The weekly Minnesotian., 1854-07-22
Frum the Boston TRANSCRIPT. June 2S.

MODEL BABY.-There was only one baby
among the members of the late excursion party
up the Mississippi to the Falls of st. Anthony.
That baby was only six months old "a son of
Henry Farnam, Esq, the engineer of the Chi
cago and Rock Island Railroad When the
baby was first brought on board the Golden
Era, some of the company shrugged their
shoulders and others said "humph!' One
crusty old bachelor muttered, "we NAV look
out for squalls now" and young man with
mustaches, who passed for a wit, sighed for the
days of good King Herod. The baby meanwhile
looked about and crOwed little and then uui-
city entertained himself with sucking his fist,
Well, from the time we left Rock Island on
Monday evening till We returned on the follow
ing Saturday, not cry or the suspicion of CRY
was uttered by the baby. He was indeed a
charming little fellow = always bright and
placid, and ready to meet halfway those who
were disposed to be attentive. OF the sensa-
tlon of fear he seemed to be utterly ignorant.
He would go to the arms of a rougn old back
wOOdsman as readily as to those of the beauti-
ful Miss W. or Miss j.; and remain contcnted
away from his mother or nurse, till fearful that
he was giving trouble they would come in search
Of him. But instead of giving trouble, he
seemed to be doing more than anybody else for
the general entertainment. 1t was frequently
proposed to pinch him to see if he could cry :
and in one instance the experiment was tried
without success. The features of the gruff old
bachelor, who had looked SO austerely at first
on this infant phenomenon, would now relax as
he came in sight, and he at last vcntured upon
the experiment of taking him in his arms, and
found to his delight that the baby maintained
his good character even in his inexperienced
embrace.
The general satisfaction at the baby's unpar-
allelled behavior at length manifested itself in
substantial form. 1t was resolved to get up a
testimonial. A subscription was put in circu-
lation for gold cup, to be presented as token
OF the admiration and esteem of the passengers,
who when they reflected how much a CRYING
baby might have detracted from their enioy-
ment, liberally opened their purses and sub
scribed the handsome sum of $500. A formal
presentation of this offering was then made.
Mr. Rockwell, late member of Congress from
connecticut, was deputed to address the baby.
Ihis he did in the presence of the assembled
passengers the baby meanwhile being held in
his mothers arms and always jumping and
chuckling at the right place in Mr.. Rockwell's
speech.
The speech, which was q capital one. and
cnunciated with due gravity and dignity, was
followed by reply from Professor Twininr, of
New-Haven, the baby medium on the occasion
ana who spoke in the little fellows behalf in
admirable style, now witty and now beautiful,
Tor upwards Of five minutes. Both speeches
were much enjoyed and applauded. Ex-Presi-
dent Fillmore was appointed to prepare an in
scrlption for the gold cup, a task which he ac-
compiished with his accustomed good tas te ::
ana Mr.. Rockwell was appointed to purchase
the cup.
Thus ended one of the pleasantest little cpl
hodes OF the great excursion - one that must
be always remembered with pleasure by those
VINO witnessed it, and especially by the parents
oi the child who SO early in life won SO solid
marx oi the appreciation of his seniors.
One OF THE SPECTATORS