USA > Maine > Waldo County > Belfast > History of the city of Belfast in the state of Maine v.I, 1770-1875 > Part 72
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1 The addresses were published in the "Journal." That of Mr. Poor subsequently appeared in the form of a pamphlet of sixty-one pages, and contained an appendix showing the extent of the railroads in the world.
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CELEBRATIONS AND OBSERVANCES.
bration which the rain interfered with, were postponea until the 7th of August.
1871. No public celebration. At the Head of the Tide, a picnic took place, at which the Rev. Edward F. Cutter gave an address.
1873. A clear, bright day, a cordial invitation to the people in this section of the State, and special trains and steamers, ren- dered the citizens' celebration this year a complete success. In the morning, after a salute of thirty-seven guns,1 a company of Fan- tastics, numbering over two hundred comic and ludicrous char- acters, paraded the streets. At eleven o'clock, the procession of the day, under the command of Chief Marshal Major William H. Fogler, formed as follows : -
Aid. Marshal. Aid.
3
Belfast Cornet Band. Belfast City Guards. Committee of Arrangements. Orator. Aid.
Aid.
City Government. Vinalhaven Band. E. P. Walker Engine Company of Vinalhaven.
Pyramidal car containing thirty-seven young ladies representing the States of the Union, with the Goddess of Liberty. Crosby Guards of Hampden. Representation of the business firms of the city. Band. Waterville Engine Company No. 3. Band. Skowhegan Light Infantry. Band. General Berry Engine Company of Rockland. Belfast Cadets in a Boat.
Hydrant Engine Company No. 2. Bangor Cornet Band. Washington Engine Company No. 5. Public Schools. Citizens.
1 The ancient 24-pound cannon which once did duty on the fort at Castine, but which, a few years ago, was mysteriously ferried across the bay to this city, and afterwards was the prey of the Belmonters who hid it in the woods, flew out of the cel- lar of the custom-house on the night of the 3d, and getting out at a safe distance awoke the echoes of the night by giving three of its ancient growls, which shook the whole city. - Progressive Age.
784
HISTORY OF BELFAST.
And, after moving through the city, broke ranks at the Common, where the following exercises took place : -
1st. Music by the Bands, " America."
2d. Prayer, by Rev. David N. Utter.
3d. Reading of the Declaration of Independence, by Rev. F. S. Bacon. 4th. Music by the Bands, " Star-spangled Banner."
5th. Address, by Hon. A. G. Jewett.
6th. Benediction, by Rev. W. L. Brown.
7th. Music by the Bands. Voluntary.
A trial of engines, in which the General Berry of Rockland threw a stream two hundred and twelve feet, distancing her com- petitors ; a collation at Peirce's Hall for invited guests ; a horse- trot at the park ; and a dress parade of the military, - took place in the afternoon. A slight shower prevented the display of fire- works, and that part of the programme was postponed. The festivities terminated with a ball at Hayford Hall, in the evening. Over ten thousand strangers were in the city during the day, and the best order prevailed. The streets were decorated with flags, and many private residences were elaborately adorned. A novel feature of the occasion was a free supply of iced water at every public corner.
DEATH OF WASHINGTON.
The death of Washington occurred Dec. 14, 1799. On the 30th of that month, Congress passed the following resolutions : -
Resolved, That it be recommended to the people of the United States to assemble on the twenty-second day of February next, in such numbers and manner as may be convenient, publicly to testify their grief for the death of General George Wash- ington, by suitable eulogies, orations, and discourses, or by pub- lic prayers.
Resolved, That the President be requested to issue a proclama- tion, for the purpose of carrying the foregoing into effect.
These resolutions were approved by President Adams; and, in response to his proclamation, the people of every city, town, village, and hamlet, met, and with deep devotion rendered their heartfelt tribute of affection for the memory of the Father of their Country.
" At Belfast," says the " Castine Journal," " the day was observed with order and solemnity. The militia of the towns of Northport
785
CELEBRATIONS AND OBSERVANCES.
and Prospect met at the ferry. From thence, they marched to the west meeting-house, where due honors to the memory of the illustrious Washington were performed. The officers appeared in complete uniform, with emblems of mourning. The utmost order and attention were observed by all present, and every counte+ nance beamed with regret at the loss of so good a man. The music, standards, &c., were in mourning ; and the military marched with arms reversed, followed by a respectable concourse of citi- zens. When the procession had arrived at the meeting-house, an excellent oration was delivered by the Rev. Ebenezer Price."1 ; : The anniversary of Washington's birthday has been observed since by repeated celebrations. In 1840, an address was delivered by the Hon. John Holmes, before the Belfast Temperance Soci- ety. Three years afterwards, in the evening, a temperance festi- val took place in the Unitarian Church, which was tastefully decorated. The Hon. Alfred Johnson delivered an address, which was published in pamphlet form. In 1846, the next triennial celebration of the Temperance Society took place. John K. True, Esq., of Montville, was the orator of the occasion. In 1847, the day was commemorated by the Rev. Edward F. Cutter by a pub+ lic address, who, two years later, the twenty-second day having been designated for a temperance festival throughout the Union, addressed the Belfast Society at the Unitarian Church.
In 1858, a national salute was fired by the Belfast Artillery, and the bells were rung. The City Greys gave a military and civic ball.
In 1862, the increasing magnitude of the Rebellion induced a general observance of the day throughout the North, by public exercises expressive of renewed devotion to the Union. In Bel- fast, one hundred guns were fired, and the national flag profusely, displayed. Business was entirely suspended in the afternoon ; and a public meeting at Peirce's Hall was held, at which Washington's "Farewell Address" was read by the Hon. William G. Crosby, prefaced by appropriate and eloquent remarks.
ADAMS AND JEFFERSON. :
Since the decease of General Washington, on the 14th of De- eember, 1799, the public mind has never been so powerfully affected as by the death of John Adams, on the 4th of July, 1826. The decease of this venerable man acquired a singular interest from the year and the day on which it took place, - the 4th of July
1 Castine Journal and Universal Advertiser.
50
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HISTORY OF BELFAST.
of the year completing the half-century from that ever memora- ble era in the history of the country and the world, the Declara- tion of Independence; a measure in which Mr. Adams himself had taken a distinguished part. The emotion excited by this coin- cidence was greatly increased by the indications given by Mr. Adams, in his last hours, that he was fully aware that the day was the anniversary of Independence, and by his dying allusion to the supposed fact that his colleague, Jefferson, would survive him. When, in the course of a few days, the news arrived from Virginia that Mr. Jefferson also had died on the same day, only a few hours before Mr. Adams, the patriotic sentiment of our community, as of the country at large, was touched beyond all example. The occurrence was justly deemed without a parallel in history. The various circumstances of association and of contrast which marked the characters and careers of these great men, and especially the occurrence of their simultaneous decease on the 4th of July, were dwelt upon with melancholy but untiring interest. The circles of private life, the press, public meetings, and the pulpit were for some time almost engrossed with the topic; and solemn rites of com- memoration were performed throughout the country.1
Belfast participated in sympathy with the whole United States in the extraordinary event, and took the following measures for its observance : -
1826, July 31. A meeting of the citizens was held on Monday evening, July 31, at the Eagle Hotel, for the purpose of adopting suitable measures publicly to testify their respect to the memories of the late venerable ADAMS and JEFFERSON. Hon. William Crosby was called to the chair, and Joseph Williamson, Esq., was chosen secretary. The object of the meeting being briefly stated by Hon. (John) Wilson, it was thereupon -
" Resolved, That the decease of JOHN ADAMS and THOMAS JEF- FERSON, late Presidents of the United States, and signers of the Declaration of American Independence, be noticed by appropriate exercises and solemnities, at such a time and in such a manner as a committee of arrangements hereafter to be chosen shall direct."
" Resolved, That Hon. John Wilson, Hon. Alfred Johnson, Hon. John S. Kimball, Ralph C. Johnson, Joseph Williamson, Thomas Pickard, Esqs., Hon. William Crosby, Col. Daniel Lane, and Col. Philip Morrill be that committee of arrangements."
Aug. 9, 1826. The Committee of the Town of Belfast, ap- 1 Works of Daniel Webster, I. 111.
. 787
CELEBRATIONS AND OBSERVANCES.
pointed for making the necessary arrangements for a Public Pro- cession and a Discourse in memory of the late JOHN ADAMS and THOMAS JEFFERSON, give notice that Thursday, the 10th inst., has been assigned for that purpose, and that Alfred Johnson, Jr., will pronounce a Eulogy on the occasion, at 11 o'clock in the forenoon of the day, at the Rev. Mr. Frothingham's Meeting-house.
A procession will be formed at the Rev. Mr. Soule's Meeting- house, precisely at 10 o'clock A.M., in the following order : -
ORDER OF PROCESSION.
Escort. Band of Music. Aid. CHIEF MARSHAL (COL. D. LANE). Aid. Two Youths, with banners bearing the names of ADAMS and JEFFERSON. Committee of Arrangements. Marshal. Marshal. ORATOR, CHAPLAIN. Marshal. CLERGY. Selectmen of Belfast. Treasurer and Clerk. Selectmen of other Towns. Sheriffs. Members of Executive Council. JUDGES OF COURTS. Clerks of Courts. MEMBERS OF CONGRESS. MEMBERS OF THE SENATE OF MAINE. Members of House of Representatives of Maine. OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS
Marshal. OF THE REVOLUTION.1 Marshal.
BRIGADIER-GENERAL AND SUITE.
Other Officers of the Militia, in uniform.
OFFICERS OF THE ARMY AND NAVY. Instructor of the Monitorial School. Scholars. CIVIL OFFICERS OF THE UNITED STATES. Citizens and Strangers.
1 Thirty-eight officers and soldiers of the Revolution participated in the services. In a card, published in the "Gazette," they returned thanks to the citizens for their hospitable reception, "hereby giving them the parting blessing of that band of aged warriors, larger, probably, than will ever again meet in this part of our beloved country." The names of these venerable men have not been preserved.
788
HISTORY OF BELFAST.
The funeral obsequies in honor of the deceased patriots, Adams and Jefferson, took place in this village on the 10th inst., pursuant to previous arrangements. The procession was formed at 10 o'clock, preceded by a detachment of Captain Hill's company, who escorted the procession to the Rev. Mr. Frothingham's Meeting-, house. During the movement of the procession, minute-guns were. fired and the bell tolled ; the stores and shops of the village were elosed, and the flags of the shipping in the harbor displayed at half-mast. The church was enshrouded in the emblems of mourn- ing. After the arrival of the procession, the exercises were opened with a dirge by a large choir of instrumental and vocal performers.
An impressive prayer was then made by the Rev. William Frothingham, followed by an appropriate Ode written for the oc- casion, and performed with much effect.
ODE. BY WM. GEORGE CROSBY, A.B.
.GREAT God of Israel, 'tis to thee Our votive offerings ascend; Before thy sacred footstool, we, The beings of thy mercy, bend.
Why do yon sable banners wave, And whence this melancholy train .? The gifts thy hand in mercy gave Are taken to thyself again.
A NATION hailed its festal day, And loud the song of triumph sung; But, ere its echo died away, A knell by sorrow's hand was rung ..
Its PATRIARCH FATHERS, even they Who watched it in its hour of birth, Had lived to see the glorious day, And sought to leave the scenes of earth.
The voice went forth: a seraph came, In mercy, from bis bright abode, Caught from their lips the dying flame . And bore it to their father, God!
Our tears have flowed: they flow no more, And hushed is every mourning breath :
Life's troubled dream with them is o'er, -- Theirs is the dreamless sleep of death !
789
CELEBRATIONS AND OBSERVANCES.
The eulogy1 by Hon. Alfred Johnson, Jr., was worthy of the occasion. The exercises were closed with an anthem and prayer, and the procession then returned in the order in which it came to the Rev. Mr. Soule's meeting-house. They were then discharged, and the officers and soldiers of the Revolution (of which there were about forty) were invited to a repast prepared at the expense of the town. The concourse of people was very large; but the cere- monies, notwithstanding the throng and bustle incident to a great multitude, were conducted throughout with the greatest pro- priety and decorum, and reflect much credit upon the citizens of Belfast.
The following letter was received by the committee of ar- rangements, who sent to Bristol to invite the venerable Commo- dore TUCKER 2 to take a part in the exercises of the day :-
BRISTOL, Aug. 3, A.D. 1826.
DEAR SIR, - I received your polite invitation, through the me- dium of Mr. Benjamin Palmer, to attend at Belfast on the 10th inst., to accompany my fellow-citizens in hearing an oration to be delivered. on the occasion of the demise of two of the greatest statesmen and patriots of which our country can boast, Washing- tion excepted ; and I think it meritorious in all our brother Repub- licans to hold it up, as it ought to be celebrated with some degree: of solemnity. I was acquainted with both of the gentlemen for' many years, with one much better than the other, and firmly de- clare they were the two brightest luminaries which brought us. from thraldom into the glorious light which the children of men ought to enjoy throughout the universe, and doubt not in the least but they will both be crowned with a diadem in the celestial mansions, equally as honorable in their blest abode as they merited amongst men here below. Indisposition pleads the cause of my non-attendance, for which I am very sorry. Please to accept of the best wishes of yours to serve, for yourself and of those for whom you write. I subscribe with great respect,
Your most obedient, &c.,
SAMUEL TUCKER.
JOHN WILSON, Esq.8
1. It was, published in the "Gazette," and afterwards in pamphlet form.
2 An express was sent to Bristol for Commodore Tucker, who in the Revolution safely conducted John Adams to France.
8 Gazette. The letter is also published in Sheppard's Life of Tucker, p. 243.
790
HISTORY OF BELFAST.
1830. The inanguration of President Jackson, which occurred on the 4th of March, was celebrated here by the firing of cannon, ringing the bell, and other testimonials of rejoicing.
1840, Dec. 17. The election of Harrison was celebrated by a meeting and a free collation at Phoenix Hall. During the evening, Phoenix Row, then the largest building in town, was illuminated.
1841. Intelligence of the death of President Harrison, which occurred on the 4th of April, reached here by the steamer " Bangor" on the 7th. The bells were tolled ; and, at a public meeting, the citizens made arrangements to observe the national fast recommended by President Tyler. This took place on the four- teenth day of May. A enlogy was pronounced by the Rev. Silas McKeen, at the Unitarian Church, which was draped in black.
1845, June 9. The bells were tolled for an hour at noon, as a token of respect for General Andrew Jackson, who died on the 8th.
1845, Aug. 1. The anniversary of Emancipation in the West Indies was celebrated by an oration at the Unitarian Church, by the Rev. Frederick H. Hedge, of Bangor.
1848, Dec. 22. A celebration commemorative of the landing of the Pilgrims took place at the Head of the Tide. Woodbury Davis, Esq., delivered an address.
1850, July 10. The death of President Taylor was noticed by tolling the bells and firing minute-guns, at noon, on the Common. The "Signal " newspaper appeared in mourning.
1852, July 2. On the reception of the intelligence of the death of Henry Clay, a general sorrow pervaded the community. Both political parties displayed their flags at half-mast. At sunset, minute-guns were fired and the bells were tolled. Similar demon- strations took place October 25, when the death of Daniel Web- ster was announced.
1861, May 27. Senator Stephen A. Douglas died. On re- ceipt of the news here, the bells were tolled.
1865, April 14. The news that President Lincoln had been assassinated turned joy into mourning. The bells were tolled, and on the day of the funeral religious exercises were held at the Unitarian Church.1
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
The one hundredth anniversary of the settlement of Belfast was commemorated at Hayford Hall, on the evening of Dec. 21,
1 See Chapter XI.
791
CELEBRATIONS AND OBSERVANCES.
1870. There was a large attendance, the hall and galleries being filled. The exercises were according to the following pro- gramme : -
1770. 1870.
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
OF THE
SETTLEMENT OF BELFAST, AT HAYFORD HALL,
WEDNESDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 21, 1870.
00
Order of Exercises.
PIANO VOLUNTARY .
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS
PRAYER
By Miss Annabell Baker. . By Hon. W. G. Crosby. By Rev. Mr. Parker.
SONG Pilgrim Fathers.
THE breaking waves dashed high On a stern and rock-bound coast, And the woods against a stormy sky Their giant branches tost;
And the heavy night hung dark The hills and waters o'er, When a band of exiles moored their bark On the wild New England shore,
Not as the conqueror comes, They, the true-hearted, came; Not with the roll of the stirring drums, And the trumpet that sings of fame;
Not as the flying come, In silence and in fear: They shook the depths of the desert gloom With their hymns of lofty cheer.
Amidst the storm they sang, And the stars heard, and the sea; And the sounding aisles of the dim woods rang To the anthem of the free.
792
HISTORY OF BELFAST.
The ocean eagle soared From his nest by the white wave's foam, And the rocking pines of the forest roared, - This was their welcome home!
What sought they thus afar? Bright jewels of the mine? 1
The wealth of seas, the spoils of war? They sought a faith's pure shrine !
Ay, call it holy ground, The soil where first they trod! They have left unstained what there they found,- Freedom to worship God. ..
ADDRESS. . By Joseph Williamson.
HYMN
. St. Martin's.
LET children hear the mighty deeds Which God performed of old;
Which, in our younger years, we saw, And which our fathers told.
He-bids us make His glories known, - .
.His works of power and grace;
And we'll convey His wonders down Through every rising race.
Our lips shall tell them to our sons, And they again to theirs;
That generations yet unborn May teach them to their heirs.
Thus shall they learn in God alone Their hope securely stands,
That they may ne'er forget His works, But practise His commands.
Exercises to commence at 7 1-2 o'clock.
COMMITTEE OF ARRANGEMENTS.
WM. G. CROSBY. NEHEMIAH ABBOTT.
JAMES W. WEBSTER. W. O. POOR.
W. H. SIMPSON. H. H. JOHNSON, Jr.
1 The address was published in the "Republican Journal " of Dec. 29, 1870.
1
VISITORS, DISTINGUISHED AND NOTORIOUS.
793
CHAPTER XLVIII.
VISITORS, DISTINGUISHED AND NOTORIOUS.
The Duke de Liancourt. - General Knox. - Daniel Webster. - General Miller. - Harrison Gray Otis, and others. - Legislative Committee to select Site for a State House. - Mrs. Anne Royal. - Her Description of Principal Citizens. - Invitation to General Jackson. - Second Visit of Webster. - John J. Audubon. - Jefferson Davis. - Stephen A. Douglas. - Congressional Committee to inspect Fortifications.
A N account of the visit of Governor Pownall and of General Waldo in 1759, and of the brief stay of General Wads- worth and of Major Burton during the Revolution, has been given in previous chapters.
In 1794, the Duke de Liancourt, one of the noblemen who escaped to this country from the French Revolution, found a temporary asylum with General Knox at Thomaston, and accom- panied the latter over his estate, proceeding as far as Brigadier's Island. The tour was made in a two-horse carriage, driven by a negro servant. He thus describes this section of the country :-
"Camden was the first stage at which we halted, by the In- dians, and even by its present inhabitants, called Megunticook. At Duck Trap, after a poor supper and an indifferent lodging with Captain Alma (General George Ulmer), who, however opulent, continues to live in a miserable log house, without suitable supplies of bread, rum, sugar, or even flesh, we renewed our journey along a bad road, which was not, however, quite so bad as the roads in the district of Genessee, we soon reached Little River, another small stream running into the Penobscot, which is not more navigable than that of Duck Trap, but like it drives a small saw-mill. A few solitaries dwell about the bay, almost every one of whom is owner of a small fishing-boat, navi- gated, in the fishing season, chiefly by himself and children. Their land lies, like that of their neighbors, totally uncultivated. The whole shore is occupied by such small fishermen.
"The township of Belfast, adjoining that of Little River, is bet-
794
HISTORY OF BELFAST.
ter settled than that through which we last passed. The houses are better, and even in some instances painted. The lands have been brought into a better condition. This territory was sold thirty years ago by the family of Waldo, and its present state of superior improvement seems to evince that the uncertainty of the posses- sion of those who have settled other townships must be the chief reason that induces tliem to leave their lands so destitute of culture. A river, that is at the mouth about a mile broad, but navigable for only three miles upwards, here falls into a creek, much larger than any one we had hitherto seen. We were to pass this river at a place where the access is extremely difficult. The ferry-boat is very small, and for horses very inconvenient. We were wait- ing for it a whole hour, and thought ourselves fortunate in reach- ing the opposite bank, when the wind became boisterous, the tide rose higher in the river, and our horses became unruly. The Gen- eral's negro conducted over two of the horses, swimming. Con- siderable mountains rise immediately adjacent to the bank of the river. These mountains were the highest I had ever seen in this tract of the country. The ground interjacent between them and the river's edge is cleared ; not a stump remained, and the trees lay scattered on the surface. I thought the meadows to be the best I had seen for a long time. In the township of Belfast is a church, the only one in all the Waldo Patent. The roads become here better, because the soil is firmer, and because they are more carefully repaired here than elsewhere." 1
About 1804, Daniel Webster, who had then just completed his legal studies, came to the Penobscot, with a view of finding a location to settle in. He was accompanied by his brother Ezekiel. Having but one horse between them, they "rode and tied," as the saying was ; that is, one rode the horse for a time, and then stopped and tied him, while the other walked on until he reached the tied horse, which he mounted, and rode in his turn until the other came up. Thus they accomplished their journey through Belfast, Pros- pect, and Frankfort, to Bangor. In old times, our ancestors did not consider that the bail of a kettle is no longer when down than when erect, and so built the main road along our coast over the Bluff, Mount Ephraim, and the Frankfort hills. Looking off from one of these steep and rugged ascents, Ezekiel remarked, "I don't know how we can get down here, Daniel; but you take the horse by the bridle, and I will follow on behind, and hold on to
1 Travels, p. 435.
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VISITORS, DISTINGUISHED AND NOTORIOUS.
his tail when he is in danger of tipping over!" Mr. Webster related this anecdote, during his visit here in 1835.
Before the war of 1812, General James Miller, afterwards dis- tinguished in the battles of Chippewa and Lundy's Lane, and the author of the noted answer to General Ripley, of "I'll try, sir," was here as a schoolmaster in search of employment.1
"This season," says the "Hancock Gazette " of July 27, 1820, "has been chosen by many respectable gentlemen for making a visit to this place, among whom we have noticed Hon. Israel Thorndike, Harrison Gray Otis, William Prescott, Samuel Park- man, and David Sears, Esqs., from Boston, and Mr. Professor Ticknor, from Harvard University."
In 1823, a committee of the Legislature, upon locating the seat of government, reported that they had visited Belfast, among other places, and that a suitable site for a state-house was offered there gratuitously.
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