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Groton Monument Association. 
 
 CELEBRATION 
 
 OF THE ONE HUNDRED AND TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 
 
 BATTLE OF GROTON HEIGHTS. 
 
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Groton Monument Association. 
 
 CELEBRATION 
 
 OF THE ONE HUNDRED AND TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 
 
 BATTLE OF GROTON HEIGHTS. 
 
 FIRST DECENNIAL COMMEMORATION 
 SECOND CENTURY. 
 
 ^jj3i^«^5^ 
 
 NEW LONDON, CONN. 
 
 MOKNING TELEGRAPH PRESS. 
 
 1891. 
 

 18©0-^©1. 
 OFFICERS OF THE ASSOCIATION. 
 
 PRESIDENT. 
 Erasmus D. A very. 
 
 VICE PEESIDENTS. 
 Frederick Bill, William H. Allen, 
 
 Thomas A. Miner, Nelson H. Burrows, 
 
 Thomas F. Morgan, Lorenzo D. Baker, 
 
 Henry Bill, Elisha A. Hewitt, 
 
 John T. Wait, Ida S. Baker, 
 
 Robert A. Gray, Clara B. Whitman, 
 
 Henry Larrabee. 
 
 SECRETARY, pro tern, AND TREASURER. 
 Philo Little. 
 
 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 
 Benjamin Stark, Chairman. 
 Frederick Bill, Lorenzo D. Baker, 
 
 Christopher L. Avery, Nathan S. Fish. 
 
V. ( 
 
Prefatory Note. 
 
 The Battle of Groton Heights, fought September 6, 1781, 
 on a commanding hill upon the left or eastern bank of the 
 Thames River, opposite the town of New London (which at 
 that hour was wrapped in flames from Arnold's torches ) was 
 a memorable and momentous action, second only to Bunker 
 Hill, perhaps, in its decisive consequences. 
 
 Its immediate result, like that of Bunker Hill, was defeat 
 for the patriots upon the actual field. Yet, as the defeat 
 suffered by Putnam and Prescott, on those Charleston heights 
 across the water from Boston, was accounted a virtual victory 
 in its effect upon the British troops and the ensuing cam- 
 paign, so the reverse endured by Colonel Ledyard on Groton 
 Heights — with the sacrifice of his own life and the hves of so 
 many among his intrej)id, unconquerable followers — became 
 practically a triumph over the enemy. It stopped Benedict 
 Arnold's inroad upon Connecticut, led to his withdrawal, and 
 foiled Clinton's plans. 
 
 Thus the gallant opposition of the Americans at Bunker's 
 ( or Breed's ) Hill, ending with retreat, in the beginning of the 
 Revolution, was fitly supplemented by their fellow American 
 volunteers of Connecticut, toward the end of the war, in that 
 brave stand made within Fort Griswold at Groton, which 
 ended in devoted massacre. The scenes of these two battles 
 form harmonious pendants in the broad gallery of thought 
 wherein our national memory cherishes pictures of the mar- 
 tial and self-sacrificing deeds done by our sires. 
 
 In course of time the anniversary of this heroic struggle 
 
came to be observed with patriotic and commemorative cere- 
 monies every year. On one of these occasions, in 1879, the 
 Groton Monument Association, which had received custodian- 
 ship of the granite shaft erected in honor of the martyrs, near 
 the old fort, appointed a committee to " make arrangements 
 for the One Hundredth Anniversary " of the battle ; namely, 
 in 1881. An account of the work done by this committee, 
 and by the large number of ladies and gentlemen who were 
 called to aid it, may be found in the substantial and interest- 
 ing volume on the Battle of Groton Heights compiled by 
 William W. Harris, revised, enlarged with notes and published 
 by Charles Allyn (New London, 1882). That work, also, 
 chronicles the superb success which crowned the labors of the 
 Centennial Committee. Liberal sums were appropriated for 
 their use, by Congress and the Legislature of Connecticut ; a 
 number of United States war-ships assisted in the celebration ; 
 and the National Guard of Connecticut took part with veterans 
 of the Union Army, in a brilliant and realistic sham fight 
 which reproduced the manoeuvres of the Americans and 
 British with historical accuracy. Manj'- thousands of citizens 
 gathered from all quarters to watch this imposing spectacle, 
 and to listen to the oration, poems aud addresses which were 
 delivered in a great tent spread on the hill-top. 
 
 Believing with George Bancroft that the courage and love 
 of country shown by Ledyard and his comrades " should be 
 celebrated not only at the end of a century, but of a thousand 
 years," yet realizing, perhaps, that enthusiasm, like powder, 
 should be stored for use at the most effective moment — the 
 Monument Association wisely resolved, in the year of this 
 great celebration, that the day should be commemorated here- 
 after, not annually, but once in ten years. 
 
 The first decennial celebration, therefore, took place in 1891. 
 
The writer of this Prefatory Note, having been asked 
 to arrange for pubHcation the records of the First Decennial 
 Celebration in the Second Century, submits them herewith to 
 those whose patriotism, sincere though undemonstrative, may 
 prompt them to keep such mementoes and to continue, in 
 coming times, the tribute due to our Revolutionary heroes. 
 GEORGE PARSONS LATHROP. 
 
 New London, October, 1891. 
 
FIRST DECENNIAL COMMEMORATION 
 
 In the Second Century since the Battle of Groton 
 
 Heights. 
 
 [One Hundred and Tenth Anniversary, Celebrated Sept. 8, 1891.] 
 
 In 1889, a Special Committee of the Groton Monument 
 Association was appointed to report at the next Annual Meeting 
 " a plan for a suitable commemoration of the Battle of Groton 
 Heights, on the 6th of September, 1891. " 
 
 In 1890 the Special Committee, thus empowered, made by 
 its chairman, Benjamin Stark, the following report : 
 
 " Resolved, that the Groton Monument Association, incor- 
 porated by the Commonwealth of Connecticut, and charged with 
 the care and preservation of the Monument erected by the State 
 on Groton Heights in memory of the noble men who were killed 
 in Fort Griswold on the 6th of September, 1781— and by all 
 appropriate means to perpetuate the memory of their heroic 
 sacrifices — will, at the next annual meeting of the Association, 
 on the 6th of September, 1891, commemorate with public exer- 
 cises the First Decennial Anniversary in the Second Century of that 
 immortal day in the annals of Connecticut ; a day of such mo- 
 mentous consequences in the struggle of the United Colonies for 
 Liberty and Independence. 
 
 "Resolved, that Benjamin Stark, John T. Wait and Nathan 
 S. Fish be and they are hereby appointed a Committee to 
 prepare and present to the next General Assembly of the State 
 a memorial requesting said General Assembly to appropriate 
 
 $_ to aid in defraying the expenses incurred by the 
 
 Association in the commemoration of said First Decennial Anni- 
 versary, and to invite the Governor, escorted by the Governor's 
 Guards, to be present on said day and review such portion of 
 the State National Guard as may deem it expedient to assemble 
 under arms, to participate in the services of the day. " 
 

" Resolved, that Christopher L. Avery, Frederic Bill, Nathan 
 S. Fish and E. A. Hewitt of the town of Groton ; George F. 
 Tinker, William Belcher, Philip C. Dunford and Walter Learned 
 of the town of New London ; John T. Wait, Solomon Lucas, Henry- 
 Bill and Gardiner Greene, Jr., of the town of Norwich; Rich- 
 ard A. Wheeler and Ephraim Williams of the town of Stoning- 
 ton ; John Brewster of the town of Ledyard ; James Allyn of 
 the town of Waterford ; and Charles S. Johnson of the town of 
 Montville be and they are hereby invited and authorized in be- 
 half of the Association to act as a General Committee to carry 
 out the purposes set forth in the foregoing Resolutions. 
 
 '"And that the President of the Association, Erasmus D, 
 Avery, be made and he is hereby appointed Chairman of said 
 Committee. 
 
 " And as said public exercises in commemoration of said 
 Anniversary are, in contemplation of said resolution, to occur 
 hereafter but once in ten years, that said Committee be request- 
 ed to make this Decennial Commemoration, to the best of their 
 ability and the pecuniary means placed at their dis]30sal, worthy 
 of its patriotic and hallowed associations." 
 
 The report was adopted; and the General Committee was 
 authorized to fill any vacancies that might occur in said Com- 
 mittee by death, resignation or declination to serve thereon, and 
 in its discretion, by a majority of all the members thereof, from 
 time to time, to add to its numbers. 
 
 In 1891, on the 22d of July, the General Committee met in 
 the Council Chamber of the City Hall in the City of New Lon- 
 don, and organized by the appointment of Benjamin Stark as 
 Chairman of the Committee, in place of Erasmus D. Avery, who 
 by reason of his age and infirmity declined to serve. Philo Little 
 of Groton was elected Secretary of the Committee. 
 
 Walter Learned, George F. Tinker and Solomon Lucas were 
 appointed a committee on Literary Exercises. 
 
 On the 22d of July, pursuant to adjournment, the commit- 
 tee met and completed its organization by the appointment of 
 the following committees : 
 
On Invitation and Reception. 
 Walter Learned, N. S. Fish, James Allyn, Richard A.Wheeler 
 and Charles S. Johnson. 
 
 On Finance. 
 Frederic Bill, William Belcher and Gardiner Greene, Jr, 
 
 Ok Gkounds. 
 Nathan S. Fish, E. A. Hewitt and Ephraim Williams. 
 
 On Transportation. 
 
 Philip C. Dunford, John Brewster and E. A. Hewitt. 
 
 Again, on the 26th of August, the committee met, pursuant 
 to adjournment. It then received and adopted the reports of the 
 several committes, and approved the final arrangements planned 
 for the public exercises, as embodied in an " Order of Exercises" 
 prepared by the chairman of the general committee. 
 
 Unfortunately, the disputed election of 1890, for Governor 
 and other executive officers of the commonwealth, and the 
 " deadlock" which ensued between the Senate and the House of 
 Representatives of the Connecticut Legislature of 1891, made it 
 impossible to apply for that appropriation from the State, which 
 the general committee had originally hoped to obtain. The 
 funds needed for carrying out a proper observance of the day 
 were, therefore, raised by contribution from a small number of 
 friends of the cause. The amount of money at the disposal of 
 the committee was inevitably somewhat limited, notwithstand- 
 ing the cordial and generous co-operation of these friends. But, 
 as the event proved, their support was rewarded by a dignified, 
 picturesque and enthusiastic celebration, of the sort which it so 
 well deserved. 
 
 The commandant of Fort Trumbull, also, by lending a 
 company of regulars of the United States Artillery, and the 
 senior officer of the North Atlantic Squadron anchored in the 
 harbor — who sent ashore a company of marines and three hun- 
 dred blue jackets equipped as infantry, to take part in the cere- 
 monies and parade — added to the occasion, through their cour- 
 tesy, its finest element of display. 
 
9 
 
 The 6th of September falling, this year, on Sunday, it was 
 resolved by the committee to hold the appointed exercises on 
 the following day. In consequence of heavy rain on Monday, 
 however, the proceedings were postponed until the next morn- 
 ing. Owing to this unavoidable change, the New London bat- 
 talion of the National Guard, which was to have paraded on 
 Monda}!^ (a legal holiday), could not be mustered to join in the 
 celebration. 
 
 The exercises occurred at 11 A. M. on Tuesday, September 
 8th, according to the programme which is printed below : 
 
 Order of Exercises. 
 
 Dirge, Third Regiment Band, C. N. G. 
 
 Invocation, Rev. N. T. Allen, Chaplain Third Regiment, 
 C. N. G. 
 
 National Air, Third Regiment Band, C. N. G. 
 
 Address, Rev. A. J. McLeod, Pastor Groton Congregational 
 Church. 
 
 National Air, Third Regiment Band, C. N. G. 
 
 Poem, Mrs. Rose Hawthorne Lathrop, read by George 
 Parsons Lathrop, Esq. 
 
 Anthem — America, led by Groton Choir. 
 
 1 My country ! 'tis of thee, 
 Sweet land of liberty, 
 
 Of thee we sing : 
 Land where my fathers died ! 
 Land of the Pilgrims' pride ! 
 From every mountain side 
 
 Let freedom ring ! 
 
 2 My native country, thee — 
 Land of the noble free — 
 
 Thy name — I love ; 
 I love thy rocks and rills, 
 Thy woods and templed hills ; 
 My heart with rapture thrills 
 
 Like that above. 
 
 3 Let music swell the breeze, 
 And ring from all the trees 
 
 Sweet freedom's song : 
 Let mortal tongues awake ; 
 Let all that breathe partake ; 
 Let rocks their silence break, — 
 
 The sound prolong. 
 
10 
 
 4 Our fathers' God ! to thee, 
 Author of liberty, 
 
 To thee we sing : 
 Long may our land be bright 
 With freedom's holy light ; 
 Protect us by thy might, 
 
 Great God, our King ! 
 
 Auld Lang Syne, Third Regiment Band, C. N. G. 
 
 Benediction, Rev. Wm. L. Peck, Episcopal Church, Groton. 
 
 The subjoined description of the events of the day is re- 
 printed from the New London Morning Telegraph of Wednesday, 
 September 9, 1891 : 
 
 TBffi ONE HUNDRED AND TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GROTON 
 
 MASSACRE. 
 
 A more agreeable day than dawned on the public yesterday 
 could not have been desired for the Groton commemorative 
 exercises. Had Monday been as well favored by nature, there 
 would have been a thousand people where there were a hundred 
 yesterday, and the military display would have been of a more 
 imposing character. But as it was, the projectors of the exer- 
 cises have no reason to complain. The programme was carried 
 out on the first lines, and everything passed off most happily 
 and most successfully. The attendance was larger than was ex- 
 pected for a working day, and many came a great distance to be 
 present at the exercises. It was, of course, Groton 's day, and the 
 population of the town were out doors where they could best 
 witness what was going on. Aside from the exercises there was 
 the novelty of seeing several companies of blue-jackets in line — 
 a rare spectacle even in this seaport town of naval distinction. 
 
 The military bodies participating were the battery from 
 Fort Trumbull, under command of Lieut. Catlin, a company of 
 marines from the U. S. S. Philadelphia, and five companies of 
 blue-jackets from the three warships, the Philadelphia, Petrel 
 and Enterprise, all under command of Lieut. J. C. Fremont, of 
 the Philadelphia; the officers of the New London Naval Sta- 
 tion ; veterans of W. W. Perkins Post, Col. W. H. Bentley in 
 command ; and members of the Loyal Legion, 0, U. A. M., 
 George W. Randall, captain. Could the celebration have taken 
 
11 
 
 place Monday, to this military contingent would have been 
 added the companies of the local battalion of the Third Regi- 
 ment, C. N. G., and uniformed civic societies. The music was 
 by the Third Regiment band, E. A. Colby, leader, and the Ma- 
 rine band of the Philadelphia, G. Savasta, leader. 
 
 Col. George Haven, of the Third, was chief marshal, with 
 Lieut. W. E. Pendleton as aid. 
 
 The marines and blue-jackets landed in Groton from their 
 large barge in tow of launches, and the military from this side of 
 the river crossed on the 10. 30 trip of the Uncas. Immediately 
 on arrival in Groton the line for parade was formed on Thames 
 street in the following order : 
 
 Third Regiment Band; Battery L, Second Artillery, Fort 
 Trumbull ; Band of U. S. S. Philadelphia ; Company of Ma- 
 rines; Three Hundred Blue-jackets; Perkins Post, G. A. R.; 
 Fort Griswold Commandery, L. L., 0. U. A. M. : Hon. Benjam- 
 in Stark, chairman executive committee, Rev. A. J. McLeod, 
 orator of the day; Commodore Fyffe and Paymaster Martin of 
 the New London Naval Station, Commander Pigman, Lieut. 
 McKenzie and naval staff in carriages. 
 
 The route was down Thames to Broad, up Broad to Monu- 
 ment, to the fort. The preparation for the exercises within the 
 fort consisted of the erection of a canvas-covered, flag-draped 
 platform and the placing of seats in front of the audience. A 
 large number of spectators had already secured seats of advan- 
 tage from which to witness the exercises. 
 
 On the platform were seated Benjamin Stark, the chairman of 
 the executive committee, who was to preside over the exercises ; 
 Rev. A. J. McLeod, who was to deliver the oration; George 
 Parsons Lathrop and Mrs. Lathrop, the former to read the poem 
 written by Mrs. Lathrop ; Rev. N. T. Allen, who was to deliver 
 the invocation ; Rev. William L. Peck, who was to give expres- 
 sion to the benediction at the close of the exercises ; Frederick 
 Bill, the president of the association, who was elected the day 
 previous to succeed E. D. Aver}^ resigned on account of ill 
 health ; Judge Richard A. Wheeler, of Stonington, who was 
 
12 
 
 president of the association ten years ago when the centenary- 
 celebration was held; K A. Gray, who succeeded Mr. 
 Wheeler as president ; Mayor George F. Tinker of New London ; 
 Deacon Chester, a native of and former resident of Groton, now 
 residing in Washington ; Asa Lathrop, 2d, Jonathan Trumbull, 
 of Norwich ; Elisha H. Palmer of Montville, Nathan S. Fish, 
 Philo Little, Commodore Fyffe and other naval officers, and sev- 
 eral ladies. 
 
 In front and facing the platform were several rows of seats 
 placed there for the benefit of the audience. On the sloping 
 sides of the fort, hundreds, either standing or seated, were in 
 convenient distance to observe all that was done and hear all 
 that was said. 
 
 When the exercises were about to open after the arrival of 
 the military, the scene presented inside the fort was one that 
 would interest any spectator. Drawn up in line at the rear of 
 the seats and facing the platform were the regulars from Fort 
 Trumbull. At their right was the Third Regiment band. Back 
 of the regulars was the company of marines from the U. S. ,S. 
 Philadelphia and the Marine band ; behind were the five com- 
 panies of blue-jackets, and on all sides were the spectators. It 
 was a scene that an artist would have delighted to portray. 
 
 THE EXERCISES AT THE FORT. 
 
 The exercises began a few minutes after 11 o'clock with a 
 dirge by the Third Regiment band, and when the music had 
 ceased Mr. Stark advanced to the front of the platform and said : 
 "On behalf of the Groton Monument Association, and in the ab- 
 sence of the president, the pleasant duty devolves upon me as 
 chairman of the executive committee, to extend a most cordial 
 welcome to those assembled to-day to do honor to the brave 
 men who laid down their lives on this hallowed spot in defense 
 of the liberties of America. They put their trust in God and 
 though slain they were not confounded. Their successors to the 
 latest generation, who shall enjoy the liberties which they helped 
 to achieve, may and ought to exclaim, * We will magnify Thee, 
 oh Lord, and exalt Tliy name forever, for the great things which 
 
'^\:&'>i-cCt^^uj, 
 
13 
 
 Thou didst for our fathers in their day and generation. ' It was 
 appropriate on this solemn occasion that the ceremonies should 
 begin by invoking His holy name. Rev. N. T. Allen, chaplain 
 of the Third regiment, commenced the exercises by reading 
 a portion of holy scripture and invoke the divine blessing. " 
 
 The veteran chaplain of the Third then advanced to the 
 edge of the platform, and asked that God might with kindliness 
 look upon the people here assembled. He read Scripture ex- 
 tracts that were appropriate to the commemorative exercises, and 
 then gave way to Mr. Stark, who introduced Rev. A. J. Mc- 
 Leod, the pastor of the Groton Congregational church, to whom 
 fell the duty of delivering the address. 
 
 In the course of Mr. Stark's introduction he said : " There 
 were eighty-five victims on that deplorable day, and of this 
 number sixty men and boys were from the town of Groton, 
 most of whom were members of the Groton Congregational 
 church. It is a felicitous circumstance on this occasion that the 
 address will be delivered by the present pastor of the ancient 
 church, whom I now introduce." 
 
 Rev. Mr. McLeod then read from manuscript his well- 
 prepared and most interesting address. 
 
 Oration Delivered by Rev. A. J. McLeod, 
 
 Mr. President and Fellow Citizens : 
 
 I am pleased to meet an assembly like this on this Decen- 
 nial day, convened for the purpose of keeping fresh in the mem- 
 ory one of the most remarkable events in our nation's history. 
 The day belongs not to a local issue, to a partial interest how- 
 ever sacred that issue or interest may be in itself The day, the 
 event, is national, and should be so considered, and when 
 celebrated so celebrated. The battle of Groton fleights com- 
 memorates one of the most important events in our revolution- 
 ary struggle, allied as it is so closely with Yorktown. But why 
 it may be asked, commemorate these acts of more than a hundred 
 years ago. I answer, for this reason : Our revolutionary 
 struggle not only marks the birth of this now mighty nation, 
 but it also marks an era in the ascendancy of the intellectual 
 over the physical in man. It marks the period when no lonjrer 
 
14 
 
 the tallest, but the wisest should govern. Our ancestors were 
 never vassals, they were English gentlemen, occupying high 
 social positions, persons of wealth and intelligence ; they were 
 the men who stood with the foremost men of every nation ; and 
 we must not look upon them as some of the English looked 
 upon them in the days of the Eevolutionary War, and now 
 would if they dare, as felons banished from their country, but 
 we must look upon them as English gentlemen. Had England 
 been wise and allowed Patrick Henry, or George Washington, 
 or any of that noble galaxy of men whose names are a house- 
 hold word, as they are enrolled on that inspiring document, the 
 Declaration of Independence, to represent the colonies in the 
 parliament of Great Britain, there would have been no revolu- 
 tion, and these states to-day would have been the richest 
 possession of the English crown. But our fathers were men of 
 renown and determination who fully appreciated their rights ; 
 for which they declared, for themselves and their posterity, that 
 where there is no represention there shall be no taxation. 
 Denied representation, they withheld taxation ; they asserted the 
 rights of freemen ; they announced the ultimate principles of 
 human rights, and thus inaugurated the grandest political era 
 in the annals of time. 
 
 The main interest of American history has naturally 
 enough accumulated around the crisis which formally divorced 
 us from the mother land. In the contemplation of this period 
 our attention is often diverted from the true date and origin of 
 American liberty. The Declaration of 1776 asserted our inde- 
 pendence, but did not by any means create it; neither the 
 sentiment in the minds of the states nor the reality in their 
 institutions. 
 
 Both the sentiments and the institutions of the country were as 
 essentially democratic two hundred years ago as they are to-day. 
 They were the natural outgrowth of the soil. Other sentiments 
 or institutions unfriendly to liberty could never gain foothold on 
 these shores. 
 
 In the first organization of their legislative assemblies, the 
 prophetic sense of the colonists resisted the encroachments of 
 
15 
 
 their rulers. For, said they, "the waves of the sea do not more 
 certainly waste the shore, than the minds of ambitious men are 
 led to invade the liberties of their brethren." And in justice to 
 them and in the spirit of their comparison, we may say that the 
 stern and rock-bound coast does not more surely repel the 
 advancing surge than the stern and sturdy souls of the Pilgrims 
 repelled the advances of civil usurpation. The causes which led 
 to our separation would hardly have been deemed sufficient had 
 not the people been ripe for independence. The stamp, act, 
 which the stern resistance of our fathers forced the British 
 government to repeal before it could fairly take effect, however 
 odious in its principle, was not so threatening in its consequences 
 that the citizens of Boston should have ushered it in with the 
 ringing of bells and funeral orations to departed liberty. The 
 addition of three pence a pound on tea could hardly be consid- 
 ered a national calamity. The nation would have pocketed the 
 injustice indemnifying themselves as best they might. But 
 they had breathed the air of freedom for over a century and a 
 half, and they did not propose to submit to any English 
 oppression. They were already independent ; they always had 
 been so, ever since Smith and Carver, and Winthrop and 
 Williams had labored. It was for the sake of this independence 
 they had braved the perils of the deep and the greater perils of 
 the wilderness. With a great sum they had obtained this free- 
 dom and they had no intention of selling it cheaply. They 
 were already independent ; they always had been, God willing? 
 they always meant to be ; and when the decisive moment came 
 they had nothing to do but to declare their intention. 
 
 I now turn from the causes which led to the great act, to 
 the act itself, and to-day it is only necessary for me to call your 
 attention to a few leading facts, knowing as I do the history of 
 the revolutionary struggle is familiar to you all. Passing then 
 as I do, much that is national, I come to that which belongs to 
 us as a state, as a community. The Connecticut authorities had 
 been indefatigable in raising and provisioning troops, and her 
 people had been equally earnest in offering their services from 
 the beginning. In the number of the men contributed she stood 
 
16 
 
 second of the states, with her 31,936 men, Massachusetts being 
 first Tvith her 67,907. Many of these men have left their names 
 enrolled in the history of fame. There is Jonathan Trumbull, 
 the revolutionary governor, known in history as "Brother Jona- 
 than," Israel Putnam, "who dared to lead where any dared to 
 follow," Huntington of Norwich, Terry of Enfield, and others 
 almost too numerous to mention. Washington spoke of the 
 Connecticut brigade "as composed of as fine a body of men as 
 any in the army." In almost all cases Connecticut men were 
 drafted into service outside of the state to make good the defi- 
 ciency of less zealous states. 
 
 New London and vicinity had long been regarded by the 
 British with especial enmity. The people of this vicinity were 
 intensely patriotic. Large quantities of supplies were stored 
 here, and its beautiful harbor, which is our pride and glory, 
 afforded a safe refuge for the largest ships. Privateers were here 
 fitted out, which showed the greatest bravery and accompUshed 
 grand results. It was a time when about every community had 
 to maintain the defence of its own border, and in order to do 
 this she must rid herself of her foes within. Consequently the 
 crown Tories were driven to Long Island, while the Long Island 
 Whigs crossed into Connecticut, and so the waters of the Sound 
 were harassed by almost continual skirmishing. When the 
 French forces were quartered within the state her people enjoyed 
 a season of comparative tranquility. When they were with- 
 drawn for the march on Yorktown, which had been planned by 
 General Washington and the French leaders, the state was left 
 as usual, almost unsupported. 
 
 Let me for a moment call your attention to the relation of the 
 British and American armies at this time. The enemy was transfer- 
 ring the war to the south. Their plan was to begin south and con- 
 quer northward. Then in case the}'^ were forced to make peace,they 
 hoped to be able to keep the southern territory, belie\ang that a 
 part would be better than none ; and about the first of August^ 
 Cornwallis went to Yorktown intending to permanently estab- 
 lish himself; and so confident was he that he could hold his position 
 that on the 22nd of August he wrote Sir Henrv Clinton at New 
 
17 
 
 York, offering to send him 1,000 or 1,200 men to assist against 
 the aUied forces (Americans and French) under Washington. 
 
 It was just at this critical juncture that Washington received 
 the glorious news that Count DeGrasse had left St. Domingo 
 with twenty-five or thirty ships, and his first landing would be 
 on the shores of the Chesapeake. Washington immediately 
 sent a messenger to Lafayette informing him of this, and telling 
 him to stop by all means any effort on the part of Comwallis 
 fi-om retreating into North Carolina. It was also at this time, 
 and there seems to be no reason for it, Comwallis assisted in this 
 very movement by concentrating all his forces in the immediate 
 vicinity of Yorktown; so that the French commanders on 
 shipboard could watch his every movement. Washington now, 
 to keep Clinton alarmed for the safety of New York, concen- 
 trated his forces up the Hudson, which led to the beUef he was 
 to move immediately on that city, but instead of this he starts 
 secretly for Virginia, that he may capture Comwallis and his 
 army. 
 
 The movements of the American army at this time are ex- 
 ceedingly rapid. Passing through Jersey the army reaches the 
 Delaware before Clinton had time to think of what he was 
 doing. As soon as Clinton realized Washington's movements 
 he called a council of his generals, and they unanimously con- 
 curred that the only thing for them to do was to go to the succor 
 of Comwallis. And here is a difficult question to settle. Was 
 it Clinton's intention to reach Virginia by way of New London, 
 or did he purpose checking any re-enforcements from New Eng- 
 land. One thing is certain ; and that is it had been the intention 
 of Tryon's expedition, in 1779, against New Haven, Fairfield 
 and Norwalk, to include New London. But Wayne's capture of 
 Stony Point changed the basis of action. Another thing is true • 
 and that is, by the Tories this vicinity was hated. It was rightly 
 regarded a dangerous place. It contained at that moment a 
 great store of supplies. The ship Hannah had just been brought 
 into port, a prize worth $400,000. Doubtless all of these things 
 combined, and the fact also Benedict Arnold (whose name 
 I disdain mentioning, as the bare mention of the name gives it 
 
18 
 
 a prominence which it should never have unless it be in con- 
 tempt) was idle and impatient. He, a native of Norwich, knew 
 the country around New London well, and its defenceless con- 
 dition was no secret to him. Two forts had been thrown up, 
 Fort Trumbull, and Fort Griswold in which we are at this time 
 assembled. The former. Fort Trumbull, was open at the rear 
 and had a garrison of but twenty-three men, who were ordered 
 to retreat to Groton, or Fort Griswold, at the approach of 
 danger. Colonel William Ledyard was in command of both 
 forts. Arnold's landing on the 6th of September seems to have 
 been a surprise. True, the people had been informed that late 
 the night before a large fleet had been seen sailing close under 
 Long Island shore; but many a fleet had sailed the Sound 
 during the war and passed New London, and so, thinking no 
 harm was nigh, they retired as usual. Day dawned, and what 
 was the astonishment of the people to see eight war ships ready 
 to enter the harbor. The signal was given which was to call the 
 people to arms, but a Tory had given Arnold the signal, and so 
 he was enabled to counteract it. Ledyard sent messengers into 
 the country to carry the alarm, and knowing the character of 
 the people we are justified in saying, that as Paul Revere on his 
 foaming horse rode on the 19th of April, 1775, so rode those 
 brave men on September 6th, 1781. For Colonel Ledyard 
 hoped that the people from the country would arrive in season 
 to help him defend this fort, as he had resolved, come what 
 would, to hold it. If this be not true I fail to see the force 
 of those immortal words of his, "If I must to-day lose honor or 
 life, you who know me well can tell which it wiU be. " Fort 
 Trumbull was taken with a rush. The twenty -three men under 
 Captain Shapley had only time to fire one round, spike their 
 guns, leap into their boats, and start for this fort, where Colonel 
 Ledyard was in command. Arnold hastened on to the town 
 and began his congenial work of burning and plundering. On 
 this side of the river, at the same time, a brave fight was going 
 on. Fort Griswold was a much stronger fort than Trumbull. 
 Its walls were then ten feet high, with a deep ditch outside, and 
 there were within one hundred and fiftj' men, most of them 
 
19 
 
 farmers and citizens of the patriotic town, who had seized their 
 guns and hastened to defend the fort when they heard the 
 booming of the cannon. Colonel Eyre had landed at Eastern 
 Point with eight hundred men, about the same time Colonel 
 Robinson landed with his men on the New London side. These 
 men, by ledges used as a shelter, had gotten within a few 
 hundred feet of the fort. It is now "high twelve," and Colonel 
 Eyre sends a white flag toward the fort demanding uncon- 
 ditional surrender. Colonel Ledyard summons his officers. 
 Captains Averj^ Stanton and Williams. Defend the fort they 
 say ; and the officer goes back with this message, only to return 
 with another that, "unless you surrender no quarter will be 
 given." Captain Shapley has now reached the fort with his few 
 who had survived the British attack, and so Colonel Ledyard 
 sends out the reply of the brave men : "We shall not surrender 
 let the consequences be what they may. " Colonel Eyre prepares 
 to advance. He will, as the commander who has just taken 
 Fort Trumbull, make a rush, leap the ditch; climb the wall and 
 get inside the fort before they can reload, after their firing once. 
 But he knew not his men. Captain Halsey is standing by an 
 eighteen pounder. He is an old sailor and been in many a fight. 
 He rams home two bags fall of grape shot. The British move 
 toward the fort. The captain runs his eye along the cannon ; 
 they are in range. Bang ! goes the cannon, the air is filled 
 with shot and twenty men go down. From every available spot 
 fire goes forth. The ground is strewed with killed and wounded. 
 Major Montgomery now commands, and his men rush into the 
 ditch ; they are so near the cannon cannot harm them. In 
 order now to enter the fort they must tear away the pickets, 
 which run out fi'om the walls over the ditch. Major Montgom- 
 ery, a brave officer, attempts to climb the pickets and falls 
 mortally wounded into the ditch upon the heads of his men. 
 But it is a battle of seven to one. Soon British soldiers are seen 
 leaping from the parapet, unbowing the gate and rushing in. Col. 
 Eyre and Major Montgomery having fallen, Major Bromfield 
 commands ; and so, upon entering the fort, shouts, "Who com- 
 mands here ? " "I did, but you do now," is Ledyard's reply, 
 
20 
 
 handing him his sword. Bromfield, infuriated by the unex- 
 pected slaughter, plunges it to the hilt into Ledyard's breast. 
 With such an example from one in authority, the soldiers' 
 instincts came out at their worst. I say instinct (for a British 
 soldier is only an animal), the defenders were bayoneted wherever 
 they sought refuge, until all but about twenty-five of the one 
 hundred and fifty were killed or desperately wounded. For the 
 credit of humanity let it be said, one British ofiicer cried, "Stop ! 
 In the name of God stop ! My soul can't bear it ! " But the 
 fire of rage only did stop for the want of material. The 
 wounded were next collected into a cart, rolled down the hill 
 among rocks and stumps, I believe for the amusement of the 
 soldiers. Although many will not agree with me in this, they 
 believe the intention was to carry the wounded safely, but the 
 steepness of the hill being such they could not control it, and so 
 in order to save their lives were forced to let it go. Be this as it 
 may, Sir Henry Clinton thus endorses the massacre : "The 
 assault of Fort Griswold will impress the enemy with every 
 apprehension of the ardor of British troops, and will hereafter 
 be remembered with the greatest honor to the Fortieth and 
 Forty-fourth regiments. Major Bromfield was promoted for his 
 conduct." So the massacre was indorsed by the general, by the 
 ministers and by the king. The plea had been offered that the laws 
 of war allowed military executions of this sort upon a fort 
 which persisted in a hopeless defence ; but this point of the 
 laws of war has probably never been so strained before as in 
 this case, and in every event the wounded have been exempt. 
 It has also been said in extenuation, that it was the outgrowth 
 of the treatment the Tories received from the Loyalists. But 
 who was the author of these stories of hard treatment? Rev. 
 Samuel Peters, a Tory clergyman. But this man is also author 
 of the statement that "the waters of the Connecticut River run 
 so swift at Bellows Falls that an iron crowbar cannot be forced 
 into them, but floats on the surface;" that "the inhabitants of 
 Windham, alarmed at the noise of an invading army, kept 
 watch all night and found in the morning a flying column of 
 frogs on the Avay to the water," and a mass of other lies the 
 devil himself would be proud to fiither. 
 
21 
 
 As Arnold passed out of New London, the revolutionary 
 struggle in this state passed with him, and the impression 
 made upon the whole army was that hereafter no quarter was 
 to be given by the British. This so fired the heart of every 
 man in the army that with Patrick Henry he said, "Give me 
 liberty or give me death," and with this spirit they marched 
 on to Yorktown. The result of that march and the spirit of 
 those men compelled Lord Cornwallis, forty-three days after- 
 wards, to lay down his arms at the feet of General Washington. 
 And thus it was, as Gen, Sherman said at our Centennial, "The 
 battle of Groton Heights gave us Yorktown." With the 
 surrender of Yorktown the British lost all hope of conquering 
 America. 
 
 But two years more must pass before England would 
 recognize her as a free and independent nation. And so, in 
 order to establish the Declaration of Independence and to secure 
 to mankind a government of the people and for the people, the 
 only government of the kind ever known to the world, seven 
 years of untold sufferings and hardships were absolutely 
 necessary. 
 
 I now turn from the great act to the actors, and here one 
 is sometimes perplexed to know whom to place at the head. It 
 was John Adams who, on the 15th of June, 1775, nominated 
 George Washington to command all the continental forces raised 
 and to be raised for the defence of American liberty. It was 
 upon that nomination the father of his country was unani- 
 mously elected. It has, I know, been said that great events make 
 great men, but in this case I think it can be said that great men 
 were created for the times, and the events simply called forth 
 that which had been lying dormant. For if ever in the history 
 of a nation a council of great men assembled, it was the first 
 congress of this nation, Washington, Adams, Jefierson, Hancock. 
 Franklin, and others I might name. Athens, Rome, Sparta had 
 their great men. Some gained their distinctions by war, some 
 by letters, others by mere chance, but it would be waste of time 
 for me to prove that the spirit which prompted Washington and 
 his copatriots were of that nature. In them I see an active 
 
22 
 
 intellect associated with extraordinary moral susceptibilities, 
 exerting the will to its utmost daring flights, and sustaining it 
 under its severest trials, imparting energy, zeal, vigor and life to 
 the whole moral man. As leaders, in my humble judgment, 
 they stand unrivalled in history. To lead in the establishment 
 of a new order of things, in which a perfect unity of design 
 shall be evident amidst a vast complexit}^ of arrangements, to 
 define with accuracy and perspicuity the reciprocal relations of 
 rights and duties in and between individuals and societies ; to 
 adjust the different powers and orders of a new system with 
 such skill that every component part shall possess a peculiar 
 orbit of action, in which the most desirable freedom may be ex- 
 ercised without danger of infringing upon any other portion, so 
 as to almost preclude the possibility of mistake ; to provide for 
 the wants and necessities of all classes of citizens of all countries, 
 times, places and circumstances, and to breathe into the whole 
 the breath of life, and stamp it with the impress of immobilit}'-, 
 is a work which demands the resources of grand intellects, sur- 
 passing far that of a Solon, a Lycurgus and a Numa. 
 
 The vitality which these geniuses imparted to the system is 
 a living derhonstration of their superior intellect. Every day 
 exhibits fresh accumulating evidence of that vitality. It grows 
 with the growth of our country and strengthens with our 
 strength. The century past has not written a wrinkle upon it. 
 But to obtain it, oh ! how much precious blood had to be shed. 
 Ledyard and Avery, Babcock and Bailey and a host of others 
 must "jeopard their lives unto the death in the high places of 
 the field." An attempt to analyze the characters of the Christian 
 hero and his followers who fell in this fort would require more 
 time than I have at command. But from what I have learned 
 through different sources, and his own words, alreadv quoted, as 
 he stepped on board the boat at Fort Trumbull to cross the 
 river lor this fort, "If I must to-day lose honor or life you who 
 know me well can tell which it will be," I believe him to have 
 been a man that did not know how to cease doing and suffering 
 for what he believed and knew to be right. Prompted by no 
 mean or sordid purpose, he united with all the generosity of liis 
 
nature a will that was ready and prompt, that decided while 
 others were debating, and acted while others were deciding, 
 driven by no fears of intimidation in the pursuit of that which 
 he had adopted ; and with all the effectiveness of purpose was a 
 woman's gentleness. Heroic elements were in his character. 
 For in his generous qualities were united a strong Christian 
 faith, and the present generation loves to point to him as one of 
 the most heroic characters of the heroic age of American history. 
 Time fails me to dwell on the host of hero martyrs who were 
 brutally butchered. But if ever the words of David could be 
 appropriately applied to any people they can be here : "The 
 beauty of Israel (God's chosen) slain upon thy high places." I 
 venture to say, in the long history of the world, there never fell 
 a people to whom a monument was more appropriate, than the 
 one that stands pointing heavenward on these heights, "Where 
 once the embattled farmers stood, and fired the shot "heard 
 round the world." And my prayer is that as long as mortar 
 will hold stones together, this monument may stand proclaiming 
 to future generations the wrongs of those who suffered, and the 
 valor and glory of those who fell. 
 
 0, how that day clings to the memory ! Why it is the sign 
 and the symbol of the strife and valor and victory, as I have 
 said, which followed at Yorktown. As high as Bunker Hill 
 rises this tower of memory, and fitting it is that inlaid as you 
 enter, is the marble tablet bearing the names of the fallen heroes. 
 And future generations as they ascend its heights or gaze within, 
 must learn the lesson of true patriotism. There are no influ- 
 ences more subtle, more lasting than those which proceed from 
 the monuments of valor, worth and self-sacrifice, and the nation 
 that does not thus keep, its youth at school to patriotism, 
 courage and public duty, and the knowledge and praise of heroic 
 goodness, must not expect to rear generations that shall main- 
 tain what their noble predecessors have won for them. 
 
 But Fort Griswold monument celebrates a peculiar and 
 altogether an exalted kind of worth. Over one-half of those 
 who fell, according to a statement made by the granddaughter of 
 the pastor of the Congregational church in this town at the time 
 
24 
 
 of the battle, Rev. Aaron Kinne, were members of the church of 
 which I am to-day his successor and pastor, and I should do a 
 great injustice if I did not speak of my predecessor, the honored 
 chaplain of these fallen heroes. 
 
 True, he did not fall with the many of his church, to breathe 
 his life away weltering in his gore. For many years afterward 
 we find him the devoted and . beloved pastor of this people, A 
 scholar of no mean order. Devoted to duty, despising hard- 
 ships, he did far more than most of us would care to undertake 
 to-day. Think of him during the great conflict in which he 
 could have been seen carrying his flag of truce, going where 
 duty called, administering not only to the spiritual wants of his 
 people, but binding up their wounds. Think of his visits from 
 house to house, and in nearly, if not all, finding it far worse 
 than when the angel of the Lord passed over Egypt ; for not 
 only the eldest but all the support had been slain. Wives and 
 mothers weeping for their lost ones, and would not be comforted 
 because they were not. Tongue cannot tell nor pencil paint the 
 anguish of those times. Never did a minister called of God 
 more faithfully discharge the duties of his office. And long may 
 the acts of this true servant of God live fresh and green in the 
 memory of this people. 
 
 And now let us guard well our sublime and holy trust, pur- 
 chased at so great a price. Should the unrighteous hand of 
 political ambition ever for a day succeed in removing our ark of 
 civil and religious freedom, may worse than Assyrian calamities 
 afflict the plunderers till our heavenly treasure be restored. 
 Should hviman liberty ever be driven from our shores, may she 
 find Hke Noah's dove no rest for the sole of her foot, till she 
 return and find a glad people ready to receive her and love her. 
 Let each one as an American, a man and a Christian be true to 
 himself, that is to his knowledge and his privileges. He who is 
 thus true to himself will be true to his fellow man, his country 
 and his God. 
 
/f^^ ^^^it^c^rfCrrn^ 
 
25 
 
 The National air by the Third Regiraent Band was the next 
 number on the programme. When the echo of the music had 
 died away Mr. Stark came to the front again to announce the 
 poem by Mrs. Rose Hawthorne Lathrop. "Valor and patriotism 
 in every age — in every clime — have been the inspiring theme of 
 the poetic muse. To grace the present occasion one of the fair 
 daughters of New England has woven a garland of poesy to 
 decorate the fame of our heroes. The poetic tribute by Mrs. 
 Rose Hawthorne Lathrop will now be offered by her husband, 
 Mr. George Parsons Lathrop." 
 
 The poem, read by Mr. Lathrop, is given below. Its senti- 
 ment rose to the height of the occasion and its impressive 
 delivery was listened to by those within hearing with unusually 
 close attention. 
 
 THE POETIC TRIBUTE BY MRS. LATHROP. 
 
 What if upon our fortune should be sprung 
 
 A day of war ? 
 
 Would not a stirring sound be flung 
 
 Of martial summons in a gush — 
 
 Keen brazen blare and drumroll's rush — 
 
 Upon the air's salt breath ? 
 
 But not with joy of music they were drawn, 
 
 Whose sorrow we remember to their death. 
 
 As in a garden, with the winter near, 
 
 Another flower 
 
 And yet another gives us cheer, 
 
 Strong, fresh, unflinching in the frost ; — 
 
 So, — after all the year had cost 
 
 In men, — who doubts that still 
 
 The flower of manhood rallied here, to die, 
 
 Or triumph in the mercy of God's will ? 
 
 When on the harbor rose the early sails 
 
 (A pallid host 
 
 Bringing a dastard), ghostly veils 
 
 Swept from the sea, in hushing flow, 
 
 A spiritual sigh. Did nature know 
 
 The end ? Soft mist delayed 
 
 The hostile fleet, which hovered, gently dim : 
 
 Yet from this vision burst the savage raid. 
 
26 
 
 If in an honest cause a traitor leads, 
 
 His faithless code 
 
 Spreads murder, where the valorous deeds 
 
 Of war were just. There was a man. 
 
 Soon shackled with the whole world's ban, 
 
 Whom England found that day 
 
 To point his fellow countrymen to their graves. 
 
 From this dark name all honor turns away ! 
 
 Down by the woodside there, a grave is set. 
 
 Silent, severe : 
 
 Ledyard's. And on that ground are met 
 
 The life that courage gives, the gain — 
 
 Won by the fallen, mangled, slain — 
 
 From woe how sharp, how long 
 
 We may not gauge who never felt the sword, 
 
 Up to whose hilt his breast endured the wrong. 
 
 About this fort, — that held a hundred men 
 
 Who drew not back, — 
 
 There flashed like silver, now and again, 
 
 From the safe, foliaged hills the guns 
 
 Of neighbors who (so history runs) 
 
 Declared themselves to stand 
 
 Ready to fight, and save their cherished lives ; 
 
 But not to die for their young native land. 
 
 And near this fort, guarded by dauntless men 
 
 Looking at bay 
 
 The close-swarmed enemy in the glen ; — 
 
 Those who were craftier hurried away 
 
 Their household goods and gains all day : 
 
 Up the bright river fled 
 
 Lithe ships with luxuries laden for the morrow. 
 
 But in this fort, heroes their hearts' blood shed. 
 
 For in this fort America was loved. 
 
 It seemed disgrace 
 
 To clutch at reasons to be moved 
 
 By less than their land's hope, or pride 
 
 Of manhood laboring at God's side. 
 
 What comes to men who choose 
 
 Generous right ? Alas, all story tells 
 
 These lose the most. Right, only, does not lose. 
 
27 
 
 Quick aim, fierce shot ; the fort has wielded death I 
 
 A madness sprang 
 
 From the besiegers. Hark, what saith 
 
 That dying soul there by the gate, 
 
 "Who wallows in his British hate, 
 
 And craves blood for his thirst ? 
 
 *• Put every man to death ! " With such a cry 
 
 Montgomery died, by his own lips accurst. 
 
 The bell of carnage was knolled forth by him ! 
 
 Assassins now 
 
 Instead of soldiers, leaped the rim 
 
 Of the defended ramparts. Where 
 
 Our troop stood firmly, thrilled the glare 
 
 From, their foes' deadly eyes 
 
 Shrewdly withdrawn, observing from afar, 
 Arnold's fell gaze followed his new allies. 
 
 Red as a poppy -field in slumb'rous bloom 
 This place became. 
 
 Hear the swift hurrying of that doom 
 Which in a moment lashed the forms 
 Of patriots, like the senseless storms 
 Our shores have seen, black-blown. 
 Instantly lifting up the measured waves 
 Into a turmoil with white fury strown ! 
 
 Sad in defeat, but fearless, frank and cool, 
 
 Ledyard advanced : 
 
 And, with the inexorable rule 
 
 Of vanquished battle in accord, 
 
 Gave up his honorable sword 
 
 To its first touch of shame — 
 
 Shame at the hand of him who took it now, 
 
 But never dared his wretched part to claim. 
 
 As lightning falls, the sword sank in that breast 
 
 That loved the blade ; 
 
 Dashed like a serpent's feng in quest 
 
 Of the life's core which proudly made 
 
 Ledyard a man. When he was laid, 
 
 Dead with his smile in death. 
 
 Upon that spot so many eyes have sought. 
 
 Who doubts that upward rose his smiling wraith ? 
 
28 
 
 Above the moil of life, in this clear air 
 
 "Where salt winds play, 
 
 "Where round us gleam the wide views fair 
 
 With blue and silver of the sea, 
 
 A massacre there was to be 
 
 Such as harsh fate has hurled 
 
 "When plague strides onward, meeting groups of souls 
 
 "With force that strikes them low, dead to this world. 
 
 A plague kills once ! These murderers struck again 
 
 For twenty times 
 
 The sinking bodies of our men, 
 
 "Who, — thus surprised by sudden blight 
 
 Of devil's malice when the fight 
 
 Had closed by law of war, — 
 
 Bathed this broad mound with blood, and quenched 
 
 the spark 
 Of powder till its flame could live no more. 
 
 Dead was the father, brave to bring his child 
 
 To fight for us : 
 
 Dead was the boy who in the wild 
 
 Havoc, could answer, " Never fear!" 
 
 Dead, dead and dying many, dear 
 
 As dearest ones who come. 
 
 Today, to lend their pity to the woe 
 
 "Which found upon this hilltop lasting home. 
 
 Not all were dead, not every note had wailed 
 
 Its burden drear 
 
 In the funereal chant that hailed 
 
 This dark-wreathed sacrificial hour, 
 
 "When misery smote with varied power 
 
 The chords of agonies deep. 
 
 Across the river's wide and shivering breast, 
 
 Heard ghostly shrill and cold, the echoes creep 
 
 Of those grim shrieks the world may seldom hear 
 
 Of bravery ; 
 
 As bounding down the hill-slope sheer 
 
 The ammunition wagon goes. 
 
 Heaped with our wounded in the throes 
 
 Of bodies pierced and torn. 
 
 I hear the echo of that echo now ; 
 
 And it shall sound for ages yet to mourn. 
 
29 
 
 Hope was not dead. The morning's rising sheen 
 
 Lit up the brows 
 
 Of women, trembling o'er the scene 
 
 With stern devotion, as they found 
 
 Strange shapes in writhing clusters wound, 
 
 And faces they knew not, 
 
 Although the faces were their loved ones' own. 
 
 Then hope was dead, and happiness was forgot. 
 
 If love we give, and if our tears should flow 
 
 Upon this earth 
 
 Where England dealt her cruel blow. 
 
 Still, to defeat we need not kneel. 
 
 Our radiant flag the dust might feel ; — 
 
 Yet, when disaster came, 
 
 Who won the day ? The men who slaughtered men. 
 
 Or those who, dying, have been crowned by fame ? 
 
 The reading of Mrs. Lathrop's "patriotic garland of poesy" 
 brought the exercises near the end of the programme. The 
 anthem, "America," was sung by members of the Groton choir, 
 the band and audience swelling out the melody so pleasingly 
 that the hum of conversation ceased and those who did not sing 
 were compelled to listen. "Auld Lang Syne" by the Third 
 Regiment Band, and the benediction by Rev. W. L. Peck, 
 completed the exercises from the platform. 
 
 THE ROUTE TO THE PERRY. 
 
 When the exercises were over the battery of regulars from 
 Fort Trumbull fired three volleys, the sharp reports awakening 
 the echoes of the Groton hills and reverberating to the Sound. 
 Then the line was again formed within the fort in the order in 
 which it was entered and the companies were ordered to proceed 
 on the return march. The route to the ferry was through Cot- 
 tage street so as to bring the procession alongside and within 
 view of the ancient cemetery in which the body of Colonel 
 Ledyard was interred. 
 
 On arrival at Morgan's wharf the military proceeded on 
 board the steamer Munnatawket, which the executive committee 
 provided for transportation to New London and thus left the 
 
cr 
 
 30 
 
 ferryboat free to accommodate the public. The companies were 
 landed at the Munnatawket's wharf, in this city, for the pur- 
 pose of making a short parade. 
 
 THE PARADE IN THIS CITY. 
 
 In the order in which the procession proceeded to Fort 
 Griswold, with the Third Regiment Band leading, the route was 
 up State to Broad, through Broad to Hempstead, to Bulkeley 
 place, to Richards, thus passing the old burying ground from 
 which Benedict Arnold is said to have stood and watched the 
 landing of the British troops and the subsequent events across 
 the river as far as they came within his vision. 
 
 Passing through Bulkeley square the route was through 
 Huntington to State, where the parade was reviewed from the 
 Court-house steps by the ' naval officers who had been in 
 carriages and the civic authorities. 
 
 On State street, near Bank, the soldiers from Fort Trumbull 
 drew up in line and presented arms while the naval battalion 
 passed with arms aport to the boats in waiting to transport them 
 back to their respective ships. 
 
 The commemorative exercises were carefully planned, and 
 considering the disadvantages of a forced postponement, success- 
 fully carried out from beginning to end with credit to all who 
 participated. The kindness of Admiral Gherardi in famishing 
 the marine battalion and the co-operation of the commandant 
 of Fort Trumbull, added materially to the success of the event. 
 Aside from the centennial observance the programme of yester- 
 day was far superior in every respect to any that preceded, not 
 excepting that of 1826 when the corner stone of the monument 
 was laid. 
 
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