Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1854-01-13
tcoRREsPoSDEScE or THE FREE rREss.l
CHICAGO, Dec IS, 1858


CHICAGO, Dec IS, 1858.
Mr.. EniroB Though it bo somewhat late, per-
haps may not be amiss TO give you short account
of the celebration of Forefathu's Day by the Sons
Of New England" which came of at the fremont
House in this city the evening of the Anniversary
Of the landing of the Pilgrims. Tho day, which is
of more than ordinary interest to n New Engandcr
under any circumstances, particularly SO to the
many natives Of New England who gathered them.
selves together at this pleasant festival No small
fraction of the popuet jon of this thriving city
from within the borders of New England, and felt a
Pride not unminglcd with gratitude in being able to
refer to it as their birth place. New Enganders
lose little of New England however much of the
Western spirit they may drink in. Tho spirit of the
Hast and the West are not altogether antagonistc,
but whom the better elements Of each become united
they work harmoniously and with extreme success.
But to tho festival. There werc an hundred and
fifty more, who with nearly as many ladies par.
took of the sumptuous banquet. A fine band and
Quartotte Club were in attendance to enlivcn the
occasion with music. After the cloth was removed
the President of the Society, Hon. Mark Skinner,
formerly from Manchester, W., made short speech
congratuatng tho old members on the return of the
interesting anniversary which Trough; them again
together and welcoming those who had more recently
come from. the mountains and the valleys of Old
New England to dwell in the " Garden City of the
West" He then proceeded to read tho regular
toasts-as follows -
First The Pilgrim Fathers and Foreta,hers day
Second Mtine-lier fleets on the sea, and her
sos upon the land spread her fame 10 every cline.
Ia lo,l e
closed by giving this sentiment "7h, Pine tree Stat,
Its emblem erect every sea and in every harbor
where commerce is known"
Third regular toast. Nur Hampshre-matchless
alike in the grandeur of her mountains and the
glory Of her sons
This was responded to by native of New IIamp-
shire His remarks was a tribute to the memory OF
Daniel Webster
Fourth regular tonst. Trmont--Though the
youngest of the six NeY England sisters, yet her
history and the character of her children show that
she was not the spoiled chiid.
John A. Jameson, Esq, recently from your place
responded to this sentiment and we're i not for the
great length which it would give this communication
1 should feel inclined to send it to you. am sure
il would please Vermontcrs to read it, it did host
of the to hear it, He closed by giving the fol-
lowing sentiment "Our friends ,itom ue hare ieti
J.hind us-May they long continue to cherish and
keep alive the fires Of liberty upon the hearths Of
New England
The fifth regular toast. observation-disclosures to
our memories than even Lexington, holer ground
than Concord, more sacred than Bunker Hill. She
enshrines Plymouth Rock.
Henry A. Clark, Esq, responded to this toast In
stirring speech and gave in conclusion sold Mas
sachusetts-The heart Of New England and head o
the Union.''
Sixth regular toast. Rhode Islard--Thc smalcs
of the States, but in the enterprise of her sons
modern colossus.
Responded to by r,nouc Islander, who paid .
tribute to the memory of Trstrnm Burgess and CAV,
the sentiment "Tristram Burgess-Thc fearless ant
eloquent defender Of NeH Ergend's rights ant
interests"
Seventh regular toast. Conntciicui-Thc land o
steady habits and the home of free schools whcr
dangers threaten she fears not, for her motto is gu
trd1StLH s,.Stirtt.
Eighth regular toast. The President Of the Unite,
States.
Ninth regular toast. The Army and Nary.
Tenth regular toret. Ih,;oi- The garden pIot o
the Union. cultivated in part by New England son
and New England capital-may she always do justice
to he. gardeners.
Was responded to hy r. 5. Blackwell, Esq..
native born Ilinosian. lie gave the New England
ers not only account of Sucker life in the earl,
history of the State, but n specimen of Sucke
oratory, which surpassed any specimen of Western
cloquence that has found its way into the newspaper
The eleventh regular toast. Our Cny-God pros
per her.
After few volunteer toa,ts were given, the las
regular was read.-OW Railroads.
,
where there was better opportunity for socia
pleasure. Those who were so inclined spent tn,
remainder of the evening in dancing, while other
seemed to take more pleasure in reviving with thei
old friends the "reminiscences of their early homes
Take it all in all i vas pleasant affair ; and on
that is frsughp ah more usefulness than the tempo
rary pleasure that it yielded. And every Ney
Englandcr he left the festival seemed to feel tina
he loved not only New England, but Chicago bette
! for il. ii.