History and antiquities of New Haven, (Conn.) from its earliest settlement to the present time, Part 11

Author: Barber, John Warner, 1798-1885, comp. cn
Publication date: 1831
Publisher: New Haven : J. W. Barber
Number of Pages: 264


USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > New Haven > History and antiquities of New Haven, (Conn.) from its earliest settlement to the present time > Part 11


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11


It is now something more than ten years, since the author of this article was rather accidentally led to reflect on the extent and growth of the flats, and of their encroachment upon navigable water, even within the period of his own memory. The canal project was then ripening into favor ; he felt persuaded it would prevail ; and that when carried through the city, every prominent motive would range its course along the creek grounds, and discharge its waters into a basin commencing at the head, and on the eastern side of the wharf. This being since effected, that section of the harbor is secure. And now or the western section. For this there is only one recourse. But happily that one is practicable at moderate cost, whilst nothing more effective can be desired. Let a channel be cut from the West River, (beginning perhaps immediately north of the Derby Turnpike causeway,) and stretching by the easiest course, to or near the western end of George street, and thence along the low grounds in rear of George and Meadow streets, to the dyke that touches the harbor's north-west angle.


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From this point some slight embankment* must be carried to another point near the head of the wharf, and thence continued down the wharf as far as may be found expedient, reserving sufficient width, be- tween this work and. wharf, for two vessels to pass abreast. All being prepared, the river is gradually let in, and when arrived at the harbor, will be guided by the embankment to the wharf; thence down the wharf until its rapid current unites with those of East River, Mill River, and the Canal. These four streams combined will now sweep forcibly through the channel, cutting away every obstruction, and bearing off at every ebb tide, the sand and mud so long encumbering its course. The channel will rapidly become deeper, and much of the beach point be removed, and the entrance there sufficiently widened as well as deepened. .


But those who may superficially compute that the force of those now united currents is the only valuable acquisition of power, will leave out of view nearly one half of that power. Let such bear in mind, that the West River, by its present channel, enters from the north, strikes direct upon the beach, and then turns at an acute angle, to the north east. Here it encounters the other three currents, coming from precisely the opposite direction. Here the power of all is nearly neutralized, whilst the thick muddy sediment, brought in by cach, either sinks to the bottom, or is thrown back upon the flats by the advancing tide. Thus the very existence of this stream, discharging through its present outlet, is an evil to the harbor, (as long as it remains unchanged) of most serious magni- tude. But when led through its proposed new channel, it will not only be divested of this counteractinz force, but rush with energy to the combined currents, and with them rapidly cleanse and deepen the har- bor. To understand the subject distinctly, the enquirer should have be- fore him a plan or sketch of the whole inner harbor, embracing the Beach, the West River outlet, the Channel, the Long Wharf, the Canal Basin, the Harbor Bridge, the Flats, and the West River new channnel. It would there be seen that no anchorage ground in the country can be more safe against all winds, than that of New Haven ; provided the depth of water herein contemplated was spread over its finely expanded basin. Surrounded on three sides by the west, north and eastern shores, and on the south by a high beach of sand, stretching nearly across the harbor, the heaviest gales that blow could rarely do injury to the ship- ping. There remains one other important consideration. The four combined streams, sweeping powerfully from the extreme wharf, would keep open a navigable channel, to the Sound, throughout our most rigor-


* Of the kind of embankment, some of our commercial citizens are the most competent judges. As the thing would be required for a few months only-no longer than whilst the river is working its channel through the mud, the cheapest effective means should be selected. Perhaps a line of palli-ades would be the cheapest and best. This


should be formed of rough slahs, of eleven or twelve feet length, eight or nine of which to be driven into the mud. This is sufficient to confine the stream, (which should be let in gradually;) while cutting its bed. Such materials are easily removed, when no longer wanted, and would probably sell for half their cost.


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ous winters : whereas the navigation is now often temporarily closed, and sometimes for five or six weeks in succession .* .


Although rather out of place herc, yet it may be remarked that the causeway over the west meadows will require raising a few feet, and when the new channel receives the river, must be partially closed with solid materials, somewhat higher than its ordinary level, above which a passage is necessary to let off the surplus water in time of freshets ; thereby preventing an overflow of its banks near the populous region of George and Meadow streets. A flood gate also, at the turn of the stream into its new channel, may be found expedient, by which its current can be raised or reduced one, two, or three feet, whenever desired.


The rise of tide along the western side of the wharf, I take to be from two to seven feet. The river brought in as proposed, will very soon cut itself a bed through the mud to a level with the tide at its extreme ebb, or seven feet deep along the whole wharf-producing a channel, when the tide is at flood, of nine to sixteen feet water. The larger part of this distance will be a source of new or greatly augmented income to the Wharf Company ; whilst the remainder must double at the least its pre- sent wharfage. The extensive water lots belonging to the Company, now so little productive, will then become disposable property, at ad- vances of manifold value. The increased and annually increasing depth of water, and a like extending anchorage ground, will bring into our port a yearly increase of shipping, and vessels of a larger class than heretofore. In fine, with the Canal completed to Northampton, both our own ships, and those resorting hither from abroad, will discharge their cargoes at the wharf, and reload with products drawn chiefly (by the canal,) from the rich valley of the Connecticut. Then will the Union Wharf Company gather a semi-annual harvest of dividends, far surpassing those of any other corporation in the state. A. Z.


Note .-- Although not pertaining exactly to the profit and loss account of Stockholders, there is one interesting matter incidental to the project, which concerns every citizen, and therefore deserves a passing notice. Nearly the whole finny race (those which delight in mud excepted,) have long abandoned our waters, although many of them, with fine lob- sters, abound just without the harbor. Our supply of these, therefore, during the summer heat, is scant and sickly. Every summer many are destroyed. Sometimes the sun's rays penetrate the flats so fiercely, that


* It may possibly be thought by some that the West River outlet need not be changed, but that a cheaper method of turning its course might accomplish the object. I have long since heard the suggestion of throw- ing a road across its mouth, for public convenience, from the Oyster Point to West Haven landing, with a sluice for the streamn to discharge. Now, (it may be so argued,) let that sluice be placed at the turn of the Point northerly ; let the river be confined to the course of the shore by an outer embankment ; carry it thus to the north westerly angle of the harbor; then turn it over to the wharf; they turn it down the wharf, till it unites with the others at the channel. "This plan would doubtless be cheaper : and it presents no other material objection than its utter. in- efficiency. The stream, turning ever and anon, would lose the little impetus with which it started, and soon be converted into a very slug- gish and very harmless stripe of water, producing neither good nor evil.


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the next tide which floats superficially over them, returns to the channel heated to such a degree that multitudes of fish and lobsters, floating there in smacks or cars, are fairly scalded to death ! The fishermen or fish dealers cannot sustain these losses. They rightfully make it up by advance of prices upon those which are sold ; and thus our citizens pay much higher for the variety of this wholesome and delicious food, though even of an inferior quality. Remove the mud, and the fish will revisit us. Remove the mud, and fishermen will repair here with their fares from a distance, throughout the summer, not fearing to lose them by the hot water of our harbor. Remove the mud, and your supplies of fish will be ample -- in fine order-and at greatly reduced prices.


We are told that " sixty years since," the harbor teemed with an abundance of very large and most excellent oysters. This shell fish (of native growth) is now nearly extinct, and of diminutive size. Even within twenty years they were comparatively plenty, of good size, and delicious flavor. Indeed, the salt and fresh waters here seem exactly proportioned to nourish the oyster to fullness, and endue it with a rich- ness of flavor, rarely equalled, never surpassed. Remove the mud, and this luxury will again become common to every citizen. Remove the mud, and many descendants of those who sixty years since were familiar with its abundance and perfection, will recover this enjoyment of their ancestors. Remove the mud-or what is equivalent -- lead in the West River as proposed, and your harbor will teem with fruitful animation, above and beneath its purified waters. A. 7.


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The following are the names and professions of the Inhab- itants of New Haven, in 1748.


Austin, Ste. Joiner. Austin, Sam. Hatter. Atwater, Dav.


Atwater, John, Cooper.


Atwater, Isaac, Farmer.


Atwater, Ja. Shoemaker.


Atwater, Mary. Atwater, Jon. Farmer. Allen, Ste. Mariner. Allen, Th.


Allen, Sa. Shoemaker.


Alling, Widow.


Andrew, Abigal.


Andrews.


Brown, Eleaz'r, Farmer. Brown, Elea. jr. Tailor. Brown, Jn.


Brown, Tim. Smith.


Brown, Sa.


Bradley, Jn. Clothier.


Bradley, A. Farmer.


Bradley, Currier.


Beecher, Nath. Smith.


Bishop, Job, Weaver.


Bishop, Sa. Farmer.


Blakeslee, Widow.


Bonticou, Tim, Silver Smith.


Ball, Ste. Hatter. Boroughs, Jo. Hatter.


Crawford. Chatterton, Wm. Mason. Chatterton, Sa. Shocmaker. Chidsey, Dinah. Cook, Jed. Mariner.


Cook, Sa. Inkeeper. Cooper, Farmer. Curtis, Priest.


Carver, Widow.


Clap, T. President of Yale College. Dickerman, John, Clothier. Dickerman, Jo's, Farmer. Dickerman, J. Farmer.


Dinslow, Wm. Laborer.


Dunbar, Farmer. Day. Aaron, .Merch't.


Darling, Sa. . Attorney. Doolittle, Isaac, Clock Maker. Diodate, Win. Merch't. English, Ben. Cooper. Eliot, Jno. Merch't.


Eyres, Simon. Ford, Matthew, Wheelwright. Gorham, Hez. Smith. Gorham, Tim. Gilbert, Dav. Tanner.


Gilbert, jr. Dav. Tonner. Greenough, Wm. Ship Carpenter. Hotchkiss, Joshua, Farmer.


Hotchkiss, Neh. Farmer.


Hotchkiss, Hez. Clockmaker.


Hotchkiss, Caleb, Farmer.


Howell, T. . Merch't.


Howell, Ste. Merch't.


Hubbard, Jn. Physician.


Hubbard, L. Physician. Hitchcock, Jo. Farmer.


Holt, J. Farmer.


Hall, Jn. Farmer.


Harris, Sarah,


Ingraham, Ship Carp.


Ingersoll, Jared, Lawyer.


Johnson, Jn. Farmer.


Jones, Tim. Merch't.


Jethro, a black man, Farmer.


Kimberly, Zuriel, Shoe Maker.


Leek, Jn. Lyon, Wm. Merch't. Lyon, Widow. Mansfield, Sa. Merch't.


Mansfield, Nathan, Farmer.


Mansfield, Jon. Farmer.


Mansfield, Mo. Schoolmaster.


Mansfield, Ste. Mariner.


Mix. Tim. Physician.


Mix, Nath. Farmer. Mix, T. Farmer.


Mix, Inkeeper. Mix, Caleb, Farmer.


Mix, Sa. Schoolmaster. Munson, Sa. Shoe Maker. Munson, Widow.


Munson. Munson, Ben. Schoolmaster.


Munson, Isreal. Inkeeper. Munson. Th. Smith. Miles, Jon. Shoemaker.


Miles, Jo. Farmer. Miles, Juo. Cooper. Miles Sa. Mariner. Morrison, Th.


10S


Macumber, Jn. Farmer. Nevins, Nesbit. Noyes, Jo. Priest. Osborn, J. Potter, Noah. .Punchard, Wm. Mariner. Punderson.


Punderson. Pierce, Widow. Parmallce, He. Shoemaker.


Prout, Jno. Gent.


Peck, Ja. Inkeeper.


Peck, Ro. Saddler.


Peck, Ste. Block Maker.


Perkin's Farmer.


Potter, Joel. Shoe Maker. Pomeroy, Tailor.


Pierpont, Ja. Gent. Row, Jn. Mariner.


Russel, Dan. Joiner.


Rexfird, Philip, Joiner.


Sherman, J. Tailor.


Sabin, Hez. . Merch't.


Sacket, Jn. Farmer. Scott, Wm. Barber. Smith, Isreal.


Tuttie, Enos, .Miller. Tuttle, Ab. Sexton. Tuttle, Widow. Tuttle, Ja. Sexton. Tuttle, Noah. Tuttle. Talmadge, Ro. Former. Talmadge, Jno. Mariner. Talmadge, R. Mariner.


Talmadge, Ja. Joiner.


Thomas, Ha. Farmer.


Thomas, Caleb, Farmer. Thompson, Josiah, Joiner. Thompson, Ja. Merch't.


Thompson, Jno. Trowbridge, Dan.


Trowbridge, Jo. Mariner ..


Trowbridge, Ste. Joiner.


Todd, Jo. Shoe Maker.


Todd, Michael, Merch't.


Townsend, Ju. Barber. Thorp, Wilmot, T. Joiner. White, J. Farmer. White, Jn. Mariner. Wooster, Da. Merch't. Whiting, Jn. Gent.


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A plan of the town of New Haven, as taken by Mr. Joseph Brown, in the year 1724.


Wist lane


C


2


College


~


7.8


0


F


31


13.27


7


Lane


F


A Tittle no ss1:


Marsh


.31


Lane


3


V


Harbour


7


9


References.


a Edyes.


m Deacon Bradley. y James Talmadge.


b Edyes.


n J. Bradley.


1 Atwater's.


c White.


o Nat. Bradley.


2 Mansfield's.


d Nott.


p Thompson's.


S Goram's.


e Dawson.


q Trowbridge.


4 Collins.


f Beecher.


r Trowbridge.


s Roswell's.


6 Sherman's.


h Gregson's.


t Talmage.


7 J. Brown's,


i Meeting House.


u Nath'l Jones.


8 Rothbotham.


j School.


৳ Munson. 9 Nat. Brown's.


& Old Dixwell's.


w Dan. Bradley.


10 C. Brown's.


l Sam. Tuttle.


11 Engliss.


x Jonas Todd. 10


5 Rutherford's.


g Thomas.


iPain's Gate


A


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The annexed map is a reduced copy of the oldest map of the town of New Haven, now known to be in existence. It exhibits all the public buildings, and private dwellings, with the names of many of the occupants. It settles the point respecting the place where Col. Dixwell, one of the regi- cides, resided ; his dwelling house, as will be seen by the map, was near the corner of Grove and College streets, and opposite the garden of the Medical Institution.


In 1749, (twenty four years after the above map was ta- ken,) Gen. Wadsworth, of Durham, drew a plan of the town with all the buildings, to which was added the names and professions* at that period, also the location of lots to many of the first grantees. This map was published about 1806, by T. Kensett, engraver.


View of the first College building, erected in 1717.


P.3.


Built of wood,-170 feet long, 22 feet wide.


The trustees of this institution, impressed with a sense of Gov. Yale's generosity,t called the collegiate school Yale College, and entered a memorial of it upon record, in Latin, which may be rendered in English thus :-


"The trustees of the collegiate school, constituted in the splendid town of New Haven, in Connecticut, being enabled by the most generous do- pation of the Honorable ELIHU YALE, Esq. to finish the college house already begun and erected, gratefully considering the honor due to such and so great a Benefactor and Patron, and being desirous, in the best mon-


* See pages 107 and 103.


t See page 20.


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ner, to perpetuate to all ages, the memory of so great a benefit, conferred chiefly on this colony : We, the trustees, having the honor of being in- trusted with an affair of so great importance to the common good of the people, especially of this province, do with one consent agree, determine and ordain, that our college house shall be called by the name of its mu- nificent patron, and shall be named YALE COLLEGE : That this Prov- ince may keep and preserve a lasting monument of such a generous gen- tleman, who by so great benevolence and generosity, has provided for their greatest good, and the peculiar advantage of the inhabitants, both in the present and future ages."


REPRESENTATION


of the


BATTLE OF LEXINGTON.


'The accompanying print was copied from a large engrav- ing, eighteen inches by twelve, executed by Mr. Amos Doo- little of New Haven, in 1775 .* This print is believed to be the first regular historical print ever published in America. Mr. Doolittle's engraving was copied from a drawing by Mr. Earl, a portrait painter. Mr. Doolittle and Mr. Earl were both members of the Governor's Guard at New Haven: they went on to Cambridge, as volunteers under Arnold, immediately on receiving the news of the battle of Lexing- ton. Mr. Earl's drawing was taken on the spot, a short time after the action took place, and it is presumed to be a correct representation of the opening of the great drama of the American revolution.


The engraving mentioned above, was Mr. Doolittle's first attempt at the art, and it is somewhat remarkable, that on the last day he was able to perform any labor, he assisted the compiler of this work in engraving the annexed plate. He died January 31st, 1832, aged seventy eight years, after having industriously applied himself to the business of engraving for more than half a century. Cheerful and ami- able in his disposition, kind and obliging in his manners, he possessed a large share of the respect and good will of those who knew him. Arriving to a good old age, he sunk into the grave, it is believed, with a good hope of a blessed im- mortality.


* See page S7.


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The following account of the battle of Lexington is taken from Holmes' American Annals.


A considerable quantity of military stores having been deposited at Concord an inland town about eighteen miles from Boston, general Gage purposed to destroy them. For the execution of this, he, on the night preceding the nineteenth of April, detached lieutenant colonel Smith and major Pitcairn, with eight hundred grenadiers and light infantry ; who at eleven o'clock embarked in boats at the bottom of the common in Boston, crossed the river Charles, and, landing at Phipps' farm in Cam- bridge, commenced a silent and expeditious march for Concord. Al- though several British officers, who dined at Cambridge the preceding day, had taken the precaution to disperse themselves along the road Jeading to Concord, to intercept any expresses, that might be sent from Boston to aların the country ; yet messengers,* who had been sent from town for that purpose, had eluded the British patrols, and given an alarm which was rapidly spread by church bells, signal guns, and vollies. On the arrival of the British troops at Lexington, toward five in the morn- ing, about seventy men, belonging to the minute company of that town, were found on the parade, under arms. Major Pitcairn, who led the van, galloping up to them, called out, " Disperse, disperse you rebels; throw down your arms, and disperse." The sturdy yeomantry not instantly obeying the order, he advanced nearer; fired his pistol; flourished his sword, and ordered his soldiers to fire. A discharge of arms from the British troops, with a huzza, immediately succeded; several of the pro- vincials fell; and the rest dispersed. The firing continued after the dis- persion, and the fugitives stopped and returned the fire. Eight Ameri- cans were killed;t three or four of them by the first fire of the British; the others, after they had left the parade. Several were also wounded.


The British detachment proceeded to Concord. The inhabitants of that town, having received the alarm, drew up in order for defence ; but, observing the number of the regulars to be too great for them to encounter, they retired over the north bridge at some distance beyond the town, and waited for reinforcements. A party of British light in- fantry followed thein, and took po-session of the bridge, while the main body entered the town, and proceeded to execute their commission. They disabled two twenty four pounders ; threw five hundred pounds of ball into the river, and wells ; and broke in pieces about sixty barrels of flour. The militia being reinforced, major Buttrick, of Concord, who had gallantly offered to command them, advanced toward the bridge ; but, not knowing the transaction at Lexington, ordered the men not to give the first fire, that the provincials might not be the aggressors. As he ad- vanced, the light infantry retired to the Concord side of the river, and began to pull up the bridge; and, on his nearer approach, they fired, and killed a captain, and one of the privates. The provincials returned


* These messengers were sent to Lexingtom, a town 6 miles below Concord, by Dr. Warren, who received notice of the intended expedi- tion just before the embarkation of the troops.


t Robert Munroe, Jonas Parker, Samuel Hadley, Jonathan Harring- ton, Caleb Harrington, Isaac Muzzy, and John Brown, of Lexington, and Azael Porter, of Woburn. A handsome monument has been crec. ted to their memory, on the green where the first of them fell,


Drawn by Farl & engraved by .1. Deolittle in IT


Re Engraved by I Beadle and DE. Barber in And


BATTLE OF LEXINGTON.


1. Major Pitcairn at the head of the Regular Grenadiers. - 2. The Party who first fired on the Provincials at Lesngton. 3. Part of the Provincial Company of Lexington. A. Regular Companies on the road In foucord. - 5. The Meeting house . at Lavington. G. The Public Inn.


113


the fire; a skirmish ensued; and the regulars were forced to retreat, with some loss. They were soon joined by the main body; and the whole detachment retreated with precipitancy. All the people of the adjacent country were by this time in arms ; and they attacked the re- treating troops in every direction. Some fired from behind stone walls and other coverts; others pressed on their rear; and, thus harrassed, they made good their retreat six miles back to Lexington. Here they were joined by lord Piercy, who, most opportunely for them, had arrived with a detachment of nine hundred men and two pieces of cannon .* The enemy, now amounting to about eighteen hundred men, having halted an hour or two at Lexington, recommenced their march ; but the attack from the provincials was renewed at the same time; and an ir- regular yet very galling fire was kept up on each flank, as well as in the front and rear. The close firing from behind stone walls by good marksmen put them in no small confusion ; but they kept up a brisk re- treating fire on the militia and minute men. A little after sunset, the regulars reached Bunker's hill, where, exhausted with excessive fa- tigue, they remained during the night, under the protection of the Som- erset man of war; and the next morning went into Boston.t


* Lord Piercy formed his detachment into a square, in which he inclo- sed colonel Smith's party, " who were so much exhausted with fa- tigue, that they were obliged to lie down for rest on the ground, their tongues hanging out of their mouths, like those of dogs after a chase."- Stedman.


t In this excursion, 65 of the regulars were killed, 180 wounded, and 28 made prisoners; total 273. Of the provincials 50 were killed, 34 wounded, and 4 missing ; total SS.


10*


-


114


Ashmun's Tomb ..


ASHMUNE


Klust Colonial Ag


DIDRILA, ARNICA


The above is a representation of the monument erected to the memory of Jeliudi Ashmun, Esq., the first Colonial Agent at Monrovia, Africa ; it is formed after the model of the tomb of Scipio, at Rome. The monument of Mr. Whit- ney, (the inventor of the Cotton Gin,) and the late Dr. Nathan Smith are of the same form ;- executed by Messrs. D. Ritter & Son, of this city. The following is the inscrip- tion on Mr. Ashmun's monument :- viz.


ASHMUN. First Colonial Agent. at LIBERIA, AFRICA. On the opposite side, Born at Champlain, N. Y. Ap. 21st, 1794. Landed in Africa, Aug. 8, 1822. Died at N. II. Aug. 25, 1828.


On the end. Erected . by the Am. Colon. Soc. 1829.


Mr. Ashmun arrived in New Haven about a fortnight before his death, laboring under severe bodily infirmities


115


brought on by his labors and exposures, in a tropical cli- mate, for the benefit of the African Colony. His constitu- tion was so broken down by the hardships which he had en- dured, that the best medical skill could not save him from an carly grave.


His funeral was attended by a large concourse of citizens, the faculty and members of Yale College, a number of the neighboring clergy, and the Governor of the State. His remains were carried to the center church, where an appro- priate and eloquent sermon was delivered by the Rev. Mr. Bacon. Just as the services commenced, an affecting scene took place,-the mother of Mr. Ashmun, in her traveling dress, came into the congregation supported by two persons who conducted her to a seat. She had just arrived froin the shores of Lake Champlain, to visit her son in his last illness, whom she had not seen for twelve years. But she was too late, she could only reach forth her aged hand and touch his coffin. The procession moved to the burying ground where the burial service was performed by the Rev. Mr. Croswell, and a feeling address was given by Mr. Gur- ley, the Secretary of the American Colonization Society, who arrived from Washington the day before Mr. Ashinun's death. Mr. Gurley had been an eye witness and, for a short period, the companion of Mr. Ashmun's labors in Africa. He read the last praver that the lips of his friend uttered, he spoke of his courage and prowess in the hour of danger, the " terror of his name" in the savage tribes that surround- ed the infant colony, and the important results which it was reasonable to expect from his toils and sufferings.


Mr. Ashmun appears to have been eminently qualified for the station to which Providence had called him. "Dignified in his appearance, and graceful in his manners, he was fitted to command. Ife possessed naturally strong powers of mind, and great energy of character, which seemed to prompt to noble enterprize, and these qualities were refined by a liberal education, and controlled by the fear of God." -- He arrived on the shores of Africa about the time that the remainder of the colonists, who had survived the deadly damps of Sherbro, had removed to the more healthy station of Liberia. He found them feeble, houseless, disheartened, and defenceless ; soon after his arriyal, the colony, which could muster only twenty eight effective men, was attacked by more than eight hundred armed savages. By his energy


116


and prowess they were driven back. Intent upon the de- struction of this little band, the savages with increased num- bers and redoubled fury, in a few days, renewed their attack, and were again repulsed. From a chaos of heterogencous materials he formed a well organized community of free- men. "Like the Patriarchs of old, he was their captain, their lawgiver, judge, priest, and governor."


View of the General Hospital of Connecticut.


The following account of the State Hospital Society of Connecticut, &c. was politely furnished by Dr. V. M. Dow, one of the directors of the Institution.


The General Hospital Society of Connecticut was char- tered in May, 1526, no similar institution having previously existed in this state. To aid the infant undertaking, the le- gislature of the state appropriated the sum of five thousand dollars, and individuals from different parts of the state have contributed handsome sums, while the medical institution of Yale College pays a yearly stipend. With funds obtained from these sources, the society have erected a neat building on an eminence south westerly from the densely peopled part of the city; commanding an excellent view of the town


117


and harbor, and Long Island sound, together, with the dis- tant ridge of hills which appear to skirt the horizon on every side except that bounded by the water. The building will be completed in July, 1832. It consists of a center and two wings, its whole length being one hundred and eighteen feet, its breadth, in the center, is forty eight feet. The num- ber of rooms is about twenty, besides those in the basement, and a large room for operations in the attic story. The building is of stone, and is to be stuccoed on the outside. In front of the centre is a portico with four columns, con- structed after the best Grecian models. The whole expense of the building is to be about twelve thousand dollars. The funds of the society being limited, it was not deemed pru- dent to build on a more expensive scale at present. Should more room be at any future time wanted, additions can be made to any extent required, without injuring the appear- ance of the edifice.


The design of this institution is to afford medical and sur- gical aid and other necessaries of sickness, to such as can not command such necessaries elsewhere. The poor whom we "always have with us," if wounded or taken sick, with- out possessing the means of procuring necessary aid, will here find an asylum, infinitely superior to that, but too often resorted to, in the town alms houses. The stranger, sojourn- ing with us, taken ill at a public boarding house, with no friend or relative to care for him, may here find a substitute for the affectionate attentions of home. The sick mariner will here find a " snug harbor." To the poor every thing will be gratuitously furnished, board, bed, medicines, nurs- ing, and medical and surgical aid. Such as are wealthy, and may choose to become inmates of the hospital, will be ex- pected to pay for board only. All medical and surgical aid is to be in all cases gratuitous. It is to be essentially a char- itable institution, and, should more apply than can be re- ceived, the poor are always to have the preference over those who are able to pay for their accommodations.


-


119


View from the top of East Rock.


¿


References.


a, Long Island. 6, Light house. c. Fort Hale. d, Tomlinson's bridge. e, Barnsville brilge. f, Neck bridge, (the place where the Regicides secreted themselves when pursued by the commisioners of Charles 21.) g, Long wharf. h, Mill river.


On the left of the print, bordering on Mill river, is seen a grove of cedars and pines, in the center of which is a place denominated the " Seat of Iluppiness." It is thus described by a late traveller, "Here the the noisy world with all its selfishness, is excluded, and here is nought to disturb one's meditation, save the occasional and plaintive note of the wood dove mourning for its mate-even the light of the sun is nearly excluded, while its loss is supplied by a mellow radiance, insinuating it- self among the sweet smelling cedars, imparting a deep serenity, that we may easily conceive but never correctly define."


From the Winter's Wreath .- Published in London. EAST ROCK.


BY WILLIS GAYLORD CLARKE.


East Rock iv a bold and beautiful promontory of almost fearful height, near the fine city of New Haven, Connecticut. It commands an ex- tensive and delightful view of the town, the adjacent country to some extent, the bay, and Long Island itself, which resembles a huge confu- sed mass of deep summer clouds, as viewed in the edge of the southern horizon apparently floating over the sound.


I stand upon the cliff's extremest edge,


And downward far beneath me can I see Complaining brooks that play with meadow sedge,


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Then brightly wander on their journey free, 'Midst buds and sprays bent down by bird and bce ; And, in the pleasant sunshine, laughing on, Mingling their cadence with the melody Of living things, rejoicing in the sun, That wakens life and bliss in all he looks upon.


1


How from the vale below, the freshning air Laden with balm, comes up to fan my brow ! O'er orchard blossoms, and o'er meadows fair Its viewless wings are passing 'midst the glow, The flush that spring hours to the earth bestow, Ere yet the summer's ripened corn-leaves wave, Ere yet the sisterhood of flowers bends low, As the funcreal blasts around them rave,


Sinking in autumn's chill and melancholy grave !


'Tis Sabbath morn, and lingering on the gale The mellowed peals of the sweet bells arise ; Floating where'er the restless wind prevail,


Laden with incense, and with harmonies, That roam and tremble through the sunny skies, Incorporate with solemn thoughts they stray ; 'Midst rock and hill, and copse the sound replies, And where the blue waves melt in morning's ray, And glory's living flood on the fair landscape play.


Methinks the reverence of such a scene Should sink like calm into the wounded breast, Making life's waste and desert places green,


And laying passion's bitterness at rest, With a wide peace-which can all ills invest;


Methinks that heavenward Hope might linger here, And be in soul-transforming visions blest, As though from th' high unbounded atmosphere,


Triumphant music fell, to bless the enchanted car.


In yon wide sweep of high and purple hills, Which mark, like giant-graves, the horizon's verge, Where the great sun his showry smile distils, An influence deep there dwells, that, like a surge, Uplifts the swelling soul, and seems to urge Its pinions upwards with a mighty sway,


Which in the future doth all present merge ;


The mind seems breaking from its bonds of clay,


And basks, with thrilling joy, in heaven's ethereal ray !


Extracted from the New England Magazine.


EAST ROCK.


*


# We love thee more.


We more revere thee, Rock, that long has stood A giant fortress near us ; there is more


--


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Of earth about thee,-for the fresh cheeked Spring Walks up thy side, and strews, from her gay urn, Where she hath husbanded the last years flowers, Unopened buds, that in the Summer's beam Hang their bright petals o'er thy dizzy edge. On thy tall woods our gorgeous Autumn flings Her vesture, woven of the sun-set hues. Nor shall the rudest blast of Winter blight Thy sturdy evergreens, o'erlaid with snow. Thy turf is freshened by the rain and dew Of kindly heaven, and, in the noon day parched -- But for the gales that fan thy naked brow ---


By the broad sunshine, like this lower earth. There is no nook upon thy thorny side, Or wooded top, or on thy steep bald front, That human foot hath not sought out and found, Linking the spot with human sympathies. Upon thy topmost lodge old Time, perchance, The slow and crafty workman, hath hewn out A homely resting place, and hence the eye, That loveth Nature, looks beyond the stream Lazily creeping through the meadow land. In curve fantastic-and beyond the hill Where a bard's dwelling dots the wood,-beyond The distant temple-spires that lift their tops, In harmony, above the leaf-clad town .- Beyond the calm bay and the restless Sound, To the blue Island, stretching like a cloud Where the sky stoops to earth ; the rock is smooth,


. And here, upon the table-stone, sad youths Have carved unheeded names, to win for them That insect's immortality that lies In stone for ages on a showman's shelf. Thy peak in moonlight! All the lowland, lighted, Is like a sca about us. Glory rests, Like a saint's dream of beauty over all ! 'Tis a strange hour to haunt thee, quiet Rock, And yet, glad voices make thy woods and glades Jocund with echoed call and unchecked laugh, And bright forms flit across thy light and shades- Shapes that might win the hasty angel's lip From his high vows of purity on earth- Threading thy tangled cedars deftly, like The nimblest of Titania's nimble train. ₹ I see them clustered in a magic group, And the flute's melody, with woman's song,


Goes up to heaven. * L. M. N.


NEW HAVEN, October, IS31.


(The foregoing twelve pages printed in 1832.)


F8465.07


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