The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1843-06-18

rene sky-the majestic figure of the orator, as he
stood silently regarding the colossal column-the
hoary headed band of patriots who occupied the
front seats of the patform-a.l made up scene ne
yer to be forgotten.
After the demonstrations of the feelings of the
vast senblage had been given, the most unbroken
silence followed, and then the great representative
of the nation thus commenced his
GRAFTON.
A duty has been performed-a work of patriot
Ism and OF gratitude is accompllshed-that sruc-
ture having It's broad foundations In soil which
drank deeply of early revolutionary blood, has at
length reached its destined height, and lifts its
summit to the clouds. We are assembled to cele-
brate the accomplishment OF this undertaking. and
to indulge afresh in the gratifying recoectio1s of
the events which 1t is designed to commemorate.
Eighteen years ago-msre than halt the ordinary
duration OF generation OF manklnd-the corner
stone OF this monument was laid. The hope of
those who conceived the design of raising here
structure worthy Of the events it Intended to
commemorate, were founded in voluntary contri-
butions-private munifcence, and general public
favor. Those hopes have not been disappointed
Individual donations have been made, IN some
cases, OF large amount-small contributions by
thousands; and all those who entertain opinion OF
the value OF the object ITSELF and The good attained
by its successful Accomplishment, will cheerfuy
pay their homage of respect to the successive Pres
dents, Boards of Directors, and Committees of the
Corporation which have had the general manage
ment OF the work. The architect, equally entitled
to thanks and consideration will find other re-
wards in the beauty of the obelisk ITSELF and in the
distinction which II cOnfers him, as work of
art. Nor on this occasion should the omission be
made to mention the pralseworthy services of the
builder, who has watched the laying of one stone
upon another, from the foundation to The top. At
time when the prospects of farther progress in the
work were gloomy and dscouraglng, the Mechanic
Association, by patriotic and vigorous effort,
raised funds tor carrying 1t on, and them applied
oil mad eli, . C.l
TO acknowledge on this occasion the worth and eff
Gent effort OF that association. The remaining e.
forts to complete the construction of this edce had
another source. Garlands of grace and elegance
were destined to crown work which had had its
origin In manly patriotism. The winning power of
the SEX, addressed itself to the public and all that
YVES needed to carry this edfce to its proposed
height, and to give it its finish, was promptly sup
Piled. So that the mothers and daughters of the
land haue contributed largely 10 whatever there
may be of elegance and beauty in the structure it.
self, or OF utility or OF public qualification in its &C.
complishment OF those with whom the plan of
erecting this monument orig mated, many are living
and are now present; but alas, there are others
who haue themselves become subjects of monu-
mental inscription. William - (whose sur
name was not distinctly heard) distinguished
scholar, an able writer, most amiable man
allied by birth and sentiment to the pat
nots OF the revolution, died in public
service abroad, and now lies buried IN foreign
land William Sullivan, a name fragrant with re-
evolutionary service and public inertia man who
concentrated in himself, TO great degree the con-
hdence of this whole community-one who was
always most loved where best known-he, too, has
been gathered to his fathers. And, last, George
Blake, lawyer OF learning and eloquence-a man
OF wit and OF taent-cf social qualities the most
agreeable and fasclnating-of gifts which enabled
MN 10 exercise large sway over public bodles-has
closed his human career. | have, thus far, spoken
only of those who have ceased TO be among the
living; but long lite, now drawing towards Its
close-always characterized by acts of public mu
nliicence and public spirit-iormng a character
now become historlcal-sanciied by public regard
and private afiectiOn-may confer even on the liv-
ing, the proper immunity Of the dead, and be the
just subject OF honorable meditation and warm CON
comrpendaon Among the early projectors of this
structure, none more Jealous, none more efficient
than Thomas III. Perkins. (Cheers) II was be-
meath his ever hospltable root that those ! have
mentioned among the dead, and those now
living, have been called toegher for the
purpose took the first step towards the erection
OF this monument. venerable man, the friend
ot us all, whose charity have distilled like the dew
of heaven he has fed the hungry and clothed the
naked and he has given sight 10 the blind. (Re-
newed applause And for such virtue, there is a
record on high, which our humble work, and all
the language OF brass and stone, can furnish only
a poor and distant imitation (Applause) Not
amongst the immediate progenltors of the work
bui oae of its early friends and the first President
OF the Corporation, was the then Governor of the
Commonwealth, General Brookes, who had been
here on the l7th June, 775, and afterwards dstin-
gushed by honorable services IN the Revolutionary
war, and who, throughout his whole liie--a sol.
der without fear, man without reproach. Cloud
applause, and revolutionary hero on the platform
exclaimed while tears trlckled down his turrowed
cheeks, "He was my Colonel y know WELL that
III thus abiding 10 the dead, | cause many tears 10
flow from recoections OF bereavemests too recent
TO be suppressed; bu, such honorable mention is
due to their public and private virtues, aud especl
ally this occasion, Tor their zeal and efforts in
the Accomplishment OF the purpose which has now
reached Its Z iulflment. Time and nature
have had their course in diminishing the
number OF those who were here at the celebration
OF the laying the corner stone OF the Monument Is
years ago, most of the revolutionary characters have
joined the congregation of the dead
Lafayette sleeps IN his native land--yet
the name and the blood OF Warren are here
the kindred OF Putnam, OF Starke, OF Knowlton,
OF McLarie are here. And here too, beloved and
respected, as universally as he is known, and now
venerable himself for his yepTs, Is the OF the
gallant, daring, indomitable Prescott, Cloud end
ihusiasiic cheerng) Aud here too, are some-s
small band-of those who performed military ser
vice on the field on the 18th of June, rs great az
psause)-all OF them now lar advanced in age, WIN
partook IN the dangers and glory OF that memorable
conllict-(cheers) They have outived all the
"