Connecticut a.gsociation. First and second annual festivals of the sons and daughters of Con lecticut ... Galesburg, 1860. Ci4l 4£u YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY IPII^ST .i^lsTID SEOOISTX) Al^NUAL FtSTIVAIS OF THE SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF CON IS^ECTIOUT, tfEtEBBATED AT DUNN's HALL, CITY OF GALESBTTEG, ILLINOtBj JANUARY Ttl», 1859, AND JANUARY 6tli, J8605 COMPILED BYWI. MERWIN RANSOM, GOK. AND REC. SECRETARY. GALESBU'rG-; ILLS: PUBLISHED BY THE CONNECTICUT ASSOCIATION. 1860. n {\ Print of CHARLES FAXON, " Democrat ' Office, 6ALESB0RG, ILLINOIS. Ci4/,4 6 THIS WORK IS EESPECTFULLY DEDICATED MRS. L. HUNTLEY SIGOURKEY, BY THB OOMPILKE. CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. HELD IN a-A.31iESBTJE.C3-, IHiHiHliIiTOIS, JANUARY 7th, 1859. INTRODUCTORY- This volume, recording the proceedings of their First Festival, held in the City of Galesburg, Illinois, is respect fully presented to the Sons and Daughters of Connecticut. Tha compiler has endeavored to preserve a faithful record ot the proceedings as they -were. A book Avas kept 'wherein it Avas expected that each one 'would register his or her name and place of nativity ; but on examination it Avas found that out of three hundred persons present, only about one half of the number registered their names. This may noAV be vioAved as a permanent organization, amd 'will be the means of perpetuating those fraternal senti ments upon which it Avas based, Avhilst Connecticut furnishes citizens for Illinois. In 1860, another opportunity Avill be presented for an ex pression of the affection which is felt for our parent State. May those who had the pleasure of participating in the first, live to enjoymany repetitions of the same festivities. Hoping that the work may prove acceptable to the Sons and Daughters of Connecticut, wherever their lot may be cast, the compiler submits these results to them and their posterity. W. M. E. 10 CONNECTICUT rF:STIVAL. At the second meeting other Committees were formed, and the time of holding the Festival Avas fixed on the 7th day of Jannai-y, being the anniversary of the birth-day of General Israel Putnam. The following organization was perfected : Pkestdent :— J. P. DORMAN, Esq. Treasukek :— HENRY MOORE. CoB. AXD Rec. Sec'y:— WM. M. RANSOM. committep: on akea'jgemehts : HENRY MOORE, WM. MERWIN RANSOM, PHILO R. CORBIN, REUBEN P. SAGE. COMMITTEE ON INVITATIONS. CHAS. FAXOX, CHAS. H. CHEESBRO, RICHARD P. WHITING, REUBEN P. SAGE. COMMITTEE ON TOASTS : WALTER C. HIGGINS, WM. MERWIN RANSOM. COMMITTEE ON MUSIC : CHAS. BRISTOL, JOSEPH BRISTOL, JOHN T. BASSETT. COMMITTEE ON TABLES : MRS. A. D. REED, MRS. J. P. CHAPMAN, " D. CHAPMAN, " £. R. ADAMS, " R. P. .SAGE, " WM. L. RANSOM, " P. R. CORBIN, " F. P. SISSON, " H.MOORE, " J. D. P.ROWNING, " W.J. BASSETT, « M.A. BASSETT, " CliAS. SMITH, " R. T. BRONSON. CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. 11 The invitation was general to one and all, and was as follows : CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. On Frida/y, January 1th, 1 859, 'THE ANNIVEESARY OF THE BIE,TH-DAY OE GEN, ISRAEL PUTNAM. The undersigned, having been appointed a Committee on Invitation to the contemplated Connecticut Festival, on tlie 'Tth day of January next, would hereby respectfully invite all persons of Connecticut birth, and all heads of families, of Avhich either the husband or wife may be of Connecticut origin, to meet with us and bring their families with them, AT DUNN'S HALL, at three o'clock in the afternoon of the above-mentioned day, for a Social IntervicAv, and a Pic Nie Supper at six o'clock in the evening. The Hall will be opened at twelve o'clock M., for the purpose of receiving contributions of provisions for the Supper, and all who can, are requested to aid in forAvarding these preparations. Our country friends are particularly invited, and all Con necticut people from every part of the State and Nation. Those who have paintings, relics, or other articles calculated to revive associations connected with the parent State, are expected to bring them also. CHAS. FAXON, CPIAS. H. CHEESBRO, 1 E.H. WHITING, t Committee. R. P. SAGE, j Galesbueg, 111., Dec. 21st, 1859. 12 CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. The Festival was held in Dunn's Hall, where a Supper Avas provided for the occasion by the Ladies, with the fol lowing BILL OF FARE: ROAST TURKEY, BAKED BEEF, MEATS. ROAST CHICKEN, CHICKE.N PIE, BOILE&PORK. ROAST BEEF, COLD HAM. E,NTUEES. OYSTERS, BAKED BEANS., POTATOES, VEGETABLES. TURNIPS, SQUASH, BEETS, PASTRY. MINCE PIE, PUMPKIN TIE, WHORTLEBERRY PIE, CUSTARD PIE, APPLE PIE, CR.INBERRY PIE, SQUASH PIE, CREAM PIE, CRANBERRY TARTS, APPfiE TARTS, FRENCH CAKE, SILVER & GOLD CAKE, FRUITCAKE, QUEEN'S OAKE, COMPOSITION CAKE, CUP CAKE, LOAF CAKE, MEASURE CAKE, SPONGE CAKE, FRIED CAKES, WONDERS. . DESSERT. APPLES, ALMONDS, BRAZIL NUTS, PECANA NUTS, FILBERTS, RAISINS, CONFECTIONERY, POP CORN, CRANBERRY SAUCE. BISCUIT, PICKLES, BUTTER, TEA, CHEESE,COFFEE. TABLE ORNAMENTS. CONKIiCTlCUT FESTIVAL. 13 Dunn's Hall was opened at twelve o'clock. Notwithstand ing the day was one of the coldest and severest of the sea son, forcibly reminding us. of the cold, bleak, A^'intry winds that sweep o'er the hills and mountains of our native State, the Festival AA'as attended by nearly three hundred of the Sons and Daughters of Connecticut, embracing the old, se date and wrinkled, and the young, beautiful and accom plished. The tables were three in number, running nearly the entire length of the hall. At the west of the hall was an elevated platform for the Orchestra, which consisted of — Charles Bristol, 1st Violin ; Joseph Bristol, 1st Flute ; L. B. Miller, 2d Violin ; John T. Bassett, 2d Flute ; Mrs. L. B. Chapraan, Pianist; Georgo Bacon, Pianist; Robert Bicker- dyke, Grand Bass ; almost exclusively Connecticut musical talent. Their first introduction was given by the rehearsal of the Overture of " The Caliph of Bagdad," which Avas the most entertaining music discoursed during the e\'ening, and was fully appreciated by the audience, as Avas manifest by the perfect silence Avhich was preserved during its rehearsal. Much credit is due to the ladies, who furnished a bountiful supply of edibles, notwithstanding the short time they had to make preparations, and more particularly to those ladies- who constituted the Committee, for their services in arrang ing the tables. The compiler would like ]to speak of the splendor and gorgeousness of the supper tables, groaning under the mighty load of " good things," but he has no poetry in his composition lo do justice to the sight presented ; suflSce it to say, it Avas fully realized at a later hour in the evening, Avhen all were' seated at the tables, as the " sense of taste " of those present will abundantly testify. 14 connf:cticut festival.. Among the table ornaments, the following were the most prominent : A pyramid cake, prepared by Mrs. E. R. Adams, was about two feet high, inscribed with " Connecticut Festival," and decorated with a representation of the United States' flag. Another, prepared by Mrs. Denison Chapman, and Miss Rosa Chapman, Avas nearly two and a half feet high ; at its base were the Avords, "Tho Nutmeg State," and lying around were several wooden nutmegs and cucumber seeds, sufficiently natural to deceive a practiced eye ; showing, con clusively, that Yankees can " do some things. as well as oth ers." The whole was surmounted with a representation of the Goddess of Liberty, holding the Scales of Justice, copied from the dome of the State House, at Hartford, Conn. A box standing at the head of the centre table, near the President, contained several articles manufactured from the wood of the " Charter Oak " — a cross, bosom studs, ring, book, &c., together with original leaves, carefully arranged by Mr. Henry Moore. At seven o'clock p. m., when the company Avere seated at the tables, the President said, — the blessing of God will now be invoked by the Rev. H. C. Abernethy, of Oneida, 111. After the second table had been spread and finished, Mr. Dorman said,— your Committee have placed several senti ments in my hands, and have designated the persons who are to respond them. I have the honor to announce the first regular sentiment : " Tie Day we Celebrate," Israel Putnam Holton will respond to this sentiment. Not responded to. CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. 1 5 Mr. Dorman gave the second regular toast : " Connecticut" — Our common, motlier, liome of our brightest hours. " Where'er we roam, whatever realms we see," Our hearts untrammeled, fondly turn to thee." And called upon Rev. H. C. Abernethy, who responded as follows : Mr. President, Ladies and Gents : — It is due to myself to state, that I am called upon unexpectedly to occupy the place of another ; and if, under the present circumstances, it were not one of the best points, ever, of a good speech, that it should be brief, an apology would be due for appearing before you so little prepared to contribute to the interest of the occasion. The sentiment, to which I am called upon to respond, is one of stirring memories— our childhood years — " home of our brightest hours." Though twenty-six years an Illinoisan, and though proud of the State of my adoption, yet, has my heart, ever in thoughtful hours, " fondly turned to thee," our common mother. True, there are those that think of her reproachfully, as the land of wooden nutmegs and wooden cucumber seeds ; but, while this is so, we are not ashamed to grace our table, to-night, with a pyramid, whose base is inscribed, " The Nutmeg State." Here lay upon it a sample of her world- renowned wares — we surmount the whole by the Goddess of Liberty with her well poised Scales, and remember the last as more true to her history. Nor can we, without emotions of pride as well as grati tude, look upon yonder cabinet of mementos, culled from fragments of our once noble Charter Oak ; for they speak of 16 CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. the resistant spirit of our fathers to tyranny. Let us then cherish the memories of our childhood, that we may be better prepared to instil into the minds of our children the princi ples which then prevailed. True, iioav oftimes regarded as too Puritanic, but to my mind they constitute the highest gem in her coronet ; indeed, Avitliout thera, Iioav almost lus treless AA'ould have been " our common mother." Nor do T admit that these vieAvs are only natural to one of the profession I have chosen. No ; tliough I fee! that I owe much to those teachings of my childhood, her Sabbaths, her •Nurseries of Piety, yet I rcognize them as fundamental in all true human progress, and as identified with the best no tions of liberty and civil government, Avith' tbe progress of learning, with institutions of charity, Avith the SAvcetest vir tues and enjoyments of domestic life, Avith all that gives sup port in trfal, and Avitli the only real consolation that is ever felt on the bed of death. Connecticut parents, will you not seek to reproduce in your children, (and thus perpetuate) these noble, essential principles — that they be not a degenerate offspring of a noble stock — thus honoring " our common mother," for tbe good of the world and God's glory. (Cheers.) Music — SAveet Home. The Chair gave the third regular toast : '•Illinois"— Our adopted parent. May hsr institutions ami Her laws ecer ree^e our su^^ort, Charles Faxon will respond to this sentiment. lemarlis @f (lias. Faxo®. Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen .-—The sentiment just expressed carries Avith it soul-stirring memories. Our dearest associations are ever connected with the impressions CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. 17 of parental care and tenderness. While we think of Illinois as our adopted parent, our thought.^ naturally go back to the days of youth and to our first parent, " Old Connecticut," whose memory we ever cherish. Her institutions have made us what we are, and she has no reason to be ashamed of her children. The Sons and Daughters of Connecticut, wherever they are found, are the salt of the earth, a preserving influ ence in the midst of abounding corruption. The story is doubtless familiar to you of the traveler, who', visiting one of the rocky viUages of Connecticut, embracing a sterile soil, inquired "in amazement.of a sturdy farmer, " What do you raise here?" The person addressed, pointing to the school house and church spire in the distance, said, emphatically, " We raise, sir, we ..raise men !" The reply was a true one. Wherever you find the Sons of Connecticut, you ^tind true men in every sense of the word. They have left her, not from Avant of respect, love and veneration, but because her pati-imony Avas too small for an increasing family. We have found new homes and a new parent in tlds rich ¦and fertile State. Illinois has a patrimony large eno.ugh .and iiicli enough to supply the wants of all her children, native raad adopted. Her exuberantly fertile soil, as well as .Uie rich mines of wealth which are hid beneath its smface, offer a •«oinparatively boundless field for the enterprise of her Sons and Daughters. It is our mission to develop iher boundless resources ; her institutions we have learned to love and venerate, founded as they were " to establish justice, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our pos terity." As we survey her broad prairies, and contemplate her al most illimitable resources, onr minds are carried back to the time when they were inhabited by a race who are fast 18 CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. passing away. About one hundred and eighty years ago, a Catholic missionary from " La Belle France,"— Father Mar quette— was the first white man that visited our prairies ; he was welcomed by the red man, who had not then been duped, cheated and intoxicated by the whites, in the em phatic language symbolizing the brotherhood of the race; " We are Illinois," (that is, we are men.) " How beauti ful is the Sun, 0 Frenchman, when thou comest to us ; our whole village aAvaits thee, thou shalt enter in peace all our dwellings." Hoav changed the scene, now! The pale faces have nearly croAvded out the last remnant of the tawny race; large cities, and cultivated fields are noAv seen where then was nature in its untamed wildness. The iron horse is snorting from one extremity of our State to the other , the lightning Avires stretching from point to point, and the hum of comrnercial and manufacturing enterprise arising from the once naked prairies. What a destiny is before us ! With a population exceed ing a million souls, and a soil capable of supplying the wants of ten times that number, all that is wanted to develop our resources, are a few more such men and women as are raised in New England, and who have sufiBcient enterprise to leave the homes of their childhood, to found an eihpire in the West. (Applause.) Music — Operatic Air. The President announced the fourth regular sentiment : "Galesburg" — Tlie Collegiate City, George Churchill, Esq., will respond to this sentiment. ( Mr. Churchill haa failed to furmsh his remarks in response to the aboA'^e sentiment. ) CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. 19 The Chair announced the fifth regular toast : " Tht Charter Oalc " — Way U ever live in the memory of all. Wm. Merwin Ransom, Esq., *will respond to this senti raent: ' Mr. President, Ladies am.d Gentlemen : — I regret that I was designated to respond to the sentiment which has just bee.n announced. There is in it a feeling which goes home to the very heart, and I would that you had chosen one of more eloquence and more power to speak to you in reply to it. The Charter Oak — the glory and pride of every Connecti cut citizen — has fallen ; that tree which protected the charter of our rights from the hands of a foreign emissary, has ceased to stand as a monument to our liberties. When our forefathers first came to this country, that tree was venerated by the Indians, and through their earnest so licitations, was spared from the axe of the settler. " Though the grpat forest melted 'neath its stroke, One tree was spared — the Indians' ancient Oak." In the years 1635 and '36, a few hardy adventurers and pioneers, with the Rev. John Hooker as their guide, pene trated the wilderness stretching westward from Boston, and founded a colony in the towns of Hartford, Windsor and Weathersfield ; believing, that at that time they were within the jurisdiction of Massachusetts, and acting under the col ony of Boston. Learning, soon after, that they were without the jurisdiction of that State, they framed for themselves a constitution, establishing and defining a government. Thus did these hardy pioneers first plant within our parent State, the gerna of civil liberty, which has bequeathed to us the blessings of a republican government. 20 coNNKCTictf Festival. In 1612, Charles II, loyal as he was to his kingly throne, granted to this band, who had periled their all in fleeing from their mother country, " and moored their bark on wild NoAv Eno'land's shore," a charter to eststblish for themselves a governraent, under which they could choose their own rulers, and Avhich guaranteed to them all the rights and priv-, ileges they had previously enjoyed, or, as Cotton Mather terraed it— "the freest charter under the cope of Heaven." On the accession of Jaraes II to the throne, he declared by his royal edict and kingly power, he Avould not. permit the colonists to enjoy themselves under a charter so republi can in form, which would be the means of founding within his possessions, a government hostile to the mother country. Accordingly, he dispatched Sir Edmund Andros to demand the surrender of the charter. As the price of his fealty to this prince, lie(Was to receive the governorship of this col ony, immediately on his arrival. Armed AA'ith the edict of his king, and backed by royal soldiery, he sent his message to the General Assembly, deraanding its surrender. The Assembly, after long deliberation, representing the expense and hardships which they had incurred in establishing and defending their colony, with one unanimous voice determined not to surrender it. Andros, indignant at their course, and impatient by reason of their delay, came in person to seize it. There was one within that number who feared not the loss of royal patronage and favor ; one who had rather sacri fice his life and fall by the anangled remains of a violated charter, than to suffer it to fall into the hands of Andros. He, alone, it was, who, in tbe presence of the agent of the king and his soldiery, seized that charter, so sacred to the rights of his fellow-countryman, bore it off in triumph, and secreted it in the hollow of the oak. " 'Twas then thy fortune, ancient tree, To guard the Charter ol the free." ' CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. 2l The government of the colonies Was immediately taken possession of by Andros. His Avas a tyrannical administra tion, and upon the accession of Williain and Mary to the throne, he was seized and imprisoned. The colonies, on receipt of the news of the revolution in their mother country, resumed their government under the charter, and acted under it until 1818, at the; time when our first constitution was adopted — a, change demanded from the want of an enumeration of the maxims of civil liberty, and Avhich gave additional security to the liberties of the people. That charter, though the offspring of royal grant, was re publican in form, and from the boundaries in the charter which extended the title of Connecticut Avestward, came the Western Reserve, the school fund, and the blessih'g's of an education which have been so widely diffused throughout pur parent State. The noble Oak, which has defied the storms and blasts of centuries, -which has stood proud and majestic in all its grand eur, its branches extending their protecting arms far in every direction, and gave to the monarch of the forest a place' among the worthiest of its race, which has seen over thirty generations of men rise, ripen, and die, has bowed its head at last. Upon the 2lst of Augilst, 1856, a fearful storm o'erspread the land, and amidst the hoA^^lings of the tempestuous winds, a crushing noise was heard. " But hark ! Is it .the rattling fain, Or measured tramp of troops, a^ain ? No, 'tis the temjiest's sounding roar, That wrestles with the Oak, once more. It yields ; and, with a crushing sound, Like a great binner, to the ground It comes at last. Its mighty form Thatbraved, a thousand years, the stol'm. Is prostrate; and, when morning broke. Low lay thd mighty Charter Oak.*' (Applause.) 22 CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. , Go back with me to that day, when that massive tree, the Charter Oak, the pride of the City and State, the Mecca of Patriot Pilgrims from every part of the country, fell, and wit ness the multitude of persons as they gather around its pros trate form, to collect and carry away some relic, whereby they may keep in remembrance the events connected with its history, traced back for ages— the church-bells tolling at sundown, mourning its loss, and a band of music playing funeral dirges over its fallen trunk. Aye, sing the solemn requiem now, The mightv monarch lieth low. (Applause.) Musio— The Brave Old Oak. The next regular sentiment will be — "The Connecticut Bker"—The Mississippi of Sew England— her waters ever abounding in Shad and Lafnper Eels, Lewis Birge will respond. Mr. Pnesident^ Ladies a/nd OenUemen : — ^At the mention of that noble river, my heart" leaps for joy. Well and truly miay it be called the Mississippi of New England ; and sure ly, neither river nor lake, in the known world, not excepting even the Great Northern Lakes, with their rich abundance of fish and trout, surpass or equal the delicious Shad or Lamper Eels, sporting in the deep, pure waters of the lovely Connecticut ; her majestic waves pressing onward to the mighty ocean, emblematic of her Sons and Daughters, ever on the leveling tide of human progress, pressing onward to the fulfilment of man's highest destiny, the great ocean of millennial glory. Notwithstanding my friend who spoke before tried to throw a little scandal upon us, by referring to our New Eng land Primer and Blue Laws, which he kept in his pocket. ¦ CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. 2S • which were enacted centuries ago, I hardly think our friend ChurchiU would wish to spread the Laws of this State in 1859, side by side with those sarae Blue Laws, so con temptible in his estimation. (Cheers.) Sorae further, remarks were made by Mr. Birge, but we have been unable to procure a full report. Music — Waltz, by Strauss. The Chair gave the seventh regular toast : "The Town of Vernon" — She has furnished her "Sages" for the West. And called upon E. P. Sage, Esq., who responded as, fol- foUows : Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen : — For the wisest purposes, the Creator has planted within us an instinctive disposition to love and revere the place of our childhood. The pld homestead, the School House, Avith its' backless benches, and ample play-ground, the street, come up fresh in our minds, as we meet our old schoolmates here, to-night ; the old arm chair, and the old bucket, from which we slaked our thirst, at the well, are and will be remembered through life. Vernon, my native town — I shall ever cherish her mem ory, as there I s|)ent the happiest days of my Hfe. I shall not attempt to give her history, as it would be but the history of almost every town in the State. Though smaU in terri torial extent and population ; she, like others, has furnished her proportion of distinguished, men, in almost every depart^ ment of life. She is represented here, to-night, by twenty-three of her ¦ Sons and Daughters, and two of them the oldest persons 24 CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. • present, uniting with their children's children in celebrating the birth of the Hero of Bunker Hill ; — one of them, Phin- eas Chapman, Esq., one of the oldest pioneers of the West. He cama to Illinois before the City of Galesburg was thought of; while she was one vast prairie ; and we are glad to see hiin here, to-night, and hopa this is only t;ie first of many such raeetings that we shall live to enjoy. Music — Air from Bellina. The eighth regular toast : "The Daughters of Connecticut" — whose tracks have hrna. itluminaied hy the rays of the Sun, haue attracted frdm other climes another " Say" Responded to by Edward Ray, Esq. EiMaAs ©f liward laj, Esq. Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen: — In responding to this sentiraent, I not only acknowledge the attraction, but I have been charmed and taken possession of by one, and bound by all the cords of conquest; and I have surrendered as quietly as the boy who was locked up, by his mother, in the closet with the preserves, and he declared " it was capi tal punishment." , But I find I am not the only one here who has been at tracted from another clime, conquered, and laid under trib ute ; bound to render unto them the things due, not only by law, but by a love stronger than law ; and, I trust Ave may never give them occasion to regret that they had ever thrown " Cupid's darts " at game outside of their native State, Many daughters have done virtuously, but none more so than the Daughters of Connecticut. They have cheered the heart of man at home and abroad. As evidence of their devotion, we must not select from so glorious a company, whose words and sentiments have not only gone out over , CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL.' 25 the world, but the light of Avhosc countenance has been the first to rise arid the last to set on the sufferings of the world. They have been good daitghters, good wiv^s ; may they all make good mothers. (Applause.) Music— 'Waltz, The President gate the ninth regular toast : "The Sons of Conilecticut" ^Evidences of their Yankee genius may be observed. throughout the world. And called on Roswell Bills, Esq., to respond.' Mr'. President, Ladies and Gentlemen :^. must acknowl edge the great degree of pleaisu're it affords me to mingle with so many Connecticut people on this festive occasion ; I am gratified to riieet so many here, who hail from that good old State-— that " land of steady habits " — of Yankee notions and pumpkin pies-^to Bee so raany faces which look familiar, and persons, with whom, in my youthful days, I used to as sociate/ I have been (inexpectedly honored with a call to respond to the sentiment just read. On an occasion like this, myriads of thoughts crowd upon the mind — memories of by-gone days, scenes of our child hood, and the numerous pleasant and interesting recollections ¦WhiSh cluster around the " HaUs of Home." The^ Sons^fc'd Daughters of Connecticut are here met as one family, to min gle' our joys and recount our sorrows," aha to celebrate the birth-day of General Israel Putnam, one' bi the bravest of Connecticut's brave sons. The sentiment is a very fertile one,' and travels far ?and wide OA'^er the world, where the Sons of Connecticut have gone, and where the evidences of their Yankee genius, may be observed. There is no region so remote, no clime so ob- 26- CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. scure, no mountain so high, nor sea so wide, but the genius of a Yankee has erected its monument there, and sent forth in all directions, the illuminating rays of Genius, Science and Truth. Wherever Ave may go, Avherever we may turn our eye, over every portion of the globe — whether to the nations of civilized Europe, the empires of Asia, the sultry climes of Africa, the frozen regions of tbe North, or the golden shores of California — avo behold the evidences of Yankee genius every where displayed in the advancement of knowledge and scientific research and invention. The Y^- kee mind is never idle, nor his inventive genius ever at rest. His theme is progression — new schemes for money making, new plans of trade and commercial intercourse occupy his mind. At home or abroad, the Yankee spirit is apparent — the inborn principle of sterling integrity, and sound, moral honesty, and early taught piety, scarcely ever forsake hira — his tendency is to elevate and benefit others, and proft by it himself, blessing mankind and receiving, himself, a share : " With manly heart, in pisty sincere. Faithful in lore, in honor stern and chaste, In friendship warm and true, in danger brave, Beloved in life, and sainted in the grave." And who of us here, and who is there that has gone forth from Conne'etieut, and found reason to be ashamed of such' principles,- or*of such an ancestry. Who hag ever shrunk from bringing them into comparison with the prevailing no tions of any land to which he might be led ? Who ever de nied that he came from the land of churches and school houses ? Who was ever ashairaed of the industry of his fathers — that industry which has given them wealth, and in- • fluence, and happiness, and a vast moral power ? " And minds ha ve there been nurtured, whose control Is felt even in their nati'bn's 3estiny ; Names that ado'rn and dignify li&e S&oll Whose leaves contain their country's history." CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. 27 The history of -our State, and of her sons, furnishes ample proof that the " Sons of Connecticut " have not been lack ing in enterprise, genius, or courage. Iu the early struggles of our common country, she furnished not only her fuU quota of raen, and raeans of every kind, according to her abiUty for the material of Avar, but she furnished some of the wisest heads, Avho planned and executed the great deeds of that important period. Her Putnam Avas on Bunljer HiU, her Spencer in Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island, and her Parsons, Iluntingtons, Wolcotts, Grisvyolds, Sher mans, Woosters, SilUmans, Deans, and hosts of others, with Governor Trumbull at their head, were foremost in the ser vice, in our Legislature and in the councils, pf the Conti nental Congress. ' Connecticut Avas one of the most important of the Ameri can Colonies at the commencement of th,e Revolutionary War, and did as much as any other to liiisten on the glorious issue of that struggle. As soon as th.e Avar-cry was heard, resounding over the rocks and hUls of Connecticut, that the British ships were cannonading Boston, the universal cry was, "to arms!" "to arms!" and, on all sides, Avere seen men of all ages, making active preparations for an immedi ate march, and soon, thousands of her sons were moving to ward the scene of conflict. Throughout the ev^entful strug gles in the early history of our country, Connecticut was not behind any of the other States in furnishing men and means to carry on the war. When the States l^ad become, free and independent, and the wars were pver, Connecticut settled down again in peace and prosperity, and, her march, in, improvement— education, science and manufactures— haa not been excelled by any other State in the Union, of the same extent and resources. The surface of the country being rough, much of the at tention of her people has been turned to manufactures, and 28 CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. when the streams which meander through the State have been found insufficient to propel the wheels of industry, the more potent poAver of st^ani has been introduced ; and noAv, in all parts of the State, the busy wheels of persevering toil may be heard ; and, in almost all parts of the 'world, .you may find the fabrics and articles of Connecticut manufacture. Every stream which passes through the State, or is tributary to any of the larger Avaters, is controlled and inade to serve the purposes of gome kind of usefulness, and then goes, hastening onward, to rningle with the ocean's roar. As early as 1TY5, Connecticut had several hundred sail of vessels employed in the trade bet-Aveen her sister colonies, the West Indies and other parts of the Avorld — her commerce ;iow extends every where, and the sails of Connecticut mer chantmen and whalemen whiten every sea, and her wares are sold on every coast. Colt's pistols and other weapons of destruction, may be found the world over, and the name of " Colt " is as weU known in Russia as in Hartford. A loco motive and cars built in Hartford, may be seen on a raUroad in Egypt , cloth made in Vernon or Norwich, may be worn in Japan ; clocks made in New Britain or Bridgeport, may tell the time of day to thousands in the old world ; meat cut ters made at Southington, may be found making sausage meat in GerAiany, and wooden nutmegs, wooden hams, and pumpkin seeds, made in Connecticut, may be seen or heard of all over the world. Wherever you may go abroad, - '•Where wind may blow, or billow flow," you may find the Yankee, with his wares, driving a bargain, pushing his trade and contriving new inventions. If we go to Eussia, we find a Yankee raising the ships sunk at Sevas topol ; and, a few years ago, might have been seen a Con necticut Yankee (Mr, Perkins Brewster, of Norwich,) engi neering the railroad from St. Petersburg to Moscow. Tii^ enterprising Sons pf Connecticut are abroad, through- CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. 29 out the -^vorld. It has been said that " New England is a good place tp be born, if a person emigrates early," and many hundreds, every year, act upon this principle, and seek new homes, and b,etter fortunes in some other State or coun try, • Some leave the " old homestead " to seek a tbrtune in the West ; son^e journey to foreign lai;ds ; some gq abroad as teachers or professional men ; some as merchants, me chanics and artists. We %d in this pleasant and happy company, many of the Sons and Daughters of our good old State, and we have here found a " habitation and a home " in the West-rron the broad prairies of Illinois, and in this great " Garden of the World " we have planted our stand ard, and here inay we live in happiness and prosperity, cher ishing the memories of our native State, and honoring and encouraging the adopted State, which we have chosen as our future home. And here, as we mii^gl^ in happy re-union, and remember our " Old homesteads, and all that c.a.n Gladden or saddeoi the heart of man," may we be made happier and better, a,nd as life Avears on with us, look back upon this and siin^ar scenes, as an oasi,& in life's journey. (Cheers.) Music — Connecticut Pedlar. , The following volunteer sentiment Avas offered by Phineas Chapman : Courage and skill to perform whatever he determined, was characteristic of Gen. Israel Putnam, The following resolution, adopted by the Pjjtnam Phalanx, of Hartford, Conn., and forwarded by their Chairman, ^p^, B. Strong, Esq., was then fead : Besolved, That we, the Putnam Phalanx, deeply sympathize with the Sppj and Daughters of Connecticut, in a distant land, in their efforts to do honor to the distinguished patriot, General Israel Putnam, whose memory we cheris.1}, as — s — 30 CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. being one of the foremost in handing down; to posterity, that civil and religious liberty which we so abundantly enjoy. After Avhich, a vote of thanks was passed lo the ladies, for their services in furnishing and preparing; the tables. Also, to the Orchestra, Committee of Arrangements and Invitation. The Avhole audience then joined in singing " Be Thou, 0, God, exalted high." At about twelve, the company dispersed, feeling that they had indeed, enjoyed a "feast of reason and a flow of soul,'" and thus closed the First Annual Festival of the Sons and Daughters of Connecticut. The occasion will long be remembered by all Avho jiartici- pated in it. A full and complete report of the proceedings Avere for warded to Mrs. Lydia Huntley Sigourney, and from her was received the following: IIaetford, Conn., April 18,p9. My Dear Sir : — Thanks for your note and copy of; your proceedings in honor of our Connecticut Hero. It interested me to know, that on the far banks of the Illinois, notAvith standing the severe temperature of the last Tth of January, you should have thus cplebrated his birth-day, to whom, the extremes of cold and heat 'were the sarae, if he mighj; but save his country. Please accept this Poem as a mark of regard for your As sociation and reverence for thp memory of General Israel Putnam ; and, believe me. Respectfully, Yours, L. II. S.. Great soul and brave! 'tis good to think of thee, And with historic ardor, lift the veil From patriot valor, that ne'er .spugjij fame, Prompting or praise. CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. 81 Methinks, and more we see, The unfinished furrow, the forsakeh home, Tbe flying steed, urged by thy sleepless heirt; High throbbing at the ory of " Lexington I " The cry of "Lexington 1 " That echoed sound. Unresting aislit or day— gave dauntless strength To rush against the face of tyrant power Time consecrated— and with sling and slone Defy the giant. * . Bunker Hill mighi tell Thy siern o'ermastery of the battle storm, , Thy conflict with the cowardly, thy words That fired ttie doubtful, anil made firm the bold. She keeps the foot-|irint3 of thy glorious deeds 'ihat bore the spirit of a trampled land I'hrough the red preface of her liberty. flark I from the heaving of yon burial sods, ¦Where sleeps our country's champion, comes a voioej Demanding from thy name its first reward — Too long withheld. Of Hiatory it demards The lingering truth should light her lottered scroll,' And summon tardy man to win'thy farae Baolv from the sepulchre; and set it deep In sculptured marble, that recording stars M^y read it clearly from their silver "thrones, And lisping infants, in their nurse's arms. Be taught by thee what patriot virtue mea'nsT '«t KEGISTRY SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF CONNECTICUT, PRESENT AT THEIR :FII?.ST iFESTI^J^L. S-EG-IS TE,-^-. The first column designates the names of those present at the Festival, the second, tbeirnative town; thethird, native county, and the fourth their business. Names. Native Town. ^ Native County. Business. Abernethy, H. C Harwinton, Litchfield, Clergyman. Abernethy, John Harwinton, Litchfield, Abbott, Bickford Vernon, Tolland Hardware. Abbott, Mrs. Amelia N Manchester,. Hartford Abbott, Sherman B Rockville, Tolland, Clerk. Adams, E. R Boots and Shoes. Adams, Mrs. B. R Bethany, New Haven, Bailey, Theodore M Ne-W London, .Nefv London,. ...Mason. Bail'ey, Mrs. T. M Bassett, Wm. J .'. . .Derby, New Haven,.' Mason, Bassett, Mrs. Clarinda L Goshen, Litchfield, Bassett, Mrs. Mary A Bethany New Haven, Bassett, John T Oxford ..New Haven, Carpenter, Bills, Roswell Groton New London, ... Insurance. Bills, Mrs. Louisa Birge, Luther , Torringford, Litchfield, Farmer. Birge, Mrs. Nancy Torringford, Litchfield, Birge, Miss Harriet ..Torringford, Litchfield, Birge, Miss Caroline A Torringford, Litchfield feoon, L New Haven, ......... New Haven, .... Bottsford, C. C ' .'.Brookfield, Litchfield, Clerk P. 6. Brackett, H. D ' Jeweller. Brafikett, Mrs.H. A,. Hartford, Hartford feristol, Joseph .; Milford, New Haven Boots and Shoes, Bristol, Mrs. Catherine Granby, Hartford, .,...;. Bristol, Charles Milford, New Haven, Boots and Shoes. Bristol, Mrs. Sarah G Bethany, New Haven, Bristol, Miss Emily New Haven New Haven, Bristol, Riley Harwinton Litchfield, Brick Maker. Bronson, R. T Middlebury, New Haven, Carpenter. Bronson, Mrs. B. A Southbury , ..New Haven, Browning, J. D Farmer. , Browning, Mrs. Submit Ellington', .Tolland, B6 -CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. Names. Native Town. Native County. Bosiskss. Camp, John • New Haven, New Haven Farmer. Camp, Mrs. Mary New Haven, New Haven, Chapman, Joshua P . Vernon, Tolland Builder. Chapman, Mrs. Jane M Ellington Tolland, Chapman, Miss Geraldine. . . .Vernon, Tolland Chapman, Miss Marietta Vernon 'Tolland, Chapman, Geo. H Vernon, Tolland, .' Chapman, Denison Vernon Tolland, Builder, Chapman, Mrs. Margaret Ellington, Tolland Chapman, Miss Rosa Vernon, Tolland, Chapman, Norman H Vernon, Tolland, Chapman, Phineas ... .Vernon, Tolland, Farmer. Chapman, Miss Rowena B.-. .Ellington Tolland, Chapman, Mrs. L. B N«w Haven, New Haven Chappell, Walter Middle Haddam. . .Middlesex Livery. ChurchiU, George Teacher. ChurchiU, Mrs. Georgo Washington, Litchfield, Cheesebro, Chas. H Vernon, Tolland, Grocer. Cheesebro, Miss Emily Converse, A. J Converse, A. S Stafi'ord, ToUahd, Mason. Converse. Mrs. Sarah A Converse, Miss Augusta A . . Stafibrd, ToUand, Converse, Prank A Stafford Tolland Corbin, P. R Union, Tolland Carpenter, Corbin, Miss Emily P Stafi'ord, Tolland *Currier, Mrs. Sarah G New Haven, New Haven, DeLancy, W. J. A Dentist. DeLancy, Mrs. W. J. A West Suffield, Hartford, Dorman, .lohn P Ellington, Tolland,. Insurance. *Dorman, Mrs. Amelia Enfield, Hartford Dorman, Rienzi Ellington, ; Tolland, Carpenter. Dorman, Mrs. Eieniri New Milford Litchfield Dorman, Don EUington Tolland, Clert Dorman, Dolan Ellington, . . .' Tolland, Carpeiter. Faxon, Charles Editor. Faxon, Mrs. Bmerett E Hartford, Hartford ¦^''"'"'"'•P Stafi'ord Tolland ClergymaB, Fuller, Mrs. Adeline Stafford, Tolland, ^""^••'^^-A Stafi'ord Tolland Farnham,Mrs. J.B Coventry Tolland Fowler, 0. B Lebanbh, ¦..:¦...... New London, . . .Window Blinds, COJfSECTICUT FESTIVAL. 8,7 Names. , N-vTiVe Town. Native Coontt. Business. Fowler, M. J..., Bo.:ra,h, New London,... Fo.'c, E. Jr Litchfield, •*.. Litchfield Clerk P. 0, Goddard, Sheldim Qrunby, Hartfoi d, Farmer. Goddard, Mrs, Anna Gordon, Mrs. C New Milford, . .. Litchfield, Goi'dOQ, Mrs. Ellen New Milford, Litchfield, Grant, Josias Mansfield, ToUand Book-Keeper. Hatch, Harvey Kent, Litchfield, Farmer. Higgins, W, C Middlefieldi Middlesex, Yankee Notions. Holion, Israel Pulnam Ellington, ToUand,, Grocer. Holton, Mrs. Jerusha ;. EUington, Tolland, Hammond, Mary A Hartford, Hartford, Hoyle, J.M New Haven, New Haven, Clerk. Hoyle, Wm. R., Jr New Haven, New Haven, .. . Blacksmith. Hoyle, Mrs. Elvira Milford, New Haven, Hoyle, Miss Mary B New Haven New Haven, .... Hunt, Jabe:a C North Coventry, . . Tolland, Grocer. Hunt, Mrs. Frances A Franklin, New London,... Hunt, G. M New Milford Litchfield, Livery. Hurd, H. S Roxbury, Litchfield, Physician. Hyde, D. R F'nnkUU, New London,... * Jagger, Wm. B Windbam, Windham, Painter. ge<; Mrs. Mary P Windham, Windham, Kellogg, Mrs. Martha P WaUingford, NeVv Haven, Kimball, Mrs. L. P Winsted, Litchfield, Kimball, E. L Strident. Merriman, John M New Haven, l^ew Havfen Clel-k. Merriman, Mrs. Matalia M.. Granby Hartford,.;; Moore, Henry Hartford, Hartford, Bbarding House, Moore, Mrs. Matilda M Hartford, Hartford,...;:.. Moore, Jam'es H Hartford, Hartford ; ; . Moulton, BilliJigs Stafford ToUand, ; jPattern Maker, Nettleton, Bodlh Lantt Agent, Nettleton, MrS. Louisa M Hartford, Hartford Pike, William Milford, New Haven, Farmer, Ransom, Wm. L Vetbon ToUand, Glazier. Ransom, Mrs. Julia C Ellington, Tolland, Ransom, Wm. Mterwin Ellington, Tolland Attorney. Ransom, Miss Rbwena R Ellington, Tolland, Eay, Edward . Publisher. 38 CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. Names. Native Town. Native County. BusiseSS. Eay, Mrs. S. M Chaplin, Windham Redfield, A. C Kilhngwoith,. Middlesex, / Sage, Reuben P Vernon, ToUand, Dry Goods, Sage, Mrs. Maria C . Vernon, .. , ToUand, ,... Sage, Miss Lucy A'ernon, ToUand, Sage, Miss Sarah A'ernon Tolland, -. Sage, Miss Mary Vernon, Tolland, Sage, Miss J. E A''ernon, Tolland Saxton, Henry Martyn Ellington, ToUand,... Grocer. Shelly, J. A New Haven, ...New Havfen Shoemaker, Shelly, Mrs. Elizabeth Jfew Haven, New Haven, Shelly, Oliver A New Haven, New Haven, . . . Sisson, Pardon " Farmer, Sisson, Mrs. Abba M Lebanon New London,... Siason, 'Frederick P Colchester, New London,. . .Carriage Maker, Sisson, Mrs. P. P Smith, Charles Ellington, ToUand, Boarding House, Smith, Mrs. Cornelia FrankUn, New London,.. . Smith, Miss Hattie C Ellingtoti, Tolland, Spaulding, J. W Killingly, Windham, Physician. Spaulding, Mrs. M. D Stonington, New London,... Spencer, Sydney Hartford Hartford, Spencer, J. H AVest Sufiield, Hartford, Thomas, F. A New Haven, New Haven, Painter. Thomas, Gilbert jSewHavSh, New Haven, ....Shoemaker. Thomas, Mrs. E New Haven, New Haven, Thomas, Mrs. Mary New Haven New Haven,.. .. Tuttle, J. W Vernon, ToUand, Physician. Ward, G. H .....Simsbury, . ...Hartford,. . , Commission, Ward, Mrs. R. E Simsbury Hartford, Ward, C. C Simsbury, Hartford, Wells, Mrs. T. T Middletown, Middlesex, Wells, Miss Carrie .....Middletown, Middlesex,, Weirs, Mrs. M New MUford, Litchfield, Winters, Curtiss New MUford, Litchfield, Mason, Winters, Mrs. C New Milford Litchfield, Winters, T New Milford, Litchfield, Wilcox, S, E Clinton, Middlesex, Farmer, WUcox, Alvah Clinton, Middlesex, Parmer. Wilcox, Mrs. Alvah Wooley, Lucy R Salisbury, Litchfield, PROCEEDINGS pij' THE INTRODUCTORY. It was the intention of the Association to publish the pro ceedings of the First Festival in a volume by itself, but oAving to the negligence of some of the speakers in furnishing their responses to the sentiments, it was thought best to defer its 'publication until after the Second Festival, and then combine the tAVO. Most of thos,e present at the First Festi val are still with us ; but death invaded our ranks, and bore off tAvo of our number in less than six weeks after it Avas held. A faithful record of the Festival of the Connecticut Asso ciation is respectfully submited to the Sons and Daughters of Connecticut, published by the Association, not only for their own benefit, that they may in after years preserve a complete record of the proceedings as they were, but that our friends at home, may have au abundant evidence, that though residents of the Mississippi Valley; Ave still cherish the mem-. ory of our parent State, however much we may be attached to the State of our adoption. This volume contains a correct report of the proceedings of the Second Annual Connecticut Festival, together Avith the speeches and sentiments delivered on the occasion, with copies of letters received from inviteji guests, and registry of names. The cordial thanks of the Association are hereby tendered to Mrs. L. H. Sigourney, for the Poem furnished expressly for this occasion. W. M. R. CONNECTICUT FESTIYAL, The first nieeting of the menibers of the Connecticut As sociation, was held at the office of their Secretary, Galesburg, Illinois, on Friday evening, Nov. 4th, 1859, to make all nec essary arrangements to hold their Second Annual Festival. On motion of Henry Moore, Esq., it was BesoVoed, That we hold our Second Annual Festival, Friday, January 6th, 18(50. On iiibtionj it was' Besohedi That the Secretary be instructed to extend invitations to the Sons of Co'nneoticut residing abroad. At & subsequent meeting,' the foUowing orgahiiiation was perfected : Peesidbnt:— J. P.- DORMAJSr, Es^.' Coe. and Reo. Seo't :— WM. M. RANSOM. , Teeasueek:— HENRY MOOU'E. 44 CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. COMMITTEE O'F AEEANGEMENTS : HENRY MOORE, F. P. SISSON, J. W. TQTTLE, P. R. CORBINj J. P. CHAPMAN, R. P. SAGE. COMMITTEE' OlT INAaTATIOH : WM. M, RANSOM, J. P. DORMAN, CHAS. FAXON, JABEZ HUNT, DENISON CHAPMAN, ALLEN POTTER,- COMMITTEE ON toasts: DR. J. W. TUTTLE, CHAS. FAXON, WM. M. RANSOM, EDWARD RAY. COMMITTEE ON MUSIC : CHARLES BRISTOL, JOSEPH BRISTOL.- COMMITTEE ON- .TABLES : MRS: p. R. CORBIN, MRS, WM, L. RANSOM,- " J. P. CHAPMAN, " R. P. SAGE, " E. R, ADAMS, " b. CHAPMAN, " A. J. BROWNING, " A. N. HILL, " EDWARD RAY, " E. L. CHAPMAN, " A. D. REED, " J. W. TUTTLE, " DON DORMAN, " F. P. SISSON, " M. A. BASSETT, " H. MOORE, " B. ABBOTT, " H. D. BRACKETT, " N. A. HARMON, MISS ABBA SISSON, MISS ROSA CHAPMAN, " G. CHAPMAN, ¦ " R. R. RANSOM, " SARAH SAGE, " R. R. CHAPMAN, " A. E. SPENCER. CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. 45 Invitations were extended to those natives of Connecticut residing in the neighboring towns, which' were, as foUows : SECOND ANNUAL FESTIYAL OF THE SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF CONNECTICUT, IN THE ¦»; * Oitjr of G-alesb-arg, Illinois, FRIDAY, JANUARY, 6th, 1860. The undersigned, having been appointed by the Connecti cut Association a Committee of Invitation to their Second Annual Festival, on the 6th of January, 1860, would respect fully invite all natives of the State of Connecticut and all heads of farailies of which either husband or wife raav be of Connecticut hirth, to meet with us and bring their families with them AT DUNN'S HALL, at three o'clock p. m. of the above mentioned day, for a social interview, and. a Pic- Nie Supper at four o'clock p. m. The li'sU will be opened at ten o'clock A. m., for the pur pose of receiving corftributions of provisions for supper, and all who can, are requested to aid in forwarding these prepa rations. Our fifiends from the country are particularly in vited, and Connecticut people from every part of our State and Nation are cordially invited to attend. WM. M. RANSOM, CHAS. FAXON, DENISON CHAPMAN,. J. P. DORMAN, • JABEZ HUNT, ALLEN POTTER, Committee of Lnljitation. GALBSBUEa," III., DfiC. 9th, 1859. 46 CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL, THE 3FESTI^v"JSi.Ij. The Supper for the Festival, A^^as prepared by the volun tary contributions of Connetticut Ladies; and consisted of the following •BILL OF FARE: ROAST PIG, BAKED CHICKEN, MEATS. BAKED BEEF, BAKED TURKEY, BOfLED TONGUE, CHICKEN PIE, CELERY,' POTATOEgi'BEANS, RELISHES. COLD SLAW, TEGETABLES. TURNIPS,BEETS, PICKLED BEETS. SQUASH, CABBAGE. entrees: OYSTERS. PASTRY. ¦\Vhortliiberry pie, apple PIE, RAISIN PIE, MINCE PIE, CRANBERRY PIE, JELLY TARTS, tflNCB TARTS, BLACKBERRY TARTS, "^fashington cake, pyramid cake, jelly cake, pound cake, loaf cake, harvest cake, DelicatI; Cake, soda cake. BLACKBERRY PIE, PUMPKIN PIE, CRANBERRY tAETS, 'LECTION CAKE, CUP C.\KE, FRUIT CAKE, SPONGE CAKE, JANUARY CAKE. APPLES, DESSERT. ALMONDS, RAISINS. MISCELLANEOUS, DOUGHNUTS, VARIETIES, COOKIES, JUMBLES, . SANDWICHES, BISCUIT '& BUTTER, TEA AND COFFEE. TABLE ORNAMENTS. CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. 47 The Hall was opened at an early hour on the morning of Gth of January, for the purpose of making preparations for the Festival. The day was the most unpropitious of the season ; a chill ing rain fell during the entire day and evening, covering the walks with an icy mantle, rendering it almost impossible for any of Connecticut's fair daughters to honor us Avith their smiling presence ; but, notAvithstanding these unfavorable circumstances, they maintained their "standing" in society, and with that true pluck, characteristic of them, defied the falling rain and icy walks, and were " Avith us." The impassable state of the streets, kept many of our friends — not only from our own city, but from the country and surrounding towns — away. Suffice it to say, that the " beauty and chivalry " of th,e " Nutmeg State " Avere present, and numbered about three hundred. * Among those from a distance, who were present, were Diodate Chapman and Jaines Brady, with their families, from Kendall county ; Rev. T. S. Yail, of Knoxville ; N. C. Geer (Editor of " Peoria Daily Transcript,") and family, Roswell BiUs, Esq., Dr, C. Greenleaf, of Peoria, and Luther Birge, of Farmington. The tables comprised four in number, running the entire length of the Hall, (length of Hall, 80 feet,) and were fur nished by the voluntary contributions of Connecticut Ladies ; it was entirely their own work, and did them much honor ; the " natives " of Fair Haven, contributed " largely " their ' share of supplies for the table. At the west part of the Hall was a suitable platform for the Qrchestra, under the leadership of Messrs. Charles and Joseph Bristol, full-blooded Connectiqiit miisicians, and con sisted of — Charles Bristpl, 1st YioUn ; J. G. Knoy, 2d Violin ; 48 CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. H. N. Clement, Viola ; Clias. Fuhrmann, Contra Bass ; Isaac Delano, Violincello ; Joseph Bristol, 1st Flute ; John T. Bassett, M Flute ; George Bacon, 1st Corno ; E. S. KimbaU, 2d Corno. Some two or three hours Avere passed in a social interview, reviewing reminiscences of the past, recalling old and farail iar scenes, connected with their early homes, interspersed with music by the Orchestra. The tables presented a magniiicent appearance — the sup per being got up in Old Connecticut style, containing a great variety of eatables, as avIU be seen by referring to the Bill of Fare, for Avhich, the compUer is indebted to one of Connec ticut's daughters, whose sage report cannot be questioned. The thanks of the Association are returned to the Ladies who constituted the committee, and their assistants, in ar ranging the tables. In noticing the curiosities that " adorned " the hall no better description can be given than by brother Geer, of the " Transcript," in the following words : " Apd what attracte 1 more attention than all, many beau tiful specimens of seAviijg machines of Connecticut nativity, not equalled by any State ir. the Union. Most of them were " engaged," and we presume the balance will be spoken for before the next anniversary, if we raay be the judge of many hints we heard of its feeing " leap year " now." At half-past seven o'clock p. m., when the company were seated at the tables, J. P. Dorraan, Esq., the President, arose and said it was proper on all such occasions to f eek the Divine blessing ; let me invite you to listen to the Rev. A... G. Hibbard. The blessing was as follows : We bless Thee, Heavenly Father, for the tokens of Thy loving-kindness, for the bounties of Thy providence and the manifestations of Thy care and protection which have follow- CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. 49 ed us all the days of our lives, and which we are permitted to rejoice in at the present hour. Enlighten our minds, 0 Lord, and bless to our use these temporal comforts, by teach ing us the beauty of Thy holiness in the bounty of Thy good ness, so that our souls may be nourished by th,e bread of everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. When the repast was finished, the President said that after enjoying the bounties that had been supplied, it would be come us to return our thanks, let us listen to the Rev. Mr. VaU, Rev. T. S. Vail then returned than^Ks as foUo'ws : Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, may we be permit ted to acknowledge Thee as the Author of all our blessings, social, raoral and intellectual. We give Thee thanks for the joyous circunistances under which we are this evening assem bled. Ever may we be induced to discharge, 'vyth a true hieart, our obUgations to our fellows and our God. And may the gratitude due unto Thee rule in our ininds, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The President then arose and made the following remarks. Ladies and Gentlemen : — We have assembled here this evening for congratulation, conviviality, and to commemo rate the Second Aamual Festival of the Sons and Daughters of Connecticut. As President of this Association, it is proper for me, and I have the honor as well as the profound pleas ure, to bid you a hearty and a cordial welcome on this joyous occasion. I care not (so that you are citizens of Connecticut, or invi ted guests,) whether you come from the pulpit or the bar, 7 50 CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. the sunny heights of prosperity, or the dark and dreary vftles of adversity ; I bid you all a sincere, a c'heferful and ari afffec- tionate welcome. I congratulate you, my fellow citizfens, that the circninsfan- stances under \vhich we meet are so favorable ; that peace, plenty and happiness prevail thrOdghout oiir \Adiole countryj that Ave are not disturbed by the calamities of war, or internal broils of any nature ; that general good health prevails all over this our broad and belovedf country ; that the labo'r of the husbandmen and artizan is so well iwarded ; and that intelligence,, virtue and rehgion is disseminated wherever fe male influeuce bears sway, or the foot prints of the Yankee Nation are to' be found. (Applause.) It is natural for children to remember with fondness and gratitude their parents and their homes, and the pleasant aissocia:tioiis of childhood. So to-day is it not proper, and may we.not render proper respect, aud pay a just tribute to our riomiraon mother— ^the noble State that gave us birth — a State of whidi no p£6triot has more reason to be proud than we j a land settled by a liberty-loving people/ who would spurn an oppressor, let him' come from what source he may. We can, Avith propriety,' rejoice that Connecticut, althougb one of the smallest States in the Union, is not the least in point of fame, patriotism', virtue, religioil or inteUigence. We can look back Avith pride and call to mind the names of individuals Avho have done themselves honor, who feave honored their native State, and whom the nation has delight ed to honor ; but I have not time, if I had the ability, to pass an eulogy upon them Their noble action' and heroic deed's have become public property. They need no eulogy from me. Their deeds are inscribed on the pages of history, and will be read and admired by future generations, Avhen you and I shall have mouldered into dust. But while we have reason for congratulation and rejoicing, CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. 51 some of us, since our last raeeting, have had cause for grief,* which calls forth on this occasion emotions of profound sad ness. How soon this shall be our lot, none can tell, but it rerainds me, and should remind us all, that soon, oh, how soon, will the sods of the valley be o.ur covering. But the same unchangeable Being Ayho has removed them, has ivjndly permitted us to live on and labor on amid anxie ties, joys, and the vicissitudes of life ; and Ave are assembled here to-day to freshen our past attachments, tc malie new acquaintances, to strengthen our fraternal affection, as Avell as to do honor to the noble State that gave us birth. When I look around upon this throng oi' pleasant and fa mUiar faces, and reflect that you and I have once trod the same green clad hills and vallies of Connecticut, bringing to mind old and familiar scenes, such as the cottage or mansion of childhood, the district schoolhouse, the hills and rocks, the brooks and vales, and last, though not least, the vUlage chdrch, wliat a train of pleasant and profound euiotions clus ter around the soul ! I should like to dwell upon this theme ; it is a topic that lays near my heart, and AA'hen I think about it, I sometimes aimost wish I *' was a boy again." But time wanes, and I must yield the floor to others who ' are expected to conie after me, and who are more gifted and more eloquent ;¦ and when He who uphpldeth the Universe, and in whom wo trust, shall see fit to call us home, maj' we all be prepared to meet each other at that Festival that shall never, never have an end. (Cheers.) The President then announced the flrst regifilar loagt, " Connecticut"— The Zand of Steady Habits. And called o,n Rev. A. G, Hibbard^ of Galpsbijrg,, 'vs'hp responded as follows : *The death of Mrs. S. G, Cuj-jier ai^4 Mts. J. P.. Il^rmaD. 52 CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Qentlgni^n : — Although I might be unwilling to adrait that I stood second to any one in respecting and loving the State that is mother to us all, yet I cannot but be conscious of my inability to respond in fitting terms to the sentiment which has just been read, and cannpt but wonder at the kind partiality that does honor to me by the in'vitation to address you for a few moraents this evening. As we are here assembled, — far away frora the land of our nativity, the horaes ot our childhood, — for the purpose of re calling old associations, remembering old friends, and cher ishing the recollections of and doing honors to the home of our fathers, it is fitting, it is just, that we should refer to our own native State by that time-honored appellation, " The Land of Steady Habits." Although this term may often be applied in contempt, and be a favorite phase with those who affect to despise her healthy conservatism while they envy her mental, moral and political infiuence, it should ever be to us : a monitor, calling up pleasant recollections and inciting us to the practice of those virtues and to the cherishing of that faith, which shall at once elevate and ennoble us and do honor to our native State. The language is forcibly expressive and involves nothing inconsistent with the greatest amount of en ergy, perseverance and enterprize; nothing inconsistent with the farthest advancement in all that is good, and the most rapid progress possible to man. And where, I ask, wUl yon see manifested more energy; where can you witness such indoraitable perseverance ; where is every department of in dustry more characterized by enterprize 5 where will you find the citizens more intelligent and acut^ ; where will you find thera occupying a more advanced position on the side of " Truth " in its irrepressible conflict with Error, than in CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. 53 our own loved Connecticut — " The Land of Steady Habits" ? And when cavillers ask "What has she done for the world?' we can point to Fitch, and steam navigation, to Whitney, and millions of whirling spindles ; to Morse, and the chained lightning ; to Webster, and a harmonious lan guage ; to Dwight, and believing sceptics ; to Percival and Sigourney, and sweetly chiming verse ; to her sons and daughters in every land, men and women whom the world delights to honor. And when asked, " What she has done for herself?" Ave can point to fertUe fields on a naturally ster ile soil ; to marts of traffic ; to the busy wheels of manufacto ries ; to the iron rails intersecting nearly every town ; to the tapering masts clustering thickly in her ports ; to the classic shades of Yale ; to the school in every hamlet ; the spires in every village, and the alters, — from which niorning and ves per offerings go up to God, — in many homes. Yes, it shall be an honor which we will dearly prize, that our early homes have been in a commonwealth signalized by virtue, honored by art, and renowned by learning, and that our progenitors were men who, by inflexible integrity, steadiness of purpose, fidelity to conviction and zeal for t^e truth, have shown them selves worthy of being free. And let us, in our Western homes, on these fertile prajries, in this infant city, or 'wher^- ever we may dwell, emulate their virtues and build up around us those institutions, and shed abroad such influences as shall prove us worthy of the land that gave us birth. And in re- aUzing our fondest anticipations, let us never forget the land from whence we came, but keep th.e recollections of it fresh and green in our memories, thus shall we be aided in ma king this, like Connecticut, "The Land of Steady Habits." Yes, we wUl cherish the memory of our native State, and with one of her poets will say, ." StUl round thy rocks, my spirit clings, — It oannot tear itself away ; And, if it had an eagle's wings, 54 CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. There it would ever hovering play ; For oh ! there is no spot of earth. Dear as the land that gave us birth." (Immense cheering.) Music — SAveet Home. The second regular toast bejng announced — • "The Clergy." Was responded to by Rev. S, T. Babbitt, l|§map|.s ®f 1©?. S. T, Bali'Bit!. Mr. President : — Being unexpectedly called upon, 1 feel wholly unprepared to speak on this subject. I ara truly happy to meet you on this occasion, and seeing so many from my own beloved State, I feel constrained to offer a few re marks. We were early taught to reverence the Clergy, and they were worthy of it, emanating from the land of steady habits, and from the fountains of science and literature, so early es tablished, they have shed on the fair fields of the West, many rich blessings. An able, faithful, and devoted ministry is the hope of onr country ; without this, we Avould reseinble the land of Sodora, but with it, we shall be like the Canaan of old. These beautiftil prairies will, under their fostering influence, becqroe as the garden of the Lord ; piety and virtue in this rich and delightful country, will render it an Eden. It is full qf py,omise ; it is beginning to bud and blossom ; surely the hallowpd influence of a faithful and successful rainistry is all we want to render us pre-eminently blessed. But, Christian friends, let me reraind you, that in order to have an able and efficient rainistry, we must act our own part. We must see that they are sustained and encouraged by our united energies ^.ncj o.^r cheerful cq- operation. Breth- CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. 55 ren, let us hold up our hands in this work, and do all we can to speed thein on iu the glorious warfare; let us have no drones araong us ; may we resolve to acquit ourselves like men ; let ns strive to emulate the zeal and piety of those who gave us birth, and led our inexperienced feet in the ways of wisdom ; thus shall Ave be the pride of our parents, and do honor to the land of our nativity. May Ave still continue to reverence the clergy ; let us stand by and sustain tliem in eyery benevolent enterprise, that we may exert a united and combined influence for the suppression of vice and immorality in all their various forms, for the advancement of pure religion in our several families and in the eoinmunities Avhere Ave reside. We sh'aiU thiis' be happy in our united efforts to do good, and be afe'iindaintly rewarded in days and years to come. We shall both be blessed and becouie! a blessing in this world-«-at the same time look forward, with hope and joy, to the future. May these fair daughters ever be found walking in the paths of piety, virtue and industry, as early taught by their worthy mothers ; we shall thus accomplish the great end of our existence, rear up generations to the honor of God, and the good of the world ; we shall enjoy the smile of Divine approbation, arid when released from all earthly labors and Cares, when no more on earth we are permitted to' enjoy those pleasant interviews ; may we all raeet in the great as sembly arofind the Throne o'ri high, and be unspeakably happy fore'f er' alhd ever. Music— The Orchestra foUoA^dd with Old Hundred.' The President annoiinced the third regular toast: "HUmois" — Hef mmejise resourcis — the exmbH-ant fertility of her soil, aiid the inteUigence, industry and eiterprise of her people,, indicate for her a glorious re. 56 CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. Chas. Faxon, editor of " Galesburg Democrat;" respohded as foUoAvs : Rfjmarks of G&as. f axoi, Isf. Mr, President .-—What stronger evidence can be^ pro duced of the present and prospective greatness of our adopted State, than the fact that so many of the Sons and Daughters of " Old Connecticut " are here to-night, that so many have left the rocky soil of their eastern homes for the broad and fertile prairies of Illinois, and are here to contrib ute to her greatness and prosperity. Naturally shrewd, keen arid penetrating; as the sons of New England are, it is not to be presumed that so many of them would have sought homes in the Prairie State, did she not possess distinguishing elements of greatness ; or, that so many of them can infuse their influence, contribute their in dustry and enterprise, to this State of their adoption, with out giving fair scope for a semi-prophetic vision of peace, plenty and iinalloyed prosperity. The New England element is largely infused into the pop ulation of Illinois. The descendants of the Pilgrim Fathers, who turned the wild wUderness of New England into a beau tiful garden, have sent hither noble and energetic men and women, to convert thfese fertUe plains into another paradise. The vast net-work of raUroads which intersect every por-, tion of our State, affording unsurpassed facUities for com mercial and social intercourse, and for bringing the products of agriculture to a profitable market — thereby increasing four-fold the value of our lands, — must contribute greatly to our future eminence, prosperity and glory. The face of the country is such as to give the utmost facility for an indefinite increase of this element of our greatness. Whoever has passed over Eastern railroads, and has been CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. 57 whirled, now over a rocky chasm, witb the turmoil of dash ing waves below, and anon along the steep sides of a preci pice, with towering trees above and beneath, — now passing through a dark tunnel, cut with imraense labor and expense out of solid rock, and then dragged over long lines of arches which span the raging waters, can appreciate, in some meas ure, the facilities which are afforded by our level prairies for making this emphatically a RaUroad State. The immense beds of coal which underlie at least three- fourths of the area of the State of Illinois, are mines of wealth which can scarcely be estimated in their present un developed state. The time is near when a great revenue wUl accrue to our people from this source, and when the fa cilities which are afforded by coal for developing our manu facturing interests will be fully known and appreciated. But it is our rich and fertile soil that has more than any other fact attracted hither the emigration of other States. In comparison, the farms of New England are bleak and sterile. But we have only begun to develope the capacities of our soil ; a large portion is yet waiting for the plow and the har row. Let us hope that the time is not far distant when every vacant section shall resound with the cheerful shout of the husbandmen. Our people are beginning to give a commendable atten tion to the culture of fruit. The State is dotted over with nurseries, and although the northern part has to contend with a rigorous climate, and other unfavorable influences, and will, for these reasons, be compelled to make a choice of va rieties adapted to it, yet farther south the most careless culti vation can scarcely fail to reward the labors of the horticul turist with delicious fruit of almost every variety. I have strong hopes for the future of Southern Illinois — of Egypt. She needs but the men and women of New England — of Oonnectiout — to develope her capabilities in order to 8 58 CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. reach heights of wealth and influence, of wliich we have now no conception. With the eleraents of prosperity which I have mentioned, mines of black diamonds beneath the surface, a soil which for richness and fertility can scarcely be equaUed, and cannot bo surpassed by any State in the Union, and a broad and constantly extending system of raUroads, which afford the means of developing our natural resources ; and With an en terprising, energetic population of over a million of souls, the prophetic eye rests with confidence upon a future destiny of grandeur and glory to Avhich history scarcely furnishes a par allel. In. conclusion, permit me to offer the following sentiment : May the virtues of the Sons and Daughters of Illinois so abound as to prove a conservative element, enabling us to avoid the errors, foiiies and vices which have iiften dashed the hopes and destroyed the brightest anticipations of other nations. (Applause.) Muric — Rigoletti Quadrille. The fourth regular sentiment being aunounced, " The Women of Connecticut " — Unequalled for beauty, intelUgence and the qual ities that adorn the female mind. In the absence ofthe person Avho was expected to respond to the above sentiment, the President called upon Stephen Hitchcock, Esq., of Galesburg. (Not having Mr. Hitchcock's response to the above, the substance of his remarks can only be giA en as reported by the editor of the " Transcript.") This sentiment was responded to by Stephen Hitchcock, Esq.,^ of Galesburg, a gentleman seventy years of age, in a highly humorous speech. After speaking in the highest terms ofhis adopted State, he referred to the women of Con necticut, and said that no woman living could make pump- CONNECTICUT FES'TIVAL. 59 kin pies as .good as liis motlier. No women did as much and as '\vell as the Avoraen of Connecticut;. They taught their children to be pious a.nd virtuous, and lie thought the young ladies of the present age would do Avell to remember their grandmothers, and emulate their virtues and practices. He referred to the austere niorals of Connecticut. When Satur day evening came, the Sabbath commenced. When Sunday evening came, the candles were lit, and after the old folks had gone to nieeting, the boys and girls went after the ap ples ; the "old folks " protested that it Avas against the rules, but were very glad to have ^ome of the apples saved for Monday, and the be.st of the lot, too. The speaker didnH hardly believe in such strict times iis they li^d then, but tjhought we should restrain our young people on the Sab bath, and keep from the desecration of that holy day. t ' Music^Hero's Daughter. "J'he next regular toast was in honor of " The Press"— If some bright star were blotted from the dome of night, A- Printing Press, if planted there, Wpuld fill the vacuum to a hair, And shed, perha,ps, a better light.- -Responded to by N. C. Geer, Esq., of the Peoria Daily '.' Transcript." Ei^mafks @f I. 0. ^%^t. Esq;, Ladies. and Gentlemen :— Permit me to express to you my acknowledgements for the invitation to be present at your festival this evening, and to remark that I am proud to be numbered among the Sons ofthe dear old "land of steady habits." The State of Connecticut has a history of Avhich her children may well be proud. Among the earUest set- 60 CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. tied, she was among the first to send out colonies from the parent hive, and we find her children settling down inWestern Massachusetts, in New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, and the beautiful valley of the 'Wyoming, years before the breaking out of the Revolution. Hers was the true Yankee character of hardy enterprise and never-tiring energy ; while her faith and principles were those ofthe Pilgrims that came over in the Mayfiower, Although she has no great battle fields to make her remerabered, she,has scores of such names as Sherman, Trumbull, Putnam, Wolcott and Hale, that will never die. Among the foremost in the cause of liberty in " the days that tried the souls of men," nobly seconding her sister colonies in the struggle for freedom, may her children ever be faithful to that cause, and be the last to desert the noble heritage which our fathers have bequeathed to us. You have been pleased to assign me a toast in honor of the Press, of which I am an hurable representative, and with a request that I shpuld respond. I am only sorry that one more able to do justice to the sentiment was not selected. The Press, unconfined to the restricted newspaper sense, is indeed a mighty engine of power. The invention of Gut- tenberg revolutionized the world. It subverted the empire of brute force, and raised up one of reason ; and to-day, through its aid, a single obscure individual is capable of in- fiuencing mankind to a greater extent than any crowned head sitting on the thrones of Europe. Indeed, so powerful is the Press acknowledged to be, that despotisms can be maintained only by its subversion. In France, for instance, it is guarded by Louis Napoleon with greater jealousy than ever his unele was guarded at Elba or St. Helena, and its unrestricted freedom would cause him more alarm than a doz en Napoleons would have caused Europe on the eve of Waterloo. The Press is the champion of free thought, of intellect CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. 61 against hereditary assumptions of power and kingly claims of " divine right." It is the' assertion of the great principle of our Revolutionary War, that all men are entitled by nature to equal consideration in liie general government of society, that because a man is born in high social position, and dines off plate, he has no more right to lord it over his fellows tlian he who is born in a hovel is entitled to subjugate kings and nobles to his will. The Press is the teacher of the principle of equality of po litical rights among men, the destroyer of false aristocracies, and puller down of thrones. Its mission is not yet accom plished, but the time will be when, through its influence, such words as " despot " and " monarch " will be obsolete, and there will not be a ruler throughout the world, save he owes his elevation to the consent of the people of which he forms a part. The Press can never be the upholder of wrong. It may, indeed, for the moment, be warped from its true course into the defence of tyranny, usurpation and error ; but relentless as time, it surely corrects the wrong, and nobly retrieves its character from' the stain that was temporarily cast upon it. In all the annajs of literature, you cannot find a single 'ema nation of the Press in favor of injustice and error that sur vived the age in which it had its being. The pages put forth by Henry VIII against Martin Luther, were buried with their illustrious author, but Luther and his principles live. The King and his works died, but in the next age rose an humble poet, ^^ose works, copying nature and nature's truths, will never die.' The royal arguments of King James in favor of " divine right " are known only by tradition, but the essays of Bacon and the sublime truths of MUton will go down to the latest posterity. Why is this ? Simply because the Press can never be found assenting to what is wrong, nor desert ing what is right. It will not support an error ; it will ever 62 CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. cherish and defend a truth. Truth finds a re-print, but error dies with the first edition, and if re-produced, it comes up in another guise, assuming another form wherewith to deceive, and for the moment gaini the applause of mankind, but only for a brief season. Even when restricted to the newspaper, tie Press is an en gine poAverful for good. In countries Avhere it is unrestricted, it becomes the voice ofthe people, and as such, enables the people to maintain their rights against any and all attempted usurpations. Wrong cannot exist, but the Press ferrets it out and denounces it. It spreads intelligence, stimulates in tellect, advances civilization and projnotes science and the arts. No civilized society is considered complete without it. No organization or sect but has the Press to explain and de fend its principles, and if one should attempt to exist without, it would at once pass under the ban of public opinion as one afraid to let its principles be known, and therefore dangerous to the general Avelfare and the common prosperity of all. But I have already said too rauch to be acceptable, and I will close with the foIloAving sentiment ia honor of " The Sons of Connectici/t " — Wherevei" they may be, whatever climes they roam. May they be ever faithful te the truths they learned at home. (Cheers.) Music — Air from the Opera of Rigoletti. The President announced the sixth regular toast : ' The Sons of Connectiouf'—Wherever found, they are " the salt of the earth." Geo. M. Hunt, Esq., wUl respond to this sentiraent. CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. 63 EomajT ks of 600, M, llaat, Esq. Mr. President, Sons and Daughters of Connecticut /—Un accustomed as I ara to public speaking, and seeing so many present that are far raore aible than myself to respond fitly to the sentiment just read, I feel as though I ought not to have risen to utter a w,ord. But feeling that I too am a Son of Connecticut, and the fact that I am now amid a faraUy of brothers and sisters, emboldens me to say, the Sons of Con necticut, wherever found, are, bating one, "the salt of the earth." I do not arrogate for them exclusive merit, nor do I iraagine that the spirit of the sentiment contemplates such a prerogative, but I do claira, wherever found, whether in Connecticut or Illinois, North, South, East or West, every where, the wide world over, the sons of that dear old raother State, for virtue, intelligence, courage, fortitude, skUl, genius, industry and bold enterprise, and, in fact, for all the attri butes of a sound and vigorous manhood, are not surpassed by any peopleunder the canopy of Heaven ; and, Mr. President, if at home, they are the salt of* the earth, when transferred to other climes, that salt does not lose its savor. If so, it must be good salt— solid rock salt, for 'it will keep and pre serve houses, lands, silver, gold ; it will keep and preserve noble, socialj political, religious and benevolent institutions ; it will keep and preserve knowledge and intelligence. Just think of a hogshead of knoA^'ledge and a barrel of inteUigence salted down ! (Laughter.) Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, since I came into this hall to-night I have been fully convinced in ray own mind, that with all the virtue the salt contains, there are many things it will not keep^ — at least not long ; turkeys, pork and beans, pies, cakes, etc., etc., have gone, gone with out number, with all the salt they contained. (Laughter.) But, not wishing to oversalt you, (increased laughter)'! will close. "64 CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. We aUlove our native State, and her daughters too. (Vo ciferous cheering.) We Uke to ponder over the days of our childhood, visit the places we were wont to roam. In a rao ment we seem to be there ; we have all rambled up and down the old " sunny sides," over the hills and dales, by the brook's side. We have stood upon the banks of the She- paug, Housatonic, Thames or Connecticut, and watched their silver waters as they flowed to the sea, and many of us have left upon their banks fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters and friends that were dear, reposing in that consecrated soil. Of others we have taken the fareweU hand, and to-night we are fourteen hundred miles away. Yet, sir, with all the ties that bind, we do not forget that lUinois is the home of our adoption. We now belong to the " Prairie State." Our duties as citizens now belong to her. May I not say that those duties will be faithfully discharged ; and so long as Galesburg our beloved city, is favored with such people as I see here to-night, she is still bound to flour ish, and with the kind hand of Providence extended over and above us, she has but little to fear. I avUI close with a senti ment : " Our Adopted Home "—May the city of Galeslmrg never have cause to complain of her Adopted Children— the Sons and Daughters of Connecticut. (Applause.) Music — Operatic Air. The next regular sentiraent will be : " Tlie Colleges of Connecticut"— Institutions which liave ^ent forth some ofthe bright est stars im- the Constellation of Americam, Literature, The Rev. T. S. VaUl of Knoxville will respond. Mr. President: — Of the Colleges of Connecticut, tlie Wesleyan University is the youngest of the three. It was founded in 1831. It has a beautiful locality at Middleto'wn. CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. 65 The Methodist Episcopal Church,- which has it in charge, can see the influence ot a Fisk and an Olin, all over the country. Its graduates are now doing good service in this active age. Moving up frora Middletown by the winding course of the beautiful Connecticut, as Hartford coraes in vieAv, Trinity College attracts your eye, as you find it nicely nestled in the shady suburbs of that elegant city. Trinity College was in corporated in 1826 under the name of Washington, Its grad uates, too, are doing, in the various departments of Ameri can intelligence, honorable service to their country.^ If we were to speak of them now too minutely it would seem like a prejudgment of those who amid the active duties of life, are carving reputations and characters which have not yet culminated. By an hour's flying ride from Hartford, you raay be in the Elm City. Here you find the literary ornament, not ot Connecticut, not of New England, but of the whole country — Yale, the college of the Union. It is excelled only in age, and that by Harvard University. In any other respect, it could not, it cannot be eclipsed. It was founded in 1700. It has grown in merit during its entire progress through one hundred and sixty years. Its nationality has been un- cramped. It may claim paternity to many institutions in oth er States, which have drawn their instructors from its walls, and their excellence from its standards. In what department of .American intelligence have not the graduates of Yale CoUege been prominent ? Daggett, Swift, Gould, Grimke and Tallmadgo have expounded law ; the Commentaries of Kent ha-ve a place with Coke and Black stone. In State affairs, Sherman, Griswold, EUsworth, Clay ton and Calhoun have wielded a mighty influence. John C. Calhoun, with all his political mistakes, was intellectually a star statesman. 9 66 CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. Who has uot admired the poetry of HiUhouse, Percival, Pierpont and Willis. Some Scripture incidents have had additional charms by the imagery of the latter. Beers, Tul- ly and Kniglit have furnished scores with ample instruction in the healing art. ' We note Noah Webster as the unrivall'ed American Lexi cographer. Day, Silliman and Olmstead have no superiors in the science of Mathematics, Natural Philosophy, Chemis try and Geology. Who has been unimpressed by the Theo logical Avorks ofthe Hopkinses, Bellamy, Edwards, Dwight, Emmons, the pulpit eloquence of Griffin, Seabury, and the Backuses. I cannot avoid naming Gallaudet as the chieftain in that benevolent humanity which unstops the deaf ear and makes the tongue of the dumb sing. Propriety seems to forbid that I should go further in per sonal allusion than to those who have quitted life's labors ; but it Avill not be invidious to name as instructors the entire corps of Yale's present Faculty, who in their united capacity present to the student facilities for the acquisition of kiioAvl- edge which are to be found so fully no where else. Time would fail now even to name those who as graduates of this institution are eminent on the bench, at the bar, in the pul pit, in medical skill, in Congress, as editors, as phUanthrop- ists, as intelligent citizens. Our Uttle raother state can claira an acknowledged great ness throuj^h her colleges. Yale College has ever been the general favorite of the country. Her influence has been more conservative than Constitutions. Connecticut, through Yale College, has exerted her influence by the power of mind — of knoAvledge. It Avill belong to the future to appreciate and record the distinguished acts of the 8,000 graduates, of Yale CoUege. I conclude with the sentiment: CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. 67 " Co-n,necticu,t."—May she ever mMintainher College pre eminence. (Cheers.) Music. — Opera from Rigoletti. The President, — There reraains but one other regular toast. t. . <' Our Future Fe»timls."—May each one be more Joyous than its Predeaesaort. Responded to by Wm. Merwin Ransora Esq. Mr. President, Sons and Daughters of Connecticut : — I think that at this late hour of the evening I could serve this association better by keeping ray seat. I deera it as unfortu nate to you as to myself that I am called upon to Respond to the sentiment just announced. One year ago to-night we met Avithin this hall as Sons and Daughters of Connecticut to hold our first annual festiA^al. The success that crowned our efforts in behalf of that un dertaking, you who were then present can bear me Avitness, exceeded our most sanguine expectations. We met then as natives of Connecticut far removed from our parent State — denizens of the great and growing West to talk of the days gone by; our childhood's associations; to recount our joys and sorrows and the .multiplied changes all of us have experienced. Our object has been to collect together once a year our Sons and Daughters for perpetuating those paternal feelings felt for our parent State. Though proud of the State of our adoption, we still cherish the meraory of our dear old native land. Yon Avho are from the rugged hills of the Housatonic, frora the rich and romantic valley of the noble Connecticut, from the still, quiet and lovely banks of the Thames, tell me, is there any place so dear to you as your native land ? As I 68 CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. have listened to the allusions that have been raade by the speakers who have preceded me, to the early history of Con necticut, as well as the present, to the love of country char acteristic of its earlier settlers, to the eloquence and profound learning that have ever distinguished her Sons in the coun cils of the nation, at the bar, or in the pulpit, to the heroic and gallant courage manifested on the field of battle during the darkest days of our country's history, I thought indeed our parent State resembled that "Clime ofthe unforgotten brave. Whose land from plain to mountain care. Was freedom's home and glory's grave." You have assembled to night to celebrate your second an nual festival. I see before me most of those who had the pleasure of being with us at the first. Within the last year but two of our number have been called away by that silent messenger. Death. Sons and Daughters of Connecticut ! I would admonish you by the ties of fraternal affection and filial love felt for our parent State ! by the memory of your fathers who during the revolutionary war stood shoulder to shoulder in wresting its scepter from the tyrants grasp ! by the venera tion you have for her public and private institutions, never forget the land of your nativity. Though absent from her borders, your hearts still cling to her memory, ever striving to uphold wherever found those noble elements of patriotism and indomitable love of principle which have ever character ized your fathers. Let it mever be said of their posterity that they have proved recreant to the trust bequeathed to them. Let your future festivals be as joyous ^s their predecessors. You have now all the elements of a permanent organization of this Association. Let each January be haUed as the an nual holiday, on which you can meet and mingle together, on which, in addition to all the festivities that are naturally CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. 69 attendant upon such an occasion, you will be assured that you are receiving the kind congratulations of those you have left behind in old Connecti'cut. (Applause.) Music— From the Opera of Rigoletti. < By Hon. John H. Brockway, of Ellington, Connecticut. Contributed by letter.) " The Sons and Damghters of Connecticut in Illinois." — Let them never forget the rough and rugged little State im, whose schoolhouses they learned to read and spell, write and cipher. H. Boies, Esq., of Galva was expected to respond to the above sentiment, but was not present. By His Excellency Wm. A. Buckingham, of Norwich, Con necticut. (Contributed by letter.) "The Sons and Daughters (>f GonnectiouU-rlnquiHtive, intelUgent, enterprising amd honest — lovers of truth, justice and liberty. WhUe they call no man master, they acknowledge thei/r obligations to tlieir fellow men, their consciences and thei/r God. May their virtues be cherished and impriessed upon our whole country, Luther Birge, of Farmington, Ills., responded to this senti ment entertaining the company with sketches of the life of Israel Putnam, of Ethan Alien, a native of Connecticut, and of his capture of Ticonderoga, of Yale College and the vari ous benevolent Institutions of Connecticut. By Dr. C. Greenleaf, of Peoria, Ills. " Connecticut" — The mother of States, good in her old /ige. By Roswell Bills, Esq., of Peoria, III. " The Sanies and Insurance Companies of Oonnectiout." — They rank am/mg the solid institutions of the country. They are a credit not onl/y to Connecticut and New En gland, but to the whole Union, They are known wherever money is used, or insur ance if made the companion and protection of Commerce, 70 CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. ' By the Secretary. " Tlie Sons of Connecticut who have immigrated to Illinois.'' — An honor to their na tive State and the State of thei/r adoption, A letter was read from Mrs. L, Huntley Sigourney, accom panied by the foUoAving poera : Reply to an invitation to attend the Anniversary Festi val of ilie Sons and Daughters of Connecticut at Galesburg, Illinois, January 6, i860. Hail, Sons of my people who choose your abode Faraway from the streams around your birthplace that flow'd ; From the schoolbell whose summons you gladly obey'd, And the tall, waving elms, where at sunset you play 'd ; Hath the rose of the prairie a .fragrp.nce more sweet. Than the lilies and violets that grew at your feet. When through our green meadows you wandered with glee, ¦^here Thames or Connecticut, roll toward the sea. I behold you in spirit assembled to-day. And fain would be with you and hear what you say. You've invited me kindly, to come as your guest, And well it would please me to visit the West. But the winter is cold and the distance is long So I send you good wishes and love in a song, SVith the rich smiles of heaven may you ever be blest, . ' And yoar heart beat with ours, tho' your home is the west, TOO Hartford^ Con., Nov. 10th, 1859. (The reading of this poem was received with immense cheering.) Letters were read from distinguished Sons of Connecticut by the Secretary, which wUl be found in the appendix. The company adjourned at midnight, to meet again one year hence. Thus closed the Second Festival, like the First, happy and successful, and wiU be long remembered by those who participated in it. APPENDIX Letters of Invitation were sent to Mrs. L. Huntley Sigour ney and to many distinguished Sons of Connecticut, resident in their native and other States, and from whom the follow ing replies have been received : [FROM MRS. L. H. SIGOURNEY.] Haetfoed, Nov. 10, 1859. My Dear Sir : — Your note of invitation reached me last evening, and elic ited the impromptu reply which I enclose ; wishing much happiness to the Sons and Daughters of ray native State at their approaching anniversary celebration, I remain, very Respectfully Yours, L. H. S. [ Tlie potm will be found on page 70,1 [FROM GEORGE D, PRENTICE, Editor of the Louisville Journal ] , " JouBNAL Office," Louisville, Ky., Nov. 10, 1859. My Dear Sir : I love our native Connecticut very dearly and would rather meet her Sons, and Daughters upon a festive occasion, than the Sons and Daughters of any other State of the Union. I beg leave to express through you to the Connecticut As sociation of Galesburg my hearty thanks for their invitation to meet them on the 6tli of January, but I regret to 'be con strained to say that I must, in all probability, at that time be in a remote part of the country. Very Truly Yours, GEbRGE D. PRENTICE. [FRbil GEN. JAMES f. PRATT, Ex-Member of Congress First District,] State of Cohnectiout, Rocky Hill, Nov. 10, '59. My Dear Sir : I have to thank you and the association you have the honor to represent, for an invitation to attend the Second Annual 72 CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. Festival of the "Conn. Association," and to unite with the " Sons and Daughters " on the 6th ot Jan. next. 1 should be raost happy in accepting the invitation and would be pres ent on the occasion were it not. for the distance which would require more time than I can spare, consistent with other en gagements. Wishing all interested, happiness, I ara. Yours Respectfully, JAMES T. PRATT. Wm. M. Ransom, Esq., Rec. Sec'y. [FROM the HON. ORRIS S. FERRY, Congressman from Fourth District,] NoEWALK, Conn., Nov, 11, 1859. My Dear Sir : Your kind invitation to unite with " the Sons and Daugh ters of Connecticut, in celebrating their Second Annual Festival" in your city, reached rae last evening. A son of Connecticut myself, and already united to one of the best of her daughters, I ara glad to meet with the progeny of the dear old Commonwealth any where ; and in no place could I greet thera with more honest pride or patriotic feeling than in one of those wonderful creations, the cities of the great west, for I hear there the names with which, from my child hood, I have been familiar here ; and I see there, on every side, evidences of the industry, enterprise, intelligence, and moral worth, which have so eminently distinguished those who have gone out from our State to assist in building up the communities by Avhich you are surrounded. The vast prairies of Illinois contrast strongly with the rugged hills of Connecticut, but I rejoice that upon both the children of the Puritans are dwelling, — men and women who remember their kindred blood, and cherish, with the same emotions, that abiding reverence for law and indoraitable love of free dom which were among the chief characteristics of their common, ancestry. I am sorry that I cannot be with you on the Gth of Janu ary as you propose, but I will console myself with the reflection that you will be having a happy nieeting, and that my native State will be receiving tokens of filial reverence frora Sons and Daughters, who, however distant from her borders, still hold in loving remembrance the old homes among the hills of Connecticut, Yours Very Truly, ORRIS S. FERRY. Wm. Meewin Ransom, Esq., Cor. & Rec. Sec'y. CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. 73 I FROM REV. E, M. P, WELLS, Boslor., Ma...] St. Stephens House, Boston, Nov. 12, '59. Wm. Merwin Hansom Esq., Dear Sir : — Please present my respects and thanks to the Connecticut Association for their polite and kind invitation to be with them at their approach ing annual festival. It pains rae to feay I cannot attend. Circumstances, at present, forbid. * The children of Connecticut are carrying the influence of the good mother, like the radiation of light, from a living centre throughout thq Avorld. Let us see to it that Ave are faithful to our trust, lest our mother, (God bless her) call us to account. I am. Very Respectfully, your brother of Conn., E. M. P. WELLS. [FROM ALFRED LEE, Eishop of Delaware.] Wilmington, Del., Nov. 14, 1859. Dear Sir : ' My engagements will not permit me to accept your kind invitation to the celebration in Galesburg on the 6tt^ January next. I am. Respectfully Yours, ALFRED LEE. Wm. Meewin Ransom, Esq. [FROM HON. LAFAYETTE S. FOSTER, C. ,S. Senator.] NoEwicii, Conn., Nov. 15th, 1859. My Dear Sir .' I ara happy to acknowledge the receipt of your note ofthe 7th inst. inviting rae to meet Avith the Sons and Daughters of Connecticut in celebrating their Second Annual Festival at Galesburg, on the 6th of Jan, next. Please accept my thanks for yourself and for your associ ation for your very kind invitation. It would give me great pleasure to meet with you, but public duties at Washington will prevent. If any people in the world are pardonable for taking pride in their birth place, it is the Sons and Daughters of Connecticut. None were ever born to a richer inheritance. ' I rejoice to see that you cherish the memory of your dear old native land. " Where'er I roam, whatever lands I see, Mt heart, untrammell'd, still returns to thee." 10 .74 CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. I trust that the merabers of your Association that are the descendants of Connecticut, will always make full proof of their lineage by lives of industry, frugality and integrity, by their observance of the principles of morality, their respect for law, their reverence for religion, their fear of God. With my best wishes for the prosperity of your Asssocia- tion, and of yourself personally, I ara, my Dear Sir, Very FaithfuUy Yours, LAFAYETTE S. FOSTER. Wm. Meewin Ransom, Esq., Cor. & Rec. Sec. [FROM REV. S. C. BULKELEY.] Janesville, Wis., Nov. 15, 1859. My Dear Sir : I regret to be obliged to say in response to your kind and polite invitation extended to me in behalf of the " Sons and Daughters of Connecticut " to be present with them in cele brating their Second Annual Festival, Friday, Jan. 6th, 1860, that a previous engagement to deliver an address before the Masonic fi;aternity about that time, places it out of my power to do what under other circumstances would af ford me the most sincere gratification. It may suit the humor of those who know her not, to sneer at oldConnecticut as the land of " wooden nutmegs," " horn gun-flints" and "bass wood cucumber seeds," but the bitter est of her revilers must admit that in the past she boasts as noble a line of patriots, heroes and philanthropists, as any other territory of her size on the face of the globe, and it, must also be confessed, that even in these degenerate times, her Sons and Daughters abroad, or in the councils of the na tion have no occasion to blush for her honor in the presence of the representatives of other States. WhUe therefore I thank the members of yoUr association for their kind remembrance of me, as one of the humblest of the representatives of Con necticut iri the West, I beg you to assure them of my hearty sympathy in the object of their Association, which 1 under stand to be, to cherish the memory and the virtues of our father land. Very respectfully and truly yours, S. C. BULKELEY. Wm. Mehwin Ransom, Cor. and Rec. Sec'y, etc. CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. 75 [FROM HON. ISAAC TOUCEY, Secretary of the Navy] Navy Department, Nov. 15, 1859. Dear Sir : I have had the pleasure of receiving your invitation in be half of the Connecticut Association, to meet the Sons qnd Daughters of Connecticut in celebrating their Second Annu al Festival on January 6th, 1860, but regret that my engage ments will not permit me to participate in the festival. Wishing your Association much pleasure on that occasion, I am Respectfully Your Ob't Servant, ISAAC TOUCEY. To Wm. Meewin Ransom, Esq., Cor. and Rec. Sec'y, etc. [PROM HON. JOHN H. BROCKWAY, Em-Member of Congress.] Ellington, Conn., Nov. 16, 1859. My Dear Sir ; I have received yours of the 7th instant inviting me in be half of the Connecticut Association, to meet the Sons and Daughters of that good old State at their Annual Festival, in the city of Galesburg, on the 6th d^ay of January next. Now I love to meet and mingle with Connecticut people any and everywhere, and especiaUy should X love to do it on the broad prairies of the west, and more particularly stiU in that young and vigorous city where you live, and in the great State of Illinois which, if I mistake not, is to be the Queen State as her qity of Chicago is the Queen City of the west. I should love dearly to sit down with you on that festive oc casion and talk over and about Connecti'cut people and Con necticut things. I think at such a time we could stir up some goodly reminiscences of old Ellington and Vernon, and alternately laugh and cry over Auld Lang Syne, but I cannot be there. >You.are a great way off, although the iron horse would speedily set me down at your door. Distance, busi ness and' the season of the year forbid my going. Present my affectionate salutations to all who shall congregate to cel ebrate your second anniversary — the Ransom's, Dorman's, Nash's, Chapman's ; to all and to each and every one I wish to be kindly remerabered, sending hercAvith the subjoined sentiraeiit : " Tlie Sons and Daughters of Connecticut in Illinois," — Let tliem never forget the rough and rugged little State in whose schoolhouses they learned ta read and spell, anU write and cipher. I subscribe myself, yours very truly, JOHN H. BROCKWAY. Wm. Meewin Ransom, Esq., Cor. and Rec. Sec. 76 CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. [I'ROM HON. ORIGEN L. SEYMOUR, Judge of Superior Court.] Brooklyn, Conn, Nov. 16th, 1859. Wm. M. Ransorn, Sec'y. Conn. Association : Dear Sir : — Yours of the 7tli instant, Avas forwarded to this place. It would give rae great pleasure to accept your kind invitation to be present at your Festival, but ray engage ments are such that I cannot. We who reraain in Con necticut, feel a lively interest in the welfare of our brethren Avho have emigrated to the West, and you have my cordial Avishes that your gathering may be a happy one. Yours, Respectfully, 0. S. SEYMOUR. [FROM HON. LYMAN TRUMBULL, V, S. Senator of Illinois.] Washington, Nov. 21st, 1859. Wm. Merwin Pansom, Esq., Sec'y : Dear Sir : — Yours in behalf of the Connecticut Associa tion, inviting rae to meet with the Sons and Daughters of that State, at Galesburg, on the sixth of January next, to celebrate their Second Annual Festival, has just reached me at this place. Though the greater portion of my life has been passed in the South and West, to 'ivhich, and especially the latter, I am for many reasons fondly attached, still, neither lapse of time nor attachment to the State of ray adoption has caused rae to_ forget ray childhood's home in old Connecticut. The inhabitants of that State have ever been distinguished for intel ligence, sound morality, devotion to principle, and love of freedom, which wai particularly manifested in the conspicu ous part they bore in establishing our nation's independence. To have been born and reared among such a people, may justly be regarded as a fortunate circumstance in any nfan's life, and I regret that other engagements will not adrait of my being at Galesburg on the sixth of January, to unite Avith the Connecticut Association in their Annual Festival. Yours, Very Respectfully, LYMAN TRUMBULL. [FROM IKE marvel;] Dear Sir : I should be most happy to join in your proposed Festival, if my engagements permitted a visit to the West this winter. CONNECTICUT FESTlA'AL. 77 This not being the case, however, I can only Avisli you all joy in the meeting, And with thanks, subscribe rayself. Yours, obediently, DONALD G. MITCHELL. New Yoek, Nov. 25th. [FROM HON. S. R. MALLORY, U. S. Senator from Florida.] Pensacola, Floeida, Nov. 21st, 1859. Dear Sir : I acknowledge with rauch pleasure your kind and cordial invitation ill behalf of the " Sons and Daughters of Connec ticut" to join thera iu celebrating their Second Annual Fes tival in the City of Galesburg, Illinois ; and I beg to assure you and your Association that nothing but my public duties could preclude me from being with you on this i^nteresting occasion. Though my pathAvay in life has been far removed from the old, loved and honored State, and though my heart and my allegiance are equally with the generous common wealth in whose service I am, I cannot forget that Connecti cut is the land of my fathers; that she stood proudly eminent during the darkest period of our revolutionary history, her honor and her patriotism equally unsullied; that she has ever nourished and fostered in her children the seeds of genius, the germs of virtue and patriotism. By the unyielding energy, industry and frugality of her people, her granite hills and icy ponds, those rugged features of nature which to other races are lions in the paths of pro gress, are made to yield rich and inexhaustable harvests of wealth, while her children raay be found in every quarter bf the earth where a child is to be taught, a mill ecected or a deed'of charity to be done. With m.y thanks for your courtesy and kindness, and my sincere wishes that your celebration may unite the Constitu tion loving, law abiding and generous souls of old Connec ticut, I am. Very Respectfully, Your Obedient Servant, • S. R. MALLORY. [FROM HIS EXCELLENCY, WM. A. BUCKINGHAM, Governor of Ccnnectictit,] State of Connecticut, Noewicu, Dec. 5th, 1859. Wm. Merwin Pansom, Esq., Sec'y. Conn. Association : Dear Sir : — You will present to the Connecticut Associa tion my grateful acknowledgments for their cordial invitation 78 CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. to be present at their Annual Festival on the 6th of January next, and say, that distance and duties here raust deprive rae of the great pleasure which I should have in raeeting the Sons and Daughters of Connecticut in Illinois on an occasion of such interest. I rejoice in every such Association which, tends to establish and promote those social qualities and moral virtues wtiich have done so rauch to secure happiness to our own citizens, and believe they are as iraportant and as valuable at the West as here. These characteristics, in connection with their inteUigence and energy, have given our Sons a large and iraportant infiuence in laying the foundation of our pubUe institutions, and of our State and national governments, and in contribut ing to their support and prosperity. Permit me to offer the following sentiment : The Sons and Daughters of Connecticut— inquisitive, intelligent, enterprising and honest, lovers of truth, justice and liberty, while they call no man, master, they acknowledge their obligations to iheir fellow^men, tlieir consciences and their God, May their virtues be cherished and impres^.ed upon our whole country, I am, my dear Sir, Yours with regard, WM. A. BUCKINGHAM. [FROM HENRY BUTTON, Ex- Governor of Connecticut.] New Haven, Ct., Dec. 12th, 1859. Wm. Merwin Ransom, Esq : Dear Sir ; — It 'would give me great pleasure to meet at Galesburg the Sons and Daughters of Connecticut scattered throughout tj:ie great and flourishing State of Illinois, with many of Ayl;iom 1 have the pleasure and honor of being per sonally acquainted, but ray professional engageraents will render it iiripossible. With the highest respect, HENRY DUTTON. [FROM G. H, HOLLISTER, Esq,, New Tork City.] New Yoek, Dec. 17th, 1859. My Dea/r Sir : Your very kind letter inviting me to be present at the Second Annual Festival of the Connecticut Association, has just been handed me on my retui'n from Connecticut. Noth ing could give me more pleasure than to be one, of your number on that occasion, but my previous engagements CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. 79 make it utterly impossible. AUow rae to say, that in my opinion, no State in the world of the sarae population and in the sarae nuraber of years has furnished an equal number of men and women worthy to be commemorated. I wish you a merry meeting, and the return of many raore such. It gives me a thrill of pleasure to know that the voices ot the hills linger among the prairies, and that they will echo there .to the end of time. " Pax vobiscum. " Yours Respectfully, G. H. HOLLISTER. [FROM DR, JONAS C. MAINE, the "veritable" Jonas' of QiiarryvilU, Conn.] QUAREYVIi.LE, Couu., Dcc. 31st, 1869. Honored and Very Dea/r Si/r : The kind letter containing the invitation in behalf of the Connecticut Association that you did me the honor to trans mit, reached me by due course of mail. It found me in bad health, which.is my constant affliction. I regret exceedingly that I cannot participate in your rejoicings on the festal day appointed. I have no doubt but many will be there that I could greet as friends and acquain tances.^ I also am very sorry that my time has been so completely occupied since I have been able to be about, that I have not had the first hour until to-day to write a lino that might, in part, express my regards for yourself and those of the Asso ciation you represent. With more leisure I perhaps might have raade out some thing more worthy of perusal than the few broken lines herein sent (unre vised and uncorrected, the creation of to day and written without preparation,) but such as they are, please do me the honor to look thera over, and if in the opinion of your Association they are worthy of notice, I shall feel myself honored ; if not, you will do yourselves the justice to cast them aside as undeserving, but in either case be assured of my best wishes for yourself and your friends of the Association. With sincere respect, I . am. Dear Sir, your much obliged and very obedient Servant, JONAS C. MAINE. Wm. Meewin Ransom, Cor. and Rec. Sec. ll ' 80 CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. To the Connecticut Association of Galesburg, Illinois, assembled to celebrate the honored name of Putnam, at their Secoud Annual Anniversary, Jan. 9th, 1860. To you ye fair Daughters and Sons of Connecticut, Festively met in your true Yankee name, To all this assembly, in pants or in petticoat — The kindest regards for your meeting I'll claim. Our mutual friend Ramom your Scribe correspoudenc, Has done me an honor and asked me to come ; I fain would be there and respond lo the compliment. And help honor Putnam, "Our State's Noble Son." The true Yankee spirit that governs my action. Prompts me to do justice forever like you. To always give credit and feel satisfaction Iu rendering tribute where tribute is duo. Our fathers, who toil'd, fought and bled for our liberty, Warr'd for the ryht and the good of mankind. Should always be honored and kept in celebrity, While game politicians are left far behind. But fashions are changed, with some toil is despisable, Folly and pride take the place of good sense, Yet worldwide the " Yankee " is honor'd and risible. The whittling a shingle "a-straddle" the fence. I, too, am a Yankee. My auto-biography Told '.n plain style, will more fully explain ; And thus saving questions and time, this Stenography Answers inquiries and tells who I am. I was born seventh of March, Eighteen Six, at North Stonington, Wound quills at the quill-wheel, and went to the .school, At twelve went to work on a farm like a Jonathan, Wages, [store pay] two fifty per month was all told, I built a small hut near the " Col of my Father, '' Where night after night I looked o'er my books, And thus gained the start of our neighbors rich scholars, Who thought more of Fashion's fine clothing and looks. t CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. 81 At sixteen I tried the " Salt Sea," by permission, Came near being wrecked on the Barnegat shoal ; Eeturn'd, went to school — some three months waa commissiuneA A teacher — near Albany, teaching school. Near two yeara I passed in the life of a teacher^ Taught writing aud singing-schools — plann'd and contrived^ Fixed clocks, -waa most everything elae but a preacher. To furnish myself and my frieads with supplies.. I next atudied medicine — got a "Diploma^" Physician and Surgeon commissipned " M. D.," Did big operations for wens and Sarcomas- Three years traveled south both by land and by sea.. Near thirty was married, purau'd my profession Awhile in the town where I first saw the light. And then moved to Bolton where I had possessions, And practJo'a for money and farm'd for delight. But envious foes Avith malieious-iijtentions, Try'd hard to annoy me aud thwart every plan, Sol turned to the "Booka '' with a hearty inteutioD,, And soon came out " Lawyer, '' and practice began. So I managed my suits and did business for others. Determined to triumph or fall ia the right,. And thus made my foes [sometimes] better than brothers,. Deprived of their malice they'd give up the fight. My fifty-fourth year finds me yet here in Bolton, With plenty of heOiers and plenty of toil. I' ve Mills and Machinery now fitting for motion, And five hundred acres — Connecticut soil. From the depths of my heart I now wish you great [jl'ea»»re Tb'day at your raeeting — 'henceforward in love ; May our acts always say we are worthy the treasure That's due to good " Yamhees" both here and above. May your joys thrice outmeaaure the moat you've expected. Your blessings outnumber the seventy times seven — Live honored by all, and when dying respected. Obtain the front seatain the Kingdom of Heaven. 11 82 CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. And there may I witness your welfare and glory Ten thousand fold more than we here can obtain. Permit me the " Honor " to now end my story. And say that your servant is JONAS C. MAINE. The following letter was received too late to be read at the Festival : [FROM JARED SPARKS, Ex-President of Harvard College.] Cambeidge, Mass., Jan. 20th, 1859. Dear Sir : A long absence in Canada has prevented me from answer ing, at an earlier day, your kind letter of December 6th, inviting me in behalf of the Connecticut Association to be present at their Annual Festival. I write now only to thank the Association for this mark of their attention, and to assure thera that I am always happy to meet the " Sons and Daugh ters of Connecticut" anywhere. In all places they have my best wishes for their prosperity and happiness. Respectfully Yours, JARED SPARKS. Wm. M. Ransom, Esq. SEC3-i:STU,-H- 0:F IsT-A-nVEES. BY COUNTIES. The first Column designates the names, the second, their native town ; the third, present residence, and the fourth their occupation. HARTFORD COUNTY. Names. Native Towii. Eesidkxoe. Ocoupatiok. Abbott, Mrs. Amelia S^ Manchester,. Galesburg, 111... Braekett, H. D Galesburg Jeweller,. Brackett, Mrs, H. A Hartford, Galesburg, Brady, James ......,.,. Seward, 111 Farmer. Brady, Mrs. . Clarissa .East Windsor, .... Seward Bristol, Mrs. Catherine Granby Galesburg, BillI, James Hartford, Galesburg, Bull, Mrs. A. H Hartford, Galesburg Bull, Horace Hartford, Galesburg, Bull, Henry Hartford, Galesburg,... Chapman, Mrs. Eliza J East Windsor, Seward, Cheesebro, Miss Emily Hartford, Galesburg Faxon, Charles Galesburg Editor. Faxon, Mrs. Bmerett E Hartford Galesburg, Faxon, Miss Elizabeth G alesburg, Faxon, Miss Katie Galesburg;.. Faxon, Charles, Jr Galesburg 84 CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. Names. NATfVE Tow-x. RESinENCB. OccBPATicter. Geer, N. C Hartford, , .^ Peoria,^ Editor. Geer, Mrs. S. S East Hartford,.... Peoria, Goddard, Sheldon Granby Galesburg,-,»...,Farmer> Goodrich, R.E Rocky Hill, Kewanee, Greenleaf, C Hartford Peoria,. Dentist. Harmon, Mrs. N. A Hartford, Galesburg, Hill, Abner M Manchester, Galesburg, Joiner. Hill, Mrs. Lucinda Galesburg, Hill, Miss Adeline J .^Manchester, Galesburg Hosmer, James South Windsor, . . . Galesburg, ...... Carriage Maker. Jagger, Mr«. Mary P East Hartford, .... Galesburg Marsh, A. C Hartford,.. Avon, Clerk. Moore, Henry Hartford Galesbarg, City Marshall. Moore, Mrs. Matilda M Hartford, Galesburg, Moore, James H. Hartford, Galesburg, Norton, Mrs Granby, Peoria, Spencer, Miss Addle E Hartford Galesburg, Tuttle, John L Bloomfield, Galesburg, NEW HAVEN iCOUNTY. -*'^'""^' ^-^ :•••¦'¦ .Galesburg, 111. . , Boots and Shoes. Adams, Mrs Nancy G Bethany...... Galesburg, Bassett, John T Oxford Galesburg, Carpenter. Bassett, Mrs. Mary A...... ....Bethany Galesburg :, Bassett, Miss Helen ,M Oxford, Galesburg, Bristol, Charles Milford, Galesburg,'.' .'.'." .'.Boots and Shoes. Bristol, Mrs. Sarah G. Bethany, Galesburg, Bristol, P. A... , Bethany, GalesbaTg,. ,...'. Bristol, Joseph Milford, Galesburg Boots and Shoes, Bristol, Miss E. M New Haven, Galesburg, Bristol, A. W New Haven, ....... Galesburg,'. '. ', '. . .' Camp, John New Haven Galesburg Farmer. Camp, Mrs. Mary New Haven, Galesburg Camp, Jeremiah New Haven, Galesburg,'. . .' ." .' .Farmer Camp, John, Jr., New Haven, Galesburg, Teacher Camp, Martin New Haven, Galesburg Camp, Aaron New Haven Galesburg].. !!!! Camp, Miss Lucy New H&ven Abingdon,'. ..... Chapman, Mrs. Louisa B. .... Oxford,. Galesburg',. ..'".' Clark, Jason Milford, Galesburg'.'.' .'.".' .'Farmer CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. 85 Names. Native Towk. Residence. Occdi'ation. Clark, Mrs. Grace A Milford Galesburg, Clark, Miss Adelaide B Milford Galesburg, Hoyle, J. M New Haven, Galesburg, Clerk. Hoyle, Wm. B., Jr New Haven, Galesburg Machinist. Hosmer, Mrs. Julia B New Haven, Galesburg, Kellogg, F. R Galesburg, Farmer. Kellogg, Mrs. M. R .WaUingford, Galesburg, Merriman, John M New Haven Galesburg, Clerk. Merriman, Miss Josephine. . . New Haven, Galesburg Miles> Norman S Milford, Galesburg, Farmer. Pike, William Milford Galesburg,, Farmer. Pike, Charles Milford, Galesburg Clerk. Eussell, J. R Milford, Galesburg Clerk. Shelly, Oliver New Haven, Galesburg, Boot-Maker. Shelly, Mrs. Elizabeth New Haven Galesburg,. Shelly, Oliver A New Haven, ...Galesburg Shelly, Mary .....New Haven Galesburg, Shelly, Theodore New Haven, Galesburg, Spring, W. M New Haven ..Kewanee, Book Agent. Thomas, John .Bethany, Galesburg, Clerk. Thomas, Mrs. H. H — Galesburg Thomas, Gilbert Bethany Galesburg Laborer. Thomas, Mrs. Elizabeth New Haven Galesburg, Thompson, M. E New Haven, Galesburg, Farmer, Thompson. Louisa New Haven, Galesburg Vaill, Thomas S.., Guilford, Knoxville,.. ..Clergyman. NEW LONDON 'COUNTY:. Bills, Boswell Groton, 4. .Peoria, Insurawce. Boon, Mrs. L. R Stonington,. ....... Galesberg, Hunt, Mrs. Frances A Franklin, Galesburg, Hyde, Hudson...: Franklin, GalesBurg, Farmer. Lee, James McC , Stonington, Galesbarg, Sewing Maiehine. Lee, Mrs. James Stonington, Galesburg, Sbinnar, Ralph Stonington/ Galesburg, Farmer. Skinner, Mrs. Cynthia Stonington, Galesburg, Skinner, Mrs Louisa Stonington,... i... Galesburg,. Sisson, F. P - Colchester,.. Galesburg, .Oainfiage Maker. 86 CONNECTICUT FIiSTIVAL. TOLL.AND COUNTY. Names. Kative Tow.v. Residence. Oocdpation. Abbott, Bickford Vernon Galesburg, Hardware. Abbott, Sherman B Rockville, Galesburg, Student. Browning, Miss Mary A Ellington, Gale'iburg, Chapman, Joshua P A'ernon, Galesburg, Builder. Chapman, Mrs. Jane M Ellington, Galesburg, Chapman, Miss Geraldine. ...Vernon, Galesbjrg, Chapman, Miss Marietta A'ernon, Galesburg, Chapman, Geo. H A''ernon Galesburg, Chapraan, Diodate A''ernon, Seward, Farmer. Chapman, Elijah Vernon, Seward, Fanner. Chapman, Denison Vernon, ..Galesburg, Builder. Chapman, Mrs. Margaret Ellington, Galesburg, Chapman, Miss Rosa Vernon, Galesburg, Chapman, Norman H Vernon, ...Galesburg, Cheesebro, Chas. H Vernon, Galesburg, Grocer. Converse, A. S West Stafford, .....Galesburg, Mason. Converse. Mrs. A. S West Stafi'ord, Galesburg,.. .... Converse, Miss Augusta AA''est Stafford, Galesburg, Converse, Frank A West Stafford, ....Galesburg, Corbin, P. R Union, .,. Galesburg Carpenter. Corbin, Miss Emily P Stafford, Galesburg Dorman, John P... Ellington, ...v Galesburg, Insurance. Dorman, Dolan Ellington .Galesburg, Carpenter. Dorman, Don Ellington Galesburg Clerk. Dorman, Mrs. A. M Galesburg Grant, Josias ; Mansfield, Galesburg Banker. Hibbard, A. G Mansfield, Galesburg Clergyman. Hunt, Jabez C North Coventry, ..Galesburg, Grocer. Patrick Miss Lydia S Vernon, Seward Ransom, Wm. L Vernon, Galesburg, Glazier, Ransom,- Mrs, Julia C Ellington, Galesburg, Ransom, Wm. Merwin ElUngton, , . . Galesburg Attorney. Ransom, Miss Rowena R . . . . Ellingtgn, Galesburg, Sage, Reuben P Vernon, Galesburg, . .Dry Goods. Sage, Mrs. Maria C Vernon, Galesburg, Sage, Miss Lucy ,. ....'?. Vernon, Galesburg,.., ... Sage, Miss Sarah M Vernon, Galesburg, Sage, Miss Mary A Vernon, Galesburg,. Sage, Miss Julia E ..Vernon Galesburg, Sage, John C Vernon, Galesburg Tuttle, J. W VernOn,.. ., Galesburg, Physician. Tuttle, Mrs. Mary A. Galesburg, CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL. 87 LITCHFIELD COUNTY. Names. Native Town. Resioence. Ooonp.VT-.oy. Birge, Luther „ Torrington, Farmington, 111. .Farmer. Dorman, Rienzi Galesburg, Commission. Dorman, Mrs. Rienzi New Milford, Galesburg, Pox, R. Jr Litchfield, Galesburg Clerk P. 0. Hammond, J. P Galesburg Farmer. Hammond, Mrs. Sarah M.... Sharon, Galesburg, Hatch, Harvey Kent, Galesburg Farmer. Hatch, Mrs. R Kent, Galesburg Hitchcock, Stephen New Milford, Galesburg Farn5er. Hunt, G. M New Milford, Galesburg, Livery. Hunt, Mrs. Mary T Galesburg Hunt, Miss Mary Neal New Milford, Galesburg, Hurd, H. S Roxbury, Galesburg, Physician. Hurd, Mrs. Ellen E Galesburg, Kimball, Mrs. L. P Winsted, ^.Galesburg Skiff, Hermon Kent, Galesburg, Farmer. Winters, Mrs. Fanny B New Milford, Galesburg, Winters, Miss Prank New Milford Galesburg, WooUey, Wm. W. Galesburg, Agent. WooUey, Mrs. L. B Salisbury, Galesburg,, ..... WooUey, Miss Lib by Salisbury, Ga' esburg WINDHAM COUNTY. Coleman, S. G Galesburg, 111. . .Harness Maker. Coleman, Mrs. Marv A Canterbury, Galesburg, Jagger, Wm. B Windham, Galesburg,.... ..Glazier. Potter, AUen .Killingly, Galesburg,. Mason. Potter, Mrs. Lucy Pomfret, Galesburg Ray, Edward Galesburg,. Publisher. Ray,MTS. Susan M Chaplin, Galesburg Wheeler, Mrs. S Ashford, Galesburg MIDDLESEX COUNTY'. Redfield, A. C Killingworth, ..... Galesburg, IU. . . Commission. Redfield, Mrs. Marv A Galesburg, WeUs, Miss Carrie Middletown Galesburg, 8a CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL, FAIRFIELD COUNTY. Names. Babbitt, S. T Babbitt, Mrs. S. 0... Higley, Mrs. E. D Native Town. Residence. OcooPAuioJf. , Huntington^ Galesburg, III. . . Clergyman. , Galesburg....... Bridgeport, ... Galesburg, , . I would here apologize to the generous public, for not having ^ fiill Register of oil the Sons and Daughters present at the Second Annual Festival. If any one can obtain the names of persons present at a Festival, conducted as ours was, where all, of Connecticut birth, are particularly invited to come, " wilhout money and without price," let him try it. Respectfully, RANSOM. ^u^<. ...A jf , »-v'^ *^^* .•«^:-»-.,-'- /- . -^¦'' " «-?' ...j-'^Jy. .-y*i|« '-J' "¦> , •' • . , ' ' % < •ii:'S>.;V-' /^ -'Si**' ¦-.- 'i y,' <•" = J"t ' -a >». 4''^\- _^-,"» ,' « ' -,"* - ,^^-_', *<>- w jSt- -?.tj-* . -^^ A". -X .' ^ 1.W - J. '¦%. ~:x *' V