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MEMORIAL TRIBUTES

Daniel L. Harris,

BIOGRAPHY AND EXTRACTS FROM HIS
JOURNAL AND LETTERS.

EDITED BY
HENRY M. BURT.

SPRINGFIELD, MASS.:
Printed for the Family for Private Presentation.
1880.

Henry M. Burt, Printer,
Springfield, Mass.

Daniel L. Harris.

Born in Providence, R. L, February 6, i8i?
Died in Springfield, Mass., July ii, 1879.

INTRODUCTION.

THIS book has been prepared and printed solely for private
circulation, and to the many good friends of Mr. Harris
•who have tendered precious tributes to his memory, and have
manifested so much sympathy and kindly interest, the family
acknowledge their sincere gratitude, and present them this
volume of facts, gathered largely from his journal and letters,
which tell their own story. The steel engraved likeness is
considered excellent.
The accounts of the life of Mr. Harris, published in the
newspapers at the time of his death, were, of necessity, hur
riedly prepared, and contained a few minor errors of statement,
some of which are printed in the Eulogies and Personal
Tributes in this volume without change ; but they have been
corrected in the Biographical Sketch by giving the true story
of his life. It was the good fortune of the Editor to have met
Mr. Harris frequently during the last twenty years of his
life, and he felt that he knew something of his character before
entering upon the preparation of this work. He now closes it
after a free and full opportunity to study his inner life, with a

DANIEL L. HARRIS.

profound regard for the man. It is a notable fact, that those
who came the nearest to him, either through a business con
nection, or by friendly and social intercourse, held him in the
highest regard. His good name and his example of fidelity
will prove more enduring than monuments of stone, —
" A moral pyramid, to stand
As long as wisdom lights the land.
The granite pillar shall decay.
The chisel's beauty pass away ;
But this shall last in strength sublime.
Unshaken through the storms of time."

FUNERAL OBSEQUIES.

Daniel L. Harris, Ex-Mayor of Springfield, and for
nearly twenty-five years President of the Connecticut
River Railroad Company, died at his residence in Springfield,
at half- past three, on the morning of July ii, 1879, after an
illness of more than two years.
His funeral was held at the South Church, of which he was
a member, at four o'clock, Sunday afternoon, July 13th. The
attendance was so large that many were unable to gain admit
tance to the church, and the Springfield Republican in its notice
of it said that " it showed more powerfully than words, by the
size and character of the audience, how strong a hold he had
upon the esteem of the public, . his friends and his railroad
associates," The sad faces of the large audience told of the
deep sorrow which every one felt and of the great personal loss
that each had sustained.
The attendance included many friends from far and near,
the leading citizens of Springfield, the Mayor and officers of
the city government, the trustees, in a body, of the-City Library
Association, residents of the towns along the line of the Con-

DANIEL L. HARRIS.

necticut River Railroad, the officers and employes of the rail
road with which he had so long been connected, and officers
of other railroads in the vicinity.
A special train from South Vernon brought four car loads of
employes of the railroad and others, seats for whom were re
served at the church. Mr. Harris's pew was trimmed with
wheat and ivy, and the casket, and the front and sides of the
pulpit before which it stood, were almost concealed by a wealth
of flowers and foliage, placed there by the loving hands of
friends. At the head of the casket was placed a large cross
of ivy, and at the foot a sheaf of ripened grain. Ex- Pres
ident Chester W. Chapin, of the Boston and Albany Railroad,
stnd Seth Hunt, Treasurer of the Connecticut River Rail
road, were honorary pall - bearers, and the immediate bearers
were John Mulligan, the Superintendent of the Railroad,
N. A. Leonard, James . D. Brewer, William K. Baker, Wiiliam
Birnie and Horace Kibbe.
The ceremonies began with an invocation and the reading
of appropriate selections of Scripture by Rev. William Rice ;
Rev. A. K. Potter then read "Jesus, Lover of My Soul," which
was sung by a double quartette from the Orpheus Club, consist
ing of Messrs. Trask, Ingersoll, King, Rogers, Kirkham, Foot,
Seeger and Bond, who also, after the sermon and a prayer, sang
"Asleep in Jesus," which was read by Rev. W. T. Eustis. The
sermon was delivered by Rev. Dr. S. G. Buckingham, pastor of
the South church. At the cemetery a single quartette sang
" Come unto me," and Rev. J. W. Harding offered prayer and
conducted the burial service. The scene was sadly beautiful,
hundreds of people thronging the hill -side above the new-made

DANIEL L. HARRIS.

grave, which was covered with ferns and flowers, both inside
and out, entirely concealing all the earth. This, too, was all
the work of sympathising friends.
DR. BUCKINGHAM'S SERMON.
We gather reverently about our dead, and speak tenderly of
their friendship, and gratefully of their services. But it is sel
dom that we can speak of such service, or such friendship, as
here. Our daily papers have given you the leading events in
the life of Mr. Harris, and an estimate of his character, and
particularly of his public services. There was also an interior
life of principles and motives, best known to his more intimate
friends, and which is equally necessary to a judgment of the
man, and of his course of action. In these days of financial
dishonesty and betrayal of trusts, it is a comfort to be able to
say, as we can say of our friend, " He was a man of the strict
est integrity." And considering how many and what vast inter
ests had been committed to his charge, to say this, and have
everyjaody respond to it, is no slight tribute to his worth.
Many have the impression, that if ' one has to do with public
affairs, and especially with some great corporation, or with the
funds of the general government, and has acquired property, he
has done it somehow dishonestly. We remember to have heard
one of our members of Congress say in pleasantry : " If any
body comes to Washington and makes money, he has been
defrauding the government, and if he has lost money while
here, he has been irregular in his habits. So I suppose I must
be considered of this latter class," — though his mbrals were as

DANIEL L. HARRIS.

unquestionable as his official integrity. Detected fraud attracts
attention, and a single case of it will occupy the court and
crowd the newspapers, while all the honest men and women of
the land are carrying on their business unnoticed, and their
names may never appear in print, save when they are married
or buried, — so that integrity is by no means a lost virtue, because
we hear so little of it, and hear so much of defalcations and
robberies and forgeries. And though every now and then some
sad betrayal of trust comes to light, and some will ask, " Is
there no fidelity anywhere ? " it is forgotten what great trusts are
managed safely, and never heard of, because there is neither
fraud nor mistake to call for publicity. There is ever so much
ability, as well as ever so much integrity, managing the business
of the country, and managing it for us, it may be, better than
we could do it for ourselves. And there is no occasion to decry
the integrity that exists, much as we have to deplore the dis
honesties that are continually coming to light.
And this is not the first time that an honest man has been
buried from this church, or from our congregation. We remem
ber, when Dea. Hayes, the cashier of the Boston and Albany
Railroad, was in his last sickness, we asked, " How much did the
railroad ever lose by you ? " " Nothing," was the reply. " We
did not mean," was added, " that you had ever stolen anything,
but did they never lose anything by your mistakes ? " " No.
The balances never varied more than a few cents, and they were
always in my favor. " " And how much money were you
accountable for during those twenty -three years that you were
in office ? " " Three hundred millions, perhaps," — and this was
a modest estimate. Here was a man of such rare ability, and of

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 13
such unquestionable integrity, on a modest salary, devoting him
self as faithfully to the interests of a corporation as if they had
been his own, and with more conscientiousness because they
were not his own, but a trust for which he was not only respon
sible to man, but also to God.
And here lies another, who with business connections innu
merable, with individuals, corporations and governments, and
with funds untold within his reach, could never be suspected by
anybody of either misusing them or of neglecting to take the
best possible care of them. This is claiming much for Jiim, but
we are confident that a reference to his papers, where every
pecuniary transaction of his life is carefully filed away, courting
the investigation of his fellow- men, as he always deemed it open
to the eye of his Maker, would justify the claim. Away with
this notion, that because there are so many dishonest people in
the world, there are no honest ones ; or that one cannot be
honest and succeed in life — notions into which so many drift
unconsciously, especially of the young. For here is success of
the noblest kind and of every kind that can come of legitimate
business — wealth, usefulness and reputation — and we all know
that no one of them is tarnished in the least by any dishonesty.
And now when he lays down all these trusts, this modern Aris-
tides can appeal to the people, as Samuel did, after having
judged Israel so long and so well, and with equal confidence in
our verdict, " ' Behold, here I am : witness against me before the
Lord, and before His anointed ; whose ox have I taken ? or
whose ass have I taken ? or whom have I defrauded ? whom
have I oppressed ? or of whose hand have I received any bribe

14 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
to blind mine eyes therewith ? and I will restore it to you.' And
they said, ' Thou hast not defrauded us, nor oppressed us, nei
ther hast thou taken aught of any man's hand.' "
Another characteristic of our friend, was his devotion to the
interests of others and the welfare of the public. His intense
thought and his prodigious energy were not expended upon his
own interests half so much as for the benefit of others. He recog
nized a duty which he owed to his fellow- men. He understood
many of their needs better than they did themselves, and fore
saw some of the dangers which threatened them, as they did not.
And it was not consistent with his ideas of obligation to God,
or to his fellow- men, to mind his own business and let others
take care of themselves. God had given him rare judgment,
and intuitions respecting results that were scarcely less than
prophetic, and he could not rid himself of the conviction that
it was a talent committed to him by his Maker, and to be used
for the benefit of anybody whom he could benefit. So he cham
pioned their cause, defended their rights, relieved them of their
burdens, and wrought out for them some good, which they them
selves perhaps did not appreciate, but which he knew would be
a benefit to them, whether appreciated or not. This is a thank.
less kind of work, still it ought to be done by somebody, and
why not do it for duty's sake, and for Christ's sake, who gave us
such ideas of duty and set us the example ? So he reasoned
and at great inconvenience to himself, and at great loss to his
private business, he allowed himself tO' be put into the city gov
ernment, to be sent to the Legislature, and put in charge of public
interests and private interests that involved him in endless work

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 15
and care and perplexity. It was to promote the public good, to
defend the rights of others, to relieve us of our burdens, and
not for any personal advantage, that he marked out his course
of municipal reform, and improved state legislation, and the
better management of private business, and the wiser expendi
ture of church funds. That remark of his, and honestly made,
too : " I care nothing about my own taxes, for I can pay them^
but others cannot," furnishes the key to what so often seemed
thankless work and useless controversy. What if he was engaged
in so much litigation, and had so many cases in court, and so
many hearings before the Legislature, and so many matters to
be decided by referees, so long as he could say that in his whole
business life he had never sued a man or been sued, or had any
lawsuit or controversy about his own private affairs. He was
neither quarrelsome nor selfish, and he saw, as few did, so many
questions that needed to be settled, to give security to business,
and so many more that had been settled wrongly, and where
decisions needed to be reversed, and so many measures that
might be adopted for the public good, and so many burdens
from which society ought to be relieved, that his noble soul
could not be easy till something of this was done. And he
threw himself into it with all the disinterestedness of a Christian
and the courage of a reformer.
Reformers are not likely to deal delicately with the evils they
would remedy. It requires sturdy blows and long fighting to
win the field. And he who complains that such a hero is not a
carpet knight can form no proper estimate of a noble character.
The question is : " Was his cause a good one, and were his
motives pure ? Did he fear God and love his fellow-man ? And

i6 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
has he actually redressed great wrongs, and secured to the com
munity peculiar privileges and conferred on them lasting bene
fits ? " If so, all else is unworthy of thought, and will soon be
forgotten in the good accomplished. And when you judge a
man who cares more for others than he does for himself, and is
willing to be wronged personally, but will not let others be, if he
can help it, you have found about the highest type of character
that is ever met with. It is pre - eminently noble and Christ
like. Among the legends of the church is the story of St. Christo
pher, the burden - bearer. He was a rude giant, and only willing
to serve the most powerful of masters. He thought he had
found such a master ; but, when he found him afraid of the
devil, he offered his services to the devil. And, when he found
that Satan feared Christ, he devoted himself to Christ's service.
So it was made his business to help pilgrims across the river.
Pulling up a palm-tree by the roots, he used it as his staff, and
with it he waded back and forth across the deep and rapid
stream, helping the stronger to struggle against its current, while
the weak were carried across on his huge shoulders. And wheh
he died he stuck his staff into the river -bank, wheie it grew to
be a lofty palm, and bore great clusters of dates, with which to
strengthen all who might ever be required to cross that danger
ous river. As we have thought of our friend, we have been
reminded of this story. And remembering the apostle's injunc
tion : " Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of
Christ " we could not well see how he could have won the saint
hood better than by thus devoting his greatstrength to the help
of the weak, as Christianity requires. If you knew how mag-

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 17
nanimous and patient he was under such burdens, you would
better appreciate the spirit that actuated him. He would help
to carry burdens which he was utterly opposed to creating.
When others would have said : " I never believed in such a
course, and warned you against it, and now you must not expect
me to help you out of your trouble," he would come to our help
when the burden was assumed, and do more than anybody else
to lift it. Such a spirit is a rare one ; the opposite to all that
is mean and selfish, and the very essence of nobility and benev
olence. No sketch of his character would be complete that left out
of view his domestic life. His morals had been always pure.
No vices had corrupted his youth, and either tainted the. blood
of his children, or poisoned his enjoyment of home by the.
shame of earlier recollections. But he reverenced woman, and
children were deemed a man's best wealth — with them he found
his rest and highest satisfaction. And there were duties to his
family which he deemed higher than the claims of business or
of personal comfort, or of individual advantage. When invited
to take the presidency of another and more important railroad
company, where his personal ambition would have been grati
fied, and it would have been to his pecuniary advantage, he
declined, because he would not disturb the pleasant relations of
his family here. He could feel other motives than those of
ambition, and appreciate other values beside those of money.
And who shall say that there was not wisdom in such an esti
mate of things, as well as loveliness in his domestic character ?
In that home, where happiness dwelt and hospitality waited
on the door, his cordial greeting will always be remembered by
3

i8 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
many of us. And the man of care, the man of strife, the man
perhaps with whom you had just been differing so earnestly
about some matter of reform, is found to cherish not a trace of
resentment because of your differences, and to be as amiable
in private life as you found him stern in public controversy.
But we shall do him injustice if we leave out of our estimate
of his character his piety. He was a Puritan by descent, and
a Puritan in his training. His convictions were distinct, his
principles settled, and they all rested on the fear of God and
faith in the Bible as his word. The cast of his piety was more
especially that of reverence and of conscientiousness. He did
try to do that which he deemed right in the sight of God. The
fear of man, or the favor of man, had no such weight with him,
as the approval of his Maker. Confident of this, and conscious
of his own integrity of purpose, no wonder he was brave and
steadfast in duty. He could be depended upon to help forward
any good cause. He was a firm supporter of religious institu
tions. He was a generous contributor to religious charities,
parish expenses, public improvements and individual applica
tions for aid. He was always found in the house of God on
the Sabbath, and in his Bible class in the Sunday-school. And
faithful as he meant to be to every duty, he was humble enough
before God. No " God be thanked that I am not as other men
are " ever rose to his lips. He knew too well his own disposir
tion and life. He looked gladly to the mercy of God, through
Jesus Christ. Here his Christian faith and hope rested, with a
singular modesty, for such a positive and sturdy character.
And when his Master's " Well done, good and faithful servant,"
shall fall on his ear, he will be one of the first to answer, "When

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 19
saw we thee an hungered ancl fed thee, or thirsty and gave thee
drink ?" and be surprised to .find such humble services so richly
rewarded. No nobler tribute could be paid to any man, than is paid to
David, in the Scripture, when it is said of him, that " after he
had served his own generation by the will of God, he fell asleep,
and was laid unto his fathers." He was a useful man in his
day and generation, and useful in a religious way, just as his
Maker required him to be, and then he did not die, which the
saints never do, but fell asleep only to wake again for other and
higher service, while his mortal remains were laid with gentle
hands to rest with his kindred. All this can be truthfully said
of our friend. He has been a useful man in his day, and served
his generation well, and in a Christian way. And now he is
not dead, in the sense of having perished and to be forgotten,
but still lives for nobler service, and to be remembered here in
the hearts of his friends and the gratitude of the community,
while this worn-out body we shall lay to rest with old friends
and neighbors who have fallen asleep before him, arid where we
expect to lie down around him.
" But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, con
ceming them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others
which have no hope, for if we believe that Jesus died and rose
again, even so them also that sleep in Jesus will God bring
with him." We are not heathen, recognizing death as the end
of us, and soul and body as perishing in the same grave. But
we are Christians, and believe that Christ has revealed to us a
future and immortal life, and that even this body shall be raised

DANIEL L. HARRIS.

again and made spiritual, and fitted for a spiritual state. In
this Christian faith, and with such Christian hopes, we bury
our dead, and comfort our hearts as we mourn their loss, and
try to tread closer in their steps.

EULOGIES OF THE PRESS.

MR. HARRIS'S death called out extended notices of
his life and character, which were published in nearly
all the leading daily and weekly newspapers in the country,
and as they show the esteem in which he was held, several are
printed, as follows : —
[From the Springfield Republican of July 12, 1879.]
A masterful power for good is lost to Western Massa
chusetts in the death of Daniel L. Harris. As a man
of affairs, as a citizen quick to see and ready to aggress
ively resent and combat public wrong, often at great cost to
himself, Springfield has no one to fill the place of him who has
gone from us. Taking him in the sphere of great practical
good which he filled, recognizing the temperamental limitations
which we can see were his, and allowing for the mistakes of
method which often attend the controversies of men of positive
convictions, — it must yet be conceded that Mr. Harris was the
best product of our sturdy New England life and training, the
embodiment, beyond any man who is left to us, of Puritan

DANIEL L. HARRIS.

strength, primitive honesty and honor, and the purpose and
ability to display these old-fashioned virtues when they would
avail to protect public interests. Few men ever possessed in
more useful degree the courage of strong and right convictions,
and Springfield has reason to remember gratefully these rare
and sterling qualities of our dead friend to-day. He did not
live a long life, but it was a stirring, worthy, and even a great
one. Mr. Harris was born at Providence, R. I., February 6, 1818.
He was a descendant of Thomas Harris, who settled in that
state with Roger Williams-;^ Young Harris worked in the mill
to secure the means for self - education, attended the Plainfield
(Ct.) Academy, and then spent three years in the scientific
department of Wesleyan University at Middletown, Ct., gradu
ating in 1838. He adopted the profession of civil engineer,
and was employed on the Norwich and Worcester Railroad, with
James Laurie, the famous Scotchman ; going with him, too, in
1839, to take part in one of the early surveys of the Erie Rail
road, in the then wilderness of Allegany and Steuben counties,
N. Y. From 1840 to 1843 Mr. Harris was assistant on the
Troy and Schenectady Railroad, and in the latter year came to
this city to survey the proposed railroad to Hartford.
He was scientific and accurate as a civil engineer, ranking
with the leaders of his profession in the Connecticut Valley.
Marvelously industrious he was, and pushing and fore sighted
enough to graduate into the wider and more profitable field
which he came to fill. ^ He was a "self-made raan," and the
professional civil engineer developed into the railroad president
and influential and wealthy citizen, by the force of his own

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 23
ability and character. Mr. Harris resigned, in 1843, his position
as engineer, and took a part in the contract for building the
Hartford road. As railroad contractor and bridge - builder he
made his fortune. He has been associated in the latter occu
pation with Amasa Stone and A. D. Briggs, continuing it up to
three years ago. He built the bridges on the New London
Northern Railroad, and the old wooden bridges — before the
present iron structures were put up — at Warehouse Point, Ct.,
ancl over the Connecticut River in this city. The latter task
was completed without interrupting the travel of the road.
Mr. Harris was one of the owners of the Howe truss bridge,
and has been interested in railroad and bridge contracts all
over the country. He built twenty -seven bridges along the
Hartford, Providence and Fishkill Road, including the bridge
over the Connecticut, and one of the works in which he always
took pride was the great truss roof over tjie depot in this city.
He also was instrumental in procuring the improvement of
Bridge street, by raising the railroad, — an enterprise which he
repeatedly urged upon President Bishop of the Southern Road.
Mr. Harris was elected a director of the Connecticut River
Railroad in January, 1855, and its President, to succeed Chester
W. Chapin, in March. He was equipped for this position by a
thorough acquaintance with the technique of railroading, and
brought to it as well a mind broad enough to command its
wider office relations and complications. Ex - President Ches
ter W. Chapin says that, in his work, Mr. Harris "had few
equals and no superior," and none will dispute the claim that
he was one of the leading railroad men of the country. Presi
dent Harris was economical, far-sighted, failing, when he failed,

24 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
on the side of caution and conservatism, rather than of specu
lation ; but his wise prudence has been justified by its fruits.
When he took the Connecticut River Road its stock was quoted
at 50, and to-day it sells for more than any other railroad stock
in the state. We believe Mr. Harris once declined the presi
dency of the Southern Road.
Though content with the control of the railroad from Spring
field to Greenfield, Mr. Harris by no means limited his work to
it. Some twenty years ago he was selected to inspect the rail
roads of Russia, which work he performed with such character
istic thoroughness and honesty as to be made the recipient,
beyond his salary, of a valuable jewel from the Czar. During
the war, also, it will be remembered that at one time the United
States felt compelled to take possession of the railroads near
the seat of operations, and Mr. Harris was first selected as
government manager, a post which he declined. His adminis
trative grasp was further recognized by General Grant, who
induced Mr. Harris, as a personal favor, to become a govern
ment director of the Union Pacific Railroad. He held the
office but a short time, however, being entirely dissatisfied, as
Charles Francis Adams, Jr., has since been, with the hampering
restrictions put upon these representatives of the government.
Mr. Harris has also been a director in the Vermont Valley.
Railroad, and was interested in the Ashuelot Road and other
local enterprises. He was a director in the Springfield' Fire
and Marine Insurance Company, the Chapin bank, the Holyoke
Water - Power Company, and other corporations.
But the highest service which Mr. Harris rendered to his
business associates over the country, and the best monument to

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 25
his catholic sagacity in railroading, remains in the Eastern rail
road association. This grew out of a conversation with Lawyer
N. .\. Leonard, and was developed entirely at Mr. Harris's
suggestion. Railroad men were greatly annoyed by suits for
patent infringements, brought against individual corporations ;
the companies, rather than be put to the expense of fighting
such suits, would yield to the demand for a small royalty, and
great abuses were developed. Through Mr. Harris's efforts,
the eastern railroads combined into an association, not only to
resist improper suits, but to introduce useful patents. The
value of such a combination was seen by the western railroads,
and two associations resulted, — one with head - quarters until
recently in Springfield — (now in Boston) — and the other in
Chicago. Perhaps the crowning service of this association,
and peculiarly the personal triumph of its long-time president,
was the defeat of the Tanner brake suit for infringement.
This was decided against the patent by the United States
Supreme Court. Mr. Harris organized the opposition, and
carried the fight from a defeat in the lower court. How near
the railroads came to yielding, few know. When the Tanner
people won their case in the court at Chicago, some of the
roads were ready to make terms. Mr. Harris went to New
York and spent days in fighting this sentiment in the western
managers. Having a few minutes on his hands before return
ing, he visited Commodore Vanderbilt in the Grand Central
Depot, and he, too, was ready to compromise, for $30,000, on
the ground that the other roads were cutting to get good terms.
Mr. Harris challenged the statement in his positive fashion,
hard words were bandied for the moment, but within ten min-
4

26 DANIEL L. HARRIS.

utes the New York railroad magnate had agreed to stand out,
Mr. Harris was on his way to Springfield, and thirty millions
were saved to the railroads of the United States.
The statement will be made that Mr. Harris, in the face of
crises, often became heated to the extent of losing his power
of calm judgment. This is perhaps true in a small sense, but
a candid survey of the results of his life will not bear out this
estimate. Mr. Harris was a strong fighter, who sought to carry
the point in hand, but he was possessed of powers of pene
tration singularly far - reaching. He was an early and always
strong opponent of the Hoosac Tunnel, and the Franklin
County idea that the finger of Providence had marked out a
great railway line up to the Hoosac Mountain via the Deerfield
Valley, and beyond it along the river valley to the Hudson
River, never impressed him. He felt, with another ancient
doubter, that Providence left the greatest work undone when it
lefrained from putting the aforesaid finger through the mount
ain. If there was any man in the Commonwealth who foresaw
the end of the Hoosac Tunnel enterprise from its beginning, it
was Mr. Harris. Twenty years ago he predicted that the great
bore would dissipate as many millions of dollars before it was
available for railroading. Another saying of his has lately had
sterling verifications. "When it is done," said he, "they may
call the money spent on the Tunnel sunk, and the Fitchburg
Railroad cannot compete with the well - equipped and organized
Boston and Albany Road." President Stearns has already made
this admission about his property, finding that the reiit paid
Massachusetts for the Tunnel, is just about what his road ran
behind last year. Mr. Harris took a prominent part in the

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 27
continuous war over the State appropriations for the Tunnel,
and not even Frank Bird was so thoroughly posted in every
phase of the history of the progress of the great enterprise.
Mr. Bird owed him the celebrated expression " demoralized
rock," which constituted one of the great difficulties of the
work at one time. Mr. Harris, describing to him the progress
of the enterprise, stuck at the word he wanted (disintegrated),
and finally in an emphatic way brought out " demoralized rock,"
which was hailed with delight by the ardent pamphleteer as
just the expression he wanted. We believe Mr. Harris bound
up every document relating to the Tunnel, making a valuable
collection, which, we hope, will find its way to our public library.
On all New England railroad matters, including the complicated
Vermont chancery questions, Mr. Harris was good authority.
He held his own opinions, but his statements of fact were
strictly accurate. As a pleader, either in private conversation
or public debate, he had a marvelous power of comprehensio.n,
clear statement and the art of presenting his points powerfully.
This was strongly illustrated in the plea before the railroad
committee of the Legislature in 1869, when Mr. Harris success
fully opposed the petition for a charter for the Holyoke Railroad
to Westfield. Mr. Harris disdained the resort to lobbying,
which was then common, and relied on his presentation of the
case in person to the committee, in which he excelled all the
parliamentary attorneys. ' Intense in his conviction that a
community could support one railroad more easily than two, he
overpersuaded both the committee and himself of the impossi
bility of building the competing line. His underestimate of
the force arrayed against him in this case was perhaps the most
striking error of his railroad management.

28 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
In all his career as a public man and citizen with political
duties, Mr. Harris was an admirable representative of the class
of men who study to serve the people. Like the late Samuel
Bowles, he studied public affairs, made up his mind what ought
to be done for the public good, and went forward to do it,
often in advance of the suggestion of the people themselves,
careless whether he met opposition or sympathy, never courting
approval demagogically, and firm in the consciousness that he
knew, better than those whom he would serve, what was needed
for their welfare. The people never know what such men have
done for them till long after the strife and controversy of the
moment, when they begin to reap the fruits of the superior
foresight by which they had reluctantly been guided. Mr.
Harris's services to the people have been peculiar and various.
In material interests he has always opposed the efforts of coal,
oil and telegraph speculators to get a hold here and prey upon
the community. He was solicitous to give our material, no
less than our moral, interests, a substantial character. In
politics, he was a republican, of independent breadth. In the
early days of the party, he rendered efficient service, with his.
partner, Mr. Briggs, in the effort to save Kansas to the free
states, and was an active member of the Kansas Emigrant Aid
Association. Their office was at one time the depot for arms
for the Kansas settlers, which were sent out in detached parts,
the gun -barrels at one time, the locks at another, so that if
either consignment fell into the hands of " border ruffians " the
booty would be useless. Knowing the Springfield wool dealer,
John Brown, Mr. Harris was naturally one of tlie first to engage
in raising money for his assistance in Kansas. Mr. Harris
served with credit in the Legislature of 1859, '63, '64 and '69,

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 29
and as mayor of the city in i860. In 1872 he was elected one
of the first Board of Water Commissioners and he bore a
prominent part in the investigations relative to a source of
water-supply, as well as in the final choice of the Ludlow
reservoir, and in the carrying out of the enterprise by which
the city secured its present abundant and healthful supply of
water. It was as the great economist of the city, however, that Mr.
Harris rendered the most signal service, not only to the com
munity, but to the whole country. In 1875, at the call for
retrenchment, Mr. Harris took service in the common council
from Ward 4, and for three years, and during all but the last
year of Mayor Wight's administration, he carried the govern
mental burden on his soul, day and night. The shrinkage in
values had then only just begun, and Mr. Harris incessantly
and upon every occasion, in private and in public life, told
men they would live to see Main street property selling for half
what it was then valued at, and that if taxes were not reduced
not only Springfield, but New York and nearly all the cities in
the country, would decline into repudiation. He -was regarded
by many as a visionary and a dreamer ; by others with
dread, as they feared to face the truth, but time has proved a
cruel vindicator of his judgment, so far as the valuation of
property is concerned, and the retrenchment which he advised
has saved us from the alternative of repudiation.
Mr. Harris devoted himself to the campaign of economy
with that thorough scholarship which was his ready resource.
He analyzed our appropriations for successive years, he showed
precisely where the increase had been, he demonstrated the

30 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
preposterous fallacy underlying our valuations, by showing the
absurdity of presuming any such increase in . the accumulation
of wealth per capita. He pricked the bubble of our inflation
estimates, he courageously applied the knife of retrenchment
to the twingeing nerves of public service, reduced expenditure
one - half and taxation one - half, and placed the city early amid
her cotemporaries on the hard-pan, ready to take the advan
tage of a new era of prosperity. He restored prudence to a
spendthrift people, and stayed the hand of the tax-gatherer.
We should fall short in. this review, if we did not vindicate
the thoroughly public character of Mr. Harris's labors. He
often seemed personal, and there was no respect in which he
was worse misunderstood or felt more keenly the popular mis-
appreciation. If he was ever personal, it was because he made
the public cause his own. He was wounded by the imputation
of personal spite and malignity freely made against him in
connection with the controversy over the salary of a late official,
who, in his opinion, forced his services upon the city and then
demanded compensation for them. The settlement of the right
principle involved was all he ever contended for. Not long
before his death, in speaking of his amicable relationship with
the men he had met in the world, he said : " I have been a man
of fight. Since I was thirty years old and came to have
responsibilities of my own, there has not been a day in which I
have not had some controversy on my hands, some great litiga
tion, some railroad, telegraph or insurance quarrel, or some
public question ; but, fighting character as I am, I never raised
my hand against a man, or had hand raised against me, never
sued a man or have been sued, or had any lawsuit, in my private

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 31
affairs." On public questions he fought alone as wfell as with a
regiment, but nobody can look upon his career and associate
with it any motive of quarrelsome rancor and selfishness, and
the tranquil flow of his private affairs would show that such
traits formed no part of his character, even if the generosity of
his public bestowals and labors did not richly justify a more
positive vindication. That he was always solicitous to preserve
amicable personal relations with those from whom he differed
most radically, has been often exemplified by his sending for
opponents, after the heat of the contest, to meet him socially.
He was utterly devoid of the popish pretension which sometimes
accompanies great personal force. Coming into The Republi
can office once in the early days of the Wight administration,
he was met by Mr. Bowles, in his free and easy way, with a
jovial hail : " Well, how are you. Boss Reformer .'" Mr. Harris's
dee-ply bronzed and leonine features blushed like a girl's at the
compliment, and his momentary embarrassment revealed the
innate modesty and genuine self - abnegation of the man.
Mr. Harris was deeply associated with the city library, and
was President of the corporation at his death. When the
library building had been completed at an expense of $100,000,
and there still remained a debt of $25,000 to clear, the task of
raising the money was intrusted to Mr. Harris, and done with
his usual zeal and persistence. He was able to report at the
next annual meeting that the entire amount had been raised.
He gave $10,500 to the library fund. He joined the South
Congregational Church in 1848, coming from the First Church,
Earnestly opposed to the project of a new edifice, and foresee-

32 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
ing the debts in which it would involve the church, nevertheless
when he was once outvoted, he was loyal to the work and gave
more to its completion than any other. He was a liberal con
tributor, also, to Wesleyan University, his al-riia mater, although
of a different faith, and was never slow to aid any public charity
which he was convinced was doing good commensurate with
the outlay.
Mr. Harris married Miss Harriet O. Corson, of Canastota,
N. Y., in 1843. Nine children were born to them, of whom all
but two survive — six daughters, one being the wife of Edward
Brewer of Hartford, and one son, Azariah B. Harris, who has
assisted his father in his business affairs. Mr. Harris had a
firm - set frame and a sturdy constitution, but his intense
activity overdrew his vitality, his blood deteriorated, and anaerhia
was followed by inability to assimilate food ancl rejDair waste.
His physical condition thus became critical about two years
ago, and in the winter of the present year an exudation of water
upon the brain paralyzed his remaining strength and brought
him to death's door. He rallied, however, and has been able
to resume interest in affairs till a fortnight ago, when his vital
powers again sank below the point of nutrition. Dr. Austin
Flint, Sen., of New York, was called in council with the family
physician, but it was found impossible to arrest the slow para
lyzing of his energies, although his near demise was so little
expected that his son was not at home. He passed away very
quietly, while sleeping, at 3 o'clock in the morning. His only
regret was that he had been able to accomplish so litde in life,
and that he was obliged to leave so much undone. His death

DANIEL L. HARRIS.

33

removes our most public-spirited and widely- experienced fellow-
citizen, a man of purity, uprightness and generosity, and of
unequaled force of character, which bore rich fruit of right
living.

[From the Cleveland (O.) Herald of July i6, 1879.]
There recently died in Springfield,. Mass., a gentleman that
society could ill afford to lose ; a man of rare usefulness and
commanding influence,. — Mr. Daniel L. Harris, widely known as
one of the great r.ailroad directors and practical engineers of
the country. For many years he was the partner of Amasa
Stone, Esq., of this city, and from this gentleman we learn
many interesting points in Mr. Harris's history. The Spring
field Republican calls him the most public - spirited citizen of
their city, " a man of purity, uprightness, generosity and
unequaled force of character, which bore rich fruit of right
living." Mr. Harris was one of the best practical engineers ift New
England. His executive powers were remarkable, and his skill
and energy beyond praise. He was an aggressive man, never
satisfied to let things run at loose ends or drift along, believing
that better times would come and put things right.. He made
war upon error, extravagance and wrong management, wherever
he had the power, regardless of personal popularity or who his
blows hit. He would protest as promptly against a waste of
the money of the people or of a railroad corporation as he
would of his own ; and his emphatic denunciations of the
Hoosac Tunnel enterprise are vividly remembered. From. the
.5

34 DANIEL L. HARRIS.

outset of that work he opposed it with a force, vigor, and ear
nestness that carried conviction to many minds. He predicted
the enormous cost of the enterprise, the millions of dollars it
would waste, and the comparatively moderate benefits to be
gained. All his arguments are now fresh in the memory of
men, and all his predictions in regard to the work have only
proved to be too true.
But Mr. Harris's fame rests not alone upon his success as a
railroad magnate, bridge builder, or engineer. He was a vigi
lant citizen and friend of the people. The interest of the
public he made his own. He grappled with public evils and
crushed them by the sheer force of his own will. He was
honest, brave, straightforward and direct in all his ways.
There was no effort on his part to court popularity, or win his
way to public favor by the arts of a demagogue. He was
sincere. People knew it, felt it and trusted him. He was
frequently elected to the Legislature, was Mayor and member
of the City Council, and always was foremost in every plan for
relieving the burden of the people or advancing their well being.
His services to the city of Springfield in reducing taxation and
preparing the city to meet hard times, which he saw approach
ing, were of the highest value, and entitle him to lasting credit
and honor. It is only to be regretted that we cannot have just
such a man in Cleveland and other cities, to map out a plan of
economy, retrenchment, reform and reduced taxation and
force its adoption, regardless of mere personal popiilarity or
the applause of men. Such leaders in society as Mr. Harris
are only too rare. The breath of popular applause is so sweet,
the song of the siren so soothing, floating with the stream so

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 35
easy and grateful to the senses, that most men shut their ears
to what they do not wish to hear, and refuse to see the evils
directly before them. But Mr. Harris was not a dreamer, or
the man to see the public interests go to shipwreck without a
warning. He saw the dangers of inflated values, costly improve
ments, high rates of taxation, and needless extravagance, and
high above the clamor of interested parties, false prophets or
half -courageous friends, he cried halt, and showed the people
the precipice on which they were standing. Such moral cour
age and genuine bravery are rarely raet with in these tiraes, and
thrice happy is a comraunity to have such a man within its
borders. In all the great moral reforms of the day he was prominent
and foremost. Religion found in him a firm believer, and
education a sincere friend. He was benevolent, charitable
and kind, and all enterprises for the benefit of mankind he
urged forward with his influence and his means.
His life was a successful one, in the best and broadest sense
of that term. He died possessed of an ample fortune, the love
and reverence of his family, crowned with the respect, esteem
and gratitude of the people among whom he lived, and left
behind him the record of a pure and useful man in his day and
generation. Let us hope that to him was given an abundant
entrance into the better kingdom.

[From the Springfield Republican of July 14, 1879.]
The life which was so fitly and tenderly celebrated at our
South Church, yesterday, ought to appeal powerfully to the
young men of Springfield. Mr. Harris began his career by

36 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
self-reliant industry, at the bottom of the ladder; virtue,
honesty and a wise prudence marked his way, and these old-
fashioned rules of conduct graduated him into wealth, honor
and a large public service, won him a model home and such a
measure of respect as few men have before commanded in the
history of this city. Surely, here is success worth studying,
from any point of view. The Republican is very widely read
by young men, and we ask their attention to what appears to
us a life worthy of imitation. The world would be better for
many more Daniel L. Harrises.
Mr. Harris began right. He wanted an education, and he
worked for it as a factory- hand. He took hold of his profes
sion of civil engineering by carrying chain for old Engineer
James Laurie, in the then wilderness of New York state, and
his mastery of bridge -building and railroading was equally from
first principles. Perhaps such foundations are uncommon in
these days. An incident related in the recent admirable
address of Charles Francis Adams, Jun., before the Williams
College students, would indicate this. A father asked Mr.
Adams whether railroading did not offer a good field into which
to put a son. " Admirable," was the response, " I have no
doubt you could start him as brakeman on this very train."
The father was too amazed to resent the suggestion. And yet
the stuff which made Mr. Harris what he was can safely be
trusted to master railroading from the brake up. Mr. Harris
was plucky, persistent, wide-awake and genuine. He was
often accused of not being progressive. This broad land is
strewn with railroad wrecks, and " pushing men " have brought
distress to the doors of widows and orphans, and wrought wide

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 37
ruin by brilliant " development " schemes, and careless invest
ment in popular but ruinous speculative risks. Yes, Mr. Harris
was conservative. He was careful to manage the great property
intrusted to him safely, and was justly proud of taking it when
its shares were quoted at 50, and leaving its stock wortH more
than that of any other railroad in the state. Mr. Harris was
an old-fashioned business inan. He knew his work thoroughly,
did it with perfect faithfulness, counted the cost before he
builded, aimed to see the end of a project from its beginning,
withstood the craze of our national era of inflation, and moved
no faster than sure ground appeared for his feet. His work
stands a monument to the principles which guided his career.
The successful man did not forget the path by which he had
climbed. He delighted in personal service to those deserving,
no less than in performing self-sacrificing public duty. Inspir
ing things are told of the dead on every hand. "We are doing
the same work," said he to a journalist, "helping on good
things and seeking to protect the interests of the people ; and
when I can put in an oar with you, give you information or
strengthen your hands, call on me, and if it be midnight I will
respond gladly." He was helpful in little things, as in great
deeds. Being told during his last' illness of a promising young
fellow prostrated by excessive smoking, the expressive face of
the languid invalid brightened with loving purpose, as he said :
" He must break off ; I'll see the young man and tell him some
things I have learned." Mr. Harris was not a narrow man.
He found time in his busy life to cultivate good books and
maintain profitable social relations.

38 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
How this man hated a lie and fought fraud has been suffi
ciently dwelt upon ; nor need we again refer to his public work
for Springfield. It is pleasant to record the universal grief at
the removal of this public benefactor. It was late understand
ing which came to some people, who appreciated the sick lion
only in his bodily decay. But such conversions were sweet to
the raan who reluctantly yielded his hold on life because he
had done so little and was obliged to leave so much undone.
A feeling of shame must come to every Springfield reader, in
this connection, at the memory of the riotous demonstration
made before Mr. Harris's house, on the eve of Fourth of July,
1876. The shame becomes grief when it is known that the
remembrance of that disgraceful mob disturbed the last weeks
of Mr. Harris's life. To hira the late local holiday brought
apprehensions of a possible second attack upon his property.
Is there a raan in Springfield to-day who will own that he par
ticipated in the midnight horning party of 1876 ?
These are days when the young men of Springfield should
be taking solemn thought for the future. Mr. Harris's motto
of caring for the people to whom taxes are a burden, ought to
govern the city government, now fast drifting into the hands of
the new generation. The old guard are falling on the field,
and high places are becoming vacant. The young men are left
to do the work which experienced hands have had to drop.
Let them gird up. their loins to do it soberiy, faithfully and with
the unselfish public spirit which made conspicuous the lives of
Samuel Bowles and Daniel L. Harris.

PERSONAL TRIBUTES.

THE letters which follow, from Mr. Brinsmade, formerly
Superintendent of the Connecticut River Railroad, Mr.
Burt, Editor of Among the Clouds, and " H." (Rev. J. W.
Harding,) were printed in the Springfield Republican, a few
days after Mr. Harris's death. The refusal of the policeman
to discharge a manifest duty, as related by Mr. Harding, brought
that prompt action so characteristic of Mr. Harris. When he -
put the boy in a hack to be taken to his home, he ' said to the
policeman, " I will take care of this boy to-day ; to-morrow I
•will attend to you." After leaving the boy with his mother,
whom he found living in poor but neatly kept rooms, he gave
her a sum of money and then went to head - quarters and pre
ferred charges against the policeman. The next day he went
to the hearing and had the satisfaction of seeing the policeman
discharged from the service.
' This was a case that most people would not have taken the
necessary time to inquire into so as to bring official remissness
of duty to the notice of the proper authorities, but Mr. Harris
regarded this a duty that he and every one owed the public.

40 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
He believed that if there were more promptness of action even
in redressing minor wrongs there would be fewer wrongs com
mitted. Hence he was willing to go out of his way to maintain
a principle and secure justice to the most obscure citizen.

Mrs. Harris, Dear Madam : —
For a quarter of a century it was my lot to hold intimate
business relations with your husband, the Hon. Daniel L.
Harris, and to enjoy, during the same period, his personal
friendship. To have had his confidence while I was holding
the responsible trust of Treasurer of the corporation over which
he presided, has been encouraging and gratifying ; the more so,
from the fact that his standard for the discharge of such a trust
was high and broad. I am glad, therefore, of an opportunity
to put on record a few words in token of my esteem ancl grati
tude towards my honored and lamented friend.
A slight acquaintance with' Mr. Harris was sufficient to
impress one with the conviction that he was a man of great
mental capacity and immense energy. His was an originating
mind, that went back to causes ; a mind that could grasp and
hold up at one view a multitude of facts bearing upon a
problem. Work to him was play. He loved it. And such a
worker ! Before his iron will and prodigious force, hills went
down, valleys rose, and crooked places became straight. He
let no obstacles deter him from undertaking what he had
decided ought to be done. By great industry and diligent
improvement of his many talents, he worked his way up from

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 41
humble position to places of honor and great responsibility, so
that by individuals in their private affairs, by stockholders of
great corporations, by the suffrages of his fellow- citizens, by
the Emperor of Russia, by the President of the United States,
and others in high station, his counsel and aid were sought in
important matters. And yet he was not puffed up by his
honors and prosperity. He liked official positions, so far as
they afforded him opportunities for usefulness, but he cared
not for their tinsel and trappings. His taste ran in the line of
the plain, the substantial and the useful.
In business matters Mr. Harris saw so clearly what should
be done, and was so eager and able to do everything well and
promptly, that it was hard for him to bear with the slow move
ments of others less competent than himself ; so that, at times,
he was led to enforce his commands with sharp, if not stinging
wordsy But those who knew him well, could understand that
those rebukes came from the overflowing forces of his strong
will and active mind. Underlying all this physical and mental
power was a rich vein of benevolence. While stern in his
reproofs of the wrong doer, he was graciously forbearing,
whenever there was a return to the path of duty.
The life of such a man as Mr. Harris cannot be measured
by years. It must be computed by deeds. Reckoned by this
standard, we find he lived very long. If there be fields of
usefulness in the sphere into which he has gone, we may be
assured he is there, what he was here, a valiant and useful
worker.
Seth Hunt.
Springfield, Mass., December .1, 1879.
6

42 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
To THE Editor of the Republican : —
Daniel L. Harris was a man who made his mark especially
as an upright and successful business man, and his peculiarities
and general characteristics were well known to all with whom
he came in contact, as would be true of any public man who
possessed so positive a character. But I would like to speak
of his social qualities and the worth of his acquaintance as a
friend. I was associated with him intimately for fourteen years,
in the management of the Connecticut River Railroad, besides
enjoying his acquaintance to a greater or less extent previously,
in our engineering experience, and "I had favorable opportuni
ties for gaining an intelligent idea of the prevailing bent of his
character and disposition. Mr. Harris was not a success as a
politician or as a legislator, in the popular sense of those
positions. He had certain positive convictions on all subjects
which engaged the public attention, and he never cultivated the
faculty of disguising his feeling from motives of policy or even
to avoid disturbing the feelings of others. As a railroad
manager he was successful as long as Massachusetts roads
adhered to legitimate business and kept themselves clear of
legislative interference. With strict integrity, large brains and
a thorough acquaintance with the business, not only of con
struction, but of the details of operation, he easily made his
influence felt in every branch under his management, but he
never could learn to adapt himself to the tricks and compro
mises of a corrupt legislation. He was quick in decision, and
prompt in action, qualities which, when guided by good judg
ment, made him very valuable in arbitrary positions as the

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 43
head of a railroad corporation. He was eminently a self-made
man, and having acquired habits of great industry early in life,
he involuntarily grew into a strange prejudice against amuse
ments and holidays for the people, as if they interfered
odiously with the proper attendance upon business duties.
This prejudice was evidently acquired, and by no means natural
to him, as he was a great .lover of the humorous, and, with
different surroundings, might have become a leader in all
branches of fun. He was a true and faithful friend under
adverse or prosperous skies, and his employes always found
him loyal to their interests through thick and thin. From
small beginnings he managed to acquire a large property, and
although studiously economical, from long habit, in business
conduct, he was very generous and liberal to his family and
personal friends, and he always stood ready to lend a helping
hand lo young men of industry who lacked the means to get
along in the world. He would often seek out worthy, poor
young men, and offer them opportunities to show their metal,
and acquire positions for themselves. He seemed to be ever
mindful of his own wants under similar circumstances, and
many a prominent man in the community will be found, on
inquiry, to owe to Mr. Harris a judicious lift at a critical
moment, on the strength of which he has been able to place
himself in a position to make rapid strides to success. Such a
friend should, and will, be missed by many who, in the humbler
walks of life, cannot emblazon his praise. To others, whose
interests he perhaps was led to obstruct, or whose ambition
failed to enlist his sympathies, his death will seem almost like
a relief — for while he was warm-hearted and faithful to assist

44 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
the worthy unfortunate, he was remarkably combative and ugly
in a fight. His positive character made him an active partisan,
and there was no milk-and-water or half-way policy in his
composition. His persistence was equally a characteristic of
his nature, whether it was employed as a friend or an enemy,
and he will long be remembered in Springfield by those on both
sides who have felt his influence to admire or condemn it. ¦
William B. Brinsmade.
Washington, Ct.,fuly 14, 1879.

To the Editor of the Republican : —
I have read your biographical sketch of the late Daniel L.
Harris with pleasure, and it seemed to me to do his memory
justice. His parents moved from Plainfield to Providence
before his birth, and when he was two years old they moved
back to a place in Connecticut near Plainfield. Afterward his
father moved to Plainfield, where he commenced the manufact
ure of cotton goods, and at a very early age, during his school
vacations, Mr. Harris went into the factory, working from five
in the morning till seven at night. At fourteen, in addition to
his other duties, when out of school, he filled the place of night
watchman, going every fifteen minutes through all the rooms in
the building from eight to ten o'clock. After that he retired
and slept until five, when he rose and built the fires and put
the factory in readiness for the day's work. In relating this he
said : " How much pay do you suppose I received for discharg-

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 45
ing the duties of watchman ? Just four cents an hour ; and I
can safely say that no factory was more thoroughly watched
than that. I still have the account books kept at that time,
which will show every pecuniary transaction that I made." He
added : " My father was poor, and I only received my board
and clothes while in the factory, for my regular work. I used
to set traps for muskrats at the pond, and when work was oyer
go down and take out what had been caught and then reset the
traps. The skins I saved and sold for twenty- five cents each,
and this was my first business experience on my own account."
During a somewhat lengthy conversation, only a few months
since, he entered into the incidents of his past life with a good
deal of enthusiasm, as was his wont, and dwelt long on the fact
that he had always endeavored to make the world better. " I
have always been in the courts, but never for myself — always
in the interest of the people. I knew my rights, and have ever
endeavored to maintain them. Governor Andrew, with all his
good qualities, was a sharp lawyer. He had some corporation
books in his possession which I wished to get. I applied to
him for them. He said, 'You can't have them.' I replied,
' Mr. Andrew ' (he was not then governor), ' I know my rights in
the Supreme Court, and I shall assert them. You can give
them up peaceably if you will ; if not, I shall take them forci
bly.' In a half hour I had the books."
" If my life is longer spared " (this was after he went down
to death's door last winter) " I shall make the Connecticut
River Railroad the very best, for a short road, that there is in
this country. It is my pride, and nothing shall be left undone
to make it in every respect what it should be."

46 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
In referring to his near approach to death, he said : " I have
much to be thankful for, — thankful to God for having spared
ray life, and thankful to kind friends for sympathy and interest
in me. I have always worked hard and been measurably
successful. Neighbor Birnie sat at my bedside, as he tells me,
when he thought every breath would be my last. I seemed, to
go off into dreamland, and thought I was away from home on
a journey ; and when I began to. revive some one whispered in
ray ear, ' Prescott has been removed.' It did me so much good
that from that moment I. began to get well. By the way, I am
even with Neighbor Birnie. He stood by me when I was on
the borders of death, and some years ago I snatched him from
the fire. He was spending a few weeks at the sea - shore, and
was taken dangerously sick with bilious colic. I was in the
vicinity, and as soon as I heard of it I hitched up my horse
and ran hira all the way. When I reached the house and
found that his life had been given up, I ordered a tea made of
black pepper. This I applied outwardly at once, and followed
it with vigorous rubbing. Soon he began to show signs of
returning consciousness. In a few hours he began to improve,
and this saved his life."
When cautioned against doing too much work, he said : " I
might as well act as to sit here in my room and think it. I
must have something to do." He then turned to his books and
said : " Here is this large volume of legislative documents, that
I have collected and had bound, relating solely to the Hoosac
Tunnel. There are nine more just like it. In them is the
entire legislative history of that 'Great Bore.' I have opposed
it from the start as a needless and wasteful expenditure of the

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 47
people's money. It has been built, and now let the Sfate make
the most of it. I no longer have any desire to work against it.
I only want it to be well and prudently managed for the best
interests of all."
In this interview I was struck with the remarkable clearness
of his mental vision, and the vigor and aptness with which he put
his statements, although he was still hovering between life and
death. The average business mind seemed weak and puerile
in comparison. " I have treasured every scientific fact, and in
time it has been useful," he said to me. " To illustrate," he
continued, "when traveling in Colorado near one of the most
elevated places (Central) in the State, at dinner a gentleman
asked why it was that they could not get boiled potatoes at
Jones's. The question went down the whole table and no one
could answer. Finally it came to me. ' Tell me the elevation ?'
It was given. I replied, ' The reason is that water will not boil
at that hight. It will bubble, but will not contain sufficient
heat to cook potatoes.' " He had a clear, logical mind, always
going down to the bottom fact, though in the intensity of his
feelings he sometimes mistook the motives that actuated men.
He was naturally aggressive, and never knew what fear was.
He was bound to have peace, if he had to fight for it. I have
seen him attack a car load of drunken, boisterous Frenchmen
and put them into their seats as if they were so many bags of
meal. He despised rowdyism and frivolousness, and would
not tolerate it. One day a brakeman, while the train halted at
a station,' began to conduct himself in an unbecoming manner.
Mr. Harris saw his actions, and, stepping up to him, said
emphatically, " Young man, your career is ended. Go right to

48 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
the office and get your pay." The brakeman did it, but
repentance and promise of good behavior restored him to his
position. He never shirked a contest wherever he felt himself
in the right, and he was as zealous in his opposition in a trifling
matter as where thousands of dollars were at stake. It was
the principle that he regarded, and not the amount. He used
plain and strong terms when expressing himself, and his latest
contest was always referred to, as "my last war." In referring
to his relations with newspaper editors, he said : " I have occa
sionally written an editorial, and soraetimes inspired others to
write. There is  , he is a good fellow. . Sometimes he
will print what I want him to, and sometimes he will not. On
a certain subject he fully agrees with me, but he dislikes to
criticise the parties on the ground of personal friendship. He
has what I call a 'boarding-house acquaintance ' with them.
Can you tell me what makes  attack me so savagely ?
I hope he is actuated by a higher motive than the $5 a column
he gets for writing."
My acquaintance with Mr. Harris began a few years after he
was elected President of the Connecticut River Railroad, and
it has been a pleasure to meet him frequently since, — a pleasure,
because he was always full of inforraation and ever ready to
impart it, if proper to be known. He was never afraid to say
his soul was his own. He never agreed with a man because he
stood in a high place ; nor rejected the truth because it came
from an obscure individual. He put great trust in his friends,
and was slow to believe that they would deceive him. Some
years since, when the Central Vermont and the Connecticut
River Railroads were on amicable terms, he placed great confi-

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 49
dence in the management of Governor Smith. Through his
own efforts a change was brought about relative to a connecting
road, in which the Central and Connecticut River Railroads
were jointly interested, but negotiations were conducted in the
name of the Central. When completed, Governor Smith took
the plum and kept it. This staggered Mr. Harris's faith in
man, and it was hard for him to get over it. In referring to it,
he said : " Mr.  , I never was so mad in all my life as
when I found I had been pulling chestnuts out of the fire for
Governor Smith."
Hundreds of anecdotes might be related of him. He never
indulged in foolish words, — he had an eye to a single purpose, —
the accomplishment of whatever he vindertook. He had polit
ical and religious opinions, but they were seldom alluded to —
he was too much engrossed in business, and besides he believed
more in actions than in words. Of the twenty or more years
of acquaintance I never heard him refer to any speech or
political action in Congress. He knew what was going on, but
his mind did not run so much in that channel as in the manage
ment of his railroad. Latterly, however, his thoughts were
turned more towards public questions, especially to those
relating to the economical management of the affairs of the
city, state and nation.
It would not do Mr. Harris justice to say that he was always
right ; but he is entitled to this much — he thought he was
right, and acted from that stand - point. He never knew how
to give up in any contest until he was overwhelmingly defeated.
He had a remarkable mind, and he could grasp his side of the
question at once. He knew the law and the evidence, and,
7

50 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
like a valiant warrior, never shirked a contest or a responsibility.
One of his best -fought battles was in 1858, three years after
.he became President of the Connecticut River Railroad. The
repair shops of the road were then at Northampton. Experi
ence showed that a short road could be more economically
managed from one end than from the center, hence Mr. Harris
deterrnined to move them to Springfield. Of course, North
ampton objected. The late Samuel F. Lyman, then Treasurer
of the road, opposed it, though he had no voice in the board of
directors. He co - operated with Francis B. Crowningshields, a
Boston director, who, it was understood, desired to secure the
removal of Mr. Harris. It was the custom in those days for the
officers of railroads all over the country to exchange passes with
each other, and Mr. Lyman gave his to Mr. Crowningshields, to
show in the meeting as evidence of Mr. Harris's careless and
extravagant raanageraent. The exhibition came, and the passes
were showered upon the table with all the draraatic effect that
could be given; but Mr. Harris maintained his position and
carried his point. Crowningshields wanted to be President,
and that was why he sided with the Northampton interests.
This triumph of Mr. Harris threw out Mr. Lyman and elected
Seth Hunt of Northampton Treasurer, who has since held the
place. Mr. Hunt had been Mr. Lyman's clerk from the open
ing of the road, and had done all the clerical work of the
Treasurer's office. Mr. Lyman, after his defeat, was appointed
Judge of Probate.
Mr. Harris's life has been a grand example and a great
warning ; grand from his fidelity to what he considered right,
and for his industrious, frugal living, — an example that many

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 51
a young man might follow with profit ; a warning for the
neglect of his physical nature. In his zeal to work he forgot
to play. He had a constitution of iron, and he never felt the
necessity of husbanding his resources. Instead of dying at
sixty- one, he should have lived and worked twenty years longer.
He did precisely what every vigorous and well man is too apt
to do — ^work up to the very last hour, until nature is completely
exhausted, before thinking there is need of rest. Mr. Harris
was a valuable citizen, and his influence must be felt for good
long after he has been in his grave.
He had great faith in his road, and always did what he con
sidered best for its interests, although his policy at tiraes has
seemed a little too conservative. He was one of the largest
stockholders, and bought some of the shares as low as $44.
He is entitled to a great deal of credit for bringing the road
from a non - paying stock up to where it has paid eight and ten
per cent, dividends —from its depressed condition to the highest
selling railroad stock in Massachusetts. These facts demolish
criticism as to his policy. There is another thing to be said,
that there is not a road in Massachusetts that has shown so
little arbitrary power, and has done so much to accommodate
and please its patrons.
In all suits that Mr. Harris was engaged in, ¦ he never trusted
everything to his counsel. He worked up his evidence before
hand, and then turned the case over to him. His prejudices
were strong, and he frequently came out of court with the
opinion that his opponent's counsel was a "bad man." He
could hire a lawyer for his side of the case, but he could not
quite understand how the lawyer on the other side could oppose

52 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
him and be honest. No man had a keener sense of justice and
right than he, and his prejudices were common to all positive
natures. He saw quickly and felt keenly, and the cause he
espoused was to him all important. A valiant, brave defender
of justice has gone to his reward, and left in Springfield few
who are his equals.
Henry M. Burt.
Summit of Mt. Washington, N. H.,fuly 15, 1879.

To the Editor of the Republican : —
Our lamented friend often illustrated in his disinterested
good -will the apostle's injunction not "to look every man on
his own things, but also on the things of others." When a
member of the Legislature, in passing a certain public doorway
of a street in Boston, a boy carae tumbling down stairs. The
result was some of his teeth knocked out, and a bruised and
bloody face. "What is the matter ? " asked Mr. Harris, as he
kindly helped him to his feet. " Did you fall accidentally ? "
" No, they 'shoved me down." " For what reason ? " "I was
looking on to see a game of billiards." " Did you interfere ? "
" No, I only wanted to see how the game was played ; they told
me to leave, and because I stayed they shoved me down stairs."
Mr. Harris requested a policeman standing by to look up the
case. He insolently replied that it was none of his business if
people fell down stairs. " You see this boy's condition, and
hear his account of it. You think it none of your business to

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 53
inquire into it?" The official rudely persisted in refusing.
Mr. Harris made a memorandum of his number, meanwhile
giving die wounded boy $5 and sending him in a hack to a
dentist to have his teeth mended. The next morning the
policeman found himself before the court, with Mr. Harris
prepared to state the case, and himself in trouble for his negli
gence and insolence. His humble plea that he did not know it
was Daniel L. Harris, only brought the quick rejoinder, " What
difference does that make ?"
Another case was that of a railroad engineer, who, being an
immoderate chewer and smoker, and withal imprudent and
irregular in his dietetic habits, got so weak and nervous as one
day to ask Mr. Harris for a release from his engine, and a place
somewhere on the road as a restaurant - keeper to sell refresh
ments to travelers. " I will not do any such thing," said Mr.
Harris, " you are too good an engineer." And then seeing the
discouraged and exhausted condition of the man, and suspect
ing the true causes, " I will tell you what I will do. Will you
take the advice of a good doctor, in whom we both have confi
dence, and agree to follow his prescriptions while I pay the
doctor's bill ? Under this condition I will stand by you and do
better for you than you propose for yourself." The man
consented, and Mr. Harris recommended a distinguished
physician, to whom he privately communicated his own under
standing of the case. This assisted the doctor's diagnosis, and
his questions displayed such a remarkable insight, that the
engineer became thoroughly convinced that his life and future
pursuit of happiness depended on keeping his agreement with
Mr. Harris, and following the doctor's prescriptions, which

54 DANIEL L. HARRIS.

decidedly interdicted his tobacco, and his irregular habits of
eating, and put him on a regime that ere long restored him to
good courage, a good engine and robust health.
When Mr. Harris's traveling party found that they were out
of season to hear the great Harlem organ, it being a day when
the old cathedral was closed, an extra and rather costly bargain
was made for an hour's privilege of visiting the church and
hearing the organ. Mr. Harris, though he paid the bill, cared
not a whit for the music, but amused himself with the machin
ery, and when sorae of the party inveighed against the exorbi
tance of the price, Mr. Harris, who had the best right to an
opinion on that matter, went into a cool calculation of the
great antiquity of the church, the original cost of investment,
the interest on that investment, and, on the whole, concluded
that the rent of that church and organ for an hour was fully
worth the charge. No doubt similar instances of Mr. Harris's
genial interest in the things of others, and going out of his way
to exercise his thoughtful wisdom in their behalf, might be
multiplied to fill a volume. h.
Longmeadow, fuly 15, 1879.

RESOLUTIONS OF CORPORATIONS.

RESOLUTIONS of respect and sympathy were adopted
by the various corporations with which Mr. Harris was
connected. Those of the Connecticut River Railroad Com
pany were written by Ex -Governor Williara B. Washburn ; those
of the Fire and Marine Insurance Corapany by N. A. Leonard ;
and those of the City Council by Judge W. S. Shurtleff.

CONNECTICUT RIVER RAILROAD COMPANY.
At a meeting of the Directors of the Connecticut River Rail
road held in Springfield, July 22, 1879, Governor Washburn, of
the committee to prepare resolutions with reference to the
death of President Harris, submitted and read the following
report, which was unanimously adopted by a rising vote : —
Resolved, That we are deeply impressed with the loss which this Corpora
tion has sustained since our last meeting, in the death of D. L. Harris, Esq.,
for a period of nearly twenty - five year's its President, and to the day of his
death giving the highest skill and the strictest integrity to its successful
management.

56 DANIEL L. HARRIS.

Resolved, That as members of this Board, in which he so long occupied
the leading position, we would hold up for remembrance and imitation the
example of energy, industry, order and fidelity to principle and duty, which
his life so conspicuously presented.
Resolved, That these resolutions be entered upon the records of the Cor
poration and that a copy be transmitted to the family of the deceased.
A true copy. Attest.
SETH HUNT,
Springfield, July 23, 1879. Clerk of the Board.

EASTERN RAILROAD ASSOCIATION.
At a stated meeting of the Executive Committee of the
Eastern Railroad Association, held on the loth day of Septem
ber, 1879, the President having officially noticed the death of
a brother member, the Hon. Daniel L. Harris, a committee was
appointed to prepare resolutions expressive of the honor and
esteem which the Association had for him.
The following resolutions were presented by the Committee,
and unanimously adopted : — ¦
Resolved, That in the death of the Hon. D. L. Harris, this Association
has lost a warm friend and an untiring and earnest worker; one to whose
ever watchful care and self-devotion, its great success may be largely
attributed. Resolved, That as one of the originators of this Association, in 1867, and
its faithful Secretary from that time until incapacitated from active partici
pation in its affairs by the illness which resulted in his death, on the nth of
July, 1879, he has rendered such valuable service as fully entitles him to the
grateful remembrance of every member of the Eastern Railroad Association.
Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the records of this Asso
ciation, and inserted in the Thirteenth Annual Report, and that a copy
thereof be transmitted tb the family of the deceased.
By order of the Executive Committee,
A. McCALLUM,
Secretary, Eastern Railroad Association.

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 57
THE CITY COUNCIL.
A joint convention of the two branches of the City Council,
at a meeting held Monday night, July 14th, adopted resolutions
to the memory of Mr. Harris. They were, introduced by
Alderman Dwight, who spoke of Mr. Harris as a man whom
all highly respected, who for years had great interest in the
city government, and who is now universally mourned. Coun
cilman Belding briefly referred to the loss of a benefactor, and
Alderman J. F. Tapley to him as one whose honesty of purpose,
energy of action, and conservative character are to be rever
enced, and are an example to the rising generation. The
resolutions are as follows : —
Whereas, It is becoming that the long - continued and important services
of a faithful public servant and leader in our municipal affairs, whose
death, in the midst of his usefulness, we are called upon to mourn, should
have public recognition from us, the members of the City Council, and, as
such, the representatives of the city, therefore
Resolved, That by the decease of the Hon. Daniel L. Harris, ex- council
man, ex-alderman, ex-mayor, ex- representative, ex-benefactor of Springfield,
the city, as a corporation, and as a social, religious and business community,
has suffered a loss for which it will seek compensation in vain, until there
shall again corabine in one of its citizens, as they united in him, that intelli
gence from which comes wisdom of counsel ; that ability which enables
wisdom to perfect its purposes; that energy that does not relax until its
object is attained; that self-abnegation that disregards personal interest for
the good of others ; that industry that rests only to renew its strength to
work; that courageousness that fears nothing but failure, and that public-
spiritedness that uses all these for the common weal, as he used them, and
so became a power and a good to the generation whom he has lived to
serve. Resolved, That, while methods and matters of temperament and motives
are elusive of human judgment, results are absolute as measures of worth,
and that, judged by these, the ends attained by him must rescind whatever
8

58 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
of adverse criticism of either may have been passed during the process of
accomplishment, and the verdict must be wholly of approval.
Resolved, That, while the present generation is, and the coming will be,
greatly indebted to him for the inception and completion of the many
improvements begun when the interests of the city demanded and its
financial condition justified them, which have made Springfield " first
among its equals " in point of attractiveness, convenience and comfort as a
home, and for desirability as a business location ; they will be as largely his
debtors for the great aid he rendered, when, in a changed condition of
affairs, when that which had been commendable enterprise became injudi
cious of continuance, and municipal luxury was dishonesty, he gave so
greatly of his ability, energy and time to assist in establishing the policy of
retrenchment and reform in the administration of financial affairs, which,
continued, has maintained the credit of the city above suspicion, and made
its action an example, and the results an encouragement to other municipali
ties encompassed by financial perils which it has escaped.
Resolved, That we extend our sympathy for their common loss to the
bereaved family of which he was the loved and loving head ; to the circle
of friends for whom he was the hospitable host and genial companion ; to
the religious society of which he was a helpful member ; to the institutions
of learning, of culture and of art of which he was a generous patron ; to
the business associates whose strong reliance he was ; to the many who are
indebted to his counsel, interest and means for their prosperity, and to the
poor whose needs his charity relieved.
Resolved, That, in token of the respect of the city for his character, and
of its gratitude for his eminent services, these resolutions be spread iipon
the records of the City Council, that a copy thereof be transmitted to his
family, and to the press for publication, and that they be printed in the
Municipal Register for the year.
The above resolutions of the City Council, prepared by Judge
W. S. Shurtleff, who had frequently spoken and voted in the
Council in opposition to Mr. Harris, called out the following
complimentary letter from the Rev. J. W. Harding of Long-
meadow, which so well expresses what many of the friends of
Mr. Harris felt, that space is given to it in this place :—

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 59

Judge W. S. Shurtlekf, My Dear Sir: —
Permit me to express my hearty appreciation of the resolutions of the
City Council, published this morning in The Republican, and prepared by
you. It is very seldom that such an admirable portrait is drawn in this
form of resolutions.
You have condensed in most thoughtful and fitting words just what
should be said, and no tribute given to Mr. Harris will be more cherished
by his friends. If I am not mistaken in my impression, you had occasion
sometimes to differ from him sharply, in regard to public measures, and
therefore the deUcate and manly way of your allusion in the second resolu
tion to " methods and matters of temperament and motives " as related to
"adverse criticisms," is particularly gratifying to those who know how much
our friend suffered from such criticism. If he could only read your resolu
tions (and who knows but that he has?) what a reward to his noble and
after 'all sensitive spirit.
I could not well deny myself this privilege of expressing to you my great
gratification with the substance and forra of the resolutions.
Yours very truly, J. -W. HARDING.
Longmeadow, July 15, 1879.

CITY LIBRARY ASSOCIATION.
At a meeting of the Directors of the City Library Associa
tion, held December Sth, 1879, it was voted that Rev. S. G.
Buckingham, D. D., Col. J. M. Thompson and James Kirkham,
Esq., be a committee to prepare and report to the meeting a
suitable memorial paper in view of the death of the Hon. Daniel
L. Harris, the late President of the Association.
The committee reported the following paper, which was unan
imously adopted, and ordered to be placed on the records of

6o DANIEL L. HARRIS.
the Association, and published in the next annual report. It
was also voted that a copy of the paper be sent to the family of
Mr. Harris.
The death of the Hon. Daniel L. Harris, a member of our City Library
Association, and one of its best friends and helpers, leads us to enter upon
our records sorae tribute to his memory and worth.
Mr. Harris was one of the original members of the Association ; the
largest contributor but one to its funds, having given $10,500 ; the chairman
of the committee who erected this Library building ; who personally raised
a subscription of $25,000, to pay off the debt with which we found ourselves
burdened when the building was completed ; the Vice - President of the
Association from the beginning until 1872, and the President from that time
until his death ; — these few particulars indicate his interest in our work, and
the value of his services in promoting it.
With profound respect for his intellectual ability, his high integrity, his
Christian faith ; — with a high appreciation of his public services, in contrib
uting so largely to the business prosperity of our city, to the reform of our
municipal affairs as a member of the City Government, and to the improved
legislation of the State as a member of both branches of the General Court ;
— and. with sincere and tender grief over the loss of such a friend, associate
and helper, in this as well as in every good enterprise : — we make this perma
nent entry upon our records, that those who come after us, and enjoy the
benefits of this Library, may know to whora they are indebted for them.
A true copy from the record. WILLIAM RICE, Secretary.

THE FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY.
At a meeting of the -directors of the Springfield Fire and
Marine Insurance Company, held August 4, 1879, the following
resolutions were adopted and placed upon the records of the
Company : —
Resolved, That Daniel L. Harris, who presided at the first raeeting for the
organization of this company, and who for the period of twenty- eight con-

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 6i

secutive years has been a member of its board of directors, by his intelligent
interest in the affairs of this company, and its relation with the public, by
always maintaining that his habit of fair dealing should be the policy of our
raanageraent, as of all other corporations with which he was actively
connected, and by the careful manner in which he protected its property,
greatly contributed to the prosperity of our company, and helped to place it
in the front rank of the insurance companies of the country.
Resolved, That his death is a great loss not only to this company and to the
officers with whom he has for raany years been pleasantly associated, but to
his fellow -citizens, by whom he was greatly beloved for his enterprise and
integrity ; for his interest in social improvement ; in good government ; in
the wise expenditure of public money ; in the growth and prosperity of our
city; in the support of our public library, our churches and charities, and
- all things which contributed to the well - being of society.
Resolved, That our sympathies are hereby extended to his faraily, and the
Secretary be requested to furnish them with a copy of these resolutions.

CHAPIN BANKING AND TRUST COMPANY.
At a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Chapin
Banking and Trust Company, held July i6th, 1879, the following
resolutions were offered by Hon. Chester W. Chapin, and
unanimously adopted : —
Resolved, That in the reraoval by death of the Hon. Daniel L. Harris, a
member of this Board since its organization, we recognize the loss to this
Bank of one of its first and raost efficient Directors, and to this community
of a valuable and honored citizen.
Resolved, That we tender to the family of the deceased the sincere sym
pathy of the members of this Board.
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be placed upon the records of
this Board, and also be transmitted to the family of the deceased, as a token
of our real sympathy and respect. Respectfully submitted,
J. D. SAFFORD, Secretary.

62 ¦ DANIEL L. HARRIS.

CROCKER MANUFACTURING COMPANY.
At a meeting of the Directors of the Crocker Manufacturing
Company, November 30th, 1879, ^^ following preamble and
resolutions were unanimously adopted :
Whereas, An over -ruling Providence having called from our midst our
friend, D. L. Harris, we take this opportunity to express our syrapathy to
his family and friends, and with a sure trust in his future bow to the will
of Him who " doeth all things well."
Resolved, In the death of our friend we mourn the loss of a good citizen,
a wise counselor and an honored director in this corapany.
Resolved, While we tender our sincere regards to his bereaved family in
this their affliction, \ye feel they have the comforting assurance that he was
of those who depart this life in faith and hope.
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be tendered the family, and also
entered on the records of this company.

HOLYOKE WATER POWER COMPANY.
The Directors of the Holyoke Water Power Company desire to place
upon record their feeling of sorrow in the death of their late associate, the
Hon. Daniel L. Harris, and their appreciation of his valuable services in
the various positions which he held, and of his erainent public and private
character and virtue.
They also express to the faraily sympathy in their great bereavement.
W. A. CHASE, Clerk H. W. P. Co.

LETTERS OF CONDOLENCE.

FEW had stronger attachment to relatives and friends
than Mr. Harris, and when visiting distant places he
often went out of his way to call upon them, who, too, held
him in high regard as an honored relative, a wise counselor,
and a true friend. His death was deeply mourned by them,
and their many words of sorrow and regret were a great comfort
to his family. As an acknowledgment and appreciation of them
and that these letters might be preserved, they are printed, as
follows : — Brooklyn, N. Y., July ii, 1879.
My Dear Sister : —
We have just received the telegram, and a little later your
card of yesterday. Daniel's death must have been very sudden
at the last. Let us not call it death, but life to him. To him,
no more sickness or pain, but life and glory eternal. To those
left behind there is a great void and loss. You, my dear sister,
have my most heartfelt sympathy, but of course I cannot fully
sympathize with you ; only those who have passed through the
same trial can do so. We suppose the funeral is to be Sunday.

64 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
William and I will go either on the eleven o'clock or three o'clock
train to - morrow. We would come earlier, but I have taken a
severe cold, which I wish to recover from, a little. We have
notified Edward. Dear Harriet, may the Lord's grace sustain
you. Lovingly and sorrowingly. Sister Mary.

Brooklyn, N. Y., July 13, 1879.
Dear Sister Harriet : —
I am with you in sympathy and sorrow in this hour of your
great bereavement, and very much regret that I could not be
with you this afternoon, to express my syrnpathy for you, and
sorrow, that death has removed from our midst one whom we
all so dearly loved and esteemed.
He who cannot err hath done it, and may we be enabled by
His grace to bow in submission to His will. May He help us
so to live that when the time of our departure comes, we raay
join him and all the dear ones who have gone before. May
God, who doth not leave you to mourn as those who have no
hope, sustain you now and give you faith to look beyond, trust
ing in Him.
That He may be to you more than any earthly friend, and
ever have you in His keeping, is the sincere prayer of
Your affectionate brother,
Edward H. Marsh.
319 Adelphi Street.

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 65
Rochester, N. Y., Sunday p. m., July 13, 1879.
Dear Sister in Affliction : —
While I write to express my sympathy for you in this terrible
trial, I suppose you and your family are attending the funeral
of your good Christian husband, and I would not utter one
word except of comfort, for a like pang has only so recently
fallen upon myself and family that its shadows have only died
away in part, and each announcement of death of a near and
dear friend and relative opens afresh its realization. Well do
I realize something of your loss to yourself and your family ;
and I trust I also have experienced something of the proof of
our Father's love. " Whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth," and
how much comfort is there in the assurance that " all things work
together for good to them that love God." I love to believe
that all these great trials are a part of God's discipline, to pre
pare us for His Kingdom, and I do know, in my own case, they
have loosened my attachment to things of earth, and make m)''
attachment stronger for Heaven ; and I pray our Father in
Heaven to grant this great trial to be so sanctified to you, ancl
all the dear children ; and now that their father has gone before,
they have one more tie to draw them there, and one less to bind
them to the world. Gladly would we have been with you, this
afternoon, but not hearing of it till after William Otis had left,
it was not possible to get there. But you are not in want of
any human sympathy. Well do I know the hosts of strong
friends that are met to honor your dead ; but it is not human
but divine sympathy that you need to give peace, and I do
rejoice to believe you have no need to be urged to avail your-
9

66 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
self of this source ; and the glorious promise, "All things work
together for good to them that love God," includes this fully,
and my prayer is that you and family may avail, to the fullest
extent, yourselves of this sympathy of our Lord. "What a
friend we have in Jesus," is peculiarly adapted to your case. I
would be glad to learn the particulars of Mr. Harris's last sick
ness, when you have time to write. Let me assure you that
you have our deepest sympathies. Yours affectionately, A. C. Parsons.

Long Branch, N. J., July \t), 1879.
My Beloved Sister : —
Yours of yesterday is jiist received. I am so glad to hear
that you are in comfortable health, after passing through such
a terrible trial. God has given you this strength, my darling
sister, and He has given you a great many pleasures, and made
your path very smooth through life. You have very much to
thank Him for ; and oh ! how much for such a husband as you
have had, — one of the best. He has gone to begin a new life
only a little while before you, and, as you say, he will be waiting
for you to come. That is a beautiful thought. Oh! how
thankful I am that we can say, " Our Father in Heaven," who
makes us one in love and sympathy. My ever- dear sister, you
and yours are remembered in all my prayers. All join in love
to you. I remain Your devoted sister,
A. Boody.

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 67
Coopersville, Mich., July 20, 1879.
My Dear Sister : —
We received a letter, the past week, containing the sad news
of your great bereavement, and I feel as though I must write
to assure you of our deep sympathy, though I know very well
how little words will avail to alleviate these terrible trials which
we are called to pass through. I have thought of you every
hour, and know, by bitter experience, how sad and lonely you
must be. It is now nineteen years since I, too, was left alone ;
and none can know what such affiictions are, but those who
have passed through them. The news of Daniel's death was
very sudden and unexpected to us, for we had heard, by the way
of friends, that he was getting better, and were hoping to hear
of his entire recovery. How little we know what a day raay
bring forth ! We mourn with you for the dear departed, feeling
that a void is left than can never be filled ; yet in your great
affiiction we have the consolation of believing that he was fully
prepared for the great change, and is now happy, freed from all
sorrow and pain, reaping a rich reward for his labors here.
Do write as soon as you feel as though you can, for I ara
anxious to hear from you. Adelia and all join in sending love
to you. Accept this as from us both.
Your loving sister, Sally.

New York, July 15, 1879.
My Dear Cousin : —
I send you by mail to-day photographs of myself, ray son,
my daughter and her son. The photograph of Mary is not

68 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
good, but it is the best I have. In that of Willie you will see
something of your son.
Your loss is too fresh for you fully to realize how great it is,
and it is only in the contest with the world and in the solitude
of your own chamber, that you will find how necessary to your
peace and to your happiness Daniel was to you. But with this
bitterness you will have the consolation of knowing that he is
at rest — borne to his grave with the sorrows of a community
sympathizing with those that are left behind, and honoring in
their silent homage the honest citizen and the Christian.
I feel it was a great favor to have been able to assist at the"
obsequies, for a more impressive and interesting funeral I never
attended. The grave is shorn of its terrors when such love
and sympathy consigns the mortal remains to the dust.
With my best love to all of your family, and unfeigned
sympathy for yourself, Truly yours, etc.,
William H. Paine.

Brighton, N. Y., July 23d, 1879.
My Very Dear Cousin : —
I received the sad intelligence of your dear husband's death.
I cannot begin to tell you how sad I feel for you and your
family ; but your loss is his gain. I hope his mantle will fall
on his son, and may he have as good a record as his father had,
when he leaves the worid. I hope all of his children will
follow in his foot -steps, and be ready to meet him in a better

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 69
land than this. I should have liked so much to have been
there to have seen him and taken the last look of one I thought
so much of. I was with you in mind all day. I hope his
example will be followed by all that knew him. His life will
live for ages. You have a higher source to look to than many
others. The One you have always trusted in will carry you
safely through, and may He aid and sustain you, is the sincere
prayer of your dear cousin. Write when convenient.
Good - by,
Eliza Nelson.

Fair Banks, Cleveland, O., \
Sunday, July 13, 1879. j
My Dear Cousin Harriet : —
" My heart is in the coffin there," to-day, although I cannot
be with you in visible presence. I am one of the chief mourn
ers, though I do not sit with you, in crape. Your sad and
sudden message carae to me Friday afternoon, and under
ordinary circumstances I should have packed my satchel and
gone to you at once. It would have been a mournful pleasure
to have gathered with you all, at the last rites over my beloved
cousin ; but my leaving home was out of the question. Charlie's
wife is with us, and she has another little boy, not yet four
weeks old. Little Adolphe (her oldest) is but sixteen months
old, so you see we are all occupied with the mother and boys ;
and the mother of the household could not well be spared just
now. I was scarcely prepared for the mournful news, since

70 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
Lillie's last letter was so encouraging ; and yet I knew that my
cousin could never be a well man again. Now that the end
has come, it all seems so strange that such a useful, needed life
should be cut short. Well for us that we believe in Him who
never errs, and whose providences, though often inexplicable,
point to some wise result. I wish I could see you all. I wish
I could be with you through these days of remembrance. I
should love to talk of him who has gone, with those who loved
him. Somehow, of late years, I had come to hold him more as
a brother than a cousin.
I shall write you again soon. In the meantime have Lilhe
tell me something of the last days of her father.
Tuesday. — Since I began my letter our little baby has been
very ill, so that death's shadow seemed hovering over the
house. He is better to-night. With all my home cares I hold
you in my tender thoughts. We all send love, and share your
sorrow. Write me when you can, and ever think of me as
Your loving cousin,
Mary M. Fairbanks.

Fair Banks, Cleveland, O., \
August i8, 1879.)
My Dear Harriet : —
I have been looking for a letter from some of you, or rather
hoping for one, though I well know that your heart and hands
have many cares and duties. I think of you often, and over
again, and wonder if you are growing accustomed to the

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 71
absence of one who seemed a part of your own life. Strange,
passing strange, are the experiences and vicissitudes of a human
life. We build but to be overthrown ; we love but to be
bereaved and torn in the uprooting. It is not easy for rae to
think of Cousin Daniel as gone beyond our recall ; nor can I
quite understand how all his well-meant, much -needed work
can go on. without him.
Some day, when you can, sit down and write me ; tell me
how you are parting company with your life with him, and how
you are learning not to expect hira. Just now we are all in
good health at Fair Banks. Charlie's little family will go back
to New York in September. I have some hope of accompany-
fe^g them, but cannot yet plan certainly. I no longer appoint
my ways with confidence. I wish to do, I hope to do, and then
I am learning to wait to see if I can do.
With a great deal of love to each of the children, C.'s family
included, I am, as ever, Yours lovingly, M. a. f.

New Haven, Ct., July, 1879.
My Dear Mrs. Harris : —
My mind is constantly filled with you and your faraily. How
lonely you all must be without the corapany of your dear kind
husband and father. You are surrounded with everything
delightful and pleasant, and you are fortunate in having so many

72 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
good friends and so many dear children to comfort you ; but no
other one can make good his place. I sympathize with you with
my whole heart. ******** Mrs. T. Lester.

Seaverge, Bellevue Avenue,
Newport, R. I., July 12, 1879.
My Dear Mrs. Harris : —
I must write a few lines to tell you of our sympathy in your
great affiiction, and how much we regret not being able to be
with you to-morrow. Your uncle is by no means equal to
going [he being in his eighty -sixth year], although in his usual
health. He wrote immediately to William, and thinks he will
go on.
We shall hope later to hear more particularly of your dear
husband's last moments.
In the midst of your great grief what a blessing you have in
the assurance that all is well with him.
With loving syrapathy for you all, from your uncle and my
self, I am Affectionately your friend, C. Paine.

Rutland, Vt., July 20, 1879.
My Dear Aunt Hattie : —
I wish I could speak to you some words which would comfort
your saddened heart in the loss of dear Uncle Daniel. It is

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 73
far easier for me to write you, in knowing of your trusting love
in the merciful Heavenly Father, who guides and directs in all
that pertains to life. As heavy as your grieved heart must be,
there is great consolation, I am sure, in that implicit, unvarying
confidence you have in the tender loving- kindness of Him who
while He afflicts, yet does all in love, and is ever willing to sus
tain those who look to Him, as I know you do.
I truly sympathize with you, and each of your family, who
»have lost so rauch from the horae. I regret that anything
should have prevented me, so contrary to my expectations and
plans, from joining you last Sunday, in the last sad honors to
the dear departed. **********
I wish I could tell you the very grateful love I have long felt
for Uncle Daniel. His counsel to me, in letters and conversa
tion, has always been highly prized, and I shall always think of
him as one to whom I owe very much, through the valued
advice he has given me.
With love and sympathy to Azariah, Corinne and all the dear
cousins at home, Very sincerely yours, C. P. Harris.

Rutland, Vt., July 20, 1879.
My Dear Mrs. Harris : —
Allow me to join with my husband in an expression of deep
sympathy for you and the members of your family. The mem
ory of Mr. Harris's life must always be a deep source of

74

DANIEL L. HARRIS.

comfort and consolation to you; and the feeling that after
many months of illness and unrest he is now enjoying that
perfect peace which only the righteous may know, must bring
resignation to your loss, at least.
With love and sympathy, Very sincerely yours,
C. S. Harris.

San Francisco, Cal., August 4, 1879.
My Dear Cousin : —
I am very sorry and surprised that you, and so many very
dear friends, have been called upon to mourn the loss of your
dear husband and father to your children.
The last time I heard from you, you told me Cousin Daniel
was nearly well, so as to be in his usual business. I have
thought of him since as a well man, and that he would live a
long time to bless his family and do good to thousands, as he
has been doing for years.
The papers we received announcing Cousin Daniel's death
and burial, have given a good and just record of him. It
seems to me any other man in the city could have been spared
better than he ; but I suppose we must say in our hearts, " Thy
will, O Lord, be done," as hard as it is to say it. I hope you
and family are all well now, and that we may be able to hear
from you as soon as you have time and feel like writing.
With love, I reraain Your Cousin, Polly Barton.

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 75
San Francisco, Cal., August 4, 1879.
My Dear Cousin Harriet : —
A letter from Cousin William Paine, followed by the papers
you sent me, brought me the news of Cousin Daniel's death.
It was the more shocking and sad from the fact that I was
daily hoping for a letter from him, or sorae of you, telling rae
that he was fully restored to health, and that he had forgiven
what seemed carelessness in regard to Aunt Emma's manu
script. Did he receive my letter ?
I did not know Cousin Daniel quite as well as some of my
cousins, but I honored him as a man, and loved him as a dear
relative, and one to be proud of ; and, my dear cousin, I wish
I could put my arms around you and tell you how, too well, I
know how to sympathize with you to whom he was all, and the
dear children who will so much miss his love ancl guidance. I
pray that you may all be comforted by One whose power alone
can soothe, and that He will give you that " peace which pass-
eth all understanding." Mother, and my sister and family, all
unite with me in expressions of love and honor for our cousin,
and sympathy for the dear ones left behind.
As soon as you can, write and tell me all about his last illness
and death. It will be a comfort to both of us. * * * *
My children are well, and were saddened by the news of
Cousin Daniel's death. They have heard me talk of him and
his family, appreciated his kindness last winter, and have the
love of their inother for the ties of kindred.
Lovingly your cousin,
Emma M. Hay.

76 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
San Francisco, Cal., August i6, 1879.
My Dear Cousin : —
A short time since we received a letter, from Cousin William
H. Paine, giving a full description of the honors accorded to the
memory of that estimable man, your husband, and my good
kind cousin. We shall never forget his genial, sympathetic
face ; and may you and his dear children be comforted in the
thought that he was a "good and faithful servant," and is now
enjoying his reward.
Cousin William sent us a Boston paper, containing a review
of his public life, and my sister and self received the numbers
of the Springfield Republican, for which I presume we are
indebted to your kind politeness. My husband remarked, upon
reading the two articles, that " it would be better for our munic
ipal welfare if we had a few such officials in San Francisco."
He desires to assure you of his sympathy in your great bereave
ment, and his earnest desire for your welfare. With my best
wishes for the happiness of yourself and children, I am ever.
Your sincere friend,
E. J. McHenry.

New Haven, Conn., July 12, 1879.
My Dear Mrs. Harris : —
I sympathize with you and your dear children in this your
greatest affiiction, in the loss of your beloved husband.
My first thought was, I must go to the funeral, but after
thinking it over, I decided not to go. Will come up sorae time

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 77
when you are more alone. I should like to look on his dear
face once more. George said at once he would go and repre
sent the family, if possible. He says, "They always carae. to
us, in such times of affliction." You have a great many
relatives, on both sides, that will be with you to comfort you,
though we are all poor comforters in such great sorrow.
With a heart full of sympathy. Your loving cousin, Harriet Lester.

Oak Park, III., August 3, 1879.
My Dear Friend Mrs. Harris : —
If I could have yielded to my first impulse upon receiving
the tidings of your dear husband's death, I should have written
you directly ; but being from home, and with the greatly
afflicted family of my niece (Mrs. Dudley, of Madison, Wis.),
I could not then and there sit calmly down and pen you such a
letter as my reason would have considered wise and best.
But, oh, my friend, how my heart cried for you all that day,
and how very often I have thought of you since, as the home
made desolate by his absence comes into remembrance ! I
know the loneliness of such a home, and know the aching void
made in your heart which friends and ever tender and loving
children can never fill ; but what can I say to comfort you ?
Nothing; for while words show a friendly sympathy, and we
need it so much, still the facts are unalterable, and the loving
Father alone can pour the balm of consolation into the stricken

78 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
heart. How memory turns back the leaves of our life's history,
and how vividly comes back the remembrance of the childhood
and early youth of Daniel and myself, as we played on the
river bank. He remerabered it, too, and related many little
incidents in connection with those scenes, the very last time I
saw him. He was a noble boy, as he was a grand and noble
man, and the world was made better and purer by his living in
it. The long obituary notice in The Republican was a justly-
merited recital of his life's work, and I read it not only with
great interest, but with a feeling of pride and satisfaction that
I could number him among my friends. How grandly was his
work done, and how peacefully and quietly came the angel's
whisper, " Come up higher."
You are surrounded by loving children, who would gladly
shield you from this heart suffering; and what a comfort they •
are, too. Do you not thank God for them every day of your
life ? and while you have so much to be thankful for in them,
have you not also much to be grateful for in the remembrance
of what he was to them, and the glorious record he has left as
a rich inheritance for generations to come ? My dear friend, I
pity you more than I can tell, for I can realize how lonely the
coming years will be, and how often the bitter tears will flow as
you miss hira from your side in the night watches. May God
help you, for in vain do we seek it from any other source.
I often think, and oftentimes with great joy, that the time is
short to when I shall join my loved one over the river, where
there shall be no more sorrow, and when the darkness and
doubt that settled so wearily upon his over -wrought brain will
be banished, and the " darkness shall be light about him."

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 79
I have written much longer than I intended when I com
menced, but it all wanted to be said, and I said it. I wish you
would write to me, when you feel like it. I should be very glad
to hear how you all are.
I remember my pleasant visit with you, two years ago. My
family are all as usual. Yours very affectionately,
F. M. Lyon.

Old Plantation, Texas, October 15, 1879.
My Dear Mrs. Harris : —
The recent events in your faraily bring to my mind your
great loss. I know that you must have had everything, in the
way of human sympathy, extended ; yet I cannot refrain from
adding my word and dropping my tear. I had hoped, frora
various reports which I had had, that he was better and would
get well, until the final news came of his death, which must be
best, since it is God's will. It was gratifying to read of and
know the raan whose life-work was so well done. This must
be a source of great consolation to you all, and at the same
time rather increase than take away your sense of loneliness.
But we know that our Heavenly Father doth not afflict his
children willingly.
Mr. Yale wishes to be remembered to you and family, to
which I cordially add ray love. Most sincerely yours,
E. E. Yale.

8o DANIEL L. HARRIS.
Long Branch, N. J., August 15, 1879.
My Dear Mrs. Harris : —
I have been thinking of you most of the tirae, of late. I
read The Republican with the greatest interest. We bought
sorae of the papers and sent them to our friends in Texas.
Annie said that she was so glad to have her little boys read
the account of the life and character of, and the honor paid
to, that noble man. We all sympathize with you deeply. * *
But we would not lessen earth's sorrows, if by them we are
made better fit for Heaven, where we hope to meet the loved
ones gone. Aunt and Uncle would be very glad to have you
come to Long Branch. Can't you do so ?
As ever yours, N. SiAS.

July 18, 1879.
Dear Mrs. Harris : —
I have had you so much in mind since the death of your
husband that I feel as if I must offer a word of sympathy, and
say to you how deeply we all feel for you in this hour of your
bitter sorrow. But I feel poweriess to express half that I
would, and, indeed, cannot do it ; and yet I have been greatly
comforted by the kind expressions of love and sympathy which
came to us in our great affliction.
Although I had not the pleasure of personal acquaintance
with Mr. Harris, I know that he was a good man, and that
your loss is his eternal gain ; and what an unspeakable comfort

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 8i
it is to feel that all is well with those dear ones who are taken
from us. We used to remember you daily in our prayers at
the time, last spring, when your husband was lying in a critical
state, and since the blow has fallen still pray that you may be
sustained by divine grace.
Please remember me kindly to your dear daughters, and assure
them of our warmest sympathy. Very sincerely yours,
A. H. Newell.

Longmeadow, Mass., July 12, 1879.
My Dear Mrs. Harris: —
My only apology for an intrusion upon you just now is that,
my heart and thoughts are so constantly with you, I cannot
refrain from telling you how I wish I could be of some real
comfort or service to you.
Memory goes back to the first of my living in Springfield,
and of the uniform kindness of yourself and Mr. Harris from
our first coming to the South Church to the present time.
And while, during this long and tedious illness, I have been
unable to carry out my intention of going to see you both, I
have often wished it were in my power to show you how fre
quently you were in my heart. It will seem very strange to
you that, as the days go by, you have no duties to perform for
the invalid you have so long ministered unto ; but your whole
future must of necessity be crowded to the brim with pleasant
memories of an unusually happy married life. I do and will

82 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
believe that if " in Heaven they neither marry nor are given in
marriage," yet the earthly love so strong and unlike any other,
must be felt even then, by us. At all events, it is pleasant for
us to know that we are not to be separated from our dear ones,
because of the " one hope, one faith and one baptism " in which
we believe. May the dear Lord Himself heal the wounds He
has made, and give you all needed grace and strength for all
your sad and . lonely hours till He calls you to the mansions
prepared for you both in His kingdora. I wish I could be of
some help to you, in some way, but know you are surrounded
by hosts of friends, anxious to do all they can.
Please reraeraber rae to your daughters, for too really true to
me, even now, is the knowledge of their loss. My father is
missed, even now, as he has ever been for the past seven years
since he was taken. Believe me, dear Mrs. Harris, when I say
that among all your host of friends there is no one who more
sincerely feels sorrow for you than does
Your affectionate
E. B. Hooker.
P. S. — I shall go to the church to-morrow, and also go up
very soon to see you.

New London, Ct., July i6, 1879.
My Dear Friend: —
In this your hour of grief and sad bereavement, my thoughts
are with you, and I must express my deep sympathy in all that
afflicts you.

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 83
I know that words are unavailing to give comfort, but still
they all fall gently upon the stricken heart, and I hope I shall not
rudely intrude upon the sacredness of your sorrow by sending
them. I know you have a source of comfort beyond and away
from the things of this world, and that He who in His wisdom
sends the affiiction will in His own good time send the comfort
ancl healing. You have still so rauch to live for in your children
that you will not, I know, give up to selfish grief after time has
done its part in bringing resignation, but I know from bitter
exj)erience how hard it is to see the light, through such darkness
as this, dawn upon the heart under such a dispensation. May
God comfort and sustain you, my dear, under this great trouble.
I wish I could say or do something to ease your heart of its
weight of sorrow, but I can only say how my heart aches for you
and how I pray for you. With warmest Jove to your dear chil
dren, believe me always.
Your loving and sympathizing friend,
Henrietta S. Clark.

Chicago, July 16, 1879.
My Dear Friend : —
You have our warmest love and sympathy in this the great
trial of your life. Oh, how lonely the heart is, and how little
human words can do to comfort the poor, aching heart ! But I
fain would express to you the high regard I have always felt
for your dear, good husband. I have loved him like a brother.

84 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
His many deeds of kindness have always been treasured by
me ; and now that he has gone, and I shall never more see his
face here, my heart is sad, and I would weep with you. We
had hoped he was in comfortable health — perhaps still gaining
strength — though we had not heard directly for some time ; and
of course were deeply pained and surprised to hear of his
death, which seemed sudden to us. He had been an invalid
and suffered for so many, many months, but is now peacefully
at rest. Can we not say, "Thy will be done. Even so. Father,
for so it seemed good in Thy sight."
Lovingly your friend, M. a. p.

Geneva, Switzerland, August i, 1879.
Dear Mrs. Harris : —
I cannot find words to express the pain which I feel on hear
ing, from the letters which I find on my arrival here, of the death
of Mr. Harris. I had felt for some time that his life hung
upon a slender thread, but still was unprepared for this, to me,
sudden termination of it. The intimate business and social
relations which existed between us fgr so many years, make me
feel I have lost a very true and valuable friend. Trusting that
you and your family may be sustained under your great afflic
tion, I remain Very truly yours,
C. L. Covell.

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 85
White Mountains, N. H., July 18, 1879.
Mrs. Harris, Dear Madam : —
Allow me to mingle with the many friends of the late Mr.
Harris, and briefly to express my sympathy for you and your
children, at the loss you have met with in his decease. I have
been associated with Mr. Harris for many years, in a business
way, and have seen his industry, his ability, and sterling integ
rity. I know your house is desolate, but trust that the doings
of Providence may be submittecl to without a murmur, in the
hope of a blessed immortality. Mrs. Mather wishes me to
express her love. Very truly yours,
Roland Mather.

Cleveland, O., Sunday, July 13.
My Dear Mrs. Harris : —
I know that no words of mine can give you comfort, or stay
one throb of your aching heart. But I must tell you how sorry
I am, and how deeply I sympathize with you in your great
bereavement. I wish that I could go to your room, put my
arms around you and weep with you. I know that you have
dear friends near you, who will do that ; and then, the ever
lasting arms of the dear Father will be around you and sustain
you. You have the greatest of all' comfort and consolation in your
affliction, which is, the blessed assurance that to your dear hus
band death is gain. He is now at rest from all pain and sick
ness; and the memory of all these past years will be very

DANIEL L. HARRIS.

precious to you. Only a few short years at most, and we shall
all go to join the dear ones already on the other side.
I feared, when I parted with you a few days since, that Mr.
Harris might not recover, but did not think he would go so
soon. We would gladly have been with you to-day, had it been
possible. Mr. Stone mourns as for a brother. If he has not
already written, he will do so soon. That you raay be sustained
and strengthened in this great sorrow, is the fervent prayer of
Your ever loving friend, J. N. Stone.

Cleveland, July 13, 1879.
Dear Mrs. Harris : —
I was pained to learn, Friday morning, of the death of your
very worthy husband, although I had been informed of his
rapid failure in health. When I learned, last winter, that he
vk^as much better, I hoped that he would be spared to his family
many years. I had felt that freedom from all cares would
restore him to health ; but the ways of Him who controls all
events must not be questioned. I formed, the acquaintance of
Mr. Flarris some forty years ago, and from the beginning to the
end I loved and respected him. I admired his unswerving
honesty and integrity. I do not recollect that our friendship
was ever broken by a ripple. It was long and continuous ;
therefore, from my own relations with him, I feel that I can
realize what his loss is to you and your dear family. It always
seemed to me that it was his purpose to perform every duty tp
his family ; he also devoted much tune to the interests of

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 87
others, and especially the public. In matters of public interest,
when he had come to the conclusion that a reformation upon
any subject was needed, he would enter upon it without regard
to its popularity, or its cost to himself in labor and personal
effort. He would persevere until his point was gained or the
subject exhausted. I grieve that I shall never meet hira again
on this earthly sphere, and I beg to tender to you and all of
your family my sympathy in this your greatest bereavement and
loss, and hope and trust you will look to our Heavenly Father,
who alone can give you consolation and guidance. Had I
been in good health I should have been with you at the funeral.
Again desiring to express my deepest sympathies, I remain
Sincerely your friend, Amasa Stone.

Chicago, July 19, 1879.
My Dear Mrs. Harris : —
Your kind letter informing us of the death of your good
husband is at hand. We were in a measure prepared for the
sad news ; still, it was a shock to u.s, as we had recently heard
of his improved condition. The first thought we had was,
surely a "good man has fallen in Israel." We deeply sympa
thize with you, in your great affliction, as you know we have
felt the sarae, and commend you to our kind Heavenly Father,
who is the Father of the fatherless and the widow's God.
Surely, your loss is great ; but we all feel his loss, both in his
private and public life — a life of such remarkable usefulness.
His keen sense of honor and his benevolence to those in

88 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
trouble, will never be forgotten. They will endure longer than
monuments of marble or brass, in the hearts of those he has
befriended. Never shall we forget his generous thoughtfulness
in sending us a check for $300, with an invitation to come to
your horae for the winter, at the time of our desolating fire.
This was the living expression of his great heart. With you
we "mourn not as those without hope," for we know that our
loss is his gain, for there is a " sure recompense of reward for
those who are in Christ Jesus " ; and we know his heritage is
sure, and he is with his Savior and Redeemer in the Better
Land. Therefore, we should rather rejoice that he is free from
earth's cares and trials, having witnessed a good profession,
and is now waiting at the beautiful gate for his loved ones, who
will soon be with him, to go no more out forever.
Again tendering you and yours our heart -felt sympathies,
and praying our Heavenly Father to strengthen, support and
comfort your heart, and be gracious unto you, we remain
Your affectionate friends,
R. S. Parker and Wife.

New Haven House, July 17, 1879.
My Dear Mrs. Harris : —
I know I can say nothing to comfort you, and yet I must tell
you how much my husband and myself sympathize with you.
In the death of Mr. Harris I feel that I have lost a personal
friend, one who has known me from girlhood, and one who
never failed to express an interest in all that concerned my

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 89
welfare. There is but one source of comfort in all such sor
row, and you know better than I can tell you where to go for
strength. I was sorry not to be in Springfield last Sunday, but
it was not possible. That you may have all the strength
needed in your great grief, is the earnest prayer of
Your old friend,
E. P. Moseley.

Springfield, July 15, 1879.
My Dear Mrs. Harris : —
In memory of my late husband's regard for your clear
departed one, I offer my sympathy in this hour of your deepest
sorrow. Having had a like experience, I can raourn with you,
knowing that Jesus can give you comfort. How true that words
are meaningless in these hours, except the Divine word, voiced
in the promises, " Lo, I am with you." " I will send thee the
Comforter." You and yours, my dear Mrs. Harris, have such
a rich legacy left you in the life of your departed hOsband, may
you not truly be comforted ?
One of the many who mourn with you.
Yours very kindly,
Mrs. Joseph Stone.
43 Seventh Street.

My Dearest Friend :-

Bath, N. H., July 13, 1879.

I have just heard of your sad bereavement. Sophie's paper
did not arrive ; but she just saw her neighbor's. I never go

90 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
away from home without some goocl friend leaves this world
for a better. It was a great shock to me. , I should have called
to say good - by, but I was over - worked. I am very sorry not
to be in Springfield to assist you in some way, and to bring you
flowers. Perhaps now the last ceremonies are occurring, and
your beloved one is passing from his earthly home ; — his spirit
already is with his God. May the Almighty Father give you
strength to bear your trials. My warmest love and sympathy
to Corinne, Jennie, Lilly, and all your dear ones. It must be
such a comfort to you that you have so perfectly filled the
position of a good and tender wife. No one ever could take
your place. He has now so long been an invalid you will
doubly miss hira. You are a true Christian woman, and I
know will nobly bear all life's burdens.
I may come home Saturday ; if not, surely the first of next
week, and I shall come at once to see yon.
May God, in His infinite goodness, bless you all.
Your true friend,
Carrie L. Smith.

Bath, N. H., July 13, 1879.
My Dear Mrs. Harris : —
While the holy shadow of the angel of death rests over your
household, words of sympathy may fall unheeded upon your
ears ; but I cannot refrain from telling you how wholly you
occupy my thoughts, and how deeply I grieve for you and yours,
in this sad bereavement.

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 91
Mr. Johnson said, as he read the notice • " Poor Mr. Harris !
he has gone the way of all flesh." But I said : " Poor Mrs.
Harris and family, for them I deeply mourn ! But I would
rather say, ' Glorious Mr. Harris ! freed from pain, freed from
care, and rejoicing in that city whose walls are praise and
where griefs and graves- are never known.' "
This first Sunday in Heaven must be filled with joy and
amazement for him. I love to imagine the wondrous glories of
the Eternal City, where our loved ones are gathering, ready to
welcome us when our summons comes to pass through the dark
valley and to enter into the inheritance which awaits the
children of God. Death should only be applied to the surviv
ors. It comes with such a terrible shock, and
" Not all the preaching since Adam
Can make Death other than Death.''
If I could only see you and throw my arms around you and
tell you how my heart aches for you ! But distance divides us,
and I can only send these few words of condolence and heart
felt sympathy. Please give my kindest love to your family.
Mr. Johnson desires his regards and sympathy to be given you
all ; and Stanley says : " Oh ! I am so sorry for Baby Harris.
How she will cry for her dear papa ! "
Ever, with sincerest love, yours,
Sophie O. Johnson.

Springfield, Mass,, July 23, 1879.
My Dear Mrs. Harris: —
As I do not feel quite able to walk to your house, please
allow me, together with Mr. Grout, to express in this way our

DANIEL L. HARRIS.

sympathy for yourself and your family, in the great affliction
which a wise and kind Heavenly Father has permitted to come
upon you. We do not need to direct you to the only source of
consolation, for we are sure that long ago you were led to that
Fountain, and have drank sweet and healing waters from it.
You are afflicted, and we, too, are affiicted, in the thought that
a great light has passed out of our sight, — a great help and
sympathizer in others' troubles. My daughter, in writing me,
the other day, remarked that she knew of no other man in
Springfield who would be missed as Mr. Harris would be.
This impression she received from a very slight acquaintance.
We sincerely hope, dear Mrs. Harris, that strength equal to
your day will be given you under the great responsibihties that
now rest upon you, and that the Great Helper will ever stand
by you.
With love and sympathy, I am Truly yours,
Charlotte B. Grout.

Haverhill, July 23, 1879.
Dear Mrs. Harris : —
The pressure of work has prevented my earlier sending a
line to express my sincere and tender sympathy with you, in
your great affliction. Words are but poor, cold things at such
a time ; and yet they are all that we can put on paper to indi
cate the heart with which we unite with you in your sorrow.
The grief we would soothe may be but deepened by dwelling
on the many and extraordinary excellencies of your husband,

DANIEL L. HARRIS.

93

on the admiration and affection in which he was held by those
who knew him best, and the respect and esteem with which he
was universally regarded.
But in the thought that his work for this world was done,
and so well done that he was so prepared that the exchange of
worlds was for him an imraortal gain, I know you find consola
tion and fortitude, though it but reveals more clearly the
greatness of your own loss.
That He who gave and who has also taken away may support
and comfort you and yours in your trial, and that He may
finally gather the entire family circle — with not a link missing —
into that better land, where sickness, death and partings are
unknown, is the earnest prayer of
Yours most sincerely,
R. H. Seeley.

Providence, R. I., Sunday, July 20, 1879.
My Dearest Friend : —
I received two papers, yesterday, containing the sad intelli
gence of your husband's death. How pained ancl shocked I
was, having no premonition of his sickness ; and I cannot,
cannot realize it. Is it possible that never more I can behold
his pleasant face and feel the hand of welcome which was ever
extended to me in hospitality.? Oh ! how inscrutable the ways
of Providence are — past finding out. "He doeth all things
well ;" but we finite mortals cannot comprehend His wisdom.
We know He chasteneth not in anger, but in love. But to

94

DANIEL L. HARRIS.

enter this loved household, and take the loving and devoted
husband and father, the joy and life of all, the prop of your
decHning years, the sharer of life's heavy burdens, oh ! how
inexplicable. Beneath this dark cloud which enshrouds you,
and this bitter cup you are called to drink, what, my friend, can
I say that will impart any consolation ? Words are powerless.
My heart is filled with unutterable anguish ; I sit and weep
with you ; my heart - felt sympathies are poured out to each and
all. Christ alone can give the strength you need. I earnestly
pray that the God of love and all consolation will be very near,
to comfort and sustain, whilst you drink the bitter cup of
affliction, and guide you safely through the dark valley, saying :
"What I do thou knowest not now, but shalt know hereafter.''
Truly, a good man has passed away. Well can it be said of
hira, " Well done, good and faithful servant ; enter the haven
of rest, where a crown of rejoicing is awaiting and prepared
for thee."
I read, over and over, good Dr. Buckingham's address, and
said, how true, every word, of him. He dealt justly to all,
and walked humbly with his God. Never shall I forget his
wise counsel to me. Many times since my father's death, hav
ing business transactions, have I remembered his words, and
governed my motives and actions by them. Deep are they
engraved on ray heart, and tenderly shall I clasp thera within
my memory, as all I can evermore hear from his lips.
Please tender my love and sympathy to Corinne, Jeannie,
and all the remaining members of your family. I can deeply
feel for thera all, having lost the fondest and most devoted

DANIEL L. HARRIS.

95

father, and feel all they are passing through. I would so rauch
love to hear all about Mr. Harris's sickness. Never for a
moment did I think you would survive hira. With your multi
plicity of cares, and bowed with grief, I cannot ask you to
write, rauch as I should love to hear from you. Will it be too
much to ask one of the girls to write me? In September I
visit my aunt in Worcester, and always see Mrs. Harris, and
should hear from her all about his sickness, but am so anxious
to hear now, I don't want to wait so long.
Earnestly commending one and all to the tender, watchful
care of an overruling Providence, that He may bless, comfort
and support you, through these heavy trials, is the wish of
Your sincere friend,
M. M. Draper.
62 Benefit Street.

Watch Hill, R. I., September 4, 1879.
Mrs. D. L. Harris : —
I was glad to hear from home. I call your house horae
because it was so pleasant for me when I lived with you. I
liked it better than any other place, and I am so thankful I
lived to know Mr. Harris and receive instruction from him. I
am always speaking to the boys of Mr. Harris and his great
ness. I miss him morning, noon and night ; and I know you
feel so badly, for he is missed in every department in life.

g6 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
But, if we follow in his footsteps, we shall be sure to land safely
on the other side of Jordan, and meet him in Heaven. I shall
leave here the middle of September. Yours humbly, F. S. Jones.

Springfield, September 20, 1879.
Mrs. D. L. Harris, Dear Madam : —
I hope that it will not seem intrusive, or be unwelcome to
you, if I yield to the promptings of my heart, and write you
briefly of the high regard I bear to your honored husband. I
count it one of the great privileges of my life to have known
him as a friend. To meet him in a social way was always
pleasant. However numerous and pressing his business cares,
they seemed never to rob him of his cheerfulness, or check
the kindliness of his greeting. In every relation, and on every
occasion where I have met him, he has uniformly impressed
rae as one who took pleasure in making others happy. Many
instances of his kindness come freshly to my mind.
A very noticeable trait in his character was fidelity to every
responsibility that he assumed. While it was my privilege to
be a member of his class in Sunday-school, he was rarely
absent frora his class, and his teaching gave evidence of habitual
research and special preparation for the duty of the hour. His
class was not out of mind when he was far from them. I
remember the long and pleasant letters he wrote them when he

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 97
was away on his last trip to Europe. This was quite like him.
He seemed to think more of giving pleasure to others than of
seeking needed rest for himself.
There was no one trait of Mr. Harris that drew from me
more sincere admiration than his strong faith in, and his
unyielding loyalty to, sound principles. He firmly believed
that God governs the world, including all the affairs of men,
by definite and established laws ; laws that men can know and
ought to obey. He had little faith in prayer that is accompa
nied by habitual negligence of the appropriate conduct and
means to secure the ends that are prayed for. He was not
inclined to trust much to the hope that things would turn out
well, unless he could see that such methods and means were
being used as gave good reason to expect that the desired ends
would follow as the effect of an adequate cause.
It was because when Mr. Harris came to study, in his
thorough and exhaustive way, in the light of these principles,
the financial tendencies of late years, he saw so much that
proraised financial disaster and ruin, that some regarded his
views as depressing and morbid. But the truth was, that Mr.
Harris was too clear-headed not to see, as the result of his
painstaking collection of essential facts, and careful comparison
of the same, that individuals and communities, towns and
cities, were spending more than they were earning ; and seeing
it, he was too honest and true to his convictions not to say it,
and call earnestly for a reform. This city, which he has served
so long, and in so many ways, has great occasion to revere his
memory, for the large service he has rendered it in these last
years of his life, when he could ill - afford to draw upon his
13

98 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
over- taxed powers, to do gratuitous public work. I think that
it must be evident to all who are conversant with the conduct
of our city affairs, that Mr. Harris's influence was the leading
force in arresting the tide of extravagance, and inaugurating
measures of economy that have already greatly relieved the
burdens of taxation. But his beneficent work in this matter
has not been confined to this city. It has reached and helped
other towns and cities all over the Union.
It has been sometimes said that Mr. Harris had little power
to influence other men. I think he seldom tried to exert the
influence that the trained politician seeks to wield, but that men
confided in his judgment and were convinced by the severe
logic of his reasoning, needs no other confirmation than is
afforded by abundant and evident facts. A life so consistent,
so full of work, so honest, so true to the best interests of his
fellow -men, is worthy of commemoration, and will not cease to
disseminate its blessings, though he who lived it has been called
to a higher sphere. With sincere regard. Yours truly,
M. C. Stebbins.

Paris, December 5, 1879.
My Dear Mrs. Harris: —
The sad intelligence of Mr. Harris's death has just reached
me, far across the wide ocean, and has awakened all of my
sympathy. I have been intending, for a long time, to write
you, dear friend, and now it is with feelings of the deepest

DANIEL L. HARRIS.

99

regret that I resume my pen, to express my heart -felt sorrow
for you and your children. You ha^-e lost the beloved com
panion of your life, who has walked by your side in the full
tide of prosperity. And knowing, as I do, your devotedness
to him for all of these years, I shrink from picturing to myself
your grief and desolation. He was endowed with intelligence,
with generous feelings, and with many excellencies of character
which endeared hira to all who knew him well. And we know
his loss will be deeply felt, not only by his immediate friends,
but by the great numbers of those who have been objects of
his liberality and kindness. I had felt great anxiety to hear
from you ; and last winter, when we were in Rome, I met Mr.
Griffin (brother of one of your Springfield editors), who loaned
me The Republican to read. You can iraagine how eagerly I
perused the paper ; and to ray great delight I found in the
Springfield items the very news I wanted, — the convalescence
of your husband. Since that I had hoped he was getting well,
or had entirely recovered, and that this great sdrrow would be
spared you. But we must bow submissively to God's will, and
look forward, with hope, to the joyful meeting with the loved
ones who have exchanged this world for a higher and better
sphere of love and duty, in that " home far, far away." Three
years ago last August my sweet mother went to her Heavenly
home. My sister and father live in New York during the
winter, and in Bennington, Vt., during the summer. My dear
father is in his eighty- sixth year, blessed with health and full
possession of all his faculties. We intend to leave, on Monday,
for Nice, on account of my son Charles, who is now nineteen
years old. He has some trouble with his throat. Nellie will

DANIEL L. HARRIS.

remain with her father, in Paris ; but next spring we promise
her that we will go to America, which is the fondest wish of
her heart. All the family join with me in kind remembrance,
mingled with the deepest sorrow for you and yours. Hoping
to hear from you soon, I remain as ever.
Your much attached friend,
M. G. Strickland.

Springfield, July, 1879.
Mrs. Harris, Dear Madam : —
We, the members of the Bible Class of which Mr. Daniel L.'
Harris was for a long tirae the teacher, wish to express the
regard and appreciation which we felt toward him, artd our
sympathy with his bereaved family. Mr. Harris's cordial and
genial manner, with his ready and cheerful way of giving us
the benefit of his store of knowledge, gleaned from travel and
study, led us to cherish a deep regard for him as a man ; and
we felt that he cherished the same feeling toward those who
met him here. And his letters to us when on his travels in a
foreign land, are testimonials of his kind remembrance.
We share, in some degree, with you, his loss, and here express
to you our sincere sympathy and the consolation which comes
irom those who love and cherish his memory. Yours truly,
Albert Hancox. Samuel Palmer.
Levi Hitchcock. D. Proctor.
Emery Meekins. F. Bachover.
O. Frary. E. Bliss.
Charles M. Lee.

DANIEL L. HARRIS.

EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS.
My Dear Mrs. Harris : — ¦
I wanted very much to come to the funeral, but could not
leave. My heart is with you. I know that God has taken
your best and dearest one, but you have your good children to
cheer your loneliness ; and may the kind Lord be with you,
and be your hope and stay, in this great sorrow.
With love and sympathy for you all, I am always
Faithfully yours,
Mary M. Storrs.

Mrs. D. L. Harris : —
The last time I called to see him, he said to me : " Mr.
Norton, I cannot express to you the gratitude that I feel to
God for the way He has led me." It was the intense earnest
ness with which every word was uttered, that so impressed it
upon my mind. I did not intend to inflict upon you a long
letter at this time, but to express my sympathy only.
I am very sincerely and gratefully yours,
W. W. Norton.

I am at this moment informed of the death of your noble
husband. He who doeth all things well, has come into your
loved circle and taken the husband and father home to Him
self. I regret that I cannot go to you and extend to you
my heart -felt sympathies in your sad bereavement and loss of
so kind and good a husband and father.
Again you have my deepest sympathy. C. Johnson.

DANIEL L. HARRIS.

Dear Daniel, his memory will be a blessing to all. My heart
rises in thanks to God whenever I think of him. He lived to
do good.
Mrs. W. H. Harris.

TELEGRAMS. Rochester, N. Y., July 12, 1879.
Dear Sister : — I will be with you to-morrow. William Otis.

Long Branch, N. J., July 12, 1879.
We will be with you to - morrow. A. Boody.

MR. HARRIS'S SICKNESS.

How much Mr. Harris suffered in his long sickness, and
how tenaciously he held to life, will be more fully
understood by the statement of Dr. Calkins and the extracts
from the diary of Mrs Harris, which follow : —
STATEMENT OF HIS FAMILY PHYSICIAN.
To Mrs. D. L. Harris and Family : —
The following sketch of the physical history of Mr. Harris
is offered in explanation of some of the more important symp
toms which occurred in his case, during his long illness. Mr.
Harris was endowed with a good constitution. His digestive
system, however, was not quite equal to his cerebral. His
brain was unusually large' and active. In persons of ordinary
organization the brain, although weighing about one -fortieth
of the entire ¦weight of the body, requires about one - sixth of
the entire amount of blood to nourish it. This physiological
fact shows how much of the nutrition of the body must have

I04 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
been needed by his active and massive brain for its sustenance.
Again, the intense concentration of his mind on his work,
tended to direct a portion of that nervous energy frora his
digestive system which was a necessity to perfect transforma
tion of food into blood. The continuous hyper.- activity of his
brain, and progressive diminution of digestive and assimilative
force, by which his blood year after year suffered increasing
starvation, are the primary causes of his decease. During his
life he was inclined to take too large quantities of fluids with
his meals, to eat while his raind was occupied, and immediately
after to enter upon active brain work, by which the production
of healthy chyle was hindered, and its absorption retarded.
Five years ago he was for several months in a measure disabled
by a chylous diarrhoea, occurring early in the morning, attended
with little or no pain, followed by more or less debility. Though
losing in this way a portion of the material which should have
been assimilated and appropriated to the needs of the body,
yet, by means of his great natural energy, he continued his
work as before. Under medical treatment, however, he imper
fectly recovered, and worked on continuously, until two years
since, — the summer of 1877 — when his weakness, consequent
upon the return of his dyspeptic disease, forced him to seek
restoration. He decided to take a European tour, with his
family and pastor. The change, however, did not restore his
digestive powers. On his arrival at Queenstown the news of
the riots at Pittsburg, and the general unsettled condition of
our country, fell upon his mind with an intensity that araounted
to a nervous shock. He passed on through Ireland, Scotland,
England and Holland, thence to Paris, all the way suffering

DANIEL L. HARRIS.

lO-S

from indigestion and consequent muscular weakness. His
return ocean passage gave him no relief, but rather intensified
his symptoms. On his arrival home, October lo, 1877, he was
suffering from a severe catarrhal and bronchial inflammation,
in addition to his general anaemia. Sorae symptomatic fever
and difficulty of breathing were the results. From this time
until the 19th of February, 1878, treatment 'was directed to
the restoration of the blood-making process, by stimulating
the liver, stomach and intestinal absorbents to greater activity,
and the careful adjustment of his dietary to the needs of his
condition. In directing these means of restoration, the assist
ance of Dr. Bowles was secured. The treatment thus directed,
however, seemed to produce but very little improvement, and
he determined to go to New York, and there seek medical
advice and rest from business annoyances incident to his stay
at home. From this time — about February 19, 1878 — until
his return from the sea -shore, July 28th, I did not treat Mr.
Harris, and only knew of his case through the descriptions of
others. While at Watch Hill he received the advice of several
physicians, one of whom recommended Carlsbad water as a
very excellent remedy, and its trial was deterrained on, and its
use persevered in during the month of August.
It is perhaps well here to describe his condition when he
returned home, July 28. He then had general- dropsy,
(anasarca) that is a collection of certain aqueous elements of
the blood in the cells, or areolar tissue of the body ; and also
dropsy of the abdomen (ascites), and dropsy of the chest — a
collection of water between the lungs and the sides ; — also
water in or between the air cells of the lungs ; water in the
14

io6 DANIEL L. HARRIS.

heart -case (hydropericardium). His digestion was very feeble
and imperfect ; animal heat from 93 to 95 degrees, when it
should have been 98 degrees ; and the pallor of anaemia was
everywhere apparent. These conditions caused his difficulty
of breathing, his inability to assume the recumbent posture, his
cold extremities and extreme weakness. It would seem that
with all these effects of deterioration of the blood, no one
could have lived ; yet for a month he continued to struggle on,
received friends, rode out frequently, even when his animal
heat fell to 93 degrees, while his hands and fingers were
benumbed from want of blood. During the month of August
his condition remained very nearly the same. On the first and
second days of September a consultation was held with Pro
fessor John Ordronaux, of New York. A more strict dietary
was enforced, and mineral waters and fluid nourishment dis-
continued. The condition of his kidneys was ascertained, by
chemical and microscopic examination of his renal secretion,
to be normal. Remedies as before were given, to stimulate
digestion and absorption. Under the influence of hepatic
.stimulants the liver responded in a free discharge of bile.
Observing the dryness and inactive condition of the skin, I
prescribed pilocarpine, which produced perspiration and tem
porary improvement. But the remedy which of all others did
the most good, was elaterium. Under its influence the dropsical
effusion in all parts of the body was swept away, so that in two
weeks after commencing its use there were no signs of excess
ive watery accumulations in any part of the body. The
temperature rose to 98 degrees — the natural standard ; digestion
and absorption improved. The blood showed its reinforcement

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 107

by an increase of red color, and the muscles, nerves and brain
felt the stimulus of impro\ement. During this time he was for
the most part confined to a milk diet. During the months of
September and October, after the removal of the dropsy, he
took digestive stimulants occasionally, and continued to steadily
improve. During December, 1878, I made hira but two visits.
During November, December and January he performed much
brain work, overseeing the affairs of the Railroad, entering
with interest into public affairs ; but while his mind was active
and his intellect clear, his muscles were weak and flabby, —
especially those of the lower limbs.
This muscular weakness, to the patient, seemed inexplicable.
During three months there seemed to be but little accumulation
of dropsical deposits, either in the limbs or visceral cavities ;
but during the latter part of January there appeared some
Ixdema (bloating) of the feet, also slight puffiness of the
cheeks and eye - lids and lips ; a-certain degree of loss of power
to express his thoughts in language ; more loathing of food ;
perversion of his sense of taste ; gradual loss of hearing ; and
from day to day increasing debility, and finally stupor. The
cause of these symptoms is assigned to the gradual accumula
tion of water at the base of the brain, producing loss of
function of the nerves which there originate. From the ist to
the loth of February the symptoms above referred to gradually
increased until the senses were impaired in about this order :
First, there was a loss of hearing and sight ; then of smell and
taste ; then of the power of speech and swallowing. On
Monday, the 17th of February (at i p. m.), his condition was
such that I hourly expected his decease. At this time his pulse

io8 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
was intermittent, respiration from seven to nine in a minute,
all the senses in abeyance, and raost of the involuntary muscles
of the body paralyzed. All that was left was the feeble motion
of the heart, and the extreraely slow respiration. Large patches
of extravasated blood appeared on the hands, feet, arras and
limbs. For a number of days Hon. C. C. Chaffee, an educated
and experienced physician, a neighbor and friend of the family,
saw the patient frequently, and watched the case with the
greatest interest. At 8 p. m. the respirations were a little more
frequent, and other symptoms more favorable. The watching
was done by Mrs. Harris, the brothers, children and son-in-
law, and was most thoroughly, attentively and sympathetically
carried out, records being made every hour of the pulse, respi
ration, discharges, the kinds and quantities of nourishment,
etc. During the loss of deglutition enemas were given of
beef -tea and milk. The return of the functions was gradual.
In a day or two he could swallow milk ; then he showed signs
of taste ; then could articulate monosyllables ; and afterwards,
in from one to two weeks, his hearing and sight had returned.
In about the same time the patches of extravasated blood had
faded away. His animal heat rose to 98 degrees, and he
became conscious of the use of the catheter, which was found
a necessity, on account of the temporary paralysis of the
bladder, which subsequently was followed by a very severe and
painful inflammation, from which he never entirely recovered.
At first his return to intellectual consciousness was shown by
his recognition, in the morning, or after rest, of some friend ';
but it was a month from the tirae of the attack before he
realized the peril he had passed, and external objects appeared

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 109

to him in their true relations. During this time almost his sole
nourishment and drink was frora four to six pints of milk, and
the whites of two to four eggs a day.
.\fter acquiring sufficient strength, he entered upon the work
of assorting his business papers, books and documents ; looked
after the repairs of his house, the improvement of his yard
and out - buildings, and entered with enthusiasm into public
interests. In his improved condition he began the use of a
more generous diet. Though often warned of the peril of
taking ordinary food, in usual quantities, yet the disease of his
blood (its gradual starvation) caused such an intense craving,
that he was strongly tempted to try articles suggested by his
friends. Everything in American cookery was sent him from
far and near, by those whose intense sympathy was expressed
but imperfectly in these cheerful offerings. Various kinds of
stimulating drinks were also suggested, all of which failed in
the production of any benefit. Of these various kinds of food
and drink, so generously sent, he seldom took but little ; and
yet, small quantities were often the cause of temporary increase
of symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea. A return
to the simple articles, milk and the whites of eggs, generally
sufficed to improve his strength. His appetite and relish for
these was remarkable, especially for milk. Once, when uncon
scious in bed, several kinds of drink — -water, beef - tea, gruel —
were offered ; but when the cup of milk was presented, to it he
clung and drank it with avidity.
This seemed to him his life, and when all else failed, this
furnished hira strength. With the approach of warra weather,
during April, May and June, his food became to him more

DANIEL L. HARRIS.

distasteful. The sense of taste was in him so perverted that
no food seemed to meet his expectations. The cause he
assigned to the cooking, instead of to his disease. He tried
various articles, but only to be disappointed. Every kind of
tonic, iron bitters, hepatic stimulants, chemical compounds for
restoring the, blood, and stimulants for digestion, were tried,
but to no purpose. The reraedies which had previously relieved
him, in the fall of 1878 and the month of February 1879, had no
beneficial effect. During the last days of June slight oedema
appeared on the feet and in the cheeks and around the eye
lids. At times he conversed with difficulty. His muscular-
power gradually diminished. His food ceased to nourish him.
Even milk was no longer digested, but was thrown off in
vomiting. The effusion in the base of the brain gradually
progressed ; the effect was apparent in facial paralysis, loss of
the power of speech, and at last that of swallowing. On the
Saturday previous to his decease Prof. Austin Flint, of New
York, ¦was called, but could not give any encouragement. He
recognized the disease as "pernicious anaemia," and existing"
'symptoms as its effect. Tonics and blood - repairers were pre
scribed, but all to no purpose, as neither medicine nor food
could be digested or absorded. On the night of Thursday,
July II, consciousness was entirely lost ; there was complete
facial paralysis ; his breathing slo'yv and irregular ; his pulse
intermittent. About midnight I left his bed-side, when his
appearance and symptoms were very similar to those that had
existed for several hours previous. Between two and three in
the morning, without change apparent to the watchers, with a
.sigh, he suddenly expired.

DANIEL L. HARRIS.

The cause of Mr. Harris's decease points to the existence of
these pathological changes : In the first place, he had a
hereditary tendency to dyspepsia, which gradually increased,
ending in chylous diarrhoea and deterioration of the blood, for
want of that nourishment which his digestive and assimilative
functions failed to supply. The anaemia was the cause of his
muscular prostration and the dropsical effusions in the various
parts of the body. The first attack wherein great danger existed,
was in August and September of 1878, which was passed by
the removal of the dropsical accumulations and the partial
restoration of the digestion ancl blood. The return to brain-
work ended in the more serious attack of February, 1879,
wherein he had the effusion of watery substances (possibly it
might have been blood) into the brain, from which he so
narrowly escaped. The last, occurring in July, like the one in
February, progressed with similar symptoms. Their explantion
is clearly made by modern writers on nervous diseases. I
make a few condensed stateraents of some of the German
authorities, Ziemssen, Niemeyer, Rosenthal, etc.
" An attack of oedema or watery effusion at the base of the
brain is known by stupor, bloating of the face, strong pulsa
tions in the carotids, pains in the back of the head, dirainution
of sensibility, difficulty of swallowing, embarrassment of
speech, and modified respiration." All these syraptoras were
present in the attack in February.
" Under the influence of trifling causes — during the exist
ence of anaemia — the patient becomes subject to difficult breath
ing, nausea and prostration. Cases have been observed with
sudden paralysis of the face and tongue, complete loss of voice.

DANIEL L. HARRIS.

and power to swallow, rapidly followed by death. The disturb
ance in speech does not depend on lack of thoughts, but on the
uncertainty and clumsiness in executing the movements neces
sary for distinct and rapid articulation.
If the part of the medulla which is called the vital knot, the
root of the nerve controlling the movement of the heart and
lungs, is affected with sudden effusion or anaemia, sudden death
results." That some of the above -indicated conditions or
changes took place in Mr. Harris's case, the symptoms fully
verify. Mr. Harris called me to serve in his family in 1861, — eighteen
years ago. At first my acquaintance was made with him while
riding to visit and treat some of the employes of the railroad,
for which he rewarded me himself. In their recovery he
showed a deep interest. Except during the severe illness of
some member of his family, I seldom met him at home, for his
time was completely occupied in his business requirements.
Some five years ago he consulted me several times, at my
office, for catarrhal attacks and derangement of digestion ; but
during the last two years I have seen him very frequently, and
have gathered from him much valuable information. He
showed the characteristics of a vigorous intellect, except when
suffering from the direct effect of dropsical effusion on the
brain. There was not evidence of the destruction of brain
tissue, but as soon as the pressure of effusion was removed, his
intellect assumed its normal and healthful activity. In the fall
of 1878, and during the month of January, 1879, I thought his
active brain work, in behalf of his railroad interests, was too
much of a tax upon him, and so I expostulated with him. But

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 113
he replied : " I cannot stop thinking while I have my senses ;
and if some one writes at my dictation, I shall feel that the
work is done, and my mind is relieved."
One of the last acts he did before his attack in February,
1879, was to write a letter to the Governor, relative, to raatters
at the Hoosac Tunnel. On coming to consciousness, during
convalescence, this subject was fresh in mind ; and on learning
that such appointments had been made by the Executive as he
desired, his joy was intense, and his satisfaction frequently
expressed. His interest in public affairs was always a powerful
stimulus to mental activity ; and this, when appealed to, drew
him forth from his weakness into active, self -sacrificing work.
His general character has been well and ably described ; but,
as his physician, I may be excused for referring to his personal
habits in the care of his health. He ate conscientiously that
kind of food which he thought best for his health ; and it was
only when the overpowering sense of hunger cried for that
amount of nourishment which his digestive organs could not
supply, that his appetite overpowered his judgment. He was
strictly temperate, not only abstaining from the use of intoxi
cating drinks (but for which he could not have accoraplished so
much), but also avoiding the use of tobacco, and even restrict
ing himself to small quantities of tea and coffee. One day,
while visiting him, I incidentally spoke of having seen a patient
suffering under disease of the nervous system, caused by the
excessive use of tobacco. " Send him to me," said he. " I
want to speak to that young man, and point out his danger."
In the subject of ventilation, sewerage and sanitary construction
of dwellings, he had much interest, and made, for these pur-
15

114 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
poses, extensive changes in his house, a short tirae before his
decease. His clothing was always plain, but of good quality ;
not so much designed for ornament as for comfort and health.
In the application to the needs of man of a knowledge of the
common things of life, he saw the prime wisdom ; and his
comprehensive intellect entered into the details, as well as the
generalities, of life. He had an intense love for work, and no
sympathy for shiftlessness or incompetency. The value of such
a man to the community cannot be estimated, and I cannot
entertain a good opinion of one who does not emulate his forti
tude and energy, his faithfulness to duty and its earnest
performance, his hatred of injustice, his keen insight in detect
ing fraud, his sympathy for the lowest as well as the highest,
his love for the Puritanical faith of his ancestors, and the
simple and child -like obedience he rendered the laws and
requirements of the Supreme Being.
Marshall Calkins.

EXTRACTS FROM MRS. HARRIS'S DIARY.
Dear Friends : —
In reply to your many inquiries, I should be glad to give you
all particulars of Mr. Harris's sickness, up to his death ; but
he having been ill two years, the story would be too long to
repeat so many times; but I will endeavor to make some
extracts from my diary, and give thenp to you in this form, so
that as raany of you as are interested in hioi can read them.

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 115
1877.
In March, 1877, Mr. Harris took a severe cold. He staid
in the house a day or two ; but as there was to be a meeting of
the Eastern Railroad Association, at the St. Nicholas Hotel, in
New York, he was very anxious to attend it. I tried to prevail
upon him to remain at home. He said, " No, I must go."
Rooms were engaged for him at the St. Nicholas, by telegraph,
and not being willing to let him go alone, myself and daughter
Lillie accompanied him. The meeting was held, and we
remained three days — Mr. Harris, meantime, not going out of
the hotel. Afterwards we visited Uncle Paine, and remained
there several days. His brother William came to see him, and
invited us to make him a visit, at his home in Brooklyn. We
went, and remained there a week or more. While there, his
brother prevailed upon him to give up business for awhile, and
go to Europe for rest. He came home and made preparations
to go. He invited Dr. Buckingham, his pastor, myself and
two daughters, Lillie and Etta, to go with him. We sailed on
the 1 8th of July, in the Cunard steamer Scythia, and had a
delightful voyage over. Governor Tilden, of New York, was
one of the passengers, and on arriving at Queenstown he
received a package of London papers, which gave an account
of the riots in Pennsylvania and the West. It affected Mr.
Harris greatly, and gave him a shock which brought a pallor to
his face, from which he never recovered. From Queenstown
we went to Cork, visiting everything about there ; then to the
Lakes of Killarney, to Dublin, Belfast and Glasgow, — through
the Scottish Lakes to Stirling, and to Edinburgh, arriving at

II 6 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
the latter place late Saturday night. From Edinburgh we went
through the English Lakes, stopping at Walter Scott's home,
Abbotsford, Melrose, etc. Thence to Manchester, Leaming
ton, Warwick Castle, Kenil worth Castle, and Stratf ord - on -
Avon, the horae of Shakspeare. From here we went to London,
ancl stopped at a hotel kept by an American lady. We reraained
two weeks, visiting every place of interest in and about there ;
and then went to the Isle of Wight, where we spent a few
days, after which we returned to London. At seven o'clock
one evening we took the train for Harwich. On arriving there,
we found that the regular steamer for Rotterdam, which we
intended to take, had been taken off the line for repairs, and
an old, small, uncomfortable one put in its place. We found
accommodations, however, such as they were, and, an hour later
than the advertised tirae, started on our journey across the-
North Sea. As we had dined at five o'clock, in London, we
took no supper, but went directly to bed. We ought to have
arrived in Rotterdara at nine o'clock in the morning ; but when
we awoke, we found ourselves still far out at sea. No arrange
ment had been made for a breakfast on board, so there was
nothing to do but wait ; which we accordingly did, until two
o'clock in the afternoon, when we came to the end of our
voyage. We there found that the steamer was so late, convey
ances of all kinds had left the wharf ; and so, tired and hungry
as we were, we were forced to walk about a mile and a half, to
the hotel. A dinner and a short drive through the city,
exhausted our stay in Rotterdam; and that evening, after
several mistakes and tedious walks, on account of disconnected
trains, found us in the beautiful Hague, the home of the King

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 117
and the capital of the country. We remained here a day or
two, spending the evening at Scheveningen, the Newport of
Holland. Thence we proceeded to Amsterdam, where we saw
enough pictures of the old masters to satisfy the most eager
curiosity. Old Haarlem being near here, we spent one day in
visiting the lions of that place, and especially the curious old
cathedral of St. Baron, in which is the finest and one of the
largest organs in the world. We were disappointed to find
that this was not one of the days when it was played to the
public ; but when I learned that the organist would play for us
one hour, for a special sum of money, I mentioned it to Mr.
Harris. He said : " I think it will hardly be worth the trouble
to send for him." I replied : " We have come all the way over
here to see and hear all that we can, in a liraited tirae ; and
now that we are here, I feel that it would be too bad to go
home and not hear some music." " Well, how much will it
cost ?" he said. " One pound," was the answer. " Consider
ing all things, that will be cheap," said he, " for I shall own the
church and organ for that length of time." Ancl so we listened
to the raost delightful music that we had ever heard from an
organ. Then we went on to Cologne, and frora there started
on a trip up the Rhine, as far as Mayence, stopping at Coblentz,
and visiting the foij'tress of Ehrenbreitstein. The view from
here was magnificent, and Mr. Harris enjoyed it very much.
We spent one night in Coblentz and one in Mayence, and then
went on to Strasburg and saw the big clock. We spent one
.afternoon in Heidelburg, and drove up to the romantic old
ruined castle. That evening we- went on to Nancy (one of the
fortified cities of France, and which was surrendered by

DANIEL L. HARRIS.

Bazaine, in the late Franco - Prussian war), thinking that this
would shorten our journey to Paris. We found that no one
here could speak English, and the next morning, owing to some
mistake, we took the accommodation, instead of the express,
train to Paris. When we finally arrived there, tired and weary,
and found that our trunks had arrived five hours earlier, our
feelings can be imagined. We could only quote : " What can't
be cured must be endured."
We spent two weeks in Paris, sight - seeing, and then left for
London, arriving there the last of September. We proceeded
to Liverpool, then to the old city of Chester, and thence back
to Liverpool.
On the 29th of September we sailed for home, in the steamer
Bothnia. We arrived in New York on the 9th of October,
having had a fearfully stormy and rough psssage. Mr. Harris
was ill during the entire voyage. We arrived in Springfield
October loth, Mr. Harris still feeling exhausted and weak from
his journey. While away from home he had little or no pain ;
but he was in a very indifferent state of feeling, and did not
care about sight - seeing, frequently remarking: "This is not
new to me — - 1 have seen it all before. You go and see for
yourself." The next day after arriving home he went to Brattleboro, on
railroad business. Mr. Waite said to him : " Mr. Harris, you
are a sick man. Go right home and stay there until you get
well." When he reached Springfield, he was obliged to call on
our neighbor Crocker to assist him in getting out of the cars.
In talking of his condition, he said : " I never felt that I was a
sick man ; but as I now look back I remember that I have not

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 119
felt right for a year." Dr. Calkins saw him frequently, and
Dr. Bowles was called in consultation, and both agreed that he
had aneemia, or deterioration of the blood, from faulty action
of the organs of digestion and assimilation ; and that he needed
careful treatment ancl mental and physical rest, and that it
would take him a long tirae to recover.
In December he went to New York, to consult Dr. George
Gray, a celebrated homceopathic physician. He said that there
was no doubt but the liver was contracted ; but did not give an
opinion of the cause of it. Mr. Harris was impressed with the
belief that his sickness proceeded from inhaling sewer gas.
He had talked with other gentlemen who were familiar with
the symptoms of disease arising from that cause, and he came
to this conclusion.
Dr. Gray gave him nitro - muriatic acid and pepsin. He sent
him home for thirty days, and told hira after the expiration of
that time to come and see him. For a few weeks he felt much
better, and went to his office once a day, for a short time.
Went to the dentist's and had some double teeth made, which
was very tiresome to him, and took a great deal of his strength.
He rode out occasionally, and one day drove his own horse to
Longmeadow, to see Rev. Mr. Harding.
1878.
Up to the 13th of February he saw the men connected with
the railroad, and continued to attend to some of his business.
February loth he went to New York to see Dr. Gray. He
stopped at the Fifth Avenue Hotel, and showed great fatigue
when he arrived there. From New York we went to his brother

DANIEL L. HARRIS.

William's, in Brooklyn. Called in Dr. Corbley and Dr.
McClellan. Dr. Corbley was his regular physician, in Brook
lyn. Dr. McClellan made only an examination. He said Mr.
Harris's case was one of anaemia, and could not be cured, and
that he would not probably live three weeks ; that an effusion
of water would take place, on the brain, and cause his
decease. " If you have any business to do with him," he said,
" attend to it immediately, as he will not long be capable of
attending to it." I would not consent to Mr. Harris's being
informed of his condition, as I felt that it would be better to
encourage him, as he might have a better chance of getting
well. The next day gave him physic, which changed his con
dition for the tirae, and he was decidedly better.
April 2. — Dr. Corbley came this morning, and applied elec
tricity, as usual. His hands and feet are still bloated. He is
a good deal bloated about the eyes.
April 3. — The bloat has gone down, and he appears better
in every way. We take courage again. He has taken some
mutton broth, farina, one ^gg and a cup of tea. Evening —
Daniel is feeling very uncomfortable. He has had a sponge
bath, rubbing, and some medicine, to relieve hira from a pain
in the right side. I notice that there is some bloat in and
about the lungs. Deacon Merriam and A. D. Briggs, of
Springfield, called to see him. He was very glad to see them.
He talked cheerfully, and looked very bright. Azariah came
for some checks. He drew one for the South Church and one
for Azariah. He seemed to use the pen as well as he ever did.
I asked the Doctor to - day what he thought of him now. He
said : " Mrs. Harris, I must be honest with you. I don't think

DANIEL L. HARRIS.

Mr. Harris will ever get well." But I have made up my mind
to look upon the bright side, and keep up his courage, notwith
standing what the doctors say, and make myself believe that I
can judge of his symptoms as well as they ; and as long as I
can, I shall try to feel that he is getting better. I shall do the
best I can to take care of him, and leave the result with our
Heavenly Father.
From this time he began to get better. We rode out in
Prospect Park ; took the rapid transit and went frequently to
East New York.
May 1 4.^^ Left Brooklyn, to-day, for home, after an absence
of fourteen weeks.
June I. — On his return from Brooklyn he remained at home
only three days, and continued the same tr^tment he pursued
in Brooklyn. His food was beef, lamb, chicken, farina, eggs,
light corn -bread. For drink, a glass of milk, with lime water.
He took a glass of milk between regular meals for four weeks.
For the month of May he cut off the use of milk at night.
Staid at home until the 29th of May, then went to Hartford.
On the Monday before leaving, Mr. Harris went to the Bank
and attended a Directors' meeting. He remained four hours,
and when he came home he was greatly exhausted ; but he
insisted upon going to Hartford, that he might have a place
where he could get rest. When we arrived there, Corinne had
prepared a bed - room for him down stairs, in the library, which
looked as cheerful and comfortable as the room he left. He
said : " Now this looks cozy. Here I shall be quiet, rest my
mind and gain my strength." And day after day, as he sat out
on the lawn, enjoying a little chat with the friends who called

16

DANIEL L. HARRIS.

or chanced to pass — Govemor Jewell, Pliny Jewell, Rev. Dr.
Keepe, Roland Mather, Mr. Day and others^ he enjoyed
himself so much that we all took hope that he was better. In
a week he was really better, and was able to ride out with his
daughter. June 5. — Brother William Otis came to see him, and he
enjoyed his visit exceedingly.
June 7. — • Dr. Buckingham came, this afternoon, to see him.
He talked a good deal, and was real glad of his visit.
June 10. — It has rained, and Daniel has been obliged to stay
in the house. His feet and hands are bloated. He is troubled
with short breath, and feels badly all the time.
June 16. — This is a beautiful day. Daniel is out doors,
to-day, and feels better.
June 17. — -This is a cold day, and we have h^d a fire.
Daniel is gloomy, and thinks there is nothing beautiful or lovely
in this world. Have been reading him a book, the title of
which is "Windsor Castle." It has interested me very much;
but he took no interest in it. Also read him " Pendennis "
and " Samantha at the Centennial." The latter is very laugh
able, and I could now and then draw a smile.
June 18.— -Rev. Mr. Keepe came to see us, and told us of a
wonderful liver cure in the case of Judge C  , of Hartford.
He said he would ask the Judge to come and see Mr. Harris.
The Judge came, and this is substantially his story : "In 1876
I had been working very hard ; became nervous and weak.
My skin turned a dark yellow brown, and finally dried to my
bones. What I ate did me no good. I was sent to the ^yhite
Mountains, Saratoga Springs, and the sea -side. I grew worse

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 123
all the time. Felt cold and shook in the sun, with the ther
mometer at eighty. Went home and doctored until 1877,
without the least benefit. The doctors said my liver was
contracted to half its usual size. The glands were closed. . In
fact, I was a living skeleton — frightful to niy most intimate
friends. I was gloomy at times, but made up my mind that I
would get well. It was suggested that I call Dr. Avery, of
Hartford. He came to see me. I said to him : ' Well, Doctor,
what can you do for me ? I am tired of drugs.' The Doctor
replied : ' I am not going to give you any ; but I am going to
soak you in sweet oil. That is what I am going to do with you.
I want some one to rub you in sweet oil, morning and evening,
¦nnd you must sit in the sun all you can.' I began, and on the
foarth day had the first natural movement of my bowels for
five months. Since that day my habit, in that respect, has been
regular. I kept up tbe oil rubbing for four months. I have
increased in weight from 80 pounds to 132. I had little pain
up to this treatment, and my suffering commenced when I
began to recover. I am now better than I have been in ten
years." Dr. Curtis, my daughter's family physician, was called to see
Mr. Harris. He gave no encouragement from the first. He
advised his taking milk punch, dandelion tea, iron, etc. Mrs.
Keepe kindly sent him prepared food, made of cereals. Dr.
Curtis said he might take for food, beef tea, soup, crackers,
milk, eggs and cracked wheat. Also to be sure to give him
some sling, or milk punch, between meals, to bring up his
spirits. I did not believe artificial spirits agreed with him. It
seemed to make him nervous, and went to his head.

124 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
June 19. — The Doctor has commenced on a new remedy.
He gave him one teaspoonful of chloric ether in a wineglass of
water. June 22. — Mr. Harris seems much better to-day.
June 23. — I have commenced the oil bath. Went to church
and heard the Bishop of New Hampshire preach, from Matthew
xxi., 22: "And all things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer,
believing, ye shall receive." Came home and found him sitting
out in the sun. His head was covered with perspiration. Now
I am very much encouraged, and feel truly that my prayer has
been answered.
June 24. — Mr. Harris has eaten a boiled egg for breakfast,
and drank a glass of milk punch after it. He also ate a little
orange, which caused him to be sick again.
June 26. — Mr. Mulligan visited him to-day. He was glad
to see him. Has appeared very well through the day.
June 28. — He rode over to the farm with Ned. In the
afternoon went out of doors and read a book by himself. This
week he has been rubbed twice a day, in sweet oil and alcohol.
July I. — The weather has been very warm. Dr. Curtis has
been in, and advised us to go to Watch Hill. The thermome
ter stands at eighty - five and ninety in the shade.
July 5. — Started for Watch Hill at two o'clock, on the
Providence and Fishkill Railroad. Two of our daughters,
Jennie and Cornelia, and Edward Brewer, are with us. At
New London had to change to the boat, and then at Stoning-
ton changed to a baggage -wagon, and rode to the boat which
runs across the Bay to Watch Hill. Then there was another
change to the baggage -wagon, in which we rode to the Ocean

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 125
House. By this time, Mr. Harris was pretty well tired out.
At the Ocean House we could get but one room, and that up
one flight. It was only about ten by fourteen feet. Two
trunks, bed, wash-stand, bureau, two chairs and one rocking-
chair, fill it up pretty full. The weather is raw, cold and damp.
The house is not in readiness for guests. The landlord has
gone to New York for servants. We are altogether too early.
Everything looks gloomy and uncomfortable. Don't know but
we shall have to go home'.
July 8. — The new cook and waiters have arrived. The
house has been put in order. ' The weather is warmer, and the
world looks bright again. Still, Mr. Harris can find nothing to
eat but milk, which he lives on entirely.
July 12. — Went to the Watch Hill House. Roland Mather,
of Hartford, called on us, and offered to give up his large room
on the first floor. Found everything much more comfortable
and pleasant. Mr. Hale, the landlord, is doing everything in
his power to make Mr. Harris comfortable, even to preparing
beef tea and other dishes, with his own hands, for hira. Dr.
Blake, of Elmira, N. Y., was called in to see Mr. Harris. He
said he did not think medicine would do him any good ; but
would continue the application of the galvanic battery, which
the other doctors had recommended. I sent to New York
and got a rolling chair for him. Found it of no use off the
piazza, and sent it back. Got a fluid lamp, and made granum
gruel, farina and clam broth for him, in our room. Mrs. Keepe
recommended Apollinaris water, which allayed the nausea;
and he kept his food down, after this. He was bathed every
day in salt water, brought up from the ocean. He was cold

126 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
and bloated, and there was no circulation. His feet were cold,
and the only way I could get them warm was to rub them with
my hands. He had drank Congress and Apollinaris water.
Dr. Doremas, of New York, has examined the urine sent to
him, and says it does not contain any abnormal ingredients,
which shows that there is no kidney trouble.
July 24. — Mr. Harris walked on the piazza, early in the
morning, and I think took cold.
July 28. — For medicine he is taking chloric ether, and for
food, milk. Does not rest in bed ; cannot sleep.
August I.— We left Watch Hill at noon, on the Edith Peck,
for Stonington. Mr. Harris was too weak to walk. He had
to be put in a chair and carried to the cars. Rode twelve miles
on the railroad, to New London, where we had to make another
change, to the train for Palmer. The conductors were kind
enough to take him in their arms, and carry him to the cars.
At Palmer we had to make another change, and I was exceed
ingly grateful to Conductors Saunders and Clark, who so ten
derly bore him in their arms, from one station to the other.
When we reached Springfield found our carriage waiting, and
arrived home comparatively easy. A bright fire, warm supper,
and a comfortable - looking room, brought back cheerfulness to
him, and made him seem very happy, although physically he
was worn out.
August 3. — While at Watch Hill met Dr. Grant. He said :
"Mr. Harris, take courage. I was worse off with the liver
trouble than you are. I gave up my practice and started for
Carlsbad Springs. The doctors here had told me my case was
incurable — that I would die before I got there. When I went

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 127
on the steamer I was told my body would be thrown into the
ocean ; but I went on. I found a doctor at Carlsbad who was
willing to undertake to cure me. I began by drinking one
quart of the Schlossbrunnen and Spsudel springs water. Of
the first, I drank, with a walk each time, four times before
breakfast, about a quart. For breakfast I had one roll, one
soft boiled egg, and one cup of coffee, with boiled milk, and
without sugar in it. For dinner, soup, beef or lamb, chicken
and cookecl fruit. For supper, one roll,, one cup of coffee, and
the same of milk. Used no butter or fat, and no pastry.
Drank milk and water between meals, when desired." So we
commenced the Carlsbad treatraent for Mr. Harris, to-day.
Sent to New York for the water. Have it heated to seventy-
six degrees. Heated one bottle of the water. Wrung out a
sheet and put it around his body, and then covered it with a
flannel sheet. He took a good sweat, and was rubbed off with
hot towels.
August 4. — He rested very well, last night. At eight to-night.
Dr. Calkins came, and we gave Mr. Harris a sheet pack. It
made him feel badly, and he would not bear it. I took off the
pack and blanket, and gave him some chloric ether. He was
soon better. Sat up one hour, wrapped in blankets. At ten
o'clock he went to bed for a short time. Got up and sat in
the chair until twelve. He went back to bed and slept some,
but was very restless until five, when he got up and sat in his
chair until seven. Went back to bed and remained there until
eight. Got up, then, and was dressed. Gave him a glass of
wormwood and the Schlossbrunnen water until nine. Then he
had breakfast of one soft boiled egg, bread, butter and one
cup of coffee. He sat out of doors until eleven ; then he

128 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
came in and slept awhile, after which he took a half bowl of
milk porridge. Every one who calls on him tells of some new
doctor, some new spring water, or some new country to go to.
This from our kind friends, who wish to do something to
relieve Mr. Harris ; but we cannot do all that is recommended.
August 17. — He seems extremely weak, to-day. Has slept
much of the time ; has been very quiet, and has not talked.
Said he could not find the right words to express himself, and
would not say anything.
August 20. — Mr. Harris has had a pretty sick week, and I
am thankful that he is better. He has been out to ride, and
seemed to enjoy the fresh air. He took for his dinner a plate
of beef soup, a bit of broiled chicken, one peach, and a dish of
rice. Then he went to his room and laid down, where I found
him asleep. He slept until half -past nine in the evening.
Then I helped him dress, and he went into the library, where
he sat for awhile before retiring for the night.
August 30. — Mr. Harris seemed very bright, this morning.
He took for breakfast one egg on toast and a glass of milk.
Then he went out and was rolled about in his easy chair until
eleven o'clock, when his carriage came up. Then we rode for
an hour, when I persuaded him to come home and have his
dinner. He wanted some stewed oysters, more than anything
else. After they had been prepared, besides other tempting
dishes, he said he did not want them. He wanted some gruel
and some ice cream. I asked the Doctor if I could give him
the latter. "Yes," he said, "with a cup of hot tea after it."
August 31.— Mr. Harris retired, last night, at eight o'clock.
The Doctor exarained him, and found his lungs filled with
water, right side swollen, and breath short. He ' groans, and

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 129
cannot lie down. We had to place him back in his easy chair.
He did not sleep any through the night.
September i. — He drank the last botde of spring water this
morning. He is very much bloated. His mind is wander
ing all the time, and he does not remember frora one night to,
the next. The weather is bad — cold and rainy. From my
observation I find that when we give him any spirit — rum
punch — which many have recommended, he is not as well as
he is without it.
October i. — Through the month of September he was, on
the whole, on the gain. His Brother Joel and wife and Brother
Boody and wife have visited us. He said it was a medicine
that acted like a tonic to see Brother Boody, and talk over old
times. Our son Az used to lie at night on the sofa, and in the
morning Mr. Harris would say : " Az ancl I have been camping
out all night." Although it was quite warm, he used to keep
up a bright fire on the hearth, all night, ancl he said it was to
keep the wolves off.
October 3. — My heart is light, to-day. Dr. Calkins has
been in, and speaks encouragingly. This is good ; and I ask
my God, " What shall I render unto Thee for this manifestation
of Thy goodness to us ? We will sing praises unto his name
for His goodness " ; yet meekly saying, " O Lord, Thy will be
done." I have not seen Mr. Harris so cheerful for months, as
he has been since Brother and Sister Boody have been here.
He talks, jokes, and laughs, and says he is gfetting well.
Nothing does him so much good as to have his friends come
and see him. On the last of September he ate some water
melon, which gave him another fit of indigestion, and a
17

I30 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
diarrhoea set in. This prostrated him for several weeks. On
the 29th of August Dr. Calkins began to give another medicine,
which he calls pilocarpine, made from the jabarandi, from
South America. He says it cost forty cents a grain, or $190 a
pound. It strikes me as a queer medicine, but it seemed to
have a good effect. It opens the pores and keeps him in
perspiration. It makes him breathe more freely, so I can see
it has the desired effect. On the ist of September we called
Dr. Ordronaux, of New York. He came and staid with us
four days. He examined him thoroughly, and said he did not
think his trouble was from the liver entirely. At the time he
visited us, Mr. Harris was living on gruel, beef tea and milk.
For drinks he had Apollinaris and Vichy waters. For medi
cines, pilocarpine, — pills of bark and iron — electricity and
galvanic battery, etc. Dr. Ordronaux said : "Mr. Harris, you
must chew your food. You have been living on very good
things, but no adult can live upon fluids. Man must chew his
food, in order to cause a flow of the saliva, which aids in
digestion." He and Dr. Calkins made a general dietary. First,
on waking, before rising, in the morning, take two tablespoon-
fuls of hot coffee, in half a teacupful of boiled milk. One
hour after, one soft boiled egg, on light stale bread, toasted,
or a few oysters ; or a little beef steak or mutton chop — not
more than two ounces of either. Six ounces of bread, or
farina, or potato, or sago, or rice. After these, one cup or four
ounces of cbffee, prepared as above. For supper, eight ounces
of bread, or food of some kind ; two ounces of warm milk to
drink. One tumbler of milk may be drank between meals.
Take pepsin after eating, and use lime water in the milk.

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 131
For medicine, they gave a stimulating pill before eating, and
five drops of muriatic acid after meals ; then pepsin and some
of the English prepared dandelion. He also had a bark tonic
prepared for him. He tried these remedies for one raonth, and
evidently was very much benefited by thera. He was able to
walk to the gate, and get into his carriage and ride for an hour,
which he greatly enjoyed. He had a good man to help take
care of him. He was thoroughly bathed, night and morning,
and well rubbed. His digestion was good, he slept well, and
enjoyed his food. This was the first tirae he atterapted to eat
any meat since he was sick. He made great effort to follow
the doctors' orders, and tried to think he relished what was
provided for him. He has not asked for anything between
meals since he commenced this course. He sees a good many
people, and talks business. Mr. Chapin, Mr. Mulligan, and our
son confer with him relative to his railroad business. He reads
the newspapers, and takes interest in whatever is going on.
Mr. Wood is in town, painting portraits of several of our citi
zens. Many of our friends have urged Mr. Harris to go down
to the Massasoit House and see the portraits he had painted of
Mr. Samuel Bowles and Mr. Marvin Chapin. Mr. Harris
consented to go, and was taken up to Mr. Wood's room in a
chair, by two of ' the porters. After looking at Mr. Marvin
Chapin's life-like picture, he said: "Mr. Wood, you may paint
a portrait of myself like that, for my family."
October 28. — Mr. Harris has been getting well for the last
six weeks. He has called his men from the railroad office, laid
out work for the future, has been buying a railroad, eats well,
relishes his food, has dropped all medicines, rides every day

132 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
some ten or twelve miles, sleeps well at night, but none in the
daytime. God be praised ! I am so grateful and thankful
that he is now doing so well, I hardly know how to express
myself. After this some kind friends sent in some steamed
brown bread and some fruit, which tempted his appetite. He
said he must eat some. I begged him not to, and said : " I
know it is not good for you." He replied : " I think it will not
hurt me now, I am so much better. I will try some of it."
He did, and it raade him sick for a week. We have had an
anxious week, but he is again recovering. While he was suffer
ing with headache, our good friend, the Deacon, called, and
asked him : " Why do you not take some of the stuff I take
when I have the headache ?" I said : '.' What is it ?" " Oh; I
do not know," said the Deacon. " Dr. Smith gave it tb me.
I don't know what it is. It is horrid smelling stuff. My
daughter knows." After the Deacon had gone, Daniel said :
" Get some of that stuff of the Deacon's and put on my head."
" Well," I said, " what stuff ?" " Why, the Deacon's medicine,
which he says is undiscovered and unknown ; but he says it cured
him. I want some of it." I brought him some ammonia and
bathed his head. I asked him if this was not it. " I- guess so ;
it smells bad enough."
1879.
January i. — From the middle of October to the present
time he has been getting well. He has been busy, attending
to his railroad affairs, looking over his private papers, arranging
his books, writing and dictating, and has kept Jennie or Lillie

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 133
at the desk, writing business letters for him, from morning until
night. He has been making collections of railroad and Hoosac
Tunnel reports, getting missing numbers^ etc. ^ He has been
out in his carriage from one to two hours each day. Has felt
very comfortable, with the exception of weakness in his lower
limbs. January 31. — I was ready to go over to the South Church
to hear Prof. Mather's lecture on Schiller. Mr. Harris said to
me : " I wish you would call and see Dr. Calkins, and tell him
to come and see me in the morning. I am not feeling quite as
well." The Doctor had not been attending upon him for the
last two montlis, and he had not taken any medicine. The
Doctor came the next morning, apd gave him some medicine.
He was very quiet during the rest of the week. He did not
attend to any business, or talk rauch. Saturday I noticed that
he commenced talking to himself. "Time is valuable," he
said; "yes, time is valuable." Mr. Leonard came in. Mr.
Harris said to him : "Will you not read that paper to me?"
pointing to The Republican. " It seems to me it has grown
stupid, the last week.. Why do not the boys get soraething
interesting into it? I used to think it was the ablest paper in
the country. I felt that I could not get on through the day
without reading it." Mr. Leonard said : " I will not read it .to
you. There is nothing in it worth reading. I would not
bother my head with it, if I were you." Mr. Leonard, turning
to me, said : " Do you think he realizes that he is a sick man ?
Of course he cannot find anything in the paper, as he is not
able to sense it." " No," I said, " I do not think he reahzes
that he is sick." I am sure that I did not think he was wander-

134 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
ing in his mind, as it is the first time I have seen him in that
condition since the watery effusion in August. Soon afterward
he undressed and went to bed. I have heard him talking,
saying: "Mother, give me that money I brought in." "What
money ?" I said. " Some money I have been trying to get into
ray pocket for the last three weeks." " I will get you sorae,'' I
said. " No, I don't want any, and won't touch it." He went
dozing off" again; but at half -past three he was talking:
"Oh, Jennie, I am worse. They gave me too much to eat,
yesterday. Oh, it is hard work to drink. Mary, they are
trying to get into the water through the middle section ; but I
think it would be great impropriety for me to go into the river
with my shoes and stockings on. The Providence party is not
very sure, nor the Boston party, either. I think George Dunlap
will be missed out of his company. Maud, if I had two nice
apples I would give them to you. Mary, do you know where
my specs are ? I want to use them for the welfare of the
community. I have been waiting four hours for stones to build •
the wall." He had been unusually active before this attack.
He had been to Greenfield to meet the state authorities, con
cerning the location of the depot, making plans, etc., and had
also attended a meeting of the Fire and Marine Insurance
Company, and one of the Connecticut River Railroad Com
pany. To-day he undressed and went to bed. Previously I found
him leaning upon a chair in the bed -room. I asked him if he
was suffering. He made no reply, and I had him undressed
and put to bed. After that he said : " I have always tried to
do the best I could." These were the last words he spoke

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 135
before going into a stupor, which the Doctor pronounced
paralysis, from effusion of water at the base of the brain. He
groaned fearfully, for two days. After that he sank into a
lethargic sleep. He lay with his eyes paralyzed and his jaw
falling. We did not expect him to live, and were looking for
ward, every moment, for him to cease to breathe. Friends
came in by the hundreds, from far and near, to see hira. No
one expected to see him again, alive. On the fifth day, at
midnight, Ned asked him: "What shall I give you to drink?"
He answered, "Water.'' After taking a drink of water, he
called him byname, and distinctly said : "You are Brewer.''
Ned was so astonished that he came rushing up to my room
and said : " Mother, do come down quickly. Father Harris
has spoken." The Doctor came and gave him electricity, and
afterward beef tea injections. Frora this time he began to
mend. He groaned a good deal, was very weak, and at
times could not raise his hands. Once he said : " I am dis
couraged." Again, " O Lord, bless me ! O, Lord, bless me and
restore me to health. I wish I was free from wrong and excite
ment." Brother Joel came and staid with him three weeks.
He sat by his bed from twelve to fourteen hours a day, never
leaving him except for meals. It -takes two or three of us to
take care of him. Two of us are with him constantly. His
greatest trouble and pain is now from inflammation of the
bladder. Sunday Night, February 10. — He said : " I have been over
to see what darkness they brought to pass in the next street."
"There are four causes of excitement." "There will be four

136 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
white fishes dressed to-morrow, and I guess Anna will have
them cooked right ; she generally does." Some days he seems
to be comfortable ; other days he is uneasy, restless, and
entirely another man. One dai^ his head is rolling, his tongue
is out — -nothing tastes good, and can't get him to swallow a
half -pint of food in a day.
March 11. — He wanted to get up and be dressed. I had no
idea that he was able to sit up alone, and told him so. He
requested Baby (Cornelia) to bring him his clothes. He got
out of bed and, with her help, put them on. This showed his
power of resolution. " Now," he said, " I want to go down
stairs." I took the arm-chair and prepared it for him by the
fire. He said : " No, I want to go down stairs." He took my
arm and walked into the library. He staid in the library until
eight o'clock. When asked if he wanted to go to bed, he said :
" No, I have seen enough of that bed, and don't want anything
more to do with it.'' His watchers have been our children, with
Ned, Henry, and George Noyes and Will Newell. We feel
that he has had the very best of care, day and night. Medi
cines have been carefully given and closely watched by Dr.
Calkins, who has been untiring in his attendance and devotion.
His food for the last three weeks has been milk, entirely —
giving him five pints a day, dividing it into half -pints. He is
still under the delusion that ' he is away from home. He begs
of me, in the most pitiful manner, to pack up and go home.
He says he wants to get out of this place. He talks about the
old factory, the stone mill, the old church and school - house,
and the associates of his early days. The Doctor is trying

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 137

buchu, marsh - mallow, slippery -elm and dandelion. Yesterday
he brought some capsules to be taken, which were as large as
small bird's - eggs.
All through the month of March he was getting better, living
on milk, eggs and beef tea. Through April, May and June he
was very well, and seemed to be steadily gaining. His mind
was as clear as ever. His memory was more retentive than I
had ever known it. He again dictated and wrote letters,
attended to his railroad business, and saw friends up to the
29th of June. We had made our plans to go to Saratoga and
try what the waters would do for him.
Sunday, June 29th, he was taken with a fit of belching, which
lasted three hours. It would not yield to any treatment we
could think of. We rode out on the following Tuesday,
Wednesday and Thursday, an hour each day. Friday, July 4,
was a very warm day, and he felt the heat very much. He
was not dressed, and he felt badly all day. At night he had
another fit of belching. The day had been so warm that he
required some one to fan him, most of the time.
Saturday morning, July 5. — It was cooler this morning.
There was a hea-vy thunder -shower in the night, which has
cooled the air. Mr. Harris was up and dressed, and we took
our usual drive. Dr. Flint, of New York, came, this afternoon,
to see him. He said he was quite sure he could do nothing for
him, as he did not understand his case, and could not look into
it in so short a time. So he did nothing for him except to
prescribe some tonics and a preparation of iron, and went
home. 18

138 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
Sunday, July 6. — This morning he seemed much better. He
got up and was dressed and sat by the fire all day. At five
o'clock he had Dr. Calkins come in and eat dinner with him.
He relished his dinner very much.
Monday, July 7. — He has kept in bed all day.
Tuesday, July 8. — He sat up part of the day.
Wednesday, July 9. — He was very restless, and in a good
deal of pain.
Thursday, July 10. — He cannot keep anything on his stom
ach. He grows weak. At ten o'clock at night Dr. Calkins
came in and said he would stay until midnight ; and that 1
must lie down to get some sleep. I told him if he would call
me at twelve, I would do so, as I had been up every night but
one, most of the time, for three weeks. Jennie and Henry
were sitting up, too, with Mr. Harris. At half- past three
(Friday morning, July 11), Jennie called me: "Come quickly!
Father has been sleeping over two hours, and I cannot arouse
him." He had breathed gently up to this time. As soon as
she called me, I went to Mr. Harris and found that his breath
had entirely left him. Dr. Calkins came, and applied electricity
once more, but without effect.

LAST LETTER TO HIS WIFE.

DURING Mrs. Harris's brief absence from home Mr.
Harris wrote her the following letter concerning house
hold affairs, which was the last she ever received from him : —
Springfield, May i6, 1879, 11 o'clock a. ra.
My Dear Wife : —
I presume you have by this time concluded not to, come home
before the raiddle of next week, and would therefore be glad to
hear from home. After you left on Monday, I felt that I could
not carry on the house repairs any longer without the assistance
of Mr. Fisk, and he has been at work since yesterday morning.
I have had him repair the lattice -work under the piazzas of the
kitchen part of the house, and this morning he got out some
sticks for the rose bushes, and now he is hanging and trueing
up the grindstone, mending the barn floor, etc., etc. John is
doing very well with the horses. I have tried two or three

I40 DANIEL L. HARRLS.
times to get some of the health food. Once or twice Anna got out
some fair griddle cakes, but the thing is not yet quite a success.
I have ordered fish chowder for to-day's dinner, also some
canned corn. Joel and Mary are still with their daughter,
having planned to go home on Saturday. Yesterday morning
I sent over the horses for them to ride. They were to have the
single horse to drive themselves this morning, but when John
took it over at nine o'clock they sent him back, saying to him
that they did not want it, for the reason that Mrs. Harris had
been sick all night ; they had found it necessary to call the
doctor at midnight, and he was to come again this morning.
This is all I know about the sickness. Shall call there when I
go out. Azariah is away from home, having started for Keene
yesterday raorning and gone thence to Boston and Concord.
He was yesterday elected a director of the Keene and Man
chester (unfinished) Railroad. I have no change to report in
my own condition. I lack a good appetite, and when that is
found i shall soon be quite well.
Baby has planned a picnic on Mr. Goodrich's grounds for
to-morrow. She is to have a party of eight. I am doing my
best to get things "slicked up " before you return. The making
of the garden is completed, and the lawn has been mowed.
Miss Stowe has got up the walls of the rear addition to her
house, and to-day the tin roof will be laid, thus keeping every
thing dry. Remember me kindly to Brother William, Azariah
and Arabia, and all our Rochester friends. Yours truly,
D. L. Harris.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.

TURNING backward the pages of history, for the last
half century, there are found, in the records of earnest
lives, a fair nuraber in Springfield, who, by their works and
examples, in the professions and out of them, have gained
distinction and added something to the farae of the place in
which they chose to dwell. Of that number, when opportuni
ties are fully considered, when the quality of brain, for breadth
and grasp, for clear, comprehensive, and vigorous work, is fully
measured, none crowded nearer to the front than Daniel L.
Harris, who, for the thirty -six years that Springfield was his
home, was an incessant worker,— almost as ceaseless as is the
flow of the majestic Connecticut, in its onward sweep towards
the sea. He was a plain, blunt man, who loved his friends
and the right. Modest and unassuming, and always full of
courage. Unyielding as adamant, when he felt himself en
trenched behind the eternal principle of justice. Year after

142 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
year he gathered strength, as the duties of life pressed upon
him. He measured men, as they eame before him, seemingly
by intuition ; and he believed he knew at a glance their worth
and power. As he went between home and work, up and down
the streets, he carried with him the air of confidence ; and he
impressed those who passed him as a busy and earnest man,
who had an unsolved problem in his mind. No one accosted
hira rudely ; and yet, he was approachable to ^11, — as much
within the reach of the humblest citizen as the gentleman of
fortune and leisure. He was intense in thought and action,
and had an earnest desire for honest and substantial work, in
every department of life. No one despised shams more than
he ; and no one had a keener scent of fraud. He was no
hypocrite, and friend and foe alike shared condemnation at his
hand, when he felt they deserved it. His standard of right, in
public and private, was high ; and he endeavored to maintain
it, at all hazards. He was a clear writer and deep thinker, and
in his profession he had few equals. His illustrations were
plain in language and irresistible in logic. There was such a
Saxon flavor to whatever he said, that there was no doubt as
to his meaning, ^ — it went straight to the raark he had aimed at.
Like every earnest, positive nature, he might at times have
misjudged ; but in the course of time, as the heat of conflict
cooled, as he came to see that he was mistaken, he was free to
acknowledge that he had been wrong. His differences were
always plain and positive, and he never lacked a reason for the
faith that was in him. In business, he was careful arid prudent,
and a trust to him meant a sacred regard' for the rights of
others. His experience and observation had been so wide, that

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 143
his estimates were regarded as valuable by his business asso
ciates, and in whatever board of direction he was placed, he
was looked to as a leader.

THE HARRIS ANCESTORS.
Mr. Harris came from that sturdy race of Puritans who had
a faith and were ever ready to defend it. His long line of
ancestry is marked by strength of character and vigor of action,
and dates back to the days of Roger Williams, whom Massa
chusetts feared and banished. His progenitor, Thomas Harris,
came from Bristol, England, with Roger Williams, in the ship
Lion, commanded by Captain Pierce, which sailed frora Bristol
December i, 1630, and landed in Boston February 5, 1631,
after a tempestuous passage. A brother, William Harris, came
with him, and they settled at Salem. When Massachusetts
gave Roger Williams notice to take his departure from the
state, Thomas and William went with Williaras and his
adherents to Rhode Island, in 1635, when they founded Provi
dence. Thomas Harris was active in the colony, and his name
first appears in the records, affixed to the constitution. He
was assistant in the Council, under the first charter, 1654, and
under the second, granted by Charles I., from 1666 to 1669.
Thomas and William once owned a good deal of land, and,
with others,' had much trouble in getting bills and settlements.
Thoraas died in 1685, and was buried in the family burial
grounds, about four miles out of Providence, in that part now
called Johnston, where the head -stone of his son Thomas is

144 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
now found. The farm there now belongs to Susan, wife of
Nathan Brown. His will was presented to probate July 30,
1686. There is no evidence that he had more than one son —
Thomas — who survived his father. The line of descent from
the Bristol emigrant is as follows : —
Thomas Harris, Jr., son of Thomas ist, was born about 1641.
He married EInathan Tew, who died January 11, 1718, in the
seventy - seventh year of her age. Thomas died February 27,
1 7 10. His will was proved about the same date. He was a
surveyor and Treasurer of Providence. He had ten children.
Richard, second son of Thomas, Jr., was born Noveraber 14,
1668. His will was proved February 15, 1750. He had eight
children. Jonathan Harris, third son of Richard, died September 24,
1785- Abner Harris, first son of Jonathan, was born June 10, 1730.
He married Amy Colwell.
William Harris, son of Abner, was the tenth child and fourth
son. He was born April 11, 1768, at Smithfield, R. I., ancl
married Barbara Allen, who was born at Providence, in 1769.
They had twelve children. In 1820 they moved to Hiram,
Ohio. He died March 16, 1852, aged 84 years. Mrs. Harris
died in 1846, aged 77 years.
Allen HarrisJ oldest son of William, was born at Smithfield,
R. I., May 16, 1790. Died at Worcester, Mass., February 3, 1864.
Daniel L. Harris, oldest son of Allen, was born at Providence,
R. I., February 6, 1818. His birth-place was in a brick house
on High street, which was afterward bought by Governor
Knight. He died at Springfield, Mass., July 11, 1879.

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 145
Allen Harris, father of Daniel L., moved frora Smithfield to
Plainfield, Ct., in 1800, in company with his parents. He was
well educated, and when very young taught a district school two
winters ; and not far from 18 10 was a clerk in a store at Union
Village, Ct. After that came a great prostration in business,
which left thera comparatively poor. Allen was married. May
7, 1816, at Plainfield, to Hart Lester, who was the daughter of
Colonel Timothy Lester, of Shepard Hill, Plainfield, and was
born at that place December 23, 1789. In, 1817 he moved to
Providence, R. I., and went into partnership with a Mr. Rich
raond, in the dry goods business. Not succeeding in that,
he raoved to Sterling, Ct, in 1820, and for several years was
agent of the old stone raill, on a salary of $600. In 1824 he
moved to Union Village, Plainfield. He afterward moved to
Central Village, where he built a cotton factory, for making
bed ticking. He also built a double house, part of which he
rented. He kept a village variety store, in connection with his
factory, to supply the factory hands. In his new business he
invested all of his funds, so that for a few years he had to work
hard and practice the closest economy, in order to make his
business successful. His wife died August 24, 1826, and in 1827
he married Almira Vaughn, daughterof Russell Vaughn of Plain-
field. He was connected with Arnold Fenner, in the factory
at Central Village. In 1840, after the business of manufactur
ing was much depressed, owing to the condition of the times, he
sold his interest to Mr. Fenner, to whom he gave two thousand
dollars to be released from the debts of the factory and the
obligations he had entered into, in connection with the business.
In 1843 he moved to Worcester, and commenced business as a
19

,46 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
commission merchant, and in which he continued to the time
of his death, in 1864. His son, William H., was associated
with him for many years. Here he was successful, and accu
mulated considerable property. He bought a large and
substantial house, at the corner of Elm and Chestnut streets,
where his widow still resides.
Allen's children were : By his first wife, Daniel Lester, born
in Providence, February 6, 18 18; William Henry, born in
Sterling, Ct., March 7, 1820 ; Joel Benedict, (named for the
pastor. Rev. Joel Benedict,) born in Plainfield, Ct., November
5, 1822. By his second wife, Mary Gladden, born in Plain-
field, April 17, 1829; Emma Cadwell, born in Plainfield, August
13, 1836. Mary married Edward Marsh, now of the firm of
Lazzell, Marsh and Gardner, 8 Gold street. New York, and
died July i, 1854, leaving one son, Edward Merrill, who is
now living with his father in Brooklyn. Emma died March 12,
1845, of scarlet fever. Of the children of the first wife, Wil
liam is living in Brooklyn, N. Y., and Joel in Rutland, Vt.
Allen Harris was a dignified, courteous gentleman ; scrupu
lously neat in personal appearance, and exact in every business
transaction. He had great pride of family, spent money freely
for the education of his children, and for all of his relatives.
He desired to have all of his relatives prosper — live in good
houses, and rise to positions of trust and honor. He frequently
helped them in business, and to buy themselves homes. He
was fond of genealogical research, and the deeds of his
ancestors, from Thomas Harris down, were in his possession ;
and he had them framed and kept as precious relics of the
past. He delighted in hunting after family relics of every

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 147
description. His sister Sophia, who did not share her brother's
antiquarian spirit, once remarked of him : " There is Allen ;
he is always bringing home some old furniture. As for me, I
wouldn't give two cents for Adam's old bureau." When the
rebellion broke out, he was very patriotic, ancl as none of the
family had gone to war, he enlisted in the Worcester State
Guard (at the age of seventy- one years), which did escort duty
on various occasions. Late in January, 1864, he marched
about five miles, into the country, with his company, to do
honor to the remains of a soldier brought home for burial, and,
taking cold, died four days afterward. After his death, his
company made his son, Daniel, an honorary meraber. He
was a member of the Old South Church, in Worcester, and at
his death its oldest deacon. He taught a Bible class in its
Sunday-school, for many years, and a member of it once
remarked: "He was the best teacher I ever had, — he made
eV-erything so plain." When the Old South celebrated its
one -hundredth anniversary, in 1863, he was one of the com
mittee of arrangements, and chairman of the finance committee.
As he was the oldest deacon, he was selected to " line off the
hymn," as customary in the olden time, which he did with
precision and zest. A gentleman who had attended the
exercises, said the next day : " It was announced that the oldest
deacon of the church would ' line off the hymn,' and I went to
hear him ; but was surprised to find that he was only the merest
boy." This was related to Mr. Harris, who, on hearing it,
drew himself up in his usually dignified nianner, and exclaimed :
" Did he! Did he !" His precision and self-possession were
not easily lost.

148 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
Allen Harris's letters show that he was high sheriff, justice
of the peace, and postmaster in Connecticut. From 1832 until
1841, he was engaged with others in manufacturing. He was
always a very busy man, and one who was much looked up to
for advice. He was full of good Christain work, and his many
letters, which have been preserved, abound in good counsel and
kind admonition. He made many loans and handsorae gifts
to friends, for one -who had so many discouragements in
business to contend against. But with all of his business cares
and perplexities, he never neglected his sons, whom he wished
to train to be useful men. He had great energy, and was a
very close economist. He had faith that virtue would bring its
reward, and he was not disappointed. He said : " I never
will fail in business as long as I have my health." He was
very kind to his sisters, always providing for them, when any
of them were left widows with children ; and he remembered
them all in his will, as well as the established benevolent asso
ciations. He was a pure, upright man, so faithful to a promise
that an old friend wrote of hira : " I would as soon take Allen
Harris's word, as a note well indorsed." He was so very
conscientious that he thought every one must do what was
right ; and he died greatly beloved by all his relatives and
friends. His son Daniel wrote of him, just after his death,
the following letter : — ¦Worcester, Mass., February 3, 1864.
My Dear Daughter: —
The dear father -whom I endeavored to honor and obey through all my life
has just gone to his last rest. I remember his kind, tender care of me in my
childhood, and his -wise precepts, and his instructions, as I passed along from
early youth to mature age. And it is a proud satisfaction to me now to feel

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 149

that, under his care and counsel, my conduct has always been such as to
have seldom, if ever, brought him to grief. He has lived to a good old age.
I-Ie has had the pleasure of seeing all of his children grow up to occupy
respectable positions in life. He died peacefully in his own home. All of
his children wept at his bedside, not so much because he was passing away —
for we felt that he had lived more than the allotted age for man, three score
and ten years, — but we wept in love and gratitude at the recollection of the
kind care with which he had watched over us, and- how faithfully he had
labored to guard us against yielding to the temptations and sins of this
world. Oh, may my last days be like his ! oh, may the good Lord in his
mercy grant that all of my children may have occasion to remember me witR
feelings of the same gratitude and entire satisfaction I — then my care for
them will not have been in vain. "S^our affectionate father, D. L. Harris.

DANIEL'S BIRTH AND BOYHOOD.
The parents of Daniel L. Harris moved from Plainfield, Ct.,
to Providence, in May, 1817, and his aunt, Mrs. Lucy Angel,
wrote to his mother, just before they left Plainfield : " My
husband has found a double house for us. The rent will be
$175. The house is of brick, and stands on High street. It
will be very pleasant for us to live so near each other." A
letter from another aunt (his father's sister), states : " We had
a bustling time, in packing up and moving to Providence, for
sisters and nieces all came to help us off. Allen, his wife and
myself, rode in the new carriage, all the way. It was a fine
ride, and I enjoyed it much. I have never been so far from
home before, and for a girl of fourteen to go to the great city
of Providence to live and go to school, is a delightful prospect.
When we arrived at Aunt Angel's, we found them all ready to
receive us. And supper was ready, too. Oh, such a supper !

150 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
I shall never forget how good it tasted to us hungry travelers.
The house is pleasant, and everything seems bright. Allen is
going into the dry goods business with Mr. Richmond."
Daniel was born the next winter, February 6, 1818, and the
aunt who went with her brother to Providence, wrote of the
event to her Connecticut friends : "Allen and Hart have a little
boy baby — born February 6th. We think he is beautiful.
His head is large, and round as an apple. His Aunt Mary
calls him ' Deacon Steady.' He is so sober, looks so wise,
and his head is so large, sorae of the kind friends suggest he
will not live ; but if good nursing, plenty of singing and rock
ing, will make him live, he shall have all of that, for we are
very fond of the darling boy. Our baby is very good, and
seldora cries ; but he keeps up a great deal of serious thinking.
We think he will live, unless his Aunt Mary kisses him to
death." Two years after Daniel was born, in 1820, his father gave
up business in Providence, and returned to Connecticut, and
Daniel's boyhood and youth were spent in Sterling and Plain-
field — mostly in the latter town. His mother died when he
was eight and a half years old, leaving three sons — two
younger than Daniel. As a boy he was active and faithful, and
the hours usually given to boyish pleasures were by him spent
in study and work. His father was never idle, and he early
impressed upon his children the importance of being industri
ous and useful. Daniel was always fond of work ; and his
step - mother, in referring to his boyhood, recently said of him :
" Daniel was always a good boy, — very respectful and obedient,
and always made himself useful. He had a very manly way.

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 151
and took charge of his younger brothers like a man. You
would be surprised to see how much that boy would do to help.
He took it upon himself to bring in the kindlings, and would
get up before all the rest of the faraily, to make the fire in the
kitchen, for the old colored cook, so that he could have his
breakfast in time to walk between three and four miles to
school, — the Plainfield Acaderay."
His corapositions as early as fourteen years of age, when
he was in the Academy, showed that clearness of statement
and terseness of expression which marked all he wrote in later
years. His choice of subjects indicated his preference for the
practical rather than the imaginative and fanciful. Flis decla
mation at the public exercises of August 27, 1834, was a speech
delivered by Webster in the United States Senate.
He attended the district school before going to the Academy,
beginning at four years of age. In his later years he liked to
talk of his early school days, and dwelt with loving pleasure
upon the incidents of that time. Among his papers was found,
since his death, a memorandum of which the following is an
extract : " I went to school at all times, — three railes, through
snow and rain. When the weather was very bad father sent
Black Jim, who took us to school with the old white horse.
One day he drove so fast, through a snow - storm, that the sleigh
was tipped over. I fell out on the whiffletree, and a deep gash
was laid open over my eyebrow, which gave rae the scar I carry
to this day. This kept me at home for some time, and when I
returned I felt badly that Sally Wescott had got so far ahead .
of me in arithmetic. I could not catch up with her, all that
winter, although I studied hard, night and day. The red

152

DANIEL L. HARRIS.

school house had a big box stove, which had to be filled with
wood, and we were kept well baked, while in doors. I took
my turn in bringing in the wood, and often caught a hard cold
from the change from roasting heat within to freezing cold
without." Mrs. Lyon, a cousin, writes as follows of his early days :
" Daniel was a good boy, ancl always went to school. A
boy's life between nine and seventeen years is usually unevent
ful ; and as I remeraber him, during those years, his career was
no exception to the general rule. We were playmates, when
children, and companions as we grew up, and corresponded
during his college life ; though frora the time we parted, he to
go to Middletown, and I to Fall River, Mass., we seldom saw
each other. I think of him as a brave, manly boy, dignified
beyond his years, but perfectly unaffected and simple, and
always a model for promptness ancl honesty. I am sure these
beautiful traits of character were his to the last. He enjoyed
a good time as well as any boy I ever saw, and our candy pulls,
at the old wash-house, were occasions of great merriment.
We could never wait for the molasses to boil enough, before we
had our hands in it ; and then our efforts to place a finger tip
against the other's face, were very ludicrous, especially when
we accomplished our object. It is these boyish tricks that I
remember so well of him ; but I can give no items that would
show him to have been other than a generous - hearted, fun-
loving, honest boy. He was no prodigy, and accomplished
what he did by persistent labor."
After his long walk to and from school, he was always ready
to help in the factory, about the store, or in the house, and his

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 153
mother has said of him, that "the wood -box was never empty
when Daniel was about." He had no love of what seemed to
him aimless pleasures, and he entered early and earnestly into
the realities of life. In this way he spent his time at home
until he entered college. His father addressed the following
letter to President Fisk, of Wesleyan University, at Middle-
town, when his son was ready to take his college course : —
. Central 'Village, 'Windham County, Ct., Sept. 15, 1835.
Dear Sir: —
I have a son, about seventeen years of age, to whom I am desirous of
giving a thorough English education, with a knowledge of the Latin, French,
and perhaps Spanish, languages. I wish him to acquire such a knowledge
of mathematics, and the various branches of natural philosophy, as will
qualify him for an efiScient, practical man.
I have been informed that the regulations of the 'Wesleyan University were
such as admitted of students to what is sometimes termed a partial course.
Anxious to place my son at such an institution as would afford him the
best facilities, and having a high respect for the 'Wesleyan, permit me to
inquire, what are its regulations for receiving students ? what the annual
expenses for tuition, board, etc., and what preparation, on the part of the
student, is necessary, for admission .' If young men are admitted to such a
course, please state to what extent they may go, and what the aids and
facilities afforded them ; and any other information which you may deem
useful. A reply to the foregoing, by an early mail, will much oblige
Your obedient servant, Allen Harris.
To the above. Professor Smith made the following reply : —
¦Wesleyan University, Sept. 17, 1835.
Dear Sir: —
In the absence of Dr. Fisk, it becomes my duty to reply to your communi
cation of the 15th inst., just received. I shall herewith forward you a
catalogue, which I think 'will furnish satisfactory information on most of the
points. From that you will perceive what are the requisites for admission
in the partial course, as also the amount of Latin required to pursue that
20

154 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
study. ¦With regard to the course of study, and extent to which it may be
pursued, the student, or his guardian, may select from the studies named in
our catalogue, except that it will be expected of every student, before taking
a new study, to have gone thoroughly over such other branches as are
deemed preparatory to that new study. ^With regard to " aids and facilities,"
the catalogue will inform you of the number of Professors, library, appara
tus, etc., to which I will add. Dr. Fisk is now absent on a tour to Europe,
for the purpose of increasing library, apparatus, etc.
Respectfully yours,
Augustus 'W. Smith.
The preliminaries having been arranged, Daniel went to
Middletown, and was so well prepared that he entered college
in the Sophomore class. He was an earnest and hard -working
student, during his college life, and applied himself closely to
his studies. As it was his intention to follow, after graduating,
the profession of civil engineer, he kept that in view during his
entire college course, and was very thorough in all the studies
bearing upon it. He felt that he had a good education in the
lower branches when he entered college ; but he was exceed
ingly mortified when a composition was returned to him with
twenty corrections in spelling marked on it ; and he resolved
that it should not occur again. Under the advice of the Pres
ident of the college, he made it a point to read a little every
day, of standard English literature, with a view of keeping in
mind the formation of words. This he followed, and in time
became as correct in orthography as he was in other studies.
In his letters to his father he wrote very fully of his college
experience, and the progress that he made in his studies. He
frequently expressed great regret because some of his cousins
were not sent to college, or given better opportunities for
acquiring an education. He was very careful in all his pecu-

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 155
niary transactions, and every expenditure was referred to his
father for approval. He "stated, in one of his letters, that his
board was ^1.50 a week, and that wood was the same per cord.
Of the latter he proposed to buy a quantity, and prepare it for
the stove, during the summer, for the exercise it would give
hira and the saving it would make. His expenses were always
made as small as possible, and he never indulged in expensive
clothing, for the sake of making a show. In one of his letters
he wrote his father that he could get along without a new cap,
and that his cloak was as good as the other boys wore, and he
should not need another.
The study of mathematics and the natural sciences gave him
great pleasure, and he frequently alluded to them, in his letters.
Under date of November 19, 1836, he wrote his father : " In
respect to my studies, I can say, we are trudging along in pretty
much the old track. Mental philosophy and application of
algebra to geometry are nearly completed ; astronomy will be
completed in about two weeks, and cheraistry is pretty well
advanced. I have found mental philosophy to be a very pleas
ing and useful science. Application of algebra to geometry is
quite an entertaining and profitable branch of the mathematics.
Astronomy is a most sublime study. I take much real pleasure
in going out, on a beautiful evening, to contemplate, trace out
and leam the names of those twinkling orbs which have so
long rolled in silence over my head, unheeded and unnoticed,
except by the most casual glances. While I was thus engaged,
one fine evening of last week, in studying the heavens. Professor
Smith came along and very politely invited me to go up into
the sanctum sanctorum and take a view of the stars through the

156 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
telescope. I of course accepted the invitation, and was highly
gratified in so doing. Subsequently he came to my room and
gave me an invitation to go up and take a view of the moon.
In looking at the ' beautiful queen of night,' I must confess I
felt a degree of surprise and admiration which was truly irre
pressible. The mountains are clearly distinguished by the
shadows which they cast from the sun into the adjacent valleys.
Probably Professor Smith will have the whole class out a great
part of the night, before long, to give all an opportunity of
seeing the stars and planets through the telescope. His health
is at present very delicate, or he would have called us together
one night this week. In the department of chemistry. Professor
Johnston gives us lectures every other day. I find this science,
also, as I have told you before, very interesting."
He spent considerable tirae in collecting mineralogical spec
imens, and frequently walked to Wethersfield to obtain examples
in "bird tracks," found in the quarry at that place. Farmer
Miller, who lived in the country, a few miles from the college,
took a great interest in the students, and a Saturday afternoon
dinner at his home was one of the pleasures which Daniel and
the other students enjoyed. Altogether, his college experience
gave him great satisfaction, and little came up to annoy or
disturb him.
The death of a fellow student made a deep impression on
his mind, and a few weeks later, after listening to a sermon by
President Lindsey, of Marietta College, he wrote his father,
under date of Sunday evening, October 30, 1836 : " I scarcely-
know how to begin, or in what language to convey the tidings
which I have to communicate. Will you believe it? I am

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 157
firmly resolved, by the grace of God, henceforth to lead a
Christian life. I feel that I have earnestly sought, and I trust
obtained, forgiveness for my past offenses, and it is my desire
that I may continue to live, for the rest of my days, with an
eye fixed on eternal things. I have, for a long time, occasion
ally felt that I had need of an interest in the atoning merits of
the Redeemer. As I have advanced, step by step, in the
course of intellectual improvement, and been lead by my
pursuits and investigations to the contemplation of the power
and wisdom of the Creator, as manifested in all his works, I
have felt the constantly increasing obligations which are
incumbent on me to worship and adore Him. But, like most
people, while I have known my duty, I have, for some unac
countable reason, neglected to perform it. At length, upon the
death of our beloved friend and fellow student, Hurd, I was
led to more serious reflection upon my situation. I was more
strongly than ever impressed with the importance of religion.
A week ago this evening I mustered resolution enough to go
into a prayer -meeting, and I there resolved that I would set out
in the service of God. I begged an interest in the prayers of
some of my fellow students, that they would intercede at the
throne of grace, in my behalf. Suffice it to say, I firmly trust
I have found pardon at the throne of grace, and am firmly
resolved henceforth to walk according to the precepts of the
Bible, so far as the frailty and inconsistency of my nature will
permit." He had great regard for President Fisk and the Professors,
while in college, and all through life he cherished an affectionate
interest in his alma mater.

158 DANIEL L. HARRIS.

FROM COLLEGE TO WORK.
When about to leave College, Professor Smith and President
Fisk addressed the following recommendations of Mr. Harris
to Hon. Andrew T. Judson : —
Hon. A. T. Judson, Sir: —
I am requested by Mr. Daniel L. Harris to address to you an expression
of my opinion respecting his character, attainment^, etc. He has been
connected with the ^Wesleyan University about two years, and during that
time has sustained a good moral character, has been a close applicant and
successful student in all the branches to which he has attended ; is a young
gentleman of regular and industrious habits, and has exhibited a decided
taste and talent for those branches of science which are connected with
and subsidiary to civil engineering.
He has frequently aided me in practical leveling and surveying, and in all
cases I have found that the fullest confidence might be placed in the execu
tion of the part assigned him. He appears to be a close and accurate
observer, and exhibits good judgment on those subjects which are more
especially matters of opinion.
His course of study more recently has been such as to prepare him to take
a high stand in the mathematical part of theoretical engineering, and I have
no doubt that, with suitable encouragement and opportunity, he will eventu
ally rank among the first engineers of our country. I can, therefore,
recommend him cheerfully, and in the full belief that he will meet every'
expectation which may reasonably be forined of one of his age and attain
ments. ¦Very respectfully yours,
A. ¦W. Smith,
Prof. Math., Nat. Phil, and Ast. in ^Wesleyan University.
I give my decided approbation of the above testimony of Professor
Smith, in favor of Mr. Harris. I think him a young man highly deserving
of patronage, and am fully satisfied he would successfully fulfill any reason
able duty that might ,be assigned to him, and faithfully respond to any
confidence that might be reposed in him.
I am, sir, yours with respect, "W. Fisk,
President ¦Wesleyan University.

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 159
President Fisk also wrote the following recommendation : —
The bearer, Mr. Daniel L. Harris, has graduated in the English and
scientific course of the 'Wesleyan University, and has also studied the
French and Spanish languages, and attended some to the Latin. Mr. Harris
is a good scholar, and a young gentleman of industry, morality and enter
prise. He has specially given his attention to those branches which would
qualify him for the profession of civil engineering. He is cordially
recommended to public patronage. ¦W. Fisk,
President 'Wesleyan University.
Wesleyan University, March 6, 1838.
He graduated August 23, 1837, delivering an oration on the
Progress of Experimental Science. He did not leave Middle-
town at the time, but remained at the college and continued
the study of engineering until the next March. His journal,
kept at that tirae, contains these entries : — •
"March 5, 1838. — To-day I have been engaged, from sunrise
to sunset, in heaping together my visible estate, and packing
it into the narrow precincts of traveling trunks. The time of
my departure draweth near."
" Chatham, Tuesday night, 6th. — Here I am, fairly separated
frora college friends, and ready to set out in the morning,
bright and early, for Plainfield. It was with a good deal of
reluctance that I took leave of my acquaintances, one after
another, as I left there, this evening."
" Windham, March 7th. — Have had tremendous traveling, all
day. We left Chatham this morning about four, and arrived
here, after a tedious ride of twelve hours, in a snow storm."
" Central Village, March 8. — ^Was met, this morning, at Wind
ham, by Brother Joel, and arrived here this afternoon. There
is a pleasure in meeting with friends which is nowhere else to
be enjoyed."

i6o DANIEL L. HARRIS.
The succeeding weeks of March were spent, while waiting
for employment in his profession, in visiting his relatives and
friends, whom he had not seen for some time. How he suc
ceeded, his joumal shows : —
" March 24. — This moming we had a call from Mr. Laurie,
the engineer of the Norwich and Worcester Railroad. He
holds out some slight encouragement that he shall be able to
employ me, by and by, which is the first cheering word I have
met with, notwithstanding diligent and unremitting efforts have
been made to find business, for nearly six months."
"April 5. — Had a very unexpected call, this morning, from
Mr. Laurie, the engineer. I am requested to be on the ground
Monday morning."
'' Killingly, April 9. — My railroad career commenced this
day, on the line between Killingly and the state boundary.
Mr. Adams and myself walked to the north end of our line."
"April 10. — I find numerous temptations held out to me,
every day — especially invitations to smoke and drink; but
with God's grace it is my intention to stand entirely aloof from
all practices of the kind. In order to live a life of prosperity
and happiness in this world, I am well satisfied of the necessity
of strict temperance and sobriety. Perhaps in adopting this
course I may not at first be so popular among my associates,
but time will disclose a favorable issue, in the long run."
His connection with the Norwich and Worcester Railroad
continued until September i8th. He had acted as rod -man for
the five months he had been connected with the survey, and as
Mr. Laurie held out no inducement for promotion, he had
determined to leave, in a few weeks, for the West, in search of

DANIEL L. HARRIS. i6i
an engagement better suited to his taste. His father, mean
time, had solicited a position for him in the survey of the New
York and Erie Railroad, in Steuben County, N. Y., and in
response to the following letter he started immediately for
home : — New York, Sept. lo, 1838.
Mr. Daniel Harris, Sir: —
Seeing your name among the list of applicants for situations on the New
York and Erie Railroad, induces me to address you on that subject.
I am organizing parties of engineers to operate on that Road in Steuben
County, and can give you a situation as surveyor or leveler, at a compensa
tion of $2 per day.
If the above is worthy of your consideration, you will meet me at Love-
joy's Hotel, Park Place, in this city, without delay, that we may make
preparations for immediate action.
It is expected of the young gentlemen to furnish themselves with
instruments. 'Write by return mail, if you do not conclude to come.
"Very respectfully yours,
Edward J. Farnum,
Engineer, Steuben County.
He left Plainfield for Westem New York Monday morning,
September 21st, first going to Norwich, where he took the boat
for New York. He was accompanied by his father, and on
Thursday they separated on the Albany boat^ — ^he to proceed
on his journey, and his father to return home. The incidents
of the journey to Steuben County and some of the experiences
after his arrival, were described in letters to his father, extracts
from which follow : —
" I like Mr. Farnum's appearance very much — he is a perfect
gentleman in every respect. The engineers generally are a
very fine appearing company of young men. I have not yet
observed the slightest indication of intemperance among them.

1 62 DANIEL L. HARRIS.

I am tmly surprised to find how far superior they are to what
I have been accustomed to see.
" In passing up the North River nothing remarkable or par
ticularly deserving of notice occurred. The scenery along its
banks is very nearly what I had supposed it to be, from the
descriptions of others. In many places it is exquisitely
beautiful, and even grand ; but I saw nothing which can
be properly termed sublime. Throughout the day the weather
continued damp and unpleasant, so that I could take but little
pleasure in remaining upon deck to observe the features of the
country as we passed through it ; besides, a dense fog enveloped
the shores, and at times entirely obstructed the view. Our
boat was the oldest and slowest on the river, having been built
some fifteen years ago. We reached Albany about eight o'clock,
after a slow and wearisome passage. As Mr. Bostwick and
Judge Whiting did not propose to leave the city before the
afternoon cars of the next day, I had araple opportunity for
looking about and visiting some of the few interesting objects
which are here presented. I procured admission to the State
House, and visited not only the Senate and Representative
chambers, but also the rooms of the several departments of
government. But the most interesting objects that I saw were
the collections of minerals made by the State Geologists dur
ing the last two years. These have not yet been arranged so
as to appear to the best advantage. Some scores of boxes
were lying on the floor unpacked, having, as I suppose, been
sent in during the present season. Of the four collections.
Professor Mather's makes by far the best appearance, both in
respect to the individual beauty of specimens, and general

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 163
arrangement. We left Albany by the ' smoke wagons ' at two
o'clock, and reached Utica about half -past eight the same
evening. The journey, thus far, had been very pleasant ; but
now was to commence the ' tug of war.' Feeling anxious to
arrive in Syracuse in season for the morning cars to Auburn, a
company of eight of us chartered a stage to drive us through
the same night, in preference to taking the packet boat, which
would have landed us at the same place in tirae for the after
noon train. We, of course, had to ride all night. The road
was quite muddy, and in many places uneven. We arrived,
however, without the slightest accident, though Judge Whiting
and some of the other passengers frequently trembled lest at
the next instant our frail bark should be lying on her beam
ends. After a fatiguing journey of twelve hours, in which we
were constantly urging the driver to put on more steam, and
greasing him with a shilling, every now and then, to make him
go faster, we at length found ourselves in Syracuse, on Satur
day morning, just in season- to be tardy — the cars having that
moment left. Nothing daunted, however, we immediately
procured an extra car (horse power), at a slight advance on the
regular fare. The day was delightfully fine, and as we did not
advance very rapidly I had a fine opportunity of noticing the
beautiful features of the country through which the road passes.
It was here tbat I began to be struck with the wide contrast
between the fertility of the interior of New York and the com
parative barrenness of our New England soil. Such lands —
so beautiful, so productive, I had not before seen. And then
the external appearance of the farm - houses was such as gave
abundant indications of contentment and plenty. Arriving at

1 64 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
Auburn about noon, we delayed only for dinner, proceeding
thence by extra stage directly to Geneva, a small and beautiful
town situated at the Jiead of Seneca Lake. The country along
this route was not less attractive in its features than that
through which we had passed in the forenoon. As we entered
Geneva, the sun was just setting. Having taken no rest the
preceding night, I was rejoiced to find there was no method of
proceeding further that evening. Accordingly, as soon as
supper was over, I gave myself up to sleep, nor did mine eyelids
cease from heaviness until twelve full hours had rolled by.
The next morning I got up full of freshness and vigor. I now
began to consider what was t» be the order of the day. Should
I proceed iramediately up the Lake or wait at the public house,
among strangers, till the next day ? Although I highly disap
prove of traveling on the Sabbath, yet, after due consideration
of all the reasons, pro and con, connected with my case, I
resolved to proceed. The steamboat left at eight o'clock. Our
ride up the Lake was decidedly the most delightful I have ever
enjoyed. The scenery along its shores is, I had almost said,
without parallel. Not that it presents anything of a bold and
startling character, but the land has such an even or slightly
undulating surface, and such a gentle slope towards the water ;
there are so many fine farms, such romantic situations, such
charming country residences, — in short, such a profusion of
all that is pleasing and ornamental, that I was irresistibly car
ried away with admiration. All this congregation of beauty
viewed, too, through the impressive stillness of a sunshiny
Sabbath morning, when the mind naturally inclines to break
loose from the cares of the world, and seems more than ever

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 165
susceptible of delicate impressions, my emotions were such as
at this brief interval of time, even fancy finds it difficult to
portray. " We reached Jefferson, at the head of the Lake, about noon.
After dinner Mr. Bostwick and myself procured a private con
veyance to Corning (near Painted Post), the town where he
resides, and where it was most probable I should meet Mr.
Famum. The country through which this route passes is
literally and emphatically new. The road is in many places
barely wide enough for a single carriage, being closely hemmed
in by forests. On one occasion we were obliged to dismount
and remove a tree that had fallen across the path. The
inhabitants along the road live in log houses, and, like all other
new settlers, are chiefly engaged in clearing. In many places
I saw large piles of logs (such as in Connecticut would be
deemed valuable timber), heaped up to be burned, on the lands
where they grew. We reached Corning about dark. I found
Mr. Farnum and his party at the public house, and immediately
reported myself to him. As operations had been commenced,
I was sent into the field early next morning, to assist in taking
some notes for a map. After being employed for several days
in this manner, I was desired to take the level and follow one
of the parties on an exploring line up the Canisteo River. I
expect to be engaged in leveling for the present, until the parties
come to be finally organized, when I shall take the compass.
Only two parties have yet taken the field. It is the intention
to start two more, as soon as the necessary arrangements can be
effected. I hope this may be in a week or ten days. The
company with which I am now connected has advanced as far

1 66 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
as Addison, eleven miles from Corning, the starting-point.
We are all very busy, starting in the morning by seven, and
working till sunset. In the evening we are necessarily engaged
with office work till nine o'clock or later, so that we have not a
single minute of tirae to ourselves. In fact, the only opportu
nity I can possibly get to write is on the Sabbath. By the way,
I comraenced this letter last Sabbath evening, but, as politeness
to my friends in the same roora with me rendered it necessary
for me to lay it aside, I was compelled to defer finishing it till
to-day. "I attended church, this moming, in a small school -house
in this village. The people generally, throughout this part of
the country, are by no means a religious people. In fact, the
Sabbath is but little regarded. To be sure, the customary avo
cations of other days are usually suspended, but hunting,
sporting and such kinds of amusements are by no means
uncommon. " I begin to grow weary with writing, and although I have
not said the half of what I could wish to say, yet for the present
I must leave you. When you write William, just tell him how
busily I ara engaged, and ask him to accept this as an apology
for not having yet answered his last letter. In being so far
removed from my friends, I by no means forget them."
¦ Letters were frequently written to his father during his con
nection with the survey of the New York and Erie Railroad,
and he seeras to have entered into the work with the determin
ation to make himself useful and gain promotion in his
profession. Under date of Hornellsville, November 25, he
wrote his father more fully of the details of the survey, some of

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 167
the difficulties they encountered, and the peculiarities of the
country through which the road was to pass : —
" When I last wrote you, I spoke with rather too much con
fidence respecting the time when our operations for the season
will be likely to terminate. It is Mr. Farnum's intention to
continue the parties (and particularly ours) in the field until
the extreme cold weather and deep snows actually obstruct
their further progress. Those of us who remain at head
quarters during the cold weather will probably get board in
well-ordered and respectable private farailies for $2 or $2.25
per week. We are now paying JJ3.
"You inquire respecting the surveyor of our party. His
name is Charles Harris ; a native of Boston. He is a young
man of fine talents, and about twenty -five years of age. He
graduated at Cambridge, in the year 1831. He has since
traveled extensively, and been temporarily engaged in several
kinds of business. He seems now fully determined to become
an erainent engineer. He has seen about the sarae amount of
service with myself, but under circumstances that gave him
some preference, in the assignment of our stations. I allude
merely to his having been previously engaged with Mr. Farnum,
where he had an opportunity of acquiring his confidence ;
whereas I came here a perfect stranger. Perhaps this was just
as it should be ; at any rate, I feel not the least disposition to
complain. My turn will come. The period, I tmst, will arrive,
when our chief engineer can feel secure in reposing the same
trust in me that he now reposes in my namesake.
" It seems to be much the most successful method of getting
along, in this profession, for a young man to connect himself

1 68 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
with some talented engineer, and feel content with preferment
as he sees best to bestow it. I think one may feel more confi
dent of success in this way than in any other.
" Perhaps you would like a brief view of the system of
organization in the department of engineering. The road is
comprised in two grand divisions, the eastern and western, over
each of which an engineer is stationed. Mr. Allen has charge
of this (the western) division. Subordinate to him is an
engineer in each county, who has the immediate charge of all
operations within his county. In this county there are at
present three parties, or companies, each under the direction of
a young man, who is comraonly styled the leader. A party
coraprises the leader, the surveyor, the leveler, the rod -man, two
chain - men and two ax - men. The leader has nothing to do with
the instruments, but he spends the most of his time in explor
ing the country and directing the surveyor as to the location of
the lines. Mr. Charles Avery leads this party. He is a very
agreeable and intelligent associate. He has had several years'
experience — partly on this road and partly in Indiana, where
himself, Mr. Farnum and Mr. Harris were engaged on the
Buffalo and Mississippi Road, previous to a suspension of
operations on that work.
" We have advanced with the surveys about forty miles from
our starting-point, at Corning, to near Hornellsville. The
line is thus far confined to the valley of the Canisteo River.
West of this place there is an elevated summit to be overcome.
There appears to be an extensive range of hills stretching
through this part of the state in a northwest and southeast
direction. Several small streams which unite near this place

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 169
to form the Canisteo River, each present valley to be surveyed,
with tire view of ascertaining the most favorable point for pass
ing the Highlands. We have already followed up one of the
creeks, but the route was found to be impracticable. In ten
miles the ascent averaged 114 feet per mile, and the rise for
the last three miles was 525 feet. It is thought best to look
further. "We get very good fare along the line — -usually board at
public houses, sometimes six or sevgn miles from our work.
In such cases, however, the landlord provides us a conveyance
out and back at night, sending our dinners into the field. The
way we take our field dinners is not at all after the manner of
civilized men. We just spread our eatables on a saw log, chop
our meat with the same ax used in cutting brush, use our fingers
for forks, and throw ourselves prostrate on the river bank and
drink like four-footed beasts. All this, together with being
out in snow storms, wading through marshes, and cutting paths
through cane brakes, is what we call the poetry of civil engin
eering. In all this romance, however, I carefully observe one
of your valuable injunctions, viz. : ' To keep the feet dry, the
head cool, and the stomach full.'
" And now, dear father, let me entreat you to give yourself
no uneasiness on my account. I am agreeably situated, and
know not the slightest reason for discontentment. All the
valuable suggestions you have from time to time given me will
be carefully remembered and duly regarded. The nature of
hiy engagements is very pressing, and I find but little time to
think of home and distant friends ; but I assure you that while
my mind repeatedly breaks loose from business and steals

I70 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
away to them, it cherishes their fond recollection with the most
pleasing and grateful emotions. In shaping my course through
life, whether the voyage proves tempestuous or pleasant, I am
resolved ever to have the precepts of the Bible for a polar star,
and the dictates of conscience for a directory."
December 22d, in a letter to his father, he wrote : —
" The nearest approach I can make to giving you an idea of
my geographical situation is to say we are in a northerly direc
tion frora Hornellsville, among the Alleghany Mountains. I
have ventured to set down the year, and the day of the month
as near as I can recollect it, but whether it corresponds with
the current chronology of the civilized world is a matter upon
which I shall not hazard an opinion. Our field operations are
still continued with unabated zeal, though we have reason to
believe they are fast nearing a suspension. Probably we shall
reach head-quarters in the course of ten days. We have been
engaged the last five or six weeks in searching for the most
convenient pass through the ridge of highlands, situated in the
western part of Steuben County, which separates the waters of
the Genesee from those flowing eastward. To reduce the esti
mates within reasonable bounds, it is found necessary to adopt
grades of fifty -five or sixty feet to the mile for several miles in
succession. Even with grades of this kind, very serious diffi
culties are encountered. The small streams which the different
lines follow are in general very rapid, especially near their
sources, so that it is found impossible to keep the bottoms of
their valleys. On the line upon which our party has been
engaged sorae days past, we frequently found ourselves at an
elevation of eighty feet above the flat, on the steep and in some

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 171
places alraost perpendicular side hills which bound the valley.
Over much of the way it was with the utmost difficulty that we
could crawl and ' drag our slow lengths along.' A party engaged
on another line find it necessary to cross an immense gulf or
chasm which measures three hundred feet in depth and about
the same in width. At this time we are trying to pass a spur of
hill whose elevation is two hundred feet. Thus you see the
route of the New York and Erie Railroad is not entirely free
from difficulties.
" In leveling, all our operations are conducted with the raost
rigorous nicety. The pegs upon which the rod stands "are all
sharpened to a point, and the rod -man is required, after every
observation on the turning points, to bring the rod to the leveler,
in order that any erroneous reading may be detected. In
carrying the level, on one occasion, over a piece of ground the
second time, I found the variation frora the former result to be
only nine - thousandths of a foot in one and a quarter miles, and
no more than three -hundredths for three miles. When our
party and another which set out from the same point had jointly
proceeded 160 miles, we joined the lines and found the levels
to disagree by a trifle more than one foot."
In a letter of December 30 he wrote from Hornellsville : —
" Our party returned to this place on Thursday last, under
the impression that the field operations were about closing for
the winter. Scarcely were we comfortably housed, and relieved,
by our most excellent landlord at this place, of an excruciating
hunger that had been accumulating upon us ever since we went
among the barbarians up in the mountains, than fresh orders
were received for us to proceed forthwith into Alleghany County

172 DANIEL L. HARRLS.
for the purpose of prosecuting the surveys some thirty miles
further, on the Genesee River and its branches. In the tempo
rary absence of the leader and surveyor, I shall set the party in
motion early to-raorrow raorning. To complete this additionaj
survey will probably require some days in February, but ere
that time comes around, I have but little doubt that still further
orders will be issued, so that I see but little prospect of our
being set adrift this winter.
" I wish you a pleasant visit from Grandmother, and assure
you it would afford me heartfelt pleasure to be there and intro
duce myself to the old lady."
The projectors of the New York and Erie Railroad had
relied upon securing state aid to assist in finishing the road,
and an effort was made to get a bill for that purpose througl[i,
the Legislature of 1839 ; but the party in power were opposed
to what was termed internal improvements, and the project
failed. For want of funds the company were obliged to reduce
their force in the field, and May 9th, Mr. Harris, with others,
was discharged. Before leaving for Connecticut the following
letters of recommendation were given to him :—
Susquehanna Division N. "V. and E. Railroad, 1
Bath, May 21, 1839. )
This will certify that the bearer, Mr. Daniel L. Harris, has been engaged
in the engineer department of the New York and Erie Railroad since
September, 1838.
His employment in the field was in bracing the lines and taking th,e
surface levels. He has also rendered valuable services (in the office) upon
the maps, profiles and estimates, alike honorable to himself and satisfactory
to his employers.
His industrious business habits, gentlemanly deportment and irreproacha
ble character for integrity and morality, have gained for him the approbation
of a,ll those wi,th whom he was associated.

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 173
From the acquaintance I have had with Mr. Harris, I take pleasure in
recommending him to any person that may wish his services. '
Edward J. Farnum,
Resident Engineer.
N. B. — Mr. Harris is well provided with level, compass, and good draw
ing instruments.
Mr. Root, to whom the following is addressed, was a civil
engineer at Rome, Oneida* Count}', N. Y. Elmira, June 13, 1839.
P. R. Root, Esq., My Dear Sir: —
The bearer, Mr. Daniel L. Harris, has been employed, several months
past, upon surveys under my direction, upon the New York and Erie Rail
road. He has discharged the duty of leveling assistant, and others connected
therewith, as calculations for estimates, etc.
He leaves here on account of its being necessary to abridge our field
operations, and consequently our force ; and should he call upon you, as he
designs, while on his way eastward, I hope you will be able to give him
employment. I have no hesitation in recommending him as every way worthy, and well
qualified for the duties I have mentioned, or as a surveyor, and I regard him
as possessing a highly promising talent for the profession.
I am, dear sir.
Respectfully and truly yours,
Joseph D. Allen.
After leaving the service of the New York and Erie Road
he returned to his home in Connecticut, and for a short time
was again connected with the survey of the Norwich and
Worcester Railroad. Early in the following year, 1840, he
accepted the position of assistant- engineer on the Albany and
West Stockbridge Railroa,d, the survey for which was then in
progress. His pay was small, while in this service, and the
associations were not such as altogether pleased hira. During
the summer he received an offer from James Laurie, the
engineer of the Norwich and Worcester Railroad, to join him

174 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
in making the survey of the Troy and Schenectady Railroad.
This he accepted, and went, very soon afterward, to his new
position, where he took an active part. At one time he had
charge of eight miles of the heaviest work on the line. He
made his home in Troy, while connected with the road, and as
it afforded opportunities for intellectual and social improve
ment, the hours not given to business were passed very
agreeably. He continued with the road until its completion,
and was offered the position of Superintendent, at a salary of
$800 ; but considering that too small, he declined the offer,
and continued in his profession.
A few months after his connection with the survey of the
Troy and Schenectady Road, he received an offer from his uncle,
who proposed to send hira to Europe at his expense. This he
declined, for the reasons stated in a letter to his father, dated
October 25, 1840, as follows : — ,
" I have several letters waiting to be answered, \y\xX.par excel
lence yours claims my first attention. It has been on hand some
ten days, and meanwhile I have improved your hint of writing
to Uncle Paine, thanking him for his friendly disposition, and
his offer to aid me in visiting France and England. Were I
out of business, I have no doubt it would be well to comply
with his suggestion. But as it is, I regret nothing. To see
Europe, and to revisit Plainfield, are two things upon which
my purpose is about equally fixed, and perhaps it is a matter of
little consequence whether I go abroad this year, or next, or ten
years hence. To leave business and start now would certainly
be impracticable, — and that, too, in more senses than one ; but
principally because it would be throwing a cloud across a horizon

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 175
which is just beginning to brighten with success. At present,
then, nothing will be lost by delay ; — in truth, shall I not be the
gainer? A few more years will strip me of giddy and idle
romance, and bring me to look upon the world as a reality, in
the sense in which your wise men take it. Meanwhile, by
becoming better acquainted with my own country, I shall
find myself prepared to study foreigners and foreign institutions
'with more judgment ; and if meantime I can be gaining some
standing in my occupation, it will be all in favor of introducing
me to men of scientific and professional attainments in the
countries I may visit.
" I may be wrong, but I believe that our profession is about
to experience a renovation. You very well know that it is
measurably fallen from its once ' high estate.' The foolish
extravagances of '36 and '37 had well-nigh overwhelmed it in
a night of 'darkness that could be felt.' The dazzling but
baseless projects of internal improvement started in those times,
by raising temporarily the salaries of engineers above the proper
limit, allured thousands into the ranks of the profession ; and
among them, not a few of questionable talents, no learning and
disreputable character. As a natural consequence, salaries were
everywhere reduced ; and as these men, during the convulsion
of business which followed, found themselves obliged to live by
their '¦new calling,^ it became a question who would do most
work for the least pay, and stations which were wont to be
filled by intelligent and accomplished men, in many cases passed
into the hands of engineers to whom the epithet civil was a
great misnomer.
" These remarks are particularly applicable to New York and
the westem States, and the results are everywhere observable

176 DANIEL L. HARRIS.

in large sums of money squandered, erroneous estimates of cost
presented, false economy practiced, and in general mismanage
ment of public works.
" Our road is now almost ready for contract, and it is decided
to have a letting of eight miles on the 25 th of November. I
am at present occupied in the field about half the time, taking
turns with Mr. Lester, the other assistant. Our business is
making the definite location, which is nearly complete on the
first eight miles, that part of the line embracing the heaviest
expenditures. " I have no cause to complain of Mr. Laurie, and trust we
shall have no difficulty in keeping up mutual good feeling. He
apprised me several weeks ago of his intention of giving me
charge of the first eight miles — the first division — as soon as
put under contract. Thank him."
Mr. Laurie stood high as ' an engineer, and the following
recommendation, given when Mr. Harris was only twenty -five
years of age, is more than a mere compliment, as it shows how
well his abilities and attainments were appreciated by the
leading men in the profession : — Boston, Mass., May 4, 1843.
The bearer, Mr. Daniel L. Harris, has been employed as an Assistant
Engineer upon the Schenectady and Troy Railroad, under my supervision,
for the last two and a half years. He has had the charge of a division of
the Road embracing every variety of construction, which he has conducted
to my entire satisfaction. He was also engaged with me upon the location
and construction of the Norwich and 'Worcester Railroad, in 1838 and 1840.
It gives me much pleasure to recommend Mr. Harris as accomplished in
his profession, both by education and experience, and as being well qualified
for the performance of the various duties connected with the location and
construction of a railroad. James Laurie,
Engineer, Schenectady and Troy Railroad.

I I I I I I

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 177
HIS MARRIAGE.
While connected with the Norwich and Worcester Railroad
he made the acquaintace of Mr. and Mrs. Azariah Boody. Mr.
Boody had a contract to build a part of that road, and after it
was finished he went to Pittsfield, Mass., to reside. During
his residence in Troy, Mr. Harris occasionally went to Pittsfield
to visit his cousins-, the Bement and Pomeroy families. Mr.
Boody, who was then residing there, invited him to spend the
Fourth of July, 1842, with him, at his home. The offer was
accepted, and at Mr. Boody's house, for the first time, he met
the young lady. Miss Harriet O. Corson, of Canastota, N. Y.,
who was' then living with her sister and attending school at the
Maplewood Institute. In due time an engagement followed
this meeting, and he was married at the age of twenty -five.
In answering a letter to his brother, about this time, he says :
" Oh, no, I have no intention of living a bachelor ; but as I
have had no serious thoughts of marrying, I have never spent
any time in visiting or writing letters to the girls." You say
Miss  would make me a good wife ; no doubt but that
she would ; but then, tastes differ. Now away with doubt. I
must tell you that I have found the one who just suits rae.
She is******* I think that she is incapable
of affectation, and of all sins in women, that is the one I most
despise." His good sense and wise judgment, even under such circum
stances, was never overcome, and he took the same practical
view of getting married that he would in making any civil
contract, not overlooking or forgetting the grave responsibilities
of this occasion. Evidently he fully considered the probabilities
23

178 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
of being able to support a wife after he had married one, before
entering into the new relation. He felt that he had little to
recommend him to the favorable consideration of the young
ladies, except his good health, habits and profession. In a
letter to Miss Corson he presented his cause adrairably, and if
it was lacking in sentiment, there was nothing wanting in good
sense. It showed the business quality of the man, which was
necessary for success, when the stern realities of life come in,
after romance has gone out. In it he said : —
" I have perfect health, a good profession, and have never
been idle a day in my life. My accumulations are only ^1,200.
My father is kind and liberal, and would take us home in case
of misfortune ; therefore, with the blessing of Heaven, I cannot
look upon the act of taking a wife as an imprudent one. We
must not look lightly upon the subject. If we make up our minds
to take each other, for better or for worse, it must be for life,
and whatever comes after we are married, we must stick to our
promises. But the love and worldly goods which I possess
shall all be yours, now and hereafter."
This was a plain statement of a proraise, which, unlike some
made by others, was never forgotten nor broken after marriage.
Miss Corson felt, that in making an engagement with such, a
young man she should run no risk, and she accepted his pro
posal of marriage. The engagement - ring, however, was not
bought at Ball & Black's nor at Tiffany's. It was simply a plain
gold ring, with a small emerald, and its cost was %i. It was
given for the language it conveyed, " I have succeeded in my
love." At Christmas he gave her a plain gold locket, with his
miniature. His next presents were books, one of them entided

DANIEL L. HARRLS. 179
"The Rose, or Affection's First Gift." On the fly-leaf, in his
own hand was written, - seen became a part of sight.

And rose, where'er I turned my eye.
The morning - star of Memory."
A little romantic for such a matter-of-fact man as was Mr.
Harris. However, he was as much in earnest, and am told
that he kept all his promises, and no man ever proved a more
devoted and faithful husband.
His work at Troy being finished, he started for Pittsfield
Saturday, April 3, 1843, in company with Mr. Boody. A heavy
snow storm, the severest of the year, set in, and in a few hours
the railroad was completely blockaded. The train was obliged
to remain on the track, in the snow, all night ; but men of the
well - known pluck of Mr. Harris and Mr. Boody were not to
be deprived of their anticipated pleasure, and be compelled to
spend Sunday in a train that was fast in a snow-drift. They
left the cars and walked to Shaker Village, where they hired a
team which carried them to Pittsfield, arriving there about two
o'clock Sunday morning. "The oldest inhabitant " coyld not tell
of another such a severe April storm, and Mr. Harris wrote in
his journal : " For days afterward there could not a fence be
seen — the snow covered up everything, as far as the eye could
reach." He waited at the Berkshire House for Miss Corson to get
ready to be married. She having lived in New York state
previously, very naturally had objections to having her marriage
intentions read from the pulpit on three successive Sundays, as
was the law and the custom at that time in Massachusetts,

DANIEL L. HARRIS.

so she proposed to go out of the state to have the nuptial knot
tied. When the appointed day came, Mr. and Mrs. Boody
went with them as far as Albany, where they met a brother of
Miss Corson, and some friends, and in the evening, Thursday,
May 25, 1843, they were married at the Mansion House, by
Rev. J. N. Carapbell, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church.
The next day they started on the wedding journey, visiting a
sister-in-law of Mrs. Harris, at the old home in Canastota;
then to Rochester, visiting her mother and other friends, and
thence to Niagara Falls. They returned to Pittsfield by way of
Troy, where they spent a few days. At Troy, Mr. Harback, an
engineer with whom Mr. Harris had been connected on the
Troy and Schenectady Railroad, announced that he and Mr.
Harris had been appointed division engineers on the proposed
railroad between Hartford and Springfield. He went to Pitts
field and left Mrs. Harris with her sister, and immediately set
out for Hartford. At Springfield he took the boat down the
Connecticut River, and arrived late that night. The quicker
and easier modes of travel at the present time can be better
appreciated when it is stated that it then took all day to go from
Pittsfield to Hartford. All hands were at Hartford, waiting the
arrival of Mr. Harris. Mr. Van Rensselaer, the chief engineer,
was anxious to have the work done as quickly as possible. The
survey was begun June 12 th, and on the 19th of July the line
had been run through to Springfield, and the reports handed
to Mr. Van Rensselaer. Then Mr. Harris went to Pittsfield
and brought his wife back to Hartford with him. He worked
hard for a few weeks longer, and the estimates of the cost of
constructing the Road to Springfield were finished.

DANIEL L. HARRIS.

COMING TO SPRINGFIELD.
On the 2oth of September Mr. and Mrs. Harris carae to
Springfield to reside. They first boarded at the American
House, kept by Morgan Sr Day, where the offices of the Boston
and Albany Railroad now stand. Six weeks later all of Mr.
Harris's part of the work in the survey was finished, and at
that time he received a letter from his father, who wrote : " I
see by the newspapers that your work is about finished. You
must know that my susceptible heart has a warm place in it
for your 'wife — my new daughter — and you have not yet
favored us with a visit since your marriage. Knowing, how
ever, how you were situated, I forgive you ; but you must come
and pass Thanksgiving day with us, and leave Harriet to get
acquainted." The invitation was accepted and the visit made. On his
retum he did not wait for something to " turn up," but looked
about for employment and topk such as he could get. The
boundary lines separating the lands of individuals from those
of the Government at the Armory were in dispute, and Charles
Steams employed him to make a new survey. John Ames, the
paper maker, engaged him to do some surveying, and paid him
in paper. This was the first compensation he received for
work done in Springfield.
In the summer of 1844 (July 26), his first son, Edgar Lester,
was born. The next year Mr. Boody urged Mr. Harris to
give up his civil engineering, and invited him to join with
Amasa Stone and himself in building railroads and bridges.
He gladly accepted, and the new firm was Boody, Stone &
Harris. Mr. Boody had contracted to build the extension of

DANIEL L. HARRIS.

the New Haven and Hartford Railroad to Springfield, and the
firm purchased the right to build the Howe truss bridge for all
New England and the Canadas. Mr. Boody, the very success
ful and talented railroad builder, Mr. Stone, thoroughly
acquainted with the bridge department, and Mr. Harris, with his
experience in civil engineering, and in making estimates of cost
in building, formed a very strong combination of talent, which
proved fortunate for all of them. The work of the new railroad
was pushed rapidly forward, and although a high wind blew
down the bridge which they were constructing over the Connec
ticut River, and demolished it, the contract proved remunerative.
They soon completed the railroad, and equipped it with cars and
engines, and furnished the officers and other men to operate it.
This was Mr. Harris's first venture in business on his own
account, and his entire capital when he began was only ^1,250,
the result of all his earnings from his early boyhood, which his
father had carefully saved for him. This, too, included the
small amounts which he had earned while working in the
factory for four cents an hour.
Mr. Harris made a survey for the New York and New Haven
Railroad, and in January, 1845, the reports and estiraates of
cost of construction were handed to the company. In June of
the same year he went to Worcester, and made the survey and
estimate of cost of Bladder Pond water -works, for the village
of Worcester. After this work was done, he moved his family
off Main street, to a house on Howard street, owned by Mr.
Boody, and now owned by A. F. Jennings, where he lived a
year and a half. Here came the first great sorrow of his life.
His bright, beautiful son, two years and four months old, sick-

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 183
ened and died. In August, 1848, his oldest daughter was born,
and then he purchased a home for his family on Pearl street,
where they have since lived.
From 1845 to nearly the close of his life, Mr. Harris was
actively engaged in business enterprises connected with rail
roads and bridge building, and the various firms with which he
was connected were as follows : Boody & Harris ; Boody, Stone
& Harris ; Stone & Harris ; Boody, Ross & Harris ; Stone,
Harris & Birnie ; Harris & Briggs ; Harris, Briggs & Co.;
Harris & Hawkins.; D. L. Harris & Co.; Springfield Tool
Company; and Harris & Wright. In some of his business
connections the partnership only extended to a special contract.
The firms with which he was a member built the Hartford and
Springfield and the New Haven and New London Railroads ;
the bridges on the New York and New Haven, the Hartford,
Providence and Fishkill, the Connecticut River, the Vermont
and Massachusetts, the New Haven and Northampton, the
Portland, Saco and Portsmouth, the Boston and Albany, Troy
and Greenfield, Cheshire, Rome and Watertown, Providence
and Worcester, Lebanon Springs and Harlem, and a few on
the New York Central Railroad ; also a bridge over the James
River, at Richmond ; over the Penobscot, at Bangor ; over the
Richelieu, at Chambly, in Canada ; over the Harlem, near New
York City. He built the first iron bridge in this country, at
Sekonk, on the Boston and Providence Road. Also the great
truss roofs on the passenger stations at Buffalo, Rochester,
Troy, Springfield and Boston. He was one of the original
movers in the Toledo, Wabash, and St. Louis Railroad. Mr.
Boody and Mr. Stone withdrew, and went to larger fields to

i84 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
operate, and accumulated millions to Mr. Harris's thousands ;
but he was perfectly contented to remain in Springfield. With
his increasing faraily »on his hands, he did not think it best to
sacrifice their comfort by trying to make a fortune elsewhere,
so here he lived for thirty -six years, abundantly satisfied with
what he had accomplished. Mr. Harris was very much
attached to his old partners, and their sincere and kind letters
to the bereaved family show them to have been warm friends
up to his death.
William Birnie was connected with Mr. Harris when the
bridges were built on the Hartford, Providence and Fishkill
Railroad, and the bridges over the James and Harlem Rivers.
A. D. Briggs followed Mr. Birnie ; but he had some years pre
viously acted as clerk for Boody, Stone & Harris. He was a
partner with Mr. Harris about eight years. R. F. Hawkins, a
Springfield High School boy, went into the office as Mr. Harris's
private clerk, in 1853, when he was sixteen years old. Ten
years later he took him into partnership, and he continued with
him until 1868. Aaron H. Wright, one of the later partners,
was connected with Mr. Harris up to a short time before his
death. Mr. Harris's firms built no less than seven railroad bridges
over the Connecticut River : At Hartford, Warehouse Point,
Springfield, Willimansett, Northfield, and South Vernon ; and
three toll bridges : At Brattleboro, Montague and Sunderiand.
He also assisted to make the survey for the Connecticut River
Railroad from Northampton to Greenfield, previously the line
between Springfield and Holyoke, and was one of the firm which
built the Road from Greenfield to South Vernon.

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 185
HIS RAILROAD MANAGEMENT.
Bridge building gave Mr. Harris a good start in business, but
it was his long connection with the Connecticut River Railroad,
as its President, that gave him his greatest reputation. This
was the crowning work of his life, and few men so completely
mastered the subject of railroad construction and management,
from beginning to end. He not only understood the theory of
construction, operation and management, but he had passed
through so many different stages of practical experience, that
he became a complete master of his business. For nearly
twenty-five years he filled the office of President with honor to
himself and credit to those who committed so great a trust to
his keeping. At the suggestion of Chester W. Chapin, who
was then President of the Road, he was elected a Director, at
the annual meeting in January, 1855. Mr. Chapin, desiring
to visit Europe, tendered his resignation as President, at a
meeting of the Directors held March 6th, and Mr. Harris was
at that time elected to fill the vacancy. From that day he
entered heartily into the work as the active manager of the
Road. He desired to make the service efficient, maintain the
value of the property committed to him, and return to the
stockholders a greater profit.
The Connecticut River Railroad had its origin with the
business men and capitalists of Northampton, and for a con
siderable time was under the management of residents of that
town. Erastus Hopkins was its first President, and Samuel F.
Lyman, afterwards Judge of Probate, its first Treasurer. The
general oflSces and repair shops were at Northampton. When
24

1 86 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
Mr. Harris became President of the Road, some ten years after
it was opened, the dividends were small, and the stock was
selling for only a little above $40 per share, the par value of
which was $100. The Ashuelot Railroad, from South Vernon
to Keene, had been leased for the term of ten years, and at a
sum rauch above its value. The great expectations of profit
from the Northern business were not realized. In fact, the
supposed business that was to flow down from the North and
enrich the stockholders of the Railroad, never had an existence.
When Mr. Harris became its President, the Road had reached
a critical period in its history. He went to work, with all his
energy, to improve its condition ; and his positive manner in
tirae created a feeling at Northampton against his management.
The business men of the town were jealous of Springfield, and
mistook Mr. Harris's efforts to improve the value of the Railroad
to be simply a plan to enrich Springfield. With Northampton
people, the fear of the removal of the repair shops to Spring
field, was an ever -fruitful theme, and became the basis of
active opposition to Mr. Harris, three years after he became
President. At a meeting of the stockholders held at the Parker House,
in Boston, January 20, 1858, the following board of Directors
was elected : Daniel L. Harris, Springfield ; Ignatius Sargent,
Boston; Henry W. Clapp, Greenfield; Winthrop Hillyer,
Northampton; Francis B. Crowningshields and Israel M.
Spellman, Boston.
Samuel F. Lyman, of Northampton, Treasurer of the Road,
shared the feeling of Northampton, and was active in main
taining the interest of the town. Boston stockholders, connected

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 187
with Northampton by social and business interests, took sides
against Mr. Harris, and were led by Francis B. Crowningshields,"
a director of the Road. The board, as chosen at the annual
meeting, sustained Mr. Harris, and then followed an attempt
to increase the number of Directors, so as to get a majority
against him. A special meeting of the stockholders was called,
and held at the Parker House, Boston, March 16, 1858, for that
purpose. E. A. Dana moved that the meeting proceed to vote
for two additional Directors. Mr. Harris held that, as the
board had been elected for the year, it was not competent for
the stockholders, under the by-laws, at that time to add to the
number of the Directors. He stated that he had taken legal
advice and read an opinion from R. A. Chapman, afterward
Chief Justice, sustaining him in that view. Relying upon the
correctness of the opinion, he stated that he conceived it his
duty to decline to entertain the motion, and accordingly refused
to submit it to the meeting.
IVfr. Crowningshields discussed the position of the President
at considerable length, and with much spirit, and appealed
from his decision. Messrs. Dana, Wells, Walker, Howe,
Chamberlain, Cary, Walley and Chapin followed. Mr. Harris
then stated that if he was not sustained by the meeting he
should disregard the decision. Colonel Rice, of Springfield,
then moved that the meeting adjourn to April 13, and that the
Directors be instmcted to obtain, in the meantime, by a petition
for a mandamus, the opinion of the Supreme Court on the
legality of the position of the President in refusing to submit
to the meeting the motion offered by Mr. Dana.

DANIEL L. HARRIS.

On the 13th of April the stockholders met again at the
Parker House, in accordance with the adjournment. Mr.
Dana inquired what action had been taken in relation to the
application to the Supreme Court. Mr. Harris replied that,
through their counsel, the Directors had petitioned the Supreme
Court for a mandamus, and that the Court had declined to
entertain the petition. Mr. Dana stated that his motion, made
at the last meeting, was now in order, and inquired of the
President if he was prepared to put it to the meeting. Mr.
Harris replied that he still considered it his duty to decline to
submit the motion, and the meeting then adjourned.
This was the only active opposition Mr. Harris ever had, in
the management of the Connecticut River Railroad, and the
position taken by him in the special meeting of the stockhold
ers has since become the common law of the state.
The Directors met on the following day, April 14, 1858, and
elected Seth Hunt, of Northampton, Treasurer, in place of
Mr. Lyman, whose connection with the Road closed at that
date. Mr. Hunt had been the Treasurer's clerk from the
organization of the Company, and is the oldest in service of
any one now having connection with the Road. Mr. Harris,
up to his death, held him in high regard, for his careful and
efficient discharge of the duties of the office. Mr. Crowning*-
shields, who led the attack against Mr. Harris, was not
re-elected a Director at the next annual meeting; but in time
he came to regard Mr. Harris's management as wise and best,
and friendly relations were maintained between them, up to
Mr. Crowningshield's death.

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 189
The repair shops of the Road were subsequently moved
from Northampton to Springfield, as experience proved that a
short railroad could be operated more economically from one
end than from the center ; but the removal had no connection
with a desire to add to the prosperity of Springfield. It was
solely, with Mr. Harris, a question of economy in the manage
ment of the Road. From the day of his election as President,
to the close of his life, he made the Connecticut River Rail
road and its interests his own. The question with him, at all
times, was, " What is best for the Road ?" No selfish interest
was permitted to come between himself and the property which
had been placed in his keeping. No public officer had a
greater sense of honor, or guarded more zealously a trust con
fided to him, or manifested a greater determination to render
an impartial and faithful service. It was his highest ambition
to serve the public faithfully, and make this Railroad, for a
short one, the very best in the country. Whatever of honor,
or whatever of profit came to him, it was the result of his
determination to act honestly and wisely. His forward move
ments, his entrance into untried fields, were made with the
greatest caution, and he never ventured to take an advance
step until he was thoroughly satisfied that it would prove for
the best. After he had come to see his way clearly, he never
faltered; but worked unceasingly until he brought others to
see what he had seen, and to help do what he had decided was
best. Under his direction he not only had the pleasure of
seeing this Railroad prosper, but to live to have its stock bring
the highest price of any Railroad in the State — advancing in
value, during his term of service, from J40 per share to J140.

190 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
He showed his faith by investing in it, and for a time he
was one of its largest stockholders. When he was elected he
held four shares, and shortly afterward bought forty more at
$40 per share.
Next in point of interest to his work for the Connecticut
River Railroad, stands that for the Eastern Railroad .Associa
tion, to which for twelve years he gave conspicuous service.
Formerly the railroads were often subjected to the expense of
litigation for the use of patents, by persons claiming ownership,
and in many cases railroad corporations submitted to unjust
demands rather than be annoyed by a suit in court. . S. M.
Whipple, of North Adams, now of Grantville, Mass., entered
upon the investigation of patents and patent claims, relating to
railroad machinery, early in 1861, at Chicago, and for four
years was employed by railroad companies whose lines centered
in that city. In 1865 the Boston and Lowell Railroad Com
pany employed him to investigate some claims for them.
During the year following he was in the service of the Boston
and Maine, the Eastern, the Connecticut River, the Boston and
Lowell, and the Chicago Roads, looking after claims that had
been made upon them. The next year associated effort was
discussed, and was taking the name of New England Associa
tion, looking to the investigation of the validity of railroad
patents and patent claims; but no action was taken. In
January, 1867, Mr. Whipple was in Chicago, and deeming it a>
favorable time to propose to the railroad managers of that city
the idea of associated effort, he induced T. B. Blackstone,
President of the Chicago and St. Louis Railroad to call a
meeting at his office, January 10, 1867. At that meeting Mr.

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 191
Whipple presented a constitution, under the name of the
Western Railroad Association. The meeting appointed a
committee to take the proposed constitution under advisement,
with instructions to report on the 17th of January following.
On that day, after some slight modification, the constitution
was presented and adopted; and this was the beginning of
associated effort on the part of the railroad companies. Mr.
Whipple took a copy of the constitution, after it was adopted,
went to New England, and submitted it to Mr. Harris, to whom
he suggested an association under this constitution, with the
name of Eastern Railroad Association. He approved the
suggestion, and called a meeting to be held February 6, 1867,
at the Boston and Lowell office, in Boston. At that meeting
the constitution of the Western Association, slightly modified,
was presented and adopted. This was the origin of the East
ern Association, and here began Mr. Harris's connection with
it. While the credit of the first suggestion of united effort is
due to Mr. Whipple, it was Mr. Harris who was the engineering
force which carried it forward through a successful career of
twelve years. He was the secretary of the Association, and
the active manager, up to his sickness. Mr. Hinckley, Presi
dent of the Philadelphia, Willmington and Baltimore Railroad,
was President, and Mr. Whipple was the Agent. The work
fell mainly upon Mr. Harris and Mr. Whipple, to whom was
assigned the investigation of the claims for infringement made
upon the railroads in the Association, by those who had
pretended or real ownership of the patents used by them.
Mr. Harris's indomitable energy and determination not to
submit to extortion and injustice, saved the railroads a large

192 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
amount of money and the trouble of litigation which they had
previously been subjected to. The Association became popular,
with its success, and finally every railroad on the Atlantic coast
joined the organization. While the first plan was to test the
validity of patents, the work, under Mr. Harris's direction,
began to broaden, and ultimately would have considered the
value, as well as the validity, of all patents relating to railroad
machinery. His railroad management and bridge building interests did
not occupy all of his time, though to them he gave his greatest
work. When he died he was a Director in the Springfield Fire
and Marine Insurance Company, the Chapin Bank, the Holyoke
Water Power Company, and the Crocker Paper Mill, at
Holyoke, and was President of the City Library Association.
He was also a leading and influential member of the Springfield
Water Board, when the present system was adopted, and
Springfield was supplied with water from Ludlow, where a large
reservoir was built. When the Fire and Marine Insurance
Company was organized, at a meeting held at the Massasoit
House, April 9, 1851, he was elected chairman, and also a
Director. He held the latter position for twenty- eight consec
utive years. He was punctual in his attendance upon the
meetings of the Directors, and was regarded as a leading
member of the Board. His connection with it was an agreeable
one to the other members, and everything passed very smoothly.
While he took pains to keep himself informed of the manage
ment of the company, he was never a fault-finder. His
opinions capie after mature deliberation, and when satisfied as
to the line of policy best to be followed, he gave a clear

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 193
expression of his views. " Gentlemen," he would say, " you
will find this so." He came quietly into the meetings, and took
his place at the right of the President, who used to say of him,
"He is my right-hand man.'' He was a member of the
committee on investments, and his advice was always good.
He was not a man who would, after a great calamity, like the
Chicago and Boston fires, jump up impulsively and say, " We
must pay a hundred cents on the dollar;" but he would come
to his conclusions by deliberate investigation of the facts within
his reach, — then he was ready to act, and would stand by his
decision. To business enterprises of a doubtful nature he never gave
any encouragement, and the older residents of Springfield will
remember how often and how earnestly he opposed any scheme
which had the appearance of deception and fraud. The
Charter Oak Coal Company is one in point. Not far from
1865 an effort was made to sell shares in a coal mine in Penn
sylvania, the holders of which were promised coal at greatly
reduced rates. Mr. Harris became satisfied that it was only
an attempt to cheat the people, and he spared neither time nor
money to bring complete knowledge of it to the public. As
the result, the scheme was exposed and innocent parties saved
from loss.
While Mr. Harris devoted his energies to business, he did
not lose sight of the importance of any question which affected
the welfare of the people. He had no ambition for political
preferment, and there was not an office within the gift of the
people that he would take unless he felt that by so doing he
could accomplish an end worthy of the sacrifice. Office-
25

194 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
holding, as such, presented no attractions or allurements to
him, and he always kept constantly in view the service which
he thought he could render to the public. He was so out
spoken and pronounced in his views that he could never
practice the arts of a politician. He could not be content
with, "What is best for my party?" It was with him, "What
is best for the people ?" But notwithstanding all this, he was
elected to the City Council in 1854, '76 and '77 ; to the Board
of Aldermen in 1863 ; Mayor in i860, and member of the
Legislature in 1857, '63, '67, '70 and '73. He would not go to
the Senate, for the reason that it was a place unsuited to his
temperament. He preferred to be nearer the people, where
business originated, and where he could accomplish something.
Springfield never sent to the Legislature a more indefatigable
worker. He held places on iraportant financial and railroad
committees, and he never faltered in his advocacy of questions
affecting a wise and economical expenditure of public funds.
He considered the Hoosac Tunnel project uncalled for, and an
extravagant and wasteful use of public money. He fought the
measure with all his accustomed force, in the Legislature and
out of it, for many years ; but the combination against him
was too powerful in the end. Nevertheless, he felt that it was
his duty to put hiraself on record as in the interest of a wise
economy and what he considered the right.
The single term that he served as Alderman was all that he
wanted in that body ; but when he felt that something should
be done to check extravagance in the management of city
affairs, he consented to give service in the Council. It was in
this body, during the last years of his public service, that he

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 195
worked so zealously to reduce the public expenses, and bring
them within the limits of former times. He provoked much
opposition, by his persistency and the extreme views which he
held ; but he accomplished much, and now, viewed in the light
of history, it can be seen that he was not far from right. He
saved many thousands of dollars to the tax payers, and brought
the public to realize the actual condition of affairs. When he
was Mayor he made valuable suggestions, and did much to
simplify the work in hand, and make every department efficient
and economical. The streets of the city had never been
surveyed, and the boundary lines were poorly defined. He
employed Heman Smith to make a complete survey of the city,
and set granite boundary posts. Frora his notes maps of all
the streets were made, which are still in existence at the City
Hall, and they have proved of great value.

THE CITY LIBRARY.
Mr. Harris was very fond of young men, and often manifested
a wish to see them take steps to make themselves good and
useful citizens. His interest in the City Library largely grew
out of the belief that it would be the means of aiding those to
gain knowledge who were not able to take a regular course of
.study in the higher branches. He frequently remarked: "I
do not want a City Library for myself or family. I have plenty
of books' at home ; but I want to make a good place for young
men, where they can spend their evenings in improving their
minds — just such a place as I longed for when I was a boy.
It would have been a great help to me."

196 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
He was an early friend of the Library, and never let an
opportunity pass when he could promote its usefulness. He
was elected Vice - President at the organization of the Library
Association, and he had previously been a member of the
Library coraraittee, under the old organization. He remained
Vice - President until the death of John L. King, the President,
in 1873, when "he was elected President, and he held that
office until his death.
The erection of the Library building, on State street, left
the Association heavily in debt, and at the annual meeting in
1872, the Treasurer reported the amount to be $25,000. Mr.
Harris was appointed as a committee to solicit subscriptions to
pay off the debt, and he went to work to accomplish that
purpose. In a short time he had raised the entire amount.
He paid, altogether, $10,500 towards the building, and with
one exception this was the largest subscription made to the
building fund. George Bliss donated the lot, in addition to his
subscription of $10,000.
At the annual meeting held in May, 1873, on motion of Rev.
Dr. Buckingham, the following resolution was unanimously
adopted : —
Resolved, That the services of Hon. D. L. Harris in securing additional
subscriptions for the payment of the debt of $25,000 due for the Library
building, demand our grateful acknowledgments, and we hereby express
our appreciation for his untiring and generous efforts to secure this result,
and enter upon our records this expression thereof.
The Museum connected with the Library, had its origin at a
meeting held at the house of Mr. Harris, December 3, 1859.
He wrote in his journal: "This evening R. A Chapman, Dr.
Otis, John L. King, Charles Marsh and myself had a consulta-

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 197
tion here as to the proper steps to be taken in establishing a
public Museum. It is thought best, for the present, at least, to
make it an appendage of the City Library." During his life
he contributed liberally to it, and among his donations is the
collection which he purchased in Copenhagen.

HIS RUSSIAN COMMISSION.
Early in the year 1859 Mr. Harris received an offer through
the Chief Engineer, George W. Whistler, from the Russian
government to go to St. Petersburg and make an examination
and report upon the condition and safety of the bridges of the
St. Petersburg and Moscow Railroad. Having accepted, he
sailed in the Cunard steamer Persia, from New York, April
13th. A young son of the late Hon. Osmyn Baker, of North
ampton, accompanied him on his entire trip, and Mr. and Mrs.
E. H. Sa'wyer, of Easthampton, were passengers in the same
steamer with him to Liverpool. The passag;e over occupied
about eleven days, and though the sea at times was rough, Mr.
Harris had a pleasant voyage and escaped seasickness. On
arriving in England he went to Manchester, Birmingham,
Leamington, Kenilworth and Warwick castles, Stratf ord - on -
Avon, the old city of Chester, and London. May 9th he left
for Berlin, where he arrived in thirty -eight hours, the distance
between the two places being about 770 miles. After visiting
the principal places of interest he left Berlin on the 13th, for
Stettin. Here he took a Prussian mail steanjer, on the Baltic
Sea, fpr Cronstadt, and on arrival in the harbor there was

198 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
transferred to a small Russian steamer, when, after a sail of
twenty miles up the River Neva, he landed late in the after
noon of May 17th.
He kept a journal during his absence, and from it are made
the following extracts : —
" St. Petersburg being situated on level ground, presents to
the view of one coming up the River little else than its golden
spires and domes, which are certainly very splendid and
impressive. The dome of St. Isaac's Church and the spire of
the Admiralty building are particularly gorgeous in appearance.
Our passengers were marched from the boat to the Custom
House with as much watchfulness as if we had been a party of
prisoners. Files of policemen guarded both sides of the
narrow lane we had to pass through, and besides there were
several gates across the path, one of which being passed was
no guarantee that the next would open to us. The hall into
which we were conducted had a striking resemblance to the
basement of the Boston State House, excepting that the floor
was of square blocks of oak wood, put together after the
manner of the marble floors of New York and Boston. There
was an hour's suspense here, waiting for the transfer of our
baggage to the examining room, in the rear of our temporary
prison. This done, the door of that room was thrown open,
and a miscellaneous rush commenced for the first chances at
the examining tables. Here I stood a poor chance against the
natives and those who could talk Russian, and my signs were
of little account in securing attention from the officers. After
several failures I stepped back, and resolved to look on and
enjoy the scene. The first thing that attracted my attention.

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 199
was a silver ruble passing slyly from the owner of some
luggage to the hand of a blear-eyed fellow who seeraed to be
stationed at the end of the table next the railing, for the pur
pose of communicating from the out to the inside. The effect
of this was an instantaneous dispatch of the business in hand,
which operated as a hint to me of what was expected. I
presented myself again at the table, and this time the search
proceeded with dispatch, and resulted in the loss of two news
papers which the officer could not help seeing, at the top of
the trunk, and the narrow scrutiny of my French Dictionary
and Bradshaw Guide, which, after being referred to three
successive grades of censors, were finally tossed back and
allowed to pass. With much difficulty I ascertained, by signs,
that my baggage and myself must now retire through a back
door to a room in the rear of that in which the examination had
taken place. Here another officer made me sign a receipt for
the baggage, and a door-keeper checked me still further by
making a blot of ink with a brush upon a card previously
pasted on to the luggage at the close of the search. These
formalities finally gotten through with, I motioned to a porter
to carry my things to the street, whereupon five or six of them
seized hold of the two trunks and proceeded in that direction.
Outside the gate of the yard we came upon a multitude of
the natives, who forthwith began to scream to us in the Russian
tongue, probably offering their services to carry us to lodgings.
I was perfectly bewildered, for the more I tried to make thera
stand off, the more they pressed forward, and I was fast
becoming the nucleus of a disorderly and knout- deserving
rabble, when, to my great joy, a voice above the rest hailed me

DANIEL L. HARRIS.

in English and inquired where I wanted to go. "To Miss
Benson's," said I. " I belong there," replied the man, " and
will aid you." " Very good," said I. " Drive this horde away
from me, and say who of these half-dozen scapegraces shall be
paid for bringing the trunks out of the Custom House." This
little matter being arranged by paying three of them, myself
and companion were loaded upon a droschky and driven away.
We find Miss Benson has just room for us, and no more. For
Russia, I suppose we ought to say that our quarters are very
comfortable. As soon as we had washed and taken a lunch we
called a droschky and rode out to the works of Winans,
Harrison & Winans, at Alexandroskie, to see Mr. Whistler.
We found him hard at work, and suspecting that he wanted
time for consulting with his partners, and perhaps with govern
ment officers, before sending me out upon the road, I proposed
to call again, after a delay of one or two days. This was
agreeable, and he mentioned Saturday afternoon for our next
interview. Returning to Miss Benson's, we dined at 7 o'clock.
" As soon as breakfast was over, next morning, we called a
guide and began a round of sight - seeing. St. Isaac's Church
was the first object in our way, and a wonderful affair it is. It
was comraenced one hundred years ago, by Catharine II. , and
completed in 1857. It is built in the form of a Greek cross,
an immense dome and cupola surmounting the central part of
the building, and bell towers, with dome - shaped roofs, at each
of the four corners. The grand entrance is upon the south
side, through columns of Finland granite, of reddish color,
highly polished and perfectly magnificent. I judge them to be
forty feet high and five feet in diameter, all of single blocks.

DANIEL L. HARRIS.

and all perfectly faultless of seam, stain, or other imperfection.
The porticos on the south and north sides are alike, and
contain altogether some thirty -two of these pillars. Colonnades
on the east and west ends have each eight pillars of the same
dimensions. The floor of the edifice is perhaps six feet above
the street, which elevation is attained by successive offsets
of the same polished granite, rising about two and one - fourth
feet each, and composed of blocks laid with an exposure of
five feet in width on top, many of them being twenty -five feet
long. The foundations of the building cost more than
$1,000,000, and the total expenditure has exceeded $40,000,000.
The central dome, cupola, and the grand cross towering above
it, as well as the smaller domes, are covered with copper, over
laid with pure gold. This gilding is said to have required four
teen bushels of ducats. The effect of sunlight upon it is most
dazzling. The interior fittings of the church correspond, in
all respects, to the external display. Magnificent paintings
decorate the walls, and mosaic picture work, of the finest
description, covers every available spot about the altars. A
brace of lapis lazuli columns, fifteen feet high and a foot in
diameter, support an arch over the most sacred recess, and
columns of malachite, reaching from floor to ceiling, and not
less than two and one -half feet through, still further enrich
that side of the church where the altar is situated. I seemed
scarcely to have begun to appreciate the richness of the edifice,
in my short stay, and shall embrace the earliest available day
for another visit.
'¦' Leaving Isaac's Church, we crossed the Neva, to the north
side, and soon came to the school of engineers and miners,
26

DANIEL L. HARRIS.

alias " Corps de Mines." Here we passed through vast rooms
containing collections of mining machinery in model, also
models of various mines in Siberia, as well as models of bridges,
locomotives, lathes, docks, and every conceivable thing that can
serve to aid in the practical teaching of young men. There
are also here iraraense collections of minerals gathered from
all parts of the world. Many of the specimens are of great
value, particularly some from the mines of Siberia — among
which are a nugget of gold weighing ninety -two pounds, and
worth some $23,000 ; a block of malachite weighing 4,000
pounds, and valued at $94,000 ; and a magnificent beryl, eight
or ten inches long, said to be estimated above $50,000 in value.
Under one wing of the building a vast cave has been constructed,,
to illustrate the positions of minerals in the mines of Siberia.
We were taken through the various drifts, comprising near
2,000 feet in length, and, so far as I can judge, the representa
tions are excellent. '
" In the afternoon we went to pay a visit to the hut of Peter
the Great — the first building erected on the site of this great
city. This building is a log house, about fifteen by forty feet,
one story high, with a steep roof covered with red tile. There
are several windows, each composed of two sashes, each sash
having thirty -six lights of glass, four by six inches. There
are two rooms, one of which is now used as a chapel or shrine,
and in the other are preserved some' of the relics of the old
man. The hut (or cottage, it is called), is situated on the north
bank of the river, above the second bridge, and not far below
where the little Neva divides off from the large river, flow'ing
separately to the gulf. The citadel is on the same side of the

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 203

river, and just below the second bridge. It is a strong place,
the high walls being surrounded by water, and within its
inclosure are St. Peter's and St. Paul's churches, the burial
place of the Royal family. The monuraents are plain blocks
of marble lying upon the floor of the church over the respective
tombs, covered with a plain green silk cloth, inwrought with
gold thread and trimmed with choice furs, the whole surrounded
with a low plain bronzed railing. An additional covering is
usually thrown across the railing, but this is removed one day
in each year, as happened to-day, to give the people a view of
the rich cloth which still conceals the marble. The church is
not particularly remarkable otherwise than as being the burial
place of the Royal family.
" The Winter Palace is situated on the south bank of the
river, having its north front upon the same, near the center of
the city. It is some seven hundred feet long, and nearly as
wide, and, to the south, looks out upon an open square contain
ing Alexander's column, and bounded on the opposite side by
an immense building with a hollow semicircular front contain
ing the government offices. To the east of this palace, and up
the river, is Catharine's Winter Palace, now known as the
Hermitage. The amount of beautiful statuary and painting
exhibited here is prodigious. I should say that these articles
must Occupy thirty to forty large rooms ; and then there are
other rooms devoted to collections of rare minerals and precious
stones from Siberia, antiquities collected in the Asiatic part of
the enipire, and generally all the rare articles from time to
time presented to the Imperial faraily. Vases of Siberian
marble, of rare beauty, and tables, urns and various ornamental

204 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
articles of the same material and of malachite and l9.pis lazuli,
are to be seen in great numbers. One of these vases, cut in
elegant marble, and presented by Mr. Demidoff, a merchant of
great wealth, and the owner of extensive iron and gold mines
in Siberia, is of almost fabulous dimensions. The bowl is
elliptical in form, eighteen feet long and twelve feet broad.
The stem and base are well proportioned, and the whole stands
upon a block of the same marble, measuring five by seven
feet, and two and one -fourth feet thick. The basin was
scooped out of a single stone, which is without a flaw or other
imperfection that can be seen at a cursory glance. Standing
upon its pedestal the whole height may be ten feet. It is said
to weigh about 4,000 pounds, and a descriptive card informed
us that it was transported from Siberia with the help of 160
horses. " On the way home I paused for a little, to contemplate the
column erected by Nicholas in memory of Alexander I.
The general outline of this monument is an immense shaft of
red granite, highly polished, standing upon a mass of bronze
work (representing on the four sides some of Russia's famous
heroes and statesmen in relief) supported by a granite base of
beautiful proportions, while upon the top of the shaft is a sort
of um with a dome- shaped cover, upon which stands the statue
of Alexander, bearing the scepter. An anecdote is told of this
column, which illustrates the Russian idea of obedience to
orders. The emperor had expressed a wish that the column
should be eighty feet long, providing it could be found in one
block. In quarrying, this block came out ninety -one feet long,
and the person in charge reduced it to the present length.

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 205
This was, to say the least of it, very unfortunate, as the
monument now appears rather low for its other dimensions.
A soldier always stands guard at the foot of the column, to
prevent any mischief by evil - disposed persons.
" The equestrian statue of Peter the Great, situated near the
river, on the northerly side of Alexander's Square, was erected
seventy-five years ago, and is the grandest thing of the kind I
have ever seen. The horse stands upon an iramense block of
light- colored granite, reared upon the hind feet so naturally
that it did not occur to me, till after I had seen it several times,
to inquire what kept the body in position. A huge serpent,
that has apparently crawled up the rock from behind, is repre
sented as trodden upon by one foot of the horse, and a vertical
coil of its body, writhing in death, comes in convenient contact
with the long tail of the animal, in so natural a manner as not
to excite the least attention to the artifice. The monument is
inclosed by a beautiful circular fence, fifty feet in diameter,
consisting of stone posts and iron pickets, heavily plated with
gold. The figure of Peter is very large, and the whole thing,
both in design and execution, is exceedingly bold and spirited.
I judge the whole to be thirty or thirty -five feet high. Isaac's
Church, on the south side of the Square, is nearly opposite this
monument. " The Imperial family being out of town, our guide, by the
help of three or four rubles, procured for us a visit to the Winter
Palace, which is said to be the finest on the continent. The
wealth expended upon the building and treasured upon its walls
is truly marvelous. Passing in from the vestibule, we were
first shown along the ambassador's hall and up a noble stair-

zo6 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
case to the reception room, and from that through the smaU
and large dining-rooms, where are kept the gold plates presented
by the ambassadors to the several sovereigns uporl the occa
sions of their coronation. It would seem as if the ingenuity
of man must have been exhausted in the designs for ornament
ing, beautifying and swelling the cost of these articles. The
gold and jewels oi the whole are worth millions of dollars;
The large dining-room is two hundred by eighty feet. From
this we passed on to an elegant concert -room, and afterwards
to a cabinet or drawing-room belonging to the present
Emperor's mother. In this room there were chairs, sofas,
tables, etc., apparently of solid gold, excepting the seats of the
chairs and sofas. The jewel room also admitted us, notwith
standing the two soldiers who perpetually guard its entrance,
and the man inside, who never leaves it. Here are kept the
diamonds, jewels and precious stones of the Imperial house
hold, and also the crown itself, which is very large, and contains
a ruby of magnificent size, has two rows of pearls, and in short
is loaded with thousands of diamonds and other brilliants.
Small crowns of the Empress and Emperor's mother are kept
in the same case ; also an immense diamond, which has been
the cause of much bloodshed. Leaving this room with a
decided impression of the emptiness of all human ambitions,
and with a reflection that, notwithstanding all his wealth, the
Emperor is subject, like myself, to the aches and ills of the
body, we were now shown through a seemingly interminable
succession of rooms filled with pictures, representing in the
main the great warriors and great battles of the Empire. The
Emperor Nicholas built this Palace, and after he had com-

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 207
pleted it showed his own love of true comfort by living in two
small rooms, on the ground floor, situated at the northwest
corner. Here in a room fifteen by thirty he had a bed of straw,
of the narrowest possible pattern, his business table, a small
library and all the furniture of a bed -roora and coramon
sitting-room. Everything in this room is preserved just as he
left them. In these rooms the great Nicholas lived and died,
and all the rest of the Palace was made for the glory of the
Empire and gratification of his family aiid the nobles. It was
exceedingly interesting to be in these apartments and reflect
upon the history of their quondam occupant. The Winter
Palace is connected with the Hermitage by a covered gallery
at the level of the second floor.
" We took a boat for Peterhoff, twenty miles down the river,
formerly a favorite summer resort for the Imperial family, and
still resorted to by the widow pf the late Emperor, the mother
of Alexander II. Here is to be seen a little forty feet square
summer Palace of Peter the Great, still containing many
articles of his furniture. An artificial lake in front of the
house contains numerous fish, of goodly size, which have been
taught to come up to a certain point and be fed, at the ringing
of a dinner bell. Ascending a long flight of steps, we came
upon the front piazza of the Palace, which not only commands
a view of the fountains and grounds below, but also a splendid
view of the river and gulf. The most interesting spot at
Peterhoff is the factory where the government men work in
malachite, lapis lazuli, and other valuable stones. We passed
through the establishment and saw the various processes.
Here are made all the beautiful vases, tables and ornaments to

2o8 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
be seen at the Palaces and Churches. We saw many articles
in course of manufacture, among which were some little
mantelpiece ornaments, representing birds and flowers, for the
room in the Winter Palace. Four of the pieces, each present
ing a surface a little larger than a man's hand, are already
completed, and the foreman assured us that each of them had
occupied twenty men two years. Such is the manner in which
royalty employs labor upon trifles.
" A retum by cars gave us our first experience on Russian
railroads. Called on Mr. Winans at 8 p. m., by appointment,
and was advised that I could leave St. Petersburg Wednes
day noon, in company with a cousin of his and a Russian
government officer, to examine the bridges. Took tea with Mr.
Winans's family, and spent a pleasant evening. Returned home
at half -past eleven, when the twilight was still strong enough
to read the time on my watch quite easily.
"Molavita, May 25. — Left St. Petersburg at 12 m., in
company with William W. Winans and a colonel of engineers
deputed by the government to accompany me on a visit to the
bridges on the Moscow Road. I was quite surprised at the
neatness of the road - bed and the expense incurred to secure
freedom from dust. The road is ballasted throughout with
eighteen inches or two feet of sand, upon which is laid six
inches of broken stone of the size used on macadam roads.
This secures perfect drainage of the track and exemption
from the annoyance of dust in warm weather. There is a
watchman stationed at every half verst along the line. He has
a small and comfortable house. It is his duty to appear on the
steps opposite his door with a pike on his shoulder, soldier like,

DANIEL L. HARRLS. 209
and ahf^mmer in the opppsite hand, as every train passes, and
immediately afterwards to walk over the section and observe
lyhejther the track remains all right. The time spent by the
train at sta^ons,is long. The mail train occupies twenty hours
between. St. Petersbnrg and. Moscpw (604 versts or 400 railes),
and of this time three hours and fifty minutes is consumed in
stops. The second, or common train, takes thirty hours, of
which between five and six are spent at the stations. It has, for
example, one hour fpr dinner and about three -quartersof an
hpur each for breakfast and supper. No stop is less than ten
minutes, on either train. As the time approaches for a train
to resume its mn, notice is given at the door of the station by
ringing a small beU. Two minutes after the warning is
repeated, and in two more the bell is heard a third time, after
which, in 9.bout, one minute, the, train begins to move. The
Stations may be considered rather places of rest and recreation
tp the passengers than as accommodating the section of country
in which they are locate^. In fact, the road was originally
intencled as a military, road, and it is , located without any
reference whatever to the convenience, or business of towns
adjacent to the line. The stations are almost literally and
mathematically equidistant from each other. .They are divided
into four, classe?, and all pf a class are precisely alike. The
first - qlg.ss, stations are i5p versts apart. , Thjs, distance is again
dividefi by second -class, stations, eaqh, of course, seventy -five
versts either way from the first. . , The seventy -f^ve verst distance
is, again diyided by stations of the third ,c;lass, which, with the
former, (juts up the line ipto sections ,9^,, thirty: seven and one-
half yer^t^i Another division by stations of the,;fourth class
27'

DANIEL L. HARRIS.

reduces the distance between stations to eighteen or nineteen
versts. At the 150 verst distances the passenger houses are 345
feet long by forty -five feet wide, with covered platforms thirty
feet wide all around, and they contain rooms for the accommo
dation of the Imperial family, to the extent of about fifty -five
feet in length of building. A small and a large dining-room
occrupy the central portion of the building, and the cooking
arrangements and rooms for second - class passengers take up
the balance. Stations of this class stand between the two
tracks, and a garden of immense extent, intended for the
recreation of passengers after eating and before the train starts,
occupies the space at the ends of the building and for some
distance outside of the tracks. The passenger houses at
second-class stations are like those at the first, excepting that
both the tracks are on one side. The third and fourth - class
stations have a small passenger house on each side of the
tracks, for the accommodation of trains moving in opposite
directions. A pretty yard or garden set with shrubbery and
tastefully laid out in walks, is a pleasant feature of them, and
in pleasant weather there is always some use made of them
during the ten minutes' stop.
" May 26. — This morning I counted sixteen men belonging
to the station at Molavitia all at work in the garden. The
number of men employed in operating the road is more than
6,000. Say for watchmen, 1,200; for trackmen (three to a
verst), 1,800 ; employed by Winans & Co., 800 ; employed in
the freight department, 1,000 ; and 1,100 at the stations,
besides many supernumeraries. Thirty, for example, is the
number of men allowed by government at every round house.

DANIEL L. HARRIS.

From two to four men at each share the duty of attending to
the pumping of water for the engine. First, there is the chief
engineer and an assistant to bring in wood and mind the fire
under the boiler. The pumping house being usually located a
short distance off, an old soldier is charged with the duty of
going from the tank house to the pumps, to report the elevation
of water in the tubs, and not infrequently a fourth man is kept
as a reserve. The pump houses are neat and substantial
buildings, perhaps twenty -five feet square, and furnish accom
modation for the family of the engineer. There is one at every
station on the line. I noticed government houses near several
of the stations, for lodging and feeding prisoners on their way
from St. Petersburg to Siberia. Small parties of them are sent
down as often as once or twice a week, to Moscow, which is a
general rendezvous where exiles are collected, and from which
they are sent off in parties of fifty to a hundred every day or
two. " Our breakfast, this morning, at Molavitia, was served ih the
fashion of the better classes of the country. First the servants
brought in glasses of tea and a cake closely resembling the
style of Yankee bread called buns, and which Mr. Brown
denominated bullyer. Lemon took the place of milk in the
glass of tea. After the first glass of tea a glass of bodya
soup with a course of small sausage cake followed. Then
came wine and lamb chops cooked with string beans, and lastly
stewed pigeons.
" Tver, May 27. — It was late when we got to bed, last night,
and this morning we took the train at 3 o'clock, or not far from
sunrise. It is interesting to look out upon the road and

DANIEL L. HARRIS.

observe what perfection of finish everything receives. I'watthed
for miles without observing the least flaw 'in the shape' bf the
road-bed, the ditches or slopes. The latterare generally 'care
fully turfed to the very fobt, biit Soriietimes the lower part is
paved, and in all cases where water eSi-er irun's in the ditches,
they are lined ^^ith paving'stone, in the niost' thorough manher.
We reached Volotchok at 5 a.m. ' It is a second^ class stalio'n,
and it being about the time for wakiiig up,' most of the third-
class passengers got Out td enjoy the half- hour's stop.' As
they left the cars, each one devoutly c'rossed' himself, first 'Stand
ing with his face to the sun, and then 'turning towards a chuirch
in sight, he repeated the operation: My attention Vas attracted
to a long stand behind which were nine womeii, all vocifertrasly
halloing to the passengers,' mtich like a crowd 'of' 'Albany
hackmen. I soon leamed that' these women had water, and
that for half a copeck 'they furnished nearly a |pint for mbrriing
ablutions. Very many availed themselves of the opportunity
thus afforded. The manner'of washing is to' ha:ve' the' water
poured on the hands, at two or three times, the last portidri of
it being carried to the face. The'MujikS know nothing abo'ut
wash-basins, and when there is no one near to pOur the 'watEir
for one 'who wishes to use it, it is'customary fbr him'fO'take it
in his mouth and delivfer it thence' to his hands, as reqtiiredj'
"This tovvn (Tver) is on the Volga, and is said tb' be the
second oldest town in Russia. Here 'was the d'epot'to which
the Russians removed their stores of grain before bumihg
Mdscow. Had Napoleon been fortunate enough td know what
a large amouht was in store ' here, the result 6f'IiiS"disistr5us
campaign might have bfeen different.'' Werdde about thef toto

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 213
and visited a large cotton manufactory recently' established by
Russian capital, and having' ah Englishhian for its agent.' The
godds are certainly very well made. .k,,
"Moscow, May 28. — Left Tver at three o'cl'ock this morhihg.
The poor Mujiks who' lay on the ground near the station' at
that place had been taken away before we left.' ' I, hb'wever,
observed three rneri of the' class, who were' perhap's bound to
some way station or' who might have got left, and' who had
found a bed on the stone platform of the station. Without k
particle' of covering except the clothes they wore, and 'with a
biag for a pillow, the fellows wfere' sleeping as soundly as if on
beds of down.  i .
" Inquiring about the winter to-day I was assiired that Russia
does not suffer from long and severe storms,' such aS prevail in
America. Cattle are kept out all the time. Snow rarely falls
more than an inch or two at once and never drifts. It accu
mulates sometimes to the depth of three or four feet before
spring, but there is no freezing and thawing at intervals, and
in the Cities the sidewalks are' kept clean by simply sweeping
every night. ' ' ' ' ' '' ' ' ' '
"Monday, May 30. — Hatiiig engaged an interpreter arid
guide we set off early for the churches and Palace. In the
Palace yard there are threfe small chui-ches, within a stone's
throw,' all very rich in pictures and' jewdl^, and all filled at the
hour' of morning service' with devotees and beggars. Gne 'of
them is'i'emarkable for having its floor of small and beatitifiilly
polished jasper stones. ' In one of these churches the corona
tion takesplacfe; in another the Iriipeirial children 'are christened,
and in the third are the tombs 'of ' the 'oTd Ernpe'rors, indluding

214 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
Peter the Great. An ascent to the tower in the rear of the
churches was well repaid in the magnificent view it afforded of
the city and adjacent country. This tower is more than three
hundred feet high, but is only accessible to a balcony some two
hundred feet up, where a chime of large bells is situated.
Looking from this balcony I was struck with the numerous
churches dotted all over the city, and upon inquiry I find they
number about 1,300. There is hardly a square without one,
and frequently they number half a dozen in as many hundred
feet square. No one can look upon them and reflect upon the
superstitious ceremonies practiced therein, and wonder at the
degradation prevailing all around. In a second tower, stand
ing near the high one, and communicating with it by a covered
way, at some distance up, there hangs the largest bell in the
world, with the exception of the great bell, which lies in min
upon the ground below. This is rung only upon extraordinary
occasions, such as Easter Sunday or a coronation. It is said to.
have a nice tone. It weighs just half as much as the great bell,
or ninety long tons. There is also in the same tower another
large bell, which I noticed yesterday as having suddenly
fallen down during the coronation ceremonies of the present
Emperor. " We started to make a call on the American Consul, who
lives two or three miles out of town, and who met us just
outside the gate. Returning with him, he introduced us at the
Treasury building and Palace, and gave us an invitation to call
at his house in the evening. The Treasury building is exceed^
ingly rich in articles which have served to gratify the pride of
the Imperial families, and now answer the purpose of impressing

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 215
the people with an idea of the vast wealth of the Empire. It
is useless to speak of the individual articles, such as carriages,
helmets, saddles and crowns, set all over with most astonishing
numbers of diamonds and jewels. The display of these is so
great that one naturally comes to dispise them for their very
abundance. There are four doors studded with these orna
ments to such an extent that each is valued at twenty millions
of rubles, — say fifteen millions of dollars.
" Returning towards the hotel we passed the building rend
ered famous in books of mechanical engineering by repeated
reference to the construction of its roof, — the riding school of
Moscow, — a place for the exercise of cavalry in bad weather.
The building is about 360 feet long by 120 wide. The walls
are between three and four feet thick and some twenty-five feet
high. The ceiling conceals a view of the roof construction.
"May 31. — In the midst of the city there is a successon of
boulevards, forming almost a circle of perhaps half a mile in
diameter. We had a long walk on them, this morning. The
trees and shmbbery are well grown, and as the leaves are just
now in the perfection of fresh green, they are very beautiful.
The reservoir standing in the midst of a broad street and on
the top of a considerable hill, attracted our attention and
received a visit. The city is supplied with excellent water,
brought by an aqueduct some twelve miles long, from a branch
of the Moscow River. It is delivered into two large iron tanks,
about four feet deep, and situated at an elevation of forty feet
above the street. From here it is distributed by pipes of four
inches diameter to eighteen fountains situated in thp public
squares and other accessible places about the city. To these

2i6 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
fountains everybqdy resorts, the, poor coming with pails. and
buckets, and the wealthy sending their water casks for, larger
supplies. It is no uncommon thing to see twenty of them
bailing from the fountain at one time. The fire engines, during
a conflagration, are supplied in the same mann^. They are
sma,ll machines, worked by four men, and are, of course, very
inefficient. The town is built largely of wood, and suffers
severely from fires. There have been no less than three large
ones since we came. The authorities, take great precaijtion for
the early discovery pf fires by erecting high towers allp'ver the
city ; ,upon the tpps of which towers two rnen are constantly
stationed as lookouts.
" The Foundling Hospital is an immense building, and \i&
an extensive business. Froni forty to sixty infants are entered
daily, and there are always remaining fij'om ];,2;oo to 1,500 ^t
the breast, notwithstanding the immense numbers continually
sent away to be cared for in the country. The number annually
received is about 15,000. The nurnber already entered,,, this
year is 5,531, up to last night; and when I. saw thg books
to-day, at eleven o'clock, there had already been fourteen
arrivals. The children receiyed .here are npt all illegitimate.
Poor people frequently bring theJr ipfantg, and for a mere trifle
they get rid of the expense of their maintenance up to a certain
period, when if not taken away, they cannot afterwards be
reclaimed. .Many go to the institution beforehand, remain
through their, sickness and hire out as nurses to the institution.
In such cas^s, however, I was told that the rales did not, allow
tliem. to have th.e care of their own children. Every child
received is duly, numbered and registered, sp, that it can , be

DANIEL L. HARRLS. 217
subsequently traced. While we were in a jaunty looking
woman, in the wet-nurse costume, applied for information
respecting her child left here twelve months ago. The clerk
referred to his records and was soon able to inform her that it
had been sent one hundred versts into the country, when two
months old, and that the priest had subsequently reported it
dead. I watched the woman's face, expecting to have seen an
outburst of grief ; but instead of that she tossed back her head
and made some light remark to the officer and passed out. In
the lobby she stopped to converse with another woman, who
stood there in waiting for her turn to give up her child. I said
to myself, she must be telling the news to her companion, and
now she will surely shed a tear. I went near her to test my
opinion, but was disappointed at the perfect levity she continued
to exhibit. Our guide spoke to her in Russian, and learned
that she was a soldier's wife.
"Wednesday, June i. — Our bill at Monsieur Billo's Hotel is
settled, and we leave Moscow at twelve o'clock, for a twenty
hours' ride to St. Petersburg.
'^ St. Petersburg, Thursday evening, June 2. — We reached
here promptly at 8 o'clock, this morning, well fatigued with the
long ride. Before leaving Moscow I learned frora a practical
painter at the railroad shops the art of preparing rough surfaces
with mastic for painting. I hope to see it introduced at home,
after my retum. The ride was not particularly interesting. A
lad twelve years old, and of English parentage, made my
acquaintance and surprised me by speaking three languages
fluently, and giving evidence of proficiency in the fourth. I
had occasion to appeal to him, during the night, to protect me
28

2i8 DANIEL L. HARRLS.
from a richly dressed fat old Russian woman, who suddenly
attacked me with her tongue, and would give no heed to my
signs that I did not know a word she was saying. The more I
did not understand her, the louder she talked, till at last I
began to suspect myself of some breach of etiquette, and to be
undergoing a wordy punishment therefor. But when the boy
came to my rescue, the old crone soon settled away into her
seat, and I heard no more of her. He was at first unwilling to
explain to me what all the rumpus was about, but on being
pressed he said the woman was a person of quality, in search
of an English governess for her children, and wanted me ,to
inform her where she could meet with the personage.
" The miserable condition of the street pavements every
where attracts my attention. It seems that the small paving
stones are laid directly upon the alluvial deposit on which the
city is built. Every landlord is required to maintain the pave
ment opposite his premises, and the consequence is very little
uniformity in the styles of the work, excepting all are very bad.
The surface is constantly broken up for repairs. I have never
seen more than two or three men engaged at one place, and as
these work in the Russian style, the re-laying of a section
opposite to our house occupies many days. The gutters are at
the middle of the streets. Along the Nevskoi, which is a
'broad and beautiful street, more than two miles long, a carriage
can hardly go more than an eighth of a mile without being
.turned off by the barricades of workmen who are tearing up
and re-laying the pavements. The Nevskoi corresponds to
Broadway in New York. It is generally eight rods wide, and
has flne sidewalks. Next to these come the carriage drives.

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 219
which are about forty feet broad, separated by the shallow
gutter through which carriages have continually to pass from
one side to the other. There appears to be a drain under this
gutter, but so flat as to be of no service in carrying off filth.
Water runs through it till the mud and garbage monopolize its
whole space, and then it is opened from the top and its foul
contents are thrown out upon the surface and carted away.
The plan of drainage in other streets is substantially the same.
Several canals, or rather small artificial water -courses, leading
across the city from the river above, and uniting with it again
below, seem to serve the three -fold purpose of furnishing the
neighboring inhabitants with what little water they use, bearing
small boats for carrying wood and provisions from the river
barges to yards and warehouses situated on their banks, and
for receiving the contents of the street sewers.
" I learn that the streets are cleaned in the Same manner as
they are repaired. Each landlord is required to furnish a quota
of service at night. Our landlady sends a servant from the
kitchen department every third night to work on the streets.
These men being mostly slaves, are summarily whipped the
next morning, if found asleep during the night. A poor fellow
in our street had to undergo this punishment last week and all
the serfs belonging in the precinct were summoned to be
present and witness what they may expect under like circum
stances. " I called at the Merchants' Exchange, during the hour of
business, between five and six o'clock. The building is delight
fully situated, on the north bank of the river, commanding a
fine view of the shipping, and looking upon the Palace, the

DANIEL L. HARRIS.

Admiralty, the Citadel, and many other objects of interest.
The Exchange room is perhaps one hundred by sixty feet, and
was well filled with merchants of a great variety of nationality.
Business was conducted in a quiet, orderly manner^ there was
nothing like auction sales, but transactions were in every
description of merchandise, not excepting tobacco and cigars.
Here I saw Steiglitz, the great money king of St. Petersburg.
He is a good - looking, well - built man, of forty years, with a
sharp eye and a resolute expression. He stood in one spot
during the entire session, holding a note - book and pencil, into
which he affected to be looking intently ; but I saw no memo
randa made, and came to the conclusion that it was either a
dull day with him, or that the book served only to help him
appear busy. Other people carae continually to report or ask
him questions, which were answered in monosyllables. This
man is said to be worth some 6,000,000 rubles, and to have the
absolute control of the money market. He fixes the rate of
exchange each day, and no transactions are made till his views
are known. He has been in the habit of negotiating largely
for the government, and the Emperor, upon the occasion of
attempting his last loan, took occasion to try a fresh hand at
the business. The consequence was that the loan failed to be
carried out, and the government is distressed. There is to be
a new loan offered soon, and great hope is expressed that
Steiglitz will be the person selected to negotiate it.
June II. — I joined a party and went to the Admiralty build
ing. There is a fine view of the city from this point. While
up there a funeral procesion passed in Alexander's Plain below
us. It was of the better class and I had the curiosity to note

DANIEL L. HARRIS.

the order of the procession. First came ten persons dressed
in black robes and shockingly bad hats, with broad slouching
brims, who carried lanterns on poles and walked in two lines
about a rod apart. The persons in each line were also between
one and two rods from each. other. .After these came a more
compact company of twenty boys and young men, who were
the hired singers. Then two priests followed, and after them
the hearse, drawn by four horses in charge Of two grooms.
Beside the horses were two other bearers of lanterns and four
attendants, *ho were probably in charge of the body. There
was also a driver, seated in the usual position. Seven carriages
followed in the train, of which three were apparently well
filled and the rear four were quite erapty.
June 12.— -To-day is Whit Sunday and has been celebrated
as a high holiday. A company of us went in the morning to
Trinity Church and remained about there for several hours.
At one o'clock the Emperor came to review the troops whose
barracks are in that vicinity and afterwards to attend service.
The crowd of people was very great, but fortunately we secured
a good standing place and had a fair view of His Majesty, who
is a good looking man.
" About noon a fire broke out in a quarter of the city, not far
from the Moscow Railroad station, and has raged all the after
noon and evening. Not less than 150 houses have been
destroyed, and rumor fixes the loss of life among the firemen
at fifteen men. The inefficiency of the fire apparatus and of
the firemen is a disgrace even to Russian civilization. The
engines are scarcely better than those used in America for
watering plants iri a garden. The parade made in going to a

DANIEL L. HARRIS.

flre is perfectly ludicrous. First a herald gallops ahead on
horseback, to announce the approach of a company. Then
comes the Captain, in an elegant barouche, drawn by three
horses abreast. He is clad in full military uniform and carries
a long sword at his side. After him follows the engine with
several men standing upon a platform wagon drawn by two or
three horses. The platform is just large enough for ten men
to get around the brakes. Next in order is a load of men and
after them about four small barrels, mounted on as many wag
ons, for bringing water from the river, each wagon drawn by
two horses. In going to a fire the horses are driven at a cruel
and break - neck rate of speed and it is no uncommon thing for
some of them to fall down and die from being over -driven.
Arrived at the fire the raen are about as little use as the horses.
Nothing can be done without orders from the dignitaries, who
may be in the next street sitting in their carriages, and the
orders are passed down through subordinates. The men have
no courage to work, seeing that the officers are so entirely above
it, and the fire is allowed to burn on, without help or hindrance,
further than as a general thing to break out the windows and
cut holes in the roof so as to hasten its progress, and Lf possible
throw all the sofas, looking-glasses and tables from the windows
of the upper stories, in order to leave the flames as littie food
as possible. These proceedings struck me at first as very
singular, but on reflecting that the littie garden pumps and kegs
of water can do nothing towards wetting out a fire, it seems
philosophical to give the flames a djaft and have the building
burnt out as freely as possible, in order to prevent the walls
from being much injured by intense heat, which they would

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 223
acquire in a fire of more duration. I counted the strokes of
the engine, and found the number to be twenty per minute.
The streams thrown would not go off on a horizontal line
more than thirty or forty feet from the end of the hose, and it
is very difficult to throw one of them into a second -story
window. There are some thirteen or fourteen of the fire
brigades, each one having from twenty to twenty -five elegant
horses, and they make a grand show in rushing towards a fire ;
but I would prefer one good engine and fire company, such as
they have in Boston, to the whole force of the St. Petersburg
department. The officers of the brigade appear to have no
idea of a good fire company or of good fire apparatus, and
they certainly do not know enough to use good machinery if
they had it. As to the men, they care nothing about the fires,
any way, excepting that they would rather prefer to get along
without them, for the reason that they would have less work to
do. It is said the Emperor always attends a fire when in town.
Probably the reason of his doing it is a wish to attach great
importance to it and stimulate the firemen with the hope that
their conduct may be noticed and rewarded. If I could have
an opportunity to talk freely with him for an hour, and convert
him to my way of thinking, I would make trouble for some of
those who now get their living out of the government without
rendering any equivalent in work or wit. I would, of course,
recommend him to employ a smart Yankee as Chief Engineer
of the fire department, and import enough men of the same
stock to man an English or American engine, and thus show
the present managers how little they know."

224 DANIEL L. HARRLS.
Shortly after returning to St. Petersburg from the inspection
of the bridges of the St. Petersburg and Moscow Railroad,
Mr. Harris made his report, and the government indicated its
intention of appointing a commission to carry his recommend
ations into effect. It was written in that clear, comprehensive
style so characteristic of Mr. Harris, and it is evident that it
gave great satisfaction. A few days later he received a draft
on London for a larger amount than he had named as compen
sation, in addition to one covering his expenses. In-his journal
is found this statement : '' What gratified me still more was a
very handsome letter of thanks to Mrs. Harris for having
cheerfully consented to my coming abroad, accompanied by a
token of respect to be conveyed to her. My gratitude could
not, for the moment, find a fitting utterance. I felt proud of
having a wife worthy of such a compliment." The " token of
respect " was a valuable saphire surrounded with diamonds.
Before leaving St. Petersburg he had a model made of a
wood hut, such as the serfs live in ; and this, with all the tools
used in building — a double handle saw, broad -ax, hammer,
and keg of nails, was sent to America, and can now be seen in
the Museum connected with the Springfield City Library,
together with other articles which he purchased before and
after leaving St. Petersburg.
Having purchased tickets for Helsingfors, for himself and
Mr. Baker, he left St. Petersburg June 24, for Finland, Sweden
and Denmark, after a stay of little more than a hionth. He
intended to take a steamer direct for Stockholm ; but it having
been withdrawn from the line for repairs, he took the steamer

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 225
running to Helsingfors, where he remained five days. From
there he went by steamer to Abo, and thence by another boat
to Stockholm, where he arrived July 2d. He remained here
until the 6th, and under date of July 4th he wrote in his
journal : " This is the first time I ever spent the ' Glorious
Fourth ' out of my own country. It being the anniversary of
the King's birth, it has been observed here as a holiday, and
given us an excellent opportunity to look about among the
people." From Stockholm he went by steamer to Copenhagen, stop
ping on the way a short time at Gottenberg. At Copenhagen
he called on a collector of antiquities and purchased a large
variety of articles, which he sent to America by Captain Fair
banks, of the ship George Green, which was soon to sail for
Boston. They also form part of the collection on exhibition
in the Museum at the City Library.
From Copenhagen he went by cars to Hamburg. After this
he visited Baden Baden, Cologne, Berne, Zurich, Lucerne,
Grindelwald and Geneva. From Geneva he went to Paris,
arriving August 13th, just in time to witness the return of
Napoleon's victorious army. He wrote in his journal : —
" The ride to Paris has been exceedingly tedious, owing to
our train getting behind time and occupying twenty -four hours
in coming through. Spent the time from two to six this after
noon in looking for lodgings, all the hotels being full, on
account of the coming fetes. Finally took a room near the
Louvre, in a low, miserable, dirty tavern, where I must make
the best of it till next week. Hundreds of strangers will have
no beds to-night. Paris is full.
29

226 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
"August 14. — After a miserable night of quarreling with
bed-bugs and fleas, I found my way into the street early this
morning, and after taking a bowl of coffee and a roll of bread,
I went to the Boulevards to see the grand entry of the army.
Not a very proper occupation for the Sabbath ! I remained
some hours at a window, where I paid six dollars for the priv
ilege of looking out. The spectacle was very grand and
iraposing. Louis Napoleon headed the procession. The
wounded that could walk carae in a body. The Austrian
cannon were duly paraded (thirty -six in number). Several
Austrian flags, taken at Solferino, were borne in triumph. The
companies of Zouaves and Turcos gave great interest to the
procession, in the eyes of all foreigners. The raen belonging
to these corps look bloodthirsty. They dress in such a way as
to suggest the idea of brigands. The shaving of the fore part
of the head does somewhat to make them look like demons.
It is said that three companies turned the battle at Solferino.
Among them are many jet-black Negroes; most of them I
judge to be Arabs. The number of troops in the procession
was between seventy and eighty thousand, and it took five or
six hours for thera to pass before the Emperor. A smart
shower, towards the close, made it uncomfortable for the
soldiers, but was exceedingly grateful to those who had the
good fortune to be sheltered. The city is full of animation,
to-night. I wish there was one less stranger in it, so that I
might have a chance of getting - a bed with no bugs. But I
must meet them with courage, and conquer them if I can."
About two weeks were spent in visiting the principal objects
of interest in Paris. Then he went to Havre, Ventnor, Londoti',

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 227
Dublin, Cork and Liverpool. September loth he sailed from
the latter place, for Boston, in the Arabia, and had a somewhat
rough but not altogether unpleasant passage. The steamer
stopped at Halifax, and then sailed direct to Boston. The
following is the last entry he made in his journal : —
"September 22. — As soon as it was fairly light we were
called up to prepare for going ashore. By seven o'clock the
Arabia had touched the wharf, and half an hour later the
Custom House officer had dismissed our baggage and we were
in a carriage bound to the station, where we were so fortunate
as to arrive in ample season for the morning express train.
Reached home at noon, finding faraily all well, and with grati
tude to God for a prosperous journey and safe return."

SUBSEQUENT TRIPS TO EUROPE.
His second trip to Europe was in 1874, when he went to
London, to assist in making a sale of the right to use the
vacuum brake upon English railroads. He sailed from New
York August ist, in the steamer Samaria, of the Cunard line.
His daughter Lillie and daughter-in-law Ida, accompanied him.
On landing at Liverpool they went direct to London, where
they spent a few days, and then went to Paris. A week was
occupied in sight -seeing in the French capital, and. on the 5 th
of September they returned to London, where they remained
a week or more, visiting places of note and interest. Sep
tember 15 th they sailed, for home, in the Bavaria, Samuel
Bowles and Chester W. Chapin, of Springfield, coming in the
steamer with them. His last visit to the Old Worid was in

2 28 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
1877, when he went out to get rest from business cares. He
sailed from New York July i8th, in the Scythia, and was accom
panied by his wife, his daughters Lillie and Etta, and Rev. Dr.
Buckingham ; but he received no permanent relief. In his
trips across the Atlantic he always went by the Cunard steam
ers, regarding them as the safest.

GLIMPSES OF CALIFORNIA.
President Grant, in March, 1869, appointed Mr. Harris a
Govemment Director of the Union Pacific Railroad. This
was unsolicited by hira, and in fact, he never knew who
suggested his narae to the President. He held the office one
year, and during that time he saw enough to convince him that
the corapany was wastefully and extravagantly managed. July
loth he left Springfield to make an examination of the road,
and before his return he continued his journey to California,
his son accompanying him. This was his first visit to the
Pacific coast, and he was absent until September. On his way
out he stopped at Salt Lake, to see the Mormons, and while
in California visited Sacramento, San Francisco, the Yosemite
Valley and the Big Trees.
May i6,« 1872, Mr. and Mrs. Harris left Springfield for a
visit to California. They were accompanied by a large party
of friends. At Salt Lake City they called on Brigham Young,
who entertained the company with a description of the rail
road and mining interests. He related the fact that when
Fremont went across the country to the West he saw and

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 229
examined the north end of Salt Lake, and that in returning he
crossed the' south end of Unitah Lake, and jumping at a hasty
conclusion that the latter was the same body of water as the
former, he was in great perplexity to account for the existence
of a lake of which one end was very salt and the other perfectly
fresh. The principal places of interest were visited, in Cali
fornia, including a trip to the Yosemite. On the return the
party left the Union Pacific Railroad at Cheyenne, and went to
Denver,* Idaho Springs, and some of the mining towns.
Retuming to Denver they took the Kansas Pacific Railroad for
St. Louis, and reached Springfield July 12th.

CALLED TO WASHINGTON.
When the war of the Rebellion was in progress Mr. Harris
received a telegram from Secretary Stanton, requesting his
immediate presence in Washington. He left at once, and upon
his arrival there lost no time in calling upon the Secretary.
Mr. Stanton said that he wished to build a road for the army
to pass over, in its movements before Richmond, and that he
had requested Amasa Stone to take charge of it ; but owing to
the condition of his health he could not. Mr. Stone had
recommended Mr. Harris, and now he wanted him to do the
work. To this Mr. Harris replied, that there was such a
diversity of business interests depending upon him at home,
that he could not give his consent without further deliberation.
The great Secretary, in his peremptory manner said : " You
must ; we want some one who is loyal, and whom we can tmst."
Mr. Harris explained further his business interests, and said

230 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
he should be glad to help the Government, but he must go
home and decide. He returned to Springfield, and after
arranging his affairs telegraphed his acceptance. No response
carae, and then he wrote. No answer to his letter was received ;
but knowing the great pressure of business upon the Secretary,
he deemed it best to go at once to Washington. He found the
office besieged with callers, but after long waiting he was
admitted to the presence of Mr. Stanton. He stated to him
that he had come prepared to accede to his request. Mr.
Stanton then stated that General Haupt, the former engineer
of the Hoosac Tunnel, but now in the employ of the Govern
ment, was at the head of that service, and that Mr. Harris
would be under him. To this Mr. Harris replied that he would
not like to make any mistakes, and if he undertook the "job,"
wouM rather be at the head of it, to direct it himself. Mr.
Stanton said he might return home, and he would call him
again ; but he heard nothing more of it.

THE CLUB.
Some twenty years or more ago a number of professional
and business men, mostly of Springfield, at the suggestion of
the late Chief Justice Chapman, met and organized under the
name of "The Club," and held a meeting every Monday even
ing, at the house of some one of the members, during the
winter months, for consultation and discussion. It was limited
to sixteen members, and vacancies caused by death or resig
nation, could be filled by unanimous consent. • Mr. Harris
was an active member, up to his last sickness, and took great

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 231
pleasure in the meetings. Lawyers, ministers, doctors, business
men and others met together and contributed of their store of
information. The members were allowed each a few minutes
to talk on any subject that might suggest itself. Then a single
topic was taken up and discussed during the remainder of the
evening. Mr. Harris talked of his business experiences, or of
some matter of practical value, which had come under his
observation during the week. He always had something to
say, and his remarks received close attention. The last meet
ing which he attended was held in the afternoon, at the house .
of Mr. Atwater, a fevv weeks before he died. The members
were called together more particularly to meet Mr. Harris. All
were highly entertained with his conversation, which was largely
upon his sickness. He seemed to regard the crisis as having
passed, and that he was really getting better. He dwelt, to
some extent, upon the mental condition he was in while coming
back to reality, after his serious attack in the winter. " Every
thing," he said, " seemed very strange, and I could not realize
that I was at home. One day I asked the servant, ' Where ara
I ? My wife and daughters tell me I am at home ; but I- know
I ara not, and now I want you to tell me where I am.' 'Why,
•Mr. Harris,' she said, 'you are at home.' 'Oh, no, I am not;
you must tell me where I am.' The delusion gradually wore
away, until I gained perfect consciousness of the reality of
everything." It was a delightful June afternoon, and Mr.
Harris and the others, who had come to meet him, enjoyed the
occasion exceedingly. They felt that he was by no means
restored to health, although he took a hopeful view of his own
condition. Still, no one realized that they were holding the

232 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
last meeting with him, and that he was so soon to pass beyond
the boundaries of this life. The effort he made on this occa
sion was too much of a tax upon his vital forces, and he
returned home considerably wearied, though greatly delighted
with the meeting.

HIS BUSINESS SUCCESS.
As a business man Mr. Harris was more than ordinarily
successful. In fact, with his habits of industry and economy,
he could hardly have failed to win success. There were, it is
true, circumstances attending his early life, which measurably
aided him to reach the road which led to fortune. He was
fortunate in having a father who guided his steps in youth, gave
him a good education, and directed him towards a profession
which was soon to be called to take part in important works.
There was no aimless purpose with him. He was trained and
educated for a specific duty ; and, stepping upon the threshold
of life just at the time when the country needed railroads, he
was peculiarly fortunate in having that education and skill
which was soon to be so greatly in demand. But it is due to
him to say that he was wise enough to improve the opportunity,
and had those qualifications which would have made him
successful under less favoring circumstances. He was careful
and wise in judgment, and made it a duty to live within his
income, so the end of each year found him better off than he
was at the beginning. He had no spirit of speculation, and
whenever he bought stocks or other property it was with the

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 233
view of a permanent investment. His gains came not as the
result of speculative enterprises, but from wise investments,
from which there was to be a sure income. In this way, and
by constant labor, he secured a competence, which he left to
his wife. The declaration made to her before they were
married, " The love and worldly goods which I possess shall
all be yours, now and hereafter," was never forgotten, and his
will was made in accordance with it. He had a feeling that
the law, in many cases, made an equitable distribution of an
estate. He never had a desire to place restrictions upon a
just distribution of his property, and he left it all to his wife.
His will was made two years before he went to Russia, and he
had no wish to make any change afterward. It was drawn by
the late Chief Justice R. A. Chapman, under date of March
30, 1857, and is as follows : —
I, Daniel L. Harris, of Springfield, in the County of Hampden, Massa
chusetts, do make and publish my last will and testament, as follows, viz. :
I give and devise all the estate which I shall leave at the time of my decease
to my wife, leaving to her the support and education of our children, and
requesting, also, that she will aid Mrs. 'White, the mother-in-law of H. G.
Amadon, so as to secure to her a comfortable support during her life ; and
I appoint my wife the executrix of this, my last will and testament.
Dated at Springfield, the 30th day of March, A. D. 1857. D. L. Harris.
Signed and published in presence of us : — N. A. Leonard.
Edward A. Hayden.
R. A. Chapman.
When the will was presented for probate, Mrs. Harris, feeling
that the care of the property would be too great a work, declined
the tmst of executrix, and, at her request, letters of adminis
tration with the will attached were issued to her and her son,
Azariah B. Harris.
30

234 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
HIS CHILDREN.
He had eleven children born to him, seven of whom are
still living : —
Edgar Lester, bom July 26, 1844. Died December 9, 1846.
Twin Daughters, born August 9, 1846. Died August 10,
1846. Corinne, bom August 31, 1848. Married Edward S.
Brewer, June 2, 1869.
Harriet Buckingham, bom September 15, 1850. Died
November 2, 1852.
Azariah Boody, born March 8, 1853. Married Ida Kibbee,
July 4, 1874.
S. Jeannie, born April 26, 1854. Married Henry K. Baker,
September 24, 1879.
Lillie Johnston, born January 26, 1856.
Ambia Corson, born May 28, 1859.
Henrietta Clark, born June 20, 1861.
Cornelia Hawkins, born July 10, 1866.

HIS RELIGIOUS CONNECTIONS.
The duties and responsibilities of life were by no one more
deeply felt and considered than by Mr. Harris. He was
eminentiy religious in his feelings, without being superstitious
and bigoted. When he came to Springfield lo live he attended
the First Church, but subsequentiy joined the South Church,
and continued his connection with it to the close of his life.
He was a member of Judge Chapman's Bible -class for several

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 235

years, until the Judge left the city, and then he became its
teacher. His explanations of obscure passages were always
plain and forcible, and the many young and elderly people who
were at various times members of his class, look back with
pleasure upon their connection with it. In the latter part of
187 1 he moved, with others, for a better place of worship, and
went earnestly into the work of soliciting funds for a new
church edifice. He gave liberally of his own means, and was
instramental in securing many subscriptions to the building
fund. He was appointed a member of the building commit
tee ; but as a more expensive building than to him seemed wise
was generally desired, he withdrew from it. He, however,
continued to give such advice and assistance as was needed,
and maintained friendly interest in the work until the building
was finished.

TRAITS OF CHARACTER.
To those who met Mr. Harris for a special purpose, he
appeared gifted as a talker. His statements were clothed in
language which conveyed his precise meaning, and were made
without hesitation ; but in reality his conversational powers
were not large. He could state a fact clearly, and easily
express any conclusion he had drawn from it ; but he could not
entertain a company, as an after-dinner talker. He needed
the inspiration of a great cause to quicken his thoughts. He
seldom made a set speech, before a public audience ; but when
called out on any question to which he had previously given
thought, he could talk well. In this way he often surprised his

236 DANIEJ. L. HARRIS.
friends with his array of facts and the diversity of his informa
tion. Rev. William Rice states that the best speech he ever
heard him make was at the jail in Springfield. He went with
Mr. Rice, who was to address the prisoners, to attend a Sunday
service. Mr. Rice asked Mr. Harris to speak. His reply was,
" Oh, no ; I can't. I never talk." Mr. Rice then suggested
chat he say a few words on the law of habit. Mr. Harris
finally consented, and for a considerable time spoke with great
effect. Instead of showing how men, step by step, from habit
go down, he took the opposite side, and presented to the
prisoners the way to overcome evil habits — how men turn
from evil to good. "It may be hard, at first," he said, "to
say no ; but the second time it comes easier, and finally it
requires no effort. In this way men turn from evil ways and
come to act rightly, rising to usefulness and correct living.''
His taste for literature leaned strongly towards the substan
tial, frora which he could gain information. That which only
served to amuse had no interest to him. Scientific information
was always treasured, for the benefit it might be to him in the
future. His early letters showed considerable sentiment and
poetic feeling ; but later in life he was too much absorbed in
business to cultivate and develope any taste in that direction.
He was peculiarly a matter-of-fact man in his business life,
and the real and substantial in literature and science pleased
him more than any rhetorical display or figure of speech.
In business he was active and aggressive, and whatever he
found for his hands to do he took hold of with all his ' might.
He was ready for a conflict whenever he considered the occa
sion demanded it, and the deterrained spirit which he mani-

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 237
fested often misled his opponents and the public, who knew of
him only through the newspapers, or from the reports of those
who opposed his measures. It has been supposed that such a
man must of necessity carry the sarae spirit to his home. In
this instance nothing could be farther from the truth. No one
enjoyed his family more than he, or could be more yielding to
their wants and wishes. The cares of business were laid aside
when he left his office, and there came that genial flow of good
feeling which made his home agreeable and delightful to all.
He entered heartily into whatever interested his family. His
wife bears this testimony of him : " I lived with him thirty -six
years, and until he was sick I do not remeraber that I ever saw
him impatient. He never spoke a harsh word to rae, or com
plained of anything which I did. He was often very much in
earnest, but I should never call him impulsive. He seemed to
think twice, always, before speaking."
His stature was five feet seven inches, and his weight, when
in good health, was 155 pounds. His eyes were gray, and his
hair, in early manhood, was a dark brown. There was no
attempt at display in his personal appearance. He was always
neatly but plainly dressed. Before his marriage his father
selected all the material for his clothing, and afterward his wife
did it for him. He valued durability, and would say, " What
ever is cheap at the beginning is dear in the end." He had no
knowledge of the quality of cloth, and trusted everything to
his wife, who, when she considered he needed a new suit, would
send the tailor to "hunt him down" in his business and take
his measure. He would say, "Now, don't give me anything
'dandy' — something plain and of dark color."

238 DANIEL L. HARRLS.
He was remarkably systematic in all his affairs. Papers
relating to every business transaction were carefully preserved,
and placed where he could find them at any time. When he
went to college he made an inventory of every article in his
possession, including clothing, books, etc., which is still among
his papers. His accounts, at that time, were kept with strict
accuracy, and they show the nature of each purchase. He did
not believe in charging even small items as " sundries." He
began keeping a journal while in college, entering only the
important occurrences. This habit he kept up, to a considera
ble extent, through life. When he went away on a journey he
kept a record of all his experiences and observations.
Wastefulness, wherever he saw it, even in comparatively
unimportant matters, annoyed him exceedingly. He used to
say, " Save that you may be liberal." " This careless, wasteful
spirit," he once said, "is exceedingly unpleasant to me.
Nothing distresses me more than to see a servant, when she
lights a fire, ignite two matches at a time, when one is all that
is needed." He was by no means penurious. Whatever was
necessary was right — beyond that all that was used he regarded
as a waste, and whoever showed wastefulness in small things
Was sure to in larger ones.
Mr. Harris was not what might have been called a humorous
man, though he appreciated keen wit. He could not see any
fun, where most others could. He never made puns or jokes ;
could not bear mimicry or imitation, and never encouraged it
in any member of his family. He was choice in the use of
language, and never uttered anything that even sounded like
an oath. He never used a by -word or slang phrase, and

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 239
" fudge " was the strongest term he used to express the utmost
contempt. The rabble which gathered at his house and made such an
unseemly demonstration, on a Fourth of July night, did not
disturb him from any fear he had of the destruction of his
property. He felt that it was an insult to his family, and that
did more to wound his feelings than all else.
He never used tobacco in any form, having promised his
father, in early youth, that he would not ; and he never formed
the habit of taking intoxicating drinks. He never spent any
time idling in saloons and bar-rooms. His motto in regard to
forming any bad habit was this : " It is much easier not to
begin than it is to break off."
He placed great confidence in those who had expressed
friendship and given evidence of sincerity. Nothing grieved
him more than to find himself betrayed by one in whom he
had confided.
Scrawling, illegible penmanship annoyed him. He once sent
word to a telegraph operator, who wrote very poorly, " Learn to
write better, or give up your place."
A clumsy, bungling workman disturbed his sensibility. He
would say to him, " Have you a clear idea, sir, of what you are
doing?" The care of household affairs he left to Mrs. Harris, who
made all the purchases, even to the horses, carriages and
harnesses. When his children asked a favor of him, he would say, " Ask
Mother;" or, if he did not think best to grant it, "Mother
won't let us."

240 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
The people he could not excuse were those who exercised no
self-control, and those who did not dare to act lest they should
excite adverse criticism. With hira it was, "This is right,
and I will act upon it." " This is wrong, and I will not do it."
The resolution once made, no influence could be brought to
bear which was strong enough to induce him to change, and he
had no sympathy with those who would not act in accordance
with their own convictions.

CONCLUSION.
The true Puritan spirit was largely represented in Mr.
Harris's life and example, and the good such men do cannot
be measured by the generation familiar with their works. The
world counts success only from immediate results ; but the
success which endures is that which Comes with the maturity of
time. The seed of a principle is sown to- day — to-morrow it
takes root, and with the increase of years it becomes a light
and a blessing to all. With Mr. Harris there was no covering
up — no putting the best side to the public gaze. He was
plain and simple as a child, and the conflicts he waged were
the conflicts of ideas. He had a principle in view which to
him seemed of great importance, and he could see no other
way than to contend for it, without regard to the cost of time
and the good opinions of those who differed with him. When
he had reached a conclusion it was so clear to him that he was
impatient because others could not see it as clearly as himself.
To hira it had become an established fact, — one which would
not admit of argument ; and it was often this earnestness, born

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 241
of conviction, which excited opposition and led men to mis
judge his motives. Unlike the cunning ancl plausible diplomat,
he approached his opponents by direct lines — he carried the
enemies' works by storra rather than by maneuvers and flank
movements. It is not at all strange that such a raan should
have had opponents and heated contests, when there were so
raany who had selfish ends in view. In no sense did Mr.
Harris seek personal triumphs. There was to him a principle
involved, which concerned the good of the coramunity or those
who had placed a trust in his keeping, which he had pledged
his word to protect. He was not a quarrelsome man — on the
contrary, quite the reverse. There was no contention from the
mere love of it. He protested because he regarded others in
the wrong.
His life was full of activity and usefulness — a bright and
shining example ; and his good name will be as a rich inheri
tance to the coming generations bound to him by the ties of
kindred.

31

LETTERS TO HIS BROTHER.

WHEN Mr. Harris turned aside from his college life
and went into the practical, every-day affairs of busi
ness, science ancl literature lost one who would have been a
bright and shining example. He had that spirit of untiring
research for first principles which would have given him
eminence in a broader field, had he entered into a closer
investigation of the truths which underlie all great first causes.
Had he chosen the law for a profession, he would have taken
rank with the leading jurists of the land. In arguriient he
would have gone to the bottom and planted himself on solid
foundations. His analytical mind would have led him to distin
guish the difference between the apparent and the real. If he
had taken up the pen, as a writer or journalist, he would have
gained a constituency as wide as our country. Clearness of
statement was what he aimed at, and he endeavored to clothe
his thoughts in plain and simple language — using such words
as would convey his precise meaning. He wrote frequent letters
to his friends, between the ages of eighteen and twenty -five
years, and many of them are still in existence. ' To show

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 243

something of his style of composition in youth, and for the
sake of preserving them in a more enduring forra, the letters
written to his brother William when in college, and soon after
going out as a civil engineer, are printed in "this connection.
Considering that they were written at a time before he had seen
much of the world, and that they are the private letters of one
brother to another, they are quite remarkable for the display of
ability : —

Wesleyan University, October 8, 1836.
Dear Brother William : —
It was with feelings of great pleasure that I read yours of
the 25th ult., informing me of your progress in your different
branches of study. It was my duty to have written you several
days ago, but circumstances have been such as to render it
inconvenient, and induce me to postpone it from time to time,
till to-day. Your success in Latin ancl algebra has fully
equaled, and in truth rather surpassed, my expectations. I
trast you have gone over the algebra, thus far, with a firra and
unwavering resolution to leave no strong -hold unconquered.
Reraeraber that a single principle left in obscurity now, will be
a cause of perplexity to you in every advancing step ; that you
will have to turn back and go over the same ground anew,
before you can prosecute future inquiries with success.
Remember that it may be the means of exciting a prejudice in
your mind against the whole train of mathematical sciences,
and cause you to throw them aside in despair, and so deprive
you of the ten thousand advantages and enjoyments to be
derived from their perasal. I know, indeed, the great effort

244 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
required for comprehending and retaining the principles there
laid down. I know, and I presume you can bear witness to
the fact, that the knowledge of algebra, as of every other
branch of education, is to be acquired only by perseverance
and industry. But let me tell you one thing that may be some
encouragement to you, if you do not know it already. Probably
you have sometiraes thought that there were so many things to
be remembered, so many surds, coefficients, exponents and signs
to be understood, and so many mysterious changes which may
be made upon the letters and quantities, that it would be
impossible for you to become so well acquainted with them as
to keep them all in your mind and be able to recollect them
afterwards. But you will find hereafter that all these difficulties
will vanish, and that the whole is built upon a few simple and
immutable principles. You will look back upon it, as you now
do upon a spelling-book, and wonder what it was that formerly
appeared so much like rugged mountains in your course. Many
times, after getting through with a difficult proposition, I have
looked back upon it and wondered how a thing apparently so
simple could have occasioned me so much perplexity. Many
of the difficulties which appear to persons studying algebra are
conjured up by the imagination, when they first commence the
study. You say you find the Latin a very interesting study, and I
am really glad to hear it. Although you do not tell me how
you like algebra, yet I hope, and from your progress I really
believe, you find it equally interesting. At any rate, let me
entreat of you, never for one moment suffer a dislike of it to
spring up in your mind. When you find yourself beset with

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 245
diflSculty on every hand, and almost ready to despair, then take
new courage, in the recollection that if you can but conquer,
you will receive ample reward from a present feeling of inward
satisfaction, and that hereafter you may realize a hundred fold
recompense in the pursuit of the higher branches of mathe
matics, which, as I have told you before, can never be prosecuted
successfully without a thorough knowledge of algebra. Perhaps
you may think me a little extravagant in my remarks upon this
subject ; but if so, I hope you will apply to some one who has
had the pleasure of pursuing the mathematics, and get his
opinions. Ask him what pleasure he derived from the propo
sitions of geometry, the demonstrations of trigonometry, and
the problems of mensuration. Inquire what were his feelings
when he was told, and saw it proved, that light might be
separated into seven different colors. Ask him if he felt an
internal pleasure in learning the causes and principles of the
rainbpw. Let him tell you, if he can, the sublime emotions
which he realized in contemplating the order and regularity
with which the heavenly bodies pursue their courses through
space ; the astounding velocity with which they move ; and the
unerring precision which attends man's calculations respecting
them. You speak of having formed a debating society. I am really
glad to hear of it, as I think the advantages to be derived from
that source are among the most important in education. I
must recommend to 'you to pursue this subject with spirit and
determination. You will, at first, perhaps, with all your effort,
find yourself able to say only a few words upon a subject in
debate ; you may at first feel an embarrassment in rising to

246 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
speak, but be not discouraged. The little that you can say will
do you as much good as the long speeches of those more
advanced will do them. Remember that a child creeps before
he can walk. Study every question proposed for discussion,
and take every proper opportunity for speaking. Listen to the
speeches of the other members, and see what course each one
takes to establish his side of the question. Above all, pay
strict attention to writing compositions. Strive to make eaqh
one appear better than the preceding. Mark every error which
raay be pointed out to you, and strive to avoid it in your next
composition. I hope you will, ere long, write again and tell
me how you succeed in the various branches, etc., etc.
Your brother,
Daniel L. Harris.

Wesleyan University, December 13, 1836.
Dear Brother William : —
I was much gratified with the reception of yours of the 7th
inst., though I was really grieved at some of the news which it
was your painful duty to communicate ; and I hasten to dispatch
an answer before the commenceraent of the term, as I fear I
may not then find time. From what I had heard of Uncle
William I had reason to hope and believe he had become a
reformed raan, and when I read your account of his conduct
my astonishment was almost inexpressible. I had hoped his
past experience would suffice to convince him of the folly of
pursuing the course he has chosen to follow, but now I am

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 247
ready to despair of ever again seeing him raised to a standing
of respectability. I think father must be very much pained at
the sight of a brother thus degraded, after all his efforts to
elevate him in society and set him up in the world.
You give me an account of your progress in Latin and
algebra, and desire my opinion of your success. Without
wishing to flatter you in the least, I must say I think you have
got along very well, and fully as well as I expected. Mr.
Cutler's remark is very true. I had advanced no farther, if so
far, in the same length of tirae. I was pleased to hear that
you had gone over with this interesting branch with the truly
commendable resolution, " to leave nothing unconquered
behind." Doubtless you have received pleasure sufficient to
repay all your exertions, leaving out of the question the immense
benefit derived from the exercise and discipline of your mental
powers. I look back with a great deal of satisfaction to the
period when I was studying algebra ; and I may add, I have
never since pursued any science which gave me a more solid
and lasting intellectual enjoyment. In looking over your letter
I notice the remark : " I like the study, and find it very inter
esting." I will only say, go ahead ; the more you know of it
the more you will like it. It contains hidden beauties, which
are not discovered till after a long acquaintance and close
intimacy with it.
I am pleased with your progress in Latin. I will send the
Virgil and Dictionary by Saturday's mail. In the Dictionary
two leaves are wanting. You will find a small book under the
cover which contains the absent words. You say you have paid
considerable attention to composition, and I must not only add

DANIEL L. HARRIS.

with you that I think nothing has been lost by so doing, but
that much has been gained thereby. The difference between
your two letters to me is ample testimony to the great improve
ment you have made in this most essential branch of education.
Be assured, time properly spent in the exercise of composition
is never wasted.
I am sorry to hear that your debating club is dissolved, and
I would advise you to use your efforts to renew it as soon as it
may be practicable. Such clubs, rightly conducted, are
extremely useful. We have one here, which is kept secret, to
which I belong. It consists of twelve members, and we have
meetings once a week. Besides this, I belong, as you know, to
a larger society. I think I can learn more from the smaller
society than from the larger, because, since the members are
much fewer, we have more opportunity for speaking. I suppose
you see ray letters to father, and of course it would be useless
for me to repeat to you the list of studies in which I am
engaged. With your book I shall send a small work on natural '
philosophy for Mary. I met with it in a book -store, the other
evening, and was so much pleased with it that I immediately
purchased. I think it will do her a great deal of good, if
properly studied. If you can find time, I would advise you to
read it, as possibly you raay find soraething explained there
which you do not already understand. But if you do under
stand all of thera, certainly it can do you no harm to read the
book. My health is good. Write again when you can make it
convenient. Your brother,
D. L. Harris.

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 249
Wesleyan University, February 8, 1837.
Dear Brother William : —
It has come to pass, in the process of time, on the 8th day
of February, and about the seventh hour of the day, that I
have taken my place before a desk, for the purpose of address
ing you a few words, in reply to a letter of yours written about
six weeks since. Whether to begin with something about
comets, shooting stars, northern lights, Martin Van Buren or
geometry, I am at a loss. There now, I am glad I have not
said anything about either of these, for another subject has
just popped into my head, which will be equally as, if not more,
interesting to you. I believe you said something about attend
ing a dancing- school, and asked me what I thought of it ; but
it was so long ago you 'will hardly thank me now for answering
your question. I think I can say I am inclined to the opinion
that schools of this kind are highly beneficial to those who
attend them with good motives. It is a great acquisition to be
enabled to conduct ourselves with true politeness and affability
in company — and especially in the company of ladies.
Dancing- schools doubtless furnish us with one of the easiest
methods of acquiring that gracefulness of manner, freedom of
action, and readiness in conversation, which are so requisite to
a young man who would wish to pass in the world for a gentle
man of good breeding. From the way you speak of the subject,
I am led to suppose that you have attended the school at
Colonel Eaton's, and probably before this time you have learned
enough to be able to speak of the importance of the subject
from your own experience, which, by the way, is more than I
32

250 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
can do, as I never have had the good fortune to attend one
and can therefore only talk of it as a cold and speculating
philosopher. But time and paper are growing scarce, and I must necessa
rily wind up. I wrote- to father, some time since, respecting
geometry and surveying, and I know not that I need to say
anything further to you on the subject. I am much pleased
with your success in the mathematics, and, if I mistake not,
you are taking much pleasure in studying them. Write again,
ere long. My love to Sister Mary. Your brother, D. L. Harris.

Wesleyan University, December 14, 1837.
Dear Brother : —
Your last letter, asking my opinion as to the course most
proper to be pursued in your studies, is before me ; and, in
compliance with your request, I hasten to give it an answer. I
am fully sensible of my incapacity to advise in such matters,
and I always feel a strong reluctance to do so, through fear
lest if at any future time it may be thought the proper course
has not been taken, a degree of blame should rest upon my
shoulders. In my letters to father I have once or twice given
a sketch of my views upon the study of the dead languages,
and, as you have probably seen them, it will be unnecessary to
repeat them in this place. The sciences are every day becoming
of raore and more consequence, and as they increase it is found

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 251

necessary to make room for them in courses of study, at the
expense of less important branches. On this account, several
of the higher institutions of learning have already nearly
abandoned them, for what they consider of greater utility ;
and, unless the signs of the times are unusually fallacious,
others will soon follow their example. You well know that I
have never regarded the languages as of sufficient importance
to merit any attention, further than a little way in college (and
only the Latin ; I have omitted the Greek altogether), and I
have not been wholly free from scruples with regard to the
propriety of devoting as much time to them as I did. As to
your cas'e, I should be inclined to think it would be as well to
lay aside the Latin before long, though so much depends upon
circumstances that I am not able to speak confidently and
positively about it. Probably it will be much better to leave
the subject altogether with your instructor and father ; and if
I were in your place, I should prefer to do so. I know not
what to say about philosophy, chemistry and astronomy, as so
much depends upon the length of time that you are to study,
and the place where you are to complete your studies. I never
should advise any one to take up surveying until after having
obtained a good knowledge of trigonometry and mensuration,
as it all depends upon these branches and geometry. I know
not whether father intends to have you come here or not ; if
he does, it will be best to regulate your present studies with
that view, so far as may be practicable ; and if it be needed I
can give you, or father, information respecting 'the courses
pursued by the several departments, at any time.

2 52 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
You speak of a phrenologist having been in the neighbor
hood, and I am sorry to learn that he has made dupes of so
raany good people. I would not- have you infer from this
remark that I believe the whole science of phrenology to be a
lie ; but, so far as there is any reality in it, I consider it as a
useless and pernicious truth. People ought to look at those
who go about the country lecturing upon this subject, and
fingering skulls at the rate of twenty -five cents or half a dollar
a head, in the light of crafty money- catchers, who are willing
to fatten upon the folly of others. There are numerous
instances where they have been the means of great and perma
nent injury, not only by direct deception, but also through the
channel of flattery ; for there are many persons in the world
whom, if you tell them they are smart, or have uncommonly
good qualities, they instantly become so proud and arrogant
that there is no living peaceably with them. The principle that
the phrenologists proceed upon, as you know, is that the mind,
that immortal substance, is exclusively located in the brain.
But there have been those who have raaintained, with about as
much plausibility, that its only home is in Wit. heel; while others,
with equal reason, place it in the stomach. There are not
wanting others who contend that the mind inhabits the nose,
and they are wont to scan a man's character by the shape of
this most noble appendage. This science is called rhinology,
and its believers say
" 'Tis Rhinology forms the common mind, —
Just as the nose is bent, the man's inclined."
Your brother in sincerity,
D. L. Harris.

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 253

Norwich and Worcester Railroad, \
Thompson, Ct., August 23, 1839. )
Dear Brother : —
I will not longer resist an inclination on my part of writing
to you ; or, on the other hand, deny you the gratification of
hearing from one who is bound to you by the tenderest cords
of affection, and who feels the most earnest solicitude for your
welfare. I have a strong desire to hear from you in the new
relations into which you have so recently been thrown, and
especially to learn what are your " first impressions " of college
life. From the few casual remarks dropped by you while I
remained in Middletown, and from my own observation of the
facility with which you assimilated your own manners to those
of the persons around you, I could not but conclude that you
were highly pleased with the prospects before you. Often
times since my retum your friends have inquired how you
seemed to like the appearance of things at Middletown, and it
has been with the highest delight to myself and the most
evident pleasure to them, that I have been enabled to assure
them of your entire satisfaction, for all anything I have seen
to the contrary.
In writing to my friends, as you doubtless have observed, I
make it a practice to adopt the social, familiar and careless
style of those who pen first what is uppermost in their minds.
Without pausing here to explain the philosophy of such a
course, I shall hasten on to give you a slight sketch of every
day affairs and events that have taken place since we parted.
I reached home between two and three o'clock the day after
I left Middletown. It had been my intention to return to this

254 DANIEL L. HARRIS.

place early next moming ; but on learning that Cousin F. M.
Dunlap was in town, and also that Cousin Harriet Lester was
expected the next day, I determined to wait till Monday. I
called at Uncle Dunlap's to see Maria, the same evening, and
I assure you we enjoyed a most delightful chat. Maria appears
remarkably well, and enjoys good health. In her conversation
she gives most abundant evidence of having improved, in the
best manner, the limited advantages of education which she
has enjoyed. To a brilliant intellect she unites a gracefulness
of manner and all those polite accomplishments which render
the society of young ladies so agreeable, and makes it to be so
much sought after by intelligent and virtuous young men.
Maria returned to Fall River last week, to resume the arduous
task of school -teaching, instead of the delightful employment
of school -going. Cousin Harriet did not come to Plainfield,
as had been expected.
I have heard nothing in particular from home since I left.
Probably father has written you several times, ere this. By the
way, you must endeavor to be punctual and frequent in writing
to father, for nothing will give him greater pleasure than to
observe the progress you are making in the paths of science.
Cousin Rebecca and family are about as usual. She and her
husband started yesterday for New York. They will be gone
about a fortnight. Jane is the mistress of affairs in their
absence. I visit Cousin Whipple's quite frequently, and derive
much pleasure from so doing. Monday evening I went out
with Jane to call on two or three young ladies of her associates.
This evening I go up street again to see one of the students
from Yale, now at home on a visit.

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 255

I continue to board with Mr. Nicols, and remain situated
just as when you were here. My duties at present are not very
onerous ; I find considerable time to devote to study and
improvement in the profession. I hear nothing, as yet, frora
the New York and Erie Railroad, and hardly think I shall this
fall, so I have got pretty much reconciled to the idea of staying
here through the year. The grading of this part of the road
will not be completed before January next. Of course I expect
to remain in Thompson till that time.
The paper you sent me containing the criticisms was duly
received. Whatever others may think, I cannot agree with the
writer of that article in many of his strictures and puffs. I
should like much to know who is the author. If you can find
out, please tell me when you write.
I heard some two or three weeks since from Cousin Brayton
and Mary Ann. His health was on the decline, it being much
poorer than when they were in Plainfield. They were about
starting on a journey to Vermont ; but such was his extreme
feebleness that they did not expect to advance more than ten
miles a day. Poor man ! I fear his days are almost numbered.
Do you know whether he has ever yet embraced the religion of
Jesus ? or, in other words, whether he has prepared himself for
the last solemn hour ? I am uninformed in this matter.
Maria told me that Cousin Hetty's child died soon after her
own decease. Surely Mr. Eddy has been deeply afflicted.
You have doubtless had the pleasure of attending meetings
of both literary societies of the University, before this time.
How are you pleased with them, and what think you of their

256 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
respective merits ? Remember what I told you, in making up
your mind which to join.
You are well aware of the eminent advantages you now
enjoy for the study of intellectual character. You are sur
rounded with persons of every variety of disposition and talent.
Human nature, in all its varied aspects, is laid open to your
view. Let me exhort you, then, to embrace this opportunity
for studying it thoroughly. Never will you enjoy better oppor
tunities for so doing. Indeed, dear brother, this is, or should
be, at all times one of the prominent objects in going to
college. An ability to scrutinize correctly the operations of
mind, and discern clearly the secret springs of human action,
are two acquirements rarely possessed, but of invaluable utility.
You have at length, as I trust, got fairly and fully settled,
and, as I hope, enjoy the pleasure of seeing everything about
you arranged to your satisfaction. Of course you find a little
more time than is requisite for your daily recitations. A por
tion of this you will be inclined to spend in miscellaneous
reading. In selecting books from the library you cannot
exercise too much care. Were it desirable, I could give you a
long list of works which well repay perusal ; but your own
judgment will prove a sufficient guide. Only let me say, beware
of reading novels. No good can possibly result from this which
is not derived from a thousand other sources ; and a vast
amount of evil is sure to follow. You will become acquainted
with many who indulge in this ruinous practice, but who, at
first sight, do not appear to be experiencing any considerable
injury. Look again. Mark and consider them well ; see how

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 257
their mental energy is becoming gradually impaired. Observe
with what reluctance they take up a book which requires deep
thought and close study. Watch them in the recitation - room —
see who it is that hesitates at the blackboard, and answers
the professor with dark words and hard to be understood.
But I must check my pen. If you know Vosburg tell him I
have not forgotten him, but will endeavor to write him before
long. Have you yet cleared your roora of the " varmint ?"
How do you like your quarters ? and how are you pleased
with your chum ? Have you been mineralizing yet ? If they
work the feldspar quarry, this fall, you must certainly visit it
with Longley, or some other competent mineralogist. Several
rare specimens are to be found there, when the quarry is open,
viz., columbite, apatite, etc. Write me as soon and as often as
you can make it convenient. My health is good, but this warm,
dry weather does not agree with me much better than with
some others. Accept the assurances of affection from
Your brother,
D. L. Harris.

New York and Erie Railroad, - )
Addison, Steuben County, October 22, 1838. j
Dear Brother : —
Your very kind letter of the 3d ult. reached me several days
before I left Thompson. In my last I informed you I should
probably remain there through the winter, and such was at that
time my expectation ; but, owing to some circumstances which
33

258 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
transpired a day or two after, I determined to leave the Norwich
and Worcester Road with as little delay as expedient. Just as
I was giving the Chief Engineer notice of my intention of
leaving him, a letter was received from an engineer on this
road, giving me a very eligible appointment at $2 per day. I
left home for this part of the country about the 24th of Sep
tember. Father accompanied me as far as New York, where
we remained from Tuesday till Thursday morning. From New
York I took passage in one of the North River steam -boats for
Albany. In company with several gentlemen from this county,
I took the afternoon cars of Friday for Utica. Arriving at
that place in the evening, we immediately took stage for
Syracuse, from whence we proceeded by railroad to Auburn.
From Auburn we traveled by stage to Geneva, at the head of
Seneca Lake, where we arrived on Saturday, about sunset.
The next raorning (Sunday) we took the steam -boat up the lake
to Jefferson, from which place we had private conveyance to
the point of our destination, near Painted Post, on the Tioga
River. Throughout the whole of my journey I had but little
chance for observation. While in New York my whole atten
tion was occupied with business, and the day I came up the
Hudson River was so exceedingly damp and unpleasant as to
render it impossible to notice particularly the beautiful scenery
for which the river is remarkable. During the short time I
spent in Albany I rambled through the principal streets, went
to view the interior of the State House, and also got permission
to examine the collections of minerals made by the State
Geologists, who, as you may be aware, are now engaged in a

DANIEL L. HARRIS.

259

geological and scientific survey of New York State. From
Albany to Jefferson our modes of conveyance were such as to
deter me from an attempt at anything like observation. In
passing up Seneca Lake I was gratified with a view of some of
the most beautiful lands and some of the most roraantic scenery
1 have ever beheld.
Almost as soon as I reached Corning (in Painted Post) I was
sent into the field with a compass. Having served for a few
days in the capacity of compass-man, I took the level and
joined a party of engineers who are engaged in making prelim
inary surveys of the Canisteo River. We are now advanced
as far as this place, and are at present making a headway of
about one and a half miles per day. It is intended to build
the road through this county in the course of next year.
This section of country is quite new, and of course but little
settled. A great many of the farmers still live in log houses,
with but one window. The fields are covered with stumps and
decayed trees. Vast quantities of wood are every day burned,
for the mere purpose of getting it out of the way. Deer,
wolves, bears, panthers, and all the herd of wild animals, are
common. While I was out leveling, the other day, a noble
looking buck came browsing along close by me ; nor did he, on
discovering me, take the trouble to make his escape till after I
had made considerable exertion to frighten him off. Thus, you
see, I have come into a land in some respects different from
Connecticut. The general outlines of the country, however,
bear considerable resemblance to those of our native state.
The surface of the ground is quite uneven, and generally well
watered. Exc'epting along the banks of the rivers it is mostly

26o DANIEL L. HARRIS.
covered with forests. The geology of the country, so far as I
have had an opportunity of observing it, is somewhat singular.
The rivers flow in narrow valleys of from half a mile to a mile
in width, with an elevation of some five or six hundred feet
below the general level of the surface. The sides of the valleys
are in generail very steep, presenting a bold and rugged appear
ance. There is only here and there a place where it is possible
to approach the river. Wherever a low place for getting to the
river occurs, a settlement is made, and if possible a saw and
grist mill erected. The rock formations consist principally of
sandstone and shell limestone, which generally lie in horizontal
positions. It is through rocks of this character that the deep
valleys through which the rivers flow have, at some remote
period, been excavated. On either side of the valleys the
layers of stone corae out to the face in similar and correspond
ing positions, giving the most certain indications of having once
extended uninterruptedly across.
I have no doubt that my speaking of shell limestone puts
you in mind of fossil shells, and probably you have before this
begun to anticipate that whenever I return to Connecticut I
shall bring you a whole cargo of curiosities. Well, on that
point, I have a word to say. I am every day traveling over
cart-loads of loose stone, filled with impressions of beautiful
shells ; but they present such a decayed and black - looking
appearance, arising from long exposure, that I do not like to
pick them up for preservation. I hope, at some future time, to
come to sorae place where the stone is quarried, and where I
can procure specimens directly from their localities. When
this road comes to be executed I have no doubfwe shall have

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 261
fine opportunities for this purpose. I have put up a small box
of the best specimens I could find in the field, thinking to for
ward them to you by canal, this fall ; but on reflection, I think
it will be best to let it lie over until spring, at all events.
My business, at present, is such as to keep me extremely
busy. Our party takes the field in the morning, immediately
after breakfast, and does not leave it until sunset. After supper
oxix house -work (k.&t.yiT\g up our books, making calculations,
etc.,) occupies us until bed -tirae ; so you see we have no tirae
for anything aside from our regular duty. If I write letters it
has to be done on the Sabbath, when there is so much else to
take up my attention that I can find very little tirae for writing.
This you will accept as an apology for not having written you
sooner. While I was at horae I received a box of minerals in which
there were some duplicates, and as father was about sending a
box to you, I put them into it, thinking they might possibly be
of some service to you. If there were any duplicates among
those I sent you it will, of course, be best to exchange them, if
you have opportunity. I feel anxious to do everything in my
power to interest you in the sciences of mineralogy and geology.
How are you progressing with your studies ? It will at all
times be a source of pleasure to me tp be informed on this
subject. Father or Joel informed me that you had joined the
Philoretorian society. Very well ; I have no doubt you did so
after having attentively weighed the merits of both sides.
You ask me to remind you of the name of some book of
which I have before spoken. I presume it is Todd's Student's

262 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
Manual to which you refer. If so, you will find it in the-private
libraries of a great many of the students.
Give my respects to Longley and Vosburg, and tell them
where I am and how engaged. I believe they are both in
arrears with rae. When you write me, remember Iiam a long
way from home, and that I shall feel a deep interest in hearing
all the news you have from there.
I am very much pleased with my new situation and prospects.
The country is healthy, the inhabitants are hospitable and
generous, and all my associates in the business are gentlemanly
and temperate. The advantages of society here are, as ¦ a
matter of course, not as good as in the Eastern States ; but
then, everything else is so much better that one feels in a
measure compensated for the deprivation.
When you and I shall be permitted to meet again is perhaps
somewhat uncertain. I do not e.xpect to see Connecticut again
for many months to come, but I hope my separation from
friends there will not be the means of my forgetting, them.
We have a long and tedious fall's work before us, and shall
be very busy till it is completed. I expect to be out through
December, and perhaps some in January.
Knowing the nature of my engagements, I trust you will not
think hard of me if I do not write as punctually as ;might be
desired. You have the certainty of a liberal share of the little
time I have for epistolary writing. Ask Longley if he knows
where Badeau is, and how engaged. My health is very good.
Accept the assurances of respect and affection.
Your brother, .
Daniel L. Harris.

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 263
New York and Erie Railroad, )
Bath, Steuben County, N. Y., March 10, 1839.)
Dear Brother : —
Yours of January 12th was received by due course of mail,
but my engagements have been such as to prevent me from
answering it before to-day. It is with much pleasure that I
learn, by a letter from father, of your complete recovery from
the disease with which you were so grievously afflicted. You
were indeed fortunate in reaching home before the fever had
prostrated you. The overwhelming intelligence of Dr. Fisk's
death reached me several days since. From the sad emotions
which this event awakened in my own mind, and the recollec
tion of former scenes, I can form some faint idea of the grief
and melancholy which was aroused in your little community on
that mournful occasion. The news of his death has wrung and
will continue to wring anguish from the hearts of thousands
and thousands who are separated far from the spot where his
soul took its departure for another and a better world. I hope
you will give me, in your next, the particulars of his death and
burial, and, if you find it convenient, please send me his pub
lished obituary. Who is talked of as the Doctor's successor to
the Presidential chair ? I think it very likely Professor Smith
would be appointed to the station, were his health such as to
warrant him in accepting it. But, as it is, I should not be
surprised to learn that Dr. Lucky, one of the editors of the
Advocate and Journal, had been selected.
The account you gave me of your success in the various
branches of study was truly gratifying. There is no doubt you
will be able to accomplish with ease that part of the course

264 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
which you propose to take, in the length of time contemplated.
You inquire whether it is probable you can get along with the
Senior arid Junior mathematics at the same time. There will
not be the least difficulty whatever, providing that you are
master of the preceding branches when you enter upon the
task. I pursued that course. With regard to the French and
Spanish languages, if you find time to pursue one or even both
of them, I would say, do so, by all means ; and I think you
would find no occasion, in after life, to regret the movement.
I admire your taste in giving a preference to the Philoretorian
Society. You will derive a vast benefit from the advantages
secured by such a connection. I wish you had given me some
idea of the new badge which the society has adopted, so that L
might recognize it, in case I should fall in with one of them.
As to the propriety of your getting one, you must be your own
judge. How many new members were taken into the society
last fall and winter ? Has the library been increased much of
late? I was very sorry to learn of the death of my old and good-
hearted room-mate, D. B. Jennings. He was a young man
whom I always respected, and with whom I have passed many,
very raany, pleasant hours, though (it pains me to say it) he
sometimes went into company with whom I thought it was not
prudent for me to be familiar. His death naturally calls up in
my mind some peculiar recollections, — recollections which, in
connection with this event, urge upon me more strongly than
ever the importance of being always ready for the day of our
departure. I have held more than one serious conversation
with him on the concerns of a future state. He was very ready

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 265
to admit the truths of revelation, and seemed to have a resolu
tion of one day becoming a true Christian. I urged on him the
importance of attending to these things now — but he answered
rae no. He was "expecting," he said, "to pursue the profession
of the law ; and was afraid that, if he became pious, his plans
might be frustrated." What an excuse ! I wish I could learn
that he repented his folly before it was too late.
The sarae letter which brought me the melancholy tidings of
Dr. Fisk's death, also contained news of another, a different
and a joyful character. I allude to your repentance of sin,
and " turning unto the Lord." Well done. Brother Williara !
I rejoice at your wisdom. How much better it is to serve God
and feel within us a comfortable hope of Heaven, than to live,
as we are prone to do, in a state of listless indifference to the
great concerns of eternity ! Go forward perseveringly in the
way you have set out, trasting in the merits of a cracified
Savior, dealing justly with God and your fellow men, and all
will be well with you in the last day. There are many points of
Christian experience upon which I should delight to discourse,
were I present with you : these I leave to a future occasion.
Since we left off field work, in the latter part of January, we
have been pleasantiy situated in this village. We find compar
atively good society, but we have but very little time to enjoy
its advantages. I have formed an acquaintance with a young
clergyman, of the church to which I belong, of whom I think
ver}' highly.
I had expected to be thrown out of business long before now,
but I still remain in the employ of the company. It begins to
be uncertain whether our Road will be prosecuted next season.
34

266 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
The question depends on what action the State Legislature
shall take, respecting the work, and we have strong reason to
fear that their action will be detrimental to its interests.
I presume you did not visit Cousin Whipple's family during
the vacation. I have written them once br twice since I left
Thompson, and I had the pleasure of receiving a letter from
them a few weeks since. During my residence in Thompson I
became fondly attached to the whole family. Have you heard
anything of Mr. Brayton and Cousin Mary Ann of late ? Is
Cousin Maria Dunlap still residing in Fall River ? Where is
E. H. Gleason ?
Father writes that Uncle William is behaving himself quite
well. I hope his reformation may be lasting. In a short letter
to me, he says he is fully convinced of his folly, and has come
to a settled determination to reform. But— ^I have not another
moment to spare. Your brother,
D. L. Harris.

New York and Erie Railroad, (
Bath, Steuben County, May 5, 1839. j
Affectionate Brother : —
The reception of your last letter was welcomed with more
than usual pleasure, deeply tinctured as it was with that kind,
brotherly and Christian spirit which so readily lays hold on the
affections and finer feelings of our natures, and which, from

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 267
my own observation, I have conceived to be an ingredient but
seldom found in epistolary writings. It appears to be a
common fault with the world, and with the American world.
particularly, that iri their intercourse with each other they
maintain too much reserve and cautiousness in the interchange
of thought and opinions. There is a certain limit to which all
who call themselves friends are bound to put confidence in
each other ; and whenever, from any peculiarity of disposition
or circumstances either party neglects to repose such confi
dence, you will find in all their connections a certain coldness
existing, which requires but the slightest causes to change it
into jealousy and contempt. Confidence is the strongest seal
of true friendship. It makes us to feel an interest in each
other's prosperity, gives scope for the free exercise of our social
faculties, and enables us to impart and receive mutual consola
tion in all the reverses of life. It is precisely this quality, dear
brother, which imparts a lively interest to your letter, and which
I hope will never be wanting in our subsequent intercourse.
Since I wrote you last our duties have become soraewhat less
pressing, so that we find a little more tirae to devote to our
own pleasure and improvement. Our business is nearly com
pleted, and we are to be discharged from the company's service
next Wednesday. Whether we shall be called back, after a
few days, and retained through the season, I cannot say ; but
probably not, as the company feel somewhat low-spirited,
about these times, owing to the recent doings of the Legisla
ture, which has refused to help them on in the prosecution of
their noble enterprise. Of course I must set about looking for
employment elsewhere. I am yet in doubt to which point of

268 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
the compass to steer. Consider me as being in Bath till you
have news of me in some other place.
I like your proposition of visiting Plainfield in July ; but you
know my business is of that roving, unsettled kind which does
not allow me to count with any certainty on the events of the
future. Of civil engineers it is perhajDS more literally trae than
of any other class of the community, that they "know not
what a day or an hour may bring forth." They are children of
fortune, and the old dame never wearies of playing off her odd
freaks upon them. They are here, there and everywhere —
perfect cosmopolites, wandering up and down the earth without
a fixed residence upon its surface. It being their business to
prepare ways for other people to keep in motion, they are
constantly moving about themselves, by way of example. Such
being mine, as it is the common lot (fortune or misfortune, call
it as you will) I, of course, am unable to make any engage
ments or promises as to the time when I can visit home. I
feel, however, quite anxious to see grandmother, and am in
hopes I shall, before she returns West.
You must have spent your last vacation (that is, the well
part of it) very pleasantly. It seems, from your account of
parties that the spirit of society is again reviving in old Plain-
field, and right glad am I to hear it. There can be no surer
indication of a healthful state of the moral and social feelings
of any community than to see the young people frequently
associating together in such meetings. It is the duty of every
person to mingle freely in society — that is, when he happens
to be within reach of good society. It is a duty, too, which
we may not omit without experiencing many and serious losses.

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 269
Man is constituted a social being. Every faculty that his
Creator has given he is bound to cultivate, and there is no more
reason for neglecting the social than the moral capabilities.
Let man violate these principles, let him deny himself the
advantages of society, and you will soon see all the nobler
faculties o£ his soul swallowed up in the vortex of selfishness.
Were you to ask me what I think of the propriety of cultivating
an acquaintance with society, under your present circumstances,
I should advise to do it to a limited extent only. When further
advanced in your collegiate course, you could enter into the
business more extensively. During the last year in college I
think the student can profitably spend as many as two evenings in
the week with a special view to the improvement of the social
faculties. It was a sad mistake with me that I entirely over
looked this branch of education while residing in Middletown.
However, I trast I have since, in some measure, repaired the
evils thus occasioned. .At any rate, I have neglected no oppor
tunity for so doing. My facilities for accomplishing this have
been very good, during the present spring. I have, with my
associates, spent a goodly number of pleasant and profitable
hours in company with the Bath ladies. We find their society
very entertaining ; but in this new country we, of course, do
not expect all the elegancies and refinements of the polished
circles of New England. I have attended several parties that
went off (a Steuben County phrase) in "first-rate style."
Week ago last evening my friend C. Harris and myself were
invited out to take tea and spend the evening. Went, of
course. Nearly all of the first young ladies of the village were
present. Didn't we have luxurious times, that time ?

270 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
Your remarks respecting the state of piety among students
generally are very just and appropriate. I always supposed
we might find a cause in their general habits. You have
observed that students almost always have an overraling inclina
tion to reraain in statu quo. It seems to bind them like a spell.
They go to bed and are never ready to get up ; they get up
and are never ready to lie down again. In short, students are
indolent ; and is it not this that keeps them back from the
faithful discharge of their religious duties ?
I was very sorry to leam that "Jennings died as he had
lived." Poorman.! how vain were all thy expectations. When
I first knew him he was almost persuaded to be a Christian.
With sorrow I watched his downward progress, and with grief
I now learn that his career was only checked by the great
destroyer. You were right in supposing I should want a copy of A. H.
Kurd's biography. I wait to see it with anticipation of much
pleasure. He was an extraordinary man. His meraory I can
not forget. '
I don't find much time for reading and other literary pursuits,
but try to improve the little I have. I have recently read Miss
Fanny Kemble's {alias Mrs. Butler's) Journal, treating of
American manners, customs, the climate, scenery, and all those
other matters from which English travelers usually make up a
book of " first impressions." Many parts of the work are
fine — some terrible.
Heard from father about a week since. Uncle William is
off again. Unfortunate man ! Better were it for him and his
friends that he had never been born.

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 271
Am now reading a new work, entitled " Incidents of Travel
in Egypt, Arabia and Petrea," — capital thing. The author has
a way of setting every object before you in its true coloring.
He discourses of the Pyramids and other magnificent works of
art with which Egypt abounds, in a manner that is perfectly
fascinating, because you feel that all is truth, and that, unlike
other journalists, he has no right to let his imagination run
riot in describing those monuments of long gone ages.
May 6. — When I sat down, yesterday, after tea, I was intend
ing to prepare this for the mail of last evening ; but when the
bell set up ringing for church I thought best to lay it by till
this morning. Have just received a letter from father ; also
one from Cousin William Paine. Father says Uncle William
is back again, with his old promises; — strange.
Cousin William, his father and mother, are coming to Plain-
field in June, after which they embark for the tour of Europe
in July. Oh, to travel ! Warmest desire of my heart! Long
have I cherished it,— long it may be before it is extensively
gratified ; yet I hope and believe that time will come. If ever
my industry and exertions succeed in procuring me a compe
tency, then will I know what the world is made up of. Till
then I rest contented with traveling but littie more than the
prosecution of my business requires.
When you write don't forget the college news. My compli
ments to all inquiring friends.
Feeling the warmest interest in your welfare, I remain
Your loving brother,
D. L. Harris.

272 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
Central Village, Ct., September 8, 1839.
Dear Brother : —
I commence thus abruptly because I have no time to think
of a more natural introduction. I know you are no stickler
for mere forms, and I believe you have too much charity for a
severe critic, so I presume to be less punctilious with you than
I might be with a heartless and fault - finding world. After all,
I do not know but the familiar and unstudied style of letter-
writing is decidely preferable - — • particularly among natural and
true friends. It gives to each a proof that he possesses the
confidence of the other ; and a certain degree of confidence
does but cement the bonds of friendship. I beg you will not
misunderstand me. No companion is less respected or more
annoying to us than one who is forever pouring into our ears,
" confidentially," the little secrets and weaknesses of his past
and present character. He is scarcely more odious, however,
than one who forever keeps his soul locked up, and chooses to
remain perpetually the representative of personified mistifica-
tion. The happy medium between these two extremes seems
to be that which allows an associate to know so much of our
character as cannot lower it in his estimation, or by any
possibility be used to our injury, and, at the same time, com
municating our plans and opinions in a style which shall not
lead him to suspect anything is studiedly kept in reserve.
Since you left home I have been no less busy than before,
and find as little time for the duties of friendship — writing,
visiting, etc. The railroad track is completed as far as Mr.
Angell's, and the locomotive commences regular trips to this

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 273
place to-morrow. The people along the line are just now
quite enthusiastic in favor of internal improvements.
I feel half angry with myself for having so long postponed
my visit to Cousin Rebecca's ; but I fear it must be delayed
some days longer. I hear that she has been quite sick since
you were there — had turns of raising blood — and is still very
low. Do not know whether Jane attended the Yale commence
ment or not. Were you there ? I believe you contemplated
going. Our Westem cousin has returned West. To me he is as
though he were not, as I had no opportunity of seeing hira.
Cousin Frances Lester has changed her name, for better, for
worse. Mr. Wiley returned from the South early in the
summer ; has been sick several weeks, but has entirely recov
ered his health. Elizabeth and myself stood up to witness the
two willing hearts blended into one. Last Tuesday was the
day, and a great day it was ; for, in addition to this event, there
was a display of the military at Windham, and at evening the
sky was hung in the brilliant purple of the aurora borealis,
besides the occurrence of sundry other incidents, in divers
parts of the world. The ceremonies over at Mr. Rockwell's,
we (that is, Harriet D., Harriet L., E. Lester, a sister of Mr.
Wiley, G. Dunlap, rayself, together with the Unity), rode to
Windham, took dinner, had a " merry meeting," and returned
home. It is a stormy S^ibbath evening. Sister Mary sits at one
comer of the table preparing an appendix for the next page of
this sheet, while Sister Emma is seated at the other, with a
littie scrap of paper and an old pen, which she is ever and
35

274 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
anon asking me to fill with "paint," — a fluid with which, like
many other penmen, she is daubing indiscriminately. By the
way, she has this moment laid down the pen and taken the
pencil — an instrument in more general use among painters.
Grandmother's health is as usual, and so of all the family.
I shall be at home some two weeks longer.
Lydia Coit's intended raade his appearance in these parts a
week since — to be married this week. Don't know when
Frances and William Lester will give themselves to each other.
Respects to all who inquire after me. Write me early.
Your brother,
.D. L. Harris.
P. S. — I find Mary has left these corners, and I don't like to
see them wasted. The smoke wagon, with its train, came
" puffing up " about ten this morning. 'Twas an interesting
sight. Large numbers flock at the depot to see it. Uncle
Erastus was in an ecstacy of joy. All were highly pleased
except Mr. Angell ; and so was he, though he tried to appear
the reverse. The arrivals give to our quiet vicinity quite an
air of business. I intend going to Norwich by the raorning
train and returning to - morrow evening. The Mr. Case's, up
above, have decreed that the laying of the rails must stop when
we reach their land; and perhaps we shall stop — when the
road is done. One of the Bennets came to see the engine,
barefooted and mouth open.
To-morrow evening Frances Angell and her's are expected
at Uncle Erastus's — married to-morrow morning. E. sends
for me to be there — plenty of peaches, etc., etc.

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 275
Joel gets along as usual on the road ; rather improving. His
tact at business has become decidedly better.
But it is late, and I am weary ; so good -night. D. L. h.

Webster, Mass., November 21, 1839.
Dear Brother : —
Yours of a " long time ago " I have not sooner found time
to answer. You well know the nature of my engagements
(which have been, since you saw me, if possible, more arduous
than at that tirae), and I make no doubt you have already
excused my seeming neglect. The account of your visit to
New Haven, and the numerous other . topics of your letter,
afforded me a fine fund of entertainment. Since its reception
I have met Jane and Miss Earned, and they were equally
graphic with yourself in their descriptions of the pleasure
afforded them in the commenceraent exercises, parties, rambles
and fine views of scenery. I, too, have stood on West Rock,
though it was on a piercing December's day. The view was
then grand — ay, shockingly grand, for its outlines are not yet
effaced from my memory.
I visited Thompson for the first time about four weeks ago,
when I found Cousin Rebecca's family all in good health, and
I believe glad to see me. Three days after she made a party,
at which, with some difficulty, I managed to be present. The
elite, young and old, were there. 'Twas a splendid and success
ful affair. I took a chair in a corner, where, with a beautiful
face ancl a brilliant mind on either side, I sat in voluntary

276 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
confinement alraost the whole evening. They chatted and
chatted, until one might think there was scarcely a beauty in
earth or heaven which wanted a compliment. The soiree ended
at half-past eleven. >
Last evening I had a flattering invitation to attend an exhi
bition of the Thompson High School. The performances
went off admirably. The ladies read compositions, and the
boys made speeches, original and selected. Some of the
compositions were surpassingly excellent. Impartial judges
would hesitate whether to award the palm to Cousin Jane or
Harriet Seagraves — a grand -daughter of Parson Dow's. The
Misses Earned were not engaged. In the other department, a
very spirited and original colloquy was produced, which seems
intended for the double purpose of ridiculing the extravagant
ideas of the age and illustrating its real progress in improve
ment. Maps, plans and profiles of a railway to the moon were
exhibited. Father has received several letters from Uncle Paine.
William wrote me by the Great Western, giving sketches of his
rambles amid some of the first scenes in Scott's writings —
particulariy his Lady of the Lake. William seems roaming
almost like a fairy — now standing with enraptured spirit in
" Ben Lomond's awful bights," anon strolling along romantic
dales and glens, and again, in thought's transition, gUding
with the Lake lady's grace over the placid bosoms of Loch
Lomond and Loch Katrine. Oh, how enchanting is even a
description of such rambles ! How do I look forward to the
day when the proceeds of civil engineering shall put me on the
way, with a full purse and a piously social heart, for the Old

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 277
World. Often do I find myself, in waking dreams, with eyes
fi.xed in raptured gaze upon some crumbling but magnificent
Grecian temple, or a silent wanderer among some rock-hewn
sepulchures and monumental piles of Egypt ; studying the past
in her mighty relics, and conversing with the wise men of
antiquity, whose loftiest sentiment has been partially realized
in an earthly resurrection after a cycle of years has rolled
away. Many times has fancy raised me to the towering hight
of Cheops, where, as I glanced from the grandeur of ray own
elevation to the golden tints of sunset that gladdened a distant
outline of the desert, and reflected that the morning and even
ing, the sun and firmament reraained unchanged, in contrast
with all the changes that had taken place around me ; and
then returned to the piles of mournful ancl stately ruins at ray
feet, all decked in clusky twilight, and half buried in parching
sands, I could not suppress a sigh over the " departed great
ness " of the mamelukes, or withhold a tear at the melancholy
story of the Pharoahs.
I have, within a week past, met Abiel Converse several times.
He says he has done nothing since commencement but loaf,
but expects to keep school this winter. I think he is becoming
rather more tame than formerly, but he is most deplorably
deficient in energy and enterprise.
Joel went home last Saturday. He brought me the notice of
your exhibition, but I shall not notice it. Would I could have
witnessed the performance. Next time you come home don't
forget to put the " Eulogy of Newton " in your pocket.
The railroad is to be corapleted in a few weeks. It is
contemplated to open the entire line from Norwich to Wor ces-

2 78 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
ter the 28th of November. Don't know what is to become of
me when we get through here. I fear our business is coming
to a stand. Capitalists are at present too much engaged in
taking care of themselves to bestow a single thought to the
subject of extending the facilities of trade ancl travel ; and
those who ought to know best predict that this state of things
is to continue for a long while to come. It is very likely I
shall spend a part of the winter at home.
I have two or three letters from Charles Harris, a young
gentleman of my acquaintance down South, which I must read
to you when I see you. I know you will pronounce them
elegant. I have heard nothing from our relatives down East in an age.
The Plainfield cousins were all well the last time I saw them.
Cousin Elizabeth Lester is at home, as usual, instead of being
at school.
My health is excellent. Write. Your brother,
D. L. Harris.

Central Village, April 26, 1840.
Dear Brother William : —
I must ask you to pass lightly over my long silence by simply
reflecting that we have been favored with a long spell of fair
weather, and as a natural consequence I have had a long spell
of intense application. I write letters when it rains ; and I
would here suggest that my correspondents (those who care

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 279
anything for me) would s.ave themselves a fund of trouble and
suspense, on my account, by frequently consulting the barom
eter, instead of visiting the post - office. I delight in punctuality,
but philosophers may say what they will, there is no possibility
of doing everything in season. This letter has been due a
month ; but, despite my best exertions, it has remained among
the " things deferred," and still is " unfinished business." We
are now in the midst of a most delightful shower — a shower
that makes the trees, and grass, and every " living thing " look
grateful. Father takes his usual pains with the front yard.
The grass has started up several inches, the shrubs are putting
forth their leaves, some of the trees are in- bloom, and to me it
never wore a more smiling and lovely appearance than at this
moment, while the mild shower drops are regaling it. I love
scenery. It is the mirror of God's character — the partial
shadowing forth of the spirit which we worship ; for,
" All are but parts of one stupendous whole.
Whose body Nature is, God the soul ;
That, changed through all, and yet in all the same ;
Great in the earth, as in th' ethereal frame ;
"Warms in the sun, refreshed in the breeze.
Glows in the stars and blossoms in the trees."
Have you heard of the Plainfield ride — the great ride by
railroad to Worcester? Well, we had a most capital time — a
splendid dinner, a pleasant excursion, in up-country phrase,
" a loud day." The party was composed of all classes, ages
and sexes. It numbered 173, all told. All ourup-town ladies
were included, and only one or two from below. I have never
seen an occasion pass off with more universal good feeling
than was manifested at that time.

DANIEL L. HARRIS.

You have heard that our road is doing a great business. The
first week the receipts amounted to $2,700, and are constantly
increasing. The steamboat line averages nearly 150 passen
gers daily. To-morrow we commence running four trains from
each end of the line. All of them stop at this depot, and I
may add that it is getting to be the most iraportant one on the
road. A restaurant is established in the passenger-house, and
the depot -master informs me he has a liberal patronage. The
buildings at the depot are completed, and present an admirable
appearance. So much I cannot say of others in this vicinity.
I am sorry to inform you that this part of our village, which
might be elegant beyond measure, is doomed to disgrace
almost without parallel. True, the sink of iniquity {alias
Angell's tavern) is now closed ; but it is closed only while its
foul vaults are being sunk still deeper. Think of the cider-
mill lot — a superb building spot — and then imagine how it
will look next fall, with a littie six by eight "grocery, etc.,"
(particularly the etc.,) posted in one corner, and the old mill
itself forming a material part of the edifice. And then, there
is Angell's sheep barn, which in olden time occupied a littie
knoll twenty rods above the road, now stancls, in all its naked
deformity, directly opposite his house, in the corner, and is to
be a gross groggery — a vending place of " blue ruin." Esquire
Dyer and John Kennedy are proprietors of the former, the
Angells of the latter. Surely, men's minds may be measured
by their works.
My business on the road will continue some days, if not
weeks, longer. Where I go next is uncertain. I have no
definite news from the New York and Erie Road, but hope to

DANIEL L. HARRIS.

learn, next week, whether there is a prospect of business there
this season. I have but little hopes.
The clouds passed over, and we attended church this after
noon. Mr. Wright, of Jewett City, preached, ancl he likewise
gave notice that Samuel Rockwell and Elizabeth Eaton have
certain intentions. While on this point, Webb and Frances
Coit were published this morning ; and it is thought that Mr.
Pratt and Sarah Bradford will be, soon. Webb has taken
Dyer's house, and (singular fancy) has arranged his furniture,
bought his sugar, spices and molasses, filled his straw beds, and
got everything in readiness according to his own bachelor
notions — literally built a cage before catching his bird. It is
currently whispered that W. Lester has "grown captive" to
Lydia Harris, a young lady rich in beauty, attractive in manners
ancl splendid in intellects
I go but little into society here, for the same reason that I
don't write many letters ; and etitre nous, as the French say, I
have a private reason besides. I don't think our ladies gener
ally give sufficient attention to books and literary attainments.
They understand very well how to play the " key " and " French
fifteens," but they are sadly bewildered when the conversation
chances to run upon history, poetry, or philosophy. But I
must not criticise.
Cousin Harriet Lester is still living, the mere wreck of what
she was. I have not seen her, and would not, unless 't were
absolutely necessary ; for she is represented to be a perfect
idiot, and the sight would be too distressing. She is at Susan's.
Maria Dunlap resumed the " birchen scepter " some five or
six weeks since. Elizabeth and M. Lester are at home, as
36

DANIEL L. HARRIS.

usual, " till after haying." William and Webb get along, after
a fashion. Jared Wilson (tailor) has come to reside in the village.
Yours truly,
Daniel L. Harris.

Albany and West Stockbridge Railroad, )
Schodack (near Albany), June 28, 1840. )
Dear Brother : —
Your last letter is not lying before me, being left with all my
other letters far hence, in another "diggin'." I forget whether
I have written you since my trip to Springfield and Stockbridge,
in May, for my attention has been so much distracted, the past
six weeks, that I half doubt my own identity. All I will say
now is, that I made such an excursion, and that my present
whereabouts is the result. The location of this railroad has
just commenced, and my principal object, at that time, was to
secure a situation upon the work. Well, here I am, engaged
in the very poetry of engineering, — wallowing through rye
fields, climbing fences, and wading swamps and rivers. I
raight have staid sorae two weeks longer on the Norwich Road ;
but, as I might, after that, be entirely out of employment, I
thought it preferable to accept the offer here. My compensa
tion is not at present what it should be, but I have a reasonable
hope of preferment. In accepting a low situation here, I plead
the excuse of the apothecary who sold poison to Romeo : "My
poverty, not my will, consents." There is one man (a compe
tent engineer) in our party, who is serving in the capacity of

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 283
rod -man, for the sorry compensation of one dollar. Surely,
these are hard times with our profession.
I left home two weeks since. All was going on much as
usual then. Joel was likely to be retained on the road some
time longer, and was doing ^•ery well. He has contracted such
a liking to railroads that I should not be surprised if he were
to resolve on following the business of engineering. Mary was
at a Latin school, translating Virgil. I did not visit our
Thompson friends, and have not seen them since March.
Wonder if they will excuse me ? Maria Dunlap was quite
unwell at Fall River, and was expected to retum to Plainfield
soon, on that account. The atmosphere and climate of Fall
River have a bad reputation, and it is no wonder that such an
inveterate teacher of " young ideas " should yield to their
pernicious effects. Harriet, Elizabeth and Fanny were as they
have been. You have heard that William is doing business on
his own hook, and you also know that he is doing one other
thing on that same account. He visits Walnut Hill three times
a week, regularly. No doubt the bargain is almost struck, the
Rubicon will soon have been past.
As I am now situated, I shall hardly think of coming to
Middletown at commenceraent. I am really sorry it so hap
pens, for many of my old classmates will be there, and that
will probably be their last meeting. Besides, I would not, for
a trifle, forego the pleasure of hearing your speech, and seeing
the other dignified Seniors in their final effort. But the law of
necessity is imperious, and cannot be disobeyed with impunity.
When I first came here I was strack with the prevalence of
Dutch names, and I find that nearly all the inhabitants are

284 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
Dutch — good and true descendants of Hendrick Hudson.
They are all farmers, — rich, lazy, smoking, drinking, bragging
Loco Focos. Occasionally, however, you find among them a
sober, industrious, moral man — a W  g. Most of them,
however, smoke away their lives, and they have a standing
custom of spending Saturday afternoon and most of Sunday at
the village taverns. The general dissipation surpasses all
belief. The country is delightful almost to a charra. On this side
of the Hudson it is very like New England, in appearance.
Beyond the river the Catskills raise their blue bights far above
the horizon. At one glance you see every variety of scenery,
from the quiet beauty of grassy hills and sunny vales to the
sublime majesty of cloud-capped mountains.
The weather, to-day, is oppressively warm; not a zephyr
breathes. It is just one of those spiritless, dreamy, spell -
fixing, sunny days which prevail in the neighbcirhood of Sleepy
Hollow. In fact, I almost fancy myself in the confines of that
enchanted region. By the way, this is the identical region in
which Irving has laid most of the scenes of his old Dutch
legends. And here are to be found, in real truth, all the
material from which he manufactures his laughter -making tales.
Here is Deric Van Vlat, the village justice, with his long pipe
and big belly, sitting on the tavern piazza from morning till
evening ; and here is Walter Van Bumel, the .schoolmaster ;
and here, too, you see whole bevies of ragged, round-faced,
chubby, saucy children, growing up in ignorance and idleness.
But I must stop short. Respects to all.
Yours truly,
D. L. Harris.

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 285

Troy and Schenectady Railroad, >
Valley of the Mohawk, August 20, 1840. \
Dear Brother: —
Yours of the 17th ult. came to hand four days ago — a very
satisfactory reason for not answering it before commencement.
You perceive from my date that with me the " sky is changed."
Mr. Laurie has given me a situation on this road far more
honorable and profitable than the one I held on the West
Stockbridge and Albany Road. I left Albany on Tuesday last,
in a state of mind seventy -five per cent, more agreeable than
I had enjoyed for two months previous. The prospect now is
that I shall remain here some tirae, as the road is quite new
and its construction will require a heavy expenditure. The
country through which it passes is very beautiful. In the valley
of the river the soil is in the highest degree fertile, and, when
loaded with rich crops, as it is now, I have never seen anything
more indicative of abundance and good cheer. The small
fields which you are accustomed to see in New England will
give one but a faint conception of the boundless expanse of
grain which covers the " Flats " of the noble Mohawk. Broom-
corn is the staple production, and you may look down upon
thousands of acres, all uninclosed, except by the "eternal
hills." The lower end of our road, near Troy, is to be put in the
course of execution immediately, but it is probable that I shall
be unsettled and wandering along the line till old winter comes
on again.
So you have done with college and its concerns, spoken your
last speech, and once more shaken hands with the world.

286 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
Good ! Hope both parties may be benefited by the alliance,
and that it may hereafter be said that you "have done the
world some service.'' I would have met you at Middletown,
but I could not. Probably some of my classmates were there,
for we had intended to meet each other. By the by, what is
the complexion of those who are to come after you ? I fear
the institution is getting into a decline since the Doctor's
demise. I had seen Professor Whedon's marriage announced
in the city papers. A certain poet once said that " Love is
wisdom with a sweeter name." If this be fact, and the one is a
veritable measure of the other, I think that couple raay ere
long be set down as " wanting in wisdom." Conjugal felicity !
I see the old drone now. There he lies, stretched across three
chairs and a sofa, his feet at the door of a glowing" Olmsted,"
and a plate of toast on the stand beside him, all entranced in
vacant delight with the songs of Horace, or lost in raptures at
the endless variations of a Greek verb. In a far corner of the
room sits his young wife, "sighing like a furnace" over her
folly, and trembling in awful anticipation of the frowns which
will rest upon the brow of her liege as he rolls over and wakes
from his reverie.
I commenced this nearly a week since, and was prevented
from finishing it at the time by the coming in of a companion
whose organ of language is largely developed ; and I have since
had no leisure till this morning. In the meantime, I have
returned to Troy.
Quite a sensation was produced here by the news of a
terrible accident at Albany, last evening. The particulars will
be found in the papers, and I will barely state that a large

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 287
crowd had collected on the draw of a bridge over the canal
basin, when the chains suddenly gave way, and about two
hundred people were precipitated into the water (twelve feet
deep), accompanied by a coach and wagon - load of baggage.
Most of them were saved, but I hear this morning that twenty-
two dead bodies have been taken from the water, and it is
expected that several others will be found under the carriages
and fragments of the bridge. The crowd was occasioned by
the resistance of two prisoners whom the sheriff was conveying
in irons to the steam -boat. Of course the prisoners were
drowned, and I believe the sheriff also lost his life. Probably
some were killed before reaching the water, as the fall was
nearly thirty feet, and several of the bodies are very much
bruised. This is one of the most serious land accidents that
ever happened in this part of the country.
In your next I hope you will say soraething of your prospects
and intentions. Commend me to the goocl people of our
town. I shall write again soon, to Joel or father.
Yours truly, D. L. Harris.

Troy, N. Y., January 3, 1841.
Dear Brother William : —
I am pleased to hear that you are so agrefeably situated in
your new occupation, and if your success in archery — alias
" teaching young ideas how to shoot " — equals the hopes and
expectations of your friends — and I have no question but it
does — you must indeed be a happy man. As for myself, the

DANIEL L. HARRIS.

world wags on very pleasantly with me, though as a general
thing business taxes my time and attention rather more closely
than would be desirable. I Hke Troy as a place of residence,
and when I become a little more acquainted with the society I
think my liking will grow into a decided attachment. The
citizens of Troy are, as a general rule, intelligent, sagacious
and enterprising ; and if one will have the forbearance to put
up with a lack of good manners in some, he will have no trouble
in getting along pleasantly. The city is well supplied with
institutions of learning and other means of improvement.
There are two courses of lectures "going off," the present
winter, besides great numbers of itinerant lectures. Both of
the courses I shall attend. One course is confiried exclusively
to geology, by the celebrated Professor Eaton, and the other
embraces general subjects, according to the tastes of different
individuals selected from time to time to deliver them. Do you
recollect the synopsis of one of J. Q. Adams's celebrated
lectures delivered last fall, before some society in New York,
in which he discoursed of mankind under the three distinctions
of savage, shepherd and farmer, representing the former as the
natural and original condition of our race ? You do recollect
it, and like every one else you set down the doctrine as quite
obvious and plausible, forgetting that wise men may be wrong
soraetimes. At least, such was my case, and I was not a little
surprised, last week, to hear one of our lecturers take up the
subject and entirely subvert the ex - President's" theory. He
contended that a high state of civilization was the starting-
point of man's progress, and that the two other conditions
(pastoral and savage) were secondary, and resulted from

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 289
degeneracy and human accidents ; and as a strong ground for
this opinion he remarked that no instance could be found of a
people emerging from barbarism to civilization without being
directly acted upon by the influence of communities more
enlightened than themselves, while among almost every ancient
people we find proofs of deterioration from a once high state.
Instance the antiquities of Greece and Rome. Think of the
high state of civilization which called into existence the temples
and pyramids, the obelisks, catacombs and statues of Egypt.
And how else will you account for the antiquities of our own
country than by supposing that the earliest inhabitants stood
far higher in the scale of civilization than the present race of
Indians ?
I have just received a letter from William Paine, dated at
Paris, in which he gives me some idea of what he has seen,
done and suffered, the year past, but as usual does not go much
into detail. He wrote me while at Alexandria, but the letter
never reached me. He states that their present plan is to
spend the winter in visiting the ports of Spain and Alhambra,
and return to England in the spring, when they will embark at
once for home. William complains bitterly of his correspond
ents, and says you have never answered his letter. This is
really crael on your part. You have been from home enough
to know how strong is the bond of social -attachment, and how
much pleasure is to be derived from the letters of those we
have left behind. You know how he has been situated, among
strangers of whose language he knew not a syllable ; how he
has been compelled to drag out many long days and weeks of
37

290 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
quarantine ; how fondly and faithfully he has remembered his
friends, and how often he has longed in vain for some ' intelli
gence of their welfare. You know that a single letter, under
such circumstances, may be productive of more pleasure than
whole weeks of social intercourse in the ordinary tide of human
affairs. How, then, could you neglect to write him? Ay,
there's a question to be settied with your own conscience, and
I fear you will have no easy task of it. Whenever the question
comes up, let me caution you to remember that in the long run
honesty is the best policy, and if you really find that you have
been a defaulter on the score of friendship, the wiser way will
be to acknowledge the error at once, and form good resolutions
for the future. '
I have now "blown you up," according to instructions from
Cousin William, and most sincerely do I hope that the shock
may result in your mending your ways, with respect to punctu
ality in letter - writing. In accomplishing my purpose I had
intended to fire a random shot, not caring if it came so near as
to frighten a certain other person to whom you will probably
show this, 'and who has for several days had occasion to appre
hend a warlike demonstration from this writer. I mean father,
the date of whose last letter is not to be mentioned.
William would be remerabered to you all, and especially to
grandmother, of whom he always speaks in terms of the warm
est affection.
Am surprised to hear that William Lester uses so much
discretion in regard to his affair at Walnut Hill. One would
have thought, from the intensity of his adoration last spring.

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 291

that all his hopes and purposes would have been consummated
six months ago. But there is a reason for all things, and I
have no doubt William has reasons for " putting the evil day
afar off." Yours, etc.,
D. L. Harris.

' Troy, N. Y., May 30, 1841.
Dear Brother : —
Your last letter came to hand in due time, and met a welcome
*
reception. (I abhor dates, and always avoid mentioning them ;
they are at best but stiff and awkward things, and in one way
or another are always reproaching us for neglect.)
Since I last wrote you there has been comparatively little
variety in my varied life. I am living in the same city, boarding
in the same house, eating at the same table, and sleeping in the
same room and doing the same hard service upon the same
Schenectady and Troy Railroad, all which except "the same
hard service " is quite unusual in my experience. I ara super
intending Sight miles of the heaviest character of work, and if
nothing happens shall be engaged upon it for the next eighteen
months. Letters from father tell me you ha've found an agreeable
situation in Boston. I heartily congratulate you upon the fact.
Of a choice Boston would be my residence before any other
city in the Union. Aside from its enterprise and facilities of
business, Boston holds out to the young man advantages of a
scicial and moral character which he will find altogether

292 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
unequaled in other large cities. Society there has a tone, an
elevation, a character. Unlike New York and Philadelphia, it
is not based upon wealth and birth, but looks for talent and
learning in its members. I know little of the place except
from the testimony of others, but all witnesses agree with me
in representing it as the " Athens of America."
Joel has been in Troy for three weeks, attending the
Rensselaer Institute, alias Professor Eaton's school. He is
highly pleased with it, and I have no doubt but he is learning
much faster than he has ever done before. He seems, however,
to have an unconquerable passion for railroads, and for a time
he had difficulty in mastering it sufficiently for reconciling him
self to study. He finally compromised with himself by
selecting those branches of study which would most tend to
qualify him for his favorite pursuit.
I have all along been promising myself a visit home in the
course of next month, but from present appearances I fear a
disappointment. It strikes me that home must be rather lone
some to the old folks since all " the boys " are gone. The
girls, however, will make it cheerful a dozen years to corae, and
by that time we can send them one or two grandchildren to
fill our places in their affections.
William Paine has visited Troy since his return from Europe.
I saw him a few moments only, for his time here was mostly
spent with other cousins — equally dear to him, but infinitely
removed from me in the scale of relationship. William is but
slightly altered in appearance, though of course a lapse of two
years has done something to confirm him in the stature of a

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 293
man. He says his next move in the world will be to read law
one year more, and then enter upon its practice.
Excepting what you wrote, I have not heard a word from
the University for more than a year. The little correspondence
I had there, has long since died away ; my friends have gone
back to the busy world, and there is nothing to connect me
with the institution save the raeraory of other tiraes. Of Dr.
Bangs I know little and think less, having nothing to judge
him by save his "Essay against Phrenology." The institution
is truly unfortunate in its selection of Presidents. Had Pro
fessor Smith chanced to unite the study of divinity to his other
accomplishments, I believe a better man could not have been
found to preside over it. Do you hear anything of the
Professor's health, of late ? He seeras fated to a short life.
You inquire what are my abolition sentiments, and I freely
confess I have none. The more I ponder the subject the morfe
I am bewildered. I abhor slavery, but I cannot bear the
radicalism of those who preach immediate emancipation.
William Lester has, I hear, retired to the farra and to the
pleasures of married life. He married a fine girl. Will his
attainments fit him. for the enjoyraent of so rich a prize ? Is
Elizabeth at horae ? and what are her prospects ? (speaking
after the manner of men).
William Paine told me that A. Storrs and the Misses Burgess
of Hartford had made an assignment of all their property.
Write me of Boston and your prospects, and believe me
Yours truly,
D. L. Harris.

294 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
Troy, N. Y., April i8, 1842.
Dear Brother : —
I hope you do not measure my brotherly love, or rate my
attachraent to yourself by the frequency of my letters. The
truth is, I find, as I grow older, ancl the cares of business come
pressing more heavily upon me, that it is quite impossible to
command the time which I used to devote with so much profit
and pleasure to the claims of social intercourse. I cannot for
a moment admit, however, that my attachment to absent friends
is growing less fervent, because it has become less ostentatious.
My relatives, in particular, I know that I love with the affection
of other days. Business may enter into and engross the mind ;
but it shall never steal away the affections of my heart. What
ever other changes may be wrought in rae by absence and
separation, I am resolved, that
" 'When far, far from the friends that I love.
And the spot where passed seasons of pleasure.
Distance shall but the links of affection remove.
Not sever fond emotion — Oh, never !"
About the middle of March I very deliberately made a visit
to Plainfield, Thompson, etc. I had contemplated that same
thing a year before, but stern circumstances prevented my
accomplishing it. Our family were all quite well and in good
spirits considering that father has no business and Joel has
not yet succeeded in selecting an occupation. Joel has all
along been clinging to the forlorn hope of civil engineering,
but I think he has at last become convinced that almost any
thing else is better, in these times. He is now halting between

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 295

two opinions — whether to go clerking or leam some branch of
mechanical trade.
Emma has become quite proficient in reading, and Mary
talked of the singing -school just as she used to. I did not
see Elizabeth L. or Maria Dunlap, as both of them were down
East. Cousin Harriet is Harriet still — no older and as good-
natured as ever. Called at Aunt Fanny's. She appears better
than formerly. William Lester is as proud as a lord because —
the old man is grandfather. I did not see Lydia. The
down -town girls are vegetating much after the fashion of olden
time. Few changes break the monotony of that village. Ellen
Eaton is Ellen still. I called upon her cousins, Hannah and
Mary, and took tea with them. They are ladies of good and
well -trained minds. I have always cherished a high regard
for the family. I saw Miss Witter, and she expressed herself
under particular obligations to you for your attentions, while in
Boston. M. Gladding was to be married soon to — I forget
who. She is a girl of good disposition.
Our cousins in Thompson were well as usual.. Indeed,
Rebecca did not appear to me half so badly as her case has
been represented. She is able, now, to sit up most of the time,
and occasionally goes down to preside for an hour or two over
the kitchen cabinet, which is composed of Jane and the servant
as principals, and Ellen and Mary as assistants. The girls
hailed my visit with all that sincere, warm-hearted and affec
tionate tone of welcome for which they are justly distinguished.
I love to visit our Thompson cousins. It does my heart good
to meet them. Their raanners are so natural, so full of feeling,
and so destitute of that cold and repulsive spirit of false.

296 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
delicacy which pervades the world, that I never leave them
without its costing me a manly exertion to bid them farewell,
and without having my mind impressed anew with a sense of
those higher and purer and holier principles , of our nature,
which are the secret sources of friendship, and which, when
fully expanded and developed and put in exercise, must become
one of the chief sources of heavenly bliss.
They are highly pleased with Ellen's prospects. I suppose
there is no doubt the match will be made. Rebecca told me
that Mr. Sanford had been knxious to take her away this spring,
but that she had insisted on his waiting till fall, to give Ellen
an opportunity of taking another course of doraestic lessons.
Did not hear anything of Jane's prospects. Mr. Green, the
teacher, is thinking favorably of one of the Misses Earned.
Anything further in this line your deponent testifieth not.
This rauch of others — one word of myself. I am still
engaged on the Schenectady and Troy Railroad, and probably
shall be until fall. We hope to commence running cars over
the road in August or Septeraber. A glance at the map will
show you that our road will be a part of the great line from
Boston to the West, being connected, as it will be, with the
Western Railroad, by a short road from Troy to Greenbush
(opposite Albany), which is to be built this suramer. Of
course we are expecting a great deal of travel over it. When
the road shall have been completed I shall again be upon the
wide world ; unless, indeed, I take a fancy to accept some
situation connected with the operation of the road. Our
business is at present exceedingly dull. The railroad mania is
passing away, and the country is waking up to a sense of its

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 297

past extravagance. Our " occupation " is gone. You may not
have observed that the Empire State has resolved to put a
period to the enlargement of the Erie Canal. This throws
hundreds of engineers out of employment. Day before yester
day was gaiillotine day for the poor fellows, and I am told that
so many were discharged as to make a difference of ^60,000 in
salaries. This may be fun for the people, but it is death to
them. Our cousins in Thompson had just received a mammoth
epistle from you, in which you spoke of coming home by land
and making it in your way to call at Troy. Good ! I shall
look forward with pleasure to seeing you, and though I could
not think of going East at the season when you would be likely
to come, yet I promise your visit shall be agreeable to yourself,
if the attractions about Troy can render it so. My situation
here is quite pleasant. I board in the city, have a responsible
situation, and am furnished with a horse at the company's
expense. Besides, I have an agreeable circle of acquaintance
in the city, among the first people. Your brother,
D. L. Harris.

38

HIS FIRST VISIT TO BOSTON.

BOSTON, as seen for the first time, is described in the
following letters, written by Mr. Harris when he was
twenty -two years old. He had returned from Western New
York, and was waiting for employment. Desiring to learn
something of Boston and its people, he improved this oppor
tunity in raaking a visit to that city. These letters were first
written to his father, and afterwards published in the columns
of a newspaper : — Boston, January lo, 1840.
Dear C  : —
I reached Boston on Friday, by the morning cars from
Worcester. You are aware the railroads, as well as other
modes of conveyance, have been rnuch interrupted by the
recent storms. The Worcester track was, at that time, free
from snow, but it was evident the company had incurred hea'vy
charges in keeping it passable. The snow stood in deep drifts
on either side, and I noticed several large companies engaged
in its removal. Since the construction of the first railroad in
New England, there has not been a winter in which the snow
has occasioned so much trouble 'and expense to proprietors, or

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 299

so much annoyance to the public, as they have already experi
enced the present season. The Boston and Worcester Road
has been impassable, at different times, four or five days ; the
Norwich Road about the same time ; and the Western Road,
leading across the country to Springfield, has experienced still
more serious intermptions, the last storm, which happened on
Friday, preventing the arrival of the cars at Worcester till the
following Thursday. Passengers from Springfield represent
the cuts through the hills as completely filled up, and describe
the appearance of the road as " a canal, often ten, and in some
places twelve feet in depth, and of a width insufficient to pass
the cars without grazing their sides and blinding the windows."
I noticed one of the cars with a breach in the side, made by
an overhanging crust of snow, at the hight of ten feet from
the rail.
I caught a glimpse of the State House before reaching the
depot, and I knew the hotel I wished to take was in its vicinity ;
so, when the cars stopped, I set off at once, expecting to shape
my course without difficulty through the winding streets, guided
alone by that instinctive magnetic feeling which is apt to
possess one in entering places with which he is unfamiliar. In
this, however, I was disappointed, and my inherent polarity
soon proved itself a false guide. I had wandered through
courts, lanes and alleys, turned a multitude of corners, traveled
seemingly twice the necessary distance, and had lost all patience
with the pride which prevented me from inquiring the way,
when the ludicrous anecdote of the country representative, who
had been in the same predicament, suddenly flashed across my
memory, and at once humbled pride and restored good humor.

300 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
The honest but unfortunate member appeared unexpectedly
among his constituents, and was called on for a report of his
mission. He replied that he had been three weeks in Boston,
worn out his best boots, and had not yet found the State House.
I now began to make ample amends for my folly in attempting
a feat that had baffled the statesman's sagacity, and after
inquiring of several persons, no one of whom would attempt
to give directions further than he could see, I at length reached
my lodgings.
Half an hour after I sallied out and fell into a current setting
towards the State House, where the Legislature was in session.
The State House is a magnificent brick edifice, fronting the
Common, ancl occupying a capital site near the summit of
Beacon Hill, on of the three gentle swells, from which comes
the appelation Tremont. It raeasures about 175 feet by 60,
ancl has a proportional hight. Its front is ornamented with
beautiful granite pillars of massive architecture, and the roof
is surmounted by a broad hemispherical dome, whose covering
of polished metallic plate sparkles in the sunlight and mak«s
it conspicuous at a great distance. A spacious avenue leads
up to the building. On entering, the first object which engaged
my attention was the figure of Washington, by Chantry. This
noble piece of statuary occupies a recess on the first floor,
opposite the principal entrance. It is wrought frora the finest
Italian marble, and has a most exquisite finish. It is elevated
on a suitable pedestal, and stands in a graceful speaking pos
ture, with a fold of the flowing toga hanging carelessly across
the left arm, while the right arm, bearing a scroll of parchment,
is slightly raised in a gesticulating posture.

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 301

The Hall of Representatives is fitted up in truly democratic
style, the seats for the merabers being plain benches, arranged
in semicircles on a floor sloping from all sides towards the
Speaker's chair, which stands slightly raised at the center.
In this way large numbers are seated in a coraparatively sraall
compass ; but still, such is the plentitude of Massachusetts'
delegation, that many of the representatives are compelled to
sit in the galleries.
The " Upper House " is more neatly and conveniently
arranged. The Senators occupy a circular row of desks and
tables, and the chair is raised to a dignified and becoming
elevation. In a conspicuous situation, over the door, hangs a
memento of Revolutionary heroisra, comprising a drum, sword,
rusty firelock, and other equipments, all taken from the British
in one of the hard - fought battles of New England. The walls
are ornamented with paintings, including portraits of most of
the ancient Governors and other distinguished personages of
the Commonwealth, some of which are exquisitely beautiful.
I had letters of introduction to several gentlemen, and I
hastened to make their acquaintance. Dr. F—  , on whom
I first called, treated rae with great politeness, invited me to
dine with him, the day following, and offered to be my com
panion in visiting interesting quarters of the city. Mr. B  ,
the engineer, for the pleasure of whose acquaintance I am
under lasting obligations to you, received me with no less
marked attention. I found him all you had represented him — ¦
a man of truly republican frankness of character — one of the
few to whom the discerning world apply, without reserve, the
epithet of finished gentleman. He kept me two hours, engaged

302 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
in conversation and listening to a train of remarks at once
professional, pleasing and instructive. When I left, he enjoined
me to call the next morning at ten, and proposed accompanying
me to see the various public works of the city, in the execution
of which himself and his family have been extensively engaged.
You shall hear further by the next mail.

Boston, January ii, 1880.
Dear C-  :—
In ray last I promised to write again by the mail of to-day,
and I shall resume the old subject without preface or apology.
When I got back to the street, the evening was considerably
advanced. Tremont Theater was open. I had read flaming
handbills, at the corners of the streets, and was anxious to
see the Boston stage. I have no passion for theatrical
performances, particularly such as I saw that evening. The
actors and actresses were all of the numerous class which Miss
Fanny Kemble calls " miserable." The plays were familiarly
old, and the rehearsals passed off with that drowsy tameness
which always attends the consciousness of uttering stale jokes
and thrice -told tales. The house was extremely, though not
unusually, thin. I was told the current patronage falls much
below the expenditures of the establishment, and in speaking
on the subject a shrewd city friend predicted that the building
would ere long be consecrated to other ancl more useful
purposes. The friends of the " legitimate drama " and the
advocates of its entire abolition must, I think, be united in
viewing the present indications in a favorable light ; for while

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 303
the latter refer them to the elevation of moral and religious
sentiment, the former will tell you the dramatic taste of the
age is too refined and discriminating to be pleased with the
indifferent acting which the present managers support.
The next morning I called on our mutual friend, Mr. B  ,
and found him in readiness for the proposed walk. We set off
without delay on an excursion to me full of interest. He took
me through the principal streets, pointed out the residences of
distinguished individuals, gave me sketches of the first settle
ments in various quarters, repeated several Revolutionary
anecdotes connected with the scenes and localities which we
passed, contrasted present appearances with his early recollec
tions, and led the way through the most prominent public
buildings. The Athenaeum or City Library was the first object
of our visit. This institution has contributed more than any
thing else to render Boston the literary emporium of the New
World. It was founded in 1806, and numbers about 25,000
volumes. Any person may become a life member of the asso
ciation, or a temporary proprietor, on the payment of certain
sums to the Treasurer. The various classes of works, literary,
scientific, historical and statistical, are placed in separate
apartments, where subscribers are at liberty to retire and
consult them at pleasure. It is not usual to take the books
away, and in winter the rooms are kept sufficiently comfortable
for study at all hours. I could not help remarking the extraor
dinary neatness of the collection, and the taste displayed in its
arrangement. Connected with the library is a reading-room, which contains
• a great variety of papers and periodicals, both foreign and

304 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
domestic. There is also a gallery of the fine arts attached to
the same institution. This occupies a separate building in the
rear of the raain edifice ; but we did not visit it.
The Quincy Market deserves a passing notice. It is a
massive granite building, two stories high, and five hundred
feet long, occupying an entire square. Four iramense pillars,
of Egyptian architecture, support a projection of the roof at
either end. Two ranges of stalls, about twenty feet square,
with ample space for the multitude to pass between them,
extend the whole length of the building. This is the principal
market of the city. It was built by the corporation, and yields
a handsome revenue. Its location is in the eastern part of the
city, near Faneuil Hall — the far-famed "Cradle of Liberty," —
and the site of the new Custom House, a magnificent building
still in embryo. Its foundation walls, however, are completed
to the hight of some twenty feet, and next season the super
structure will be raised. It is to be built of the hewn freestone
from Quincy, a material of surpassing beauty and durability,
withal quite common in Boston.
Old Faneuil presents a venerable and rusty exterior. The
hall itself is a spacious room, with deep galleries on three sides,
and contains several splendid paintings. It bears marks of.
long -continued and frequent usage, and, to speak frankly, its
whole appearance is no very striking emblem of the .pure and
exalted principles to which it is dedicated.
We next crossed Warren bridge to Chariestown, and sought
admission to the Navy Yard. - This extensive inclosure is sur
rounded by a high wall, and has a great variety of shops and
store -houses, together with a roper walk and three large ship

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 305
buildings. It is said to be the most important yard in the
United States. There is certainly much here to excite
curiosity and stimulate an American's pride of country.
Besides building ships and disciplining marines, the Govern
ment is extensively engaged in the manufacture of articles for
the service. The rope - walk is more than a quarter of a mile
in length, is constructed entirely of fire -proof and ball -proof
materials, and has every facility for conducting business on the
most enlarged scale. The process of carding and spinning the
hemp used in this establishment, is effected by the aid of
raachines of ingenious construction, recently invented by a
gentleman whose talents have procured him a fortune, but
whose name I cannot at this moment recall.
There are now on the stocks two vessels of the first-class,
and one forty-four gun ship, all of which can be got ready for
sea at short notice. The receiving ship lay at the wharf, and I
stepped on board. It was literally swarming with recruits,
sentinels and officers. I had not before seen an armed vessel,
and was curious in the economy of its discipline and arrange
ments. For some time I moved carelessly through the crowds
of men, guns and ammunition, looking into all the dark corners,
and scratinizing every object, little dreaming of intrusion, when
suddenly a sprig of the guard presented his "glimmering
steel " and ordered me abaft the windlass, to gratify my passion
for sight- seeing in a less hallowed part of the vessel. I knew
enough of war to obey commands without stopping for the
reasons, and immediately turned "right about face." The
music was playing on deck at the time, and being under
" marching orders " I felt, for a moment, a truly martial and
pugnacious inspiration. More anon.
39

3o6 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
Boston, January 14, 1840.
Dear C  : —
My last epistle took leave of you on board the receiving
ship, at the Charlestown Navy Yard. The object of crowning
interest to be seen at this place is the celebrated dry dock, a
structure which for solidity and splendor stands unsurpassed
in the records of naval architecture. I remarked to my com
panion its costly and substantial appearance. "True," said
he, "but you see the results of only a small part of the labor
expended in making all secure. After the foundation pit had
been excavated to the proper depth, rows of piles were driven,
at short intervals, as deeply as possible, and covered with a
heavy oak flooring ; upon this came a layer of cement and a
second floor, which rendered the bottom absolutely impervious
to water, under the immense pressure incident to a head of
thirty feet, its depth below tide." Upon the foundation the
side walls were commenced ; broad ancl approaching near each
other at first, but falling back by successive offsets, as they rise,
till at last a section through the coping has an area of eighty
feet by two hundred and forty. The plan of the principal gate
is similar to those of canal locks. To relieve the strain, and
prevent accident to this gate, a floating guard of elliptical form
and great strength, is stationed at the head of the short canal,
leading to this dock. After a vessel has entered, the water is
exhausted by means of a powerful steam-engine, working two
pumps. This stupendous work, of which Colonel Loami
Baldwin had the direction, was completed and received " Old
Ironsides" in June, 1833.
Leaving the Navy Yard, the draw -bridges of the Lowell
Railroad came next in our way. These admirable structures,

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 307

one on the Boston termination, and the other on the Charies
town branch of the road, are built with draws, upon an entirely
new plan. Though materially different in construction, these
draws are based upon the same general principle of rolling
aside, instead of turning back on pivots, when a vessel is to be
passed. The plan is simple, ingenious, and commends itself
to all who feel curious in mechanics and civil engineering.
I seldom forget an engagement, under any circumstances,
and my appointment for two o'clock was of a character to
stand first and foremost in recollection. I was punctual, almost
to a fault. Aftera social repast, richly spiced with a flow of
frank and hospitable feeling on the part of the faraily, the
Doctor ordered up his carriage and we rode away. Our route
lay along the Mill-dam avenue. The mill-dam, as it is famil
iarly called, is a work of gigantic magnitude, and one which
has contributed more to the convenience of the public than to
the welfare of its proprietors. It extends across the bay, half
a mile below the isthmus which unites Boston with the main-
lahd. It is one of the five artificial ways leading to the city,
and its cost was more than all the others united, being nearly
three -fourths of a million. It consists of two parallel walls,
of substantial dry masonry, one and a half miles long, and
' sixty feet apart, with a filling of earth between them. The
top presents a carriage way of unrivaled splendor. The space
inclosed above the dam is divided by a partition wall into two
parts, termed the full and receiving basins. Each of these
basins is provided with self-acting gates, so adjusted as alter
nately to fill the one and exhaust the other at every change of
tide. By this arrangement, a head of water is maintained.

3o8 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
sufficient to propel a large amount of machinery. The privi
leges are mostly taken up in the manufacture of corn -meal and
flour. The necessary buildings are, of course, situated on the
partition dam.
From the west end of the avenue we passed round to the
Highlands in Roxbury, one of the principal suburbs of the city.
Owing almost entirely to the establishment of an hourly line of
omnibuses, this place has honestly grown up, within a few years,
with a rapidity almost unparalleled in history, and hardly to be
equaled by the recent magic creations of paper towns and
" water lot " cities among the marshes of the West. . Many of
the city merchants and other business men have their residences
here, for the sake of retirement and country air. From the
hights we had a splendid view of the city and harbor ; a better
view, perhaps, than is commanded by any other point. The
Common, with its graveled walks and thousand stately elms,
the Capitol, with its glittering dome, in short, Boston, with its
crooked streets, its towering spires and magnificent churches,
its railroads, its shipping, its hills and plains, studded with
brick and granite dwellings, all is comprehended at a single
glance ; and that glance carries with it the association of a
moral, enlightened, and enterprising population. I saw the
naked city; her gardens, grass-plots, and ornamental trees
wanted the verdure of June; but, in rating her beauties, I
knew what allowances to make. And yet, perhaps I erred ; for
where art alone is so exquisitely splendid, it is difficult to
conceive the embellishments which nature may add.
The afternoon was cold and blustering, but the constant
excitement of new scenes, and the Doctor's cheerful vivacity,

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 309
backed by the generous supply of furs which his servant had
provided us with, left us nothing to hope or fear from the
elements. In the evening I was at the Museum. I am not disposed to
be critical, but there are occasions when the most forbearing
cannot help it. The Museum was poorly warmed and darkly
lighted ; the apartments are badly arranged, and a large
proportion of the curiosities have a neglected, rusty and ques
tionable appearance. At seven o'clock there was to be a
risible entertainment in the saloon, and I resolved to stay and
be present, albeit disappointment had left me in no very ready
humor for laughing. The object of the performer (Dr. Valen
tine) was to caricature, in his own person, several odd speciraens
of poor humanity to be met with in this mixed -up world.
Were I to judge of his success by the effect produced on my
own feelings at the time, you would have good reason to distrust
my opinion, and I shall pass on, with the bare remark that he
called forth bursts of applause while personating that class of
single ladies who have reached " The years
'Which certain persons call a certain age."
More soon.

Boston, January 15, 1840.
Dear C  :—
The week-day life and appearance of the Bostonians had
impressed me favorably, and I could not resist the pleasure of
spending a Sunday with them. Curiosity sent me abroad early.
I saw few people stirring, the shops were closed, and all worldly

3IO DANIEL L. HARRIS.
cares seemed forgotten ; and as I strolled leisurely through the
noiseless streets, the echo of my own footfalls went home to
conscience and reproached me for intruding upon holy time.
At nine o'clock " the church-going bells " sent forth their peals
of matin melody ; but the music ceased and silence yet reigned
in the streets. Another hour passed, and all Boston was in
motion, every one seeking his favorite place of worship. The
scene was of moral grandeur, — such multitudes, with so much
unity of purpose, such a diversity of sentiments, and yet so
rauch harraony of feeling.
My professional friend had invited me to a seat at the morn
ing services. It was our goocl fortune to hear Dr. Channing, a
clergyman eminent for his simplicity of style, independence of
thought, and cogency of reasoning. As a writer, he has distin
guished himself by his eloquent plea against the admission of
Texas, and several benevolent efforts in the cause of liberty,
as well as in the publication of raany discourses of a religious
and doctrinal character. I had heard rauch of him, nor was I
disappointed. In person he is a man of ordinary stature ; dark
complexion and intelligent features, with an extraordinary devel
opment of the moral and intellectual organs, and looks about
fifty years old. The subject of his discourse was one of funda
mental importance to the Unitarian church, of which he is at
present the great champion. He aimed to show that the chief
excellence of Christianity does not consist in anything peculiar
to itself, but is to be found in its more perfect development of
the principles of natural religion. He even went farther, and
claimed that the adorable beauty of Jehovah's character does
not lie so much in its exclusive attributes as in the ultimate

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 311
perfection of qualities which He holds in comraon with man.
His arguments were presented with masterly ingenuity,- and
(without committing myself by subscribing to his doctrine, or
dissenting from it) I am free to say I have rarely, if ever,
listened to a discourse more pleasing, or an eloquence more
persuasive. In the afternoon I went to the Catholic church in Franklin
street. I had seen much of the Catholics, but was not famil
iar with their worship. I was struck with the scrupulous exact
ness which their faith prompts in the discharge of ceremonies.
I stood by the vase of holy water and an hundred times wit
nessed the same unvarying operation of crossing, kneeling to
the Virgin, and mechanical prayer, and as often traced the
same emotion of superstitious awe and careless confidence,
depicted in the countenances of the honest devotees. The
services were of course in Latin, a language eraphatically dead
to me, notwithstanding the headaches, private reproofs and
wasted midnight oil of my school -boy days. As there was
little else to instruct me I soon yielded to the temptation which
an open door near me presented. It was now too late to enter
another church and I returned to my hotel.
Towards evening I took a stroll through the outskirts and
by -places of the city, curious to know whether the strict observ
ance of the Sabbath was general among the lower classes. I
passed the fishing grounds, where I had seen numbers of people
engaged the day before, but all was now silent and deserted ;
and I could see nothing in any quarter to mar the appearance
of universal quiet. I will not draw the hasty conclusion that
there are no bad people and no nurseries of vice in Boston ;
nor could I withhold my surprise at the extraordinary respect

312 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
wbich prevails for religious institutions. And yet this peculiar
ity does not excite so much wonder when we recollect the
powerful moral causes which are silently but constantly acting
to produce it. There are Christians of all denominations in
the city, and most of them, as I was informed, support preach
ing at one or raore free churches, in quarters where public
worship would not otherwise be maintained. It is made the
duty of the home missionaries, who officiate at these churches,
to seek out the children of indigent and delinquent parents in
their respective parishes, and when possible, procure their
attendance on- the Sabbath -schools, juvenile lectures and other
means of iraprovement. In this way the greatest possible
efficacy of moral power is secured over the present and rising
generation, the effects of which are cheeringly manifest when
we contrast Boston with other populous cities.
I had arranged to leave by the afternoon cars of Monday,
and there remained two or three places which I was eager to
visit. Early in the morning I crossed Charlestown bridge and
after threading a labyrinth of streets found myself at the foot
of Bunker Hill Monument, the very center of the stirring
scenes of June 17th, 1775. Gladly would I have imbibed an
inspiration suited to the spot. Fancy was faithful to its office
and the events of the past came " rolling freely back on the
heavy tide of memory," but all to no purpose ; the declining
patriotism and selfish spirit so rife in these modem times, were
shadowed forth in the objects around me, with a vividness which
effectually dampened every trace of enthusiastic feeling.
The corner-stone of the monument was laid with becoming
ceremony on the fiftieth anniversary of the battle. Lafayette,
the nation's guest, the illustrious companion and friend of

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 313
Washington, was then on a visit to this country, and his pres
ence contributed largely to the interest of the occasion. The
work was commenced with great spirit and prosecuted to the
hight of sixty or seventy feet, when a deficiency of funds led
to its indefinite postponement. If completed according to its
original design, it will present an appearance of eloquent sim
plicity and surpassing grandeur. The plan is an obelisk, of
light colored freestone, 220 feet in hight and thirty feet square
at the base. Various unsuccessful expedients have been devised
for raising the funds requisite to its completion, and the work
has stood for several years in half -finished rudeness, more a
disgrace to the national character than a memento of revolu
tionary heroism. The cupidity or necessity of neighboring
proprietors has also lead to encroachments upon the lands,
which should have been consecrated to those fond memories
and patriotic feelings that called for the erection of a monument.
But I have neither time nor inclination for farther details, and
will for the present take leave of you with a single remark.
To be at home in Boston one must have an experimental
knowledge of the geography and position of its different parts.
The streets are numerous and short — laid out without regard
to system — and their endless windings and crossings at first
bid defiance to the largest development of locality. I was
often at a loss which course to pursue, even when near my
lodgings, and in my rambles to distant parts of the city never
presumed to know where I was without referring to a second
person. Attending this irregularity, however, I reckon two
advantages ; first, the frequent inquiries which the stranger is
forced to make become a fine school to the citizens for the
40

314 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
cultivation of patience and politeness ; second, "their title to
these virtues is readily established by the kind and satisfactory
answers which he is sure to receive. Passing by the bad
arrangement of its streets Boston is a well built city. The
materials used in construction are principally brick and granite
and the prevailing style of architecture 'is a happy combination
of the massive, convenient and beautiful. But enough.
Yours truly,
D. L. Harris.

LETTERS TO HIS FATHER.

No ONE could have had greater respect for his father
than did Mr. Harris. From early youth to mature man
hood he held him in high regard, and his advice and opinions
vi'ere sought and greatly cherished. The letters which he wrote
to him from the time he entered college to the beginning of his
active business life, numbering nearly two hundred, were pre
served, and they show that deference and filial affection which
were prominent traits of his character. The following, though a
small part of what he wrote, will serve to give a knowledge of his
early life and some of his distinguishing characteristics, as well
as make a fitting close to this volume : — •
Wesleyan University, January ii, 1836.
Dear Father: —
After the reception of such a kind and affectionate letter as
yours of the 31st ult, I never can feel perfectly easy until after
I have expressed my gratitude by dispatching a few lines in
return to its author. The bundle containing the robbins, etc.,
arrived in good order, for which accept my sincere thanks. I
have tried the flannel, and thus far like it very well.
William lately wrote me that Mr. Cutler had advised him to
take up the study of surveying, after completing algebra. Now

3i6 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
I always dislike to intrude my opinion where it is unasked, but
you must excuse me for saying a word on this subject. I
consider it next to impossible for a person to become thoroughly
acquainted with surveying without some previous knowledge of
geometry and trigonometry. To be sure, he may learn a set
of arbitrary rules, by which he will be able to compute the
measure of a field ; but he will not know an iota of the whys
and wherefores. The illiterate mariner, who knows nothing of
astronomy, with the help of directions recorded in his nautical
almanac, finds his latitude and longitude ; but if he understood
the principles of the rules by which he proceeds, with how
much greater facility, perspicuity and precision would he
complete the task. Precisely sirailar is the case of the sur
veyor who has no knowledge of the ground -work upon which
his art is founded. With the utmost deference to Mr. Cutler's
opinion, I will venture to recommend the study of geometry
and trigonometry, to sorae extent, before doing anything with
surveying. Even if he never should pursue but one of these
three branches, I think geometry would be preferable, unless
he should have especial occasion to use the latter. You will
recollect I studied surveying several weeks before coming here,
and I thought then J understood it pretty well ; but when I had
read geometry and trigonometry I found I knew almost nothing
of it. However, if Mr. Cutler can show any plausible reason
for the course he has recommended, I would advise to pursue
it. Certainly he ought to be, and undoubtedly is, better quali
fied than myself to judge.
I heard Dr, Fisk preach a temperance sermon, two or three
weeks since, and I must say it was one of the most interesting

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 317
I ever heard. If I had time I would enumerate some of the
principal facts that he stated respecting the temperance cause
in England ; but I must content myself with naraing one or two
which struck me as the most interesting. He said that gin was
repeatedly offered to him, among the highest circles of religious
society. When that was refused, wine was next presented, so
little advance has the reform made in old England, among the
highest classes of the community ; and what, then, must be its
progress among the lower orders ? He visited many large
manufacturing establishments, in various parts of the Kingdom,
and found it to be the case almost universally that they could
not be kept in operation more than five, and often no more
than four days in the we^, on account of the extreme licen
tiousness of the workmenl They are accustomed to get drunk
on Saturday night or Sunday morning, and it is utterly impossi
ble to get them back to their work until the earnings of the
past week are all expended, which generally happens on
Tuesday. Gin palaces, as they are termed, are numerous in
every part of the country. These are large and commodious
buildings, richly ornamented both within and without, where
ardent spirits of all kinds are exposed for sale, under the most
alluring circumstances. Placing himself near the entrance of
one of them, on a Saturday evening, the Doctor counted
seventy persons passing in, within five minutes ; and he after
wards observed another door, on the opposite side, where as
many more were constantly passing and repassing. London
still contains 100,000 drunkards.
One anecdote, and I have done. It is customary among the
Lords and Nobles to give each other dinner parties, almost

3i8 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
every day, so that it happens that a man rarely dines in his
own mansion unless honored with the presence of some half-
dozen friends of his own high standing. Many years ago,
when the temperance scheme was not yet agitated, they had a
habit of dismissing the females from the room, after the eating
was over, locking the door, and • sitting down with the express
purpose of making themselves jovial with wine. Such was
their attachment to this custom that it was deemed an insult to
the master of the house to leave the room so long as they could
walk straight. In order to hasten this crisis as much as possi
ble, they had the bottles made with globular bottoms, so that
they could not be set down without spilling the contents. The
wine was thus kept in constant circulation, and the whole
company were soon thrown into that peculiar state in which
the rules of politeness and laws of honor would permit them
to leave the table.
I have not yet called at the Custom House to inquire about
the reports of the United States engineers, as I have had no
time to devote to the subject.
The bell rings, and I have not another moment to spare.
Health is good. Write soon as convenient. Your son,
D. L. Harris.

Wesleyan University, January 25, 1836.
Dear Father: —
Our class commences mensuration this day. We have been
rather longer finishing trigonometry than I had anticipated,
owing to the fact that we reviewed some part of it. The

DANIEL L. HARRIS. ¦ 319

Professor remarked, a day or two since, that the class would
complete mensuration of superfices and solids, navigation and
surveying, the present year. The branches, you will observe,
are not printed in the catalogue in the same order in which
they are studied. Concerning geometry, I am resolved never
to spend five or six months in acquiring it, with the Freshmen
class. (They will commence it in about two weeks, and finish
it in October or November next.) The tuition fees with which
I should be charged would be $4. for this term, $4 for the next,
and $4. for the fall term, making $12; and besides this, I
should be under the necessity of falling behind in other studies,
while I continued in that branch with the class, as the recita
tion would interfere. I have formed a connection with a young
man in the same class, who is similarly situated, and we are to
go on with it in regular order (meeting every evening for
recitation), so that we shall be fully qualified to review it with
the class. I have procured a geometry and have had two or
three recitations in it. I like it very much, as I do everything
else pertaining to mathematics. You may rest assured that this
plan is by far the best that could be devised, all things consid
ered. Our class is getting along as usual, with French. The
Professor of this language is a native of Switzerland, where it
is spoken. The Latin class progresses as usual. I have read
nearly three -fourths of chemistry. It is a book containing six
hundred pages.
I have received the first three numbers of the National. I
have just glanced at them, and am inclined to think them
abundantly superior to the Mirrors. My thanks for the
exchange.

320 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
I saw the President's message on Tuesday last. From the
present aspect I am led to conclude that war will soon follow,
if the measures recommended shall be adopted.
About ten o'clock on Saturday evening I was aroused by
cries of fire. On arriving at the spot I found that the flames
proceeded from a small house owned by a respectable colored
man, and situated about half a mile west of the University.
The house was entirely consumed, together with a greater part
of the furniture, which appeared to have been of considerable
value. Two engines were present, but no water could be had
to supply them, and the people were compelled to witness the
ravages of the flames, without having the least power to arrest
their progress. Two children that were in the house were with
difficulty rescued before the fire reached them. The woman
had gone to meeting, and left the children in bed. The man
was absent from the city. The fire originated from a defect in
"a stove pipe, and as the house was a little out from the compact
part of the city, it had made considerable progress before it
was discovered. I was present, yesterday morning, and saw a
gold watch taken out of the ruins, entirely destroyed.
I might write you many letters about the various rules of the
University, the habits and manners of the students, and a
hundred other things ; but it would take more time than I can
spare, and besides, I can relate all these things to you much
more understandingly when we meet face to face. You would
not wonder at much of the ill health of which sorae students
complain, if you could but know the excess into which they
plunge themselves. Frequently they are up until 12 o'clock at
night, reading novels or other useless books. But I cannot

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 321

stop to point out their errors at this time. Let me conclude
by requesting that you write as soon as convenient. I continue
to enjoy good health. My respects to the family friends.
Your son, D. L. Harris.
N. B. — Should like to have you state, in few words, your
opinion of French affairs — how the railroad surveys are pro
gressing, etc.

Wesleyan University, February 25, 1836.
Dear Father : —
Our Latin class will have progressed, by the close of this
term, about half as far as it is customary to study Livy ; that
is, they will study it about five weeks next term, before they
commence reviewing for examination. Now, if I leave it at
the end of this term, it will only make a difference of forty
pages, which could make no very material difference in my
knowledge of the language. If I were to leave the class I
should, of course, expect to review what I had been over, by
myself, for examination, and possibly I might find time to read
as far as the class will. My studies for the summeT will be
mathematics, French and natural science. The reason why I
proposed leaving the Latin class was partly because I was
fearful that if I attended that recitation it might debar me
from attending one of the others, by having two of them come
at the same time (which I consider as more important), and
partly because I thought there was a possibility of my not
41

322 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
 !^
having time to do it, although I might have time to learn the
lessons ; but perhaps the class may be arranged in such a
manner that I shall be able to attend that recitation, providing
you think it best and I have time. It will make but little
difference whether I attend the recitation or not, if I read the
lesson. I have nearly finished reading chemistry, and if noth
ing happens Hopkins and myself will complete geometry before
our class commences reviewing it ; or, if I should remain here
a few days in vacation, we could nearly finish it then. If the
Sophomore class progress as far as they expect to, in mathe
matics, this year, there will only remain in that department
spherical trigonometry, application of algebra to geometry,
projections, nautical astronomy, calculus, natural philosophy
and astronomy. Now I apprehend no difficulty in being able to
pursue these with the Junior and Senior classes, next year,, by
having two mathematical recitations at the same time. Thus I
shall have completed the entire mathematical course within
two years from- the time of entrance. I also think I shall be
able to pursue most of the branches in the department of
moral science, before the close of that period, and the whole
of the department of natural science, of course. Whenever
any person asks me how long I expect to stay here, I answer
him, one year from next fall. As I never have heard you say,
of course I do not know for a certainty, but from the tenor of
your remarks I have always thought that you intended to let
me remain here until I had made the progress above specified.
When I wrote you with regard to coming home, or making
some other visit during the vacation, I felt perfectly indifferent
with respect to which you might think the most advisable, and

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 323
I have the same feeling now. If you think it best, after con
sideration, to have me come home and talk over matters and
things, with respect to my studies, and see about my clothes,
shoes, etc., I shall think so, too ; but if you think it would be
more profitable for me to visit New York, or some other place,
why then it is all the same. As I intimated before, my mind is
about equally divided between the two. If by not coming
home I am going to put you to all the trouble and expense of
coming here to visit me, perhaps I had better come home ; but
you know best. I shall be very much delighted to have you
visit me, providing I do not come home. I shall need a new
stock, and possibly a new hat, if I go to New York. I shall
need the stock immediately. The one you bought me last fall
was a poor thing.
The weather has been so cold that almost every student has
been obliged to get one or two loads of wood more than he
had calculated upon last fall — myself among the rest. We
have already got one load, and expect to have to get another.
I have but a little money left ; shall want a few dollars before
the close of the term, whether I come home or not, as I have
not enough to pay the stage fare. I will send you a transcript
of my cash account, if you desire it.
I have had much to write in little time, and I must ask you
to excuse its appearance.
I suppose you have written me before this time; if not,
please write as soon as convenient. I enjoy good health.
Your son,
D. L. Harris.

324 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
Wesleyan University, May i, 1836.
Dear Father: —
In my last letter I believe I told you we had comraenced
mineralogy, and that we expected soon to be out among the
rocks and mountains, searching for and learning the names of
minerals. Well, I can now say that we have been once, and
had pretty good success. Last Saturday was the day fixed
upon for our first expedition. Accordingly we made prepara
tions for a visit to a mountain seven miles distant — which
preparations were none other than a huge stone hammer,
for breaking in pieces the rocks in which the minerals were
contained, a strong bag for bringing them home, and sundry
other things of minor importance to the immediate object of
our undertaking, although not quite indispensable to the wants
of nature, such as a bag of provisions, a tin cup, etc. I believe
that was all. Thus equipped and prepared, we set off, about
eight o'clock, looking, as I suppose, something like a tribe of
wandering Arabs on a pilgrimage to Mecca. After a march of
about two hours over the hills on the Middletown and Wind
ham turnpike, we found ourselves at our destination. All
hands immediately set to work with their hammers to tear
asunder the solid rocks and pluck out their precious treasures.
Many a poor fellow, after sweating and pecking for twenty
minutes or half an hour over some adamantine stone, and
seeing it riven into fragments by his toil, was at last compelled
to tum away unpaid and half disgusted, to recommence his
labors ; and after going through with the same process again,
is perhaps again disappointed. After toiling in this way for

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 325
about two hours, you may imagine a part of the class, with
Professor Johnston, seated flat on the ground around a large,
flat stone, which served as a table, and from which we ate our
dinners with a farmer's appetite. The other part of the
company had mineralized long enough, and had started for
home before dinner. The first party renewed their exertions
after dinner, and after obtaining specimens of all the minerals
known to exist there, turned their faces homeward about three
o'clock, where they arrived about two hours after. I shall not
attempt to describe the appearance we made in traveling the
streets with our hammers and bags of stone. Suffice it to say,
that we all got back safe and sound, although manyJof us,
perhaps, would rather never have seen another mineral than to
have gone the same journey over again upon the same day. I
cannot say that I was very tired. It was only a pleasant
exercise for me. Several others were as little tired as myself.
We expect to make several such excursions in the course of the
term. We shall finish mineralogy and commence geology in
the course of the present week. The mathematical class have
completed surveying and commenced reviewing geometry.
The students have been warned to train to - morrow. They
have not yet determined whether they will go or not. The
faculty are inclined to think that the charter of the college will
exempt them. Professor Smith will advise them what to do in
the morning, and perhaps I will tell you the amount of his
advice before mailing this letter.
I enjoy good health. Have you heard John Lester say any
thing about coming here next fall ? When I was at home he
talked as if there was a possibility of his doing so.

326 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
Professor Smith has advised the students to stay at home
and be fined, and run the risk of getting clear of it. He
thinks the law is unconstitutional. When I write again will
tell you more about it, if you care to know. Your son,
D. L. Harris.

Wesleyan University, May 21, 1836.
Dear Father : —
Yours of the 14th inst. has come to hand, and agreeable to
your request I will now attempt to write again. We shall
remain in No. 11, this term. We have a better room in the
second story engaged for next term.
Two accidents occurred at the school kept by Mr. Chase, the
present week. A boy having a quantity of powder in his
pantaloons pocket, together with some powder crackers, another
boy set fire to one of the crackers which happened to be stick
ing out, and an explosion of the whole followed. Probably
the last -mentioned boy was not aware of the powder being in
the former boy's pocket. The boy was considerably injured,
but I believe he is now out of danger. Not so, however, with
the other accident. It appears that a boy had told his fellows
it was his birthday, and they were whipping him (as you have
often seen children doing), when he, getting a little wrathy,
seized a bit of board and threw it at one of them, hitting him
upon the back of the head, He soon began to feel a pain in
his head, grew dizzy, lost his senses, and in about three hours

DANIEL L. HARRLS. 327

expired. The boys were about fifteen years of age. The
verdict of the coroner's inquest was death by accident.
I have of late felt some interest in the struggle which is
going on in Texas, for the greatest of earthly blessings, —
liberty. It seems to me that their cause is just, and that they
merit the sympathy and assistance of our countrymen. The
wanton craelty of Santa Anna and his ruthless followers, the
cold-blooded enormities which they have perpetrated upon the
unfortunate Texans, the deliberate murder of those who have
chanced to be taken prisoners, are enough to excite commiser
ation in the bosom of any person who can justly lay claim to
the ordinary sensations of his species. The victory of Houston
over this unfeeling tyrant is an event calculated to inspire fresh
hope in the almost despairing Texans. It is reported that a
court martial has sentenced him to death, and moreover, that
the sentence has been executed. I think this exactly the fate
he deserved ; it is paying him in his own coin. It would
appear, from recent movements, that this country is liable to
be involved in a war with Mexico. .An event of this kind is
certainly to be detested ; but if it should corae, we can easily
imagine the consequences. The defeat of Santa Anna, how
ever, will probably give a new aspect to affairs on the frontier.
I have no interesting accounts of mineralizing excursions to
give at present. Geology is a very interesting and useful study.
We find many things laid down there which are truly astonish
ing. If the Bible had given us no account of a general deluge,
geology would have furnished us with ample proof in confirma
tion of that fact. The geologist can even affirm, with entire
confidence, the course which the current of that vast congregation

328 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
of waters swept over the earth. Many things, such as the
removal of huge masses of rocks from their original beds, the
deep furrows scooped out on the surfaces of ledges, by these
masses, as they were dashed across them by the irresistible
current, etc., concur in showing that the waters flowed towards
the south and south-east. In East Lyme, Ct., one of these
transported rocks may be seen, weighing, by' estimate, nearly
four hundred tons, which was moved from a hill about two
miles distant. Surely, the power of water is very great.
' Dr. Fisk will probably be at home about the last of August.
His last letters are dated at Naples, Italy. I told you that
some new buildings were to be erected here this summer. The
trustees could not exactly agree upon some minor things, and
they have concluded to wait until next year before commencing
the work.
I think I promised to send you a tract containing the articles
of faith of the new Presbyterian church, but I shall not be able
to do so.
I hope you will not forget your promise to give me early
information of the result of the meeting of railroad directors,
and any other particulars in relation to that subject which you
may consider interesting.
If you have not yet had time to copy my cash account, I
would be pleased to have you send it on, and I will return it
again, as I have procured a book and design to transcribe it, so
that no part of the whole account may be lost.
In regard to military affairs, nothing has been done about
flning the students. I believe the trustees took the matter into
their hands, but I know nothing further about it.

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 329
Since I wrote to you last, I have visited a quarry in this
town. I saw but little that was interesting except mica, and
this was only interesting inasmuch as it existed in such large
quantities. I was gratified to learn that your business in the mill was
going on well. Hope you will write again soon as convenient.
Good health. Your son,
D. L. Harris.
I send the inclosed pictures for Joel, knowing his taste for
such things.

Wesleyan University, December 10, 1837.
Dear Father : —
College life, like all other lives, has its tediums and needs its
relaxations. The mind is so constituted that it cannot well
endure one continuous and unchanging scene of things always.
By the perpetual recurrence of the same round of duties, it
grows weary and longs for the novelty and diversion which other
objects and other scenes afford. Trae, the tendency to become
weary with monotonous and unvarying successions of any kind,
does not exist with the same intensity in the bosoms of all ; yet
it is universal, it is in the mind, it is inseparable from it. No
matter how humble may be the station of an individual, how
degraded his intellect, how slavish his life, you will ever find
him ready to fly from his present condition and seek recreation
and pleasure from other sources. Truly, "variety is the spice
of life." And it is the same principle, carried but a few steps
42

330 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
further, that leads every one to look upon the situations and
employments of others as affording means of happiness
superior to that which he enjoys — that makes him long for the
period when a permanent change in his own circumstances
shall take place, and when he shall attain to the experience of
those joys which he fancies others possess. Nor can this be
considered a defect in our mental constitutions. On the
contrary, the very fact of its existence proves 'the wisdom and
goodness of that Being who created the soul and established
the intimate connection between it and the external world.
But I have already sailed wide of the harbor for which I was
destined, and it becomes necessary to " 'bout ship " and steer
another course, lest my frail and inexperienced bark should be
lost amidst the unbounded expanse of waters whose placid
bosora is so invitingly spread out before her. When I began
to write I had in view my last visit to my friend, Mr. Miller, in
Middlefield. I went out for recreation on Saturday, accompa
nied by one of the students, naraed Bennet. We staid over
night, and returned this morning, after having enjoyed many
renewed tokens of his friendship, and being more deeply than
ever impressed with the fact that the farmer may live a happy
life. Mr. Miller affords good evidence of having recently
experienced the "love of God shed abroad in his soul," and
this makes his society all the more agreeable and interesting.
I was not surprised to find this change had been wrought in
his soul. Indeed, but few men can become such close observ
ers of nature as he appears to be, and take such delight "in
tracing out the wisdom displayed in the structure and arrange
ment of creation, without having his thoughts elevated and his

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 331

affections placed upon that great First Cause who brought all
things into being.
But I must have a word with you respecting my own spiritual
affairs. I am convinced of the necessity there is of identifying
myself with some church or body of Christians, if I would live
an upright and godly life. I have been thinking, for a short
time past, somewhat more seriously than usual on this subject,
without being able, as yet, to make up my mind as to what
system of rules and doctrines I can most consistently subscribe
to as a follower. My mind is nearly equally divided between
the Methodists and Congregationalists. So far as I understand
the doctrines of the forraer, I am very well satisfied with them ;
but there are certain minor points in their discipline and
customs (for instance, the practice of shouting during prayer,
the holding of camp - meetings, and speaking, as their preachers
frequently do, without previous preparation), which I cannot so
readily acquiesce in. With the doctrines of the Congregation
alists, as they are usually understood, I own I am not sufficiently
acquainted to be able to form a just estimate of their coincidence
with my own views ; and the reason of my introducing the
subject here is the desire of getting information and advice
from you. I have' now been before the branch of the Metho
dist church connected with the college for six months (the
period which they term probation), and Professor Holdich
informs me that my case was recently brought up before the
" leaders' meeting," and the privilege granted me of becoming
a member of the church whenever I might see fit. One of the
considerations which weigh with me in deliberating this subject,
is the probability that I shall not be at home long enough next

332 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
spring to enable me to become a member of the Congregational
church in Plainfield, and the uncertainty as to wheh I may be
settled in one place the length of time requisite to go through
the steps preparatory to joining any other. I have also
thought, sometimes, what a very fine thing it is to attend church
and worship with friends. I am not one of those who believe
that religion consists in the outward acknowledgment of any
particular system of doctrines so much as in an upright walk
before men, and a humble and sincere reverence for God.
And it is for this reason that I shall not be over particular
about what sect of Christians I "may be classed with, so that I
can feel sure of a final entrance into the kingdom of the
blessed. At the same time, it is not best to be wholly indiffer
ent in regard to these things ; but on the contrary, prudence
dictates that we should always associate ourselves with those
who most nearly agree with us in opinion. A page or two of
counsel and instruction from you will be thankfully received,
and will, no doubt, help me along a good way towards a decision
on this difficult subject. If the doctrines of the church are
printed on a separate sheet, you can send one by mail, together
with such comments and explanations as you may deem
expedient. I shall probably be at home about the first of March, and I
suppose it will be necessary to leave for business about the
first of April. Have you heard from the boxes of minerals ?
I shall not feel easy about the last one until I learn of its safe
arrival. I received a letter, one or two mails since, from James
Monroe, whose writing pleases me much. The more I see of

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 333
that young man, the better I like him. In my opinion he is
possessed of a genius that would fear but few rivals in an
institution like this.
But my space is becoming liraited, and I had best raake sure
of room to say I continue to enjoy first-rate health, and add
my usual brief signature of Your son,
, D. L. Harris.

Next Door to the Common Jail,
New York and Erie Railroad Office,
Bath, Steuben County, January 27, 1839.
Dear Father: —
Immediately after I had deposited my last letter in the post-
office, a friend handed me yours of December 23d, just as we
were leaving Hornellsville for the Genesee River. From that
time I heard nothing further from you till this morning, when
yours of the ist and loth insts. were put into my hands. The
reason of my not having written you in the meantime will
appear sufficientiy evident when I inform you that besides the
ordinary duties of leveling, I have, during the present month,
discharged the additional task of topographical sketching,
our surveyor, Mr. C. Harris, having been sent to the office.
We reached our destination on Monday last, and on the
Wednesday following (having received no orders to proceed
further) we set out for this place — distance fifty miles. On
our arrival, Thursday evening, we found that Mr. Farnum had

334 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
gone to make us a visit, and to make arrangements for keeping
us out some two or three weeks longer. It was thought best
to await his return, which took place last evening. As the
weather is somewhat unfavorable, and our distance from the
place where our services are needed is such as to make it
expensive getting there, he concludes to suspend field opera
tions for the present. The other parties will come in a few
days hence. There is a great deal of office work to be i^ne
between this and spring, and I think my prospect is fair for
being- retained in constant service.
I am led to entertain very favorable impressions of this
place, from the little I have seen of it since my arrival. It is
a village of about half or two -thirds the size of Norwich, Ct.
It contains a goodly number of wealthy, intelligent and
respectable citizens. I shall endeavor to cultivate such an
acquaintance among them as will afford me an ample source of
pleasure and iraproveraent. There are some three or four
good looking churches in the village, and everything seems to
indicate a tolerably healthful tone of public morals.
The country along the Genesee River, so far as we traversed
it, has a much more fertile appearance than the regions we had
previously visited. It has been settled some thirty or forty
years. The farmers along the valley manifested not a little
unwillingness to have the surveys carried through their lands.
One ignorant, heathenish, miserly old man met us at one of his
gates, through which we were about to pass, and forbid our
going further on his lands. He had his hand on the latch of
the gate, holding it fast. We asked him to open it and let us
through, and upon his refusal the whole party climbed over

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 335

within three feet of him, and passed on, giving hira no atten
tion. We have met only one or two similar cases on the whole
route. This one very forcibly rerainded me of a wealthy
farmer who lives within half a mile of Central Village.
On my way horae, last week, I saw the effects of a powerful
whirlwind which passed over this part of the state last suramer.
The extent of its devastation was about forty miles in length
and three -fourths of a mile in width. Our road lay directly
across it. As far as I could see, on the right hand and on the
left, there was not a whole tree standing. The ground was
strewed with heavy timber, so as to be absolutely impassable.
Previous to the tornado the land was very valuable for its
timber ; now it is a waste. Most of the trees were blown up
by the roots, some were blown off near the ground, and others
were broken in two near the raiddle. The diameter of the
trees varied from one to three feet. But larger or smaller, old
or young, the raging element made no distinction, showed no
partiality. The stately pine, the sturdy oak, and the insignifi
cant sapling alike prostrated themselves before the destroyer.
Not a house within the range of the tempest was left standing.
I saw the rains of four or five.
William's letter came to hand at the same time with yours.
I am pleased to learn that his health is in a great measure
restored ; and here he must excuse me for repeating the
injunction which is so often given, and which is so all impor
tant for the student to observe, viz.. Exercise ! By neglecting
this simple maxim, hundreds of students are every year laid on
sick beds. I know not how it has been in his case, but I do

336 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
know it was nothing more than a want of exercise which caused
my fever at the University, in the fall of 1837. In consequence
of the urgency of my duties the previous term, particularly the
latter part, I had neglected my usual precautions in this respect.
The natural result was that my system became charged, as
physicians would say, with " morbid secretions," so that it only
needed a slight exposure to produce a fever. The only way of
getting along is to have some standing regulations respecting
the hours of service, and observe those regulations
Through grief and through danger.
Through rain and through shine.
I have many times turned out and walked a mile in the
severest snow storms, and frequently have I taken my custom
ary walks when I was compelled to wear a cloak and carry an
umbrella. I shall answer William's letter as soon as a favorable oppor
tunity occurs. It gives rae so much pleasure to hear frora
home, that I assure you I never fail of writing as often as
convenient. I am boarding at a public house here, for about $2.50 per
week. I leam from Mr. J. Adams that Mr. Laurie has gone to
England, on account of the railroad company. What a noble
opportunity is thus afforded for studying the public works of
that country. I hope I may one day have a similar opportunity
My health remains as usual. Your son,
Daniel L. Harris.

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 337
New York and Erie Railroad, |
Bath, Steuben County, February 17, 1839. j
Dear Father: —
I engage that the present hour, at least, shall be devoted to
you. I received your letter of February 3d, and forthwith
dispatched a brief and hasty answer, promising, at the same
time, to write more at length in a few days. I know you will
not hesitate to excuse me for not having written you more
frequently towards the latter part of our campaign, after read
ing the letter I wrote immediately on leaving the field. We
are still very busy with office work, — making maps, profiles,
etc. A portion of our force, however, were discharged last
evening — two levelers and one surveyor. I expect others will
follow, in the course of ten or twelve days, among whom I may
have the honor to be classed. But the days of our leisure will
probably be few, as winter is almost gone. There are seven of
us now in the service, viz., the three who had the charge of the
field parties, two surveyors, myself and one rod -man. You
are aware, perhaps, that our Legislature is now considering the
expediency of taking this road into their own hands. If they
do, it is impossible to foretell precisely what may be the effect
on us Steuben engineers. Should Mr. Famum be retained,
however, (and I think there is scarcely a doubt to the contrary)
I shall be certain of an eligible situation under him. I think
I have gained a good share of his confidence. We are all
boarding at the principal public house in the village ; price
twenty shillings, (York currency) or j?2.5o.
I have as yet found no time to get acquainted with the
villagers. I attended church to-day, at the house of the new
43

338 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
Congregational society, where I heard decidedly the smartest
man I have listened to since I left Connecticut. Last Sabbath
I heard the Methodist preacher, on rather a curious subject —
the Millenium. He demonstrated, to his own satisfaction, that
the end of the world is at hand; that "its concerns" are all to
be wound up either next month, or one year from next month,
or five years from next month, or forsooth some other time, but
most probably at the period mentioned last but one.
The people of this place give the churches very good attend
ance. I had an introduction to the clergyman of the new
Congregational church, and am so much pleased with his
manner and appearance that I shall endeavor to cultivate his
particular acquaintance. I have heard him spoken of as a man
particularly characterized for liberality of sentiment.
You recollect we once thought of procuring Pool's patent
protractor. I consider it highly fortunate that we did not, for
I have recently seen an instrument far superior to it in point of
simplicity, utility and convenience, and which only costs $5.
While we were up in the Highlands I went to see the most
extraordinary specimen of natural scenery I have ever beheld.
It was the same chasm which I mentioned in a former letter,
when speaking of the difficult points which our road has to
encounter. With some vague information as to its geographical
position, 'my companion and myself set off, early in the morn
ing to look for the object of our curiosity. Having wandered
for a long time, in fruitless search, over an extensive plain, here
and there interspersed with clumps of trees, we at length found
ourselves, suddenly and unexpectedly, on the very brink of the
chasm. For a moment we stood still, overwhelmed with

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 339

astonishment and admiration. Inadvertentiy I reached forth
my hands and firmly grasped a small tree which stood beside
me, fearing lest a single step forward should plunge rae into
the depths below. The sublimity of the scene which broke
upon our view was unsurpassable ; its raagnificence (a feature
borrowed from the season) was inexpressible. The sides of
the chasm presented an almost perpendicular face of grayish
ledge, with here and there a few stunted evergreens, which had
obtained a precarious hold in crevices of the rock ; while broad
and swelling banks of ice, presenting the appearance of mighty
torrents suddenly congealed in the very act of gushing from
the solid mass, gave them in raany places a wintry covering,
and the thousands on thousands of long, massive icicles
attached to the overhanging shelves and partially obscuring the
dark background, seeraed like so raany gigantic pillars in front
of some venerable and time-worn old edifice. But I have not
tirae for description. It wears late, ancl I bid you good -night.
Monday evening, 10 o'clock. — Have been too busy all day
to stop ancl seal this. Mr. Allen, the engineer, arrived this
evening from Elmira, where he spends most of his time. He
is very pleasant and gentlemanly in his appearance. I saw him
in November last, when I was first introduced to him.
We have had good sleighing for nearly three months. I find
there is much more snow here than at the East.
My respects to all who inquire after me. I look for letters
from you frequently, and endeavor to be prorapt in writing you.
Your son, D. L. Harris.
N. B. — Mr. Allen thinks the operations will be resumed
early in the spring.

340 DANIEL L. HARRIS.
Troy, N. Y., November 29, 1840.
Dear Father : —
At my last date we engineers were all very busy in preparing
a division of the road for contract. Our hurry is now over,
and the letting has almost become a matter of history. For
ten days our office was thronged with contractors, of " all sorts
and conditions '' — men of property, men of poverty; men of
experience and raen without experience ; responsible men, and
men not to be trusted a shilling ; farmers, mechanics, loafers,
canal drivers, democrats and gentlemen. Every one of this
motley congregation was anxious for " a job," and each took
his turn of questioning us about the work, and listening to our
oft -told tale. The whole affair might be regarded as a practical
commentary on the " Book of Job," and I am of late strongly
inclined to the opinion that patience and long-suffering should
rank araong the first qualities of a practical engineer. One
hundred and fifty separate proposals for grading were received,
and perhaps as many more have come in for masonry and
timber. It would amuse you to see the different prices which
¦are set upon the same work ; one man, for instance, proposes
to move earth at thirteen cents, and another will do it at fifty,
when perhaps twenty -five is its just value. This one will
quarry and tunnel slate rock for three dollars, and that one
must have sixteen dollars for the same thing. Rash ignorance
would furnish coping-stone for $1.25, while another man,
equally ignorant but more cautious, thinks $32 would be a
reasonable price. In short, the proposals differ as widely as
the characters of the men who made them. From such a mass
of bids, of course it requires some judgment to make a

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 341

selection. There is a certain price for which the work may be
done, and the aim should be to select some responsible man
whose price comes nearest the standard. If you take one who
bids for work at half its value, there will certainly have to be a
re -letting very soon after the contractor finds he is doing it at
his own cost. No matter under what bonds you place hira, he
will most certainly devise the ways and raeans for getting rid
of the contract. By this means works are often retarded for
months, and the company find in the end that they have not
only paid the just value for what they receive, but are subjected
to additional and vexatious expense in the delay of getting the
road into operation. This view of the matter is certainly very
plausible, but unfortunately the directors of our road do not
look upon it in the same light ; and, as they have reserved to
themselves the privilege of striking off the work, we begin to
fear they will get themselves into trouble, and occasion the
engineer department much vexation. Their decisions are not
yet proclaimed, but it is understood that the work will be set
down to the lowest bidders, sagely resolving to let the conse
quences take care of themselves. I promise you more light on
this subject some six months hence.
I think I have already preached you one or two essays
respecting the management of internal improvements in the
Empire State. This is a fruitful subject, and you must indulge
me in one more remark. The worst feature of the New York
system is the practice which directors have of interfering in,
and attempting themselves to manage, too many of the details
of a road. The practice seems originally to have sprung from
short-sighted economy, and the sin of "making haste to be

342 DANIEL L. HARRIS.

rich." The projectors of railroads usually think twice for the
present and once for the future. Their aim is to make a road
in the shortest time, and for the least money, with scarcely a
thought for safety, utility or durability. Hence, they grow
impatient with engineers who would pursue opposite plans, and
most engineers have found it expedient to acquiesce in their
views. Under this order of things it has become quite common
for directors to dictate plans, while engineers have too often
been content to serve as mere tools for putting them in execu
tion. This is an evil which has grown up, with others, (some
of which I have before spoken of) and which, in common with
them, will soon have had its day -and be forgotten.
Yours of the 15th inst. came to hand in due tirae, with its
tale of woe. The family of Lesters are certainly hastening to
the tomb with fearful rapidity. The death of Uncle Lester
was an event quite unlooked for, and I think it ought to elicit
frora his friends the deepest sympathy for the family.
I was much pleased with the little memento which Emma
inclosed in your letter. It is a striking emblem of youth,
beauty and affection, and I cannot help complimenting the
good taste of the person who suggested to her to send it.
Besides, being arranged in the middle of your sheet, it gave
the letter a soraewhat questionable look, and at the first glance
filled my bachelor heart with a swell of emotion such as poets
tell of, and which of right belong only to candidates for
denizenship in another sphere.
So much for Emma; one word for grandmother. And in
the first place, I freely own a participation in the sentiment
that "it is not good for man to be alone" always. Her

DANIEL L. HARRIS. 343
" suspicion," however, that I am already cherishing a secret
flame, does me wrong, or at least, gives me credit for more fine
feeling than I possess. I never yet had the wisdom to love or
the good fortune to be loved. Whenever these things do
happen, I probably shall, like most men, behave "very singu
larly under the circumstances." However desirable it may be
to enjoy the largest liberty, yet I can never make up ray mind
to be permanently contented with the cold pleasures of single
blessedness ; and I have some time back been resolved to
provide for myself, in due time, a helpmate, to lighten the
sufferings and share the enjoyments of life.
Our friend, Horace Bacon", passed through town on Satur
day. I saw him but a moment, as he was in much haste, being
on his way to see some person in the country. He barely
remarked that he took tea with you on Thursday evening, and
promised to call on me as he returned. I look for him with
some anxiety, as he will be able to tell me much about Plainfield
and home.
Were it expedient, I should come around and make you a
visit before the setting in of winter ; but at present appearances
indicate that I shall have to forego that pleasure till spring.
I enjoy most excellent health, and praying for the same
blessing to all the faraily, I am
Yours most affectionately,
D. L. Harris.

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