USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Danvers > Centennial celebration at Danvers, Mass., June 16, 1852 > Part 15
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In the labors thus eulogized, Mr. Dane represented the sentiment, or rather, I may say, the principles of the town of Beverly,-principles by which her citizens were actuated during the revolutionary struggle, and which are recorded on almost every page of her revolutionary transactions.
It was the good fortune of Mr. Dane, while the ordinance of 1787 was under consideration, to be seconded in his efforts by men imbued with the same spirit; and there comes to my mind, in this connection, the name of one whose important services to the political, social, intel- lectual, and religious interests of the great West, are yet to be made known. I refer to the late Rev. Manasseh Cutler, LL.D., of Ham- ilton, the earnest and judicious coadjutor of Mr. Dane, (though not then a member of Congress,) in securing the passage of the ordinance, and to whom, in his own person, and through his honored son, Judge Ephraim Cutler, Ohio is more indebted than to any other man, for
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those distinguishing traits which give her a proud preëminence among her western sisters. Sir, the influence of Beverly and Hamilton, through these their representative men, upon the public opinion and present position of our nation, can scarcely be over-estimated, and the debt of gratitude due to them will be as enduring as the institutions of our country. Of Mr. Dane, it is sufficient to add that his highest eulogy is found in the works with which his name is identified, and it is glory enough for Beverly that for more than half a century she could number him among her most distinguished citizens. The period em- braced in the anniversary of this day, Mr. President, covers the most important acts in the history of our country,-its resistance of oppres- sion, its struggle for civil freedom, and its triumphant achievement of a name among the nations of the earth. In the stirring events that led on to these results, Danvers took a decided and active part. In the field and in the public councils she had representative men worthy the trust reposed in them, and worthy a place on the roll inscribed with the name of Nathan Dane. Her Fosters and Pages, her Hutchinsons, Putnams and Proctors, and their associates, were men of mark,-men upon whom the lesson at North Bridge had not been lost, and who, at Lexington, Bunker Hill, Monmouth, and other points distinguished for heroic deeds, did good service for their country, and won for themselves an imperishable fame.
Another of her representative men was Judge Samuel Holten, a compeer of Mr. Dane, and a patriot of the Washington school. In the dark hours of his country's peril, in the provincial, and subsequently in the national councils, he proved himself equal to the weighty respon- sibilities imposed upon him, and by his position and influence contributed much to the glorious consummation in which twenty-three millions of freemen this day rejoice. To show the spirit of the man, and the ready sacrifice he made of pecuniary interest and health for the sacred cause of freedom, I will present a few extracts from letters written while in Congress to a member of the General Court of Massachusetts.
Under date, Philadelphia, March 30, 1779, he says, after speaking of the alarming state of the public finances, " you are pleased to ask me when I think of coming home. In answer, permit me to observe, that when I had the honor of being elected to a seat in Congress, I was sensible my friends had overrated my abilities, yet I was determined to give place to no man in my endeavors to serve my distressed country, and having given my constant attendance in Congress, not having been absent one day since I took my seat, (excepting three days I was confined by sickness,) I now find myself so much engaged, and the distresses of my country so great, that I have no thought of returning till some , of my colleagues arrive to take my place, for if the State is not as fully represented as they expect, it shall not be my fault, though it may be very destructive to my health."
Again, June 8, he writes upon the same subject : " It is vain for us to · expect that we can carry on the war by emitting bills. We must now . all part with a part of our bills or other estate to procure them for public use. You may be assured, my worthy colleagues as well as myself, have been and still are exerting ourselves in this great affair of finance, I am sure you will agree with me in sentiment, that we
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had much better pay a tenth of our estates, than lose all that is worth living in this world to enjoy."
Again, under date of November 8, on the same theme, he writes, " Our all seems to be at stake, and I fear the good people are not sen- sible of it .****** Your greatest concern appears to be about a new army. My greatest concern is how we shall support the army, &c., &c. But don't suppose I despair of the common cause. No, it is too good and just to despair of. It is the dangers I foresee that makes me press this important matter. I put great dependence, under God, upon the knowledge and virtue of the New England States, and I think I shall not be disappointed."
Once more, writing under date of April 21, 1780, he says, " My engagements are such that I can write you but a few lines upon our public affairs, which are truly distressing. The depreciation of our currency has not only deranged and embarrassed the public affairs, but almost put a total stop to all the movements of our armies. Is the Honorable Assembly really sensible of our situation and their own danger ? I fear not. Men, money and provisions are what are so much needed, but the two last give me the greatest concern, for without them it will be impossible for the army to keep together. I can truly say I have met nothing like it since the war. But don't, my worthy friend, think I despair of the common cause; no, not if the army disbands, which some think will be the case. My fears are that we shall be reduced to still greater difficulties before the good people will be fully sensible of their danger, and exert themselves accordingly."
One other extract must suffice. Under date of Philadelphia, May 2, 1780, he writes, " As it is not my intention ever to return to Congress, I shall have only to take leave of you, and my other worthy friends at Court, and retire to private life. My constant attendance in Congress, for almost two years, must render it a great relief to my mind to retire, and my friends here inform me they think that unless I lay aside business that requires so close attention, I shall end my days in this city ; but the distressed state of our country has a sensible effect upon a mind like mine, and whatever state I am in, I shall continue to exert myself in the common cause as long as my health will admit, or till our country is restored to peace.".
Such, sir, was the " upright Judge," whom his fellow-citizens so often delighted to honor, whose wise counsels, while a member of Con- gress, gave frequent direction to the action of your state legislature, and of whom it has been truly said, " his name will be handed down to posterity with the celebrated names of his cotemporary patriots, crowned with immortal honors."
Danvers, Mr. President, has never been deficient in representative men, through whom a potential influence in forming the character and shaping the destiny of the nation could be exerted. Among these, high on the record of the departed, is inscribed the name of one to whom affecting tributes have just been paid by his Excellency and the gen- tleman from Middlesex, (Hon. Mr. Palfrey,) and whom it was my happiness to number among my personal friends. Sir, the Hon. Daniel P. King, the noble successor of the noble Saltonstall, was emi- nently deserving the confidence reposed in him. Faithfully did
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he watch over the interests of his constituents, and honorably did he represent their principles in the state and national legislatures. Everywhere he left the impress of " an honest, independent freeman," asking only in all his public acts, " is the measure right ?" not, " will it be popular ?" His early and lamented death cast a deep shadow upon thousands of hearts, and while memory is true to its office, his public life and private virtues will be held in affectionate recollection.
Honorable is it, sir, to this town, that humanity, temperance, educa- tion, and religion which crowns them all, have never failed to find here able champions, faithful expounders and generous benefactors. On all these prominent features of state and national character, Danvers, through her representative men, has left her mark. Her century of history is a history of progress in virtue, intelligence and social refine- ment. Her patriotism is as true now, as when the drum beat to arms on the morning of the 19th April, 1775. Her past is the pledge of her future ; and while the spirit of her departed patriots is cherished, every good cause, every interest vital to the prosperity and perpetuity of our Union, will receive generous and efficient support.
Of the events of this occasion, Mr. President, none will be longer remembered, or will shed richer blessings on the future generations of this town, than that which has this moment surprised and delighted us, and which has been so happily referred to by Judge White. The munificent donation you have announced from your former townsman, for the promotion of " knowledge and morality" among you, is an eulogy upon " the unrivalled New England institution of the common school," and upon his discriminating judgment, to which nothing need be added. It is indeed a " noble benefaction"-the noble deed of one, who, amidst the deserved commercial successes and honors of a foreign land, still remembers that he is an American, and who, turning with fond recollection to the scenes of childhood's home, strengthens, with manly hand and generous heart, the ties that have ever bound him to " fatherland." To say that this act is alike honora- ble to him and to his native town, is only to repeat a self-evident truth, which this audience have already shown they appreciate. Sir, I would not have failed to witness the breaking of that seal, or to hear those enthusiastic cheers, for all the other rich enjoyments of the day, and that is saying a great deal. It is a magnificent finale to these appro- priate festivities ; and to the end of time, the name of George Pea- body will be enrolled with those " merchant princes" of America who are showing to the world, that they understand the true uses of wealth.
Pardon me, Mr. President, if, before I sit down, I utter a word or two in a somewhat different vein. My friend, the mayor of Salem, has very properly denominated this a family meeting, in which mat- ters purely domestic may with propriety be talked over. It is true, I cannot claim, strictly, to be a member of the family ; but that is more my misfortune than my fault. Beverly and Danvers, however, are " loving" daughters of " old mother Salem," and I think I might, by a liberal interpretation of the genealogical tables, prove myself a " dis- tant relative." At all events, I shall plead the privilege of an old neighbor and friend, and " say my say."
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I am not ignorant, sir, of the fact, that grave charges have been preferred against the good name of this ancient town. I am tolerably familiar with the traditions of old "Salem village," the "Devil's Dishfull," and " Blind Hole." I recollect that a certain " Lawrence Conant" once played off his jokes on us sober and confiding antiqua- rians, and that a gentleman, whose name I need not mention, has amused himself, and disturbed the cachinnary nerves of this whole com- munity, by sinking railroads ! Now, sir, I am not going to reproach you for these things. Not at all. The spirits of 1692, like those of 1852, had their way of doing things, and men of the present, like men of the past, enjoy fun after their own fashion ; and who shall say the former deserved the fate of " goodwife Nurse," until their " manifesta- tions" are satisfactorily explained, or that the latter should be sternly frowned upon until the maxim, " laugh and grow fat," is repudiated ? But on family vagaries one hundred and sixty years ago, I shall not dwell. The more recent occurrences to which I have referred, I am disposed to look upon as the poetry of your local history,-embellish- ments springing, perhaps, from an " excess of activity," as a professor of theology once explained certain youthful propensities, and which a broad charity can readily excuse.
Besides, sir, a volume of good things may be said of your town, that will not require smoking, like the sermons of which you have spoken, to ensure their preservation for the use of a future historian. Of the representatives of agriculture in this Commonwealth, who stands a Saul among them but your orator ? Of ploughs, what maker has produced a better than the " Eagle" of your townsman ? Of de- fenders of the much-abused swine against Hebrew and Mahommedan aspersions, who has been more eloquent and effective than one of your fellow-citizens ? What fields exhale a fragrance that may well excite the envy of Weathersfield, or draw tears from sensitive eyes, like your own ? Who but a Danvers antiquarian, could have recov- ered the original manuscript of Giles Corey's veritable "Dream," to which we have just listened with so much benefit to our digestion ? What other town could have presented so strong attractions to "the greatest schoolmaster in New England," or can hope ever to eclipse the brilliant pageant of this day ? Here, your Fowlers are in amity with the feathered tribes, your Kings are all first rate republicans, your Pooles are sparkling and refreshing as when two hundred years ago John Endicott slaked his thirst from the bubbling fountains of this vicinity, and your Popes are more desirous of supplying " the trade" with prime shoes, manufactured from good Danvers leather, than ambitious to wear the triple crown, or to rule the public conscience.
Now, if there are any within the sound of my voice, who are still inclined to dwell in a querulous spirit on the past, I will remind them that this is not the spirit of the hour, and my advice is, that they con- sign both the spirit and its exciting cause to the Waters of oblivion. As for myself, with these facts and this day's scenes before me, I am ready to join my friend from Salem in a proper resentment of any charge against you that an " outsider," knowing less of your history,
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shall hereafter bring. And with this avowal, I close by submitting the following sentiment :
The Town of Danvers-The scion of a noble stock. In patriotic love of country, unsurpassed. In works of humanity and social improvement, always right. În enterprise, honorable and indefatigable.
At the conclusion of Mr. Stone's speech, the PRESIDENT proposed,
The Members of the Legal Profession in Danvers, both natives and residents- They are known as ornaments of the Bar, the Bench, and our highest Legis- lative Halls.
To this, WM. D. NORTHEND, Esq., of Salem, responded as follows :-
Mr. President :- I would that some individual were present more worthy than myself to respond to the sentiment which has just now been read. I can hardly respond to it without feeling that I may be chargeable with vanity in attempting to speak of the virtues of those illustrious men whose example it has ever been my highest ambition humbly and with unpretending steps to follow. It is sufficient for me to mention the names of HOLTEN, of PUTNAM, and of WARD, and to refer to the transcendent genius and eloquence of him who stands pre- eminently at the head of his profession, and who is so justly entitled to the cognomen of " the Erskine of the American bar." No words of eulogy, which I can utter, will add to the feelings of pride with which the memory of their noble names is cherished in the heart of every citizen of this time-honored town.
And, sir, it is to me a matter of no ordinary felicitation, that I can trace my professional birth to this revered spot ; that here, among the generous and noble-spirited men of Danvers, I commenced my humble efforts on the stage of life. As my thoughts revert to that period, I cherish with deep-felt gratitude the recollection of many generous friends, whose influence and kindness assisted and encouraged me in the earlier struggles of my profession. Town of my adoption ! citizens among whom I have delighted to dwell ! The memory of you is en- graven on my heart in lines never to be obliterated.
Spot sacred and rich in proud reminiscences of the past-peopled with descendants from the noblest stock of the Revolution, from fathers baptized in the martyr blood of that heroic struggle-Danvers, ancient, noble, patriotic town, worthy to be commemorated ! I reverence the majesty of thy past history. As my memory recalls the records of that history, I think I see before me, as on the morn preceding the " Concord fight," the young men of the village leave their homes, and, with their muskets upon their shoulders, gather together on yonder square. I think I see the venerable form of Parson Holt as he meets them there, and I hear his voice as he urges those youthful patriots, in the name of that religion of which he was a worthy minister and a noble example, to fear not death itself in defence of their country. I see them, after receiving his benedictions, as they march with hurried steps to meet the invading foe. As one after another of those heroic
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young men, the flower and pride of Danvers, fall, pierced with many a grievous wound, methinks I hear from their dying lips the patriotic words, " It is sweet and honorable to die for one's country." And as the news of their fall reaches this village, and as their friends and the citizens, all common mourners, gather around their bier, I think I see depicted in their countenances, struggling with the tears and sorrow for the noble dead, a feeling of honorable pride that the blood of Dan- vers was the first sprinkled on the altar of American Independence.
Through the whole of that long war I see recorded proof of the patriotism and bravery of the men of Danvers. With a population of scarcely nineteen hundred, the town gave to the service of the country five companies, comprising over two hundred men. No town of her size and ability did more. And, sir, in June, 1776, in anticipation of the Declaration of Independence, the town voted-
" That if the Honorable Congress, for the safety of the United Col- onies, declare them independent of Great Britain, we, the inhabitants of this town, do solemnly engage with our lives and fortunes to sup- port them in the measure."
Sir, the citizens of Danvers were not only among the first to rush to the field of battle and the last to leave it, but, at the close of the war, they were among the foremost in planting deep the tree of Peace, and subsequently in acknowledging the obligations of that great American Magna Charta, the fruit of the Revolution, which was destined to pro- tect the before separate and independent sovereignties on this continent.
And, sir, since the Revolution, there has been no town in the Com- monwealth more distinguished for the high moral tone of its popula- tion, and no place of its means which has done more for the education of its youth.
But I am admonished by the lateness of the hour that I must not intrude too much upon the time allotted for this occasion ; and I will close by expressing a most fervent wish that the great principles and sources of prosperity which have made the town what it has been and now is, may be continued, and that the future history of Danvers may be more glorious even than its past.
To a sentiment in remembrance of former residents of Danvers, Rev. CHARLES C. SEWALL, of Medfield, responded :-
Mr. President, and Ladies and Gentlemen :- You have been gath- ering up, to-day, the memories of olden times, and reading the history of Danvers in years gone by. In the memorable portion of that his- tory, which embraces the witchcraft delusion, the name of my an- cestor is associated, in many minds, with none but painful recollections. It may seem little becoming me, therefore, to respond to the sentiment just offered by the chair. There is, however, good reason for the be- lief that the error of Judge Sewall, in cooperating to condemn the witches, was atoned for, as far as possible, by a public, solemn confes- sion, and by an unremitted sense of repentance and prayer for forgive- ness ; and also, that the wrong he had helped to do your fathers was by them forgiven,-if not forgotten.
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In the admirable lectures on Witchcraft, by my friend the present mayor of Salem, it is related that Judge Sewall, " on the day of the general fast, rose in the place where he was accustomed to worship, and in the presence of the great assembly, handed up a written con- fession, acknowledging the error into which he had been led, and pray- ing for the forgiveness of God and his people." " He also observed, annually, in private, a day of humiliation and prayer, during the re- mainder of his life, to keep fresh in his mind a sense of repentance and sorrow for the part he bore in the trials" of the witches. And from his own Diary, we learn that his son, Joseph Sewall, afterwards the pastor of the Old South Church in Boston, was the earliest candidate for the pastoral office in the Second Congregational Church in this town.
Besides, sir, I am a native of Essex county-born within sight of your hills,-and have been familiar from my boyhood with the names ¿and the persons of many citizens of this place. Among the pleasant trecollections of my early life, is that of an annual visit of my father's family at the hospitable mansion of the venerable Dr. Wadsworth, fol- ilowed by a regular call upon the excellent Judge Holten. The images of those men are distinctly before me now, and the impression I re- ceived of their character and worth will never be effaced. Then, too, the coming of the Danvers farmers to my father's house, on market- days, was an incident strongly fixed in the mind of the boy, and served to make me acquainted with men, who commanded my fullest esteem .and respect in after years.
I have passed among you, since, no small part of the best and hap- piest years of my life. And if, during that period, there were no disposition and endeavor, on my part, corresponding with the kind regard manifested towards me-there were, I believe, no marked indi- cations of any hereditary propensity to wound or afflict any, not even the descendants of the witches. Besides, sir, I have it from good authority, that when, in the settlement of its owner's estate, the well- known Collins mansion was at my father's disposal, it had been nearly decided by him to make that our family residence. So that Danvers would then have been my native place, and I should have been able to claim a birthright here to-day. Withal, and aside from these per- sonal allusions, which, I trust, may be pardoned on an occasion like the present, there is no one, probably, not a native of the place, to whom the name and the fame of Danvers can be of greater interest than to me. Here, as I have said, have been spent many of the best and happiest years of my life. Here was the birthplace of most of my children. And there is, sir, a significance in the sentiment you have offered, which touches my heart very nearly, and prompts me most strongly to respond to it.
Mr. President, and Ladies and Gentlemen : I thank you for the remembrance of your former townsmen, and assure you that, as one .of them, 'I am most happy to be with you to-day ;- to be at home, once more, on this familiar spot, surrounded with so many familiar and endeared friends.
Among the recollections of the occasion have been brought to mind many of the distinguished names and characters, which have graced
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Daniel P. Sting
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the history of Danvers in her earlier and later years. There are oth- ers, also, some of them less known to fame, of whom I have personal recollections, and should be glad, were there time, to speak. There are Wadsworth and Cowles,-ministers, whose labors, characters and influence are still fresh in the memories, and indelibly fixed in the hearts of many among you. There are, in private life, the Kings, the Oakeses, the Proctors, the Pooles, the Putnams, the Shillabers, the Shoves, the Southwicks, the Suttons, and others,-men, in whose characters were traits of great worth, and the fruits of whose energy and enterprise, industry and thrift, integrity and benevolence, are thickly spread around you in the high reputation and the general pros- perity of the town. But it would ill become me to occupy so large a portion of the few remaining moments of this occasion. I cannot for- bear, however, to speak, though but a word, of one whose name and image are freshly before us all to-day, and whose early removal from the world has given birth to a deep and universal feeling of sorrow and regret. I mean the Hon. Daniel P. King.
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