition speaks of this lady as possessing
superior charms, both mental and personal. She was of good
family, and basely betrayed. While her deviations from the
path of virtue may start the tear of pity, her follies should not
be overlooked. A misapplied sympathy for her, may be used
as an apology by others. When we witness the manner in
Avhich the populace of our own times are led captive by the at
tractions of those not less exceptionable, it. is not surprising that
there should be found many a sympathizing devotee at the
shrine of this unfortunate lady. Here on the banks of this
beautiful stream that flows in our midst, will be found the earli
est and latest graves of Old Salem. Who that has followed
the mournful hearse, laden with the last remains of friends be
loved, slowly winding its way over marsh and dale to this
" Harmonious Grove," will not involuntarily exclaim,
" Prom every grave a thousand virtues rise.
In shapes of mercy, charity and love.
To walk the world and bless it. Of every tear
That sorrowing mortals shed on these green graves
Some good is born, some gentler nature comes ?"

POPULATION.

There is no certain data to ascertain the number of inhabit
ants in the town at the time of the separation. The number
of persons named in the first assessment of taxes, is 280, which,
multiplied by five, will give 1400. The number did not ex
ceed thi^ ; it may not have been more than 1200. It has in
creased as follows, viz. : —

1783,

1921,

1800,

2643,
1810,
3127,
1820,.
3646,
1830,
4228,
1840,
5020,
7 g
50
1850, . . . 8110,
1852, . . . 8400,
being six times the number there were one hundred years be
fore. The number has actually doubled within the last twenty
years, and is now going on, increasing as fast as at any other
period. The improved facilities of communication have brought
us within a half hour's time of the Capital.
RAILROADS.
For many years Danvers struggled hard for railroad accom-
gnodation. She had to contend with the monied aristocracy of
-the Commonwealth. Through mistaken influences, the Eastern
Railroad had been located across the water to East Boston, and
through the tunnel at Salem, both of which were egregious
errors ; and a determination was formed to constrain the travel
in that direction, but it was found no go ; the people were not
to be driven where the,y did not incline to go. Finally a land
route was opened from Salem, through Danvers, to Boston ;
which, if the people of Danvers had been wise enough to keep
within their own control, as they should have done, would
have greatly benefited them, and equally annoyed the Eastern
Road ; but they were outwitted, and the boon escaped their
grasp. Two other roads have been laid through the town,
towards the Merrimack, where but one was needed. A million
of dollars has been laid out where half a million would have
done better, if it had been judiciously expended. The conse
quence is, we have all the " noise and confusion " of railroad
mbvement, with indifferent accommodations, under the direction
of those who have hitherto shown very little disposition to
. accommodate. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Justice demands a more distinct notice of those individuals
who have taken a prominent part in the concerns of the town,
and been identified with it, than has been given in the rapid
description of incidents presented. The characteristics of a
town are necessarily the result of individual efforts. Among

51
those, who have left the deepest impress on its character, will
be found Daniel Eppes, Esq.,
Capt. Samuel Gardner,
Capt. John Proctor,
Nathaniel Putnam,
Joseph . Putnam,
Samuel Holten,
Wmiam Shillaber,
Gideon Foster,
Israel Hutchinson,
Dr. Amos Putnam,
Nathan Felton,
Edward Southwick,
Samuel Page,
Squiers Shove,
Elias Putnam,
Jonathan Shove,
Daniel P. King.
Of those who will be entitled to be remembered on the page
of history, the following may be mentioned : —
Gen. Israel Putnam,
Gen. Gideon Foster,
Gen. Moses Porter,
Dr. Samuel Holten,
Col. Israel Hutchinson,
Dr. Amos Putnam,
Rev. Peter Clark,
Rev. Benjamin Wadsworth,
Col. Jeremiah Page,
Capt. Samuel Page,
Capt. Samuel Flint,
Col. Enoch Putnam,
Capt. Samuel Eppes,
Hon. Timothy Pickering,
Hon. Nathaniel Bowditch,
Hon. Daniel P. King.

52
Of those good men who lived long and well, and were con
tent so to do, without any proclamation made of it, the follow
ing should not be overlooked : —
Levi Preston,
Caleb Oakes,
Johnson Proctor,
Eleazer Putnam,
Fitch Poole,
Ebenezer Shillaber,
Stephen Needham,
Samuel King,
Malachi Felton,
Ebenezer King,
Moses Preston,
Stephen Proctor.
BIOGRAPHY OF GEN. GIDEON FOSTER.
Identified with the town of Danvers will ever be the name
of Gen. Gideon Foster. Born in 1749, and coming upon the
stage of life just as the town came into being, he grew with
its growth, and continued nearly through its first century. His
father was of Boxford. His mother was Lydia Goldthwait, a
descendant of an early family in Danvers.
At the beginning of the Revolution, then in the vigor of
manhood, full of patriotic ardor and physical energy, he was
called to sCenes of trial and danger in the battles of Lexington
and Bunker Hill, and there established a reputation for valor
that was never tarnished. Often have I listened with admira
tion to the narrative of the eventful scenes through which he
passed. On the morning of the 19th of April, 1775, he started, with
the consent of Col. Pickering, commander of the regiment of
Salem and vicinity, at the head of his company of minute-men ;
and with such ardor did they move, that they passed 07i foot
sixteen miles in four hours, to West Cambridge, where they
met the enemy, on their return from Concord, near Lexington.
Intent on the purpose in view, regardless of personal danger.

53
when they heard the troops approaching, unmindful of their
number, they took their station in a barn-yard by the road-side,
and when they were directly opposite, they poured into them
an effectual fire. Immediately they withdrew, under the cover
of the Avoods, behind the hill, and Avere there met by the flank
guard, when seven of their number were shot dead, and as
many more Avounded. Their names are inscribed on yonder
monument, and will continue to awaken the liveliest emotions
of freedom, in the breasts of patriots of every land, while the
granite of our hills shall endure.
The facts relating to this engagement I had from Dennison
Wallis and the General himself, together with the further fact,
that he discharged his own musket at the enemy twelve times,
loaded Avith two balls each time, with well-directed aim. And
as he was remarkable for being a good shot, there can be no
doubt he made his mark upon their ranks.
For more than seventy years. Gen. Foster was one of the
most active and influential citizens of the town. For the last
thirty years, it was his ambition to be the first to deposit his
ballot, in all important elections. So unerring was his judg
ment, that he never failed to be the file leader of the majority,
or Avavered from the genuine Whig principles of '76. In his
time, there was no doubt where Danvers would be found.
Since his departure, there have arisen those who knew not
Gideon, and the result has occasionally corresponded with this
want of knowledge.
Gen. Foster will long be remembered for his private as well
as his public virtues. Tried in no small measure by the hard
ships of adversity, his innate integrity never yielded to tempta
tion. Through life, he sustained the character of an honest
man. Who does not remember with admiration that venerable
form, bending under the infirmities of more than ninety years,
as he guided his plough upon his scanty acres, or harnessed his
horse to attend upon the temple of the Lord ; and with what
humility he bowed before the Deity, whom he so reverently
worshipped ?
His virtues will ever be enshrined in our hearts, though (to

54
our reproach be it spoken) no monument marks the resting-
place of his ashes. His epitaph may now be supposed to read.
Died Nov. 1, 1845, aged 96J years, —
" By strangers honored and by strangers mourned." *
BIOGRAPHY OF GEN. MOSES PORTER.
Moses Porter was born at Danvers, in 1757. He was an
officer in the artillery service, under General Putnam, at Bunker
Hill, and particularly distinguished for the bravery with which
he fought. He Avas with Washington at the battle of Brandy
wine, and wounded at Trenton, on the Delaware. At the close
of the Revolutionary war, he was the only officer of artillery
retained on the peace establishment. He was with General
Wayne, at his celebrated engagement with the Indians in 1794.
He Avas commander at the taking of Fort George, in 1813; —
and in many other positions during the war on the Western
frontier. He was a soldier, and a brave one ; — uniting in an
extraordinary manner, the suaviter in modo Avith the fortiter in
re. I have heard him say, whenever danger or difficulty was
apprehended, he threw off his epaulette and plume, and putting
on his tight cap and sho7't jacket, he wore them until all dis
turbing elements had passed away.
At the beginning of the war of 1812, he commanded at the
port of Norfolk, and with such firmness were the enemy re
pulsed on their first visit, that they never found it convenient
to call a second time.
He was an upright, honorable man, of mien dignified and
commanding ; a rigid disciplinarian ; a Washingtonian in senti
ment ; of unwavering courage ; uniting all the urbanities of the
gentleman, with the inflexible firmness of the soldier. Danvers
may be proud of furnishing, in Putnam and Porter, two as res-
* Here let me say, that the same envelope that contained the donation from
George Peabody, Esq., of London, of #20,000 for the promotion of education
and morality among us, authorized me to subscribe, in behalf of the donor
the sum of fifty dollars towards a monument to the memory of the General as
soon as a corresponding sympathy shall be awakened in the bosoms of 'his
fellow-townsmen.

55
olute soldiers as ever preceded Zachary Taylor or Winfield
Scott in the service of their country.
Gen. Porter died at Cambridge, April, 1822, aged 65. His
remains rest in the family burial-ground at Danvers.
SUMMARY VIEW.
A summary vieAv of the condition of the town of Danvers, at
the close of the first century of its independent existence, shows
the following facts, viz. : —
Population, . . . . 8,110
Valuation, . . . $3,294,800
Estimated Annual Payments, —
For Religious Instruction, . . $10,000
For support of Free Schools, . 10,000
For support of the Poor, . . 5,000
For ordinary Municipal purposes, 5,000
I use round numbers, omitting fractions. A large part of the
population are now engaged in mechanical and manufacturing
pursuits. Many have recently come in, and can hardly be
reckoned as permanent settlers. The facilities for employment
- are constantly enlarging ; and with the increasing facilities of
intercourse through all parts of the country, and the continued
industrial habits that have ever been the distinguishing charac
teristic of the town, imagination can hardly set bounds to the
advances to be made.*

* On the next page will be found a table explanatory of the finances of
Danvers. Biographical sketches of most of those named on page 51, had been pre
pared ; but they are omitted, to give place to more interesting matters, that
sprung up on the day of the celebration.

56

CONCLUDING REMARKS.
Descendants of the pioneers at Danvers! of Endicott, of
Putnam, of Porter, of Preston, of Felton, of Waters, of Trask,
of Osborn, and a host of others. Why have you come together
this day ? Is it not to gain instruction from the contemplation
of the deeds of your fathers ?
Be animated by theii patriotism ; — ^be purified hy theix piety ;
— ^be admonished by their follies; — ^be encouraged by their
industry ; — and in all things, wherein they were found worthy,

Valuations and .Assessments in Danvers, from 1827 to 1852.

. Year.

Valuation.

Per cent, of Town Tax.

Assessment.

1827

#1,870,700

.34

#6,360 38

1828

2,017,600

.32

6,456 32

1829

2,087,350

.32

6,679 52

1830

2,033,500

.44

8,947 40

1831

2,181,700

.31.8

6,581 78

1832

2,264,050

.32

7,244 96

1833

2,263,050

.36

8,146 98

1834

2,212,750

.35.5

7,855 26

1835

2,215,900

.35.5

7,866 44

1836

2,321,750

.34.5

8,010 04

1837

1,862,750

.50

9,313 75

1838

1,848,950

• .44

8,135 38

1839

1,892,300

.44

8,326 12

1840

1,971,500

.50

9,857 50

1841

2,029,800

.43

8,728' 14

1842

2,077,000

.46

9,554 20

1843

2,094,300

.45

9,404 35

1844

2,143,600

.50

10,718 00

1845

2,373,800

.62

14,717 56

1846

2,528,700

.72

18,406 64

1847

2,594,100

.63

16,342 83

1848

2,708,300

.56

15,166 48

1849

2,810,200

.56

15,737 12

1850

3,077,100

.70

21,539 70

1851

3,186,300

.82

26,127 66

1852

3,294,500

.76

25,038 20

Thus it appears, while the property in town has rwt doubled, taxation has
increased fourfold. It should also be remembered, that the highway, county,
district, and religious taxes, usually amount to as much as the town tax. The
amount of taxation in the town is not less than ten dollars annually on each
thousand dollars of property.
This table has been compiled with care, and will afford to the curious in
quirer the best possible index of the progress and the management of the
concerns ofthe town. It should serve as an admonition to the citizens to keep
their eiyendUures within their means ; — a lesson of late too little regarded.

57
strive to imitate their example. How can you better shoAV
yourselves worthy of your parentage ?
Here, where once grew the blueberry and the alder, and the
frog and the txirtle tuned their notes without annoyance, now
spouts the steam engine, rolls the railroad car, and resounds the
busy hum, of industry of every description. Here the gushing
fountains pour out resources inexhaustible through the tannin
from the bark of the mountain. On the hills made fertile by
the skill ; — on the plains enriched by the toils ; — on the mead
ows reclaimed by the art, of those who first landed on these
forbidding shores, will ever be found rich mementos of their
Avisdom and their worth.
Though, in your coffers, the pearls of the Indies, or the glit
tering sands of California, may luot abound, still, while the
unfaultering hearts and strong arms of freemen are yours, no
danger need be feared. The combined power of learning,
liberty, and law, Avill be your cegis of protection in every emer
gency. In conclusion, allow me to cite the following beautiful lines : —
" There is a land, of every land the pride.
Beloved of Heaven o'er all the world beside ;
There is a spot of earth supremely blest,
A dearer, sweeter spot, than all the rest.
There woman reigns, — the mother, daughter, wife.
Strews with fresh flowers the thorny path of life.
Amidst her walks domestic duties meet.
And fireside pleasures gambol at her feet.
Where shall that land, that spot of earth, be found ?
Art thou a man ? a patriot ? look around !
Oh thou shalt find, where'er thy footsteps roam.
That land thy country, and that spot thy home."

8 h

58

CONTENTS OF THE ADDRESS.

Introductory Eemaa-ks,
Ancient Naumkeag,
Name of Danvers,
Grant of land to Capt. John Endicott,
" " " to Eev. Samuel Skelton, -
" " " to John Humphrey, Esq.,
" " " to John Putnam and Sons,
*' " " to Emanuel Downing,
Witchcraft Delusion,
Eevolutionary Incidents, -
Battle of Lexington,
Battle of Bunker Hill,
Heroes of the Eevolution,
Extraordinary Age of Soldiers, -
Eeligious Worship,
Education, and Free Schools,
Paupers, Support of, &c..
Temperance movements,
Business of the Town,
Official Stations, -
Medical Profession,
Legal Profession,
African Slavery,
Burial Places,
Population of the Town,
EaUroads, -
Gideon Poster, notice of, •
Moses Porter, notice of, ¦
Financial Tahle, •

33.5 7
99
11 11
13 to 19
19 to 2323
242536
27 to 32
. 32 to 38
36 to 38
38 to 39
¦ 39 to 40
41 to 44
44 to 454647484950
63 to 34
04 to 5556

59

1) AN TEES:
A POEM.

BY ANDREW NICHOLS

INTRODUCTION.
Danvers, loved name, my native place.
The dearest land on the broad face
Of Earth, to me, — around thee cling
Lov'd memories, — of these I sing ;
Lov'd legends, which my youthful ear
Drank with delight, — and here, yes here,
I've tasted all the various sweets,
Which man in his life's journey meets.
Here too I've suffered, mourned, and shed
The tears of grief, o'er loved ones dead.
Committed to thy bosom lie
All of the dearest that could die,
And through their graves, I farthest see
Into a blest futurity.
0 Danvers ! how can I forget
A gem like thee so richly set,
By all life's holiest powers enchas'd,
And in my very heart encas'd.
How can I then thy call refuse,
The residence of ev'ry Muse,
That has, with song, my pathway cheer'd,
And doubly to my soul endear'd
My home, sweet home, so full of charms,
O how the thought with rapture warms !
Yes home, sweet home, I've never known,
Except in Danvers, as my own.

60

0 Danvers, Danvers, proud am I,
Who hold thee in esteem so high,
On this Centennial Jubilee
Thy Laureat and chief bard to be.
Yes proud, tho' trembling now with fear.
Lest I disgrace a theme so dear ; —
Lest hands benumb'd by age and toil
The sculpture of thy beauties spoil.
And yet it seems so meet that they,
Who in thy service have grown grey, —
Who've loved thee longest, known thee well,
Should on this day thy stoiy tell, —
Tho' not to risks of failure blind
I dare essay the task assigned.
I.
What need is there that Danvers' sons should roam ?
Has the broad earth a good not found at home,
By those who ne'er have wandered ? Still they go,
On other lands their labors to bestow !
Yes, go, moved by benevolence to give
To others more than they from them receive !
Well, let them go, the sons of other soils
Fill well their places here, and take the spoils
By them abandoned ! — cultivate her fields, .
And feast on dainties which old Danvers yields !
We bid right welcome to our homes and hearts
All who bring here their industry and arts, —
Eebuild waste places, or ope places new.
Give zest to social life, good men and true,
Who will the bounds of useful works extend.
And act the parts of brother, helper, friend.
None greet with purer joy this festive day
Than these adopted citizens, who say
' Danvers to us has proved a Mother dear ;
' Life's richest banquet we have tasted here.'
And ye, self-exiled children, who have come
T' embrace your Mother in your dear old home,
Welcome, once more, into her outstretched arms ;
O has she not for you still peerless charaas i

61
Say, have you elsewhere in your wanderings found,
Of heartfelt joys a more productive ground }
II.
What son of Danvers can unmov'd survey
The scene before us, and the prospect round,
The moving panorama, bright and gay,
Forest and pasture, tillage and meadow ground,
Houses and workshops, factories and barns,
And an industrious people busy there !
Comfort and thrift the roving eye discerns.
With peace and plenty nestling everywhere ;
Railroads and steamers, which facilitate
Progress in all that's pleasing, good, or great,
Give to the people here ubiquity.
Unknown in ages past, and set them free
O'er a wide field of usefulness to roam —
Work many miles abroad, yet live at home ;
Schoolhouses, where the intellect acquires
Strength to fight nobly the battles of life.
Churches, soul-lifting to Heaven, whose spires
Point to a rest from earth's sorrows and strife.
Or if alone upon the landscape, we
Bend all our thoughts, how beautiful and grand
The varied prospects, various scenery.
Of hill and dale, brooks, lakelets, sea and land ;
Those large morains,* our mother's swelling breasts,-
FuU of refreshing springs of water sweet ; —
Those fertile plains, yon broken rocks where rests
Volcanic power — its ancient work complete —
These, by the lights which science o'er them throws.
Teach morals, wisdom, and ideal arts —
As rich as fam'd Parnassus' mount bestows,
Or classic realm to favored bards imparts ;
Yes, Beauty here her countless forms displays,
Her rainbow-tinted, glorious, changeful rays
Present an everpleasing panorama.
To recreate us thro' life's painful drama.
* Hills formed by the diluvial drift.

62
To aid our moral culture 'round us here,
The graves of honored ancestors appear,
Scattered on every side o'er hill and dale.
Telling, to thoughtful souls, a most instructive tale.
'III.
The past returns, the present disappears.
Old Time rolls backward nearly twelve score years ;
Dense forests fill these vales, those hill tops crown,
Rills, brooks, and rivers send their waters down
An unobstructed tribute to the sea,
And wild herds graze on fertile hill and lea.
Here lives the Indian, nature's savage child,
Fierce as the panther, as the roebuck wild,
Housed in wigwams, simple structures these —
The frames are poles, or small straight sapling trees.
In circles, or in squares, fixed in the ground,
Their tops with strips of bark together bound ;
With mats or bark well cover'd, tight and warm,
Shelter'd by forest trees from sun and storm ;
A bull-rush mat a side hole covers o'er.
Which is at once a window and a door ;
A central fire, by which their food they cook.
And a top hole to give egress to smoke.
Around this fire, when chilled by Winter's cold.
In skins or blankets wrapp'd, the young and old
Sleep, work or game ; feast, smoke, dance, paint or sing.
Prepare to hunt or fight ; and hither bring
The spoils ; here squaws, pappooses, guests repose,
Warriors and captives all together doze.
But many a wigwam now a ruin lies ;
The yellow plague, which Powow's art defies.
Has Massachusetts warriors swept away ;
Their thousands down to hundreds are reduc'd ;
Cold, cold, the ashes on their hearth-stones lay,
Their bows unstrung, their traps and nets unus'd.*
* In 16ia-13, the Massachusetts Tribe of Indians, which had previously
numbered 3000 warriors, was so reduced by the " yellow plague," that there
after it consisted of 300 men only, besides women and children. — Gookin'»
Mstorical Collections, 1654.

63

IV.
I sing of ancient times, when sires of ours
First sought a home upon these pleasant shores ;
So pleasant now, but when they first came here
A howling wilderness, cold, dark and drear.
O why did those, who had been bred in ease,
Defy the dangers of uncharted seas.
And throw themselves, and all they dearly prized.
Upon a scheme so wild, so ill advised ?
They had no home in England ; ruthless war
On all their rights, which were worth living for,
Had so reduced them to despotic thrall.
That their free souls were all that they could call
Their own. No home ! for unmolested, they
Could not enjoy the privilege to pray
Their God to bless them ; nor themselves employ
In acts of worship, the soul's highest joy.
Such as their conscience did of them require,
And which alone could save them from the fire
Unquenchable. No home ! tyrannic power
Had plac'd its spies in their most private bower —
No home ! the hearth which cheered their early years.
Was desecrated then by blood and tears.
And e'en their fathers' venerated graves
Rebuked them with — ' How can our sons be slaves .?
' It was in vain we shed our blood to free
' The land from papal thrall and prelacy,
' If you succumb beneath the galling chain
' Imposed by upstart Popes, and prelates vain.'
No ; 'twas a homeless, persecuted band.
Who sought a home in this then savage land,
A place of rest where they might sheltered be.
Beneath their own dear vine, and fruitful tree.
How trifling all the ills of outward life
To inward conflicts, and the spirit's strife !
They felt this truth, 'tis not by bread alone
Man lives and makes life's benefits his own ;
But every word, each providence of God,
Is to the soul its most nutritious food.

64
Beneath God's seeming frown there ever lies
A hidden good, which trusting souls may seize
And find support. This well the pilgrims knew,
Their history proves the cheering doctrine true ;
And it proves also, that to earnest souls,
In whom faith all their energies controls,
God gives sure conquest. But conquest may be
A blessing or a curse, may bind or free.
God gives eternal principles, and then
Leaves their employment to the choics of men.
Good principles may be by men abused.
Yes, faith in God in Satan's service used.
V.
Lo ! yonder bay is plough'd by unknown keels.
Her parting water a new impulse feels ;
Where heretofore nought save the light canoe
Of Indian floated, or some raft of trees,
A noble ship comes slowly on, her crew
Right hardy children of the stormy seas.
And numerous passengers now throng her deck ;
With throbbing hearts and watery eyes survey
The wood-crowned headlands, every creek inspect ;
And look admiring 'round the spacious bay !
The cannon utters its terrific voice, —
The wild beasts startled to their coverts flee,
Echo returns their shouts, no other noise,^-
No human beings on the shores they see !*
They land ; they settle, that is, houses build, —
With battle axe, the forest trees assail ; —
They plant in virgin soils, before untilled,
Maintain close walk with God, their sins bewail,
And sternly meet, with an unflinching mind,
The evils of their lot, their enemies —
Sickness, death, devils ; deeming them designed
To try their faith, and make them strong and wise.
Death decimates their ranks, disease consumes
Their strength, but to their steady purpose true
A letter from one of the first settlers states this fact. — Mass. Mst. Coll.

65

Their task postponed, returning strength resumes,
Or other hands th' unfinished works renew ;
So toil'd and suffered our forefathers here.
How all their hardships do their names endear,
Or should endear to us, inheritors of all
Their toil has purchased, or their valor won —
Freedom from bigot's rule, from tyrant's thrall,
The skill and power to conquer, or to shun,
The dreaded evils that beset our race.
Between the cradle and its resting place.
VI.
Our Puritan ancestors start from their graves,
And lo ! now before us appear,
As when, wafted over the Atlantic's waves,
They planted a colony here.
In separate groups the old emigrants come.
In feelings and objects the same.
To enjoy their religion, establish a home,
God's laws re-enact and proclaim.
So grave is their object, how can they be gay,
Or give to frivolity place .'
Pilgrims and strangers, not long here to stay.
Their wealth and their staff is God's grace.
For their God is to them a stern reality,
Almighty to help in their need.
Omniscient, their out and in goings to see ;
Omnipresent, to teach, guard and lead.
They too have a Devil most horribly great.
To seduce, to deceive, and destroy ;
Who, if not permitted to ruin the State,
Could greatly disturb and annoy.
Surrounded by heathen to bless or to kill,
Their lives in their hands day and night,
With musket, hoe, axe, they go out on their hill,
To make clearings, plant, or to fight.
9 i

66
With good Scripture language each tongue well supplied.
Most effective, sound orators, they
Think, teach, work, or fight, as they stand side by side,
Always ready for deadly affray.
Av'rice and bigotry too find a seat
By the side of more liberal views ;
For freedom of conscience death ready to meet,
Yet the same boon to others refuse.
Roger Williams from Salem is driven away,
Mrs. Hutchinson smirch'd and defam'd ;
Quakers and witches are hung ; woful day !
With sorrow remember'd and nara'd.
Yet in spite of their blue laws, the lasses will eye
Their beaux upon Sabbath and fast ;
And beaux will exchange with them glances tho' sly,
Which must make impressions to last,
Till the blest consummation of oneness for life —
Till death shall the smitten ones part,
Till forgotten th' relation of husband and wife.
All the long-cherished wealth of the heart !
In spite of stern synods, some people would think
For themselves, and their notions proclaim ;
Tho' warden or tythingman threaten or wink,
And church canons at them should aim.
Hence Quakers may hang. Anabaptists may flee ;
But heresy's seed, widely sown.
Will spring up and grow, aye, become quite a tree,
Ere it to the watchmen be known.
The Quakers, by martyrdom strengthened, sit down,
Non-resistant in Brooksby,* resolved to enjoy
Their rights God-defended, in this hostile town,
The gospel of peace to proclaim, their employ.
* An ancient name for South Danvers.

67

And Quakers among us are walking to-day.
Who believe all-sufficient their old simple creed
To live by and die by, and so they well may,
For theirs is the Gospel of Jesus indeed.
See Foster at college, commanded to write
On the rite of Baptism a theme ; —
The heretic-Baptists to turn to the right — ¦
From their baseless delusions redeem.
The subject he studied, and straightway became
A convert to dogmas he could not refute ;
And doctrines believed in, he dared to proclaim.
How little soever old friends it might suit.
He preach'd them at home, and upon Skelton's Neck
A church was soon gathered, which- cherishes now
The tenets he taught, and still holds in respect
His name, — and his creed is their covenant vow.
Still people would think, read their Bibles, embrace
Other doctrines than those we have named ; .
Deacon Edmund,* with new-fangled views of God's grace,
Universal salvation proclaim'd.
It found little favor, his converts were few.
When he with his forefathers slept.
Still the seed he had sown died not, the plant grew.
Reproduced till it thousands accept.
Unitarians, Jlethodists, Catholics here.
And comeouters, act, think as they please ;
All of every name, who are pious, sincere,
The reward win of piety, peace.
Minds, morals improved by sectarian strife,
Draw strength from the battle of creeds.
Let all live together, embellishing life
With the charm of beneficent deeds.
* Edmund Putnam.

68

The Pilgrims, we know, were not always exempt
Frora the vexatious promptings of sin ;
They sometimes were angry, and looked with contempt
On humanity's dictates within.
In neighborhoods, feuds, I am sorry to say,
Were sometimes long cherished by law ;
Where rights oft contested, and tiresome delay,
On purses did cruelly draw.
And no less on morals, religion, and peace,
Without which enjoyment is not ;
When vengeful and angry emotions increase,
Duty, piety, love are forgot.
But let us not dwell on their errors ; 'tis well,
If they teach us like errors to shun ;
Let their virtues excite us to stand by the right —
Guide our feet in their foot-prints to run.
VII.
The Puritan — there's in that name
Much that must ever rev'rence claim
Of all mankind — especially
Of people struggling to be free.
Bred amid scenes of cruel wrong.
He grew pugnacious, firm and strong ;
He was not yet entirely freed
From his ancestral heathen creed,
' That death in battle gains for all
Admission into Odin's hall !'
Hence heroes are, by honor's laws.
Deemed saints, however bad the cause
In which their bloody wreaths are gained.
If by some sov'reign power sustained.
Somewhat Judaical, too, he took,
For his life's law, the Holy book, —
But from it rules of conduct drew
To suit his own peculiar view

69
Of duty, — ruthlessly pursued
His enemies in bloody feud ;
And such peculiarly deemed he
Agents of his arch-enemy.
Witches and wizards. — What, forgive !
Moses forbad that such should live.
And such not doubting he had found
Encumbering God's holy ground.
He hung them up ; — an insane fury
Possessing priest, judge, sheriff, jury !
And other crimes I need not name.
Which mortal ne'er committed, came
To be adjudicated here.
And innocence with conscience clear.
In some few cases, suffered on
The gallows. Sad, most sad mistake.
Which should be pondered well upon
Until the gibbet, like the stake,
Be banished — all machinery
Life to destroy, be done away,
And human life be valued far
Too high to take by law or war.
Yet was the Puritan sincere.
Truth was to him than life more dear.
For truth, or what he thought was such,
He could not sacrifice too much ;
Ease, country, kindred, all were nought
Compared with the high good he sought ;
Hardship and danger evils light
Compared with compromising right,
And conscience by obedience to
Whatever despots bid him do.
Statesmen of ev'ry age, this trait
Should study well and imitate.
VIII.
In olden times, the people here
Were chiefly tillers of the ground,
A calling to which most severe
Labor attaches ;-^but makes sound

70
The body, and it schools tha mind
In honest purposes, and where
Men till their own lov'd lands, we find
A noble yeomanry, who are
The firmest pillars of the State,
The purest patriots of the land, —
The stronghold of religion, great
In all that can respect command.
Here plastic clay the potter turned
To pitcher, dish, jug, pot, or pan.
As in his kiln this ware was burned.
So burned the patriot in the man
Into persistent shape ; which no
Turning could change back into dough !
It might be broken, ground to dust,
But ne'er made ductile as at first.
Here coopers wrought — housewrights a few,
Tanners, who all were curriers too ; —
Shoemakers, and some tailors, who.
From house to house news-bearers went,
Making, where'er they chanced to go,
A joyous day ; for while intent
On fitting small clothes, coat or shoe,
Some thrilling tale they told unto
Ears thirsting for the strange and true.
The blacksmith's shop did oft dispense
With iron wares, intelligence —
Food, recreation for the mind.
Which civilized, improved, refined.
The mills, too, in those early times.
Were schools, wherein much more was taught
Than simply grinding corn ; — there minds
Some clue to useful knowledge caught.
Well, well do I remember when
Our millers were distinguished men, —
The honor'd Colonel Hutchinson,
Foster, and Deacon Gideon,*
* Gen. Gideon Foster and Deacon Gideon Putnam, Esq.

71
Than whom this town, in worth or fame,
Few nobler as her sons can claim.
Oft serv'd their mills, as faithfully
As elsewhere. Freedom, Liberty.
And did not boys, who weekly went
To get their corn made meal, intent,
Receive from millers such as these
Impressions that would make them wise, —
Whose influence would never cease
To check false pride and save from vice ?
The clergy, too, made reverend by
Their office, and the dress they wore ;
By band and surplice. O how high
Above their, flock these shepherds. soar !
Yet preachers of hurriility,
And humble too allowed to be ;
Assuming dignity, that they
Might wield a salutary sway.
O'er minds forever prone to bow
To rank, to pomp, to empty show ;
To whom this truth is seldom known —
" Where least of state, there most of love is shown."
Schoolmasters, too, were oft austere.
They ruled by birch and not by love ; —
Men of great courage, using fear
As the chief instrument t' improve
The minds and hearts of docile youth —
To drive them to the Fane of Truth !
Fear, fear, which has in every age.
From every stand-point on life's stage,
From pulpit to primary school.
Been used the multitude to rule, —
At best is a debasing power
Fitted the intellect to lower,
Rather than elevate. The soul.
Unless praise, courage, hope control
Its destinies, must ever be
Sinking in helpless misery.

72
0 preacher, teacher ! 'tis by love
G»d rules, in mercy rules above.
More and more like him strive to be ;
From every fear your pupils free.
By love alone e.xcite, persuade
To duty, calling to thy aid
Whatsoever things are true.
Of good report, just, honest, pure.
These with untiring industry pursue.
Discard the rod, your scholars' love secure.
IX.
One hundred years ago, or more, I ween,
Fashions, unlike the present here, were seen, —
Less luxury in diet, habitude, and dress ;
More industry, and nerve-ache vastly less ;
Greater exposure to the sun and air,
Fewer pale cheeks ; — consumptions far more rare.
One hundred years ago, the spinning wheel,
Hatchel and cards, the loom, the old clock reel,
On which her daughters and the serving maid.
From morn till night, far sweeter music made.
To thrifty housewife's ears, than now proceeds
From thrum'd pianos, and wind-fretted reeds,
Vibrating, whistl'ing to the nervous touch
Of amateur performers, overmuch
Luxuriating in the lap of ease ; —
Feasting on dainty sounds, — sweet melodies,
Which neither fit the head or hand to wield,
In life's great battle, either sword or shield ;
But leave the helpless, enervated thing
We call a lady, subject to the sting
Of every puny insect that she meets ; —
Robbing her life flowers of their choicest sweets.
Music, however good, was ne'er designed
To be the daily task of woman kind ; —
To take the place of labor, which alone
Can give the nerves a sound, right healthy tone ; —
Can give the cheek the glowing tints of beauty,
And fit the body for a mother's duty.

73

To some, 'tis true, rare faculties are given
To lift, by song, th' enraptured soul to heaven ;
Excite to love, soothe pain, or banish care,
To fire the soul heroic deeds to dare :
To such, let music be their daily food ;
' Go, follow Nature,' is a maxim good.
But, few can hope, by modulating wind.
To make themselves resemble Jenny Lind ;
Nor can the mass of lower crust, or upper.
Expect by song to win their daily supper ;
Which to win somehow, we must hold to be
The very essence of morality.
God ne'er intended that an idle hand
Should waste the plenty of hard toil-till'd land.
To eat the fruit of the well cultur'd tree.
By others planted, and not truly be
Planting for others, is a shame and sin.
And no one guiltless is, who rests therein.

Old Time rolls backward, we have said, and lo !
Danvers, as 'twas one hundred years ago.
Appears before us. Let us walk around.
And see what's doing on this well-lov'd ground.
We, if you please, will first direct our steps
Unto the mansion of 'Squire Daniel Eppes ;
An old farm house, two seven-feet stories high,
A lean-to on behind, a spacious chimney too.
Which ten feet square at least must occupy ;
A lesser space would never, never do !
A well-stock'd barn, and a good well near by.
Which, with its curb, crotch, sweep, pole, bucket, all
Is picturesque, and quite poetical.
Near by is seen a winter-sweeting tree.
Destined, in after-times, renowned to be
Parent of apple orchards, widely fam'd,
And for our town, the Danvers Sweeting nam'd.
Here in armed chair, before a cheerful fire,
Writing, or reading, sits the worthy 'Squire ;
10 j

74

Beside him sits his consort, plump and fair.
Sewing or knitting in her cushion'd chair —
Their comely daughter Mary carding tow.
Large heaps of rolls her strength of muscle shows,
And that her cards she has learn'd well to play,
Good proof is given by her work to-day.
The younger Daniel's robust consort too
Is doing much, and still has much to do ;
In every task she takes an ample share,
Altho' the loom is her peculiar care.
Obedient to her feet, her hands, her eyes.
The treadles move, slaie swings, and shuttle flies ;
The growing web beneath her magic sway,
Strip'd, check'd or damask-draper'd, each day
Gives joyous promise, to the inmates there.
Of raiment fit, and good for them to wear
On all occasions, through the coming year ; —
Better than loughten stuffs, tho' not so dear.
Her oldest son is winding quills, — one more
Plays with the kitten on the chamber floor, —
Now spins his top, now turns the swifts, or reel, —
The busiest urchin of the commonweal.
But now the day is closing upon all.
One runs, obedient to her duty's call,
To milk the cows ; another, o'er the fire
Hangs the good kettle, sifts the yellow meal.
And as the flame does lovingly aspire
Around the cauldron, stirs the pudding well.
Upon another trammel hangs a pot,
Containing good bean porridge, piping hot,
From which the 'Squire his ev'ning meal will make.
In preference to the fare the others take.
The second Daniel comes, all over tow,
With the last bundle of well-swingled flax.
His winter's hardest task accomplished now ;
His face, to beam with gladness, nothing lacks
Save a good washing, which is quickly done ;
As quick, a change of raiment is put on ;
And the Town Clerk of Danvers takes his chair
And bowl of pudding, with a graceful air ;—

75

Pats his boys' heads, as they beside him stand, —
Meets his wife's look of love with smile as bland,
Greets his sweet sister, as, with busy broom,
She sweeps the floor, and sets to rights the room ;
Observes her nervous movement, and suspects
That she some wooing visitor expects.
Their evening meal is gratefully enjoyed —
Around the table, busily employed.
All hands are seated, and the book or pen,
Sewing or knitting, is resumed again.
A rap comes on the door ; — Lo ! Mary's face
Cover'd with blushes indicates a case
Not yet develop'd. To the kind " Walk in,"
Door opes — voice enters, " Mr. Eppes within .'
I want to see him." Mr. Eppes goes out
To see who 'tis, and what he's come about.
There learns, by stamnier'd words and bashful look,
John Osborn wants to marry Mary Cook ;
And that the banns should duly published be ;
But, until published, kept most secretly.
Another rap. Blushes again spread o'er
Sweet Mary's face now deeper than before ;
In, Mr. Proctor, a young neighbor, drest
In Sunday-suit, comes as an evening guest, —
Bows to the ladies, — shakes hands with the men.
Says, " Spring-like weather's come," — and then
Sits down, coughs chokingly — essays
To speak, — hems, — awkwardness displays
In posture, — sits uneasy, — answers slow
Some questions asked him, — simply yes or no ;
Until assur'd by raeeting their kind looks.
That he at least is among friendly folks.
He talks of farmers' prospects, — sheep and kine, —
Oxen and horses, — and prolific swine ;
How best to plough his lands, and how manure, —
How right good crops to cultivate, secure ; —
Until the evening, wearing fast away.
Suggests the question^ how long will he stay ?
But why does Mary silently retire,
And in the best room kindle up a fire ?

76

Now Proctor bids the family good-bye, —
Meets Mary in the entry, but O why
Goes he not out directly, but till late
Holds with the buxom girl a tete-a-tete ?
Experienced lovers might perhaps explain.
How moulding into oneness are the twain, —
A process by life's richest feelings -blest, —
Feelings, which cannot be by words exprest, —
Or to the sagest human mind made known,
Till by experience they shall be his own.
No further then into their doings pry,
Which are too sacred for the public eye.
One word of caution only will I add
To the pert damsel and the thoughtless lad.
Indulge in no flirtations ; they destroy-
The power to relish life's most luscious joy ; ^
Those only wedlock's highest bliss can know,
Who on one object all their love bestow ;
When once you've fix'd your choice, O never, never,
Indulge the thought that you can change it ever.
Hark, do I not a whisper'd murmur hear, —
' O call you that a picture of the past .?
' If so, it often has been copied here ;
' I've known one like it made since April fast !
' Yonder the couple sit, who now are feeling
' All the fresh rapture of young love's revealing.'
XI.
Next, to the Village Church let us repair, —
A queer old sombre structure, nearly square,
AVith a four-sided roof, surmounted by
Its own epitome, a square belfry.
In which a little bell, securely hung,
Is by depending rope in broad aisle rung ;
With " lime and hair," side walls are overspread,
But there's no plaster'd canopy o'erhead ;
There naked timbers meet the vagrant eye,
And ornamental posts, in number four.
Depending from the lofty tower on high,
Point threat'ning downwards to the central floor :

77

On one side of the aisle are seats for men.
And on the other, seats and a sheep pen
For good old women. There to warra their feet
Was seen an article now obsolete, —
A sort of basket tub of braided straw.
Or husks, in which is placed a heated stone.
Which does half-frozen limbs superbly thaw,
And warm the marrow of the oldest bone ;
Side galleries, too, there are for boys and men,
And women young ; — a cock-loft negro pen.
Where the degraded slave might sit and hear
Truths, which the bondsman's sinking heart might cheer ;
Beneath the pulpit is the deacons' seat.
Where faces shine with piety replete ; —
Reflect the lights, which from the pulpit fall, —
Reflect and send them to the hearts of all.
Good parson Clarke, in pulpit preaching there.
Gives full two hours to sermon and to prayer ;
And the long psalm, by lined-out couplets sung,
The tune more model'd by the nose than tongue.
Made a protracted meeting in cold weather.
More penance-like than pastime altogether.
The morning meeting o'er, good boys and men,
Who cannot well go home and come again
To worship in the afternoon, repair
To Mrs. Cross', and eat luncheon there.
Which they have bro't from horae ; but buy and sip
A mug of toddy or of well-spiced flip ;
Some gingerbread or biscuit ; — thus they give
Sorae compensation for what they receive,
The room that holds them, and the fire that warms, —
Cozy asylum, full of quiet charms.
Here the long sermon well they criticise, —
Discuss the various topics which comprise
The lore of village farmers, — get the news.
And useful knowledge seek, acquire, diffuse.
Albeit, rev'rence for the holy day
Puts all light thoughts and vanities away.
By girls and women too the noontime's spent
At Mrs. Dempsy's, who is well content

78

To gather round her fire the shivering dames.
For they bring with them what will feed its flames.
Here as they pack away their bread and cheese,
They give imprison'd thoughts a free release, —
The current scandals of the day con o'er.
Despatch the old, and manufacture more.
The little bell now calls them in again,
To shiver two hours more in seat or pen ;
Then some on foot go wallowing thro' the snow,
Two on one horse, or many in a sleigh,
To their dear homes ; whose firesides warmly glow,
And supper waits ; there sanctify the day.
And to confirm their faith in their own ism.
Read Bible, Psalm-book, and the Catechism ;
And thus secure a week's supply of good,
Hard to digest, tough theologic food.

XII.
Another scene a gathering shows.
Of people from some miles around ;
Why, why are timber, boards and chips
Strewn all about their meeting ground .'
Why ? Do'n't you know that Mister Smith
Has bidden them, to help him raise
A new frame-house, in which he hopes
To spend the remnant of his days ?
And all have come, men, women, boys, —
And, lo ! the timbers briskly move.
And in the framework meet, embrace.
United by compulsive love.
Once, twice, the merry raisers pause
To take of drink each man his dole, —
The work is all complete, except
The putting on the ridge its pole.

79
This the workmen cannot lift !
' Send up a bottle filled with rum,'-
They drink, — it operates a charm, —
The timber to its place has come.
And on that dizzy ridge-pole high
Th' excited climber boldly sits.
The bottle swings, and, "mid hurrahs,
a Dashes that bottle all to bits !
While thus were occupied the men.
The women have a table spread
With cider, cold ham, fish and cheese.
Doughnuts, baked beans, and good brown bread.
All to this table now repair.
And of this cold collation eat ;
And story tellers, too, are there.
To furnish forth a mental treat.
Among them, witty parson Holt,
With old Jo Smith, in stories vies ;
The first deals in embellished truth,
The latter, in romantic lies.
A ring, a ring, — some wrestl'rs new
Athletic skill, strength, prowess try, —
Some run and jump, some dance and sing.
And close the day right merrily.
XIII.
A husking. Heaps of gathered corn.
Long rows of lads and lasses gay,
Old men, boys, maids, gay or forlorn,
Intent on mingling work and play.
Sweet cider goes around, and flip
Makes bright eyes sparkle brighter still, —
The joke, loud laughter, and the song
The scene with jocund noises fill.

80
A red ear, got by roguish swain.
Gives hira the right to seize and kiss
Each blushing maid, unless repulsed
By smutty ear, or sturdy miss.
The old men, garrulous, relate
To youngsters, of old times a tale ; —
Husks rustle, stalks and corn cobs crack.
Mirth, love, and jollity prevail.
The labor done, the festive board
Is for the hungry buskers spread ;
The supper o'er, the elders all
Their well-known pathways homeward tread ;
While the young folks on Pompey call.
And gladly make a longer stay.
The supper-room becomes a hall
Well filled with spirits young and gay.
Horsehair to catgut Pomp applies,
And, grinning much, his iv'ry shows,
With foot and body keeping tirae, —
The dancing streara of pleasure flows.
No grand cotillions brought from France,
No waltz or polka then they knew ;
But good old-fashioned jigs and reels
They lustily could shuffle thro'.
XIV.
The spinning bee together calls
Th' artificers of thread ;
And a right merry time have they
As they the pedals tread. •
The humming wheels, the merry chat,
Songs, riddles, and what not .?
Beguile the time,— till, flax all spun,
The supper in is brought.

81
Then come the beaux and fiddler too, —
A merry scene ensues.
Which even into icy hearts
Can warmth and love infuse.
Then there is old election day,
To ev'ry child so dear.
Which crowns the charms of flow'ry May,
And gladdens half the year !
And can it be that scenes like these
Will soon no more be known >
Years, actors, fashions, frolics, all
Gone, gone, forever gone !
Well, other fashions, follies, fun
These pastime^ will replace,
And triflers never lack the means
To spend their day of grace.
XV.
On by-gone pastimes no more lines I waste,
But to some biographic sketches haste
Of sons of Danvers, known on hist'ry's page,
Who've left their mark upon the passing age,
Asking indulgence for omissions, while
I in prosaic cataloguing style.
Bring to remembrance a few honor'd names.
Who have on us this day peculiar claims.
John Endicott and his descendants brave.
Some on the land, some on the rolling wave
Of commerce borne, — in ev'ry useful art
Have battled nobly, acted well their part.
John Proctor, he who was for witchcraft hung,
On this occasion must not go unsung ;
Is it unnatural to suppose that he
Was gifted with the gift of prophecy,
11 k

82

As death approached ; and, looking down his line.
Saw his descendants live, and life resign ; —
Saw all that has transpired, or will transpire,
In Salem, Danvers, till consumed by fire ;
Or buried deep, 'neath mountains overthrown, ,
All that now lives, or is, shall be unknown .?
Condemned in prison, on his pallet lying.
The good man moaned, in agony of prayer,
' Upon the gibbet must I soon be dying,
' The felon's shame without his guilt to share ;
¦* O God, why is it .'' Banishing the gloom
Exceeding glory lighted up the room ;
An angel stood before him, and a voice
Cried, ' Fear not, mourn not, but be glad, rejoice,
' That thou art worthy thus to have been tried, —
' Worthy to die, as thy dear Saviour died,
' In innocence, — rise, come with me,
' Thou shalt God's goodness in the future see ;
' Deluded men thy body kill, — but shame
' Is theirs, not thine. To thee immortal fame
' Shall be accorded. Let thy conduct brave
' Check the delusion, and thy consort save.
¦' Yes, wife and offspring from the grave redeem,
¦'¦ God a kind Father is, however stern he seem.'
With these kind words he took me to the hill.
Where soon I must my destiny fulfil ;
And there the future opened to ray view.
Proving that all his words were strictly true :
Dark clouds of error slowly rolled away.
And hill and dale in truth's bright sunlight lay.
I saw restored my desolated home.
And to its cradle a new tenant come ;
Who, by his little acts of filial love.
Does from his mother's heart its wo remove.
For, when it rises with o'erwhelraing sway,
That little prattler wiles her grief away ; —
And when for rae her scalding tears are poured.
That little urchin smiles, and, peace restored,
Is nestl'ing in her bosom ; — ne'er before
Knew I an infant's archangelic power.

83

Time flies ; — that wife lies buried by my side.
Each son has to the altar led his bride ;
They too have passed thro' scenes of joy and grief,
And from life's cares have found in death relief.
Their children's children, — a wide -spreading stream
Of human life, have come and gone ; — a gleam
Flitting in vision o'er my dazzled sight,
Now less distinct, now full of life and light.
One of majestic form araong thera all,*
Of stoutest frame, and stalwart raind withal,
Was formed, 'twould seem, armies to train and lead.
In youth a soldier, — yet thro' life, indeed,
A man of peace, in peaceful scenes employed ;
A farmer's life he honored, and enjoyed
To good old age ; — and when the " drop serene"
Shut from his ardent gaze each sunlight scene.
Light still was on his mental vision poured.
Thro' other mediums, and much knowledge stored
Up in his mind ; a treasure, which may be
Perhaps his solace through eternity.
But other scenes and things before me pass.
As in what seems a true prophetic glass —
The anti-witchcraft people get the day.
Send parson Parris and his imps away.
I see and wonder, how for principle
The ever-ruling concentrated will
Of a few people, can and will maintain
Their rights assailed, and greater freedom gain.
From every effort made to put them down.
By church or state, by mitre or by crown.
With what great care they guard their precious State
'Gainst French and Indians, — perils small or great ;
'Gainst adverse tenets springing up to bind.
In chains of error, the immortal mind ; —
'Gainst Power-Prelatic, from which they had fled.
And from whose scourge they yet have much to dread ;-
'Gainst Power-Despotic, watching for its prey.
And always ready to snatch rights away ; —
* Johnson Proctor, who died November, 1851, aged 86.

84

Against each other's avarice and guile.
Which can a brother cruelly despoil, —
Yet 'mid these toils and pains, condition hard,
'Gainst bear and panther, flocks and chiltlren guard ;
Labor for bread, churches and schools to plant.
Provide with foresight wise for every want ;
Yet, 'mid these cares and constant labors, find
Time t' improve the heart, to educate the mind, —
To cherish social virtue, and make home
A lodge, to which the holiest pleasures come ; —
A temple, where their God may worshipped be.
With pure devotion, without pageantry.
The followers of principle, they go
Where'er it leads, be it through joy or woe.
Their friends are its friends, and as enemies
They treat all, who that principle despise ;
Be that despiser parent, wife, or son.
They should be sacrificed, and it is done !
The friend, that yesterday was held most dear,
To-day apostate, banished from their sphere.
The crown of England, next to God adored,
Is trod in dust, dishonored and abhorr'd ;
Because that crown their principles assails,
All its time-honored prestige naught avails.
Without remorse, the glittering bauble spurned.
Their hopes are now to a republic turned.
And that republic, should it not secure
The people's rights, must meet the people's wrath.
Bits, freeborn spirits will not long endure,
Tho' golden bribes strew thick the prescrib'd piith ;
Th' elected, who, to principles shall prove
False, will not long retain th' electors' love ;
Unless corrupted all the people be, *
Scorn must pursue the guilt of treachery.
Nor cease pursuit, until, beneath a mound
Of infamy, the traitor's corpse be bound ;
The higher his great intellect may soar.
Deeper he sinks, despised and hated more.
So falls New England's once most honored son.
The talented high-tory Hutchinson ;

85

So Arnold falls. Other bright names I see
Paling their glory, — false to Liberty !
Brighter by contrast, Freedom's martyrs rise
And shine as stars forever in the skies.
Inur'd to war, and all its dire alarms.
They worship, work and sleep upon their arms.
Their foes to meet, in parley or in fray,
To treat or fight, at all tiraes ready they ;
Believing God would all their efforts bless,
Their deeds are mighty, and crown'd with success ;
Wide-spreading as prophetic eye can see.
Grows, GROWS the Empire of the Rich and Free.
In al! the wondrous movements I have naraed,
For Danvers' sons an ample share is clairaed
First to resist their king in arras ; — lo, they
Frighten his troops from their good town away.
And when a second visit they propose.
In arms, they Leslie at North Bridge oppose, —
Beyond their borders meet the coming foes ;
And when, upon .that memorable day.
When blood first flow'd in fratricidal fray
At Lexington, among the first to meet
And harass Britain's troops, on their retreat.
Were Danvers hoys ; who sixteen miles had run
To strike for freedora ; and 'twas bravely done.
But of their number, seven never more
Will fight their country's battles. In their gore
Their bodies sleep, — their deathless spirits live,
A sterner impulse to the war to give.
In a momentous cause, — first sacrifice, —
Their fame and influence with that cause shall rise
And spread, till tyranny shall die.
And all mankind enjoy true liberty.
On ev'ry field where victory was won,
The sons of Danvers stood by Washington, —
In action and in suffering bravely bore
Their part, until, the bloody struggle o'er,
They home returned, to win, by arts of peace,
Respect and honor, dignity and ease.

86

Danvers, perhaps, will long more noted be
For thrift, strong arms, stout hearts, and industry.
Than for distinguished geniuses, who there
First see the light, — first breathe the vital air ;
Or for distinguished literary raen.
Who move the world by power of tongue or pen.
Yet not entirely destitute of these.
For artists, there the.eye prophetic sees.
Of whom their native town may proudly boast,
Smith, Nichols, Poole. Of poets too a host.
Whose gems not less effulgent are, I ween.
Because they shine by the great world unseen.
Nor shall the least of these miss his reward
Because Farae's book may not his name record ;
The orgasm and th' afflatus are his own.
Although the pleasure be enjoyed alone !

One hundred sixty years pass quickly by.
And a grand pageant meets the gladdened eye.
Danvers a town a century complete.
Her sons and daughters all have met to greet
Their mother on her birth-day, hear her story.
Count up her jewels and exalt her glory.
Each form of costurae of that hundred years
Again upon sorae living bust appears ;
And living beauties walk the streets arrayed
In bridal robes for great-great-grandmas made.
The ancient and the modern, side by side.
Together walk, or in procession ride.
The Arts and Artizans, in grand array,
A cent'ry's changes and iraproveraents show.
The Fire department raakes a great display,
And sixteen Public Schools a grand tableaux.
There fifteen hundred " huds of promise" greet
Admiring thousands ranged along the street.
Five bands of martial music fill the air
With melodies sweet, racy, rich and rare.
Flags, pennons, wreaths of evergreen and flowers,
O'erarch the streets and decorate car-bowers.

87

'Neath which some scene of other days is shown,—
Some ancient fete to modern eyes made known ;
Some olden workshop with its clumsy tools.
Thus in strong contrast placed the old and new,-
Modern and ancient teachers with their schools ;
Ancient and modern witchcraft-workers too.
Now to the church the multitude repair.
There listen to oration, hymns and prayer.
Proud may I be, for I distinctly hear
The voice of my descendant, loud and clear,
Defending me, and dealing stunning blows
On Cotton Mather, in heroic prose !
Now to the children's tent, a lovely show.
The gaily-costumed, happy children go ;
There drink iced water, eat fruit, pie or cake,
Listen to cheering homilies, — partake
Of all the joys of this great jubilee.
By them the longest to remembered be.
Next to a mammoth tent, — the festive board,
With an abundance of good dishes stored.
Moves the procession, and, all seated there,
Discuss the viands, and delighted share
The menial treat, which they, by speech and song,
And music, to the sunset-hour prolong.
No wine is used or needed, — water, now.
Is all the wine that best carousals know.
And festive scenes no longer end in rows,
Or friends at parting bid farewell with blows.
And for this great reform much praise is due
To sons of Danvers, who, to duty true.
Have bravely battled in the Temp'rance cause.
By precept and th' enforceraent of good laws.

XVI.
John Putnam and his sons before us stand,—
A host to people and defend the land.
Methinks I see the reverend patriarch now,
Prophetic fire is burning on his brow.

88

He sees, as other seers see,
Dimly, his great posterity.
Out from his loins agoing forth
To east, to west, to south, to north,
In strength and beauty lands to till ; —
To exercise mechanic skill ; —
Shine in the senate, — bravely wield
Their weapons on the battle field ; —
Benches of justice fill with fame.
In pulpits win a rev'rend name ;
In med'cine and its kindred arts
To act right skilfully their parts, —
In commerce, on the mighty deep, —
Command her ships, her treasures keep.
In short, wherever enterprise
Seeks wealth or wisdom, Putnams rise ;
Among competitors contend
For honors, wealth, or man's chief end.
Here now flowers, leaves, and fruit we see
Abundant on the Putnam tree ;
And so prehensile are its branches grown,
They make the fruit of other trees their own.
Yes, circulating now through Putnam veins,
Is all the blood of Holten that remains.
And yet ray muse would not presume to say,
To other stocks it does no tribute pay.
Indeed, it has been known to soften Flint,
To harden into Stone, and by the dint
Of vital cheraistry to give Goodale
A spicy flavor, and on Towns entail
A host to be supported. Turn to Page,
And write its history on the passing age ;
Or change to Cole, to Black, to White,
To Brown, to Green, or glad the house of Knight.
And to it humbler names may doubtless trace
Sorae great iraproveraent in their lineal race.
Rich Putnam blood is in the market still,
Look round, young friends, and purchase it who will !
Next to the Putnam, lo, the Osborn tree
Lifts high its branches, spreads its foliage free.

89

Deep-rooted in the soil of Danvers, — long.
Long may it grow, more graceful, branching, strong.
In every public deed, or town affair,
Osborns have figured in for a full share.
To acts of which we now most proudly feel.
They gave their labor, set their hands' seal, —
For the g6od things around us clustering now.
Much we to them and others like them owe.
But 'tis, perhaps, impossible to say.
Of many Osborns, which one, on this day.
Deserves our highest eulogy ; for none
Is high above his fellows seen alone.
XVII.
Of Danvers-born, no one in lucky hour.
Ere reached so high a pinnacle of power,
As Doctor Holten. None so long and well
His country served. Of none our annals tell
So rich a story ; none has carved his name
So high upon the monument of Fame.
'Twas not so much to a superior mind.
As 'twas to manners affable and kind, —
A heart from which the milk of kindness gushed,
A love, which all the evil passions hushed, —
A reverence for religion, and the laws
Of liberty, fraternity, — because
He made all others in his presence feel
Themselves respected and respectable ; —
Because he seemed to all their frailties blind.
To love and rev'rence all of human kind, —
That we ascribe his honors. Such a life
Of quiet glory in an age of strife, —
The peaceable supporter of a host.
Whose daring battles are our country's boast.
Is worth our study. Eloquence profound.
Persuasive, silent, in which thoughts abound.
Although unspoken, — eloquence of looks
Was his. Of wisdom he lived many books.
But none he wrote ; nor has he left behind
A printed picture of his active mind.
12 I

90

He no descendants left his name to bear.
Where are our Holtens ? Echo answers, where ?
Here let us pause, and one short moment dwell
Upon the honored name of John Kettell ;
A father of the town, — a father too
Of the shoe manufacture, — music's son, —
The village chorister, — to nature true
He touched a chord in others' hearts, that wois
Applause and honor. He left sons, but they
Shone bright a little while, then passed away.
And of their children only one remains,
To whom the sire's cognomen still pertains.
Cases like these prove the old saying true,
" Shadows we are and shadows we pursue."
The like of us, perhaps, may soon be said.
All our most cherished hopes and longings dead !
Of Captain Page much might be said ia praise,
The patriot-valor of his early days, —
His industry and enterprise, — a life
With all domestic, social virtues rife ;
So full of deeds by every heart approved.
Can be remembered only to be loved.
Of Caleb Oakes, it may be truly said,
No better man lies with our honored dead.
A widow's son, — sole architect was he
Of his own fortune, character and fame.
As the reward of honest industry,
To him, unsought, wealth and its influence came :
And these were valued only for the power
They gave, to aid some useful enterprise, —
To save from want and sin the suff'ring poor,
Or say, to downcast and despairing souls, *• Arise,
' Battle again for all the goods of life,
' Up boldly ! be a hero in the strife.'
He of religion no profession made,
But liv'd the thing, and gave material aid
Its ministrations to extend, where'er
They needed were to edify and cheer j

91
Without regard to Shibboleths of sect,
Treating all modes of faith with due respect.
His Son, a genius rare, eccentric, — blest
Or cursed with nerves, which never let him rest ;
But urged him onward with resistless force,
In ^ high moral, scientific course.
Lover of Nature, in her every phase,
She veiled no beauties from his searching gaze.
Air, ocean, earth, with teeming wonders fraught,
Rich treasures to his mind unceasing brought,
Alike the winter stern, or blushing spring, —
The summer's heat, or autumn's offering ;
Long as New England's Flora clothes her fields.
Or the White Mountains choicest blossoms yields ;
Or the Idasan vine its berries bear,*
Or robes of gold our hills in July wear ;
Long as, on ocean's strand, the pearly shells
Reveal the depths, where unseen beauty dwells ; —
So long shall William Oakes' remembered name
Honor his birthplace by his world-wide fame.
The Flints, surcharged with manhood's 'lectric fire,
Have done good service to the state and town, —
Struck the hot spark, and bid the flame aspire.
Which burnt the cords, which bound us to the crown
Of England, — gave us courage to be free,
To struggle for and win our Liberty,
For this, a Flint pour'd out his precious blood.
Which went to swell Stillwater's crimson'd flood.
Nor will we fail another Flint to name.
Who, as shipmaster, won both wealth and fame ;
* An allusion to his discovery of the Vaccinium Vitis Idtea in Danvers, a
rare plant in Massachusetts.
A letter from the White Mountains, the present season, notices Wm. Oakes
as follows : — " One of the most singular and mysterious spectacles is Grand
Gulf, or, as it is now called, Oakes' Gulf. It is named for the late William
Oakes, the Botanist. Wherever a rare flower blossoms in the whole range of
this mountainous country, from Alton Bay to Cherry Pond and Israel's River,
the name of Wm. Oakes is familiarly spoken. His old guide showed roe
where he used to collect his mosses and lichens, and all his Alpine specimens
of plants, in preparing a Flora of Alpine species — specimens so intrinsically
valuable to his own exhaustless thirst for botanical discoveries, which were no
where else to be found in any place nearer than Greenland."

92

Who, being captur'd by French picaroon,
Retook his ship, and brought her home alone ; —
In later life bade farewell to the seas.
And spent his days in dignity and ease,
With dearest objects, and affections warm,
Within the bounds of his lov'd, well-till'd farm.
Or as a legislator, neighbor, friend.
His life devoted to life's noblest end, —
An end, which peace and consolation brings
To dying men, and peacefully he died, —
Leaving his blood to run in veins of Kings,
Extinct and lost to every, name beside.
Th3 name of Felton, too, by many here,
In reminiscence must be held most dear.
One, our Town Clerk for twenty-eight full years,
A Selectman as long, — and for fifteen,
A Representative,— .-among compeers
Highly respected, must have been, I ween,
Worthy a place in our centennial song.
Worthy a place in hearts, that well him knew,
For friends ne'er met him but he kept them long.
For his was humor, wit, and wisdom too.
His manners gentle, his affections strong,
In Nature's quiet gifts surpassed by few.
XVIII.
To paint the elder or the younger Shove,
As seen in life among us, is above
My skill artistic ; much, yes, much I fear
My charcoal sketch preposterous appear.
The elder sits, as oft he sat of yore.
Upon the step or threshold of his door.
Watching each stranger passing through the street ;
Whom he with nod or fitting phrase would greet :
" How art thou, friend ? Methinks I've seen thy face
Somewhere before, but can't recall the place —
Where from.?" " From Leicester." "Leicester? letwiesee.
I know some people there, — one Magery."

93

" Yes, sir, I know him well." " How does he speed
In business now >" " I do not know, indeed ; —
Some say he's getting rich, and others say.
They guess he'll fail yet, some unlucky day."
" Well, if he fails, I think ray debt secure ;
If not, I know well how to make it sure.
What brings thee hither ? some old friends to see ?
Or other business ? May be, I might be
Of service to thee." " Paper, sir, I sell."
" I'd like to see thy paper, friend, right well."
" Here, look at this, — 'tis twenty cents a quire.
A discount by the ream, — the price was higher ;
'TIS foolscap, the best quality, trimm'd neat."
" Yes, yes — but I prefer a wider sheet.
So that in one straight line write this I may.
For received vakie, promise I to pay
Squires Shove — yet, I will try to make it do.
If thee'll take leather for a ream or two."
" I want no leather." " Well, then, thee may go ; —
Thee lives in Leicester — Leicester, let me see.
What party rules there }" " Pure democracy."
" Calls thee that stinking party, pure ? Farewell —
The next election we will whip thee well."
Here comes a man whose note has long been due.
Who gladly would have shunn'd this interview.
But dared not do it. " Well, friend, come to pay
That little note ?" " I cannot, sir, to-day."
" I'm sorry for thee. What the plague dost thou
Do with thy money ? Can thee tell me how
Thee spends it ?" " 'Tis but little money that I get,
I've made some losses, been unfortunate ;
Money comes slow to single-handed labor :
Oh, how I wish ten thousand dollars mine."
" I wish they were, Pd like to le thy neighior."
A great debater he in politics ; —
Could meet and foil an adversary's tricks
By tactics most peculiarly his own.
He couch'd severest satire in a tone
So mild, that words of harshest import were
But the melodious whisperings of air.

94
Once, overmatche'd by him in argument,
A kid-glove politician, to affront
Him, said, " You are a tanner, I believe," —
" Y-e-s — lut can curry, too, as you perceive."
As a iriexiA faithful, as a neighbor kind.
Parent indulgent, in charities behind
None of his times. His garb, sectarian, sat
Loosely about him, and his broad-brimra'd hat
Assum'd a figure, which the more precise
Might deem discordant with the QuElker guise.
Such was the father, but his nobler Son,
Who higher honors, but less money won, —
Whose service, purse, great heart, and faithful hand.
Were ever at a needy friend's command ;
Of social life, the ornament and s«il, —
A man, indeed, in every station whole ; —
How shall I paint him .? Wise, astute, sincere.
And yet not faultless. Who is faultless here .''
Frailties he may have had, — a little pride, —
" But e'en his failings leaned to virtue's side ;" —
A manly beauty his, in form and face, —
Most winning in his manners, full of grace, —
In all his movements, gentleness and love
Mark'd the demeanor of the younger Shove.*
XIX.
A jocose set of worthy men.
In good old tiraes, at Skelton's Neck
Were ready for a frolic when-
Ever to fun they could direct
Their joint observance. Captain Page,
A Pindar, Fowler, Cheever, and
Others who were their peers in age
Always right ready to engage
In every good word, work, or sport ; —
The fathers they of Danvers-port.
* Hon. Jonathan Shove, who died Sept. 4, 1847, aged 54, in the meridian of
life and usefulness, universally lamented.

95
Long, long may their descendants be
Worthy their names and ancestry.
Here, too, th' eccentric Skidmore dwelt.
Whose ready wit, keen, unrefined.
Was sure to hit its mark, be felt.
And leave its tickling sting behind.
A true comedian genius, who.
Had he been trained to walk the stage.
With habits all comedian too.
He'd been the Matthews of his age.
His power is not exhausted yet.
For often, now, the laugh will rise
Excited by old Skidmore's wit.
Recited from old memories.
A patriot, too, his drum he beat
In three wars at his country's call.
Beating the onset, not retreat.
He came victorious out of all.
XX.
Among the living, — and long may he live
T' acquire the means most lib'rally to give
Impulse to objects noble as his soul.
And to exert o'er great events control
Such as is given but to very few
Of hunaan kind, — is one we knew,
A native Danvers school-boy, — need I name
George Peabody, a London banker ; — fame,
Wealth, power are his, — yet, lov'd and honor'd more
For just discrimination in the use
And application of his ample store.
Than for its vastness. Gather and diffuse —
His motto. Unto him, we trust, 'tis given
To show how rich men may get into heaven.
m * * * *
Here in our midst we have our honored Poor,
And Blacks, that often are preferr'd before
The Whites. Although good democrats we are,
Kings, Princes, Lords, our civic honors share.

96
Of Kings, with deep emotion one I name,
Dear, dear to ev'ry heart his worth and fame,
Daniel P. King, — who now araong us here
Does not to grace this jubilee appear.
Though we as yet can hardly realize
His spirit gone to raansions in the skies.
Ne'er to retum to earth, — to longer fill
The place assigned him by the people's will.
To him, this day, no monument we raise, —
Silence and tears now best express our praise.
The recent lost shall long remembered be.
And better eulogized next century !
Next century ! O'erwhelraing thought ! O where
Shall all be then, who now are active here 7
And what will Danvers be } — a city } — or
A town destroyed by earthquake, vice, or war } —
God only knows. Enough for us to know
That virtue leads to peace, and vice to woe, —
That sloth and dissipation steal away
A people's strength, and bring on sure decay, —
While industry, sobriety and lore.
Save and augment, of all good things, the store.

Let every generation strive to be
Greater and better than their fathers were*;
So make and educate posterity,
That they more nobly live — more bravely dare —
Shrink from no duty — fear no tyrant's nod —
And offer purer worship to their God.
So shall iraproveraent in all useful arts, —
In whatsoe'er to human souls imparts
Wisdom, strength, beauty, — onward, upward move.
Till all be rapt in everlasting love.

MNVERS CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.

The One Hundredth Anniversary of the Separation of Danvers from
Salem, and its existence as a distinct Municipal Corporation, was cele
brated by the citizens, in a spirited and patriotic raanner, on Wednes
day, the 16th day of June, 1852, under the direction of a coraraittee
of arrangeraents, appointed by the town at a legal meeting holden at
Granite Hall on Monday, the 22d day of Septeraber, 1851.
At this meeting, the subject of celebrating the one hundredth anni
versary of the separation of the town of Danvers from Salem being
under consideration, it was
Voted, That a committee of nineteen, — five to be selected at large
and one from each school district, — be chosen, with full authority to
make such arrangements, and adopt such measures, in behalf of the
town, as in their judgment shall be most appropriate to the occasion.
COMMITTEE AT LARGE.
Fitch Poole, Ebenezer Hunt,
Andrew Nichols, John W. Proctor,
Rev. Milton P. Braman.
FROM THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS.
No. 1. Robert S. Daniels. No. 8. Sam'l Brown, Jr.
" 2. Samuel P. Fowler. " 9. Joseph Brown.
" 3. Aaron Putnam. " 10. Leonard Cross.
" 4. Albert G. Bradstreet. " 11. Francis Baker.
" 5. Nathaniel Pope. " 12. Miles Osborn.
" 6. Moses Preston. " 13. John Page.
" 7. Francis Phelps. " 14. Gilbert Tapley.
A sum of money, not to exceed five hundred dollars, was subse
quently voted by the- town, to be applied by the committee to the
objects of the proposed celebration.
The committee appointed Dr. S. A. LORD, Chief Marshal of the
day, who selected for his Aids, Messrs. Augustus Towne and John
B. Peabody.
The day was oppressively hot, but the rain of the preceding day
had laid the dust, and the air was bland and clear. From an early
hour in the morning, vehicles of all descriptions were pouring in from
the neighboring towns, crowded with men, women and children, while
each train of cars brought in its myriads ; and by the time the pro
cession began to move, the spacious avenues were lined by a moving
multitude of happy people, and the windows of the dwellings radiant
with beaming eyes and smiling faces.
13 m

98
The route of the procession was ornamented by flags of all nations,
streamers, triumphal arches, bearing inscriptions, and decorated with
evergreens and flowers. The Lexington Battle Monument was hand
somely ornaraented, and nuraerous houses displayed chaste decorations.
Just at the dividing line between Salem and Danvers, a lamb was
placed over the doors of W. Sutton's and F. Poole's stores on either
side of the street, one representing Danvers and the other Salem.
Salem asks Danvers — " How old are you my child >" Danvers re
plies — " Only one hundred years, mararaa." Danvers asks Salem —
"Will you please to come to my birthday party.?" Salem replies —
" With the greatest pleasure, my dear." The streets along the route
of the procession were crowded with delighted spectators, who, during
the whole morning, had been pouring in from other towns to witness
the celebration.
The procession was formed about 10 o'clock, and proved to be the
great feature of the occasion. When put in motion it was nearly a
mile and a half long, and embraced in its various divisions a most
interesting, graphic, and truthful portraiture of the manners and cus
toms of their ancestors ; and by way of contrast, a representation of
the progress and resources of the town at the present day.
First in order came the escort, consisting of the Salem Mechanic
Light Infantry, with the Salem Brass Band, under command of Capt.
White. This corps came out with full ranks, and presented a fine
¦military appearance. The Salera Light Infantry politely furnished a
.color guard for the occasion.
The Danvers Fire Department next followed, a noble body of men,
inearly four hundred strong, in gay uniforms, and with two full bands
¦o{ music. The Chief Engineer of the Department acted as Chief
Marshal, assisted by two of the Firewards as Aids, and fourteen
mounted Marshals, appointed by the several companies.
John V. Stevens, Chief Marshal.
Stephen Osborn, Jr., ) « ¦ i
Edwin F. Putnam, i ¦'^'°*-
Engine No. 2. Moses Chapman, Chaeles Ingals.
" " 3. Henry Bushby, Jr., Alfred Ward.
" " 4. Edward Blanchard, Samuel Knight.
" " 5. Charles A. Dearborn, Dennison W. Osborn.
" " 6. Samuel Staples, Nathan Shaw, Jr.
" " 7. Daniel J. Preston, Samuel Welch.
" " 8. Robert Daniels Jr., William Sutton, Jr.
First in order carae « General Scott," No. 2, of Tapleyville ; this
•company was dressed in fire hats, plaided sacks, and black pants, and
mustered forty-eight, under comraand of Capt. Calvin Upton. Their
¦" raachine " was drawn by six black horses, and was tastefully deco
rated. Next came " Torrent " No. 3, Capt. Philip L. Osborn, forty-
five men ; uniform, red shirt, white pants with black bottoms ; this
engine was drawn by three bay horses, and appeared to advantage.
" General Putnam," No. 4, of Danvers Plains, Capt. Allen, followed ;
they mustered forty men, and were attired in plaided frock and black

99
pants ; they carried a banner, on which was "• General Putnam.
I never surrender." This engine also appeared well. Bond's Cornet
Band, of Boston, came next in order. " Eagle," No. 5, Capt. W. S.
Osborn, followed, and appeared with forty-three men, dressed in taste
ful and neat white jackets, trimmed with red, and black pants; their
engine was drawn by four splendid cream-colored horses, and the
engine was beautifully decorated. " Ocean," No. 6, of Danvers Port,
Capt. Welch, came next, and had thirty-five raen in the ranks, dressed
in white shirts, black pants, and Kossuth hats ; this engine was drawn
by two roan horses. " General Foster," No. 7, Capt. Calvin Pierce,
came next, mustering thirty-one men, attired in red jackets and black
pants; this corapany carried a banner, splendidly painted, in front
representing the great fire in the square, and on the reverse, "General,
Foster Engine Corapany, No. 7, 1849." This engine was drawn by
three gray horses, and on the " tub" was a portrait ofthe old General,
whose narae the engine bears. By some misunderstanding this com
pany did not go the entire route of the procession. Next came Felton's
Salem Brass Band, in a new and neat uniform. " Volunteer," No. 8,
Director Littlefield, with forty-one raen, followed, dressed in red jackets
and black pants; this "tub" was drawn by six black horses, and was
splendidly decorated.
Next carae the civic procession, preceded by Chief Marshal Lord,
and his Aids, Messrs. Towne and Peabody, with the following gen
tlemen as Assistant Marshals : —
M. T. Dole, Charles Dole,
George P. Daniels, Edward Stimpson,
Ira P. Pope, Theodore Poole,
George M. Teel.
The following Marshals were appointed to preserve order at the
Church : —
Charles Estes, John W. Hubbard,
Isaac B. Cowdry, Asa Noyes.
The civic procession, consisting of invited guests, reverend clergy,
committee of arrangements, orator and poet, and town authorities, rode
in open barouches ; and among the former we recognized among
others. His Excellency Gov. Boutwell ; Hon. Amasa Walker, Secretary
of State ; Hon. C. W. Upham, Mayor of Salem ; Judge White, of Sa
lem ; George G. Smith and Joseph B. Felt, Esqs., of Boston; Rev. J.
W. Hanson and Daniel Nutting, Esqs., of Gardiner, Maine ; Hon. John
W. Palfrey, of Cambridge; Hon. Robert Rantoul and Rev. C. T.
Thayer, of Beverly ; Hon. A. G. Browne, Rev. Drs. Flint and Emerson, .
Charles M. Endicott and A. Huntington, Esqs., of Salem ; Hon. A. W.
Dodge, of Hamilton ; Allen Putnam, Esq., of Roxbury ; Rev. Israel W.
Putnam, of Middleborough ; Rev. C. C. Sewall of Medfield, Hon. Lilley
Eaton, of South Reading, and many others.
Araong the invited guests also rode several persons in antique
costumes, who represented notable characters of Danvers long since
deceased. One of these was old Master Eppes, who, after a Rip Van
Winkle sleep of many years, awoke in perfect astonishment at the

100
progress of things since his day. He held in his hand one of the
ancient school books, and in the peculiar twang of his time deprecated
the absurd radicalism in the modern systera of education.
Next came the antique section of the procession, which was a most
extensive and unique exhibition of the kind. First came a representa
tion of an old bachelor of ancient time, in the person of a sturdy
individual on foot, in cocked hat, flowing wig, knee breeches, &c.,
who walked alone in his g'ory. He was followed by the " Putnam
family," in a carriage filled with the farraing and household utensils of
that notable lineage, of which "old Put.," of wolf memory, is but one
of the many illustrious citizens of that name who were born in Dan
vers. The carriage was attended with a large delegation of the mod
ern race, dressed in the antique costumes of their ancestors, and hard
at work in their various avocations. As the carriage passed along, one
was grinding corn after the primitive fashion ; others were spinning,
weaving, &c. We were informed that the various implements and
dresses exhibited on this occasion were the genuine relics of their an
cestors, that have been preserved as heir-looms in the family. Then
came several of those curious old chaises, such as we see in prints of
one hundred years ago, with harnesses and horses that must certainly
have been in their prirae as early as the revolutionary war. These
chaises generally contained a lady and gentleman, the perfect counter
parts ofthe establishraent, in which they appeared greatly to enjoy the
morning air. Then followed a carriage with four seats, and drawn by
two horses, which, with its occupants, was a very curious speciraen of
the antique. An Indian, raounted, with full trappings, came next, and
was followed by a " Blind Hole Shoe Shop, of 1789," with the work
men busily eraployed after the rude fashion of that time. Then came
a huge block of granite on a platforra, from which workmen were
hammering out a raill stone, for which purpose Danvers granite has
been for many years celebrated. A pottery shop, with the apparatus
of a hundred years ago, in full operation, came next, and was followed
by a band of music.
THE SCHOOLS.
The pupils of the several Public Schools, numbering in the whole
1500, came out in full strength, led off by the Georgetown Brass Band,
and presented a most beautiful feature of the procession. We cannot
expect to give, by description^ any adequate idea of the ingenious and
admirable designs they displayed. This large body of children, in
holiday array, could not fail to call out exclamations of delight from
every spectator. The comraittee of publication are enabled to give
the following particulars, which have been mainly furnished by the
teachers of the several schools. There are fourteen school districts in
the town, with frora one to three schools in each. There are also two
High Schools, one in the north and the other in the south part of the
town, which have, since the celebration, received from the school
comraittee the naraes severally of Holten and Peabody, in honor of
the late Judge Samuel Holten and our fellow-citizen George Peabody,
Esq., now living in London. They are therefore described under those
names in the following account.
This interesting part of the pageant was marshalled under the direc
tion of the following gentlemen : —

101
Sylvanus Dodge, Chief Marshal.
Jeremiah Chapman, J. W. Snow,
Edvitard W. Jacobs, Geo. Tapley,
Augustus Varney, Albert J. Silvestee,
Alden Dempsey, Loring Dempsey,
Jas. p. Hutchinson, Abner Mead.
Gilbert A. Tapley.
Peabody High School.
The High School ofthe South Parish, numbering forty pupils, under
the charge of Mr. Eugene B. Hinckley, next followed, and elicited the
highest encomiums for the admirable skill and taste manifested in all
its representations.
With the exception of the first and last carriages, this part of the
procession was intended to illustrate ancient times, and to contrast them
with the present. It was headed by a young man on horseback, bear
ing the banner of the school. He was followed by two young ladies
and one gentleman, besides the teacher, all on horseback, and dressed
in the full costume of the eighteenth century.
Then came the first carriage, containing the Queen of the Season,
with six attendants, appropriately dressed in white, and wearing ever-
greeij wreaths, with spring flowers interwoven. The queen wore a
floral crown, and a light wreath hanging from the right shoulder, and
falling carelessly upon the left side, and bearing in her right hand a
wand or sceptre. The carriage consisted of an oval platform, from
which rose six pillars, supporting a canopy of like form. The plat
form, pillars, and arched roof were entirely covered with evergreen,
making a perfect " greenwood bower."
The next carriage represented Marketing in the olden time, and was
occupied by a venerable couple, whose looks and actions plainly indi
cated that they were of the few " who have come down to us from a
former generation, whose lives Heaven had bounteously lengthened
out that they might behold the joyous day." The carriage, — to say
nothing ofthe horse, for we always feel a degree of delicacy in speak
ing of contemporaries ; besides, he was so far removed from the car
riage as to have little claim to description on the same page, — the
carriage was an object of interest to antiquarians, and led us all to doubt
one of the axioms, of the philosophers ; for while the memory of man
and even tradition itself runneth not back to the time when it had a
beginning, it gives unmistakable evidence that it will speedily have an
end. There was a goodly display of onions, potatoes, apples, &c., in
dicating the treasures within ; while, from the little box in front, ap
peared the pail of eggs, and at its side the jugs, designed to receive in
exchange the sweetening for coffee and the sweetener of life. In con
spicuous places, also, the riches of its freight were emblazoned with
chalk, in orthography which showed (to the regret, no doubt, of Dr.
Stone and others) that the phonetic system was known to the " fathers,"
another proof of the wise man's sad proverb, " there is nothing new
under the sun."
Next came an ancient Quilting Party. Eight ladies, dressed in the
prim and proper style of the eighteenth century, cap-a-pie, not omitting
the pin-ball and scissors hanging from the apron belt, were busily en-

102
gaged in completing the quilt ; while, in one corner, sat the old lady,
whose time seemed about equally divided between her knitting work
and snuff box. The ladies were not all old, and the love of display,
which we are sometimes inclined to look upon as characteristic of our
times only, finding little room for manifesting itself in the puritan cut
of the sleeve, the white kerchief, and the scanty skirt, was forced to
take a higher place, and looked forth in no equivocal manner from the
massive puffs of hair which surmounted their demure faces. It was
rather invidiously remarked, too, that it could hardly have been acci
dental, that eight pairs of high-heeled satin shoes should have been so
conspicuous, although the ladies were all seated. Most of the dresses
were not only representative of a former age, but were true relics of
the olden tirae, which have fortunately outlived their first possessors,
and serve to connect the present with the past.
Then followed the Beaux and Belles of the eighteenth and nine
teenth centuries, a group consisting of two couples, one in the fashion
able dress of- 1752, and the other in that of 1852. The cushioned
hair, the rich flowing brocade dress, the wrought high-heeled shoes,
the raonstrous fan, the strait-backed but richly-carved chair ; the knee
and shoe buckles, the short breeches, the ample coat, the powdered
wig and cocked hat, rerainded one strongly of the portraits of " lang
syne's sons" and daughters, and formed a striking contrast to the more
showy but less expensive dress of the opposite couple.
After these, carae a busy company engaged in the various domestic
employraents which were the peculiar occupations of the ancient house
hold. Carding, Spinning, Reeling, and Lace-netting were all in lively
and successful operation. The linen wheel also stood in its own cor
ner. Nor must the old cradle be forgotten, in which, no doubt, has
slumbered the embryo genius of raany a beloved and distinguished son
of New England. Within its oaken sides, too, have been seen the
early manifestations of that restless energy, which, though troublesome
in childhood, is admired in the man, and which has given brilliancy
and success to the Yankee career. From out its gloomy depths, far
back in the shadowy past, have proceeded, in discordant tones, those
voices that, in later days, proved mighty in council and debate, and
whose thunders shook the king upon his throne. You would know
that none but a Puritan had made it, — so square and heavy its panelled
sides, so strait and unbending its posts ; and one could not help feeling
that, in its turn, it must have helped in giving form and character to
the rainds that had been pillowed in it, — at once the erablem and the
nurturer of an unben(jing race of men.
A large carriage followed, in which i? was the design to show, in
contrast, the Past and Present, as exhibited in the schoolroom, and all
the appurtenances. A large map was suspended in the middle, entirely
separating it into two rooras. The front roora- presented a rough and
altogether comfortless appearance. On the backless bench were seated
the luckless wights who were being " educated" and " instructed,"
with the " Slate and Rethmetic" before them. On the other side of
the room, sat the " Master," in all the restrained severity of a Crom
well Roundhead. On the table at his side lay the indispensable and
only school apparatus, the clencher of every argument, the unraveller

103
of every scientific knot, the elucidator of every principle, the enforcer
of every precept, — the rod, — good for doctrine, reproof, instruction,
and correction. As it lay there in repose, a man of the present age
would see in it only an emblem of the pliancy of the youthful mind,
and the sprightly buoyancy of youthful spirits. But the youthful spirits
opposite evidently put a different construction upon the matter, as the
stereotyped tenor of countenance and the chronic shrug of the shoulders
stoutly witnessed. They knew, as well they might, that its lessons
were not merely emblematic, but eminently practical ; that its influ
ences were never silent, though always touching. Th^y knew, too, by
experience and " bobservation," as the sprightly nigger Sam would
say, that the present quiet was only the repose of conscious power, the
fearful eddy of the air that forebodes the awful tempest.
The blank side of the map, forming one wall of the room, was a
fitting type of the child's mind when first coraraitted to the master's
forming hand. A more appropriate representative of that mind and
character at graduation, might be found in the marred and mutilated
desk cover, whereon successive generations had carved, in the impress
ible pine, the creations of their untutored imaginations.
The other room was fitted up with handsome modern desks. The
well defined map formed the wall at the head of the room, and in
front, at his table, sat the teacher, with globes and a telescope at his
side, representative of the expanding range of study in our schools of
the present age, and the vastly multiplied and improved facilities for
comraunicating knowledge. The whole roora was raade to have a
cheerful and inviting air about it, in striking contrast ' to the headachy
look of the first roora. We saw no implements of school warfare here,
and were reminded of Sprague's prophetic line :
" To martial arts shall milder arts succeed."
The carriage bore the motto which was quite naturally suggested :
" Let there be light ; and there was light."
This carriage gave rise to many philosophic reflections, but we for
bear to record them here, since history is only the philosopher's text
book, and not the commentary.
Lastly, came the Gleaners, a little company of misses neatly and
properly dressed, each wearing a broad white hat, and bearing on one
arm the fruit of her labor. Holten High School.
The High School in the North Parish appeared in two carriages,
each of which was trimmed for the occasion with evergreens. The
advance carriage was the " Hector," bearing most of the ladies dressed
in white, and wearing on their heads turbans of pink tarlatane, with
long veils. In this carriage were two banners, one having the arms of
the D'Anvers Family, and the motto, " History is our lesson to-day ;"
on the reverse,
" We are grateful for the Past, and we will labor
FOR the Future."
The other, bearing the name of the school, and the motto,
" 0doiocpta Blov Kv^egri^Ti^g ;"
on the reverse, " Scientia lux Mentis."

104
In the next carriage was most admirably represented a Trial for
Witchcraft — the court and its officers in full costume. The Chief
Justice, Cotton Mather, Rev. Mr. Burroughs, and other historical char
acters, the witnesses, &c., were enacted to the life. Dr. Mather was
rather surprised on finding himself introduced to the Rev. Mr. Braman,
the present pastor of the church at " Salem Village," but with dignity
and courtesy he greeted the reverend gentleman, who, on his part,
extended a most hearty and cordial salutation, with his wonted humor.
The Judge and Mr. Burroughs went through the same ceremony with
characteristic gravity.
After this interruption the trial proceeded, the several witnesses,
Eleazer Keyson, Samuel Webber, Ann Putnam, and Goodwife Sarah
Viber testifying, in the strongest manner, to the guilt of the accused,
who was of course convicted, and put under the custody of the Royal
Sheriff, whose scarlet coat and official staff rendered him a prominent
figure at the trial.
This school is under the care of Mr. A. P. S. Stuart, and forty-two
pupils took part in the representations.
School District No. 1 is situated in the south part of the town, join
ing Salem, with which it is connected by Main Street. In this district
is located the Lexington Battle Monument, the Danvers Bank, Meth
odist Meeting-house, Southwick's large Tannery, and the principal
burying-ground, where now rest many of the earliest and most valued
citizens of the town. This district was the home of Gen. Foster, the
greater part of his life ; of Dennison Wallis, Edward Southwick,
Squires Shove, Williara Sutton, Major Sylvester Osborn, Mr. Ward, and
Dea. Fitch Poole, Ebenezer Shillaber, and Oliver Saunders, as well as
others whose lives of usefulness have done much to give a character of
enterprise and worth to Danvers. Some notoriety has been acquired
abroad on account of this being the place where Elizabeth Whitman
sojourned and died, (better known to romance readers as Eliza Whar
ton,) and pilgrimages are still made to her grave, the mutilated head
stone bearing araple evidence of the ravages of these relic-seeking and
lovesick votaries.
The schools in this district were under the care of Mr. Thoraas B.
Hinckley, Jliss Sarah H. Burt, and Miss Elizabeth E. Winchester. The
number of scholars furnished to the procession was two hundred and
ten, one hundred and sixty of whom were dressed in Turkish costume.
The boys were attired in blue tunics and white trowsers, with scarfs
and turbans, each carrying a glittering scimitar; the girls, in blue
waists and white skirts, with Turkish head-dress.
The schools represented in this part of the procession were the
Grammar, Wallis, and Primary, each accorapanied by its teacher.
The order of arrangeraent was as follows. First carae the Grararaar
school, at the head of which was borne a banner inscribed with the
No. of the district to which it belonged, followed at a short distance
by another, bearing the Wallis school motto, "Dennison Wallis,
OUR Benefactor." Then came another, with the inscription, " True'
merit our only claim to distinction." Next came a carriage,
thatched with evergreen and decorated with wreaths and flowers, con-

105
taining " buds of promise" in their holiday dresses, accompanied by
their teacher. From the back of this carriage was seen a gentleman
of the olden time, who, judging from the expression of his countenance,
was evidently regarding, with a troubled mind, the changes wrought in
dress and habits of life by the lapse of years. There was also among
the pedestrians one old gentlemati, who evidently belonged to a forraer
age, and who, though " in the world, was not ofthe world."
There are three schools in District No. 2, under the care of Mr.
E. B. Lear, Miss Sarah A. Osgood, and Miss Lydia A. Tilton. This
district comprises what was formerly called Skelton's Neck, afterwards
New Mills, and now Danvers Port. It was formerly the residence of
Gov. Endicott, and within its bounds the famous old Pear Tree, which
tradition informs us was planted by the Governor, still flourishes, and
the fruit of its third century is annually plucked by his descendants.
Col. Hutchinson, of revolutionary memory, was born in this district.
Here is a Post Office and Railroad Station, and two Churches, Baptist
and Universalist. n
There were one hundred and fifteen pupils from this district, whO'
came in a building which was intended to represent a schoolhouse, and
was appropriately triraraed with green branches and various kinds of
flowers. It. was drawn with its immense load by a noble team of eight
gray horses, each bearing on his headstall a miniature American flag.
This beautiful team was gratuitously furnished by Mathew Hooper,
Esq., an enterprising and public spirited inhabitant of the district.
The girls wore white dresses and millinett hats trimmed with ever
green. The boys had dark jackets, white pants, and palm-leaf hats
trimmed with evergreen and flowers. On a banner was inscribed,
" Substance not Show."
The school taught by Miss Sophia C. Appleton, in District No. 3,
(Putnamville) followed in a carriage drawn by two horses, which were
decorated with evergreen and flowers. The carriage was also arched
with birch boughs, and bore a banner inscribed, " Putnamville, Dis
trict No. 3."
The boys were dressed in blue sacks, white pantaloons, and palm-
leaf hats triraraed with evergreen. The girls wore white dresses, with
millinett hats, with wreaths of flowers. The whole nuraber of scholars
in attendance was thirty-seven. This district is the birthplace of Gen.
Moses Porter and Hon. Elias Putnara.
The school in District No. 4, the birthplace of Gen. Israel Putnam,
also came in a carriage trimmed with evergreen, and drawn by two
horses tastefully decorated. Banners were borne with the following
inscriptions : " Our Koh-i-noor,"
" From the Bush."
The boys of this school were uniformly dressed in green jackets
and palm-leaf hats. The girls also wore palm-leaf hats with wreaths.
This school was under the care of Miss Mary A. Wilkins, and forty
scholars attended.
The schools in District No. 5, the home of Judge Holten and Rev.
Dr. Wadsworth, where is located the Village Meeting-house, and where
Rev. Mr. Parris formerly lived, and the Witchcraft delusion originated,
14 n

106
came next in three carriages, which were trimmed with evergreen and
arched over with foliage. They were well filled with happy-looking
masters and misses, the whole nuraber being eighty-four. The first
carriage bore this inscription, " We come from Salera Village ;"
'the second — " Descendants of the Witches," and the third — " The child
is father to the man." These schools were attended by their teach
ers. Miss Sarah F. and Miss Ann Jeanette Emery.
School District No. 6 is in the central part of the town, the former
residence of Master Daniel Eppes, and is known as the place where the
Royal Governor, Gen. Gage, was encamped with his troops, previous
to the Revolutionary war, to overawe the colonists. His head quarters
were at the old mansion now standing, called the Collins house.
The school in this district, under the care of Miss Harriet Felton,"
made a fine appearance. The children connected with it numbered
about fifty. First in order carae a vehicle containing the boys, who
were intended to represent Robin Hood's archers, each boy having in
his hand a bow and arrow. Their dress 'was white pants, green tunics,
and straw hats, with a wreath of evergreen. On their banners were
the following : In front —
" No. 6. Incorporated Nov. 17, 1800."
In the rear — " Bend the bow and wing the dart,
Let it reach each foeman's heart ;
But the enemy must be
All that's bad in you or me."
Next came the girls belonging to the school. They were intended
to represent Flower Girls. They were dressed in white, with a wreath
of flowers around their hats, and each one having a bouquet in her
hand. Their carriage was roofed over and densely covered with hem
lock boughs and evergreen, interspersed with flowers of every variety
and hue. For their motto they had the following : " Flowers are types
of innocent childhood." " Flowers that bloom for a season.
Flowers that bloom forever."
There were also two other vehicles connected with the district, — one
contained some of the older girls dressed partly in antique style ; the
other was a very ancient sleigh, owned by one ofthe inhabitants of the
district, in which were four girls dressed in ancient costume. Dresses
of brocade silk and damask, high-heeled shoes, bonnets of ancient
style, and a beaver hat ornaraented with pluraes, comprised a part of
their attire. As it was the custom of the original owner of the sleigh
to have a black servant for a driver, they procured one of the same
race for their driver, an old horse, an ancient string of bells, &c.,
were all intended to represent a sleigh-ride in 1752.
The school in District No. 8, the place where Gen. Foster spent the
last part of his life and where he died, was represented by sixty
scholars, who attracted much attention from their lively and animated
appearance, the magnitude of their carriage, and the novelty of its
team. The carriage was of great size, arched with birch trees, and
trimmed with evergreens and flowers, the sides being festooned with
oak leaves. A banner, trimmed with evergreen and roses, with the

107
name of the district, was borne at each end of the carriage, one of
which had the following inscriptions : —
"¦'I can't" — never accomplished anything.
" I'LL TRY"— has done wonders.
Industry.
On the other banner were the following : —
Knowledge is Power.
Strive to Improve.
Patience. Perseverance.
The carriage was drawn by a team of six pair of fine looking oxen,
which were well managed by their young drivers. The cattle were
gaily decorated with miniature flags, evergreens and flowers.
The scholars were uniformly dressed ; the boys in brown linen sacks
and blue sashes, straw hats triraraed with blue ribbon, and white
pantaloons. The girls wore blue waists, white skirts, and white paste
board hats, trimmed with wreaths of flowers. The merry voices of
these young people were often heard from their leafy bower, in lively
cheers and jocund school songs, as they were drawn through the streets.
This school is under the charge of Mr. W. F. Gile.
From District No. 10, in West Danvers, under the care of Miss
Harriette Proctor, the number of scholars that joined the procession
was fifty-seven, riding in three carriages, trimmed with evergreen, and
drawn by two horses each. They were escorted to South Danvers by
a cavalcade, consisting of about twenty young men, uniformly dressed
in Kossuth hats and white pants, former members of the school. The
first carriage contained the boys composing the school, wearing hats
and epaulettes made of evergreen and roses, with scarlet sashes,
accompanied by two of the descendants of the Salem Witches, attired
in a costume of by-gone days. On the banner borne by these lads
was the following inscription : — " Common Schools. The tree our
FATHERS PLANTED WE WILL NOURISH AND PROTECT."
In the next carriage were twelve little boys and girls, dressed in
white, accompanied by their teacher, wearing wreaths of roses, with
bouquets in their hands. The carriage bore the motto — " Flowers
ARE THE alphabet OF ANGELS."
In the last, came the girls of the school, with dresses of white, pink
hats and jackets, each carrying a fancy flower basket, and singing on
the route a variety of school songs. Their banner was a representation
of a rainbow. Underneath was the following : —
1 " The rainbow promise gives
That future years shall brighter be."
The whole number of scholars in the procession frora District No.
11, was one hundred and seventy. There are in this district three
schools, Priraary, Intermediate and Grammar. The boys of these
schools, numbering about ninety, were dressed in the Grecian costume,
consisting of a white frock with a black belt, a toga or cape, fastened
at both shoulders, and extending to, and fastened around, the wrist of
the right arm ; long white hose ; low shoes ; and a blue cap, of conical
form, the upper part hanging upon the right side of the head. The
girls' dress consisted of a white waist and skirt, and a white hat

108
adorned with wreaths. In front of the Greeks, were two scholars
representing, in costurae, ancient and modern physicians, In the
centre of the Greeks of the Grararaar School was a group of High
landers. The scholars of this school bore a banner, upon the folds of
which was inscribed, "Knowledge is power"; the Highlanders one,
with the motto, " Scotland ! there is music in the sound "; and the
Intermediate had for their motto, written partially in hieroglyphics,
" Tall oaks from little acorns grow."
Between the boys and girls was a carriage with a platform, upon
which Hydropathy was represented. This carriage was tastefully
ornamented with wreaths and flowers, and bore on each side the words,
" Give me Niagara and I will cure the world." The care and adroit
ness which the Doctor manifested in wrapping up his patient, convinced
the multitude that he was skilled in the science which he represented.
A second carriage contained a representation of the Spiritual Rap-
pings. Upon the platform was a stand, from which an iron rod passed
to a boy underneath, who worked the stand agreeably to signals given
by the operator on the top. Upon each side of this carriage was
inscribed, "Modern Witchcraft; call and investigate."
In the rear of the Grammar and Intermediate, was the Priraary
School, drawn in a truly splendid carriage, having seats arranged in
the form of a pyramid. From the centre of the upper seat arose a
tree, which was rendered truly beautiful by being adorned with roses.
The motto, " We are a happy band," appeared among its branches.
There are four teachers employed in these schools. Charles E.
Bradford, teacher of the Grararaar School; Miss Sarah Safford, assist
ant teacher of the Grararaar School ; Miss Julia A. Page, teacher of
the Interraediate School ; Miss Catherine L. Wiswell, teacher of the
Priraary School.
This school district is situated in the south part of the town, which
was formerly called Brooksby, and afterwards the Middle Precinct.
Here is the principal Post Office, Hotel, Warren Bank, the large
Bleachery, and extensive Glue Works of Walker & Upton, the Peabody
High School, and four of the five churches of South Danvers. Here
also is the junction of the South Reading, the Essex, and the Lowell
Railroads, and their several Stations.
This district was the residence and birth place of Zachary King,
and his numerous descendants, among whom was Hon. Daniel P. King.
It was also the birth place of Gen. Gideon Foster, and George Peabody,
now of London. It was the residence of Rev. Mr. Holt; and the
school was formerly taught by Master Benjamin Gile, the teacher so
much celebrated for his eccentricities, as well as his excellencies, and
who caused to be inscribed the following words on his grave stone, as
his most honorable epitaph : —
" I TAUGHT LITTLE CHILDREN TO READ."
District No. 12 carae next, and presented raore variety, and evi
dences of at least as great taste and ingenuity, as any which preceded
it. Great credit is due to the principal teacher, Miss A. J. DeMerritt,
and to those spirited inhabitants of the district who assisted in the
.preparations, for the beauty and variety of their part of the show. It

109
was in this district that some of the youthful days of the Philosopher
Dr. Bowditch were passed, and the house where he lived is still stand
ing. Rev. Daniel Poor, D. D., Missionary to Ceylon, was also born
here. Here is the Monumental Cemetery, and the spot long known
as the " Pine Tree," a famous landmark in ancient times.
There were one hundred and twenty in the procession, who were
led off by a gentleman, in full attire of a Hussar, with two military
attendants. Then came a Potter, manufacturing the Danvers China-
Ware as he passed along. After him came the brave Minutemen of
1775, Capt. Foster as their leader, all being dressed in the costurae of
'75. The minuteraen were followed by a Quaker and Quakeress of
one hundred and twenty years ago ; also five young ladies and a young
gentleraan, in costume from one hundred to four hundred years
standing. Next came a representation of Dr. Bowditch, in a vessel, with his
globes, quadrant, sextant and coqgpass, with four naval officers, — a
banner, on one side of which was painted the cottage of Dr. Bowditch,
with these words, "The Home of Bowditch." On the opposite side,
"He who has added laurels of Scientific research to his town
OR country, deserves to be gratefully remembered."
Old Dr. Parr and his Lady, in an ancient chaise, were represented,
and both bore marks of extreme old age. Next carae a banner, borne
by three lads in Italian costume, with this inscription : —
" From the clime of song and sun.
From the banks of Arno's river,
Italia's fair daughters we come,
With Floral offerings hither."
Following the banner were fourteen young misses, as Italian Flower
Girls, dressed.in white muslin, with baskets of flowers on their heads,
singing as they passed along. A pony and chaise, with a miniature
man, in costume of olden time, with two young misses.
Then followed a Turkish tent or harem, with the grand Sultan and
his family, which consisted of four wives and eight children, in the
full dress of the in-door costume ; the Sultan quietly enjoying a smoke
from his chibouk as he passed along, while his wives were as happily
engaged with the smaller Turkish pipes.
Three carriages were decorated with evergreens, flowers and ban
ners, in which were placed the floral procession.
There was also a large carriage, in which were represented the
mothers and daughters of a century ago. One was spinning — another
combing flax — another carding — one al the foot-wheel — another mend-
ino-  one reeling yarn — another knitting — all in ancient costume, with
furniture of ancient date. This was the fourth scene in the proces
sion. It was a source of much regret that the services of the junior
teacher. Miss Lucy A. Colby, could not be commanded, on account of
ill health. Her heart was, however, so much in the undertaking, that
her fine poetical talent was put in requisition, and in her sickness she
dictated ;o an amanuensis an original hymn, which was sung by her
pupils in the procession.

110
The principal school in District No. 13 is under the management of
Mr. A. G. Webster. The whole number of scholars connected with
the school under his charge was fifty-six, only forty-six of whom
appeared in the procession. The costurae worn by the young ladies
consisted of a white dress, green sash, and foundation muslin hats,
broad rims, trimmed with a wreath of evergreen, resting on the rim
and nearly concealing the crown. That of the young gentleraen was
white pantaloons, dark cloth spencers, and cloth caps, surrounded with
a wreath of oak leaves. The carriage was drawn by a pair of gray
horses, and was very neatly trimmed with small trees and branches,
slightly arched at the top ; they were placed about fifteen inches apart
on the sides, and the branches were woven together near the top in
the form of an arch, between each upright, all of which were very
neatly interwoven with evergreen and studded with roses. In front of
the carriage, and elevated above it, a banner was suspended, bearing
the inscription, "No. 13 Grammar School." In the rear of it, a
small national flag was suspended from a staff.
The Intermediate School, Miss Martha C. Putnam, teacher, appeared
with forty scholars. The carriage was trimmed with evergreen, and
drawn by two horses. The girls were dressed in white, with white
muslin hats.
The Primary School, Miss Harriet M. Putnam, teacher, with twenty-
nine scholars. The carriage was similar to that of the Interraediate
School. Both schools carried banners, designating the number of the district
and narae of the school.
This district is in North Danvers, and in the centre of the principal
village called the "Plains." Here is a Post Office, Hotel, the Third
Congregational Church, the Village Bank, and the Holten High School.
The Walnut Grove Cemetery, a beautiful and romantic spot, is on its
borders. This district is the present residence of Hon. Judge Samuel
Putnam, and was the former residence of the late Hon. Elias Putnam,
to whose sagacity, public spirit and energy, this village owes much of
its prosperity. It was also the residence of Col. Jeremiah Page, and
others who have done much for the credit and honor of their town and
village. Last in this division of the procession appeared the children of No.
14. This district is in the flourishing village of Tapleyville, the seat
of Mr. Gilbert Tapley's extensive Carpet Factory, and a Post Office.
The girls were tastefully arrayed in blue tunics, Gypsey hats, and
white dresses, and the boys in straw hats and white pants, numbering
about one hundred and twenty. They were seated upon a showy and
somewhat unique carriage, built in the form of a cone, of which the
base, or lower tier of seats, was about 16 feet across. Above this,
arose four other tiers, surmounted by a circular platform, upon which
two of the larger boys were stationed, at an elevation of about sixteen
feet from the ground, supporting a splendid banner, on one side of
which was the inscription, "Tapleyville, No. 14"; and on the other,
the device of a budding rose tree, with the motto, " First the bud,
and then the blossom."
The carriage was carpeted throughout, by the generosity of the

Ill
gentlemanly proprietor of the carpet establishment in this .vicinity,
which added much to its comfort and adornings ; while the miniature
banners, that floated in the breeze, the music, that lent its cheering
inspiration, and the myriad of happy faces, that adorned the car,
seemed strikingly illustrative of one of the mottoes with which it was
inscribed, " The good time has come, boys "; and the appropriateness
of another, " All's well that ends well," was readily appreciated
by all who "were there to see."
The two rural districts. No. 7 and No. 9, were not represented in
the procession. They are situated in tha west part of the town, the
former having been the residence of the late Hon. Daniel P. King, and
Giles Corey, of Witchcraft memory. In a remote corner of this terri
tory and partly in No. 9, is that romantic region known as the " Devil's
Dishful," and on a streara flowing through it from Humphrey's Pond,
is a large manufactory of hosiery and woolen goods. No. 9 is the
least populous district in town, and joins Lynnfield. Its territory is
level and the scenery pleasant. It borders on that beautiful sheet
of water formerly called Humphrey's Pond, but more recently " Sun-
taug Lake," about half of which belongs to Lynnfield.
After the Public Schools, came a gay -looking chariot, called " Lady
Essex," containing about fifty young misses, the pupils of the Private
Schools of Miss Sarah B. Peirce and Miss Mary Ann Chase, both of
which are located in District No. 1.
The young ladies of the former school wore green hats with wreaths,
white dresses and green sashes. Those of the latter, wore white hats
with wreaths, white dresses and pink sacks.
Their vehicle, which was built for the accommodation of large
sleighing parties, made an elegant and imposing appearance, mounted
on wheels, and drawn by a fine team of six black horses.
Next after the schools, came a Cavalcade of Young Men, well
mounted, under the direction of the following Marshals :
Walter S. Fairfield, Chief Marshal.
Francis A. Osborn and Joseph Jacobs, Jr., Aids.
Assistant Marshals.
Thomas E. Proctor, Oscar Phillips,
Eben. Sutton, Jr., Charles C. Poor,
Nath'l p. Symonds, Jr.
A second Cavalcade of nearly 300 horsemen, led by the Mounted
Band of the Boston Lancers, terminated the grand programme of the
pageant. This Cavalcade was under the marshalship of the following
gentlemen : Francis Dane, Esq., Chief Marshal.
Jos. S. Hodgkins, and Wm. J. C. Kenney, Aids.
Assistant Marshals.
Jos. F. Dane, C. A. Gardiner,
Wm. a. Dodge, Henry C. Poor,
John A. Lord, H. O. Wiley,
Charles Page, D. C. Tibbetts,
George Prescott.

112
After great exertions on the part of the Chief Marshal and his as
sistants, the streets were so far cleared of the multitude of people and
vehicles, that the procession was put in motion. Moving down Main
street, it countermarched at the Salera line, near the Great Tree, and
on its return passed through Holten street, at the junction of which
with Aborn street, it passed under a noble triuraphal arch. Passing
Aborn street into Washington street, it went through another beautiful
arch, thrown over the latter street near the residence of David Elwell,
Esq., and continued to the Monuraent, which was tastefully dressed
with flags, and then passing up Main street, turned into Central street,
marching the whole length of it, and countermarching, reached the
Old South Church about noon. The School procession here turned up
Lowell street, under direction of their marshals, and proceeded to a
large tent provided for their accoraraodation. The remainder of the
procession entered the Church, where the address was to be delivered.
The Church being filled and the assembly quieted, the exercises
took place in the following order, viz. :
1. Voluntary on the Organ.
2. Invocation, by Rev. James W. Putnam.
3. Anthem.
4. Reading the Scriptures, by Rev. Jaraes Fletcher.
5. Prayer, by Rev. Israel P. Putnara, of Middleborough.
6. Original Hymn, by F. Poole.
Father ! to Thee we raise
Our hyran of grateful praise
In long arrears !
We sing thy blessings sown.
In all our pathway strewn.
And ev'ry kindness shewn
These Hundred Years.
Where once the Indian trod,
The House to worship God
Its altar rears :
We at its shrine appear.
Whose Fathers worshipped here,
In faith and holy fear.
These Hundred Years.
Upon this native soil
Our fathers erst did toil
In hopes and fears :
We love their pleasant vales,
The hill sides and the dales.
The legends and the tales.
These Hundred Years.
We love our verdant hills,
The gently rippling rills
Delight our ears ;

113
We love the blood that runs
In veins of noble ones,
The Fathers and the Sons ;
These Hundred Years.
How many a stricken heart
Has felt Death's keenest dart
With bitter tears !
In his cold arms have slept
The friends our hearts have kept,
The loved ones fondest wept,
These Hundred Years —
Oh, God ! we know how brief
Our life of joy or grief
To Thee appears.
Compared with Thy Forever !
How short the space we sever.
To be recovered never !
— A Hundred Years.
Our Father ! may thine hand
Still bless the beauteous land
Our love endears —
In falling — pray restore us.
In blessings hover o'er us,
Make glad our path before us,
A Hundred Years.
7. Address, by John W. Proctor.
8. Music, by the Band.
9. Poem, by Andrew Nichols.
10. Psalm, selected from a collection in use 100 years ago, " Faith
fully translated into ^njlisl) Jlletre ; For the Use, Edification, and
Comfort of the Saints in Publick and Private, especially in New
England."
Psalm LXVIL
To the Musician, Neginoth. A Psalm or Song.
O D gracious be to us, and give
His blessing us unto ;
Let him upon us make to shine
His countenance also. Selah.
2 That there may be the knowledge of
Thy way the earth upon :
And also of thy saving health
In every nation.
3 O God let thee the people praise,
Let people all praise thee ;
4 O let the nations rejoyce,
And glad 0 let them be.
15 0

G

114
For judgment thou with righteousness
Shall give thy folk unto ;
The nations that are on the earth.
Thou shalt them lead also.
5 O God, let thee the people praise,
Let people all praise thee,
6 Her fruit abundant by the earth
Shall then forth yielded be.
7 God, ev'n our own God shall us bless,
God bless us surely shall :
And of the earth the utmost coasts
They shall him reverence all.
11. Prayer, by Rev. F. A. Willard.
12. Old Hundred — sung by the whole congregation.
13. Benediction.
The extreme and oppressive heat of the weather and the lateness of
¦the hour, (nearly 3 o'clock,) rendered it expedient, in the opinion of
the Committee of Arrangements, to omit a part of the Address, which
lhad already occupied about an hour and three quarters.
The Poem of Dr. Nichols was also omitted. This was a subject of
general regret, and the inhabitants subsequently, at a full town meet-
;ing, unanimously and with much enthusiasm requested Dr. Nichols to
read his poem publicly, at some convenient tirae. To this request he
!kindly acceded, and the poera was accordingly delivered by him, at
the Universalist Church in the South Parish, to a large and highly in-
iterested audience.
The vocal music at the Church was of a very high order, being per
formed by a large and efficient choir of nearly two hundred voices,
'under the direction of Mr. Benj. Lang.
After the conclusion of the exercises at the Church, the procession
of ticket holders to the Dinner was formed, and proceeded to a large
canvas pavilion, which was erected on the Crowninshield estate, in a
fine airy position, near Biixton's Hill. This spot was kindly tendered
to the use of the Coraraittee by Hon. F. B. Crowninshield.
EXERCISES AT THE TABLE.
The procession, which had entered the pavilion under escort of the
Military and Firemen, soon occupied the tables, which had been spread
for 1200 persons. After the guests had taken their places, the fact
was formally announced by the Chief Marshal to the President of the
day. Rev. MILTON P. BRAMAN. The President then called upon the
Chaplain, Rev. Israel W. Putnara, of Middleborough, a native citizen of
Danvers, who invoked a blessing.
The feast of good things on the table having ended, the intellectual
irepast* was coraraenced by the President, whose introductory remarks
* The speeches at the table are not given in the precise order in which they
were delivered, and in some instances remarks, intended to be made, have
been furnished at the request 6f the Committee, by guests who were prevented
from speaking by want, of time.

115
were exceedingly brilliant and happy, and were received with great
enthusiasm. To be fully appreciated they should have been heard.
After calling the assembly to order, Mr. BRAMAN said :
The inhabitants of Danvers have, for a considerable period, looked
forward to this day with pleasant anticipations ; and as the time ap
proached and they became more engaged in preparation for the event,
it acquired in their view a more absorbing interest. It is the first Cen
tennial which Danvers has witnessed ; it is the last which the present
inhabitants will be permitted to enjoy. They have not spared pains to
contribute to the interest of the occasion. They are anxious that it
should gratify all whose hearts beat with emotions of regard for their
native town, and all who have been pleased to assemble from other
places to unite with them in the entertainraents of the day. They
hope that it will be long remembered by those in younger life with
pleasure and benefit ; and that those who are now children and youth,
when they shall become old, shall revert to it as one of the bright spots
of their early years.
Allow me to^congratulate the assembly, on this beautiful and brilliant
June day, on the interesting exhibition which has been witnessed ; on
the instructive performance to which we have listened in the house of
worship. Permit me to extend a cordial greeting to numerous stran
gers who have honored us with their presence, and to thank those dis
tinguished visiters who have so kindly responded to our invitations, and
from whom we expect such rich additions to the pleasures and advan
tages of the celebration. When raen high in office and erainent for
talent are willing to turn aside from public and important engageraents
to afford their presence and speak words of wisdom and sympathy on
such occasions, they are not acting inappropriately to their distinguished
position in the coraraunity. It is one of' the ways in which they raay
very rauch proraote the public, patriotic and useful ends for which tal
ent and station are conferred upon them.
The importance of such celebrations can hardly be overrated. They
tend to supply materials for the general history of the country. The
history of a nation is the collected result of the account of its several
component parts ; and the more minute and graphic the delineation of
the incidents which compose thera, the wider basis they afford for gen
eral history, and the more freshness, spirit and fidelity do they breathe
into its pages. What is it that gives Macaulay's history so much of its
wonderful fascination and value .? It is not merely the brilliant and
glowing style with which he clothes his ideas, but the industry with
which he has explored ancient and local records, and transferred their
smallest details to his own narrative ; the manner in which he has
caught the spirit of the times on which he writes, and reflected their
very " form and pressure." He has reproduced the past by the clear
est illustrations, and caused its characters and transactions to pass be
fore us as in dramatic representation. He is greatly indebted to such
records as correspond with those productions which owe their origin to
our centennial occasions. So are all good historians. Many years
ago, the library of a celebrated German Professor was procured for
Harvard University, He had been employed on a history of the

116
United States, which was left unfinished at his death. With German
industry he had made a large collection of American authorities to
assist him in his work. I have seen in that library centennial dis
courses of some of the most inconsiderable towns of New England ;
discourses in the form of old sermons, smoked and dried, as if the bet
ter to preserve the facts which they contained.
It has been the fault of general histories that they have been too
general. They have been too formal, stately, grave. They have not
descended enough among facts of less notoriety and magnitude. They
have not gone down into the depths of private life, and " caught the
manners living as they rise." They have therefore been less faithful
representations of past ages, and much less extensively read.
We want occasions that shall give birth to such performances as
those to which I have alluded. They turn the attention of municipali
ties to their own history. They seize facts that are passing into ob
livion. They transcribe recollections of those aged persons whose
memories will soon cease to retain their impressions. The history of
New England has been greatly enriched by these commemorations.
They realize a grand idea of Political Economy — the subdivision of
labor. Towns, districts, and individuals are employed in collecting
materials. It requires time, industry and research to prepare historical
notices of quite liraited subjects. To recover ancient dates, to obtain
an exact statement of facts long since transpired, to gather up from
various sources the detached and scattered items that belong to any
one topic, is a work of plodding toil. I recently asked Mr. Savage
whether he had completed his preparation of a new edition of Farmer's
Genealogy, a work of three or four hundred pages, which I knew he
had been engaged some time in revising. " Oh no," he replied, " it
is only seven years since I began."
" History," it has been said, " is philosophy teaching by example."
Our history is much more than that. It is Christianity teaching by
example. It is the theory of the Rights of Conscience teaching by
example. It is high-souled Patriotism teaching by example. It is the
idea of Social Advancement teaching by exaraple. It is the spirit of
Republican Liberty and Equality teaching by exaraple. It is the the
ory of an approaching day of Millennial Happiness and Glory for the
race teaching by example.
With the exception of the history of revealed religion and the intro
duction of Christianity, ours is the most important and encouraging
that ever unrolled its pages to the eyes of oppressed and suffering hu
manity. It holds out the light of hope to every other nation under
heaven ; it is to the political world what a sun rising in the West would
be to the natural world, before which the light of the present sun
should grow dim, and whose broad disk should fill the concave of the
heavens. The history of this town has its importance and interest as a portion
of that of New England. It is connected with the earlier history of
Massachusetts, and with that great struggle by which our Independence
was achieved. We believe that the inhabitants have not lost those
traits which distinguished their ancestry ; that some of the old Puritan
love of religion and religious liberty lingers here ; that the same patri
otic blood flows in their veins which was poured out so freely in the

117
first and subsequent battles of the Revolution ; and, if ever they should
be called again to vindicate their liberties, the young men would go
forth with as much courage and alacrity, to engage in mortal strife, as
those whose names are perpetuated by yonder monuraental granite.
We hope that as the citizens of the town turn their eyes more in
tently upon their history, and comraune with the spirits of their re
ligious and heroic fathers, they will catch a new inspiration, and that
they will attach themselves, more firraly than ever, to those institutions
and elements of strength, which have given them their New England
character and prosperity.
The town has not grown so rapidly as some others in the Common
wealth ; but it has gone forward with a steady, quiet, vigorous growth,
till it stands among the most considerable towns in the State. Our
motto is, "Onward." We have an appropriate name, whose significa
tion is indicative of progress.
The name Danvers is compounded of the two words " De" and
"Anvers." We have been informed to-day of the origin ofthe appli
cation. I have had a curiosity to ascertain the meaning of the term.
It is well known to many that Anvers is the French pronunciation of
Antwerp, a once flourishing city of Netherlands, and still possessing
magnitude and importance. By the kind assistance of Mr. Sibley, the
Assistant Librarian of Harvard, I have been directed to an old geo
graphical folio, in which the signification of the name is discussed.
The opinion of the most judicious antiquarians is there stated. Aen-
werp, from which Antwerp is derived, is an old Flemish word denoting
addition, accession, progress. The waters of the river Scheldt, on
whose banks it is situated, carried down a large quantity of alluvial
material, which they deposited on the site of Antwerp, and laid the
foundation of the city. The soil on which it stands is added to the
natural soil — thence the name. It was applied to us with a kind of
prophetic intimation. We accept it as our motto, and as indicative of
our condition. Addition, — gradual, steady addition, — like the deposits
which a river makes of the soil which is diffused through its waters, —
a rich addition, as all alluvial soil is known to be. Addition to our
agricultural resources, — addition to arts and trade, — progress in re
sources, wealth, industry, enterprise, virtue, humanity, the spirit and
principles of religion, and every element that contributes to elevate,
adorn, and bless a Town, State, and Nation. The river of our pros
perity, which flows down from the past, continues to make its constant,
silent deposit of the selectest materials, enlarging, deepening, enriching
the foundations on which we hope to stand till the end of time.
There is one respect in which we claim not only to have made a
great advance, but to stand before the age.
I refer to the great subject of Demonology and spiritual communica
tions. Whatever there is in spiritual manifestations, either by rapping or
turning over tables, that is supposed to indicate progress in this world
or the other, we can exhibit an account of phenomena which surpass
them all. We are a hundred and sixty years in advance of all these
manifestations. The people of " Salem Village " had communications
with spirits in 1692, and, according to received accounts, spirits much
more powerful than indicate their presence now. They could not only

118
rap floors and ceilings, but rap shoulders and knuckles, and inflict the
most grievous wounds. They could not only turn over tables, but fly
through the air without wings. The people of Danvers have had such
spiritual wonders passing among them that they have little or no taste
for these raodern exhibitions. They look down upon thera as inferior
imitations. Their reputation is so high in these matters, and their
point of progress so far ahead, that they can afford to stand still and
wait for the age to come up. But you may be assured that if ever
they should see fit to take up this subject again, they will throw every
thing that now appears into the shade. They will exhibit spirits
which will not only turn over tables, but will capsize the White Moun
tains, and rap loud enough to be heard across the Atlantic. They
hope that they shall not be unduly pressed to raake developments in
reference to this matter ; but if they are driven to extremities, and
called upon to vindicate their equality to the progress of the age, they
will not shrink from the effort, and will throw all the glory of the age
into the shade, by reason of the " glory that excelleth."
They have the means of doing this, of which the public are not
generally aware. On the grounds which I occupy, stood, formerly,
the house of Rev. Mr. Parris, in which Salera Witchcraft coraraenced.
There is a rose-bush which stood in the garden, or front yard connected
with the house, and which I think grew there in 1692. .And my
reason for the belief is that it gives evidence of being possessed of
extraordinary powers of vitality. It has been cut down by the scythe
in all stages of the raoon, and when the signs of the almanac were all
right ; it has been repeatedly ploughed up ; but it will live on — it grows
as vigorously and blooms as beautifully as ever. I have no doubt that
it is bewitched — that is, as much bewitched as any person or thing
ever was bewitched. I had cut off a slip which I intended to exhibit,
but unfortunately have lost it. The audience need not have been
afraid of it ; I ara not a medium, and have no raeans of calling its
latent virtue into action. The bush I suppose to be a reservoir of witch
fluid, which the inhabitants have only to find means to bring into
operation, to make such awful demonstrations as would surpass all
former fame. They have no mischievous designs at present, but will
be ready to put down all rival -pretensions when the exigency requires
it. In the meantime, instead of making any further progress in de
monology, they will turn their attention to more earthly matters.
On this occasion, which closes the first century of our municipal
existence, it is natural to recur to what has transpired within that
period. It is among the most eventful centuries which have elapsed.
When this portion of Salem was made a district, Washington was only
twenty years of age, and has acquired all his transcendent and immor
tal fame since that period. The man who wrote the Declaration of
Independence was a lad still younger. Scarcely raore thought was
entertained of being severed frora the mother country and living under
this republican governraent, than now exists in China that that country,
in twenty or thirty years, will adopt our political institutions. What a
vast change has taken place in the country and world ! The century
on which we have entered will witness still greater changes. American
Republicanism will have diffused itself over Europe. Republics will
line the whole coast of dark and degraded Africa. Our ideas and

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institutions will have penetrated the depths of Asia. This town will
probably be a populous city, sending up its numerous spires to the
heavens, and having streets crowded with a busy population.
As we take leave of this day, we look forward with hope, not un
mingled with solicitude, to tha future. We bequeath to the generations
following, of this century, a precious inheritance. We bequeath to
them a soil devoted to God by prayer, and baptized into the name of
Liberty by Revolutionary blood ; and charge them never to alienate
from its high consecration. We bequeath to them the graves and
memory of most worthy men, whose characters we hope they will
ever respect, and whose virtues we trust they will copy. We bequeath
to them a religion whose spirit we pray that they may ever cherish,
and principles of liberty which we hope will ever burn with unquench
able ardor in their hearts. -We bequeath to thera horaes, which we
desire may continue to be adorned with domestic virtue and the richest
sources of peace. We bequeath to them habits of industry, love of
order, attachment to temperance, privileges and institutions which we
implore that they may preserve and perfect with the greatest care.
We hope that when the morning of June 16, 1952, shall dawn upon
this town, it shall illuminate a religious, free, intelligent, iraproved,
prosperoiis, happy people.
The first regular sentiment was then announced as follows : —
His Excellency the Governor — Honorably known for the interest he has taken
in our Revolutionary history. We hail his presence here as a testimony of his
appreciation of the part taken by Danvers in that great struggle for Constitu
tional Liberty.
Governor BOUTWELL responded substantially in the following
terms :
Mr. President : — It is true that I have come here to take an humble
part in commemorating the services of your Revolutionary ancestors ;
and the noble character they bore in the great struggle for freedom, is
worthy of all the festivities and pageantry of this occasion.
But it is not to those services only, and the eraotions they inspire,
that these moments are dedicated. We are carried to Colonial and
Provincial tiraes, and remember that a Republic was founded at noon
day, in the sight of the world. Uncertain history traces the Roman
Empire to a band of robbers, while human knowledge seeks in vain
for the origin of the institutions of Great Britian. How fortunate the
contrast which America presents ! Our humble origin, our slow, but
sure progress, as well as present power, all are known. There is
neither uncertainty nor mystery in American history.
These municipal anniversaries are important. The orator and poet
may preserve minute, though well authenticated, facts, and treasure
traditions, which will give life and intelligence to the historian's page.
Each day has its history. All of us help to give character to our
day, and are therefore responsible for that character. So of a town.
Each of our more than three hundred towns has its history. From
the lives and opinions of individual men comes the history of towns ;
and from the lives and opinions of individual men, combined with our
municipal annals, comes the history of states and the nation.

120
It is not a mistake that we judge a town by its leading or notable
men. If a community has produced men of talents, courage, or
learning, it is not an idle delusion in the public mind which gives
prominence to that fact. We cannot but receive the idea of represen
tative men. Eminent statesmen, orators, warriors and philosophers,
are only the leading statesmen, orators, warriors and philosophers of
the comn»unities in which they dwell. The native nobility of one man
is some evidence of the general, even though inferior, nobility of .the
race to which he belongs. Many generations and many men contrib
uted to the creation of one Shakspeare ; and the fame of one Shak
speare immortalizes a nation. Washington represented the heart, and
illustrated the principles, of the Araerican people. It would not be
too much to say that he was indebted to his country, and therefore his
countrymen may well share the immortality of his name and character.
It is in this view that I have listened to your story of the deeds of
the heroic raen of Danvers and of the County of Essex. First of all,
the farae of those deeds is yours, citizens of Danvers and of Essex ;
but beyond your claim, though not superior to it, that fame belongs to
Massachusetts and to the country. The value of a. deed of heroism
or patriotism, or of a progressive step in learning or civilization, is
local and peculiar at the same time that it is universal and indivisible.
When, therefore, you unfold the character of Foster, or narrate the
services of Putnam, you speak to us even who are citizens of other
counties. But you are not, 1 take it, confined to the present limits of
your town. As Danvers was once Salem, so Salem, for all time, muSt
contribute to the just renown of Danvers. You have an equal interest
in Endicott, whose unostentatious worth was appreciated by the whole
colony. In the Higginsons, of three generations, whose piety, patriot
ism, and learning, identified their naraes with the history of Massachu
setts. In William Hathorne, who seeraed fitted for every position,
either in the council, field, or church. In the Brownes, who were
liberal raen, and contributed to the college at Cambridge.
But, gentlemen of Danvers, your claira to the public spirit and
courage of the one hundred men who marched to the line of danger
on the 19th of April, 1775, is first, but not exclusive. So the value
you attach to the fact that Putnam was a native of Danvers, arises
from the consideration that a republic is jealous of any exclusive
appropriation of his bold patriotism and generous recklessness of
danger. In modern times, also, the County of Essex has produced raany
distinguished men. This occasion, I think, will permit an allusion to
two, whose acquaintance I enjoyed. 1 speak of Mr. King, of Danvers,
and Mr. Saltonstall, of Salem. Mr. King was better known to you
than to me ; but I knew him enough to appreciate the integrity of his
character, and his conscientious discharge of the duties of private and
public life.
I knew Mr. Saltonstall in the last months — I cannot say years — of
his existence. But, sir, I knew him enough to admire and respect
the bland simplicity and elegant purity of his life and conversation ;
and all who knew him appreciated the kind qualities of his heart, to
which were added a high order of talents and reputable learning. In

121
the closing moments of his life, I doubt not he was sustained and
soothed by an unfaltering trust, and approached bis grave
" Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch
About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams."
The men and the generations of whom we have heard to-day
have passed away. Their deeds live and act — but they rest from their
labors. For you, however, there is a future as well as a past. From 1754
to 1850, your population has increased from less than eighteen hundred
to more than eight thousand souls. Production and trade have in
creased in a greater ratio even.
But let us contemplate, sir, if we can, the condition of this town an
hundred years hence, when its inhabitants shall meet to review the
deeds of Putnam, Foster, and their associates ! They will dwell in a
city of thirty, forty, or even fifty thousand people. Salem will contain
at least an hundred thousand souls. Great changes will they recount.
Great deeds will they narrate. The list of eminent men will be
lengthened — nobly lengthened.
And, O, our country, what shall then be thy condition and fate ?
No harm shall come to thee. Thy flag shall then, as now, wave over
the most distant seas, and thy power be respected by the rudest people.
Thy territory shall not be limited, but extended ; the Union, taking
root raore and more~ firmly in the hearts of the people, shall promise
immortality ; while noble cities upon our oceans, lakes, and majestic
rivers, shall rival in population, business and wealth, the most pros
perous of ancient or modern times.
In faith let us believe that all then will be well ; that the stars and
stripes of our national ensign will wave over a free, happy and united
people ; that liberty to all men will be given and enjoyed ; that our
commerce will be protected on every sea ; and, finally, that one hun
dred years hence witnesses may be present to testify that America and
Americans have not degenerated.
Governor Boutwell concluded with the following sentiment :
The Onward Prosperity of Danvers — May the next Centennial Celebration
be enjoyed by a people as richly blessed as the present, and as justly proud
of their ancestors.
The second regular toast was in honor of Gov. John Endicott, and
his descendants. It was eloquently responded to by WM. C. ENDI
COTT, Esq., of Salem, as follows :
Mr. President : — I regret that the sentiment you have proposed
should not be answered by some one more worthy than myself. For
he who would represent the presence of the great and influential of
their time, should have something more than their name to entitle him
to respond to their praises.
Old John Endicott is not represented here by any, who have a fame
of their own that can claim fellowship with his ; and I rise merely to
acknowledge the honor you have done his memory by the sentiment
you have proposed.
16 p

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This, sir, is peculiarly a Danvers festival. All the associations of
the past and the present, all the history and the incidents of two hun
dred years, are gathered here to-day ; and here, too, are collected,
from all parts of our wide-spread land, those who claim a parentage
within your fair borders, and those who feel a deep interest in the
place and in the people. In the latter class I must rank myself. But,
sir, though I cannot reckon it araong the accidents of my life to have
been born upon your soil, still there is many a tie that places it next in
my affections to the spot of my birth ; it was here that much of my
boyhood was passed. I know every farra-house upon your hill-sides,
and every road upon your surface ; and amid the sea of faces around
me, there are many whose genial lineaments were impressed upon my
meraory by a thousand little kindnesses, when memory was most im
pressible. For two centuries my fathers tilled your soil, and beneath
it their bones are buried. I claira therefore, sir, if not of you, that I
am with you to-day in interest and feeling.
John Endicott was the first landholder of Danvers. Under a colo
nial grant in 1632, he took possession ofa portion of your soil.
You stated, sir, in your opening address, that the growth of Danvers,
during two hundred years, had not been rapid. But, sir, if that stern
old Puritan could stand here to-day, and look back through the years
that are past, tracing each wave of progress as it has swept over the
land, from the time when he rocked Danvers in a cradle, to to-day the
fulfilment of its manhood, more, vastly more than his hoping heart
ever dared to dream of, would such a vision realize. He would recall
it, as he knew it, waving with the original forest, with here and there
the sparse and scattered clearing, where the sturdy settler was subdu
ing the wilderness, and making the earth tributary to his wants ; — and
he would see it, to-day, the home of a numerous, prosperous, and
happy people, pouring their active and intelligent industry through all
the channels of the useful arts, and celebrating here, with so mach
thankfulness and joy, the hour of {heir nativity. The churches that
dot your surface would reraind hira that the great cause of religious
liberty, — the great interest ofa devout religion, for the better establish
ment and the lasting maintenance of which he crossed the sea, is as
dear to the hearts of the people now as then. And the schoolhouses
at every corner, and the bright and joyous throng of public school
children gathered here, would tell him, that the system first suggested
by himself in 1641, to educate the children of the state from the treas
ury of the state, is. now the established principle of the land. It is
hardly necessary to comment upon the results of that system ; every
one within the sound of my voice has probably been the recipient of its
bounty, and feels to-day its influence upon himself.
And such, Mr. President, as he would see Danvers to-day, he would
see all the little republics that have sprung from the Puritan stock.
The change has been a mighty one for the work of but two centuries,
and the brain grows giddy as we strive to estimate the changes of the
next. That it has been so mighty, we owe it to the Puritans with all
their faults, and to those wise principles of government, morals, re
ligion and law, which they brought here. The start was a good one,
the foundation was a strong one, — and if the race be feeble, and the

123
superstructure weak, ours is the fault. Almost with a divine prescience,
they laid the foundations of the state to withstand the shock of ages, as
if they knew what a mighty structure was to be reared upon them in
the coming time, which would gather within its walls the fugitives from
all lands.
Their principles, I trust, are with us still. They recognized no am
bition as worthy, but that which ministered to the general welfare ; they
aimed at the useful alone ; they discarded forms, and rites, and cere
monies ; they regarded religion not as mystery, but as a reality ; they
thought all men equal, and recognized no superior but their God.
They left no memorials of their greatness carved in marble, or painted
on canvas ; they reared no temples and no palaces, nor did they seek
to revive here the glories of Old England. How unlike in this the
other colonists of America !
The Spaniards, with their armies, pierced into the forests of the
New World, and wherever their steps have been, they have left turret
and battleraent, coluran and spire, — the stern castle, and the stately
cathedral with its swelling organ, its statues and its pictures ; and the
splendors of old Spain were mirrored in the new. And thc weak civ
ilization, that struggles for existence in Spanish America, tells the story
of their folly.
But, sir, the Puritan left his memorials graven upon a more enduring
substance than marble or canvas ; he left them stamped upon the char
acter of his posterity. In the love of liberty regulated by law, — in
the indomitable energy, thrift, and enterprise, — in the religious senti
ment and the moral purpose, — in the wide-spread, comprehensive sys
tem of education, — in everything that has contributed to the moral
elevation and material prosperity of the people of New England, we
read the works of the Puritan. What a charter, sir, is this, for the
liberties and the true glory of a nation !
There was a stern utility in all the aims of the Puritan, which de
prives life, with us, of many of its graces and refinements ; and while
we retain their glorious characteristics, let us reraeraber that it is our
mission to engraft upon thera and to cultivate the love of letters, of
science, and of art, and raake the land we have inherited as faraous
for its culture as it is for its progress ; and while we strew our path
with the monuments of our success in the useful and material arts, —
while we level the mountain, and bridge the sea, and make the iron
and the steel throb with intelligence, let us strive also to leave behind
' us monuments of intellectual triuraphs, which shall outlast the struc
tures of human hands.
But I am reminded, sir, by my recollection of the history of Danvers,
that many of .your citizens have labored well and faithfully in the
vineyards of letters and science. There is a long list of divines, be
ginning in the early days of your history, and coming down to the
present time, who have found leisure, amid the duties of their calling,
to cultivate a taste for letters, and to enrich the literature of the land.
You, Mr. President, well represent them here. There was Eppes,
known as '• the greatest schoolmaster in New England," famous for
his classical learning and his genial culture. In later times there was
Read, distinguished for the encouragement he gave to science, manu-

124
factures, and the arts, and to whom, perhaps, the world would have
been indebted for the steamboat, if his means had been equal to his
ingenuity. Bowditch, too, passed his youth among you, and the burn
ing genius of the boy first gazed with awe and wonder upon the moon
rising over your own hills. There is one among you now, — I see him
here, — whose. humorous and brilliant pen brings laughter and delight
to raany a fireside, and of whom I will only say that he writes too lit
tle. There was another, whom many of you doubtless remember, —
he was a college companion of my own, — the young, the graceful, and
accoraplished scholar, cut off in the first bloom of his manhood ; he
lived too short a life for the world to kno-w him, but the memory of his
virtues and his talents is dearly cherished by all his friends.
Pardon me, Mr. President, for trespassing so long upion your atten
tion ; the hour is replete with thought and feeling. In conclusion, I
would express the hope that your future may be, like your past, hon
orable, prosperous, and happy.
A sentiment alluding to the forraer unity and present concord be
tween Salem and Danvers, was responded to by Hon. CHARLES W.
UPHAM, Mayor of Salem, who spoke as follows :
Mr. President : — The unity of spirit and the identity of interest
spoken of in the sentiment just announced, between Danvers and
Salem, secure our sympathy in this occasion. But not these alone.
There is a stronger and closer tie binding us together, as the gentleraen
of the glee club have just told us. We hold to you a parental relation.
You are bone of our bone, and flesh of our flesh. I bear testimony to,
although I have not the power adequately to express, the feelings of
the people of Salem in the brilliant pageant of this your Centennial
Celebration. They are identical with the deep, the tender, the fervent
sensibility with which a fond and proud parent rejoices in the welfare,
honor, and happiness of a cherished and meritorious child.
Sir, there is rauch, we think, in the condition and the history of
Salem of which our people raay justly be proud, — a virtuous ancestry,
— a commercial geniUs, of which all seas and shores have witnessed
the triuraphs, — raemorable events, and great names, shedding lustre on
our annals, — unsurpassed intelligence and wealth, — the manly enter
prise of our sons, and the far-famed beauty of our daughters ; — but
above all things else, old Salem boasts of the towns which have risen
around her. No Roman Cornelia ever pointed to her offspring with a '
more glowing admiration than we do to the towns that call us mother.
It is generally conceded that Massachusetts presents as high a social
development as any part of our country. Allow me to say, from my
own recent experience and very extended opportunities of observation,
that no man can have an adequate conception of the culture to which
our Commonwealth has attained, without a minute personal exploration
of its institutions of education, and of the action of the general
mechanism of society over its entire surface. Of this favored State,
there is no portion more prosperous or better organized than the old
County of Essex. And here, within the precincts of the original
territory of Salem, there is a variety and an accumulation of the

125
elements of true civilization and sure progress, eminently remarkable
and most gratifying.
Where on the face of the earth does a purer patriotism burn, —
where are braver hearts to encounter danger, or meet death, in the
cause of the country, — where a benevolence more prompt to rush to
the relief of distress, than in Marblehead .?
In Manchester and Beverly there is an admirable union of the virtues
and the traits peculiar to an agricultural and a sea-faring population.
Topsfield and Wenham are among the best specimens of farming
towns. Danvers presents a cluster of villages with cultivated and
lovely fields spread out between them ; on no spot does the soil return
a richer reward to the labor that tills it, and in no farming district does
the wealth of the people reach a higher average than in Danvers.
Mr. President, there is an elevated point of view just over your
border, in Beverly, known as Browne's Hill. The vestiges are still to
be traced of a lordly mansion, reared in the olden tirae, by a colonial
grandee, upon its very suramit. The beautiful prospect it affords, and
the interesting reflections it suggests, have made it a favorite resort.
On the approach of a bright sumraer sun-set, a scene is spread around
it which cannot fail to fill the eye with delight, and the heart with
patriotic gratitude. It is nearly all comprehended, as it stretches away,
in every direction, to the horizon, in the original limits of Salem, —
Manchester, Beverly, Salem, Marblehead, Swampscot and Lynn in
front, with the ocean that washes their shores ; Middleton, Topsfield,
Wenham and Hamilton, with their broad fields, behind ; and Danvers,
one wide-spread garden, beneath.
In gazing upon this glorious panorama, I always feel, if the most
exquisite of poets, in his contemplation of an ancient pastoral life,
could not repress the exclamation. Oh, most fortunate of raen ! how
infinitely more are the free and happy people of this favored region
called to give thanks to God, for the unequalled blessedness that has
fallen to their lot !
Yes, sir, nowhere does the sun shine upon a happier, more cultiva
ted, and more virtuous community, than is included in the landscape
encircling that lofty eminence. To those towns Salem gave birth.
We defy any city or country to point to brighter jewels.
The 'sentiment to which I am responding, speaks of Salem and
Danvers as one, although divided. This is true beyond the ordinary
import of the expression. These two towns have not only always been
singularly united in sentiment, interest and customs, but one might
alraost dare to deny that they had ever been divided at all. To be
sure, there is a municipal separation between them, but it is by a line
so invisible and ideal that it is no easy thing to find it. A large portion
of your population is in one continuous settlement, with no natural
boundary or noticeable demarcation from us. I have lived for nearly
thirty years in Salem, and been somewhat interested in her affairs, but
I confess that I do not know, this day, where Salem ends, and where
Danvers begins. It is indeed an imaginary, and some of us hope it
will be found a vanishing line that separates us.
Mr. President, it is a privilege accorded to parents to find fault with
their children, while they will not allow others to do it. If any body

126
else, an outsider, should bring a charge against you, we Saleni people
would be quick to resent it, but as among ourselves, in this family
meeting, there is one complaint we have to make. Your distinguished
orator has had something to say to-day about Salem Witchcraft.
Everybody knows that all the rest of the worid is equally responsible
with us for that delusion ; but by a sort of universal conspiracy, the sin
is laid wholly at our door. We cannot visit a nook or corner of the
globe but the story of the Salem Witchcraft stares us in the face. To
this we have learned to submit j but for you Danvers people to talk
about Salem Witchcraft is a little too much. Why, sir, you were the
head and front, source and theatre of the whole affair. It rose and
raged and kept its head quarters within your liraits. It is your witch
craft. And we coraplain, that by getting incorporated as another town
by another name, by assuming an alias, you have escaped and left the
whole thing upon our hands.
But while you thus adroitly avoid the reproach upon our name, we
mean to settle the account by claiming a share of the honors that have
gathered around yours. You raay talk, if you choose, about Salem
Witchcraft; we will boast of Putnam, ofthe imraortal proto-inartyrs of
tho 19th of April, 1775, whose ashes rest beneath yonder monument,
and of all that is excellent in your history and condition. They are
ours as well as yours. Allow me, in return for the sentiment that has
called me out, to assure you, and the community you represent, that
Salem rejoices in your prosperity, and is proud of your character, and
to offer the following :
Danvers and Salem — No municipal boundaries or legislative arrangements
can sever the tie that binds them together.
The President then proposed the following sentiment :
The Memory of Gen. Israel Pvinam — As by his strong hand and stout heart
he conferred credit and renown on his country, so the virtues and intelligence
of those who bear his name confer honor on their native town.
ALLEN PUTNAM, Esq., of Roxbury, spoke in reply to this as
follows :
Mr. President : — Though you name me as from Roxbury, I was
born in Danvers, and few present have better claims than I to call
themselves Danvers raen ; because my ancestors, for at least two hun
dred and eleven years, have dwelt upon the spot where I was born and
reared. Those bearing the name of Putnam are numerous. The orator of
the day has called them prolific, — and they have been so. Not a tithe
of those worthy of remembrance can be named in the short time that
properly belongs to me. I had hoped that others of the same narae
would have been called upon to speak here, — especially one whose age
and infirmities forbid his presence with us, — but whose nice discrimi
nation, legal knowledge, and polished pen adorn our judicial reports,
and by whora the erraine was long worn, and laid aside unsoiled.*
Another, too, I had hoped to bring with me from my present home,
* Hon, Samuel Putnam.

127
who could speak to you in strains of earnest eloquence, with strong
good sense and playful ease. Had he come, the clergyman of Rox
bury* would have presented, in his own person, about as good a speci
men of itself as the family can now furnish.
In their absence you see fit to call upon me. Nearly fifty years ago
I began life four miles north from here, — away up in " The Bush."
Secluded there, I knew little in my boyhood of this court end of the
town. Once, however, — and it was soon after I began to strut and
swell in my first jacket and trowsers, — they brought me down to spend
a day at Capt. Sylvester Proctor's. While there, a kind shop-boy led
me out for my amusement, and conducted me down to the brook which
runs hard by, and there, tying a twine to a stick, and crooking a pin
for a fish hook, and turning over rocks to find a worm, he soon equipped
me for my first exploits at fishing. And if I put things together aright,
and reason correctly, that boy is now receiving a recompense for his
kindness to me, as well as for his many other good deeds, in his ample
means and ampler disposition to befriend his fellow-countrymen, and
adorn the American name, in the metropolis of Great Britain. That
boy was our distinguished townsman, George Peabody.
Let me return to " the bush ;" and running back into the past through
my father Daniel, who sits beside me, and on whose head the snows of
almost four score winters, spent in your midst, have fallen, and whom
you know ; and through my grandfather Israel, a man of energy blended
with kindness, and " without guile ;" through them I reach David, my
great-grandfather; Lieutenant David, an officer in the king's troops,
and, as de.scribed to me by Col. Timothy Pickering and others, who
had seen and known him, " the rider of the best horse in the Province,"
and foremost among the resolute and energetic men of his day, — much
like his younger brother, whose deeds gave lustre to the name. The
sisters are handed down to us in the family tradition as remarkable for
energy and fearlessness, riding colts, often without saddle or bridle, —
and one of them, on one occasion, not dismounting until the colt had
carried her into the house and up one flight of stairs. The youngest of
that family was Israel, the " Old Put." of the Revolution. These res
olute and energetic brothers and sisters were true, — but no more than
true, — to their parentage.
Time has thrown deep shadows upon the decade from 1690 to 1700,
and it may be that the objects now to be seen there are more of imag
ination than of true vision ; yet, often while musing upon some few
facts which tradition hands down, and the church records partially sup
port, there has appeared, beneath the delusion of a former age and the
dust of time, one luminous spot which the intervening generations have
failed to mark. There were some deeds unmentioned in the recorded
annals of town or church, which will bear bringing out from obscurity
to the full light of day.
The records of the church were then made and kept by a full be
liever in witchcraft. One side of the case is shown with fulness ; the
other is to be read and filled up by the light and help of tradition. In
the record, (I trust memory for more than twenty years,) the names of
Joseph Putnam and Elizabeth Putnam appear as petitioners for a coun-
• Rev. George Putnam.

128
cil, to try the Rev. Mr. Parris because of his harsh denunciations of
those who disbelieved in witchcraft as the work ofthe Devil. Tradition
says that Mr. Parris denounced Joseph Putnam and others as the agents
of Satan, and his assistants in proraoting the very witchcraft which
they professed to disbelieve. It says, also, that Joseph Putnam kept
himself and his faraily armed for six months, day and night, — and that
his horse was fed at the door, saddled and with bridle over his head
through all that tirae.
My grandfather Israel, his sister Eunice, and his, brother Jesse,*
(grandchildren of this Joseph and Elizabeth,) born within fifty or sixty
years of the tirae referred to, and brought up upon the spot, have each
repeatedly rehearsed these traditions in my hearing, and all the cir
cumstances known to me tend to support their correctness.
Let me linger awhile upon these few facts, and the known opinions
and events of that meraorable period, — when the powers of darkness,
and of all iraaginable evils, were supposed to be working with unwonted
diligence and success, — when sorae unseen but dreaded power was
mysteriously contorting limbs, — strangely moving meal-chests and
chairs — putting the cow into the small goose-house, — and working other
startling things past comprehension ; when the powers and perceptions
of many persons were strangely enlarged and frightfully exerted, —
when witchcraft enacted its many alarraing feats ; — then was a time
which truly and emphatically " tried men's souls."
When raan meets man, — when nation contends with nation, — when
one sees his eneray and can measure his strength and power, — tlien
reason may sit calraly upon her throne, and nerve the heart and the arm
of many a common man to dare and to do bravely. But when the foes
are the invisible powers of the air, — when terror and imagination raay
conjure up a direful eneray frora behind each bush or rock by the way
side, from each dark hole in cellar or garret, from out the liquid water
or the solid earth, from above, beneath or around, — when the general
mind is alarmed and phrensied by the believed presence and agency
of innumerable evil spirits, — when the clergy teach, when the church
believes, and the opinion spreads wide and deep through the public
mind, that devils are peculiarly busy in deluding and destroying souls,
— when witchcraft is treated as a fact, in the pulpit and in the halls of
justice, — when the bewitched one has but to narae the bewitcher, and
that bewitcher, on such simple testimony, is sentenced to the gallows,
-^when all these things, and more than these, conspire to turn the
brain and shake the nerved, — then how clear the head that can look
through these dense, dark raists of phrensied popular delusion ! — how
strong and brave the heart that can withstand the mighty pressure, and
look with unquailing eye upon all the dangers with which devils and
man can confront him ! Such heads there were, — such hearts there
were. Heroism was there, true and noble ; moral courage was there,
lofty and adaraantine ; — courage, far, far higher than that which was
needed to lead one into the dark den of the savage wolf.
* This Jesse was a graduate of Harvard, a merchant of Boston, known and
distinguished for general intelligence, great urbanity, and a high sense of
mercantile honor. A skilful weigher of evidence, and truthful, his narrations
(contaLoing many details not mentioned hers) are deemed good authority.

129
The slayer of the wolf, — the unquailing coraraander amid the
dangers of the battle-field, — stands second to none in point of courage;
and yet, if I read the dim past aright, his father and mother were not
second to hira. A single word frora a bewitched one, naraing the
unbelieving Joseph as the author of the witchery, and the whole
ecclesiastical, civil and railitary power of Salem would have been set
at work for his arrest and execution. Neighbors, relatives, fellow
communicants of the church, were his foes; and yet he stood, for six
long months, armed, vigilant, resolute, shielded by his own true courage
and that God whom he dared to serve in honesty.
The biographers of the General, regarding him only as a Connecti
cut man, never said much of his parentage. They probably knew
little or nothing of it. But he was a hero "descended from heroes ;"
the son was a new edition of the father, more widely known and read,
but not much improved.
The father, though his own deluded age could not see or dared not
acknowledge his greatness, and though concealed frora the view of
succeeding days by the shadows of time, yet seems to have stood firm
and unharraed, araid the tempests and torrents of delusion.
Like some tall cliff that lifts its rugged form.
Swells from the vale, and midway leaves the storm —
Though round its breast the rolling clouds are spread.
Eternal sunshine settles on its head ; —
calm amid the marvels and terrors of witchcraft, a fit beacon light,
it may be, for the present times.
If the modern stories are true, tables and chairs are renewing their
antics. It has not been my fortune to witness their leapings and danc
ings, but credible men say, in all soberness, that they have seen strange
things, as marvellous as witchwork. So be it : convince me if you
can that they are true, and I will believe thera the same kind of opera
tions that so fearfully disturbed the peace of our town in days of old.
Witchcraft and spiritual rappings are one and the same ; but neither is
supernatural, — neither demoniacal, — neither what need disturb even
the most timid heart or tho weakest brain. Tell me how electricity or
any other subtile agent, passing frora my brain along the arm, raakes
myjingers move, and I will tell you how electricity may lift the table
without the help of hands. Both are inexplicable, — neither supernat
ural, — one we see every hour, — the other only at long intervals, — one
is the daily sun, — the other an eccentric comet, — both harmless, — aye,
both useful, — obeying the laws of a wise and good God, and working
out his beneficent purposes. Let the rappings be investigated, calmly,
philosophically, and they will be found conforming themselves to the
same laws which govern the motions of our fingers of flesh ; they
may become sources of instruction and valuable consolation. I know
not what they are, have neither seen nor heard the wonders, but if it
be heresy to disbelieve in them as the work of demons or evil spirits,
or anything baleful, and if one shall anathematize me because of such
heresy, he will find, at least I trust he will, enough of the old spirit
transmitted to keep me true to my convictions, and true to the God
who rules not only man but all spirits and all agents, whether in realms
17 q

130
below, around or above. At present, I neither believe, nor reject, nor
fear. Let the marvels come ; let tables, and meal-chests, and broom
sticks fly without visible help; and what is there alarraing in that?
All will go on in obedience to that God who so long kept hid the
lightning's power to go in the twinkling of an eye and write our
messages in New Orleans ; and through all whose works, both of
matter and of mind, are diffused vital germs of progress and new
development. Electricity and magnetism are new in science, — new as controllable
agents in the hands of raan, — but yet have been pervading matter
through all time, and have at intervals been working the wonders of
demonology, Science raay, ere long, find raeans to raake these strange
powers comraon, and train thera to good service in lessening the evils
and promoting the true welfare of man.
It may have been unwise in rae to attempt to throw light into the
darkness that shrouds ntiy ancestors, and bring their deeds before you,
because you thus are raade to see that, as with wines, so with the
Putnams, the old are better than the new.
The President then announced the following sentiment, and called
upon Hon. JOHN G. PALFREY :
The County of Middlesex — The home of Industry, Enterprise, and Literature.
We welcome to our festive board one of her most distinguished sons, whose
reputation for learning belongs to our country, but is known far beyond its
rboundaries. Mr. PALFREY responded nearly as follows : —
I rise, Mr. President, with some feelings of embarrassment, not for
the want of a topic on which to remark, but from the great number
and variety which press and crowd on my attention. I can make but
a passing allusion to one or two. Let rae first say, that his Honor the
Mayor of Salem makes claims on you for a share of your ancestral
honors on grounds of relationship which appear to rne quite paradoxi
cal. The other gentleman from Salem, who has so happily and ably
responded to the sentiraent in honor of his distinguished ancestors,
seems to claim to be among the ancients, and to come from the first
settlers of the soil. I am not sure that I can see in the youthful c^jun-
tenance of the gentleman any striking resemblance to the picture of
.his ancestor, which looks down from the walls of the Senate Chamber.
There are sorae of us who look upon Governor Endicott as araong the
moderns in New England history. When the vessel which bore the
first Governor of Massachusetts was entering the harbor of Salera, she
¦was anxiously watched from the beach by four individuals, styled, in
the quaint chronicles of the time, as " Roger Conant and three sober
men." The vessel swung to her moorings and flung the red cross of
.St. George to the breeze, a boat put off for the shore, and, that the
Governor might land dry shod, Roger Conant and his " three sober
.men" rolled up their pantaloons, — or rather those nether garments
which we in these degenerate days call pantaloons, — waded into the
water and bore him on their shoulders to the dry land. Roger Conant
and his sober men had been here a long time, but (how long it is un-

131
necessary to state, but so long that the houses they had built sadly
needed repair. Now these three sober men were — Balch, Woodbury,
and the third bore a surname* which I forbear to mention, but will
only say that it was one which it becomes me not to disgrace.
Sorae allusion has been made here, Mr. President, to the Witchcraft
delusion of your ancestors. It is sadly true, sir, that this great delu
sion existed, yet I think a good word may be said in behalf of the
actors. May it not have been that your ancestors acted from high and
holy motives, from excessive zeal for what they regarded as God's
will ? The superstition of witchcraft was the disraal error of the times,
and your ancestors, not being wiser than the wisest of their coterapo-
raries on both sides of the water, had their full share in the delusion.
Can any of us say that had we lived in that day we would have seen
deeper into things than Sir Edward Coke and Sir Matthew Hale ? Yet
those sages of the law held the same doctrine on the same subject of
witchcraft as the Massachusetts fathers, and expounded and adminis
tered it in the Court of the King's Bench. And let me tell you, that
in that awfully dark passage of 'our early history, all is not darkness.
In one view it appears lighted up with a lurid, indeed, but with a ma
jestic blaze. If this witchcraft madness has left a peculiar blot upon
the history of Massachusetts, it is because of this great difference be
tween her people and that of other communities whose annals bear no
such stain, viz., that what both alike professed to believe, the former
more consistently and honestly acted out. Deplore as we may the
grievous infatua.tion, still more even than we laraent and condemn that,
we find cause to applaud the brave and constant spirit that would never
quail before the awful delusion that possessed it. It was no less than
the powers of darkness that these men believed to be in arras against
them. And they did not shrink even from that contest ; they feared
neither man nor the devil ; they feared nothing but God. They im
agined the Prince of Hell, with his legions, to be among them, " the
sacramental host of God's elect," seeking among them whom he raight
devour ; and they gave place to hira " by subjection, no, not for an
hour." Set upon by invisible and supernatural foes, they thought of
nothing but stern defiance, deadly battle, and. the victory which God
would give his people. They would have made bare the arm of flesh
against the Serpent in bodily presence, could he have put on an assail
able shape. As it was, they let it fall without mercy on those whom
they understood to be his emissaries.
I cannot close without paying my tribute of respect to the memory
of your late distinguished fellow-citizen, the representative of this dis
trict in the Congress of the United States. I knew him well. As
colleagues in the thirtieth Congress, our public duties brought us into
daily intercourse. During our raost agreeable and intimate friendship,
I felt a growing respect for his sound intellect, his warra patriotism,
and his reliable judgment. The faithful and conscientious performance
of all his duties as a friend, a citizen, and a statesman, justly entitle
Mr. King to the name of a Christian patriot.
Without enlarging upon his many sterling qualities, which have
already been alluded to by several speakers, I cannot better illustrate
* Peter Palfrey.

132
his entire devotion to public business,— which was equalled only by the
warm and genial irapulses of his heart, — than by relating an incident
whicb is still fresh in ray recollection.
On the occasion to which I allude, the House had been occupied for
several days in the discussion of an important question of public policy.
The debate was now drawing to a close, and the House had remained
in session during the entire night. Towards morning I approached his
seat, and I observed that he met ray salutation with a countenance less
bland, and a response less cordial than usual. Knowing the deep in
terest he had felt in the debate, I naturally attributed his unwonted
manner to the fatigue we all felt from our protracted sittings. I play
fully alluded to these circumstances, and, in reply, he placed in my
hands an unsealed letter that lay on his table, requesting me to read it.
I did so. It contained the sad intelligence that a beloved daughter was
dangerously sick, and lay, it was feared, at the point of death. Per
ceiving from its date that it must have been in his possession for
considerable time, I inquired why he had not started for his horae
immediately on receiving it. " I cannot leave," said he, " until the
final vote on this question is taken." The vote was taken that night,
and in a few hours he was on his way to Massachusetts ; but, ere this,
the spirit of his child had departed, — his home was desolate, — and he
arrived barely in time to attend the funeral.
I will detain you no longer, Mr. President, than to thank you for the
kind allusion to me in your resolution, and to express the intense satis
faction I have felt in participating in the magnificent display and inter
esting festivities of this occasion.
To a sentiment in honor of those citizens of Danvers who have
adorned the Bench and the Bar, ALFRED A. ABBOTT, Esq., first
Vice President of the day, responded as follows :
Mr. President : — I could have wished that some one worthier than
myself, some one ofthe many distinguished strangers who gladden and
grace our festive board to-day, could have been called upon to respond
to the sentiment you have just announced. But as you have been
pleased to assign this duty to me, I know not how better to relieve my
own embarrassment and the patience of this assembly, than by address
ing myself at once, and very briefly, to the theme which your senti
ment suggests.
_ Distinguished as have been many of the sons and citizens of this an
cient town in other spheres of action and walks of life, few, if any of
thera, have ever had more signal success or a brighter farae, than some
of those who, on the bench and at the bar, dignified and adorned the
profession of the law. I propose to allude to three or four names,
certainly worthy to be raentioned on an occasion like this, when we
may be expected, with a pride neither ill-timed nor immodest, to com
memorate all those whose character and virtues have brightened our
local annals. And the first name, sir, is that of Sarauel Holten, — or,
as he is raore populariy reraerabered, Judge Holten. He was not bred
to the bar, but, at the early age of eighteen, begun the duties of active
life as a physician, in which profession he continued with success and

Bust "by King .

133
growing reputation for some sixteen years. In 1768, at the age of
thirty, he commenced a public career which ended only with his life,
at the advanced age of nearly four score, — a half century of as active
and useful labor as was performed by but few men of his tiraes. He
was eight years a representative in the General Court, five in the Sen
ate, twelve in the Council, five in Congress as a representative under
the Confederation, (of which august body he was chosen President,)
and two years under the Federal Constitution. This was his distin
guished career as a legislator, — in which, relinquishing entirely his
profession and all private business, he devoted himself wholly to the
service of his country. A patriot, in times when patriotism was more
than a name, few men were so active and influential from the very
outset of the revolutionary struggle to its triumphant close. And in
the troubled times which succeeded, when the good ship,— an argosy
freighted with a world's hopes, — which so gallantly had rode out the
storm and tempest of the battle, came nigh to being stranded even on
the very shore which was to be the haven of her eventful voyage, this
man was one of those whose sober reason, unerring judgment, and
calm but stern resolve assuaged the mutinous strife, and conducted the
high but perilous endeavor to its successful and glorious accomplish
ment. Equally distinguished was Judge Holten's judicial career. For
thirty-two years he was one of the Judges of the Court of Comraon
Pleas, presiding half of that time ; thirty-five years a Justice of the
Court of General Sessions, fifteen of those years being Chief Justice
of the same ; and nineteen years Judge of Probate for the county of
Essex. Intelligent and incorruptible, presiding with dignity, hearing
with patience, and deciding promptly, his native good sense and great
information, joined to a certain natural aptitude for the duties of the
station, made him a highly capable and efficient magistrate, and se
cured him the entire confidence and respect of his fellow-citizens.
Such, sir, is a meagre outline of the man and his services. It is all
that the time will allow me to give. But I know that you and all pres
ent will sympathize with rae as 1 express the hope that the time may
never come when we shall forget this name and bright example of a
former day, or fail to cherish and honor its meraory.
The next name to which I shall allude is that of one who still lives
in our midst, — I mean the Hon. Sarauel Putnam. The family to which
he belongs is now and always has been a numerous one within our
borders, and many of its sons in different professions have acquired far
more than a local celebrity. But no one of them has illustrated the
family name with a purer life, higher virtues, or juster farae, than him
of whom I now speak. After a highly honorable and extensive prac
tice at the bar, in which he developed the powers of a strong raind
trained by severe study, and accomplished in exact yet comprehensive
learning. Judge Putnam was raised to the bench ofthe Supreme Court.
For more than a quarter of a century did he fulfil, ably and faithfully,
the duties of this high station, doing his full part to sustain and elevate
that reputation of our Supreme Bench for profound learning and judicial
wisdora which has raade its decisions standard and indisputable author
ity throughout the land. Our Reports contain a great nuraber of his
opinions, elaborate and rich, than which few are cited with raore fre-

134
quency, or held in higher respect. At length, when the weight of
increasing years began to oppress him. Judge Putnam voluntarily put
off the judicial ermine, with a rare delicacy and commendable good
sense resigning his lofty trust, while yet his mental vigor was unabated,
and retiring upon his well-earned and still fresh laurels to the joys and
comforts of private life. To pursue the sketch further might seem ill-
tiraed. It is enough to say that our venerable townsraan still survives,
the ornament and pride of a large circle, surrounded by all
"  which should accompany old age,
As honor, love, obedience, troops of friends,"
and that the proud regards of his fellow-citzens may well join in the
prayer of private affection, " Serus in caelum redeai I"
The third name, sir, I must pass over quite as briefly, — the name of
one who was not a native of Danvers, nor is he now a resident, but
who here coraraenced his professional life, and dwelt araong us long
enough to attach hiraself closely to the hearts of our people, and to en
title us to claim him in making up our jewels. I speak, sir, of Rufus
Choate, — the lawyer, whose profound learning, acute logic, and honeyed
speech have swayed grave judges and led juries captive, — the poli
tician, whose comprehensive statesmanship and graceful oratory have
instructed and delighted listening senates, — the scholar, whose varied
accomplishments and classic tastes have been the admiration of students
and men of letters, — the man of the people, whose genial syrapathies
have won the hearts, and whose raatchless, burning eloquence has
ruled the passions, of vast popular asserablies. But it is upon his clairas
as a lawyer, more particularly as an advocate, that Mr. Choate's farae
will and properly should rest. As such, neither Araerican nor British
legal biography can furnish many prouder names, of men who pos
sessed equal powers, or whose careers were crowned with such brill
iancy and success. It will always be to us, sir, a matter of pride, (nor
will he fail gratefully to cherish the recollection,) that this distinguished
man here won his earli(;st garlands, and that the people of Danvers first
presented him as a candidate for the popular suffrages, and always
sustained him with an enthusiasm which did equal honor to him and
credit to themselves. Although of the generation of most of those who
participate in our present festivities and yet on the swelling tide of his
triumphs, it will not seem indecorous that he should have received thus
much of tribute from those who will ever claim the privilege of cher
ishing his fame with peculiar care.
And now, Mr. President, pardon me a few moments longer while I
perform a brief labor of love. It was my privilege to pursue a portion
of my studies, preparatory to the Bar, in the office of one who, as was
the case with Mr. Choate, was not a native of Danvers, but who, like
him, coraraenced practice here, and for raany years was identified with
the interests of our people ; of one who was cheered by the affections
and honored with the respect of many whom I see around me, as he
was by the regards of all, both here and elsewhere, with whom he was
associated, either in business or social relations ; one whose early

>^./?c.

^^¦^

{^SC'/'-c'C^

135
manhood redeemed in part the bright promise given by his youth of
extensive usefulness and lasting fame, but whom an untimely death
cut down at the very threshold of the eminent career upon which he
had so hopefully entered. I need not say, sir, that I refer to the late
Joshua Holyoke Ward. He was to me more than a master, — he was
my friend, and I should wrong my own feelings as well as do injustice
to departed worth, did I fail to recall his virtues, and claim on this
occasion a tribute to his meraory. Mr. Ward was graduated at Cam
bridge, and pursued his professional studies at the Dane Law School,
and in the office of Mr. Saltonstall, at Salem. On his admission to the
bar, he opened his office in Danvers, where he remained until his
increasing reputation caused his removal to the principal shire town of
the county. "A careful, regular, and indefatigable student," his learn
ing and logical powers gave him great weight with the court ; while a
uniform affability, ready wit, unequalled tact, earnest manner, and
eloquent speech, all combined to win for hira the favor of the jury
and the success of his cause. At Nisi Prius, few raen with whora he
was called to compete equalled him, certainly none of his own age
and terms at the bar excelled hira. In 1844, Mr. Ward was appointed
an associate Justice of the Court of Coramon Pleas. Striking as had
been his success as a counsellor and advocate, his success as a judgfe
was even more marked. Although fresh from those sharp forensic
encounters in which he had engaged with such warmth and manifest
pleasure^ and which are supposed to develope habits of thought and
traits of raind not the raost favorable for the proper discharge of the
judicial functions, and although he was taken away before he had
hardly more time than would seem to have been requisite to adjust his
robes of office, yet such had been his training, such were his natural
powers, his aptness and fitness, that he presented at once a model
example of judicial character and excellence, and made and left a
broad and shining mark. To quote the criticism of a high authority,
"Judge Ward, at the time of his death, was the youngest judge of
any court of record in Massachusetts, and had held a seat on the bench
for only the short term of four years ; and yet it is true of him, that
he had lived and served long enough to acquire a reputation which is
rarely attained for legal learning and skill, and to furnish a model of
judicial exactness and accuracy, of facility in the despatch of business,
and of courtesy and impartiality in his intercourse with counsel and
all parties in court, which has been acknowledged in terms of striking
commendation by the bars of all the counties. * » # * »
As a counsellor and judge, he was remarkable for a quick and ready
perception of the points of a case, of the proper application of princi
ples and precedents, and of the bearing of evidence. His views were
conceived and expressed with a remarkable clearness ; and it was
never difficult for him to make palpable, alike to counsel and to juries,
the precise state of the law, and the material testimony, on which he
saw that a case must turn. In criminal cases he was eminently suc
cessful in assuring the counsel, on both sides, that they should have
the full benefit of every rule of law, and that exact justice would be
dispensed in the mode of conducting the trial. * * * * *
Judge Ward was compelled to terminate abruptly a term of the Munic-

136
ipal Court, (at Boston,) when he returned horae to pass through his
last struggle with the excruciating disease which, for several years,
had threatened the eariy termination of his life. It serves to increase
our admiration of his judicial career, and especially of the cheerful
spirit which he always exhibited, to be thus reminded that the heavy
labors which devolved upon him were mostly perforraed while he was
in a state of bodily infirmity, ani often under the torture of the most
acute suffering." Such, sir, was the professional character of our
former neighbor and friend, whose loss is so much to be deplored.
Most of you remember what he was in other relations, how active and
useful a citizen, how upright and honorable a man, how amiable and
attractive in social life ; if not, go ask of his brethren, who still cherish
with peculiar fondness the recollection alike of his public usefulness
and private virtues. I esteem it an especial privilege to have had the
opportunity, long desired, of recalling him in this public manner, and
of testifying my affectionate regards for the memory of one who was,
with more truth than the poet could say,
" My guide, philosopher and friend."
I have thus, Mr. President, in a humble way, in such a raanner as
my poor judgraent suggested, performed the task you assigned me.
I have not alluded to some names which perhaps should have been
mentioned ; I selected those which by common consent towered above
all. I can only add that there have been others of the legal profession
in our midst, from tirae to time, of great ability and worth, whose
services secured the patronage, and whose virtues won the confidence
and commanded the respect of their fellow-citizens. Nor, sir, have I
time to dwell upon any of those general reflections which naturally
occur to the mind upon such a review as we have had. Certainly
here, too, as in everything that relates to our local history, there is
good cause for congratulation. Let us hope that the future will be as
honorable as the past. Let us, each and all, and those who come after
us, so live and act, that when another hundred years shall have passed
away, those who then celebrate this day and review the generations
which have gone, shall find in the retrospect equal cause for rejoicing
and pride.
The next sentiment was —
The Imitative and Fine Arts — These are appropriately represented here by
the presence of one of our native citizens, the recollections of whose childhood
and youth are ensraved on his memory. We f^el that his fellow-citizens have
a right to some of th.e proof impressions.
To this, GEORGE G. SMITH, Esq., of Boston, responded :
I suppose, Mr. President, that, according to custom in such cases, I
must take this kind sentiment as calling upon me to speak, and this, of
course, I ara quite willing to do,— strange if I were not, araid the
wealth of incentives which are showered upon me by the scene around
us. Unfortunately, however, I do not feel rayself exactly qualified to
speak, except upon what relates to the order to which I belong. What
I have to say, therefore, will be of the Operative, and his relations to
this occasion and to society.

137
What is it, then, which has so built up the prosperity of our native
town ? What is the secret of her progress in so short a time from
what she was to what she is ? It is, is it not, the industry, skill, and
perseverance of her mechanics ? her men of toil ? her hard-handed
and clear-headed aristocracy of labor ? the only aristocracy which I
trust will ever obtain, within her borders, either respect or influence.
Why, let us look, sir, at the Danvers of the early part of the present
century ; she then contained, I believe, something short of 3000 in
habitants ; and in the manufacture of leather, for instance, — then, as
now, her principal product, — there were, as I well remember, from
Frye's mill up the stream, first Fitch Poole's and Ward Poole's tan-
yards, then Squiers Shove's, then Edward Southwick's, and then Den
ison Wallace's ; and these were all on that road. There was one in
the lane, I believe the oldest of all, good old Deacon Poor's, where I
have an indistinct recollection of having seen some of the large tubs
still remaining, which tradition had handed down as having been for
many years the good deacon's only vats. And there were two, 1 think,,
in New Mills. As for any other branch of handicraft, excepting the-
tirae-honored manufactories of Danvers china, on Gape lane and South
wick's lane, there was really nothing at all, of any extent. To be sure,
good old Uncle Henfy Buxton had formerly carried on his trade of
buckle-making, in a little shop situated, I think, between the last Bux
ton house and Deacon Poor's ; but we never saw any of the products
of his ingenuity, for, poor man I his occupation was gone in our day,.
and had been since that meraorable morning when George, Prince of
Wales, made his appearance in London streets with shoe strings ;.
then buckles became unfashionable, and, of course, buckle makers were-
no longer wanted.
The little shop, however, with its closed windows showing that its
trade was dead, was an object of great interest to the young America
of that day, and I remember we used to look at it with a sort of awe
struck curiosity, arising, 1 suppose, from our indefinite ideas of the
unknown operations formerly carried on there.
But these good, sleepy, Rip-Van-Winkle days, however, had their
pleasant side. It was a pleasant place, then, this old town of ours,
when there were green fields and shady walks where now are dusty
streets and busy factories. I shall never forget the old back way by
the pond, with its locust trees, loading the air in the season of blossoms
with their honey-like fragrance. And the pond ; not as now, but un
shorn of its fair proportions, its green banks sloping gently down to the
clear water, and bordered with bright rushes and flowery water plants.
But these contrastings of what was with what is, missing the old famil
iar faces as well as the old familiar places, are unprofitable. What is,,
must be. Let us be thankful, then, for what we have, — in this occa
sion particularly, — and enjoy it, as God means it to be enjoyed.
To return to our subject. In contrast to what I have described, you
have now about forty tanneries in the South Parish and in New Mills,
with about 3000 vats, in which are tanned some 150,000 hides per'
annum, producing annually leather to the amount of perhaps half a
million of dollars, and giving employment to hundreds of industrious
workmen,
18 r

138
The shoe business, too, has grown up entirely within the last twenty-
five years, and adds, perhaps, half a million yearly to the value of
your products, I say nothing of other handicrafts consequent on these,
nor of manufactories, which would of course greatly swell the aggre
gate amount and value of industrial results ; I wish merely to call your
attention to the enormous increase from, say 1804, when your popula
tion was between two and three thousand, and the value of your pro
ducts perhaps $100,000 at most, to 1852, when your population is
more than 8000, and the value of your products certainly two millions !
Now this iraraense increase in araount and value of the products of
industry you certainly owe to your mechanics ; they have made it all !
It raay be said, with the aid of capital. True ; but who raade the
capital:.? How was it made ? Was it created by any raysterious
process aside frora the labor of human hands ? Not at all ; capital is,
and must always be, as rauch the result of hand labor eraployed in
some way, as the building of a house, or the construction of a machine.
The mechanic, then, or rather the operative, — the Farmer, the Me
chanic, and the Artisan, — they are in some sense now, and are getting
to be raore and more, I say, the preponderating and therefore the influ
ential class. Let us take the facts then which prove this growing pre
ponderance of the operative. *
In our own country, by the census of 1810, — the only one which as
yet has classified the professions, — there were engaged in agriculture
and manufactures, more than ninety per cent, of the inhabitants ; in
England, by the census of the sarae year, something like eighty per
cent. ; in France, in 1817, by the estiraate of Count Laborde, about
eighty-two per cent. ; and in the city of Glasgow, in 1831, more than
fifty per cent., exclusive, of course, of agriculturists. And judging
from what has formerly taken place, this preponderance of operatives
has increased rather than diminished.
Now these data would, on merely numerical grounds, settle the
question ; but there is another element in the influence of this class,
which is gradually bringing about changes so iraportant, that the raind
grows dizzy when it contemplates their possible, nay their inevitable,
results. I mean that ever-increasing intelligence which is continually
bringing raore and raore upon an intellectual level the various classes
of society the world over ; but particularly in this country. Who can
estimate the changes which this simple consequence of human ad
vancement, too much overlooked as it seems to me, is destined to make
in the world. We cannot foresee precisely what they will be ; they
will be gradual, no doubt ; they may occupy ages, for aught we know,
for their full accomplishraent : but we do know, we can foresee, that
when the day arrives in which the terra " educated classes" shall have
lost its meaning, because all classes are educated ; when the operative
class has all needed knowledge within itself, requiring no aid from any
other ; then — who can doubt it ? — the whole face of society must be
changed. And, however it may square with our present ideas, sym
pathies, or prejudices, the fact is nevertheless certain, that in the
world's future, — in some shape or other, — the operative must be its
king. I beg you, Mr, President, to believe that I do not make these

139
remarks in any wild spirit of radicalism. I am, in the ordinary sense
of the word, no radical, that is, no destructionist. I see far too much
of the mischief which untimely theories have done to the cause of free
dom in other lands, to broach them here. I believe, in fact, that true
progress can go on only under an enlightened conservatism. I believe
in God's providence ; that he " governs this worid with gracious de
sign ;" and I recognize his hand as evidently in this, to my view,
inevitable consequence of the law of progress, as 1 do in everything else.
There is another principle which the operative will come raore and
more to see ; it is this : that his position has been, throughout the ages,
precisely that to which his intelligence entitled him. This, I think,
history establishes beyond a doubt ; and he will naturally conclude,
therefore, that, as it has been in the past, so will it be in the future.
Suppose, for instance, that the rude serf or mechanic of the Middle
Ages, (to go no farther back,) had been entrusted with the power, or
enjoyed the consideration, which is the operative's privilege here, and
now. What could he have done with them, but sink himself still
deeper in the abyss of degradation and sensuality to which his igno
rance then necessarily confined him. With advancing intelligence,
come advancing privileges and respect. Has it not always been so,
and will it not always be so ? And will not the operative, as he gains
knowledge, voluntarily decline to grasp a power, or a social position,
which he cannot wield nor enjoy, while he has the certainty that, in
proportion as he becomes able to wield and enjoy them, they will, —
and, by the law of Providence, naturally must, — fall into his hands ?
And I look therefore upon this consequence of advancement with en
tire trust that all will be well. True progress permits no violent up
rooting of existing institutions; its march will be gradual, — tranquil.
Wiser and wiser will Tts directors grow, from age to age ; and its full
consummation will be benevolence and peace.
Now, Mr. President, I am aware that these opinions of mine, founded
as I verily believe they are upon sound principles, may, nevertheless,
be wrong. I ara aware that, as thousands wiser than I ara have done,
I may have overlooked some element in the calculation, which should
entirely reverse its conclusions. But, as the raore I think on what I
have said, the more firmly persuaded am I of its truth, and, moreover,
as I see so rauch in the scene around rae to cOnfirra this persuasion,
I must be permitted to hold fast the faith till I am fairly beaten out of it.
I have said that I see much in the scene around me to confirra these
conclusions ; and is it not so ? In what other country, under heaven,
could we look upon an assembly like this, convened under circum
stances of such perfect social equality ? Point me out, if you can, the
aristocratic element of this celebration > Look at our good Orator !
He betongs to one of the learned professions, you say. True, but his
family was not one of the " Robe," as they used to say in France, be
fore the revolution. His good father, — a stalwart specimen he was, too,
of our legilimale aristocracy, — would have found himself sadly troubled
I know by any other robe than his good, old, homespun farmer's frock
and trowsers. And my old and respected friend the Poet of the day,
whose well-remembered voice has awakened in my soul so many long-
buried memories, he will not claim kindred, either, with any other
aristocracy than this, I know.

140
And it is just so with all of us ; the scent of the clay, or the shoe
maker's wax, or of the tan, or the blacksmith's forge, or the carpen
ter's shavings, or some taint of the sort, sticks to us all ; and are we
ashamed of it .? Not a whit. We rejoice, do we not, that we come
of a stock which was not born, as used to be said of old, merely " to
consume the fruits of the earth." We and our fathers before us have
been, thank God, producers, and not consumers merely ; and " so mote
it be," henceforth and forever, amen.
And now, Mr. President, I cannot look lipon this scene, redolent of
happiness as it is, and fraught with early recollections, with bright eyes
" raining influence," and gray heads rejoicing in the glances of love
around them, and in the sense of security and peace, without giving
one thought to those institutions to which, under God, we owe it all.
Our Country, Mr. President ; our whole Country I with no North, nor
South, nor East, nor West ! O for a little old-fashioned patriotism,
when we hear her named ! O for that spirit whichled the young sons
of Danvers, in the times which tried men's souls, to brave, at their
country's call, danger and death in her service ! for less of exclusive
devotion to mere party ! and for raore trust in God, that, without the
least necessity for violence, or bitterness of feeling, or extreme meas
ures of any kind, he will, in his own good time, silently and gradually
remove all there is of imperfection or wrong, either in our institutions
or national character I
Mr. President : I have detained you too long, I am aware, but must
throw myself upon the mercy of my fellow-townsmen, and my towns-
women also, and endeavor, in sorae raeasure, to excuse myself by the
reraark, that had I not felt the strongest interest in our town, and her
concerns and her people, and the influences which have made them
what they are, I should not have made so long a speech. 1 will close
with the following sentiment: ¦<
The Son of Labor all over the World — Who touches the earth and it becomes
food ; who smites upon the rude matter and it becomes gold and silver ; who
lays his hand upon the cotton and the wool, and the rock, and the timber, and
the clay, and they become clothing and shelter. May his usefulness in the
future be only measured by his intelligence, and his intelligence by the love
and respect of his fellow-men.
The PRESIDENT of the day being about to retire, called upon the
first Vice President to take the chair. Mr. ABBOTT having left the
table, W. L. WESTON, Esq , second Vice President, was called, and
upon taking the chair expressed his regret that, by the absence of the
first Vice President, the duties of presiding over the assembly had
devolved upon him. Although in assuming the slation he felt much
embarrassment on account of his inexperience in such duties, "yet he
should rely with great confidence on the candor and indulgence of the
company to sustain him in his new position.
It having become known among the guests that a communication
had been received frora George Peabody, Esq., of London, the read
ing of it was called for. It was preceded by the following sentiraent,
the announceraent of which, and the response it elicited, exciting an
intense sensation. The sentiment was —

141
Our Fellow-Citizen, George Peabody, of London — Holding the highest
rank among Nature's noblemen, and distinguished in the great centre of the
Commercial World, he has always done much for the credit and honor of his
country, and has remembered, with kindness and affection, the place of his
birth. Danvers may well feel a just pride in the successful career of such a
son. JOHN W. PROCTOR, Esq., then rose, and, holding in his hand a
sealed packet, read the following letter : — London, 26th May, 1852.
Gentlemen :
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, inviting
me to be present at the celebration of the one hundredth anniversary
of the .separation of Danvers from Salem, on the 16th of June, or, if
not able to attend, to signify, by letter, my interest in the occasion.
I am very sorry that my engagements allow me to comply only with
the latter part of your request.
I should have the greatest pleasure in joining in your interesting
celebration there, if possible. The early associations of my life are
clustered around our ancient town. It was, as many of you know, in
a very humble house in the South Parish that I was born, and frora the
Coramon Schools of that Parish, such as they were in 1803 to 1807,
I obtained the liraited education ray parents' means could afford ; but
to the principles there inculcated in childhood and early youth, I owe
much of the foundation for such success as Heaven has been pleased
to grant me during a long business life. Though my manhood, before
coming to England, was spent in Baltimore, (which shares with my
native town in ray kindest feelings,) I still cherish the recollections of
my earlier days, and anticipate, with much pleasure, a visit to the Old
Parish, that 1 may witness the great strides I am told you have been
making in wealth and improvements.
It is now nearly sixteen years since I left my native country, but I
can say with truth that absence has only deepened my interest in her
welfare. During this interval I have seen great changes in her wealth,
in her power, and in her position araong nations. I have had the raor-
tification to witness the social standing of Americans in Europe very
seriously affected, and to feel that it was not entirely undeserved ; but,
thank Heaven, I have lived to see the cause nearly annihilated by the
energy, industry, and honesty of my countrymen, — thereby creating
between the people of the two great nations speaking the English
lancruage, and governed by liberal and free institutions, a more cordial
and kind feeling than has existed at any other time. The great increase
of population and commerce of the United States, — the development
of the internal wealth of the country and enterprise of her people, have
done much to produce this happy change, and I can scarcely see
bounds to our possible future, if we preserve harmony among ourselves
and good faith to the rest of the world, and if we plant the unrivalled
New England institution of the Common School liberally among the
emigrants who are filling up the great valley of the Mississippi. That
this may be done, is, I am persuaded, no less your wish than mine.
I enclose a sentiment, which I ask may remain sealed till this letter

142
is read on the day of celebration, when it is to be opened according to
the direction on the envelope.
With great respect,
I have the honor to be.
Your fellow-townsman,
GEORGE PEABODY.
To Messrs. John W. Proctor, Andrew Nichols and others.
The endorsement on the envelope was as follows : —
[The seal of this is not to be broken till the toasts are being pro
posed by the chairman, at the dinner 16th June, at Danvers, in com
memoration of the one hundredth year since its severance from Salem.
It contains a sentiraent for the occasion frora George Peabody, of
London.] By George Peabody, of London :
Education — A debt due from present to future generations.
In acknowledgment of the payment of that debt by the generation
which preceded me in my native town of Danvers, and to aid in its
prompt future discharge, I give to the inhabitants of that town the sum
of Twenty Thousand Dollars, for the promotion of knowledge
and morality araong thera.
I beg to remark, that the subject of making a gift to my native town
has for some years occupied my mind, and I avail myself of your
present interesting festival to make the communication, in the hope
that it will add to the pleasures of the day.
I annex to the gift suchconditions only as I deem necessary for its
preservation and the accomplishment of the purposes before named.
The conditions are, that the legal voters of the town, at a meeting to
be held at a convenient time after the 16th June, shall accept the gift,
and shall elect a coraraittee of not less than twelve persons, to receive
and have charge of the sarae, for the purpose of establishing a Lyceum
for the delivery of lectures, upon such subjects as may be designated
by a coraraittee of the town, free to all the inhabitants, under such
rules as said committee may from time to tirae enact ; and that a
Library shall be obtained, which shall also be free to the inhabitants,
under the direction of the coraraittee.
That a suitable building for the use of the Lyceura shall be erected,
at a costj including the land, fixtures, furniture, &c., not exceeding
Seven Thousand dollars, and shall be located within one third of a mile
of the Presbyterian Meeting-House occupying the spot of that forraerly
under the pastoral care of the Rev. Mr. Walker, in the South Parish of
Danvers. That Ten Thousand dollars of this gift shall be invested by the town's
coramittee in undoubted securities as a permanent fund, and the inter
est arising therefrora to be expended in support of the Lyceum.
In all other respects, I leave the disposition of the affairs of the
Lyceura to the inhabitants of Danvers, merely suggesting that it might
be advisable for thera, by their own act, to exclude sectarian theolofry
and political discussions forever frora the walls of the institution.

143
I will make one request of the committee, which is, if they see no
objection, and my venerable friend Capt. Sylvester Proctor should be
living, that he be selected to lay the corner stone of the Lyceum
Building. Respectfully yours, GEORGE PEABODY.
After the announcement of the donation by Mr. Peabody, Mr,
Proctok remarked substantially as follows : —
Mr. Chairman —
I scarcely know which to admire most, the liberality of the gift,
or the modesty of the giver. A princely donation like this, for a pur
pose like this, to a place like this, is no ordinary occurrence. We
hear of the donations of Girard, of Smithson, of Buzzy, and of others,
in amounts larger than this ; but where is there one, all things consid
ered, that will begin to compare with this .? Look at the sentiment
accompanying it ; " Education — A debt due frora present to future
generations." What more siraple .? Still, what could be more expres
sive ? Look also at the recognition, by Mr. Peabody, of the Village
School, under the shadow of the steeple of the old Church, where he,
and I, and raany others present, were first taught to lisp their A, B, C,
and see how readily he admits, it was there " he imbibed the princi
ples which have been the foundation of the success, which Heaven has
been pleased to grant him, during a long business life." Can there be
a higher eulogy than this, upon our New England system of Free
Schools ?
When a boy, sir, I knew Mr. Peabody well. Our ages were such
that we went to the same school, and developed our physical energies
on the same play-grounds. Frora the first, he was raanly and honora
ble, as he ever since has been. Nothing sraall or raean about George
Peabody. If anything wrong was done, he was the last to be sus
pected of doing it. I say this, sir, for the information of those of my
young friends who seem to think there is soraething raanly in being
forward to do mischief ; in being most active in overturning outbuild
ings, or breaking the windows of retired gentlemen, or disturbing the
repose of discreet young ladies. They mistake, entirely, who indulge
any such ideas. Peabody never did any such things. While I knew
him, he was a civil, well-behaved, trustworthy young man, — and now,
my young friends, you see what he has ripened into ; — the first among
the foremost of Americans in London ; a nobleman by nature, of rank
second to none other.
It has been my good fortune, sir, to have repeated communications
from Mr. Peabody since he became a man. As early as 1835, when
he resided at Baltimore, the citizens of South Danvers undertook to
erect a monument to the memory of those of our fellow-townsmen who
were killed at Lexington, on the 19th of April, 1775. When we had
raised by subscription $700, and ascertained that the structure designed
would cost $1000, 1 advised him of the facts, and received from him a
prompt reply, saying that " he was happy to learn that his fellow-
townsmen of Danvers were about to do, what had been too long
neglected, and that my draft on him, at sight, for whatever might be

144
needed to complete the design, should be duly honored," The work
was completed, and the draft was paid.
Again, sir, when the Church of the South Society, a new structure,
that occupied the site of the one that he describes as the " Presbyterian
Meeting-House, where the Rev. Mr. Walker forraerly was pastor,"
was destroyed by fire, the Society, with rauch exertion, having just
about corapleted the same, my friend on my right* joined me in a note
to Mr. Peabody, stating the facts, — to which he replied, with an appro
priate expression of his sympathies with the occasion, accompanied by
a bill of exchange for fifty pounds sterling, for the use of the Society,
Such, sir, has been my knowledge and experience of George Pea
body, of London. You raay well suppose, sir, when I received from
him a private note, accompanying the envelope that contained the
donation, with a request that it should not be opened until the company
were seated at dinner, because it contained " a sentiment of interest to
the people of Danvers," that I imagined it to be a rich sentiment. I
did indeed, sir, so imagine. But I frankly admit, it exceeds my high
est imagination.
And, sir, what was peculiarly gratifying to me, the same note, that
gave rae this inforraation, also authorized rae to subscribe in his behalf
the sura o^ fifty dollars, towards the erection of an appropriate raonu
raent at the grave of our late fellow-townsraan, the venerable Gen.
Gideon Foster, who died at the age of 96, with a character for Indus-
try, honor, and integrity, rarely equalled.
Such, sir, are a few of the acts of this model of a man, that Danvers
feels proud to call her own. May those, who are still of Danvers,
show themselves to be worthy of his bounty. May it be received and
managed in a manner most gratifying to the giver. May no local
jealousies, or meaner passions, be suffered to enter here. May those
of Danvers, in 'fifty-two, show theraselves to be worthy their sires of
'Seventy-Six. P. R. SOUTHWICK, Esq., here rose and spoke as follows :
Mr. President : — I rise, sir, to pass a slight tribute of respect to that
distinguished gentleman whose interesting letter has just been read to
us ; a gentleman with whora so many of us were familiar in our eariy
years, — whose enterprise and liberality, whose private virtue and moral
worth, excite the deepest regard and admiration, not only in his own
country but in Europe.
1 hope, sir, that you or some other gentleman more farailiar with
the history of George Peabody, Esq., will favor us with the details of
his progress from his boyhood to the high position which he now en
joys, the highest position in the mercantile worid which any living Araer
ican has ever yet reached. I will detain you only by alluding to those
traits in that gentleman's character which .afforded me and my friends
so much pleasure before he left us, and during his residence in Balti
more, and which he carried with hira and still retains on the other side
ofthe Atlantic. I will only say of Mr. Peabody's eariy advantages in
* Hon. Robert S. Daniels.

145
life, that he owes nothing to the influence of birth or fortune. Though
of highly respectable parentage, he clairas no alliance to the aristocracy
of wealth or power adventitiously* bestowed. From his youth, his
mind was imbued with sound principles. Early convinced of the value
of tirae, he rightly estiraated the importance of improving the opportu
nities and advantages of education with which he was favored, and we
find him early distinguished by those habits of industry and by that
purity of moral conduct, which have ever since been preeminent in his
character. He has been proraoted entirely by his own exertions and
merits. At horae and abroad, in his youth and in his manhood, indus
try, decision and perseverance characterize every stage of his life.
I have already said Mr. Peabody enjoys the highest reputation as a
merchant. He exhibits the most perfect example of assiduity, sagacity
and foresight in his business transactions. Perfectly familiar with the
currency of every part of the world, thoroughly acquainted with the
resources, the financial condition, and the banking systems of different
nations, enjoying the entire confidence of corporations and individuals,
his mercantile transactions are confined by no sectional limits, and he
extends his operations with perfect freedom and safety in every direc
tion. His judgment is clear, deliberate, and peculiarly discriminating.
He regards " punctuality as the soul of business," and never violates
the most trivial engagements. His intercourse in his business connec
tion with others is always attended with frankness and candor, and
we rarely if ever raeet with a merchant of eminence so entirely undis
turbed by the jealousy or envy of others. He never exhibits in his
business transactions any of those little tricks and concealments which
indicate a weak or a dishonorable mind. He holds in abhorrence that
meanness of spirit, which, for a little apparent profit, would insinuate
evil of another, or even consent, by silence, to a mistaken estimate of
his worth. He has none of that jealousy which fears a rival in every
person pursuing the same end, nor of that arrogant self-esteem which
owns no fallibility of judgment. In all his intercourse with his mer
cantile brethren he is gentlemanly and respectful, and secures their
esteera not less by his acknowledged abilities than by his modesty and
courtesy. The free expression of opinion uprightly formed, he believes
to be the right and duty of an honest raan, and to the exercise of which,
by others, he is unusually tolerant. His opinion is of the highest au
thority, but it is given with so rauch rnodesty that he never gives
offence even where there raight be a difference in judgment. There is
nothing haughty or arrogant in his character, and the feelings of respect
which his acquaintance excites arise from his dignified deportraent
corabined with native simplicity of manners.
Mr. Peabody's moral sensibilities are exalted and refined ; but if any
one quality of his heart prevails that acts as a presiding divinity over
the man, it is his benevolence. The citizens of his native town, as
well as in every community in which he has lived, will never forget or
cease to feel the influence of his generous acts. The various acts of
his munificence, both public and private, I will not detail to you here.
They are already a by-word upon your lips. Although, the hand of
time may obliterate the pages upon which the gifts of our valued friend
19 s

146
are recorded, we trust that his memory and the objects of his generous
care will be cherished till time shall be no more.
The proverbial benevolence o? Mr. Peabody prompts him to seek
out rather than to shun adversity, and when it is discovered he never
" passes by on the other side." His heart is alive to all the tender and
generous sensibilities of our nature, throwing the drapery of kindness
over the chamber of affliction, and lighting up, by the sunshine of his
benevolence, the sky overcast by distress and adversity. In public
improvements, in the various efforts for moral elevation and intellectual
advancement, or for advancing the interest and coraforts of all around
him, the heart and hand of George Peabody are readily enlisted. He
is the ardent and active friend of social order, and of the substantial
institutions of society. To the presence of his benevolent affections
'he is indebted for that graceful and easy politeness, that unassuming
suavity of temper, which are so conspicuous in his intercourse with
others, and which so justly and eminently entitle him to our gratitude, '
.and secure for hira unrivalled esteem, affection and respect. On the
.character of such a man as George Peabody we can dwell only with
¦delight and satisfaction. It has no shades ; no dark spot, which his
friends would desire to conceal or reraove ; no eccentricity to detract
frora its merit. His well-balanced mind leads him to right views upon
every subject. His acute moral sense has always kept him in the path
lOf rectitude. He possesses honesty that cfinnot be corrupted, and^'in-
tegrity that cannot be shaken by adversity. His inflexible moral prin
ciples are written upon his countenance, upon every word that falls
from his lips, and upon every action of his life.
Such, Mr. President, is George Peabody. The town of Danvers
ought justly to be proud of that favorite son whose life and character,
whose urbanity of raanners, and whose mercantile experience, are
;producing a beneficial influence upon the mercantile character^ of
Great Britain that is entirely beyond a parallel. May his example
stimulate all our young men who are pressing forward in the path of
high and honorable distinction.
The following sentiment was then given :
Our Fellow Tovmsman, Sylvester Proctor, Esq. — Venerable for his years and
'honored for his virtues. It is a proud distinction for him to sit in the seat at
our festival designed for George Peabody, of London.
It should be remarked that Mr. Peabody requested that the seat he
would have himself occupied at the table, if he had been present,
should be assigned to his venerable friend, Cg.pt. Proctor. It was in his
apothecary shop that Mr. Peabody learned the first rudiments of trade,
and where he passed, several years of his boyhood before entering upon
the larger sphere of operations, which has given him such a name in
•.the mercantile world. Capt. Proctor was accordingly so seated.
The next sentiment was —
The Historical Department of the Essex Institute— The rich and safe depos
itory of incidents in our local history, — a richer depository is found in the
.experience and leminiscences of its presiding head.

147
JUDGE WHITE, President of the Institute, being called upon,
responded substantially as follows ; —
Mr. President : — At this late hour it will not be expected that I
should attempt making a speech. I can do little more than to express
my congratulations and my thanks, which I would most heartily do.
Yes, friends and fellow-citizens of Danvers, with my whole heart,
full and overflowing, I congratulate you upon the complete success of
your great celebration, — a celebration which will form an important
era in your annals, and to which the Essex Institute will be indebted
for some of its richest incidents of local history. Your honorable
efforts to comraemorate the virtues and achievements of the founders
and fathers of Danvers, have been crowned with all the success you
could have desired. Your extended procession this morning was con
ducted in admirable order, and presented a brilliant and beautiful
pageantry to the eye, and, what is more, a most touching spectacle to
the heart of every beholder. Its moral associations imparted a dignity
to it. The costumes of the fathers brought up at once their self-deny
ing virtues, their holy lives, and brave deeds ; and the long array of
little children, — those countless " buds of promise," — carried us into
the uncertain future, with raingled hopes and fears, irapressing upon
us the importance of training them to be worthy of their ancestry.
Your interesting and appropriate services in the church left us nothing
to regret but the want of time to listen to the muse of the day. And
here, at these widespread festive boards, eloquence, poetry and song,
wit, humor and joyful feeling hiave conspired to honor both you and
your fathers, and to delight us all.
But especially, and most of all, would I congratulate you, ray friends,
upon the richest incident of the day, — the noble benefaction which has
just been announced, — truly a noble close to a noble celebration. For
ever honored be the name of George Peabody, your distinguished
fellow-townsraan of London, for his bountiful gift, and its wise appro
priation. Well does he deserve the bursts of g^'ateful enthusiasm
which you have so spontaneously given him, and which your children
will catch from you. This gift, so appropriated, is in the very spirit
of your celebration, — in the very spirit of the fathers whose memory
you venerate. The expressed sentiraent, accompanying the gift, con
secrates it the more entirely, and will the more endear the name of the
high-minded donor. That " education is a debt due from the present
to future generations," was a fundamental principle with our sagacious
forefathers, raanifested in all their conduct. To the steady operation
of this principle are we chiefly indebted for our choicest blessings.
If we value these blessings, let us never forget the raeans of perpetuat
ing them. George Peabody is doubly your benefactor, by reminding
you of your high obligations, and, at the same time, enlarging your
ability to fulfil them.
I fully assent to all that has been so eloquently said here in praise of
your privileges, your virtues, and your blessings. No people on this
earth, I believe, are more truly blest than the people of Danvers, and,
I may add, of all the towns within the original limits of Salem. How
shall we account for this great and happy distinction in their lot } Very

148
readily. No people ever had better or wiser ancestors. The founders
of Salem, who were the founders of Danvers, were selected from the
best men of their day and generation. They were real men of God,
and the seed they planted here was the true seed of God. It took deep
root, and has borne fruit continually, arid will bear it so long as we
appreciate its value, and strive to preserve it in the spirit ofthe original
planters. You -do well to honor their, rriemory, and to cherish their
spirit. This you owe Jo thera, to yourselves, to your children, and
to your children's children. All praise is due to you for the generous
zeal and public spirit which you have manifested in this splendid, this
heartfelt celebration. I thank you raost cordially for the privilege of
enjoying it with you. And I congratulate you upon the proud satisfac
tion with which you will look back upon this day, and forward to the
approbation of posterity.
I have no time to dwell upon the virtues of our venerated forefathers,
or even to narae them. Nor is this necessary. They are known to
you all. John Endicott, their intrepid leader, — the noble pioneer gov
ernor, whose fame will brighten with the flight of time, — is .identified
with the people of Danvers. He was admirably qualified, by his moral,
intellectual, and physical energies, for the grand enterprise to which
he was destined by Providence. And he, with his faithful compeers,
will be remembered with increasing enthusiasm of gratitude for centu
ries to corae.
I beg leave again to thank you, Mr. President, and the Committee
of Arrangements, for the high gratification I have enjoyed to-day, and
to conclude with the following sentiment, which is my fervent prayer :
The onward prosperity of Danvers — May the next centennial celebration be
enjoyed by a people as richly blest as the present, and as justly proud of their
ancestors. A sentiment, complimentary to the President of the Day, having
been offered, Hon". ROBERT S. DANIELS responded :—
Mr. President : — I have listened with deep interest to the remarks
of gentleraen who have addressed this asserably. They have done
full and araple justice to all those distinguished citizens of Danvers
who took part in the stirring events of the Revolution, and in the early
part of the century, the completion of which we are now celebrating.
Those events, and the character of our townsmen who participated in
them, are a source of 'pride and pleasure to us all. But there are men
of more recent date, — raen of the present generation, who have been
of us, and with us, and sbrae of thera now living, whose influence and
standing have been of the most elevated and favorable character ; many
of them I have had the pleasure to know, and have often been called
to act with, in many transactions relative to our municipal and other
matters. And, sir, may I be permitted to allude to some two or three
of them }
And first I will say of the President of the Day what I would not
say had he not retired froni his place and from this assembly, that
he has discharged the duties assigned him on this occasion in a raan
ner so able and interesting and so characteristic of himself, as to ex-

149
cite the admiration and entire approbation of all our friends from
abroad, and to elevate himself still higher, if possible, in the esteem of
his fellow townsmen. His dignity, impartiality, and ready wit have
added much to the pleasures of the day. The deep interest which he
has manifested in this celebration has endeared him to all his associates
in the preparatory arrangements. And we all hope that he raay live
long among us, and continue his wise counsels and bright example in
the promotion of religion and virtue, and all those traits of character
which are calculated to adorn the possessor, and increase the happiness
of the human race.
And there is one who was recently with us, but is now gone to par
ticipate, as I trust, in higher and purer scenes, — whom we all knew
and esteemed, — who was cut down in the midst of his usefulness, and
at a time when many of his fellow-citizens were looking forward to
his promotion to the highest honors of the State. You must be aware
that I allude to the Hon. Daniel P. King. Of a character so pure that
the breath of calumny, if ever hurled at him, must have fallen harm
less at his feet'; ofa life so uncontaminated with the evils and terapta-
tions with which he had been surrounded during his public life that he
secured the esteera and confidence of all his associates, he was a wor
thy example for the young and ambitious to follow. He served his
country and his fellow-citizens faithfully and honorably, and he died
regretted and beloved by all who knew him.
And there is one raore of our native citizens to whora, under the
circumstances of the occasion, I feel at liberty to allude, and of whom
my friend* near me has spoken so justly and truly, and that is George
Peabody, Esq., of London ; and it was ray fortune to have known him,
and have associated with him in sorae measure, before he left his na
tive town — not so much, however, as ray brother David, who, I
believ.e, was one of his raost intiraate friends. I reqoUect George
Peabody as an active, intelligent young man, of dignified deport
ment, tall and commanding in person, — and I ask what has made
hira what he is ? a resident of London, of iraraense wealth, highly
respected and esteeraed, throughout the world, for his high sense of
honor^ his unbending integrity, his public spirit, his huraanity, his gen
erosity, and his elevated standing among the merchant princes of the
old and new world. There is no one here to-day (and there are but
few who have known how he has passed along from our common
district schools to his present elevated position) but that would say his
character, all the way through life, must have been distinguished for
industry, for integrity, for virtue, for honor, and all those characteristics
which coramand the respect and esteem of all persons, of all ages.
These are all necessary to a successful business career. Think of
these things, young men ! You probably cannot all be George Pea-
bodys, but you may attain to a desirable and respectable standing in
the community, — and some of you, if you will but adhere to the rules
of life, which must have governed him, may obtain wealth and an
honorable distinction araong your fellow-citizens, and a peaceful and
happy old age, filled with a glorious hope of a blessed iramcrtality.
What town can point to nobler and higher examples, as incentives to
* Mr. Proctor.

150
stiraulate our young men to a virtuous and correct deportment, than
Danvers, when she points to Daniel P. King and George Peabody.
May the next centennial celebration find many of your names enrolled
as high in the estimation of those who may meet on that occasion as
are those of Peabody and King at this time. I beseech you keep them
constantly in mind. It is an high aim, — but not beyond your reach.
The President then offered the following sentiment :
The Secretary of the Commonwealth — Known at home as the earnest friend
of improvement and progress, and in other countries as the ardent advocate of
peace and good will among the nations.
To this sentiment Hon. AMASA WALKER responded as follows :
Mr. President : — In making my acknowledgments for the flattering
sentiraents you have just announced, allow me to say that I accepted
your invitation to be present at this festival with great pleasure. I
well knew that the town of Danvers was rich in the incidents of her
history, and in the romance of her traditions, and that she had sons of
talent and genius by whom the deeds and legends of the past would
be ably rehearsed in prose and verse. I therefore expected much, and
have enjoyed rauch ; but I did not expect to hear announced at this
tirae such a generous donation as that which you have just received
from your distinguished townsman in London. Sir, I congratulate
you, I congratulate the people of this favored town on such a valuable
gift. That it will confer great advantages on you, I doubt not ; that it
reflects great honor on the donor, I am sure. It is not the munificence
of the gift, great as that is, but the excellence of the object to which it
is to be devoted, that makes it such a benefaction to your town, and
such an honor to him who gives it. Sir, this generous act speaks a
volume of the character and feelings of its author. It shows that,
elevated and distinguished as he is abroad, he has not forgotten his
early home ; that, surrounded as he is by the elegance and opulence
of the world's metropolis, he remerabers, with gratitude and affection,
the friends and associates of his childhood and youth. And more, it
shows that he justly appreciates the state of society in his native land,
and the wants of the age. It indicates that he has kept up with the
progress of events, and knows that popular education, the enlightenment
of the masses, the diffusion of intelligence araongst the people by
lectures, lyceums, and libraries, is one of the greatest deraands of
the present time. In this, too, he shows that he syrapathizes with the
people, and that if he is a British subject, he is still worthy to be an
American citizen, for he has an American heart, and republican ideas.
Lyceums, voluntary associations for the extension of useful knowl
edge, are no longer an experiment ; they have become established
institutions in our country ; they are exerting a vast influence on the
public mind, and doing much for the moral and intellectual cultivation
of the people. Your friend, Mr. President, judged rightly when he-
determined that his liberal donation should be appropriated to these
excellent objects. In no way could he have conferred greater benefits

151
on 3/Ou. In no way could he have impressed himself raore deeply or
favorably on the youthful mind of the present and coming generations.
Though not an inhabitant of. this much honored town, and though
neither I, nor mine, raay ever receive any direct benefit frora this
generous act of your friend, yet, as an early and earnest, though fee
ble advocate of these now useful and popular institutions, I feel rayself
laid under personal obligations, and am emboldened to call on you,
sir, and all who may hereafter be entrusted with the management of
this fund, to use the utmost vigilance and fidelity in the discharge of
your sacred trust. Let the income be ever judiciously and econom
ically devoted to its appropriate objects. Let nothing be wasted in
show, nothing be spent on favorites, nothing lost by neglect. Remem
ber that this fund is not the property of any sect or party, of any
clique or coterie. It has been given to the town of Danvers ; it is the
property of the people, for their use and behoof, forever. So let it be
understood and felt. Well appropriated and managed, this fund may
be made to produce great and beneficent results, and afford superior
advantages to the young people of this town. I hope, sir, they will
feel inspired with an ardent desire to avail themselves to the utmost, of
the means of improvement thus afforded them.
Mr. President, while, on an occasion like this, our minds are mostly
filled with the memories of the past, and the interesting events of the
present, it is quite irapossible that we should fail to cast a glirapse
down the long vista of the future. If the last one hundred years has
done so rauch for huraan progress and development, how much may
we not anticipate for a hundred years to come ? At the same rate of
progress for the next century, what will be the achievements, what the
position of the race in the sciences and arts, in morals and religion, in
all that elevates and adorns the social state, on the return of your next
centennial ? The mind is overwhelmed as it contemplates the future.
Progress is the destiny of man. Higher views of duty, nobler aspira
tions, truer conceptions of the great principles of Christianity, and a
more universal practical application of its leading truths, these must
mark the century before us ; these must harmonize the antagonisms of
the social state, and hasten the advent of that day when the spirit of
peace, and the sentiment of human brotherhood, " shall cover the
earth as the waters do the sea."
The President then proposed the following sentiment :
The Town of Beverly — Our elder sister, and one of Mother Salem's most
comely daughters. Her distinguished sons are her brightest jewels.
To this toast, Mr. THAYER responded as follows : —
In justice, Mr. President, to my own feelings, as well as in behalf of
my fellow- townsmen, I desire to make some response to the sentiment
you have proposed, so complimentary to the place of my residence.
For them and for myself, I assure you, the sentiments of kindness and
respect it implies are cordially reciprocated. And I am most happy
to congratulate you and the people of Danvers on the signal success of
this celebration. When I heard it was undertaken, I did not doubt

152
that here were the ability and public spirit to make it a very interesting
and creditable one. But I confess I was not prepared to anticipate
all I have this day witnessed. While the external display has been
highly peculiar and brilliant, and this wide-spread and bountiful feast
has been provided for us, a far richer provision has been prepared for
the mind and heart. History and poetry, sentiment and song, sober
reflection and facetious allusion, have together and largely contributed
to our entertainment and instruction. The various historical reminis
cences, the important views, and facts, and events, which have been
raade to cluster around this town, must have taken the most of us by
surprise. They certainly have evinced extensive research and exceed
ing ingenuity in those who have been at the pains to gather and ar
range them. I hope that with the aid of the press, theyraay be care
fully treasured and preserved to inform and delight the present and
future generations. They would afford materials for a volume of great
value and interest, not merely for the antiquarian, or for those imme
diately concerned as residents here or in the vicinity, but for all who
would learn our origin and progress as a community, and would
closely observe the chief elements by which a little one has becorae
thousands and raillions^ and a small one a vast, mighty, and wonder
fully growing nation. '
In the sentiment, which alone has induced me at this late hour to
offer a few brief remarks, are recognized justly the family relations
existing between our neighboring towns, and which constitute them in
in the most essential respects one people. They are bound together
by the strong ties of a comraon origin, a common history, and a com
raon destiny. The associations connected with their settlement, with
the toils, privations and sacrifices of their ancestors, with the patriotic
endurance and exertions of their fathers, with the grand interests of
education, reform, progress, religion, are to a large extent the sarae
with them all. They have the same characteristics of intelligence,
industry, enterprise, order, sobriety, love of country, moral and Christ
ian worth. The three populations of Salem, Beverly and Danvers —
the mother, with the elder and younger daughters, though under differ
ent raunicipalities, are, by location, by facilities of intercourse, by social
and business relations, and by the manner in which they run into and
blend with each other, substantially one. If united as formerly, they
would now form a city of over thirty thousand inhabitants, which would
combine within itself as great an araount of beauty and desirableness
in position, and of what makes huraan life most valuable, as any other
equally populous city of the land. Something has at this tirae been
said about vanishing lines between this and Salem. And let Danvers
be forewarned, that when such donations, as that which has just been
announced from her munificent son in London, corae pouring upon
her, she must expect to encounter schemes of annexation from other
quarters beside that of her venerable and loving parent.
Seriously, sir, if we borderers may not claim an equal share with
you in that noble endowment, we shall raake no ceremony in stepping
over your limits, and appropriating to ourselves sorae of the best por
tions of it — at least, that which consists of the feelings of pride, admi
ration and satisfaction with which it cannot fail to be viewed. The

153
spectacle thus presented is truly an inspiring one. It has a moral
beauty and glory. Would that it might have its legitimate effect in
prompting others, near to or distant from the places of their birth, to
like generous uses of wealth and like splendid benefactions. Its author
having, by diligence, talent, high character, and no doubt favoring for
tune, risen to opulence and coraraanding station, has had the wisdom
to turn these to ends alike creditable and useful. In a dark hour of
misfortune and disgrace he brought thera to retrieve and support his
country's commercial honor. By a stroke of social policy not less
felicitous than bold, he converted a celebration of our national birth
day on British ground into an enduring cement of peaceful union be
tween our mother-land and her rebel offspring. To his countrymen
abroad he has extended a heartfelt welcome and a cherishing hand,
and among foreigners made them at home. He has not unwisely, as
so many do, waited to have his superfluous abundance dispensed from
a lifeless hand — to cast his bread on the waters when it could return to
him no more. He would not die without a sight of the tree or without
gathering from the fruit of the tree, which he had himself planted.
Not content, too, with cultivating the field iraraediately before hira, and
doing the good which lies directly about hira, his large and true heart,
quitting the cares and whirl of business in the world's great centre,
leaving the scenes of his triumphs — of the affluence and splendor
which surround him there, where' he dwells a prince among princes, a
merchant-prince indeed, a prince of right-royal blood — that which.
flows in the veins of nature's noblemen, — with the beautiful love for the'
place of his nativity that is akin to the affection for one's own mother,.
traverses the ocean and coraes hither, seeking out the house in which,
he was born ; the hurable school-roora in which he was early trained ;,
the spot where stood the ancient church in which he was taught to
worship God, and from which it is provided with touching simplicity,
in the conditions on which the institution he has so liberally devised is.
bestowed, that it shall not be far removed. That enlarged and liberal
heart is with us to-day — in spirit, though not in person, mingling with
a ready and thorough sympathy in these joyous festivities, and crown
ing them with a wreath of princely benevolence ; — thus rendering them.
thrice joyful, and by this golden offering laid on the festive board,
and consecrated to good learning with the virtues and graces by which
it is rightfully attended and adorned, gladdening the hearts and im
measurably blessing the minds of multitudes of the present, and
countless future generations. Such an example, while it sheds lustre
on our nature and universal man, belongs to the world. All of us in,
this community, whence it originated, have a peculiar property in it,
which, were it necessary, we should strenuously assert, — of which you'
could not if you would, though I am sure you would not if you could,
have any, even the hurablest of us, deprived.
But there is one species of annexation I will engage that we in Bev
erly will not press. It is that of the fame — be it credit or discredit —
which proporly belongs here, in connection with the witchcraft of'
1692. We are quite content to let that matter stand as it does, —
namely, that while your ancestors set it going, ours opposed the first
effectual check to it. There are some other facts on which, with alli
20 t

154
requisite modesty we would pride ourselves, as, that our harbor sent
forth the first armed vessel of the revolution, thus cradling the Ameri
can navy — that with us was established the first cotton factory in this
coimtry — that among us, also, was founded the first Sunday School, as
that institution now exists, in the United States, — but on no other event
in our annals may we dwell with more satisfaction than upon this.
The orator of the day has alluded to the circurastances, which were
siraply these. When the awful tragedy was at its height, Mrs. Hale,
wife of the first minister of Beverly, was cried out against as being in
league with Satan. Such, however, was her remarkable excellence,
that all who knew her felt at once that the accusation was false, the
devil being the last person with whom she would be likely to cultivate
any friendship or affinity. The eyes of her husband, who had previous
ly yielded to the delusion, were opened to its real nature ; and he forth
with composed a treatise, which was published in a sraall volume, and
contributed rauch to stay the evil. I have in my possession a copy of
it, and I know of but one other copy in existence. It is marked with
the peculiarities in style and thought of the times in which it was writ
ten, but shows thorough investigation coupled with deep conviction and
ardent love of truth. It will ever be honorable to his memory, and
will reflect lasting honor on the scene of his labors and the spot whence
it emanated. And Danvers, notwithstanding she might, in a former
age and in comraon with the rest of the world, have labored under the
disastrous eclipse of superstitious terror, was not slow to come out from
its dismal shadow, and to avail herself of the improved lights of learn
ing and religion. For her zeal in cherishing her churches and schools,
and other means of disseminating knowledge, and high and pure prin
ciples, she has long been distinguished. This day, certainly, she stands
forth in the clear, genial sunshine of enlightened reason and right feel
ing, in regard to the delusion to which particular attention has naturally
been drawn, and to all kindred ones. It appears to me, that on this
point precisely the right key has, both in prose and poetry, been struck.
Who shall deny that it needs to be struck with all the force of strong
reason and high character, when we behold the many otherwise happy
homes, which in consequence of prevailing superstitions and fanaticisms
are in deepest misery, and the many otherwise useful members of so
ciety and advancing Christians, who are by them doomed to the ma
niac's cell ? ¦ I ask leave, then, in closing, to offer this sentiment :
Intelligence and Virtue — The great weapons with which to combat every
kind of delusion.
The President next proposed the honored name of Nathan Dane,
which was responded to by the Rev. E. M. STONE, of Providence : 
I thank you, Mr. President, for the very kind manner in which you
have been pleased to connect my name with Beverly, — a town in which
I spent many pleasant years, and from whose citizens, as I gratefully
remember, I have received many tokens of confidence and favor.
A thought naturally suggested by the interesting scenes of this day,
is the influence of towns on the character and destiny of a nation'
Towns act through individuals. They have their representative men

155
through whom they speak, and by whom they illustrate the principles
they hold dear. Of this class was Hon. Nathan Dane,— a name around
which clusters all we venerate in man as a Christian, a Jurist, and a
Statesman. On the 27th of December next, one hundred years will
have elapsed since he first drew breath in Ipswich, and full seventy
years have gone by since he established himself in the profession of
law in Beveriy. His long and honorable career is well known to the
citizens of this town. It is marked by many acts of public usefulness
and private munificence. Of his public acts, the most iraportant are
those to which your sentiment refers. By the first, the Federal consti
tution was rendered " adequate to the exigencies of government and
preservation of the union." By the second, freedom from involuntary
servitude was secured to four hundred thousand square miles of terri
tory, and the interminable West saved from a blighting evil that has so
sadly marred the prosperity of other sections of our great and glorious
confederacy. The ordinance of 1787 evinced a far seeing wisdom.
It marked an epoch in our history, frora which freedora dates mo
mentous results. It struck a chord of humanity and civil rights, that
will not cease to vibrate until the last link of oppression's chain is
broken. It has drawn from the most gifted raind.= in our land the
strongest expressions of admiration. " I doubt," said Mr. Webster,
on one of the most intensely interesting occasions of his public life,
" whether one single law of any law-giver, ancient or modern, has
produced effects of a more distinct and raarked and lasting character
than the ordinance of '87, — and certainly it has happened to few men,
to be the authors of a political measure of more large and enduring
consequence. It fixed, forever, the character of the population in the
vast regions northwest of the Ohio, by excluding frora thera involuntary
servitude. It impressed on the soil itself, while it was yet a wilderness,
an incapacity to bear up any other than freemen. It laid the interdict
against personal servitude, in original compact, not only deeper than
all local law, but deeper, also, than all local constitutions. Under the
circurastances then e,xisting, I look upon this original and seasonable
provision as a real good attained. We see its consequences at this
raoraen,t, and we shall never cease to see thera, perhaps, while the
Ohio shall flow."
In the labors thus eulogized, Mr. Dane represented the sentiment, or
rather, I may say, the principles of the town of Beverly, — principles
by which her citizens were actuated during the revolutionary struggle,
and which are recorded on almost every page of her revolutionary
transactions. It was the good fortune of Mr. Dane, while the ordinance of 1787
was under consideration, to be seconded in his efforts by men imbued
with the same spirit; and there comes to ray raind, in this connection,
the name of one whose important services to the political, social, intel
lectual, and religious interests of the great West, are yet to be made
known. I refer to the late Rev. Manasseh Cutler, LL.D., of Ham
ilton, the earnest and judicious coadjutor of Mr. Dane, (though not
then a member of Congress,) in securing the passage of the ordinance,
and to whom, in his own person, and through his honored son, Judge
Ephraim Cutler, Ohio is more indebted than to any other man, for

156
those distinguishing traits which give her a proud preeminence among
her western sisters. Sir, the influence of Beverly and Hamilton,
through these their representative men, upon the public opinion and
present position of our nation, can scarcely be over-estimated, and the
debt of gratitude due to them will be as enduring as the institutions of
our country. Of Mr. Dane, it is sufficient to add that his highest
eulogy is found in the works. with which his name is identified, and it
is glory enough for Beverly that for more than half a century she could
nuraber him among her most distinguished citizens. The period em
braced in the anniversary of this day, Mr. President, covers the most
important acts in the history of our country, — its resistance of oppres
sion, its struggle for civil freedom, and its triumphant achievement of
a name among the' nations of the ehrth. In the stirring events that led
on to these results, Danvers took a decided and active part. In the
field and in the public councils she had representative men worthy the
trust reposed in them, and worthy a place on the roll inscribed with
the narae of Nathan Dane. Her Fosters and Pages, her Hutchinsons,
Putnaras and Proctors, and their associates, were men of raark, — men
upon whom the lesson at North Bridge had not been lost, and who, at
Lexington, Bunker Hill, Monmouth, "and other points distinguished for
heroic deeds, did good service for their country, and won for themselves
an imperishable fame.
Another of her representative men was Judge Sarauel Holten, a
corapeer of Mr. Dane, and a patriot of the Washington school. In the
dark hours of his country's peril, in the provincial, and subsequently
in the national councils, he proved himself equal to the weighty respon
sibilities imposed upon him, and by his position and influence contributed
much to the glorious consuramation in which twenty-three millions of
freemen this day rejoice. To show the spirit ofthe man, and the
ready sacrifice he made of pecuniary interest and health for the sacred
cause of freedom, I will present a few extracts from letters written
while in Congress to a member of the General Court of Massachusetts.
Under date, Philadelphia, March 30, 1779, he says, after speaking
of the alarming state of the public finances, " you are pleased to ask
me when I think of coraing horae. In answer, perrait rae to observe,
that when I had the honor of being elected to a seat in Congress, I was
sensible ray friends had overrated my abilities, yet I was determined to
give place to no man in ray-endeavors to serve my distressed country,
and having given my constant attendance in Congress, not having been
absent one day since I took ray seat, (excepting three days 1 was confined
by sickness,) I now find myself so much engaged, and the distresses
¦of my country so great, that I have no thought of returning till some
•of my colleagues arrive to take my place, for if the State is not as
fully represented as they expect, it shall not be ray fault, though it
may be very destructive to my health."
'Again, June 8, he writes upon the sarae subject : " It is vain for us to
¦expect that we can carry on the war by eraitting bills. We must now
all part with a part of our bills or other estate to procure them for
public use. You may be assured, ray worthy colleagues as well as
myself, have been and still are exerting ourselves in this great affair
•of finance. I am sure you will agree with me in sentiment, that we

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»
had much belter pay a tenth of our estates, than lose all that is worth
living in this world to enjoy."
Again, under date of November 8, on the same theme, he writes,
" Our all seems to be at stake, and I fear the good people are not sen
sible of it.******Your greatest concern appears to be about a new
army. My greatest concern is how we shall support the army, &c., &c.
But don't suppose I despair of the comraon cause. No, it is too good
and just to despair of. It is the dangers I foresee that makes me press
this important matter. I put great dependence, under God, upon the
knowledge and virtue of the New England States, and I think I shall
not be disappointed."
Once more, writing under date of April 21, 1780, he says, "My
engagements are such that I can write you but a few lines upon our
public affairs, which are truly distressing. The depreciation of our
currency has not only deranged and embarrassed the public affairs, but
almost put a total stop to all the movements of our armies. Is the
Honorable Assembly really sensible of our situation and their own
danger .? I fear not. Men, money and provisions are what are so
much needed, but the two last give me the greatest concern, for without
thera it will be impossible for the army to keep together. I can truly
say I have raet nothing like it since the war. But don't, my worthy
friend, think I despair of the common cause ; no, not if the array
disbands, which some think will be the case. My fears are that we
shall be reduced to still greater difficulties before the good people will
be fully sensible of their danger, and exert themselves accordingly."
One other extract must suffice. Under date of Philadelphia, May 2,
1780, he writes, " As it is not my intention ever to return to Congress,
I shall have only to take leave of you, and my other worthy friends at
Court, and retire to private life. My constant attendance in Congress,
for almost two years, must render it a great relief to my mind to retire,
and my friends here inform me they think that unless I lay aside
business that requires so close attention, I shall end my days in this
city ; but the distressed state of our country has a sensible efi'ect upon a
mind like mine, and whatever state I am in, I shall continue to exert
myself in the common cause as long as my health will admit, or till our
country is restored to peace."
Such, sir, was the " upright Judge," whom his fellow-citizens so
often delighted to honor, whose wise counsels, while a member of Con
gress, gave frequent direction to the action of your state legislature,
and of whom it has been truly said, " his name will be handed down
to posterity with the celebrated names of his cotemporary patriots,
crowned with imraortal honors."
Danvers, Mr. President, has never been deficient in representative
men, through whom a potential influence in forming the character and
shaping the destiny of the nation could be exerted. Among these, high
on the record of the departed, is inscribed the name of one to whom
affecting tributes have just been paid by his Excellency and the gen
tleman from Middlesex, (Hon. Mr. Palfrey,) and whonn it was my
happiness to number among my personal friends. Sir, the Hon.
Daniel P. King, the noble successor of the noble Saltonstall, was emi
nently deserving the confidence reposed in him. Faithfully did

158
he watch over the interests of his constituents, and honorably did
he represent their principles in the state and national legislatures.
Everywhere he left the irapress of " an honest, independent freeman,"
asking only in all his public acts, " is the measure right .'" not, " will it
be popular ?" His early and laraented death cast a deep shadow upon
thousands of hearts, and while raeraory is true to its office, his public
life and private virtues will be held in affectionate recollection.
Honorable is it, sir, to this town, that huraanity, temperance, educa
tion, and religion which crowns them all, have never failed to find here
able champions, faithful expounders and generous benefactors. On
all these prominent features of state and national character, Danvers,
through her representative men, has left her mark. Her century of
history is a history of progress in virtue, intelligence and social refine
ment. Her patriotism is as true now, as when the drum beat to arras
on the raorning of the 19th April, 1775. Her past is the pledge of
her future ; and while the spirit of her departed patriots is cherished,
every good cause, every interest vital to the prosperity and perpetuity
of our Union, will receive generous and efficient support.
Of the events of this occasion, Mr. President, none will be longer
remembered, or will shed richer blessings on the future generations of
this town, than that which has this moment surprised and delighted us,
and which has been so happily referred to by Judge White. The
munificent donation you have announced from your former townsman,
for the promotion of " knowledge and morality" among you, is an
eulogy upon " the unrivalled New England institution of the common
school," and upon his discriminating judgment, to which nothing
need be added. It is indeed a " noble benefaction" — the noble deed
of one, who, amidst the deserved coraraercial successes and honors of
a foreign land, still remembers that he is an American, and who,
turning with fond recollection to the scenes of childhood's home,
strengthens, with raanly hand and generous heart, the ties that have
ever bound him to " fatheriand." To say that this act is alike honora
ble to him and to his native town, is only to repeat a self-evident truth,
which this audience have already shown they appreciate. Sir, I would
not have failed to witness the breaking of that seal, or to hear those
enthusiastic cheers, for all the other rich enjoyments of the day, and
that is saying a great deal. It is a magnificent finale to these appro
priate festivities ; and to the end of tirae, the name of George Pea
body will be enrolled with those " merchant princes" of America
who are showing to the world, that they understand the true uses of
wealth. Pardon me, Mr. President, if, before I sit down, I utter a word or
two in a somewhat different vein. My friend, the mayor of Salem,
has very properly denominated this a family meeting, in which mat
ters purely domestic may with propriety be talked over. It is true, I
cannot claim, strictly, to be a meraber of the family ; but that is more
my misfortune than my fault. Beveriy and Danvers, however, are
" loving" daughters of " old mother Salem," and 1 think I might, by a
liberal interpretation of the genealogical tables, prove myself a " dis
tant relative." At all events, I shall plead the privilege of an old
neighbor and friend, and " say my say."

159
I am not ignorant, sir, of the fact, that grave charges have been
preferred against the good name of this ancient town. I am tolerably
familiar with the traditions of old " Salem village," the " Devil's
Dishfull," and " Blind Hole." I recollect that a certain " Lawrence
Conant" once played off his jokes on us sober and confiding antiqua
rians, and that a gentleman, whose name I need not mention, has
amused himself, and disturbed the cachinnary nerves of this whole com
munity, by sinking railroads ! Now, sir, I am not going to reproach
you for these things. Not at all. The spirits of 1692, like those of
1852, had their way of doing things, and men of the present, like men
of the past, enjoy fun after their own fashion ; and who shall say the
former deserved the fate of" goodwife Nurse," until their " manifesta
tions" are satisfactorily explained, or that the latter should be sternly
frowned upon until the maxim, " laugh and grow fat," is repudiated ?
But on family vagaries one hundred and sixty years ago, 1 shall not
dwell. The more recent occurrences to which I have referred, I am
disposed to look upon as the poetry of your local history, — embellish
ments springing, perhaps, from an " excess of activity," as a professor
of theology once explained certain youthful propensities, and which a
broad charity can readily excuse.
Besides, sir, a volume of good things may be said of your town,
that will not require smoking, like the sermons of which you have
spoken, to ensure their preservation for the use of a future historian.
Of the representatives of agriculture in this Commonwealth, who
stands a Saul araong them but your orator ? Of ploughs, what maker
has produced a better than the " Eagle" of your townsman ? Of de
fenders of the much-abused swine against Hebrew and Mahommedan
aspersions, who has been more eloquent and effective than one of
your fellow-citizens ? What fields exhale a fragrance that may well
excite the envy of Weathersfield, or draw tears from sensitive eyes,
like your own ? Who but a Danvers antiquarian, could have recov
ered the original manuscript of Giles Corey's veritable " Dream," to
which we have just listened with so much benefit to our digestion ?
What other town could have presented so strong attractions to " the
greatest schoolmaster in New England," or can hope ever to eclipse
the brilliant pageant of this day .? Here, your Fowlers are in amity
with the feathered tribes, your Kings are all first rate republicans,
your Pooles are sparkling and refreshing as when two hundred years
ago John Endicott slaked his thirst from the bubbling fountains
of this vicinity, and your Popes are more desirous of supplying
"the trade" with prime shoes, manufactured from good Danvers
leather, than ambitious to wear the triple crown, or to rule the public
conscience. Now, if there are any within the sound of my voice, who are still
inclined to dwell in a querulous spirit on the past, I will remind them
that this is not the spirit of the hour, and my advice is, that they con
sign both the spirit and its exciting cause to the Waters of oblivion.
As for myself, with these facts and this day's scenes before me, I am
ready to join my friend from Salem in a proper resentment of any
charge against, you that an " outsider," knowing less of your history,

160
shall hereafter bring. And with this avowal, I close by submitting the
following sentiment :
The Town of Danvers— The scion of a noble stock. In patriotic love of
country, unsurpassed. In works of humanity and social improvement, always
right. In enterprise, honorable and indefatigable.
At the conclusion of Mr. Stone's speech, the President proposed.
The Members of the Legal Profession in Danvers, both natives aiid residents—
They are known as ornaments of the Bar, the Bench, and our highest Legis
lative Halls.
To this, WM. D. NORTHEND, Esq., of Salem, responded as
follows : — -
Mr. President : — I would that some individual were present more
worthy than rayself to respond to the sentiraent which has just now
been read. I can hardly respond to it without feeling that I raay be
chargeable with vanity in attempting to speak of the virtues of those
illustrious men whose example it has ever been ray highest arabition
humbly and with unpretending steps to follow. It is sufficient for me
to mention the naraes of Holten, of Putnam, and of Ward, and to
refer to the transcendent genius and eloquence of him who stands pre
eminently at the head of his profession, and who is so justly entitled
to the cognomen of "the Erskine of the American bar." No, words
of eulogy, which I can utter, will add to the feelings of pride with
which the raeraory of their noble names is cherished in the heart of
every citizen of this ime-honored town.
And, sir, it is to me a matter of no ordinary felicitation, that I can
trace ray professional birth to this revered spot ; that here, among the
generous and noble-spirited men of Danvers, I commenced my humble
efforts on the stage of life. As my thoughts revert to that period, I
cherish with deep-felt gratitude the recollection of many generous
friends, whose influence and kindness assisted and encouraged me in
the earlier struggles of ray profession. Town of ray adoption ! citizens
among whom I have delighted to dwell ! The memory of you is en
graven on my heart in lines never to be obliterated.
Spot sacred and rich in proud rerainiscences of the past — peopled'
with descendants frora the noblest stock of the Revolution, from fathers
baptized in the martyr blood of that heroic struggle — Danvers, ancient,
noble, patriotic town, worthy to be coraraeraorated ! I reverence the
majesty of thy past history. As my memory recalls the records of
that history, I think I see before me, as on the morn preceding the
" Concord fight," the young men ofthe village leave their homes, and,
with their muskets upon their shoulders, gather together on yonder
square. I think I see the venerable form of Parson Holt as he meets
them there, and I hear his voice as he urges those youthful patriots, in
the name of that religion of which he was a worthy minister and a
noble example, to fear not death itself in defence of their country. I
see them, after receiving his benedictions, ^s they march with hurried
steps to meet the invading foe. As one after another of those heroic

161
young men, the flower and pride of Danvers, fall, pierced with many
a grievous wound, methinks I hear from their dying lips the i)atriotic
words, " It is sweet and honorable to die for one's country." And as
the news of their fall reaches this village, and as their friends and thc
citizens, all comraon mourners, gather around their bier, I think I see
depicted in their countenances, struggling with the tears and sorrow
for the noble dead, a feeling of honorable pride that the blood of Dan
vers was the first sprinkled on the altar of American Independence.
Through the whole of that long war I see recorded proof of the
patriotism and bravery of the men of Danvers. With a population of
scarcely nineteen hundred, the town gave to the service ofthe country
five corapanies, comprising over two hundred men. No town of her
size and ability did more. And, sir, in June, 1776, in anticipation of
the Declaration of Independence, the town voted —
" That if the Honorable Congress, for the safety of the United Col
onies, declare them independent of Great Britain, we, the inhabitants
of this town, do solemnly engage with our lives and fortunes to sup
port them in the measure."
Sir, the citizens of Danvers were not only among the first to rush to
the field of battle and the last to leave it, but, at the close of the war,
they were among the foremost in planting deep the tree of Peace, and
subsequently in acknowledging the obligations of that great American
Magna Charta, the fruit of the Revolution, which was destined to pro
tect the before separate and independent sovereignties on this continent.
.Aftid, sir, since the Revolution, there has been no town in the Com
monwealth more distinguished for the high moral tone of its popula
tion, and no place of its means which has done more for the education
of its youth.
But I am admonished by the lateness of the hour that I must not
intrude too much upon the time allotted for this occasion ; and I will
close by expressing a most fervent wish that the great principles and
sources of prosperity which have made the town what it has been and
now is, may be continued, and that the future history of Danvers may
be more glorious even than its past.
To a sentiment in remembrance of former residents of Danvers,
Rev. CHARLES C. SEWALL, of Medfield, responded :—
Mr. President, and Ladies and Gentlemen : — You have been gath
ering up, to-day, the memories of olden times, and reading the history
of Danvers in years gone by. In the memorable portion of that his
tory, which embraces the witchcraft delusion, the name of my an
cestor is associated, in many minds, with none but painful recollections.
It may seem little becoming me, therefore, to respond to the sentiment
just offered by the chair. There is, however, good reason for the be
lief that the error of Judge Sewall, in cooperating to condemn the
witches, was atoned for, as far as possible, by a public, solemn confes
sion, and by an unremitted sense of repentance and prayer for forgive
ness ; and also, that the wrong he had helped to do your fathers was
by them forgiven, — if not forgotten.
21 u

162
In the admirable lectures on Witchcraft, by my friend the present
mayor of Salera, it is related that Judge Sewall, " on the day of the
general fast, rose in the place where he was accustomed to worship,
and in the presence of the great assembly, handed up a written con
fession, acknowledgihg the error into which he had been led, and pray
ing for the forgiveness of God and his people." " He also observed,
annually, in private, a day of hurailiation and prayer, during the re
raainder of liis life, to keep fresh in his mind a sense -of repentance
.and sorrow for the part he bore in the trials" of the witches. And
from his own Diary, we learn that his son, Joseph Sewall, afterwards the
pastor of the Old South Church in Boston, was the earliest candidate
for the pastoral office in the Second Congregational Church in this
town. Besides, sir, I am a native of Essex county — born within sight of
your hills, — and have been familiar frora my boyhood with the names
iand the persons of many citizens of this place. Among the pleasant
recollections of my early life, is that of an annual visit of my father's
;farnily at the hospitable mansion of the venerable Dr. Wadsworth, fol-
llowed by a regular call upon the excellent Judge Holten. The images
• of those men are distinctly before me now, and the impression I re-
. ceived of their character and worth will never be effaced. Then, too,
the coming of the Danvers farmers to my father's house, on market-
'days, was an incident strongly fixed in the mind ofthe boy, and served
to make rae acquainted with men, who commanded my fullest esteem
iand respect in after years. *
I have passed araong you, since, no small part of the best and hap-
ipiest years of my life. And if, during that period, there were no
disposition and endeavor, on my part, corresponding with the kind
¦regard. raanifested towards me — there were, I believe, no marked indi
cations of any hereditary propensity to wound or afflict any, not even
the descendants of the witches. Besides, sir, I have it from good
authority, that when, in the settlement of its owner's estate, the well-
iknown Collins mansion was at my father's disposal, it had been nearly
decided by him to make that our family residence. So that Danvers
would then have been my native place, and I should have been able
to claim a birthright here to-day. Withal, and aside from these per
sonal allusions, which, I trust, may be pardoned on an occasion like
the present, there is no one, probably, not a native of the place, to
whom the name and the fame of Danvers can be of greater interest
than to rae. Here, as I have said, have been spent many of the best
and happiest years of my life. Here was the birthplace of most of
:my children. And there is, sir, a significance in the sentiment you
have offered, which touches my heart very nearly, and .prompts me
most strongly to respond to it.
Mr. President, and Ladies and Gentlemen : I thank you for the
remembrance of your former townsmen, and assure you that, as one
.6f them, lam most happy to be with you to-day; — to be at home,
once more, on this familiar spot, surrounded with so many familiar and
endeared friends.
Among the recollections of the occasion have been brought to mind
I many of the distinguished names and characters, which have graced

163
the history of Danvers in her earlier and later years. There are oth
ers, also, some of them less known to fame, of whom I have personal
recollections, and should be glad, were there time, to speak. There
are Wadsworth and Cowles, — ministers, whose labors, characters and
influence are still fresh in the memories, and indelibly fixed in the
hearts of raany among you. There are, in private life, the Kings, the
Oakeses, the Proctors, the Pooles, the Putnams, the Shillabers, the
Shoves, the Southwicks, the Suttons, and others, — men, in whose
characters were traits of great worth, and the fruits of whose energy
and enterprise, industry and thrift, integrity and benevolence, are
thickly spread around you in the high reputation and the general pros
perity of the town. But it would ill becorae rae to occupy so large a
portion of the few reraaining moments of this occasiim. I cannot for
bear, however, to speak, though but a word, of one whose name and
image are freshly before us all to-day, and whose early reraoval from
the world has given birth to a deep and universal feeling of sorrow
and regret. I mean the Hon. Daniel P. King.
There were several marked features, both in the public and private
character of Mr. King, which render it a grateful duty to commemorate
him as you have done,-and as others have elsewhere done. They also
make it an imperative duty to commend his example frequently to the
young and aspiring minds in the community, for their regard and imi
tation. His high sense of honor, leading him always to preserve self-
respect, and to guard against the slightest' cause for just reproach from
others ; his quiet industry and patient labor, — both with the hands and
the head ; his firmness of purpose and ready obedience to every call of
duty ; his incorruptible integrity ; his genisrous, and often concealed,
benevolence ; his love for the place of his birth, his interest in the
schools and the churches, his endeavors in every way to promote
knowledge and virtue in the community ; his love of country, his
labors and influence in the councils of the state and the nation ; his
watchful attention to every measure, which might help to secure the
glory of the land, and to further the best interests of humanity ; — all
these are well known here. And it cannot be too often repeated to
the young, that it was by such a course of life, he raised himself to an
eminence which commanded universal esteem and confidence, made
bim an honor to his native town, and a benefactor to his country.
One most striking circumstance in the history of Mr. King has been
brought to our notice to-day, by his distinguished colleague in Con
gress, who was particularly associated with him in the measure, during
the discussion of which it occurred.. The Hon. Mr. Palfrey has told
us that Mr. King remained, for many hours, calmly attentive and faith
ful at his post in one of the most trying scenes of his public usefulness,
whilst his heart was, at the same tirae, throbbing with the pangs of
the most painful intelligence which could be borne to an affectionate
parent. So deeply did he cherish the sense of duty to his country and
humanity, that he could entirely suppress the emotions of an aching;
breast, and stifle the utterance of bereaved and wounded affection.
Admirabl 3 instance of moral firmness, of conscientious adherence to-
duty, of Christian faith and fortitude. Worthy is it to be inscribed, in.
letters of gold, on the walls of the representative's hall ! Worthy is it

164
to be held up for admiration before every public man, and every youth
in our land ! By them who have seen and known Mr. King in his
religious life and character, it will easily be understood from what
source such calmness and firmness proceeded. Would to Heaven
they might be raore coramonly displayed where like manifestations are
needed every day !
I have alluded to Mr. King's interest in the schools and the churches
of his native place. I believe, sir, it is only by a similar interest in
these institutions, that you can preserve the present, or secure the future
prosperity and reputation of this town. In the fitting words with which
the President welcomed the guests at this festive board, he brought
to our imagination the vast increase and iraportance of Danvers after
the lapse of another century ; and significantly asked what shall be the
character of her citizens at that day. Sir, I believe it is not too much
to affirm that the answer to that question depends, raainly, upon the
watchful attention of her citizens now to the intellectual and religious
education of the young. I believe it is by her schools, her Sabbath
schools and her churches to-day, and for the century fo corae, infinite
ly more than by her material growth and prosperity, that the character
of the Danvers of 1952 will be deterrained. Let these institutions be
sacredly guarded, and their benefits be diffused to the utraost. Let no
narrow views of present policy, or economy, prevent the proper en
largement and improvement of the one, and the steadfast and honora
ble maintenance of the other. Let every intellect receive the culture
and development of a thorough education. Let every heart imbibe
the hallowing influences of religion. Let the tokens of a patient in
dustry and a growing thrift, quicken the pulses of them who are about
to enter upon the world's labors and strifes. Let the increasing de
mands of the age, the deep wants of the soul, and the loud calls of
humanity and of providence, give to them who are already treading
the busy walks of manhood, steadiness of purpose, a chastened eager
ness in worldly pursuits, and raake them live for higher ends than
wealth or fame. Let the raeraory of the past, and the kindling visions
of a future brighter day, be alike an impulse to faithfulness in every
trust, and an incentive to progress in every noble achievement.
I had intended, Mr. President, to say a few words in reference to the
generous donation, the announcement of which has so delighted and
electrified us all, — urging faithfulness to the trust, and the best possible
exertions to give effect to the noble purpose of the donor. But I am
anticipated by others, and if it were not so, time would not permit. All
honor to that noble merchant prince, whose wealth is thus eraployed
for the highest benefit of his race ! All honor and gratitude /to the man
whose heart beats warmly with the recollection of his early home, and
with purposes of lasting benefit to his early friends !
Mr. President, allow me, with the heartiest response to your own
expression of regard for your former townsmen, to offer the following
sentiment :
The Schools and the Churches of Danvers — The safeguards of her present,
and the hope of her future prosperity and fame. May they be sacredly guard
ed and sustained.

165
The Rev. ISRAEL W. PUTNAM, having been called upon, replied :
Mr. President : — I have been requested to say a word in notice of
one distinguished and excellent individual of our town, the late Hon.
Samuel Holten.
Although he was removed thirty-six years ago, from the scenes of
this world, in which he had acted so important and so good a part, yet
I know there are now living, and probably present on this interesting
occasion, a few, at least, who had a personal k;nowledge of his history
and character, — for he belonged to their generation or to the one next
before thera ; but there are others here who have not that knowledge.
To both these classes of my fellow-citizens, (and I must call all the
inhabitants of my native town such,) I would say, that they will find
the character of that excellent raan faithfully delineated in the funeral
discourse delivered by his friend and pastor, the late Rev. Dr. Wads
worth : and I beg leave to refer you, Mr. President, and all here
present, to that discourse for the true character of a raan whose mem
ory should be cherished with respect and gratitude down to the latest
generation of his people.
It appears that Judge Holten (or rather Dr. Holten, as he always
chose to be called) was born in 1738, one hundred and fourteen years
ago, in Salem Village, now, for one hundred years, Danvers. He was
in every respect a youth of high promise ; but feebleness of health
interfering with his father's destination for him, which was a collegiate
education, his attention was early turned to the healing art. At the
age of eighteen, he coraraenced the practice of that profession in the
town of Gloucester ; but soon returned to his native place, where he
spent a long life of usefulness in the town, and in various public ser
vices of the country.
With all the talents his Creator had given him, which were of a
highly respectable character, and with a full share of the zeal of the
patriots of our Revolutionary struggle, he enlisted, at the age of thirty,
in the cause of his country ; and that cause he never forsook in its
darkest day. This occasion does not admit of even the briefest review
of the faithful services he perforraed, or of the distinguished posts of
trust and honor which he held from the year 1768 to that of 1783,
when the great struggle was over, and the independence of the country
was acknowledged by the British nation and the world.
His counsels and his services were sought and rendered in the Com
monwealth or in the Continental Congress during that whole period ;
and once he was elected as presiding officer of that patriotic and
august body, — the highest seat of honor which his country had to give.
But his public services did not cease when the independence of the
country was achieved. He took an active part in the formation of the
Federal Constitution ; and after it was adopted was for several years a
Member of Congress. Twice he was an elector of president and vice
president. Many high and responsible offices did he fill in the Com
monwealth, — being for eight years Representative of the town in the
General Court, five years in the Senate, and twelve in the Council.
When not employed in more public services abroad, he was with
great unanimity called fo the care of the local interests of the town

166
and the parish to which he belonged. Twenty-four years he was
treasurer of the town, and about half a century treasurer of the
parish, — performing all the services of those offices gratuitously, and
frequently when the treasury was empty, answering drafts upon it from
his own personal resources.
Forty-seven years in all he was in the public service of his country,
— always punctual, faithful and devoted to his duties and engagements :
and let it be remerabered, as the venerable Wadsworth said, that
" goodness and usefulness well characterize true greatness."
But the character of Dr. Holten shone with equal brightness in the
private walks and social relations of life. Very few, however, of those
who knew him intimately are now living to testify to his excellence in
these respects. I would only add here that in the dignified appearance
of his person, in the condescending and instructive manner of his
conversation, and in his whole external deportment, he was at once a
model and a monument of the old school of gentlemen of his day.
But I should do injustice to the meraory of Dr. Holten if I failed to
bear testimony to the highest and noblest part of his character ; I refer
to his Christian piety. He was a man who revered the word and the
institutions of God. He was constant and devout in his attendance on
divine worship in public and in private life. He was ever alive to
the interests of " pure and undefiled religion," cheerfully bearing a
large share in the support of all Christian institutions, and adorning
the profession of his Savior's name by a life which exhibited in beau
tiful consistency the Christian virtues and Christian graces during the
whole period of fifty-six years for which he was a member of the
church. If what I have said should have the effect of turning the attention of
this generation of the people to a study of the character of Judge
Holten, as Ihey will find it delineated in the Discourse to which I have
referred, I am persuaded they will not fail to cherish the highest respect
for that distinguished and excellent raan.
It raay not be known now, — the coraing generations of our town
may never know, the social, civil and moral worth of Dr. H. ; but I
think there can be little doubt that his services and his character
contributed largely to the prosperity of the town that gave him birth
and that enjoyed nearly the whole of his long and useful life •  con
tributed to the stability of hs institutions, to the extent and variety of
its educational privileges, to the order, industry and thrift of its inhab
itants, and to the highly honorable position it has taken and is destined
to take among the towns of our beloved Coraraonwealth.
But, Mr. president, I turn gratefully frora these views of a character
which I could not but love and respect frora ray early childhood to the
scenes of this joyful anniversary. I love to look around on the grounds
and streets and dwellings of this part of the town, — changed greatly
indeed frora what they were fifty-five years ago, when I first began to
see them. I love to think of the venerable men and women whom I
knew here in other days, — the Poors, the Proctors, the Osborns, the
Kings, the Danielses, the Pooles, and others. I love to go back to my
own native parish and think of the Holtens, the Kettells, the Pages,
the Nicholses, the Prestons, the Flints, the Princes, and my kinsmen

Mi.ssioiiaTv to Caylon,

167
the Putnams, and others, whora I once knew there. And here, did not
delicacy forbid, I would name an honored father,* — not unknown as a
useful citizen, a faithful and long-acting magistrate, and a firm sup
porter of the Christian ministry and Christian institutions. And here,
too, I think 1 shall be allowed to name a son of one of these respected
families, who is yet among the living. I allude to my beloved Christian
and ministerial brother, the Rev. Daniel Poor, who is still toiling and
praying in heathen climes for the salvation of heathen men. A close
and endeared intimacy of forty-five years warrants me to speak freely
of hira. Many now within the corapass of ray voice know him well.
Others do not Were he here this day no one would need speak for
him. Let me say, then, that he was born on this ground, and that
here he spent his early days. Yes, and it was here that the Spirit of
God turned his youthful heart to love the things of the Heavenly
Kingdom ; and it was under the influence of that love that he then
consecrated himself to the service of his Lord and Master, wherever
on the earth it should be His holy will to employ him. It was here,
in his very boyhood, (as he used pleasantly to tell me,) that he made
his first attempts in literary and theological writing. It was in yonder
little valley, almost within our sight, and while in his humble calling
he was following his sluggish horse round in the bark-mill, that he
composed that regular set of little sermons, which he sometimes
showed a friend here, and which I hope he now has with him in India.
But that " chosen vessel " was not destined to be used perraanentiy
in a bark-mill. A mother's prayers and a father's means soon put him
in the way of a classical and theological education. It was ray own
happiness to be associated with him in both. Soon he became a
preacher of the blessed gospel of Jesus Christ, and, thirty-seven years
ago, sailed for the Eastern world with her, whom he had chosen as a
help-meet in his Missionary work.
We all know, or ought to know, the rest, — his labors there, his re
cent thrilling visit to his native land, his cheerful return to his heathen
home. Toil on, dear brother, thy Master's eye approves thy work,
and thou wilt soon hear that Master's voice, saying, " Well done, good
and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."
To the President of this festival I would say, if he waspresent, I
congratulate you on having your lot cast in the good old town of Dan
vers. I congratulate you on being the successor of such men as the
venerated Clark and Wadsworth in the ministerial office. May it please
the great Head of the church to allow you, like them, to finish out a
full half century in the holy calling in which you have already spent
so great a portion of your life. And, when at last you are about
being gathered unto the past generations of the town, may you be
allowed to look upon its churches and its people as prosperous and
happy, not only in the enjoyment of the blessings of civil and religious
liberty, but also in the practical exhibition of the purity and piety of
their Pilgrim Fathers.
* Eleazer Putnarn, Esq., a worthy man and magistrate, much employed as
a surveyor, conveyancer, &c,, and for the transaction of legal business in the
town.

168
Mr. Putnam having concluded, the President proposed —
The Annalist of Salem — He has rescued many important facts in our local
liistory from oblivion, for which we owe him a debt of gratitude too great for
present payment. He may, however, be assured that it never will be repudiated.
This was responded to by Rev. J. B. FELT, of Boston :
3Ir. Chairman : — To every cooperator who stands on the isthmus of
the present, and rescues some relics of the past from rushing to ob
livion, it is next to the approval of his conscious obligation that he
hears those of his own day, and especially on an occasion like this,
utter language which denotes that his labor has not been in vain.
Sir, our attention thus far has been given chiefly to the raen of this
corporation. This is both natural and necessary in detailing events of
history, because, such is the constitution of society, males are leaders
in its prominent concerns. But it is well, so that the balance of justice
should be right in the affairs of life, that we sometimes advert to the
part which the gentler sex have had in the founding, preserving and
advancing communities and nations. May we not, then, be allowed
to do so at a time like this, when, more probably than at others, heart
meets heart, and the sympathies of humanity flow spontaneously,
generously and equitably.'
Let us, for a few minutes, look at " the better half," who, between
1630 and 1640, were among the settlers of Brooksby, the Village, and
other principal divisions of this town. We behold them, as to their
several departures from Salem, for such locations. Grants of land
had been laid out for the families with which they were connected.
Log cabins for some, till choicer lumber could be sawed, and better
abodes for others, were prepared, with furniture less abundant than in
our day. Informed that these habitations were ready for their accom
modation, they at different dates came to them, part of the way, as
supposed, on the waters of North River, by canoes, then extensively
used, and the rest on foot. With them, horses and pillions, and other
land conveyances, were very scarce. Omnibuses and steam cars, so
familiar to our vision, they never saw.
Thus, entering upon their domicils with strong and consoling faith,
that whatever might be their experience of weal or woe, it would be
divinely overruled for their highest welfare, we cannot but revere and
bless their memory, as important pioneers in the great work of em
ploying means for contributing to the promotion of the religious Com
monwealth, — the main object for which Massachusetts was settled.
In view of the distance between them and their native land,
"What sought they, thus afar?
Bright jewels of the mine ?
The wealth of seas, — ^the spoil of war.'
They sought a faith's pure shrine.
Ay, call it holy ground.
The soil where first they trod.
They have left unstained what here they found.
Freedom to worship God."
But for the presence, approval and affection of such fair friends, few
of the men, who cleared away the long-standing woods of this soil, and

169
braved the perils of the red man, lurking to be revenged for what he
supposed the wrongs of his race ; perils of the wolf, bear and other
ferocious beasts ; of famine and pestilence, — would have had a heart
to begin the world anew in such repulsive wilds. But for those of
them, who had sufficient strength, even when the sufferings incident
to new settlements were experienced ; when the miasma of stagnant
waters and uncleared lands, scarcity of food and prevalence of sick
ness, were followed, among themselves and kindred, with more than
usual mortality, there would have been few, if any, who, like minister
ing angels, would have comforted the distressed, given medicine for
the recovery of the diseased, whispered truths of Christian hope be
yond the grave, prayed with the dying, and comraended their souls to
the welcorae of the Puritan's God. Look at these raore than " Sisters
of Charity," in the trials which shook the pillars of the colony, and
caused the stoutest heart to quail. Araong tribulations of this kind,
were the perplexed and lamentable controversy with Roger Williams
and his followers ; the repeated demands of the crown for the sur
render ofthe charter, and, consequently, the prospective subversion of
civil and religious liberty, for which the emigrants had put to hazardi
every other temporal interest ; the hostile daring of the powerful'
tribes of the Narragansetts and Pequods, and the collisions, arising
from the discussion of Ann Hutchinson's sentiraents and the disarming;
of her supporters. Other events of similar danger might be cited,.
enough to aid in the composition of an Iliad, full of stirring, irapressive
and truthful scenes. To meet them with the spirit of fortitude, and'
strenuously turn them aside from crushing the barriers of social order
and desolating the best refuge of the oppressed, what, of huraan aid,
was raore needed, here and elsewhere, than the horae influences of
virtuous woman, which calm the disquieted temper, cool angry resent
ment, infuse aspirations for peace, cherish the feelings of forbearance,.
but, when necessity calls, nerve the arm for noble deeds in defence of
equitable privileges ? Such was the part of matrons, who were num
bered among the primitive members of this coraraunity.
Of like tendency was their care for education and piety, the two
great sources, whence enlightenraent to understand and principle to
cherish and preserve the institutions, established by the patriarchs of
New England. Beginning with the children at the fire-side and pro
viding for them advantages of instruction at school, they impressed on
their minds the excellence of knowledge, and, in process of training,.
enabled them to perceive the difference between tyranny, which gov
erns to degrade its subjects, and liberty, which controls to elevate its.
supporters. But these, and all else appertaining to the physical and
intellectual properties of our race, they held far inferior to the religious,
improvement of their descendants. They did not pass over, as a dead
letter, the instructions of the company, in England, to Governor Endi
cott, Does the inquiry arise, what were these .? Part of them refer-
to the Lord's day. " To the end the Sabbath may be celebrated in a
religious manner, we appoint, that all, that inhabit the Plantation, both
for the general and particular employments, may surcease their labor-
every Saturday throughout the year, at three of the clock in the after
noon, and that they spend the rest of that day, in catechising and!
22 V

170
preparation for the Sabbath." In spiritual harmony with this injunc
tion, another part follows. " Our earnest desire is, that you take
special care in setding families, that the chief in the family, at least some
one of thera, be grounded in religion, whereby morning and evening
duties raay be duly performed, and a watchful eye held over all in
each family, that so disorders may be prevented and ill weeds nipt
before they take too great a head." Here, Mr. Chairman, as is well
known, was the application of that religious element, which historians
of erainence, like Tocqueville, acknowledge to have been as the salt,
which has prevalently savored the population of our country so as to
keep its institutions of freedora frora being cast out and trodden under
the feet of licentiousness and oppression. To commands of such vital
importance, the mothers of Brooksby, the village and other neighbor
hoods, did vigilantly and perseveringly look, so that coramunion with
the Father of all mercies in the Sanctuary and around the domestic
altar, might be punctually practised, as among the chief safeguards
against infidelity and iniquity, and the great promoters of faith and
righteousness. Thus actuated by the highest motives, revealed from the wonder
ful Code of the Moral Universe, to our fallen race, to employ the best
means for accomplishing the greatest good, they had the most suitable
preparation for every other concern of their domestic and social circles.
In thesc, though coming far short of perfection, they endeavored to dis
charge their relative duties, at horae and abroad, so that all, with whom
they were associated, might be the better and the happier for such a
connexion. In this raanner, they staraped upon the rainds and hearts of
the young, soon to take on themselves the public responsibilities of
their seniors, principles, which contributed raore than the strongest for
tifications, the largest and best appointed fleets and arraies could, to thc
perraanency of the town and Commonwealth in their spirit, life, pur
pose and salutary influences.
Every sire, then blessed with such a " help-meet," could he speak
frora his long resting place, would say to each of his sons, now in the
morning of life,
" Oh I link with one spirit, that 's warmly sincere.
That will heighten your pleasure and solace your care ;
Find a soul you may trust, as the kind and the just,
And be sure, the wide world holds no treasure so rare ;
Then the frowns of misfortune may shadow our lot.
The cheek-searing tear-drops of sorrow may start.
But a star, never dim, sheds a halo for him.
Who can turn, for repose, to a home in the heart."
Cannot all of us, Mr. Chairman, who have carefully looked over the
ground, respond, with- a hearty amen, to the foregoing positions ?
William Hubbard, of Ipswich, in his election sermon of 1676 related
that there was a town, in Germany, called Mindin, because the em
peror and several of the neighboring princes, harmonized there in
opinion, on some important question. It will be perceived, that Mindin
is from the German mein, dein, or in English, mine, thine, indicating
that clashing judgments of one party and the other, had been brought
together, and solved into a pleasant unanimity. We know, also that
the name, Danvers, given to this corporation, was so granted in the

3! II '

¦1 l'i^'-:^)V'f'y'\'3'Ji.

IIAA \'Klt.S.

.'\i|Orl II'.'.; yc'.ii':; and two MomUl's .

171
lively exercise of kind affections towards a patron. With the at
mosphere of these happy examples around us, can we do less, in view
of what the primitive matrons of this community did, than freely and
fully unite in the sentiment, —
That they were worthy parents of worthy descendants, and, while we grate
fully remember the excellence of the mothers, we will cherish the best wishes
for the prosperity of the children.
The following sentiment was then announced : —
The Women of Danvers in Revolutionary times — like the staple manufacture
of the town — firm, tough and -well tanned, — but unlike it, as they were not to
he trampled upon.
To this sentiment, SAMUEL P. FOWLER responded :
Mr. President : — I had hoped that some one else would respond to
your sentiraent, but as no one arises, I will attempt to offer a few re
marks. The women of Danvers, Mr. President, have always manifested
a great interest in the welfare of their country, and have ever been
ready to assist in extending the glory of her arms abroad, and pro
moting the blessings of peace at home. When their sons were called
upon by Governor Shirley, in 1755, to form a company of volunteers
to reduce the forts of Nova Scotia, they cheerfully furnished them
with clothing and other articles necessary for their corafort. After
they were equipped, and about to join their regiment at Boston, these
patriotic woraen of Danvers accorapanied the volunteers to the village
church, where a long and interesting serraon was delivered by Rev.
Peter Clark. His subject upon this occasion was, " A word in season
to soldiers."
The daughters of these energetic women were the mothers of 1775,
who, prompted by the same love of country, cheerfully yielded their
husbands and sons to secure on the field of battle its independence.
Some of them, the day after the battle of Lexington, visited the scene
of that bloody conflict. Thus, at this early period of the Revolution,
were enkindled those fires of patriotism which burnt brightly till its
close. But the women of the present day are not called upon to make
such sacrifices for their country ; if they were, we doubt not, the same
spirit would be exhibited. It is theirs now to adorn and beautify thc
inheritance so dearly purchased, and by their virtues to increase its
glory and prosperity. Upon occasions of public interest, the energy,
skill and taste of women are all called into requisition. We are in
debted to the women of Danvers for much of the neatness and taste
displayed by our public schools, for those oriental costumes and ancient
tableaux, which have added so much to the interest of our Centennial
Celebration. In the sentiment offered, allusion has been made to the staple man
ufacture of the town. Mr. President, Danvers has never been ashamed
of her industrious and intelligent citizens, who have labored in the
leather business, in all its various branches. She has often presented
them with posts of honor and trust, and they in return have always
been ready to sustain her interests, and have greatly contributed to her

172
wealth and prosperity. And raay the tirae never arrive when our sons
will be asharaed of this business, or Danvers will have reason to be
asharaed of them.
The ne.xt sentiment announced was —
South Reading and Danvers— United by bands of iron, but still more
strongly by the ties of friendship and mutual good will.
To the above, Hon. LILLEY EATON, of South Reading, remarked
substantially as follows : —
I rise, Mr. President, obedient to your call, but not with the intention
to inflict upon you a speech. I much prefer to save you from the
tediousness, and myself frora the mortification, of such an act at this
late hour. I cannot, however, forbear to allude to the kind terms of
your sentiment, which seems to call upon South Reading for a response,
by assuring you that South Reading, and her good mother old Reading,
cordially reciprocate the feelings of good will which you now express.
They both rejoice in all the bonds of union which attach them to Dan
vers. They rejoice in the business relations, — those leathern cords,
which bind them to each other by the ties of a mutual interest ; but
they rejoice raore, and chiefly, in those ties of friendship and good will
which always have, and I trust always will, unite their respective in
habitants. Old Reading recollects the days of ancient times, and the
people of former generations. She recalls to mind that from Salem —
then including Danvers — from Lynn and from Ipswich, she formerly
received the chief and best part of her permanent settlers. She also
hopes, Mr. President, that you will not refuse to acknowledge in return,
that while she has sent her rivers of population to Ipswich and Lynn,
she has also done soraething by supplying with her little rivulets the
villages and " Dishfulls " of Danvers.
If time permitted, I might go into particulars, and ask where Danvers
•obtained her Uptons, but from old raother Reading ? — and the spirit
of enterprise they have infused into your community ought to serve to
bleach out any specks, if any could be found in her good narae, and
glue us raore strongly together.
I raight also ask you, Mr. President, where your ancestors, before
the Revolution, would have obtained their leather gloves and small
•clothes, had not William Poole, the leather-dresser of Reading, who
was born there in 1726, emigrated to Danvers, and settled down by
the side of Strong-water Brook.? It was to his ancestor that the earliest
settlers of Reading were indebted for the staff of life. John Poole
was the first mill owner in Reading, and from his pond Pooles in abun
dance may be found sparkling all over the broad surface of our country.
I might go on and show you many other instances of family rela
tionship, but my purpose in rising is fulfilled when I propose the fol
lowing sentiment :
Danvers and Readlig — May the iron bands, the leathern cords, and friendly
.lies, which now exist, continually grow stronger and stronger, so long as the
waters run in our rivers or sparkle in the pools.

\:j^^^7'77f'^(9l

Ljed Jaii,8S.]S38 , Aged (JR y(3;ifs.

173
JOHN WEBSTER, Esq., of Newmarket, N. H., one of the Vice-
Presidents of the day, responded to the following : —
TAe Public Schools of Danvers — Excelsior their motto, their aim perfection.
Mr. President : — It is a source of satisfaction to those of us here
present, who claim the old town of Danvers as the home of our child
hood, but whose lot in manhood has made Ihem wanderers on the sea,
or sojourners by the granite hills of the North, or the sunny cliraes of
the South, to witness the evidences of prosperity and progress which
we see around you.
By the unique and skilfully devised procession which has been
escorted through your streets to-day, you have exhibited fo us, Mr.
President, the past in contrast with the present. We have seen the
maiden and the matron of olden time, the witches of the past, as well
as the witches of the present, the farmer and mechanic of old, with thc
rude impleraents of their pursuits, the gentleman citizen, with his long
cue and hair, made white by fashion, not by age, the honest quaker,
with no hybrid habiliments, the military officer, as much over covered
with coat as deficient in his nether garment, the reverend clergyman,
his parish then a life estate — all these, in the varied costume of the
times, have been called up from the grave, and passed before us ; —
still more, sir, distinguished and eloquent speakers, here present, have
told us of your early history, of your deeds of bravery in defence of
our country, and have traced your progress in population, in wealth, in
enterprise, in intelligence from the time that was, to the time that is —
they have fold us of the public interest felt in your public schools, and
of their present efficient condition — and, in the words of the sentiment
which has now been proposed, that your motto is Excelsior, your aira
so high even as perfection. It would have been interesting and in
structive, sir, if you could also have brought up frora the oblivion of
the past the school and the schoolmaster ofthe olden time, to pass ex
amination before us. It is not for me, Mr. President, to go any further
into the past, than is within the knowledge of raany others here present
— say sorae thirty-five years ago.
There then stood by the side of the Old South Church a little one-
story, one-room schoolhouse, known as Number One, in Danvers.
At the time to which I refer, the teacher of this school was a quaint,
eccentric, corpulent old gentleraan * A broad rimmed hat, on which
time had made wrinkles, as well as on the face of the wearer, a dark
colored, broad skirted coat, somewhat ssedy, while that part of his dress
now called pants carae only to the knees, and were ornaraented with
a huge buckle, his feet encased in a pair of coarse cow-hide shoes, or,
at times, in boots of the same material, which came nigh to conjunc-
* Master Benj. Gile, whose virtues as well as eccentricities are well known
to the inhabitants of Danvers. He was a brother to Rev. Dr. Gile, of Milton.
After retiring from the office of teacher he was appointed to an office of trust
in town, the duties of which he performed with great fidelity. He died April
16, 1834, aged 70, and caused the following line to be inscribed on his grave
stone, which stands in the Monuraental Cemetery: — "I taught httle
CmLDREN TO READ."

174
tion with the nether garment, was the usual costurae he wore, a fashion
somewhat antecedent to the time of which I speak — all which gave
him the appearance of a gentleman of the old school. And now,
Mr. President, let rae introduce you inside the schoolhouse aforesaid.
It is a cold, winter raorning — a little box cast-iron stove stands near
the centre of the roora — the seats around bear evident raarks of that
trait of character, industry — for which your people still maintain so
favorable reputation — and true is the saying, sir, that " scissors cut as
well as knives," for the side of the room occupied by the gentler sex,
is not free from these marks of labor. Well, sir, the master stands at
his desk, and the school is opened with the salutation, — Boys, I am
10,000 years old. You see I've got my old coat on to-day, and I
always tell you, when you see that you must look out. I hope I shall
not have to kill any of you to-day. The tirae at which I take you into
the school, as I have said, was a cold, stormy morning in winter. The
little stove is crammed with wood, and its influence, as the school
opens, is only felt in its imraediate vicinity. The snow drifts are too
high for the girls to be out, and the boys are perraitted fo cluster round
the stove, the usual routine of exercise omitted, and the morning hours
devoted to reading the Bible ; such of the scholars reading a verse
each, alternately, that choose fo do so, while others, with the Bible at
hand, are playing Pins — head to points — and others practising the in
structive lesson of Spin Sparrow — but, alas ! for the lad who has not
the right verse in succession, to read, if called to do so by our master ;
the heavy cow-hide whip rings over the back of the unfortunate one,
and a general whispering inquiry, f^-om one to the other, is — Where is
the place ?
In the course of instruction pursued by our teacher, it was a matter
of no trifling importance that every one in the class should exactly toe
the line or crack in the floor. Failing to do so, as was soraetiraes the
case, it was no unheard of practice of the master to apply his huge
shoulders, vigorously, to the one standing at the head, and a good pro
portion of the whole class were tumbled in a heap on the floor ; as
you have seen, sir, a skilful player at ten pins, by striking the head
one, score the other nine.
In addition to the distinctive names which parents usually give to
their children, our teacher had quite a number of pupils that he dis
tinguished by favorite, additional titles of his own. One girl, now the
wife of one of your wealthy citizens, was usually addressed as the girl
who came out of the clouds ; one boy was called Wisdom, one Bona
parte, another Old Buck, &c.
Nor were the modes of punishraent for school offences any less
original, ingenious and impressive. Among these, were standing on
the platform with a piece of wood partially, split, which was placed
across the nose of the offender, the effect of which was something like
placing the nose in a vise. This was called wearing the spectacles,
after wearing which an hour a boy could, undoubtedly, see to study
better. Holding a heavy stick of wood in the hand, with the arm extended
perpendicularly, was another method of punishment, and others, still
more original, were practised, which I will not take up your time
in relating.

175
The course of instruction was limited to Reading, Spelling, Writing,
and Arithmetic, in which latter branch our teacher was wonderfully
skilled. Near the close of his administration, which continued several
years, the first germ of progress began to be developed, a portion of
the parents thinking it necessary their children should be taught
English grammar. Murray's Grammar was accordingly introduced
into the school as a reading book, and this was the method by which
we were initiated into this mysterious science, and it may suffice to
say — our knowledge of this branch was very soon fully up fo the
standard of perfection to which our teacher himself had arrived.
The schoolmaster of the present applies the screw to develop the
boy's brains, he ofthe past applied the cow-hide to develop raarks on
our backs. The teacher of to-day is inquisitive, he requires a Why or
a Wherefore ; the former one never gave offence to his pupils in this
way. Well do I remember the fear that filled my youthful heart, at the
oft-repeated warning given us to beware and dread the last day, — not
ofthe duration ofthe world, — but the last day of school term. So im
pressed was I with the fear of what the cow-hide was to do, that I pre
vailed on my parents to allow me to be absent on this eventful day,
and great was my astonishment, when meeting my school companions
after the close, to hear how the day had been passed. The exercises
were commenced with a spelling match ; two of the elder lads choos
ing, alternately, the most skilled in this important branch, and so down
till rows were formed, facing each other for the battle, the whole
length ofthe room. The crooked and uncouth words of the Dictiona
ry were selected for the contest, and the side, which had recorded
against it the most errors, was pronounced the vanquished, and the
victors were allowed fo hurra, scream, shout, hiss, and stamp their feet
and clap their hands, to their heart's content.
After this, all the jack-knives, tops, pop guns, spin sparrows, and
other boyish valuables, which had been seized for their several offences
during the year, were taken from the depot, the master's de^k, thrown
on the floor, and scrambled for by all the boys.
Mr. President, I have detained you longer than I intended. The
imperfect sketch which I have given is no fancy, no embellished pic
ture of our school, as several I see present, who were fellow-pupils at
the time, can bear me witness.
Sir, a distinguished writer has aaid, '^ to interpret the present thor
oughly, we must understand and unfold the past." The historian, the
antiquary are searching the world over, among musty parchments and
fragmentary documents, for record of deeds of the past. Should not
the school and the teacher of other days be brought up to the light,
that our youth may more highly estimate the advantages of the
present ? Great men are giving the work of their heads and the
work of their hands to popular education. Our towns, even those of
limited, pecuniary means, are taxing themselves, with no grudging or
stinted measure, for this object.
A history of the public schools of New England, their origin, their
progress, their present condition, it seems to me, would be no unwel
come volume.

176
What the record will be of the schools of Danvers at a second cen
tennial celebration, is not for us fo inquire. Only let your motto con
tinue to be " Excelsior, your aim perfection."
I close, sir, by proposing the following sentiment :
The Pupils ofthe Public Schools of Danvers— Let them profit by a compari
son of the present with the past, and make the be^t use of their increased
advantages of instruction, always venerating those whose highest ambition it
was, to " teach little children to read."
Rev. FRANK P. APPLETON rose, and spoke as follows : —
I am glad, Mr. President, to see that on this interesting occasion
the public schools of Danvers have not been forgotten. Perhaps there
is no feature of the day more full of beauty, meaning and hope than
the long ranks of our public school children. They moved fheii as
the ambassadors, the messengers, from us to the coming generation,
those through whom the old raen of the next centennial shall know us
 the bond between us of the then Past, and those of the then Present
— midway over a space we cannot cross. Through them our thought
and life shall then speak. Their children telling of what we now do
— their life stretching onward far beyond our own. The battle,
God grant them faith to make it the victory, of life fast gathering
around them. Was it not a touching thought, that of all those un
changed locks and faces, unworn by thought and care, not one
could be remembered by the younger lives of the next centennial,
other than as with whitened head and time-stamped brow ? Was it
not a pleasant thought to have, that many of them would then be the
venerated and the honored and the gratefully remembered ? Yes,
they were those, around whora, in their utter unconsciousness, gathered
the meaning, the virtue and the character of the second centennial.
As children they were all this and more, but as representatives of the
public schools, another and weightier meaning lay upon their presence.
They spoke of what is to us, and I say it with due thought, of what
is without reservation or exception the most pure, most Christian,
therefore most powerful institution in our midst, worth all the rest ten
times repeated. The most pure, powerful Christian institution in our
midst — the Public School ; better and stronger than constitution, law
or church. Yes, I am sure of that. You may say, without these last
public schools would never have been. Be that as it may, here they
are, and if thus born it will not be the first time the child has been
better and nobler than the parent, and become in turn, guardian, sup
port and protector. Such our coramon schools now are. The founda
tion of our future prosperity — the one outward institution upon which all
our others must depend, free frora party or sectarian rule. Kept sa
credly free from all such poison, and the best trait in our New England
character is that we, however else we differ and quarrel, join in guard
ing our schools against these Satans of public and social life. To the
public school system I look as the last and best hope for our country
and our race. There lies the heart of all republicanism, all true
equality, and all free religion. And the more you do for thaf, the
more I solemnly believe you do for God and man, and true duty. It

177
is a growing power, one whose calm and yet tremendous energy has
never before been tried on earth : thc great new feature of American
civilization. With all its present errors, — for it is just dawning upon
us now, — its spirit is right. And if I were fo sum up in one sentence
the word I would speak to the coming generation, I would say — Be
true to Conscience and your Public Schools.
Dr. ebenezer HUNT responded to the following sentiment :—
The principle of Total Abstinence — It found its earliest friends and warmest
advocates among the citizens of Danvers : they will be among the last to
abandon it,
Mr. President : — It is with reluctance that I arise to respond to the
sentiment just given ; not that I am not satisfied of its truth, but be
cause I feel confident that I shall not be able to do justice to the subject.
It is not an easy task, especially for one unaccustomed to public speak
ing, in an after-dinner speech adequately to portray the labors and
sacrifices of the early friends of temperance.
The evils intemperance is capable of inflicting on a coraraunity have
been so often and so ably described, that I shall be pardoned for not-
touching upon that subject. And yet only those who have already
passed the raeridian of life know fully what it was and what it-
threatened to becorae in the earlier days of the temperance movement..
It is difficult for those not living at the time to conceive of the strong;
hold which the love of intoxicating drinks had taken upon the people-
indiscriminately. Though fashionable, how constant and how enormous^
in quantity was its consumption.
Only such can duly appreciate the honors due, and the gratitude
which we ought to feel, for those who made the first successful effort
to stem the torrent of evil which seemed destined fo subvert and over
whelm the social fabric.
As early as the year 1817, if my meraory serves rae, a society was
organized in the town of Danvers, having for its object the suppression
of intemperance and its kindred vices. For more than twenty years
this society waged an uncomproraising and alraost single-handed
combat against the giant evil. And may we not confidently assert that
it is, under Providence, mainly owing to the action of this society, that
Danvers, as regards temperance, is among the foremost if not the first
town in the Commonwealth .'
Active in the organization of this society we find the names of Judge ¦
Holten, Rev. Messrs. Wadsworth, Walker and Chaplain, Dr. Torrey,,
Elijah Upton, Fitch Poole, Eleazer Putnam, Caleb Oakes, Ebenezer
Putnam, and Samuel Fowler. These were the early fathers of the
society. Associated with them we find the naraes of younger men, but
not less ardent friends of the cause : such as Jesse Putnam, Andrew,
Nichols, Archelaus Putnam, Elias Putnara, Arthur Drinkwater^. Rufus..
Choate, John Peabody, Alfred Putnam, John Porter, and many others,.
some of whom, I rejoice to say, are now present, and others, although.
dead, yet speak to us by their influence and exarapje,. urging us to.
renewed efforts in the cause in which they so faithfully and so success
fully labored, 23 10

178
It was no easy task in those early days of the temperance movement
lo face the frowns of public opinion, fo bear the scoffs and sneers of
the thoughtless and the indifferent, and fo pursue a course so diamet
rically opposite to the fashion and the prevailing custom of the com
munity in which they lived. It is this consideration that should
especially entitle thera to our warmest gratitude and thanks.
It would be not a little creditable to these worthies, and to the town,
if, when the true history of these events shall be written, it should
appear that the Temperance Reformation, so called, which subsequently
pervaded the whole length and breadth of the land with healing in its
wings, at the time of the Washingtonian movement, and which carried
in its train joy and gladness to so many hitherto wretched homes, —
should have had its origin in the efforts of these early advocates of the
cause. However this raay be, they can never be deprived of the
honor of having organized in Danvers the first permanent society for
the suppression of intemperance, thaf, so far as has come to my
knowledge, ever existed.
While we cherish the meraory of these heroic and philanthropic
men, let us be careful f» imitate their example. Let us see to it that
our efforts are not wanting to sustain and uphold our present anti-liquor
law, from which so much is anticipated by the friends of temperance
in this and the neighboring states. Let us do this, and the blessings of
those that are ready to perish shall come upon us. And at the next
Centennial Celebration in Danvers, long after we shall have gone to
our reward, our naraes shall be freshly remerabered along with those
who have preceded us in the warfare against one of the monster evils
of the age, and in meliorating the condition of mankind.

LETTERS.
There were numerous letters received and read, from gentlemen
who were unable to be present.
A sentiment complimentary to Robert C. Winthrop was responded
to by the reading of a letter, from which the following is an extract : —
" Danvers has just reason to be proud of her history. After raore
than a hundred years of honorable connection with the ancient Town
of Salem, — the very Plymouth of Massachusetts Colony, where John
son and Saltonstall and Winthrop landed, and where Endicott lived, —
it has now enjoyed another Century of distinguished independent ex
istence. The annals of the town, during the whole period, are replete with
interesting incidents, and with the acts of patriotic men. As the birth
place of the lion-hearted Putnam, it would have no ordinary claim to
the regard of us all. But Putnam seems only to have been a type of
his towns-people, and the hills and plains of our Revolutionary struggle
have borne frequent witness to the bravery of Danvers men.
I cannot forget, too, that you have furnished excellent and eminent
men to the ranks of civil life ; and it would have given me peculiar
pleasure, on this occasion, to have borne testimony to the fidelity and
patriotism of your late lamented Representative in Congress, the Hon.

179
Daniel P. King. But his raeraory, I am sure, is still fresh in all your
hearts, and his fidelity and patriotism require no other testimony than
that which he has abundantly impressed on the records of his public life.
I regret, gentlemen, that imperative engagements will not allow me
to be with you. I pray you to present my best respects to your fellow-
citizens, and my best wishes for the continued prosperity and welfare
of the town, and believe me.
With great regard and respect,
Your obliged friend and ob't serv't,
Hon. R. S. Daniels. ROBERT C. WINTHROP.
James H. Duncan, M. C, in a long and interesting letter, says : —
" I am vividly reminded, while I write, of one, — your late esteemed
fellow-citizen and representative, and my colleague, — who, had he
lived, would have taken tho liveliest interest in this celebration. For
everything concerning the interests of his native town, county or state,
was near his heart. He was removed to a higher sphere too soon for
his country and his friends, but not until he had earned an honorable
and enduring reputation and an abiding-place in the hearts of his fel
low-citizens." The following toast was then drank in solemn silence, the whole
company rising :
The Memory of the Hon. Daniel P. King — His memory is still fresh in all
our hearts, and his fidelity and patriotism require no other testimony than that
which he has abundantly impressed on the records of his public life
The following toast was then submitted :
The Clergy — In the annals of our town we have had bright examples of all
that is profound in learning, eminent in piety, and pure in tiiie private relations
of life — those who " allure to heaven and lead the way."
Rev. Mr. Field, who was expected from Troy, New York, not being
present, the following letter was read : — Troy, June 14, 1852,
Gentlemen : — It would afford me the greatest pleasure fo attend, in
compliance with your kind request, the approaching centennial cele
bration in Danvers. My duties here, however, will make it impossible
for me to be with you on that occasion. That it will be an occasion of
deep interest, I do not doubt.
There are many events connected with the history of Danvers that
will furnish themes pleasant and profitable to contemplate, — themes
that will impart eloquence fo the orator ai)d inspiration to the poet, and
awaken in the hearts of all who consider them, a love of liberty, of ed
ucation, and of religion.
To myself, personally, Danvers must ever be a place of the most
interesting associations. Having passed there many happy years, in
duties that brought me near to the minds and hearts of many of its
inhabitants, having been called so often to rejoice with them in their
joys and to weep with them in their sorrows, memory must cease to
perform its office when Danvers and its people shall fail to have a large
place in my thoughts and affections.

180
Please accept my best wishes for the prosperhy of the town of Dan
vers, in all its interests, and believe me.
Gentlemen, sincerely and respectfully yours,
THOMAS P. FIELD.
The following letter was read frora. Hon, Rufus Choate, formerly
of Danvers : — Boston, May 26, 1852.
Gentlemen: — I had the pleasure to find your letter, ofthe 20fh, on
my return yesterday from Washington. It would give rae the truest
pleasure, for many reasons, to be present at the proposed celebration,
and to share in its instructions, its meraories, and its hopes, — and I
shall certainly be there, if the necessity of attending the Baltimore
Convention, and the impossibility of doing so by reason of peremptory
detention here, does not prevent me. I wish you all possible success
in the services of the day, and a future for Danvers worthy of her his
tory, virtues, and energy. I am most truly.
Your friend and fellow-townsman,
Hon. R. S. Daniels, RUFUS CHOATE.
Among the toasts was the following : —
Our Representative in Congress — His eloquence has embalmed the memory
of those of our citizens who fell at the Concord fight, and we fully appreciate
the patriotic motives which induced him to tell in the Halls of Congress the
story of their devotion to the cause of Liberty.
In response to this, a long letter was read from Hon. Robert
Rantoul, Jr., of which the following is the most material part : —
" Danvers raay well be proud of her history. She is one of a group
of towns which have done as much for the liberties of the nation and
the world as any other equal population on the continent. The self-
sacrificing devotion with which, when the Boston Port Bill took effect
in June, 1774, Salem sternly and inflexibly refused fo profit by the
reduction to slavery of others, is worthy to be remembered and imi
tated forever by that patriotic city, and by the whole North. Elbridge
Gerry, of Marblehead, a signer of the old Articles of Confederation,
and of the Declaration of Independence, was the chairman of the
committee who reported thc resolutions adopted April 30fh, 1784,
determining that the power to regulate commerce ought to be vested in
the United States, — which resolutions were the germ of the present
Constitution of the United States. It is but a small addition to the
glory of such a man, that he afterwards served as Vice President under
that system whose corner-stone he had laid. Nathan Dane, of Beveriy,
was chairman of the grand committee who, on the 21st of February,
1787, reported the resolve calling the convention at Philadelphia to
" render the Federal Constitution adequate to the exigencies of govern
ment, and the preservation of the union." The same Nathan Dane
was the author of that immortal ordinance which rescued from the
withering curse of slavery the broad Northwest,— doing for the territory
between the Ohio and the lakes, what Thomas Jefferson had in vain
attempted to do for the vast region now constituting Alabama, Missis-
sippi, and the other southwestern states.

181
" These towns could boast not only the guiding mind in the decisive
movements which I have mentioned, but their couiage to dare, and
fortitude to suffer, in the great cause, were equally conspicuous. Bev
erly first flung fo the ocean breezes the continental flag on board the
schooner Hannah, and inaugurated those stripes and stars, which are
the erablera of glory and victory — shall I say also of liberty — where-
ever blow the winds or roll the waves. Manly, of Marblehead, held
the first naval coraraission under the hand of George Washington, and
the seal of the Union ; and Mungford, of Marblehead, first poured out
his willing soul with the death shout, "Don't give up the ship!" Dan
vers, Lynn, and Beverly, notwithstanding their great distance from the
line of action, had about one-fourth part of all the killed and wounded
in the hurry of the "Red-coats" from Concord fo the shelter of their
ships. The sons of Beverly were the farthest from the scene, of all
who rushed to deliver in their testimony in the eventful trial of the
19th of April, yet their full quota arrived and acted there ; and I have
seen the garment rolled in blood of one of my townsraen who laid
down his life in witness of his abhorrence of slavery. Danvers alone
lost more men killed, on that bloody baptisraal day of American
Liberty, than any other town, after the first unprovoked, sudden and
unresisted massacre at Lexington, at sunrise."
Mr. Rantoul forwarded the subjoined sentiment: —
Tlie Freemen of the Towns of the JVbrth — May they, in their zeal for the
preservation ofthe Union and the Constitution, never foget that the Union, to
be preserved, should continue to be worth preserving, and the Constitu
tion A BOND OF Freedom.
A toast coraplimentary fo Mr. Webster was next given. The fol
lowing letter was read in response : — Washington, May 31, 1852.
Gentlemen : — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your
letter of the 20th of this raonth, inviting rae, in behalf of the town of
Danvers, to be present at a proposed centennial celebration of the sepa
ration of Danvers frora Salera, on the 16th of June next.
I am always gratified, gentlemen, with these public reraerabrances of
distinguished epocfis of the past. Our New England history is full of
instruction, our fathers having left us a rich inheritance of evangelical
religion, sound morals, and political freedom. We honor ourselves,
whenever we honor them ; and their admirable example may well
stimulate us to put forth new efforts for the promotion of civil and re
ligious liberty, the diffusion of knowledge, and the advancement of all
the blessings and all the charities of social life.
I regret, gentlemen, to be obliged fo say, that my public duties will
not allow me to be with you and your friends, at the proposed celebra
tion ; but I fender to you and to them my best regards and most sin
cere good wishes. DANIEL WEBSTER.
R. S. Daniels, Esq., and others.
Hon. James Savage, the President of the Massachusetts Historical
Society, wrote :

182
" My interest in your community has from eariy days been acjiv? '"
the search for causes of that greatest calamity that ever befell JNew
England, whereof the chief scene of distress was withm your bounds,
though sixty years before the separation from Salem. Some repara
tion by tardy justice has in a second, a third, or a fourth generation
been exhibited ; but, gentlemen, your neighbors have not, in my opin
ion, found greater evidence in any other quarter of the earth of the
sacredness of the truth, how much better is it to suffer injustice than to
inflict it. Which of you had not rather be the martyr, George Bur
roughs, than Chief Justice Stoughton, whose diabolical delusion con
curred with that of the majority in giving sentence of death }
But beyond the sad rerainiscences of your doleful era, in which no
other town of New England can compete with you in measure of mis
ery, I exult in your almost adequate superiority in the exhibition of the
love of your country in the dark months and years prior to our national
independence. Here all is joyous in recollection ; and Danvers is well
deserving of the happiness she has enjoyed since our firmament has
been blessed with the constitution of 1789, for near three times the
length of that period preceding, when only tremendous tempest or
threatening and malignant meteors seeraed to usurp all the sky.
I ara, gentleraen, with highest regard,
'Your very obedient,
Hon. R. S. Daniels and others. JAS. SAVAGE.
The following toast was given :
Edward Everett— A. name always associated with profound learning, skilful
diplomacy, and graceful oratory,
Hon. Edward Everett, regretting his inability to be present, wrote :
" It would afford rae rauch pleasure to be present on an occasion of so
much interest. The Municipal Organization of New England is one
of the great elements of our prosperity ; and the annals of most of our
towns are rich with traditions and collections which deserve to be
handed down to posterity."
The following toast was given by Edward Lander, Esq. :
The Separation of Danvers and Salem — While the men are celebrating the
dissolution of the Union, and the women go for Viiion to a man, we leave to
fanatics the difficult solution of the problem.
Letters were also received from Jared Sparks, President of Harvard
University, Rev. Dr. Andrew Bigelow, of Boston, and other gentle
men, regretting their inability to attend.
Mr. Fitch Poole then moved that the Committee of Arrangements
call together the Town for the purpose of expressing its gratitude to
Mr. Peabody for his generous gift, and it was so unanimously resolved,
with thunders of applause.
It was then voted to adjourn this meeting one hundred years. The
festivities of the day were closed by a brilliant display of fireworks.
The company at length adjourned, highly delighted with the entire
proceedings of the day, which was literally and truly a great day for
Danvers and all the country round.

183

There were several poetical effusions prepared for the occasion.
The songs were sung with fine effect by the Salem Glee Club, and
elicited great applause.
At the conclusion of Mr. Upham's speech. Fitch Poole, Esq., rose
and said he had, within a few weeks, discovered a manuscript, which
he had taken the pains to copy, and which he thought might be inter
esting to the corapany. Mr. Poole declined fo read it hiraself, and del
egated Rev. F. P. Appleton, of Danvers, to proraulgate it for him,
which was done in a very acceptable manner.
GILES COREY'S DREAM.
A ballad op 1602

Giles Corey lay in Salem Gaol,—
A Stubborn VVizzard he :
Dame Corey slumbered \ty his side,—
A guilly Witih was she.
And as they lay, one Sunday morn,
All in their place of Shame,
Giles Corey had a troubled Uream,
And told it to bis Dame.
" My Goodwife dear, I've dreamed a Dream,
All through ye livelong Night,
And coming Things were shewn to me
111 Vision clear and bright.
I dreamed a Hundred Years were past,
And Sixty more were gone.
And then I stood a living Man —
Alas ! I stood alone !
I was among strange Phantoms there.
No living Soul I knew,
And you wilt hardly wonder, Dame,
'Twas Eighteen Fifty Two."
Quoth She, " Dear Giles, what did you see
In that far distant Daye ?
Your Dreaming Thoughts 1 long lo heare,
Come tell me now I pray."
" My Dear Goodwyfe, I'll tell my Dream,
If you will patient heare,
How Specters strange did stare at me,
And loudly laugh and jeerc.
At length a Ghost of pleasant mien
Did listen to my Story ;
I sayde, I'm called a Wizzard Man,
My Name is Goodman Corey.
I told him I was doomed to Dye
By Hanging or by Pressing ;
The mode — it all depended on
iiy Silence or Confessing."
" In Salem Village once," he sayde,
" Such Deedslhey did allowe ;
That dark Delusion's had its Daye,
And Men are wiser now.
" You stand," sayde he, " upon ye Spot
So sadly known lo Fame ;
No longer is il Salem called,
But Damvkrs is its Name."

"Aha!" sayde I, ('Iwas in my Dream,)
" I'll see ihis altered Place,
I long at once to look upon
This boasted wiser Race.
I travelled North lo Blind Hole Swamp,*
The Fields vere bright and gay;
From Skelt»n's Neck"* to Brooksby's Vale,*
I then pursued my Way.
As on I roamed in eager Haste,
With ardent Hope and wishfuil,
Too soon 1 founde my wandering Feet
Quite in ye Devil's Dishfulle.*
Here Goblins came, and I must own
Al first in Terrour bounde me ',
I spake them fair and bade them come
And gather quick aroundc me.
Full soon I saw thai I had come
Amongst a Race of Witches j
For every Man I looked upon
Was destitute of Breeches !
" Fye, O Fye," sayde Goody Corey,
(And sharply spake yo Dame,)
" 'I'hal you should look upon them thus— ¦
I blush for very Shame."
" Pray heare me out, impatient Wyfe,
For know — these Wizzard Coons —
Although Ihey had no Breeches on,
Were clothed wilh Panlalbons.
And ah, how queer ye Women looked,
'Twould waken your Compassion
To see what awkward Cloalhes Ihey wore,
So strangely out of Fashion.
I looked upon ye Antienl Men-
No toothless gums had ihey—
Their aged Heads were never bald—
Their Hair was seldom gray."
Now Martha Corey spake aloud,
Wilh most indignant Frowne—
" I don't believe a Word you saye
About this Danvers Towne."
Her Goodman sayde, wilh quiet Tone,
(A pleasant Speech had he,)
" Remember, Dame, I dreamed of this,
It thus appeared to me.

> Well known localities io Danvers.

184

1 saw a Wan pull all his Teeih,
It look him bul a Minute :
He oped his Mouth and pul them back —
I thought ye deuce was in it !
A limping IWan had lost a Leg.
A wooden one had he ;
To tell which Leg ye man had lost
Was quite loo much for me.
Isawamancutoffa Limb,
The Surgeon's Knife all gory,
But yet ye Patient fell no Paine" —
" 'Tis False !" — sayde Goody Corey.
'' 'Twas in my Dream I saw il. Dame,
I saw him lake ye Stitches,
And then I knew I'd fell among
A Race of Real Witches.
I met a man who'd lost an Eye
And chose lo have another —
He bought one at ye nearest Shop,
Just like its living brother.
I had a raging Tooth to draw,
(To you 'twill seem a Fable,)
I went to sleep — and then awoke
And found it on ye Table."
" I don't believe a word you sa3'e,''
Sayde faithless Goody Corey —
'•Just show this Molar Tooth to me,
And I'll believe your story."
Quolh Giles unto his Wyfe aga
" 'Tis thus to me il seems ;
How often have 1 told you, Dame.
'Twas in ye Land of Dreams.
1 looked upon this Wizzard Race
Wilh still increasing Wonder,
They drew ye Lightning from ye Skies
And bottled up ye Thunder.
They carried News by Lightning Teams,
Made Portraits with ye Sun,
Used Cotton for their Gunpowder,
To Charge ye sporting Gunn.
A magic Substance Ihey have founde.
And some ingenious Lubber
Makes everylhing (save Consciences)
Of Patent India Rubber.
To light their Homes wilh flaming Air
The Elements they torture ;
And hope lo get — by taking Paines —
Their Candle Light — from Water.
I told them that to see the World
1 had a strong Desire —
They took me off in Vapory Cloud
And Chariolt of Fire !
Full Forty Miles an Hour they go,
By power of nought but Steam ;
And Ships with Wheels go swift"  " 'Tis
False !"
Sayde Goody with a Scream.

Quolh Giles, "Remember, my Goodwyfe,
'Tis a Prophetic gleam —
I do not speak my waking Thoughts,
1 only tell my Dream.
I pondered on these Sorceries,
And thought them Witchcraft Sinns,
But marvelled why, like Witchcraft m w,
'J'hey did not prick with Pjuns.
I saw these Wizzards gather round,
To listen to a Tapping,
In wide-inoulhed Wonder swallow all
The Witchery of Rapping.
Il was, (I own with humble Shame,)
A Mystery lo me.
That Souls in Bliss should come lo Earth
To say their A, B, C.
Oh, what a Miracle Sublime !
It shews Ihe World's advance,
When Spirits leave their bright abodes
To make a Table dance !
To have this awful Mystery solved
Perhaps ihey may be able —
The Faith that will a Mountain move
Can doubtless move a 'J'able.
Amazed I saw how calm they were
Wilh all this Spirit rising ;
They only called these Magic Arts
A kind of Magnetizing.
So none for Witchcraft mel ye Fate
• Of Pharaoh's luckless Baker,
Nor did they seek lo drive or SL-ourge
A Baptist or a Quaker.
I gal me quick to Gallows Hill,
That fearful place to see,
Where Witches are condemned lo hang
High on ye Gallows Tree.
I only saw two Shadowy Forms,
Or Spectral Goblins rather ;
One seemed like Him of Cloven Fool,
The other — Cotton Mather.
I thought to see ye Gibbelt there,
The Ladder mounted high.
The Rope suspended from ye Beam,
For those condemned to Dye.
I marvelled much that there I founde
The Sod was smooth and bare,
No Mounds of freshly-shovelled Earth,
No Grove of Locusts there.
Amazed I stood and looked around.
The Grass was living greene,
Afar I saw ye deep blue Sm ;
A City lay between.
I went into a Dwelling House, —
I ransacked every Room,
I could nol find a Spinning Wheel,
Nor yel a Weaver's Loom.

185

They had no Snuffers on ye Shelf;
The Dressers, too, had flowne ;
No Pewter Plates, well scrubbed and neal,
In Order brightly shone.
No Settle by ye Kitchen Fire,
No Sand upon ye Floor,
And when I asked for Tinder Box
In Laughter they did roar.
I went into another House — .
l-he Fireplace was a Box;
I looked wiihiu, and there I founde
The Fuel — only Rocks !
And when I asked for Mug of Flip,.
No Loggerheads were seen,
Bul in ye Place of Worship neare
Were Loggerheads — I ween.
I walked into Ihis Meeting House
Just as the Psalm was read;
The Parson had no Surplice on,
No Wig upon his Head.
I saw no trace of Sounding Board,
No Hour Glass had ihey there
To prove ye Sermon two Hours long.
And measure off ye Prayer.
No Chorister with Tuning Fork,
No Tythingman so grim,
Nobody in ye Deacon Seat
To Deacon off ye Hymn.

But see^within that Sacred House,
That Place for humble Prayer,
Averted lookes, and bitter Scorn,
And jarring Sounds are there I
Ah me ! to see ye stubborn Will,
The cold and formal Dealing,
The stern Repulse, ye Needless Pang,
The lack of Christian Feeling !
1 asked a Shade — Why is it thus,
That Men, in Wilful Blindnesse,
Are pledged lo Total Abstinence
From Milk of Human Kindnesse 7
1 turned away with saddened Thoughts,
And pensive Feelings ledd,
And sought ye Place where living Dust
Soon mingles wilh ye Dead.
I looked upon 3-e Hillocks greene —
'J-he Winds were sweeping o'er,
And Ghostly Shadows flitted bye,
Of Forms beheld before.
Retnembered names were sculptured there
On many an Antient Slone ;
And One 1 saw, well grown with Moss ;
I looked — Il was My Own !
A sadden thrill came o'er me then,
Soe fearful did it seeme, —
1 shuddered once, and then awoke.
And now you have my Dream."

A VISIT FROM PARSON PARRIS.
Written for the Danvers Centennial Celebration, by Rev. J. W. Hanson, Author
of the History of Danvers.

One cold night of chill December's,
.\s I sat beiore the embers, —
Chance had laid a book before me
Full of slight historic lore ; —
Well, it need not be a mystery,
It was only a small history —
Author's name I need nol mention,
Only this and nothing more.
I was turning o'er the picturesy
And I could not help my strictures
On Ihe blindness, and the folly
Of those darksome days of yore, —
And I came to that old mansion
(It has had a late expansion)
Where began the Salem Witchcraft,
Which so sadly we deplore.
' What a singular delusion !
What a slate of wild confusion
Must have filled our ancient Salem, —
I am thankful it is o'er ;
Parson Parris was a terror.
The church was wrapped in error.
And the people were all ignorant-^
May we have such curse no more!
24 X

' What a shame that Christian preacher*
Should be no belter teachers
Than lo be so much deluded,
Or so fond of human gore,
As lo follow vicious children
Into conduct so bewildering,
As to hang and scourge each other,
As they did iu thai dark hour/
Then I thought of poor Tituba,
(Parson Parris' slave from Cuba,)
Sarah Osborne, Mary Warren,
Whose sad troubles we deplore ;
Sarah Good, and uncle Proctor,
Parson Burroughs — learned doctor, —
Oh. how fiendish thus lo murder —
Thank God ! ihe folly's o'er.
How much more 1 should have spoken,
I don't know, — my thoughts were broken.
As I heard a heavy footstep
Coming toward my study door.
And the strangest apparition
Flashed at once upon my vision,
Saying — *1 am Parson Parris,
Whose follies you deplore!

186

'1 have heard your lamentations,
1 confess, wilh liiile patience,'
Quolh the slern indignant spirit,
* Of our good old days of yore ;
We were not without our failings,
Every cent'ry has iis ailings ; —
That our own was worse than this one,
Is a statement I ignore.'
' Worse than this one V was my answer,
' Let me know then, if you can sir.
What this learned generation
Ever does that you deplore !
Is nol knowledge ever brightning ?
We've made slaves of steam and lightning,
Taught the Sun to paint our portraits,
And a thousand wonders more \'
' All the more to blame then, are 3'ou,
Wise and skilful thus ; how dare you
Looking back two centuries, utter
Such a reckless slander more ?—
fjf with all your great advances,
yYou have misimproved 3'our chances,
/And still cherish greater follies,
Mere's the thing you should deplore !'
¦ 'Never mind your generalities,'
\ Quolh.,1^ ' Jet us hear the qualities
That our wondrous age possesses,
Worse than that dark age of yore j —
What have we that looks so sadly.
That disgraces us so badly
As the W.itchcraft did old Salem,
And will do, evermore V
Here the parson fixed his wig on,
— I assure you 'iwas a big one —
And his bands he smoothed with unction,
And surveyed me o'er and o'er)
And looking more conyDlacently,
Nay — he smiled at me quite pleasantly.
More so than I ever heard of
Any Spirit doing before.
Said he, — ' We lived in Salem village
By our paslurage and tillage,
A quiet, humble people
As our country ever bore;

To great wisdom no pretentions
Did we make, — all your inventions,
All your progress, light, and knowledge,-
We had heard of no such lore.
'Then came that awful mystery,
(You have it in your history,)
Such an one as never met us
Iij our lives or thoughts before;
We supposed it was ine Devil,
The Arch-aulhor of all evil,
And we did the best we knew of
With ihe evil you deplore.
' But your ' wondrous Age,' you style it —
Has great evils which defile it.
Which, allowing for y out progress,
Should disgrace you evermore;
And of all thuigs that are shocking,
I declare, that Spirit Knocking
Which of late began at Rochester,
Is worse than all before.
'Chiefest humbug — greatest folly-
Nonsense vain — most melancholy' —
Surely we shall not be laughed al,
No, nor pitied any more, —
For the future, men shall call the
Spirit-rappings, the 'Great Folly,'
Greatest, until comes another.
Worse than all that went before.'
Here the Parson clapped his hat on,
Thrust aside the chair he sat on.
And with all his old importance
Passed right through my study door,
And I heard his cane go lapping,
And his heavy footsteps rapping,
As he took his quick departure.
And I saw of him no more.
But I deeply meditated
On the truths the Parson staled.
And I formed this resolution —
(I'll depart from it no more ;)
Not to blame our Salem grandmas,
Till ourselves have worthier manners,—
TiU we banish our own witches,
Worse than any were of yore.

SONG.

BY DR. ANDEE-W NICHOLS.
Tune — Yankee Doodle.

A hundred years ago or more.
When we were part of Salem,
•Our people grew uneasy quite.
And what d'ye think did ail 'em?
They fretted 'cause they taxed 'em so,
And said 'Iwns downright pillage
For merchant-folks and sailor-men
To persecute the Willage.
And so they sent to Gineral Court
A large and grave Committee,
And Gmeral Court did bow to them
And look with grace and pity.

He passcd for them the Severance Act,
And gave the name of D.\NVEUS,
In honor of some litled man
Whose sires were born in Anvers.
5o Dahvzrs stood a lusty youth.
And tough lo stand the weather.
He made the Danvers China Ware,
Aud tanned his upper leather.
He also planted onion beds.
To magnify his riches.
And raised the best of grafted fruit
And handsome, bright-eyed witches.

187

His household, too, has multiplied
A thousand for each hundred,
And he has pained prosperily,
Al which the world has wondered.
But where is mother Salem now ?
— 'Tis painful to consider —
She cannot have a Select-Man,
And so she's left a Widder 1
Then wedded were the parishes,
That now have spent together
One hundred years of fair and foul,
Calm, windy, stormy weather.

There's somelimesbeen between them strife,
'Bout which should wear the breeches,
Which should bo Husband, which Ihe Wife,
And how to share their riches.
Yet in all patriotic acts.
And noble undertakings,
Shoulder to shoulder they have moved,
Dismissing all heart achings.
We've now in gay, good humor come
To celebrate our union,
And talk of al! we've said aud done
And suHered in communion.

SONG. A HUNDRED YEARS.
BY ED-WIN JOCELYN. Tune — " Dearest Mae."

A Hundred Years ! A Hundred Years !
All through its dusky track
How dim the shadowy past appears,
When peers the vision back.
A Hundred Years ! Up to that hour.
Old Salem's child werQ wc,
In leading strings were cramp'd our pow'rs,
Pinn'd to our Mother's knee.
Old Mother Salem ! no time our love
impairs —
A child most dutiful we've been and
honor your grey hours.
A Cent'ry past we came of age —
From uiraldom broke away ;
To celebrate it, now engage —
Our Independent Day.
Though independent, we have cared
With tender, filial heart,
That our old mother ever shared
Of all we had, a part.
Old Mather Salem, &c.
The blessed good things ofthe land
To furnish her we've striv'n —
Most always bow'd lo her command.
Though 5awce we've sometimes given.
We've furnished her with meat and fruit,
Wilh water and wilh fuel ; —
Her whims have always tried to suit-
Brought meal lo make her gruel.
Old Mother Salem, &c.
We've made her leather stout and tough,
Much more than she could use ;
And sure to always do endugh,
Have made il into shoes.
When conflagrations threalen'd her,

We've run and quenched her fires ;
In all her wants have been astir.
And watched her least desires.
Old Mother Salem, &c.
When she would " calculate right deep,"
We furnished her wilh liead ;
When faint at heart and prone to weep.
With pluck her spirits fed.
Have brought her oft — delicious treat ! —
(Now, Mother, " don't you cry,")
The onion bulb, so sav'ry sweet,
To roast, or boil, or fry.
Old Mother Salem, &.c.
Our boys have gone to man her ships,
And peril, oft, their lives ;
Her boys, bewitch'd for cherry lips,
Have stole our ^als for wives.
But lime would fail lo tell of half
We've done from ycar to year —
Some deeds that might provoke a laug
And some might draw a tear.
Old Mother Salem, &c.
With " China Ware" — pots, pitchers, pan«,
Her closet shelves have filled, —
And brought hcr milk in shining cans.
And burnt her bricks to build.
Now, though five scores of years ago,
We just "cut loose" and free,
A filial care we've tried to show, —
Now, Mother, hav'nt we ?
Old Mother Salem, no time our love
impairs; —
A child most dutiful we've been, and
honor your grey hairs.

HYMN.
BY KEV. J. "W. HANSON.

Tune — America.

Thou who our sires hast led
Over old Ocean's bed.
Thy guardian hand
Did shield each exiled form
In famine, plague, and storm,
And give a shelter warra
In this fair land.

We bless Thy sacred name
That e'en when War's red flame
Did light the sky,
They scorned to humbly yield,
But won the tented field,
And loud their clarions pealed
For Liberty I

188

For all they nobly wrought.
Freedom of life and thought.
No power could lame —
For Schools, the Pilgrims' pride,
And Churches far and wide,
And all their hands supplied.
We bless Thy name !
And while our lives receive
The rich gifts they did leave.
Aided by 'i'hee
May we iheir virtues win.
Their scorn of wrong and sin.
And seek without — within.
Truth— Liberty.

God of Etcrnily I
"I'ho' ev(^ry Century
To thee appears
A moment's transient gleam, —
To our brief lives doth seem
How wide and deep the stream
Of rolling years.
On this Centennial Day
We come, our prayers lo pay,
Great God, lo Thee !
May we Thy holy name
Adore — exalt — proclaim —
Then shall our Country's fame
Immortal be.

A SONG FOR OUR FATHERS.
BY EDWIN JOCELYN.
Air — " A Song for our Banner."

A Song for our Fathers ! Their inem'ry
awakes
In our bosoms a thrilling emotion ;
Each pulse of the heart of their virtue par
takes,
When we think of their steadfast devo
tion ;
From the Truth of their God, from the Love
of their Land,
The iron of their souls never yielded ; —
They were pure in the heart, they were strong
in the hand
When the pray'r or the sword-blade they
wielded.
A Song for our Fathers ! Though green are
our fields.
Where the rough and cold soil they first
parted, —

Though pleasures and lux'ries the land to us
yields,
'Tis the fruit of the slout and true-hearted.
Whatever adorns, whatever gives ease
Or comfort, their industry planted ;
O then, by their children, 'mid Ihe blessings
of these,
Be Iheir praises wilh gratitude chanted.
A Song for our Fathers ! They sleep their
long rest,
While we on the Past now are dwelling ;
Its pages their virtues ever newly attest, —
Witn birth-pride our bosoms are swelling.
May Ihal union of faith, of patriot love.
Of enduring, unshrinking endeavor
Which upheld them below, and which point
ed above,
Rule the hearts of their children forever.

PROCEEDINGS AT THE SCHOOL PAVILION.
The arrangements for the Public Schools were made and carried out
under the direction of the following gentlemen : —
Wm. H. Little, Thomas Hinkley,
Amos Merrill, Aaron C. Proctor,
E. B. Hinkley, Henry Fq-wlee.
Wm. L. Weston,
The procession of schools, constituting a most beautiful spectacle,
proceeded to the Crowningshield estate, near Buxton's Hill. Here a
spacious " tent" had been erected for their special accommodation, and
tables, bountifully loaded, afforded a pleasing reception to the fatigued
and exhausted pupils. The sight within the tent, after the procession
had entered, was truly imposing and gratifying. The assembly of
about 1500 of the youth of Danvers, all neatly and appropriately attired,
was in itself a very attractive sight, and it was moat pleasing to the
spectators, and highly creditable to the pupils and teachers that the

189
deportment of all was truly exemplary and commendable. No rude
ness and no impropriety were observable, but order and decorum pre
vailed throughout the tent.
WM. R. PUTNAM, Esq., a member of the School Committee,
presided within the tent, and after the physical wants of the pupils had
become supplied, the intellectual received attention. After a few ap
propriate remarks, Mr. Putnam introduced CHARLES NORTHEND,
Esq., the newly appointed Town Superintendent of Schools, and J. D.
PHlLBRICK, Esq., Principal of the Quincy School, Boston, who made
very eloquent and interesting addresses to the pupils. They spoke at
some length, and were listened to with earnest attention and interest.
It is a source of regret that a copy of their excellent remarks cannot
be obtained for insertion here, as we are confident they would be per
used with much interest.
The following sentiments were offered and read by Mr. AUGUSTUS
MUDGE, a meraber ofthe School Committee.
May we never be late when the first performance or the last is served up.
The Female Teachers of Danvers — No separatists, yet fearful agitators to
the rainds of men, and swift incendiaries to their hearts.
The President of this School Festival — Like his fearless namesake, invin
cible in every enterprise.
Salem and Danvers — Mother and daughter ; mutually proud of their relation-

The Prudential Committees of Danvers — Fathers of all the little ones, may
they not themselves be little in their office, but may they be large of heart and
liberal of hand in dispensing blessings to the flocks under them.
Our High Schools — Their ti'ue position, as to-day, in the front ranks.
The Church and the School — The former prepared our ancestors for estab
lishing civil and religious liberties ; may the latter lead our children to per
petuate them.
The day we celebrate — May its history form a bright page in the celebra
tion of June 16th, 1953.
To the third sentiment, WM. R. PUTNAM, Esq., briefly and appro
priately replied as follows : —
Children of the Public Schools of Danvers : Our lesson to-day is
history, — not the general history of the world, but the particular history
of our own town. Whether we contemplate the character of its earli
est settlers, the active part which its inl^bitants took in achieving our
national independence, or its continued prosperity, we find much that
is worthy of our attention and admiration.
The scenes and representations which we have this day witnessed
seem 'to give to past times and events a presence and reality as though
they were in fact our own.
This is your historical schoolhouse, — not indeed furnished, like your
common school rooms, with blackboards, upon which to write the les
sons of the day. But we would engrave the events of this celebration,
in ineffaceable lines, upon the inmost tablets of your memories, so that
in your future years you may not only recall them with pleasure, but
also transmit them to other generations. May you be laudably stimu
lated, by what you have to-day witnessed, so to act the part you may
take in the events of the coming century that it shall contribute to the
attractive points of the next centennial.

190
And now, in behalf of my associates, the members of the School
Committee, I would tender sincere thanks to the instructors of our
schools for the noble efforts they have made to contribute to the inter
est of this occasion, and to the pupils of the several schools for the
commendable cheerfulness and propriety with which they have this
day performed their parts. May each and all return to your respective
spheres of labor with new zeal, bright hopes, strong determination, —
and though you may not be present at the recurrence of this festival in
1952, may you be nobly and honorably represented by the works
which will live after you have passed away.
Owing to the oppressive heat of the day, the tediousness of the
marching, and the crowded state of the tent, it was thought prudent to
abridge the exercises of the schools ; otherwise we should be able to
report many other interesting addresses.

THE

PEABODY DONATION

arms or THE PEABODY FAMILY,

PROCEEDINGS OF THE
TOWN OF DANVERS,
IB RELATION TO
THE DONATION OF GEORGE PEABODY, ESQ.,
OF LONDON.

Agreeably to the vote adopted at the table, on the day of the Cen
tennial Celebration, the Committee of Arrangements called a meeting
of the citizens of the to-wn, by legal notice, to act upon the Communi
cation of Mr. Peabody,* the proceedings of which meeting, certified by
the Clerk of the town, are here presented.
At a legal meeting of the inhabitants of the Town of Danvers, quali
fied to vote in town affairs, holden at Union Hall, in the South Par
ish in said town, on Monday, the twenty-eighth day of June, in the
year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-two.
On motion made by John W. Proctor, it was
Voted, That the Centennial Committee be authorized and instructed
to cause such a publication of the papers and transactions connected
with the Centennial Celebration, as, in their judgment, the interest and
credit of the town demands, and a copy thereof to be furnished to each
family in town.
The original communication from George Peabody, Esq., was read
by the Moderator ; and afterwards. Dr. Andrew Nichols read the reso
lutions which had been prepared, and submitted the same to the town.
On motion made, it was
Voted unanimously, That the whole of said resolves, which have
been submitted by Dr. Nichols, and separately acted upon, be adopted
by the town.
Resolves, as submitted hy Dr. Andrew Nichols, and adopted by the
Town.
Resolved, That we, the legal voters ofthe town of Danvers, in legal
meeting assembled, accept, with deep emotions of gratitude, the mu
nificent gift of George Peabody, Esq., of London, of T-wenty
Thousand Dollars, for the promotion of knowledge and morality
among us ; and we, with due sense of its importance, to ourselves and
to those who are to succeed us, accept the offered trust, and bind our
selves to faithfully, ardently and constantly endeavor to fulfil the wishes
* See page 141.

192
and accomplish the noble purpose of the generous donor, and to enjoin
on our successors a like performance of the same sacred duty.
Resolved, That we now proceed to the choice of a committee of
twelve persons to receive and have in charge the said donation, for the
purpose of establishing a Lyceum for the delivery of Lectures, upon
such subjects, exclusive of sectarian theology and party politics, as may
be designated by a comraittee of the town, free to all the inhabitants,
under such rules as said committee may, from time to time, enact ;
and to establish a Library, which shall also be free to the inhabitants,
under the direction of the committee.
Resolved, That the members of said committee shall exercise all the
authority and perform all the duties contemplated by the donor ; and
shall hold office by the following tenure, viz. : — Two of the twelve
shall hold the office until the annual meeting in 1858 ; two until 1857 ;
two until 1856 ; two until 1855 ; two until 1854 ; two until 1853 ; or,
in all cases, until others be chosen and accept the trust in their stead.
And it shall be the duty of said committee, as soon as may be after
their organization, to determine, either bj' agreement or by lot, who of
this number shall hold the office for the several times named, and com
municate the same to the clerk of the town, whose duty it shall be to
enter the same on the records. And it shall be the duty of the select
men to order, in every warrant for the annual town meeting hereafter,
the inhabitants to choose or give in their votes for two persons, to be
come merabers of said committee, for the term of six years, in the
place of those whose term of office at that time expires ; and to fill all
vacancies caused by death, resignation, or removal from the town.
Resolved, That the aforesaid Committee of Trustees appoint annu
ally, frora the citizens of the town at large, another coramittee, who
shall select books for the library — designate the subjects for lectures —
procure lecturers — enact rules and regulations, both in regard to the
lectures and the library, and perform all such other duties as the com
mittee shall assign to them ; and they shall make a full report of their
doings to the Trustees, semiannually, viz., on or before the second
Mondays in February and August.
Resolved, That the Committee of Trustees be also required to make
a full report of their own doings, and the doings of the coramittee by
thera appointed, at the annual town meeting previous to the choice of
merabers of said comraittee, above provided for.
Resolved, That it shall be the duty of said committee to correspond
with the benevolent donor while he lives, and, in all their doings, pay
all due regard to his expressed wishes.
On motion made by A. A. Abbott, Esq., it was
Voted, That the Institution, established by this donation, be called
and known as the PEABODY INSTITUTE, and that this name be
inscribed, in legible characters, upon the front of the building to be
erected, that, in future years, our children may be reminded of their
fathers' benefactor, and that strangers may read the narae of him, of
whom Danvers will always be proud to claim as her son.
On motion of Mr. Fitch Poole, it was
Voted, That our venerable and respected fellow-citizen, Capt. Syl
vester Proctor, be invited in behalf of the town, and in accordance

193
with the special request of his early and constant friend, Mr. Peabody,
to assist in laying the corner stone of the proposed edifice.
On motion made by the same gentleraan, it was
Voted unanimously. That the Board of Trustees, chosen this day,
forward a certified copy of the proceedings of this raeeting to Mr. Pea
body. On motion made by William H. Little, it was
Voted unanimously. That all the communications received from
George Peabody, Esq., of London, be recorded.
The following gentlemen were elected Trustees by ballot : —

1. R. S. Daniels,
2. E. W. Upton,
3. S. P. FOVITLER,
4. Joseph Osgood,
.*». Miles Osborn,
6. Eben King,

7. Francis Baker,
8. Eben Sutton,
9. W. L. Weston,
10. Joseph Poor,
11. A. F. Clark,
12. Joseph S. Black.

True Extracts from the Town Records. Attest,
Joseph Shed, Town Clerk.

GEORGE PEABODY.
In closing their account of the very interesting Centennial Festival'
of June last, the Committee feel that they cannot perform a more
pleasing duty, and, at the same time, confer more gratification upon
their fellow-citizens, than by presenting some particulars in the history
of their townsman, whose timely and munificent donation, thus grace
fully bestowed, added so much to " the pleasure of the occasion."
In the performance of this duty, they are aware of its extreme del
icacy, and, that in the endeavor to gratify an intense and laudable
curiosity on the part of their fellow-citizens, and to hold up to our
youth, an example of nobleness and worth for their imitation, they may^
unwittingly, trespass on private feelings. On the other hand, our gen
erous benefactor has arrived at such an eminence in the commercial
world, and his name is so widely known in both hemispheres, that his
history has become, in a measure, public property. The Committee
can only say, that they will use their best discretion in the use of their
materials, and present such facts only as are known to be authentic.
Our fellow-citizen, George Peabody, now a resident of London, was
born in the South Parish, in Danvers, February 18th, 1795.* At the
* Nehemiah Cleaveland, Esq., in his excellent Address at the Topsfield Bi-
Centermial Celebration, deriving his information mainly from C. M. Endicott,
Esq^ of Salem, thus speaks of the origin of the Peabody family in America ::
" For a very early period in the history of this town, the Peabody name has.
been identified with it Thanks to the spirit of family pride or of antiquarian
curiosity, great pains have recently been taken to dig out the roots and follow
out the branches of the old Peabody tree. Old, it may well be called, since it
has already attained to a growth of nearly two thousand years. Boadie, it
85 y

194

early age of eleven years, (May 4th, 1807,) he was placed in the gro
cery store of Capt. Sylvester Proctor, where he remained about four
years, receiving frora Mr. Proctor and his excellent lady, (a sister
of Rev. Daniel Poor, D. D., the devoted Missionary to Ceylon,) pa
rental kindness, and such instructions and precepts, as, " by endeavor
ing to practise which, in after-life," he remarks, " I attribute much of
my success."
In 1810, in the hope of a better situation, he left Capt. Proctor,
but the embargo and expected war with England rendered the time
most unpropitious for obtaining employment in any mercantile pursuit.
That year, therefore, was principally spent in Thetford, Vt., with his
maternal grand-parents. This was his only time of comparative leisure
since his eleventh year.
seems, was the primeval name. He was a gallant British chieflain, who came
to the rescue of his queen, Boadicea, when ' bleeding from the Roman rods.'
From the disastrous battle in which she lost her crown and life, he fled to the
Cambrian mountains. There his posterity lived and became the terror of the
lowlands. Thus it was that the term Pea, which means ' mountain,' was pre
fixed to BoADlE, which means ' man.' There was a Peabody, it seems, among
the Knights of the Round Table, for the name was first registered, with due
heraldic honors, by command of King Arthur himself.
" At the period when the business transactions of this town begin to appear
on record, Lieut. Francis Pabody (this was the orthography of the name at that
period) was evidently the first man in the place for capacity and influence.
He had emigrated from St. Albans, in Hertfordshire, England, about seventeen
miles from London, in 1635, and settled at Topsfield, in 1657, where he re
mained until his death in 1698. His wife was a daughter of Reginald Foster,
whose family, Mr. Endicott informs us, in his genealogy of the Peabodys, is
honorably mentioned by Sir Walter Scott, in Marmion and the Lay.
" Of this large family, three sons settled in Boxford, and two remained in
Topsfield. From these five patriarchs have come, it is said, all the Peabodys
in this country. Among those of this name who have devoted themselves to
the sacred office, the Rev. Oliver Peabody, who died at Natick, almost a hun
dred years ago, is honorably distinguished. Those twin Peabodys, (now, alas !
no more,) William Bourne Oliver and Oliver William Bourne, twins not in age
only but in genius and virtue, learning and piety, will long be remembered
with admiration and regret. The Rev. David Peabody, of this town, who died
while a Professor in Dartmouth College, deserves honorable mention. A kins
man of his, also of Topsfield, is at this moment laboring, a devoted missionary,
in the ancient land of Cyrus. Rev. Andrew T. Peabody, of Portsmouth, and
Rev. Ephraim Peabody, of Boston, are too well and favorably known to require
that I should more than allude to them. Professor Silliman, of Yale College,
is descended from a Peabody.
" The Peabody name has abounded in brave and patriotic spirits. Many of
them served in the French and the Revolutionary wars. One of them fell
with Wolfe and Montcalm, on the plains of Abraham. Another assisted at the
capture of Ticonderoga and of Louisberg, and in the siege of Boston. Another
was among the most gallant of the combatants on Bunker Hill. Another com
manded a company in the Continental army, and sent his sons to the army as
fast as they became able. One more, Nathaniel Peabody, of Atkinson, N. H.,
commanded a regiment in the Revolutionary war, and subsequently represented
his state in the Continental Congress.
» In Medicine and Law, the reputation of the name rests more, perhaps, on
the quality than the number of practitioners. In Commerce, too, this family
may boast of at least one eminent example — an architect ofa princely fortune.
I need not name him."

195
In April, 1811, he was received as a clerk in the dry-goods store of
his eldest brother, David Peabody, of Newburyport, who had himself
but just attained his majority, and was yet hardly established in busi
ness. A few weeks subsequently, his father was very suddenly re
moved by death ; and soon after, the great fire io Newburyport took
place, by which his brother was a sufferer and failed in business, thus
throwing the younger brother again out of employment. He now
found himself, at the age of sixteen, suddenly and unexpectedly an
orphan, without funds, without a situation, and without influential
friends ; and the prospects of the times as gloomy as can well be im
agined. On the 4th of May, 1812, not finding employraent, he left New
England with his uncle, Gen. John Peabody, who had been unfortunate
in business, and who was, at this time, in the most discouraging cir
cumstances. They sailed from Newburyport in the brig Fame, Capt.
Davis, for Georgetown, D. C.
John Peabody established himself in Georgetown, D. C, but owing
to his pecuniary position, the business was conducted in the name of
his nephew, and the management of it chiefly devolved on him. Here
he remained about two years, faithfully and industriously performing
those duties and services, for which he could have the prospect of little,
if any, remuneration.
About this time, it having occurred to him, that his name being used
in the transaction of the business, he might be responsible for its lia
bilities when he should become of age, he freed himself frora his en
gagements to his uncle, to whom his services were necessary ; but with
many painful feelings, that his duty to himself corapelled him to this
course. Soon after this, and before he was nineteen years old, a wealthy
merchant (Mr. Elisha Riggs, now of New York) proposed receiving
him as a partner in the dry-goods trade ; Mr. Riggs finding capital,
and Mr. Peabody taking the entire management of the business.
He was, at this time, (as will be recollected by those of us who saw
him on his brief visits to his native town,) quite six feet in height, of
manly form and proportions, and premature care and anxiety had given
to his countenance the expression of maturer years. His partner, there
fore, after the writings of copartnership were drawn, was surprised to
learn, that his contract had been made with a boy. He was, however,
kind enough to forgive the jTaMZZ, which had been so honestly confessed,
and which Time would so quickly amend, and the connection proved a
most fortunate one for both parties.
The house of Riggs & Peabody was removed to Baltimore in 1815,
and other houses were established in Philadelphia and New York in
1822, the partnership continuing in terms of five years each, for fifteen
years ; several other individuals occupying, successively, subordinate
situations in the firm.
In 1829, Mr. Elisha Riggs retired frora the firm, and his nephew,
Mr. Samuel Riggs, was admitted, by which Mr. Peabody became sen
ior partner, and the house became Peabody, Riggs & Co.
During the preceding fifteen years, Mr. Peabody's labors were ex
cessive. His annual collecting excursions, occupying usually six or

196
seven weeks, were performed on horseback, through the wildest regions
of Maryland and Virginia, and in the most inclement season of the
year. The burden of the extensive operations of the house rested
principally on him" ; and, from his earliest youth, the cares and per
plexities, the struggles and disappointments, which usually advance but
with raature manhood, had been drawing forth and perfecting those
peculiar traits of character, of which his childhood gave promise, and
for which, as a man, he has been so highly distinguished.
And here, might we invade the sanctuary of his early home, and
the circle of his immediate connections, we could light around the
youthful possessor of a few hundreds of dollars, — the avails of the most
severe and untiring efforts, — a brighter halo, than his elegant hospitali
ties, his munificent donations, or his liberal public charities, now shed
over the rich London Banker.
We will venture to state, in general terms, that, before he was twenty
years old, he had shared his limited means with his widowed mother
and orphan brothers and sisters, and, at the age of twenty -four, he
voluntarily charged himself with their entire support ; educating the
latter, and fulfilling to them the part of the most indulgent parent.
For their sakes, he was willing to forego the attractive but expensive
pleasures, which a city residence continually presented him, and cheer
fully practised any self-denial, that he might bring them forward to
respectability and happiness.
His first voyage to Europe was made in November, 1827, for the
purchase of goods ; the firm having for some time previous imported
their own supplies. During the next ten years, he crossed the Atlantic
several tiraes, and was entrusted with important financial negotiations,
for the government of his adopted state. He erabarked again for
England, February 1, 1837, and has not since been in his native
country. In July, 1843, he retired from the " firm of Peabody, Riggs & Co.,
New York and Baltimore," and established himself in London, where
he has since continued, in a very e.xtensive commercial and banking
business. It has been asked, " What is the secret of his success >" We answer,
(in the language of one most conversant with his business life,) " He
has entered into no giant speculations, nor, in general, have his gains
been disproportionate ; but he has realized large profits from his legiti
mate and extensive commercial pursuits, and frora investments in
various stocks of the United States, when generally discredited by the
public ; his entire confidence in the integrity of the defaulting states,
and in the ultimate payment of their debts, never deserting him in the
gloomiest period of their history."
Having decided on a certain course, he has always been remarkable
for the power of bending all his energies of mind and of body, to the one
(Object of pursuit. It was thus, when, at the age of sixteen, he entered
on his chosen profession. He then laid down for himself certain rules,
involving the principles of justice, integrity, good faith and punctuality,
Avhich he considered, not only as morally binding on himself, but, as
due to his fellow-men, and indispensable to his reputation as an hon-
, orable merchant."

197
A strict and unwavering adherence to these principles in every ex
tremity, and the blessing of Providence on a course of patient, severe,
unremitting and persevering industry, with habits of econoray as regards
himself, and of uncalcuiating liberality towards all, who have needed
his assistance, constitute, we believe, the great secret, by which he has
attained to the pecuniary and social position, which he now occupies.
His habits of punctuality have been proverbial. He recently stated
to an intimate friend, that in all his business life, he had never failed to
meet a pecuniary engagement.
Far seeing in matters relating to his peculiar calling, of long expe
rience, and of acute observation, he has been able to judge correctly
of causes and results, and, generally, to foresee alarming crises in
season to prepare for them. In August, 1836, in conversation with the
friend above alluded to, he remarked, " I am confident, that the rage
for speculation, which has characterized the last two or three years,
must produce disastrous results ; accordingly, I have written to my
partners to keep everything snug, and, without reference to new sales
or new profits, to get in outstanding debts, and be prepared for the
emergency." How far his predictions were well founded, the dreadful panic of
1837 soon proved. The consequence of this caution was, that he
passed through that fiery ordeal unscathed, and had the satisfaction to
aid many others to do the same.
His exertions, however, have not always been crowned with equal
success. In comraon with other commercial houses, he has sustained
many severe losses, spme of them doubly aggravating, being the result
of treachery or ingratitude in those, in whom he had confided, or whom
he had particularly obliged.
From these losses, (says one,) although greatly sensitive to the first
shock, he has arisen with an unprecedented elasticity of resolution,
and has redoubled his efforts, until every deficiency has been made up.
In the failure of American credit, he was deeply interested person
ally, and, with other Americans abroad, shared the mortification which
was felt on account of that disastrous event. His position as an
American and a merchant, in the metropolis of Great Britain, was at
this period, a most trying one ; but, in the darkest hour of his country's
adversity, he stood up manfully for her defence. His letters on " Re
pudiation," and his efforts to sustain, or to restore American credit
abroad, constitute the brightest page in his history. For these efforts,
he is justly entitled to the deepest gratitude of his countrymen, espe
cially those of his adopted state. Maryland- has acknowledged her
obligations to him in a public and graceful manner, as honorable to
herself, as it must be grateful to the feelings of him, who felt so keenly
for her pecuniary credit, and did so much to protect it.
The business relations of Mr. Peabody are, at the present time, very
extensive and complicated. He attends personaUy to all its most im
portant tran.sactions, and to many of its details. We have been in
formed, that he devotes, on an average, fourteen hours out of every
twenty-four to business.
With all these demands upon his time, he is always ready with a
warm greeting to his friends from this side of the Atlantic, and, by the

198
public and social assemblies of his countrymen, wilh invited British
residents of distinction, he has done much to promote a kindly feeling
between the two countries.

The following extracts, from an account published in London, of
the proceedings at the Parting Dinner given by Mr. Peabody, will be
found interesting to his townsmen : —
On the 27th of October, 1851, Mr. George Peabody, of London,
gave a parting dinner, at the London Coffee House, to the American
gentlemen connected with the Exhibition. The guests consisted of
the Americans known to be in London, and also of many English
gentlemen. The hall was appropriately and beautifully decorated, under the
direction of Mr. Stevens and Mr. Somerby. Behind the chair, was
placed Hayter's full length portrait of Her Majesty ; on one side of
which was Stuart's Washington, and on the other. Patten's portrait
of H. R. H. Prince Albert, each the size of life. The national
ensigns of Great Britain and the United States, appropriately united
by a wreath of laurel, were draped about these paintings ; and pen
nants, kindly furnished by the Admiralty for the occasion, completed
the effect.
The chair was taken by Mr. Peabody, at 7 o'clock. Mr. Davis
officiated as first Vice Chairman ; and the side tables were presided
over by Mr. Stevens and Col. Lawrence, respectively, as second and
third Vice Chairmen.
The elegant and sumptuous dinner fully sustained the high reputation
of Mr. Lovegrove's house.
After the cloth was removed and grace said, Mr. Hakker, the toast
master, announced the Loving Cup* in the following words : —
" The Right Honorable Earl of Granville, His Excellency the
American Minister, His Excellency Sir Henry Lytton Bulwer, The
Hon. Robert Walker, The Governor of the Bank of England, Sir
Joseph Paxton, Sir Charles Fox, and Gentlemen all, — Mr. Peabody
drinks to you in a loving cup and bids you all a hearty welcome 1"
* The Loving Cup, which went round the tables, was one which Mr. Pea
body had just received from a friend in America. Its form may be seen in
the wood cut annexed. It is made of oak, from the homestead of Mr. Pea
body's ancestors, at Danvers, near Salem, Massachusetts. It is richly inlaid
with silver, and bears the Family arms and the following inscription : " Francis
Peabody, of Salem, to George Peabody, of London. 1851."
[By the kindness of Col. Francis Peabody, of Salem, the Committee are
enabled, at their solicitation, to obtain a representation of a massive Silver
Loving Cup, which he received from Mr. Peabody in 1850, as a family as well
as international memorial. It is highly wrought, having embossed figures in alto
relievo on one side, and on the other, tlie inscription, "George Peabody, of
London, to Francis Peabody, of Salem. 1850."]

LOVING CUP,

WITH THE INSCRIPTION,

¦ GEORGE PEABODY, OF LONDON, TO FRANCIS PEABODY, OF SALEM,
1850."

LOVING CUP,

WITH THE INSCRIPTION,

¦ FRANCIS PEABODY, OF SALEM, TO GEORGE PEABODY, OF LONDON,
1851."

199
The loving cup was then passed round in the usual manner, and due
honor done to this ancient custom.
The dessert having been served, Mr. Peabody rose and announced
successively the three following toasts, each being prefaced by a neat
and appropriate speech : —
" The Queen,— God bless her !"
" The President of the United States, — God bless him I"
" The health of His Royal Highness Prince Albert, Albert
Prince of Wales, and the rest of the Royal Family."
These toasts were received with the greatest enthusiasm, and with
the customary honors, the band playing God Save the Queen and Hail
Columbia. Appropriate and excellent speeches were made by Mr. F. P. Coebin,
of Virginia, Mr. Abbott Lawrence, Earl Granville, Mr. Robert J,
Walker, Sir Henry Lytton Bulwer, Mr. Davis, Mr. Riddle, and Mr.
Stansbury. Mr. Bates, of the house of Baring dz Brothers, then toasted- —
" Mr. Thomas Hankey, Jr., the Governor of the Bank of England."
The Governor, on rising to reply, was loudly cheered, and concluded
his speech as follows :— •
Allusion has been made to rival feelings, and may I not give a
strong proof that none such exist in this city, excepting in that generous
rivalry, which is the truest stimulus to exertion, when I remind you
that the Gentleman who has done me the honor to propose my health,
and who, I am sure, will allow me to call him my friend, is an Ameri
can, though standing at the head of one of the largest and most widely
known English firms f The house of Barings is known not only in
Europe and America, but in every part of the globe ; and Mr. Bates,
the present acting head of that well known and respected house, is, as
I have before observed, an American. He alluded to my connection
with America, a connection which I ever regard with feelings of the
greatest satisfaction ; for I have been thereby thrown frequently into
communication with Americans, and I have never received from them
anything but friendship and kindness.
I have twice visited, and travelled in, the United States. On the
last occasion, in 1834, I met a gentleman on board the sailing packet
with whom I made acquaintance, and whose acquaintance I have kept
to this day ; that gentleman was Mr. Peabody, who has been kind
enough to invite me to witness his reception of his countrymen in this
truly hospitable manner. I am proud to consider him as a colleague
and brother merchant of London : and I am not the less proud of it
when I hear from the lips of so many of his own countrymen, as I
have done on this day, that they consider his high and unimpeachable
character, his abilities, his integrity and his industry, as great an orna
ment to their country, as we are glad to consider him to ours. Long
may he enjoy the fruits of his well earned independence, and long
may he continue equally respected on both sides of the Atlantic.
The Governor sat down amid prolonged cheering.
Lord Granville then rose again, and stated that he had obtained
permission to say a few words more, and that he should make the
opportunity available for proposing a toast, the propriety of which all

200
would recognize, and which he was assured would be welcomed with
unequalled enthusiasm. His Lordship concluded a very truthful and
graceful tribute to Mr. Peabody, by alluding to the prominent and
distinguished part which that gentleman had taken in advancing the
interests of the Exhibition, and to the still more prominent position
which he had achieved for himself by his unwearied efforts to promote
the happiness of Americans in this country, and to foster a kind and
brotherly feeling between Englishraen and Araericans. His Lordship
also alluded particularly to the regret which he had experienced at
having been unable to attend the superb fete given by Mr. Peabody on
the last anniversary of Araerican Independence, and characterized that
fete as raarking an auspicious epoch in the history of international
feeling as between England and America. In conclusion, he proposed
" The health of Mr. Peabody."
After the prolonged and reiterated cheering with which this senti
ment was received had subsided, Mr. Peabody rose and said :
My Lord and Gentlemen, — I may most sincerely assure you, that
my feeling, at the prtesent moment, is one of profound humility.
Gratifying as is this spontaneous expression of your approbation and
regard, and grateful as I am to the noble Lord, and to you all, for your
undeserved kindness, I feel sensible of my entire inability to convey to
you, in suitable language, the acknowledgments which 1 would wish to
make ; and I feel this humility and ray inability the more strongly,
5ifter listening to the eloquent speeches which have been made this
evening. Gentlemen, — I have lived a great many years in this country without
weakening my attachment to my own land, but at the same time too
long not to respect and honor the institutions and people of Great Brit
ain ; it has, therefore, been my constant desire, while showing such
attentions as were in my power to my own countrymen, to promote, to
the very utmost, kind and brotherly feelings between Englishmen and
Americans. (Cheers.)
The origin of this meeting was my desire to pay respect to those of
my countrymen who had been connected with the Great Exhibition of
1851, and to jiay a parting tribute to their skill, ingenuity, and origi
nality, before their departure to the United States ; and I cannot but
feel that I have been extremely fortunate in bringing together so large
a number of our countrymen on the occasion. You will understand,
also, that I feel extreme gratification at the presence of our kind-
hearted Minister, and of those English Gentlemen whose social and
official rank, no less than their connection either with our country, or
with the Exhibition, renders them fitting representatives of national
feeling, and entitles them to our respect, and to my most grateful ac
knowledgments. (Hear.)
The importance of maintaining kindly feelings between the people
of our respective countries, has been the principal theme of the elo
quent speeches which we have heard this evening, and particularly that
of Sir Henry Lytton Bulwer ; but although, in some measure, a
repetition of what has been so much better said by him, I cannot for-

201
bear making a few remarks on the same subject. There has recently
been much excitement in America in reference to the maintenance of
the Union of the States ; an e.xcite ment that has placed the Union on a
firmer basis than ever. I have felt, that, important to us as is that bond
of union, there is another, which is no less important to the whole civ
ilized world ; I refer to the moral and friendly union between Great
Britain and the United States. (Loud cheers.) May both these unions
still continue and gather strength with their gathering years.
Gentlemen, — Many of you, whom I see here to-night, will soon be
on the ocean, homeward bound, and there are many whom I may not
again have the pleasure of raeeting before their departure ; but if I do
not meet you all again on this side of the Atlantic, I trust that I may
do so at sorae future day on the other side. After such gratifying
proofs of your friendly feeling towards me, I am persuaded that your
kindness will induce you to give rae in your native land a warmer, but
not more sincere, welcome, than it has been in my power to give to
you here. I conclude by again offering you my warmest thanks.
This speech was received with inexpressible cordiality ; and at its
close, the company rose and greeted Mr. Peabody with " three times
three" cheers and " one more," with a heartiness not to be surpassed.

The superb fete referred to in the speech of Lord Granville is thus
described in the London Illustrated News, which has a fine engraving
of the Hall at Almack's, where the entertainment took place, with the
decorations, &c. : —
Grand Entertainment to the American Minister — A superb
entertainment was given by Mr. George Peabody, the erainent Ameri
can merchant, to many hundreds of his countrymen and our own, at
Willis's Rooms, " to meet the American Minister and Mrs. Lawrence,"
on Friday, July 4th, the anniversary of American Independence.
Mr. Peabody selected this anniversary for this immense gathering of
Englishmen and Americans, for the avowed purpose of showing that
all hostile feeling in regard to the occurrences which it calls to mind
has ceased to have any place in the breasts of the citizens of either of
the two great Anglo-Saxon nations, and that there is no longer anything
to prevent them from meeting together on that day, or on any other
occasion, in perfect harmony and brotherhood.
The superb suite of " Almack's" rooms gave ample space for the
guests. The walls were richly festooned with white drapery, entwined
by wreaths of flowers, interspersed at intervals with the flags of Eng
land and America blended and interchanged.
At one end and the other of the spacious ball-room, were placed por
traits of Queen Victoria and the illustrious Washington, each canopied
with the combined flags of the two countries ; and in various parts of
the rooms were placed busts of her Majesty, the Prince Consort, Wash
ington, Franklin, and other distinguished persons of either country.
The superb chandeliers were decorated with flowers to the number of,
26 z

202
many hundreds ; and each lady was presented, on her entrance to the
room, with a choice bouquet.
The guests began to arrive about nine o'clock, and by half-past nine
the seats appropriated for the auditory of the concert (with which the
entertainment commenced) were entirely filled. The concert itself
was of a high order ; and when we narae Catherine Hayes, Cruvelli,
Lablache, and Gardoni as the performers, it is almost needless to add
that it passed off most brilliantly. After the concert, the seats were
removed, and the spacious ball-room was cleared for the dancers, who
commenced dancing at about eleven o'clock. Up to this hour, the
guests had continued to arrive. At about half-past eleven, the Duke of
Wellington arrived, and -was met in the reception-room by Mr. Pea
body, who conducted his Grace through the ball-room to the dais,
where he was welcomed by the American Minister. .The band played
the accustomed recognition of " See, the Conquering Hero comes."
But the enthusiasm did not reach its height, until " the Duke," with
Mr. Peabody and the American Minister on either side of him, took his
seat in the centre of the dais, and directly under the portrait of Wash
ington, when the assembly gave a prolonged burst of cheering. After
this had subsided, dancing recommenced, and continued- until a very
late hour, interrupted only-by the intervention of an ele'gstit supper.
The Duke of Wellington remained until past midnight ; and many
other of the more distinguished visitors remained until the breaking up
of the party.
The whole of the ground-floor of Willis's Rooms was devoted to the
arrangements for supper ; and these rooms, like those above, were
decorated with flowers, flags, busts, and various other graceful and ar
tistic objects.
It is but an act of justice to mention that the perfection of all the ar
rangements is attributable solely to Mr. Mitchell, of Old Bond Street ;
that gentleman having received a carte blanche from Mr. Peabody,
availed himself of such unrestricted license to furnish an entertainment
so complete in its details and magnificent in its ensemble as rarely to
have'been equalled.

We close this notice of our distinguished Townsman with an extract
from the Boston Post, of Sept. 19, 1851, furnished to that paper by its
intelligent correspondent in London : —
It seems that two towns in Massachusetts contend for the honor of
the nativity of George Peabody, the eminent London merchant. They
may well do it. Danvers, with its old historic memories ; Salem, with
its long line of di-stinguished men in the professions and in trade ; even
Essex County itself, full of the kernel of personal merit and renown in
her citizens for two hundred years, have occasion to boast no accidental
honor that is greater than that of having produced a man whose real
goodness and greatness of heart are surpassed only by the modesty of
his manners and the instructive quiet of his private life. It is rare in
our own country, that, without advantages of birth, or inheritance, or
education, or public place, a simple minded, unobtrusive, straight

203
forward man, becomes, by the few means that commercial life gives,
preeminent among his peers ; and it is rarer still, that in another coun
try, and that country famous for individual wealth, a man like this,
among the merchant princes of that country's metropolis, should rise
to distinction. When such a case does occur, there is no reason why
it should be concealed. That man's character which is elevated by
means of pure personal merit, becomes, by the strongest title, the
property of the rising generation of his country, for their model and
example. And such a man is Mr. George Peabody.
Mr. Peabody has been a resident of London for many years. His
business would be called that of banking in the United States ; but in
Great Britain, where trade divides into raore minute ramifications, and
every branch of it is classified, he is called a merchant, as are also
Baring Bros. & Co., the Rothschilds, and other distinguished houses.
The difference is simply that while these firms loan money, buy stocks,
exchange, drafts, hold deposits, &c., they do not themselves pay out
money, like the houses of Goates, and others, who are strictly bankers.
You may always find hira at his business during the hours (devoted to
it in London. He knows no such thing as relaxation from it. At lOJ
o'clock, every morning, you may notice him coming out from the Club
Chambers, where he keeps bachelor's hall, taking a seat in the passing
omnibus, and riding some three miles to his office in Wanford Court, a
dingy alley in Throgmorton Street ; and in that office, or near by, dajr
after day, year in and out, you may be sure to find him, always cheer
ful, always busy, following the apostolic direction to the very letter,
" study to be quiet and do your own business."
In personal appearance Mr. Peabody looks raore a professional than'
a business man. He is some six feet tall, erect, with a florid com
plexion, and a fine bold forehead. He may be past fifty years in age,
though his appearance does not indicate it. He is ready, intelligent
in no ordinary degree, copious in power of expressing his views, and
truly sincere in everything which he does and says. In commercial
phrase, he is preeminently a reliable man, showing neither to friends
or enemies, under any circumstances, any phase of character which
will not be found stable in every event.
To his country, to her interests, her reputation, her honor and credit,
it has been his pride ever to be true. A more thorough American, in
heart, and soul, and sympathy, does not live. If he is known by any
one characteristic above all others, it is this. While others have been
flattered into lukewarmness towards our free institutions by the atten
tions of the aristocracy of the mother country, or, in the desire to gain
the applause of the great, have acquiesced in those disparaging opin
ions which are comraon towards the United States among the advocates
of monarchy, Mr. Peabody has always stood firm. In the peril of
credit to state bonds, his opinion, frankly expressed upon 'change, and
as freely acted upon in his counting-room, was better than bullion in
the treasury. In the negotiation of state loans, when American securi
ties were blown upon in the market, his aid became an endorsement
indubitable in its security to the buyer. In the advancement of Amer
ican interest, his energy never flags. When our ocean steamers, now
the pride of every sojourner from the states in Europe, needed encour-

204
agement in their enterprise, his capital was ready for the emergency.
Maryland, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Georgia, Delaware, each in its
turn, was indebted to his sagacity. When the products of American
industry, unprovided for by any congressional appropriation, were
jeopardized for lack of funds to carry out the purposes of the contrib
utors, he was the one to step forward and advance the necessary loan.
Perhaps in no former instance has Mr. Peabody's love of country been
exhibited in stronger relief. Every other nation had made provision
for the expenses of its contributors. While the first opinion, of the
English public placed the productions of the United States in the rear
of all others, he had the foresight to perceive that time only was need
ed to do us justice. He furnished the money, counselled courage,
urged energy, conciliated difficulties, and gave his whole influence
towards what he assured all his countrymen would be the result. The
event has proved that he was not mistaken, and to him more than to
any other man out of the crystal palace is il due, that the honor of re
ceiving the GREAT medal of the exhibition, not for mere handicraft, but
for the only introduction of a new principle into the useful arts, has
fallen upon the United States.
Few men in London, whose attention has been exclusively devoted
to commercial pursuits, have ever enjoyed a higher reputation than Mr.
Peabody. No other man could have assembled on the Fourth of July,
with the stars and stripes decorating the hall, the aristocracy of Great
Britain, to commemorate with Americans the birth-day of republican
institutions. Honor to hira who loves to honor his country I It is his
intention, ere long, to return to the United States and spend the rest of
his life. When he does so, while he will leave behind him an unsullied
reputation, better than gold, he will find in his own country a welcome
>which no common desert would gain.

THE HALBARD OF LIEUT. FRANCIS PABODY.
'The committee have received from C. M. Endicott, Esq., of Salem, whose
'historical and antiquarian researches are already well known to the public, the
following account of this interesting relic. It was communicated in reply to
their application for a drawing of it for an engraving, and will be found to
contain much curious information in relation to the rude instruments of war
fare used by our ancestors, and which are now wholly superseded by modern
inventions. .
Ifspace could be spared for the purpose, the committee would be glad to
extract largely from the Account of the Peabody Family by the same hand,
^but can only refer the reader to the Genealogical Register of 1848 and 1849,
where it may be found. From this account it appears, by authentic records,
•that the name had its origin as far back as the time of Nero, in the Blst year
¦of our era! •
.Fitch Poole, Esq., Salem, November 22, 1852.
My Dear Sir,— I send you a drawing of the " halbard" once borne by Lieut
¦Francis Pabody, who emigrated from St. Albans, England, to this country, in
1635,— the year in which so large a number of the friends of religious liberty,
by a simultaneous raovement, determined to seek a refuge from civil and ecclesi.
astical oppression on the bleak and inhospitable shores of New England, how
ever ' fiercely the wide ocean might open its mouth to swallow them, or with
"what terrors the wintry wilderness might threaten them.' This movement re-

205
suited. Before the close of that year, in tho emigration of some three thousand
persons, and among this great number was Francis Pabody of St. Albans, the
first American ancestor of Geo. Peabody, now of London, the liberal benefactor
to your town, and also of all others in America who spell the name in this man
ner. I have no doubt whatever ofthe authenticity of this ancient relic, having
in the course of my labors in ' digging out the roots, and following out the
branches ofthe old Peabody tree,' traced the possession of it, as an heirloom
in tlie family, directly from Lieut. Francis down through the descendants of
his fourth son Isaac to its present owner, Col. Francis Peabody, of this city.*
Our ancestors, when they left their native shores, brought away with them
all such weapons as were in most general use in England at that period ; and
among otliers was the halbard or halhert, which must have been a formidable
instrument when wielded by a skilful hand. It was in common use in the ar
my during the reign of Charles 1st, and consisted of a staff" about five feet long,
with a steel head partly in the form of a crescent. The -n'ord, according to
Vossius, is derived from the German hallebaert, signifying an axe. It is said to
have been first introduced into Scotland by the Danes, and carried by them
upon the left shoulder ; from whence it found its way into England, and finally
into France during the reign of Louis llth. The halbard, however, of the
Danes was no doubt very different from the representation in the accompany
ing plate. From the period when first introduced by them to the time of Hen
ry Sth, and Louis llth, it no doubt underwent many changes. The present
crescent form is said to have been first introduced by Henry 2d of France, in
compliment to Dianne of Poictiers, who chose the crescent for her device.
In connection with the halbard it may not be amiss to speak of other imple
ments of war used during the 17th century. A foot soldier, at the time our
ancestors left England, was equipped with a clumsy arquebuss, or match-lock mus
ket, supported on a forked staff, to enable him to point it at an enemy ; his body
hung round with bandiliers, or little cylindrical wooden boxes, covered with leath
er, each containing one charge of powder for a musket. Twelve of these were
suspended to a belt worn over the left shoulder ; and at the bottom ofthe belt,
at the right hip, were hung the bullet bag and priming box ; he was likewise
encumbered with the match-line lighted at both ends ; and also begirt with a
long sword. The sergeants of foot and artillery carried halbards. The mus
ket-rests, after being used for upwards of a century in England, were finally
laid aside during the civil wars which preceded the Protectorate. The long
fowling-pieces, with " bastard musket bore," of five and half feet length, were
also used at that period, and were sent over to this country by the advice of
Endicott, who was a military man, immediately upon his arrival here, as ap
pears by his letter to the company of 13th September, 1628. Pikes and half
pikes were also used in this country at that time ; but the English long-bow
does not appear to have been introduced here by our ancestors, although used
in the artillery companies in England as late as 1643; and the exact time it
was dispensed with cannot be accurately ascertained.
The dress of a common soldier, in 1630, consisted oi Monmouth caps, stiff
ruffs of Q,ueen Elizabeth's time, called bands,— round-a-bout coats, reaching a
httle below the hips, and small clothes, gartered at the knee, and fastened in
* I ieut Francis Pabody at his death lefl his homestead, with all the goods and chattels
it contained, lo his fourth son Isaac, and among them -B-as this halbard. Isaac's son Isaac
inherited the same after him. The last Isaac ne\er married, and at his^ death his effects
were divided among his brothers and sisters, and this halbard fell to his brother Matthew s
Dorlion From Matthew il descended lo his son John, and from John agam lo his son John ;
from the latter il descended to his son Joel R. Peabody, of Topsfield, of whom it was ob
tained by its present owner, who is also a descendant of Isaac. A wooden leg said by
tradition to have belonged to the first Isaac, was also handed down m the fainily ol IMatthew
with this halbard, until tho generation preceding Joel, when by some means the leg was lost.
This tradition I have since found to be confirmed by the following clause in his father s will :
" And Ihis I would have noted, that I have left the more to my son haak, in consideration ot
the providence of God dismabling him by the loss of one of his legs."

206
n large bow, or rosette, on one side ; they also wore girdles, which performed
the office of our modern suspenders. Over this dress, in cold weather, waa
sometimes thrown a loose sack, lined with cotton, and called mandilions, which
covered the whole body, and was usually worn without sleeves. This gar
ment, raentioned araong the articles to be sent over to New England 16th
March, 1629, is thus described in the History of British Costurae, p. 267 :
'* Thus pm he on his arming truss, fair shoes upon his feet,
About him a mandilion. that did with buttons meet,
or purple, large and full nf folds, curl'd with a warmful nap,
A garment ihat 'gainst cold in nights, did soldiers use to wrap."
A kind of arraor called corsletls, which consisted of back and breast pieces, —
tasses for the thighs, — gorgels for the neck, — and head pieces were also used
by our" ancestors in New England in their first encounters with the Indians ;
but such arraor, in England, was alraost exclusively worn by the cavalry. The
musketeer scarcely wore any other armor than morians to defend the legs.
The introduction and use of artificial weapons is a very curious and at
tractive study ; and were the subject in place here, which may be doubted, it
would be impossible to do it justice in a short article like the present. Suffice
it therefore to say, when flrst used they were supposed to be made of wood,
and eraployed only against wild beasts. Arras of stone, and brass were next
introduced, and these finally gave place to those of iron and steel. Bellus, the
son of Nimrod, is imagined to have been the first to engage in wars with his
kind, and used arms in battle ; hence the appellation bellum. Josephus informs
us that the patriarch Joseph first taught the use of arms in the Egyptian armies.
The success ofthe Romans, in making themselves masters of the world, was
supposed in a great measure to be owing to the superiority of their arms.
When they first visited Britain the principal warlike weapons found among the
aborigines were the dart, or javelin, — short spear with a ball at the end filled
with brass, to the upper end of which was fixed a thong, that when used as a
missile weapon it might be recovered and again used in a close encounter ; — •
long and broad swords without points, designed only for cutting, and were
swung by a chain over the left shoulder, — occasionally a short dirk fixed in
the girdle, — scythes, which were sometimes fastened to their chariot wheels.
The Saxons, previously to their arrival in Britain, beside the buckler and dag
ger, used a sword bent in the form of a scythe, which their descendants soon
changed for one that was long, straight and broad, double edged and pointed.
Beside these the Saxon arms consisted of spears, axes and clubs. They fought
with their swords and shields, similar to the Roman gladiators. Some altera
tion in the national arms of Great Britain took place on the arrival of the
Danes ; they appear to have brought the battle axo into more general use.
The arms of the Norman foot soldiery at the time of the conquest were a
spear, or a bow and arrow, or a sling, with a sword. From this time to the
reign of Edward 2nd, the military weapons were but little altered. About tliis
time we date the introduction of the English cross-bow, which rendered that
nation, in one instance, superior to all the world. A great revolution took
place in railitary weapons upon the discovery of gunpowder. The exact tirae
gunpowder and fire arras were first used in war by the British nation is diffi
cult to be discovered. Fire arms of a portable construction were certainly not
invented till the beginning of the 16th century. In 1521 the musket mounted
on a stock was used in the siege of Parma, and probably soon adopted in
England. From this period to the time our ancestors left their native country,
improvements in fire arms appear to have been very slow and gradual, and we
have seen what clumsy instruments they were at that period. But it is time
to close this very imperfect article. It is a common failing with all antiqua
rians to be both prolix and tedious, when they get a fair subject to operate upon.
Hoping you will, however, exercise towards me a charity which endureth,
I subscribe myself, yours, very truly, C. M. ENDICOTT

THE HALBARD.

INDEX.

Mr. Proctor's Address,
Specification of topics discussed, - - '
Danvers, a Poem, by Dr. Nichols,
Apostrophe to Danvers,
Description of Danvers as it is,
Danvers before its settlement by Europeans,
The Pilgrims, their cause and motives.
Their arrival and settlement,
A sketch of our Puritan ancestors.
Their occupations, &c..
Sketches of life in Danvers 100 years ago,
The Eppes Family,
Village Church, Worship, Pastor, and People,
Raisings, - - - .
Huskings, - . • .
Spinning Bees,
Biographical Sketches,
Fathers of Danvers-port,
George Peabody, of London,
Daniel P. King, - - -
Danvers next Century, . . -
Order of Arrangement of Procession,
Order of Exercises at the Church,
Remarks at the table, by Rev. M. P. Braman,
" by his Excellency Gov. Boutwell,
" by Mr. W. C. Endicott, of Salem,
" by Hen. C. W. Upham, of Salem,
" by Mr. A. Putnam, of Roxbury,
" by Hon. J. G. Palfrey, of Cambridge,
" by Mr. A. A. Abbott, of Danvers,
« by Mr. G. G. Smith, of Boston,
Letter from George Peabody, Esq., of London, -
Remarks by Mr. J. W. Proctor,
« by Mr. P. R. Southwick, of Boston,
" by Hon. Judge White,
" by Hon. R. S. Daniels,

pages 4 to 57

58

59

59

61

62

63

64

65

69

72

73

76

78

79

80

81 to 94

94

95

96

96

97 to 112

112 to 114

115 to 119

119 to 121

121 to 124

124 to 126

126 to 130

130 to 133

132 to 136

136 to 140

141 to 143

143 to 144

144 to 146

146 to 148

148 to 150

208
Remarks by Hon. A. Walker, of Boston, pages 150 to 151
" by Rev. Mr. Thayer, of Beverly, - - 151 to 154
" by Rev. Mr. Stone, of Providence, - 154 to 159
by Mr. W. D. Northend, of Salem, - 160 to 161
" by Rev. C. C. Sewall, of Medfield, - 161 to 164
by Rev. J. W. Putnam, of Middleborough, 165 to 167
" by Rev. J. B. Felt, of Boston, - 167 to 171
by Mr. S. P. Fowler, of Danvers, - - 171 to 172
" by Hon. L. Eaton, of South Reading, 172
" by Mr. J. Webster, of New Market, 173 to 176
" by Rev. F.V. Appleton, of Danvers, - 176 to 177
" by Dr, E. Hunt, of Danvers, 177 to 178
Letter of Hon. R. C. Winthrop, - . - 178 to 179
" of Hon. J. H. Duncan, - 179
" of Rev. T. P. Field, 179 fo 180
" of Hon. R. Choate, - 180
" of Hon. R. Rantoul, Jr., - - 180 to 181
" of Hon. Daniel Webster, - 181
" of Hon. James Savage, - - 182
" of Hon. Edward Everett, . - . 182
Giles Corey's Dream, - - 183 to 185
A Visit from Parson Parris, - - - 185 to 186
Original Songs and Hymns, . 186 to 188
Exercises at the School Pavilion, ... 188 to 190
Action ofthe Town on the Peabody Donation, 191 to 192
Notice of Mr. Peabody, - . - 193 to 204
Halbard of Lieut. Francis Pabody, - - - 204 to 206

YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY