I "-1 1" ^ » ¦ I ll"" mr .' i' ,' / •»-¦ ¦¦¦'**' .-¦?' . 1 1 J • %¦-• ' .¦" U I r ' ¦ <. <** il|i.r!!'ii"- '¦¦ I li il I ¦! Vvi..- '¦¦¦¦"¦<>'!, ' .. ii^" •¦•>¦.¦ 1..'. iPv^SiH. ¦ .¦ %'-'i::m III |,jpi», ''*• ' * ^ '• III i,Vli, »*• * .? •, ','•.¦".. ¦^^ ¦, • I • W'l'i.y'i. ',.'/¦! ¦'li'C ^2^ ^r^^^^^'^^^^^.^^-'t''^^^ FESTIVAL OP THE SONS OF NEW HAMPSHIRE: WITH THE SPEECHES MesBBB. WEBSTER, WOODBURY, WILDER, BIGELOW, PARKER, DEARBORN, HUBBARD, GOODRICH, HALE, PLUMMER, WILSON, CHAMBERLAIN, AND OTHERS, TOGETHER WITH THE NAMES OE THOSE PRESENT, AND LETTERS EKOM DISTINGUISHED INDITIDUALS. CELEBKATED IN BOSTON, NOVEMBER 7, 1849. PHONOGRAPHIC REPORT BY DR. JAMES W. STONE, PBESIDENT OF THE BOSTON BEPOBTING ASSOCIATION. BOSTON: JAMES FRENCH, 78 Washington Street, 1850. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1849, BY JAMES FRENCH, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts. OLD DICKINSON OFFICE, C. C. P. MOODT, FBINCER, NO. 52 WASHINGTON STREET, BOSTON. INTRODUCTION. The following pages contain as exact an account of the proceedings of the Sons of New Hampshire, at their Festivax, on the seventh of November, with the Speeches, Sentiments, and Songs of those present, and the Letters of those invited Guests unable to attend, as it has been possible to obtain. It has been thought that those Children of New Hampshire who remain at home, would be gratified to see, in a more permanent and substantial form than newspaper reports, a statement of the doings of their brethren abroad, and of the Names of those who have become residents of Boston and vicinity, and were present on the occasion. It is hoped the book may not be an unacceptable memorial to any, and that it will serve to show how strong, in the breasts of all her Sons, is the veneration and love of New Hampshire, and how warmly their hearts glow with remembrances of home. ERRATA. Page 17, line 6 from bottom, for " Mr. Lambert, of Charlestown," read Thomas R. Lambert, of the U. S. Navy. Page 18, line 3, for " Handerson," read Henderson. Page 19, line 11 from bottom, for " dextra," read dextram. Page 20, line 2, after " not," insert indeed. Page 20, line 6 from bottom, after " fogs," insert and mists. Page 63, lines 1 and 6, for " Dinsmore," read Dinsmoor. Page 102, line 18, for " Mr. Batchelder," read Nathan Morse. Page 152, line 9 from bottom, for " 1849," read 1839. PREFACE. It was regarded as a novel spectacle, in the streets of Boston, on the seventh of November, 1849, to see a large procession of men of various ages, representing all departments of human economy, and who were indi vidually recognised as persons of worth, enterprise, and influence in the community, wholly made up of the natives of a particular State ; and that, New Hampshire. There was no political excitement to put them in motion ; no extraordinary epoch to celebrate ; nor an object to be achieved beyond the satisfaction derived from a social gathering ; but they united to commem orate, in a festal manner, the early recollections and associations of their youth. The business facilities, the high professional, mercan tile, artistical, and mechanical concentration of talent in Boston, is well calculated to develop New England activity aiid genius. New Hampshire has availed her self of these encouragements, and has cotitributed very considerably to the fixed industrial population of this prosperous city. On the memorable occasion which this publication circumstantially narrates, the feeling of brotherhood was predominant. However differing from each other on many subjects, all were qualified to bear witness to PREFACE. the general satisfaction afforded by an interchange of thoughts and opinions that recalled domestic associa tions, and those family circumstances connected with by-gone years, before they knew the busy world, had noted its phases, or made the discovery that each one has responsibilities resting upon him, and that progress in the social scale results from the combined action and determination of well regulated minds. By an examination of the various Speeches, and other accompanying illustrations ofthe manner of conducting the Festival, it will be apparent that the exhibition was an intellectual one of extraordinary interest. Very many who had fully intended to contribute liberally to the literary entertainment, were debarred solely on account of the lateness of the hour. This delightful and long to be remembered assembling of the Sons of New Hampshire, in the metropolis of the North, had its origin in a single mind; but the realization of the idea far exceeded the warmest ex pectations of those who assisted in the organization ; and it may now be viewed as a permanent association, indulging the hope of perpetuating those fraternal sen timents on which it was based, while New Hampshire continues to furnish material for citizenship in the capi tol of Massachusetts. In 1852 another opportunity will be presented for an expression of the affection which is felt for the mountain scenery, the streams, the green fields, the waving forests, and the friends and friendships that bind us to the place of our birth ; and may those who participated in the first, live to enjoy many repetitions of the same rational festivities. CONTENTS. GENERAL. Appendix, 121 Bill of Fare, 14 Errata, 4 Grace by Dr. Peabody, 18 " Dr. Stow, 18 Guests, invited and present, 17 Introduction, « 3 Mottoes and Sketches around the Hall,l 5 Officers of the Festival, 11 Oldest Son of New Hampshire,- 114, 128 Origin of the Festival, 11 Preface, « 5 Procession, order of 17 LETTERS. Appleton's, 48, 130 Atherton's, C. G. 124 Athertou's, C. H. 62, 124 Barnes', 145 Bartlett's, 62, 135 Bell's, J. 143 BeU's, S. 129 Burke's, 57, 132 Butterfield's, 142 Cass', 44, 121 Dinsmoor's, 53, 129 Dix's, 122 Eastman's, I. A. 138 Eastman's, J. 139 Evans', 122 Folsom's, 141 Freeman's, 144 trench's, 134 Gilman's, 141 Haddock's, 65, 126 Harvey's, 137 Paoi:. Healy's, .¦'. 62, 136 Livermore's, 57, 130 Martin's, 140 MiUer's, E. F. 143 Miller's, J. 65, 125 Nichols', 62, 135 Norris', 123 Pierce's, 132 Plumer's, 38, 128 Sullivan's, 62, 131 Treadwell's, 139 Twitchell's, 140 Wilcox's, 138 Woods', 137 Young's, 143 POEMS. Bell's, Our Native Hitts, Ill Fields', Tlie Man in the Moon, 104 French's, The Sons of Old New Hamp. 108 Hale's, Our Granite Silk, 103 Hale's, The Old Granite State, 116 Kent's, J'he Old Granite State, 87 Lady's, Original Hymn, 118 Ladies' Petition, 81 Mechanic's, New Hampshire's Voice,- -113 Smith's, Pickwacket, 78 REGISTRY OF NAMES. COUNTIES. Belknap, 172 Carroll, 174 Cheshire, 161 Coos, 178 Grafton, 175 Hillsboro' 157 CONTENTS. Page. Merrimac, 167 Rockingham, 151 Strafford, 170 Sullivan, 165 RESOLUTIONS. Bell's, Adjournment, 118 Committee, Prof, of Law of Nations, • • 65 Goodrich's, " " " 56, 65 Smith's, Triennial Meetings, 112 SENTIMENTS. First regular Toast, 29 Second, 33 Third, 35 Fourth, 38 Fifth, 44 Sixth, 53 Seventh, 58 Eighth, 62 Ninth, 65 Tenth, 67 Abbott's, 107 Appleton's, 48 Bancroft's, 117 Bartlett's, I. 135 Bartlett's, L. 117 Batchelder's, 117 Betton's, 112 Bigelow's, 37 Bryant's, 103, 117 Burke's, 57 Butterfield's, 142 Chamberlain's, 68 Chickering's, 102 Dowe's, 110 Durkee's, 85 Eastman's, 138 Folsom's, 142 Foster's, HO French's, B. B. 134 French's, J. 117 Gale's, 117 Gregg's, 115 Guest's, 101 Pagi. Haddock's, 127 Hale's, 62 Healy's, 136 Holman's, 110 Hubbard's, 52 Kent's, 102 Lady's, 108 Martin's, 141 McNiel's, 102 Miller's, 125 Morse's, Nathan, New Hampshire and California, 102 Nutter's, 108 Parker's, E. 81 Parker's, I. 102 Simmons', 112 Smith's, 102,108, 117 Stone's, 104, 117 Stow's, 103 Treadwell's, 140 Volunteer, 107, 111, 112 Webster's, 53, 131 Wilder's, 34, 77 Wilkins', 102 Woodbury's, C. L. 117 Woodbury's, L. 57 SPEECHES. Abbott's, 107 Bigelow's, 35 Chamberlain's, 68 Dearborn's, 45 Durkee's, 83 Emerson's, 86 Gale's, Ill Goodrich's, 53 Hale's, 58 Hubbard's, 49 McNiel's, 101 Parker's, E. 80 Parker's, J. 33 Plummer's, g2 Smith's, 77 Webster's, • ¦ • 19, 37, 44, 48, 56, 62, 65, 68 "^iW«'-'«> 33,77 Wilson's, „c Woodbury's, „„ NEW HAMPSHIRE FESTIVAL, HELD IN BOSTON, NOVEMBER 7th, 1849. NEW HAMPSHIRE FESTIVAL. The PROPOSITION for a Social Celebration of the Sons of New Hampshire, originated with Dr. J. V. C. Smith, who afterwards acted as one of the Executive Committee. He sent invitations to several individuals to meet at his house, on the evening of October 9th, and by these persons a call was issued for a public meeting, at which, arrangements were made for the Festival. The following organization was effected : — PRESIDENT. HON. DANIEL WEBSTER. VICE PRESIDENTS. MARSHALL P. WILDER, SAMUEL APPLETON, JOSEPH BELL, H. A. S. DEARBORN, JOHN McNIEL, NATHAN APPLETON, NINIAN C. BETTON, EBENEZER CHADWICK, JAMES C. MERRILL, JONAS CHICKERING, CHARLES G. GREENE, JAMES W. PAIGE, LEVI BARTLETT, ISAAC DANFORTH, GEORGE KENT, WILLIAM WASHBURN, TIMOTHY UPHAM, ISAAC PARKER, TIMOTHY FARRAR, SAMUEL BATCHELDER, WrOLIAJVI D. TICKNOR, JOHN L. EMMONS, JOHN C. PROCTOR, WALTER BRYENT, FREDERICK EMERSON, SAMUEL GREELE, THOMAS SIMMONS, JONAS C. MARCH, EZRA C. HUTCHINS, JOHN H WILKINS. 12 , , NEW HAMPSHIRE FESTIVAL. COMMITTEES. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. FLETCHER WEBSTER, JEROME V. C. SMITH, CHARLES A. WELLS, JOSEPH M. BELL. DANIEL D. BRODHEAD, ON INVITATIONS. MARSHALL P. WILDER, GEORGE W. GORDON, CHARLES G. GREENE, ISAAC 0. BARNES, J. V. C. SMITH, JOHN P. HEALY, CHARLES A. WELLS, FLETCHER WEBSTER. CHARLES B. GOODRICH, ON FINANCE. EBENEZER CHADWICK, JOHN S. JENNESS, GEORGE W. CROCKETT, DANLEL D. BRODHEAD, JAMES S. WIGGIN, AMMI B. YOUNG, DANIEL TAYLOR, ISAAC PARKER. SAMUEL BATCHELDER, ON HALL AND DECORATIONS. JAMES W. PAIGE, ROBERT L BURBANK, J. V. C. SMITH, THOMAS W. PIERCE, NAT D. HUBBARD, HENRY WILSON, WILLIAM WASHBURN, ISAAC W. FRYE. JAMES A. ABBOTT, ON DINNER. CHARLES A. WELLS, SAMUEL GREELE, WILLIAM H. PRENTICE, CHARLES WILKINS, DANIEL CHAMBERLAIN, SILAS DURKEE, DAVID BRYANT, JESSE MAYNARD. WILLIAM WASHBURN, ON MUSIC. HARVEY JEWELL, LUCIAN GALE WILLIAM H. FARRAR, EZRA FORRISTALL. ORftANIZATION. ON TOASTS. SAMUEL GREELE, NATHAN T. DOW, CHARLES W. MARCH, FLETCHER WEBSTER, JOSEPH M. BELL, CHARLES G. GREENE, JAMES A. ABBOTT, GEORGE KENT, STEPHEN G. NASH. MARSHALS, Aids. CHIEF MARSHAL. HOEACE G. HUTCHINS. JABEZ B. UPHAM, BENJAMIN B. CHENEY. Aids. MARSHALS. WILLIAM E. RUSSELL, Chiee WILLIAM BINGHAM, DAVID H. MASON, THOMAS H. SMITH, ALBERT LITTLE, HENRY WELLES SMITH, JOHN L. HANSON, FRANCIS S. GREENLEAF, J. WARREN TOWLE, THOMAS P. WILSON, OP Ci-iESHiKE Division. " Sullivan " Coos " Belknap " Cakroll " Geaeton " Stkafeord " Mekkimao " Rockingham " HiLLSBOEO' 14 NEW HAMPSHIRE FESTIVAL. The Festival was held in the large Hall over the Fitchburg Railroad Depot, where a Dinner was provided for fifteen hundred people, by Mr. John Wright, with the following BILL OF FARE. BOILED. HAM, TONGUE, SALTPETEED BEEF, TtEKEYS, OYSTEE SAUCE. MUTTON, CAFEE SAUCE. ENTREES. PEICANDEAU VEAL, TOMATO SAUCE, FEICASSEE CHICKEN, ESCOLLOPED OYSTEES, CUEEIBD CHICKENS, OYSTEE PATTIES, SWEET BEBADS, LAEDED, CHICKEN SALAD, BONED TUEKEYS. EOAST. BEEF, CHICKENS, VEAL, DUCKS, LAMB, MONGEEL GEESE, TUEKEYS, GAME. MOUNTAIN GEESE- BLACK DUCKS, PAETEIDGES, AVOOD DUCKS, QUAILS. WIDGEONS, VEGETABLES. SQUASH, POTATOES, TUENIPS,CELEEY. BILL OF FAKE. 15 PASTRY. WASHINGTON PIES, CUSTAEDS, MINCE PIES, CHAELOTTE EUSSE, APPLE PIES, MEEINGUES, OEANBEEEY PIES, COCOANUT CAKES, PEACH PIES, POUND OAKES, SQUASH PIES, FEUIT CAKES, QUINCE PIES, CHAELOTTE d'OECEY. TABLE ORNAMENTS AND TURKS' CAPS. ICE CREAMS, JELLIES, APPLES,ORANGES, NUTS, DESSERT. EAISINS, FIGS, GRAPES, PEARS. LEMONADE AND COFFEE. The Hall was lighted by Gas, then introduced for the first time. In front of the Chair, several New Hampshire Gold Fish were swimming in a beautiful Fountain, which cooled the atmosphere, and interested the spectators with a variety of jets. The Hall, one hundred and sixty-nine feet by seventy-six, con tained thirty long tables, with thirteen hundred and forty-four plates ; about one hundred and fifty more being added^ after the procession entered the building. On the west of the Hall was an elevated platform for the President and invited guests, and directly opposite, accommodations for the Orchestra. Around the Hall were Sketches and Mottoes, representing the rise and progress of the Sons of New Hampshire. No. 1. Behind Mr. Webster's chair was a view of "Elms Farm," his estate in Franklin, N. H., surmounted by the stars and stripes of the American Flag. 16 NEW HAMPSHIRE FESTIVAL. No. 2. A sketch of a small farm-house at the base of a mountain. Motto above, " New Hampshire has a man for any place." Beneath, " Where the New Hampshire boy was born." No. 8. Sketch of a youth leaving home with a pack on his back, and a guide-board directing him to " Boston." Motto above, " There is energy in youth, and rest in age." Beneath, "He goes to seek his fortune.'' ^ No. 4. Eepresents the youth in the city proceeding to church. Motto above, "Morals before money." Beneath, "He goes to church on arriving at the city." No. 5. Sketch of a city block, occupied with stores, shops, and oiSces, with a great variety of signs, to represent the nature of the business. Motto above, " The bees that thrive are in a hive." Be neath, " He is active in business." No. 6. Sea view, a ship entering port under full sail, and a wharf covered with people, bales and boxes of merchandise, tea chests, &c. Motto above, " Unbind and Find." Beneath, " He is an Importer." No. 7. View of a steamship leaving Boston harbor. Motto above, "All men born free and equal." Beneath, " He visits Europe." No. 8. A mammoth workshop, with forges, &c., in full blast. Motto above, " By blows it goes." Beneath, " He is an ingenious Mechanic." No. 9. Sea view, and a variety of vessels passing a light-house. Motto above, " Gales fill the sails." Beneath, " He owns Ships." No. 10. A Court scene, in an old-fashioned Court-house. Motto above, "Fat fees and judicial ease." Beneath, "He is eminent in Law." No. 11. Over the orchestra is represented a familiar scene in a sick room or hospital, with the "New Hampshire Boy" in a medi tating mood. Motto beneath, " He is a Physician, Philosopher, and Author." No. 12. Interior of an ancient "meeting-house," with the clergy man in old style dress. Motto above, "Eevere what you hear." Beneath, " He is a celebrated Divine." No. 13. Scene in an Editgr's sanctum. Newspapers scattered over the floor, among which "' Hill's New Hampshire Patriot," " Bos ton Atlas," " Morning Post," " Boston Courier," and « Globe," are discernible ; Editor at his desk perusing the " Chronotype." Motto above, " Pits in Politics." Beneath, " He is an influential Editor." No. 14. A beautiful private mansion, with trees, &c., and "Beacon Street" on one corner of it. Motto above, "A good name is an estate." Beneath, " He lives in opulence." DECORATIONS. 17 No. 15. Waterfall and extensive factories. Motto above, " Spin and Win." Beneath, " He is a Manufacturer." No. 16. A train of cars dashing through a ravine between high hills. Motto above, " Can't we go faster." Beneath, " He builds Railroads." No. 17. View of the Capitol at Washington. Motto above, "As pire to rise higher." Beneath, " He is in Congress." No. 18. View of the President's Mansion at Washington, with crowds in the foreground, waving their hats. Motto above, "The people rule." Beneath, " He is nominated for President." No. 19. The Hall of the State Department. Motto above, " Thus says the Constitution." Beneath, " He is a Cabinet Minister." No. 20. A rural scene and Agricultural operations. Motto above, " The noblest employment of all." Beneath, " He is a Farmer.'' No. 21. Sketch comprehending all manner of natural obstacles, with a " native " on a pinnacle of rock, as if he had surmounted them all. The rock projects into the river, upon which are steamers and sail-boats. Motto above, " Be wise and rise." Beneath, " He can do any thing." The Procession formed at three o'clock at the State House, and marched thence through Park, Tremont, Court, and State Streets, Merchants' Row, Ann, Blackstone, and Haverhill Streets, to the Hall of the Fitchburg Railroad Depot, under the escort of Flagg's Brass Band and Bond's Cornet Band. The Chair was taken by Mr. Webster, about four o'clock, p. m. On his right, we noticed the following invited guests: Rev. Dr. Ephraim Peabody, of Boston ; Hon. Salma Hale, the Historian ; Hon. Joel Parker, Professor of Law at Cambridge ; Thomas M. Edwards, Esq., President of the Cheshire Railroad Corporation; Col. William Schouler, Editor of the Boston Atlas ; Mr. Charles W. Cutter, Navy Agent at Portsmouth ; Mr. Gilman Marston, of Exeter, N. H. ; Hon. Levi Chamberlain, recent Whig Candidate for Governor ; Judge Nathaniel G. Upham, Superintendent of the Concord Railroad; Rev. Mr. Lambert, of Charlestown; Rev. Samuel K. Lothrop, of Boston; Rev. Charles Mason, son of Jeremiah Mason, and Rev. Thomas Worcester. Upon the left of the Chair, were Rev. Dr. Baron Stow, of Boston ; Hon. John P. Hale, Senator in Congress, from N. H. ; Hon. James Wilson, and Hon. Amos Tuck, Representatives from 3 18 NEW HAMPSHIRE FESTIVAL. New Hampshire ; Hon. William Plummer, Jr., son of the aged e.x-Governor ; Hon. John Kelley, of E.xeter, member of the Gov ernor's Council; Hon. Phineas Handerson; Wm. Dinsmore, Esq., son of the ex-Governor, and brother of the present Executive of New Hampshire ; ex-Governor Anthony Colby ; ex-Governor Henry Hubbard ; Hon. Levi Woodbury, Judge of U. S. Supreme Court, and Hon. John P. Bigelow, Mayor of Boston. There were also present, Judge Gilchrist, of the Superior Court, Hon. Edmund Parker, Hon. W. W. Stickney, Hon. B. W. Jenness, Rev. L. J. Livermore, and Col. E. F. Miller. At five o'clock, p. m., when the company were seated at the tables, Mr. Webster rose and said, " Gentlemen, the blessing of God upon our food and fellowship will now be invoked by the Rev. Dr. Peabody, of Boston." The grace was as follows : " 0 Lord, our God, and our father's God, we beseech Thee to look down on this scene of union and commemoration, and to hallow it. We would remember, with thanksgiving before Thee, the homes of our birth. We would invoke Thy paternal benediction on those who still abide in them, and on those who have left them. Regard, with favor, we beseech Thee, those who are here assembled. May common privileges draw us more closely together, and may they unite us in a feeling of gratitude to Thee, our Benefactor, our Father, our God ; we ask it through Jesus Christ, our Lord." About six o'clock, p. m., at the close of the repast, Rev. Dr. Stow returned thanks in the following language : " Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, we thank Thee that we were born in a Free State ; among Free Schools, Free Churches, and Free Consciences. We render Thee thanks for all the facili ties that were furnished us in early life, for intellectual and moral culture. We now thank Thee that we are permitted, in this happy re-union, to recognize Thee as a source of all our blessings. Ac cept our thanks for the pleasure of this hour, and the happiness of this scene. May Thy benediction abide upon the State of our birth, and the State of our adoption, and continue with us to the end of our course. We ask it for the sake of the Saviour. Amen." MR. WEBSTER'S SPEECH. 19 Mr. Webster then arose, amidst enthusiastic cheers and shouts of welcome, and addressed the vast assemblage as follows : HON. DANIEL WEBSTER'S SPEECH. Residents of Boston and its vicinity, native born of New Hamp shire ; we meet here to-day in honor of our native State, to com memorate and record our grateful affection for her ; to acknowledge the obligation that we all feel under for her care and nurture in our early days. Coming into this, another State, we have not brought with us all our affections, or all our attachments. We have invited to meet us many distinguished citizens of New Hampshire. They have answered our invitation, and have come in numbers. It may be considered properly the duty of the place I occupy to bid them, one and all, welcome. [Applause.] Welcome, ye of New Hampshire origin, from every part and quarter of our native State ! If you come from the pleasant valleys of the Con necticut and Merrimac, welcome ! Are you from the sea-shore and the lakes of Strafford ? welcome ! Come ye from the Monadnock and the sides of the Crystal Hills ? welcome ! welcome ! welcome ! [Cheers.] It was not in my power, Gentlemen, to meet you in the Hall of the State House before dinner. But I meet you here, and in the name of us who have prepared this celebration, I greet our guests, and in my own name, I greet all. I think they say the Chinese have a heathenish custom, when they meet, for one to shake his own hands to his neighbor. That is not our custom. Let us be more classical ; Cur dextrce jungere dextra non datur. .Let us follow the Enghsh and the Saxon custom, and shake hands with our friends. I give my hands to the friends next me. Let us embrace, more majorum, and have a good hearty shaking of hands. [Great cheering, while Mr. Webster shakes hands with those near, and his example is followed by the company.] Gentlemen, all the world admits that identity of local origin is a tie of connection and sympathy, especially if it be strengthened by early association, by the meeting with one another in the school- house, and in the early society of life. In the morning of life, the heart opens all its sympathies to those around it, and receives im-. 20 NEW HAMPSHIRE FESTIVAL. presslons which are deep and lasting. We have migrated from one State to another. Our migration has not been far. Nor have we come among strangers; nor have we had a new tongue to learn, new principles to imbibe, new affairs of life to pursue ; but, nevertheless, we have changed our allegiance ; we have changed our citizenship ; we have changed our social relations. New Hampshire men once in all these respects, we cease to be New Hampshire men now in every thing, but grateful remembrance and affections for the past. To-day we meet to resume, for the time, the feelings which belong to us, as citizens of New Hampshire ; to put on the New Hamp shire character, and see how well it may fit us here, in the metrop olis of the State, to which we have come. Gentlemen, our lot is propitious ; singularly, remarkably, propitious. We are the native sons of one State, we are the adopted children of another, and we are proud of both. [Warm applause.] We desire not to forget whence we came, and Heaven forbid that we should forget where we are. We have met, I say, to commemorate our native State. We value it according to its merits, which we believe high and hon orable. We value it for what Nature has conferred upon it, and for what its hardy sons have done for themselves. We believe, and we know, that its scenery is beautiful ; that its skies are all healthful ; that its mountains and lakes are surpassingly grand and sublime. If there be any thing on this continent the work of Nature, in hills, and lakes, and seas, and woods, and forests, strongly attract ing the admiration of all those who love natural scenery, that is to be found in our mountain State of New Hampshire. It happened to me latterly to visit the northern parts of the State. It was Autumn. The trees of the forests, by the discolor ation of the leaves, had presented one of the most beautiful specta cles that the human eye can rest upon. But the low and deep murmur of those forests ; the fogs, rising and spreading and clasp ing the breasts of the mountains, whose heads were still high and bright in the skies, all these indicated that a wintry storm was on the wing ; that the spirit of the mountains was stirred, and that ere long the voice of tempests would speak. But even this was exciting ; exciting to those of us who had been witnesses before of such stern MR. WEBSTER'S SPEECH. 21 forebodings, and exciting in itself as an exhibition of the grandeur of natural scenery. For my part, I felt the truth of that sentiment, applied elsewhere and on another occasion, that " The lond torrent and the whirlwind's roar, Bat bound me to my native mountains more." [Applause.] Ours is not one of the richest of the States. It does not compare with Massachusetts in its facilities of mercantile or commercial oc cupation and enterprise. Its soil is sterile and stubborn, but the resolution to subdue it is stubborn also. Unrelenting rocks have yielded, and do yield, to unrelenting labor ; and there are produc tiveness, and health, and plenty, arid comfort, over all her hills and among all her valleys. Manly strength, the nerved arm of free men, each one tilling his own laud, and standing on his own soil, enjoying what he earns, and ready to defend it ; these have made all comfortable and happy. Nor need we be ashamed of her literary, her religious, or her social institutions. I have seen, and others of my age have seen, the church and the school-house rise in the very centre of the forest, and stand and be visited in the midst of winter snows. And where these things lie at the foundation and commencement of society, where the worship of God, the observance of morals, and the cul ture of the human mind, are springs of action with those who take hold of the original forest, to subdue it by strong arms and strong muscles, depend upon it, no such people ever fail. [Sen sation.] Everywhere, everywhere, on her hills and rivers, are the school- houses. The school-house ; who shall speak of that all over New England as it ought to be spoken of? Who shall speak, as they ought to be spoken of, of the wisdom, and foresight, and benevo lence, and sagacity of our forefathers, for establishing, as a great public police for the benefit of the whole, as a business in which all are interested, the great system of public instruction. The world had previously seen nothing like it. But the world, in some parts, has since copied from it. But where, when you talk of fos tering Governments, of guardian Governments, of Governments which render to subjects that protection which the allegiance of 22 NEW HAMPSHIRE FESTIVAL. subjects demands ; where is it, I ask, that, as here with us, it has come to be a great and fundamental proposition, existing before constitutions, that it is the duty, the bounden duty, of Governments composed by the representation of all, to lay the foundation of the happiness and respectability of society, in universal education ? If you can tell me such a country out of New England, I would be glad to hear of it. I know of none. I have read of none. [Ap plause.] Gentlemen, the inhabitants of our New Hampshire mountains were, it must be confessed, from the first, rather inclined to the in dulgence of a military spirit. I believe that that is common to mountainous regions in most parts of the world. Scotland and Switzerland show the example of hardy, strong men in mountainous regions, attached to war and to the chase ; and it is not unfortunate in our New Hampshire history, that this sentiment, to a considera ble degree, prevailed. For the position of the country, and the state of the people called for its exercise. We know that New Hampshire was settled in all its frontier towns, under circumstances of the most dangerous and difficult nature and character. It was a border State. It bordered on the Indians and on the French ; names and nations always coupled together in the language of our fathers as common enemies to them. This exposed the frontier men, of New Hampshire, especially, to perpetual war ; to perpetual danger at least of war, and its frequent occurrence. The people forget ; they forget how recent it is, that the interior, the border country of New Hampshire, was settled and reclaimed, and made safe from Indian depredation. All the world reads that New England is the oldest part of the United States, or one of the old est. It has been looked upon as the longest settled. But, in regard to the frontiers of our native State, the settlement has been recent. Even up to the time of the birth of some of us now living, there was some degree of danger from Indian depredations and Indian wars ; liability to Indian assaults, murders, and burnings. Whole generations, at least one entire generation, tilled the land and raised their bread with their arms in their hands, or in the fields with them at their labor. We do not now appreciate the diffi culty of those frontier settlements ; because subsequent prosperity and security has obHterated the recollection. MR. WEBSTER'S SPEECH. 23 The pioneers of more fortunate countries in our day, what are their dangers compared with those of our fathers ? They go to a mild climate. They go to a fertile land ; and they have behind them a powerful Government, capable of defending them against the foe, of protecting their interests, and of redressing the wrongs they may suffer. It was not so with our fathers in New Hamp shire. There, on the border were the Indians, and behind the Indians were the hostile French. It was in this situation of border danger and border warfare, and border strife and border suffering, that our ancestors laid the foundation of the State from which we came. In the language of Fisher Ames, " It is not in Indian Wars that heroes are celebrated ; but it is there they are formed. No enemy on earth is more formidable, in the skill of his ambushes, in the suddenness of his attack, or in the ferocity of his revenge." Not only was this foe to be encountered, but also a civilized State at enmity with us behind the Indians, supplying them with means, and always ready to purchase the victims that they could bring for sale to Canada ; this was the condit^on of things in which the fron tiers were settled. Let it be added, that half the year was winter, and that on the surface of the snow, encrusted by frosts, bands of savages, coming from a distance of two hundred miles, suddenly appeared and set fire, at midnight, to the houses and villages of the settlers. It was in this discipline, it was in these Indian Wars, it was especially in the war of 1766, against the French, in which almost every man in New Hampshire, capable of bearing arms, bore arms; it was here that the military spirit of the country, the bravery, the gallantry of these mountain inhabitants were all called forth. They were a people given to the chase and to the hunt in time of peace ; fitted for endurance and danger, and when war came, they were ready to meet it. It was in the midst of these vicissitudes that they were formed to hardihood and enterprise, and trained to mili tary skill and fearlessness. As one example out of many, I might refer to Gen. John Stark, well known for his military achievements in all the wars of his time. A hunter in peace, a soldier in war ; and as a soldier, always among the foremost and the bravest. [Applause.] And since he 24 NEW HAMPSHIRE FESTIVAL. is brought to my remembrance, let me indulge in the recollection of him for a moment. Gen. Stark was my neighbor ; the neighbor and friend of my father. One in a highly important, the other in a less distinguished situation, had seen military service together, and had met the enemy in the same field. It was in the decline of Stark's life, comparar tively speaking, when the Revolutionary War broke out. He en tered into it, however, with all the manliness and aU the fervor of his youthful character. Yet, in his advanced age, like other old men, he turned back fondly to earlier scenes ; and when he spoke of the "war," he always meant the old French and Indian war. His re membrances were of Canada ; of the exploits at Crown Point, and Ticonderoga, and Lake George. He seemed to think of the Revo lution as only a family quarrel, in which, nevertheless, he took a warm and decided part; but he preferred to talk of the "war" in which he was taken by the Indians, as he was more than once, I think, and carried to Canada. The last time I saw him, he was seated around a social fire with his neighbors. As I entered, he greeted me, as he always did, with affection; and I believe he complimented me on my complexion, which he said was like my father's ; and his was such, he said, that he never knew whether he was covered with powder or not. [Laughter.] The conversation turned, like other conversations among country neighbors, upon this man's condition and that man's condition ; the property of one, and the property of another, and how much each was worth. At last, rousing himself from an apparent slumber, he said, " Well, I never knew but once what I was worth. In the war, the Indians took me, and carried me to Canada, and sold me to the French for forty pounds ; and, as they say a thing is worth what it will fetch, I suppose I was worth forty pounds." [Laughter.] These are the scenes, ye native born ; this is the history, ye sons of New Hampshire, of the times and the events, which brought forth the gallant spirits of our native State into the midst of a still more important and more serious conflict, which began here in 1776. New Hampshire was then full of soldiers ; indeed, I may say that the whole of New England was full of soldiers when the Revolutionary War broke out. New Hampshire, especially, had hardly any body in it that had not used the custom of bearing MR. WEBSTER'S SPEECH. 25 arms in the previous war. As proof of the soldier-hke character of our New England yeomanry, I may mention a fact which should not be forgotten ; that, of all the soldiers, regular and militia, which served in the war of Independence, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode Island ; these four little States, which, as you look upon a map of the United States, you can cover with your hand ; these States furnished more than one half of all the men that achieved our Independence. [Cheers.] It appears from official and statistical record, that, during the war, in the regular service and in the militia service, three hun dred and seventeen, or three hundred and twenty thousand men were employed in our armies. I say that, of these. New England alone furnished more than half. I may refer to a period further back. I may revert to the time " that Louisburg was taken from the French, in 1745. How many men do you thmk the States of New England maintained ? I believe. Gentlemen, they maintained, for one or two years at least, upon the pay of the Colonies, more men against the French, than were enlisted, at any one time, in our late war with England. And that induced old Lord Chatham to say in his place in the House of Lords, "I remember, my Lords, when New England raised four regiments on her own bottom, and took Louisburg from the veteran troops of France." Then came the war of the Revolution ; it broke out here in the State of Massachusetts. Where was New Hampshire then ? Was she alienated from the cause, or from her sister State ? No. Neither then, nor at any time in the succeeding contest, was her soil subject to the tread of a hostile foot. Whether they thought it not worth entering, or whether they did not choose to encounter the dwell ers in her mountains, I do not care to decide. The truth is, no enemy trod on the soil of New Hampshire. But when the strife began, when the beacon fires were Hghted here, when the march from Boston to Lexington, and Concord, had spread the flames of Liberty, who answered to the call ? Did New Hampshire need to be sum moned to Bunker Hill ? She came at the first blaze of the beacon fires. None were earlier, none more ready, none more valiant. I think it is Madame de Stael who says, that " from the mountains of the North there comes nothing but fire and the sword." And on this occasion, there did indeed come from our native mountains 4 26 NEW HAMPSHIRE FESTIVAL. both fire and the sword ; not the fire of devastation and desolation, not the sword of ruthless plunder and massacre ; but the fire of Liberty and the sword of Patriotism. [Overpowering applause.] And how ardently the one burned, and how vigorously the other was plied till the return of peace enabled the country to sheath it, and be at rest, let the whole history of that country tell. [Cheers redoubled.] Gentlemen, from Bunker Hill to Yorktown, there was not a battle in which New Hampshire blood was not shed. I may go further yet ; and I may say that there is, probably, of the many hundreds now in this very Hall, a representative of some New Hampshire officer or soldier who fell in every field, and left his bones where he fought his battle. The blood, the blood of New Hampshire men, falling everywhere, and in every year of the war, in defence ofthe liberty of the country, is here to-night. I hope it is worthy of its' descent, and that it will transmit itself undefiled to ages, and ages yet to come. [Applause.] Those who returned to New Hampshire from that seven years' contest, have their graves on her mountain sides, and along the valleys of their native land ; and those graves are ever objects of public regard, and private affection : "How sleep the brave, who sink to rest. By all their Country's wishes blest ! " * * * # * " And Freedom shall awhile repair. And dwell, a weeping hermit, there." They are ever pointed out to the passing traveller as the last rest ing place of the patriotic and the brave ; and they continue to be watered with the tears of a grateful posterity. But, alas ! all did not return. McCleary, the earliest, or one of the earliest of the New Hampshire victims of the Revolutionary struggle, fell in Charlestown. His blood is mixed with the earth, upon which yon der monument stands, raising its head to the skies, and challenging, from the world, respect and admiration for the spot where a mili tary achievement was performed, which, in its results, in the long career of its consequences, in the great course of events which followed it, and their effects upon human happiness, or human Uberty, has no parallel in the history of mankind. MR. Webster's speech. 27 Adams and Coleman fell at Saratoga, and the soil of New York contains their ashes. Col. Scammel, a scholar, a gentleman of high attainment and accomplishment, a soldier of undaunted valor, went through the whole career of the war, and lost his life at its close, when making a reconnaissance, as Adjutant General, before the redoubts at Yorktown. There he fell. He hes buried in the grave-yard at Williamsburg. An affectionate friend and comrade, Gen. Henry Dearborn, took puins to search out the spot where his remains were buried. He could find no more, than that they lay somewhere in that consecrated burial-ground. A braver, or a bet> ter man, did not belong to the army. I never read his history without being much affected. He left no descendants. He was never married. His career was short and brilliant, like that of the star that shoots across the horizon, and goes out to be seen no more. His friends came home from the army, full of attachment and love for his name and fame. Gen. John Brooks, formerly Gov ernor of this State, beloved by every body and distinguished for every virtue, named a son for him, Alexander Scammel Brooks. This son was brought up to the army like his predecessor and name sake, and lost his life in the Florida war. Gen. Dearborn, another friend, also named a son for him, Gen. Henry Alexander Scammel Dearborn, whom we have the pleasure of seeing here to-night. Col. Wadsworth also gave his name to a son who entered the Navy, and is now Commodore Alexander Scammel Wadsworth. The three namesakes, all about the same age, and early acquain tances and friends, hved, until death, in the time of the Florida War, broke up the trio and reduced the number to Gen. Dearborn and Commodore Wadsworth. I wish, as a spontaneous tribute of the pres ent generation, somewhere within the sacred grounds of the church yard at Williamsburg, at the expense of us. Sons of New Hamp shire, a monument should be raised to the memory of that distin guished soldier. Gentlemen, I have no right to occupy much of your time. My voice is a httle too familiar to you all. There are others to whom you will hsten with more gratification; I will only refer, in a very few words, to the civil history of this, our native State, in the past and important era of our history ; and in doing that, I will mention only the great men who signed the Declaration of Independence, and 28 NEW HAMPSHIRE FESTIVAL. those who put their names to the Constitution of the United States. The Declaration of Independence, on the part of New Hampshire, was signed, in the first place, by Josiah Bartlett. He was an unos tentatious man, but able, sensible, and patriotic. He left numerous descendants, and there are here those who belong to his family and kindred. Gen. William Whipple was another who signed the Declaration. He left no descendants ; nothing but his character, his name, and his fame. Dr. Matthew Thornton was a third. And his descendants are in New Hampshire, in Boston, and elsewhere in the country ; some of them now in this Hall. Dr. Thornton was one of the most ar dent sons of liberty, but was, as it happened, not at Philadelphia on the 4th of July, 1776, when the vote was passed. He hurried immediately to Philadelphia. You know that the official resolutions of Independence were only to be signed by the President. But a Declaration, for individual signatures, was drawn up. The first of the members who signed, after the President, was Josiah Bart lett, of New Hampshire ; the next, was William Whipple, of New Hampshire. Matthew Thornton did not sign immediately, because he was not there. Others went on to sign ; and the Massachusetts members, you remember, signed next to the two members from New Hampshire. Thornton hastened back to his post to sign with the rest, and the nearest place to his colleagues he could find, was at the bottom of the right-hand column ; and there it stands, " Matthew Thornton." [Applause.] Well, Gentlemen, we now come to the Constitution of the United States. John Langdon and Nicholas Gilman represented New Hampshire in the Convention of 1789. Mr. Langdon has left de scendants behind him, honorable and worthy. An excellent woman, a daughter, still lives, esteemed and regarded by all who know her. Nicholas Gilman, of a family always an honor to his native State, ,and some of whom I dare say ai-e here to-night, left no children. At this pei-iod of time, without disturbing individual opinion or party feelings, I may speak of some of the early members of Con gress. When the Constitution first went into operation, the men of New Hampshire assisted in forming the original oro'anic laws MR. Webster's speech. 29 were confided in by the first President of the United States, and did all that they could do to put the machine in operation. At the head of this list was Samuel Livermore, the father of several gen tlemen of respectability in public life, in the State, and in the Na tional Councils. Jeremiah Smith and William Gordon, also, both men of talent and industry, and warm friends of the first President, held seats in Congress with high reputation. This, Gentlemen, was the history, the early history of our State, as one of the Union, so far as we may summarily comment upon it here to-night. In regard to the military character of the Revolutionary heroes, and the early statesmen, and in regard to everything which was done, or ought to be done, or was expected to be done, to bring New Hampshire honorably and respectably into the great circle of our Union, Gentlemen, I leave all this for abler tongues, fresher recol lections, and more persuasive accents. I sit down myself, filled with profound veneration for the character of my native State, and acknowledging tO'her my own personal debt, for her culture and nurture, and determined, so far as in me lies, to transmit the sense of that obhgation to those who shall come after me. As soon as the applause following Mr. Webster's speech had sub sided, he rose and said, " The proper Committee has placed sundry Toasts in my hands, which I shall have the pleasure to announce to the meeting. And they have signified their wishes as to the per sons who are to answer to them. And I now have the honor to propose the first regular toast : " 1. New Hampshire ! Our comLmon mother! Home of our brightest, happiest hours ! Thy hills and valleys, thy woods and streams, and all thy pleasant memories are ever with us, " Where'er we roam, whatever realms we see. Our hearts, untravelled, fondly turn to thee." " The Hon. Levi Woodbury, Judge of the Supreme Bench of the Court of the United States, will respond to this sentiment." 30 NEW HAMPSHIRE FESTIVAL. SPEECH OP JUDGE WOODBURY. I cannot. Sir, but feel honored, though somewhat surprised, that an answer is expected from me, to the last toast. It is certain, however, that the call of this "Festival of the Sons of New Hamp shire," has touched a chord which vibrates in the hearts of all, eith er at home or abroad. But I came here merely to acknowledge your generous hospital ity ; yet, acting as now requested, I take the liberty to thank you, most heartily, for your warm remembrance of your native soil, and I think I may safely venture to assure you, that the name and asso ciations ofthe Granite State, are in no portion of our hallowed Union dearer, than among her quiet hills and valleys. It is grati fying to see men occasionally call to mind the purity and simplicity of the scenes of early life, and it is creditable to them to turn aside, for at least a few hours, from the anxieties and haunts of business, the mere Mammon of the world, and think over, and talk over, the farm-house and fields of childhood, their beloved Argos, the village school and village church, the plough and scythe, of growing youth or manhood, arid the mother, sister, and brother, who cheered you at dewy eve on your return from daily toil. This is purifying. Well, too, may some of you remember the gun and fishing rod, which, while furnishing healthy amusement, prepared some of you, by the mimic war of the chase, to help to conquer so nobly at Palo Alto, and under the walls of Mexico. It is not a matter of surprise to me, to see here to-night so many emigrants from our native State, considering the departures, year ly, from her as swarms from an overstocked hive, and considering the enterprise fostered where it is necessary to obtain a livelihood if the soil is not the richest, and the territory small, and consid ering the good education bestowed there in the free Schools, Acad emies, and Colleges, and the hardihood acquired by a training in infancy among the Alps of the Switzerland of America, nor, con sidering all these, is it a matter of surprise to see so many of you scattered so widely, and with such cheering success, both elsewhere and here, having been able to furnish thus some Senators in Con gress, Representatives, Governors, and Judges, as well as Profes sional men, Mechanics, and Farmers, not only for every section of C-' .*; ^ ^ *""-'^''-^''>-t«' \ ¦;¦¦ - ¦¦'h VC ' ki ¦¦!¦¦ *M^': In ' iW . i' '¦'. \' -i I ¦<'iu'i| » 'i .' f\ ¦i"||rll}'' ¦ ..¦] '"¦¦ , ",i ¦;i 'j,!^W^i^P?!,,¦l^W ¦1' I '¦'" 1,1 I 'll' 1 M''' .'.¦7h'''!'"Am ii-,1^-, ' • '•¦¦'¦ ¦ -r-m^ .|;i.i I ;¦,;¦, '¦•¦ ¦.'•. \'-;';^^ %' i ¦- . ilitlhi H • .'.¦¦..I- •¦•%• ¦¦-v.;:: ^'i -*¦¦¦ ¦Si^t'' ... ¦b ¦ I ¦ ¦ ill ¦ * . K ¦ 'V'-".. .-.* ¦ , ,¦ ¦ ¦¦¦."^;''f 1 I ¦ ¦ I * . .,/ .u-'illM ¦• ]. ' ¦ ^£'S^r^^^•f^¦'\¦ iiASiar' ¦¦/• 1 ^Pl"'' "^ !!¦;'' i ¦'¦;:- DjrrlS ¦ >Jv All ,¥1. r I -.^''r -¦¦¦in " . - II L '' «¦ J.-K. ^ '? - i "VejI'Il ' 't-W«fii>^ il' :.-..•• . ¦ "in ' ,¦ ¦*> M. i.l-.. i