Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1859-08-19

liant ing. A like avenue was cut across
, the narrowest place in the point and the
r same kind of redoubt and guard-house
built there. A road was also cut two
, rods wide in direct line from this
avenue to the point. On the 2lst nine
, FOUNDER was brought ashore, and expert
, ment made of its capacity to command
, the river. Placed horizontally it threw
, shot into the channel about half way
across. At certain elevation it threw
. shot across into the woods on the oppo-
site shores.
A,h ough this spot seemed so well
adapted for the purpose, the Governor
would not decide here to built his fort
till he had made further explorations.-
With detachment of 136 men he
asccnded the river May 22d. On the
next day he landed on the East side Of
the river few miles above Bangor
: The History of Maine says the landing
was on the West side, but Gov. Pow
nails Journal, which must be regarded
as unquestionable authority says last"
side. Here he buried leaden plate
with this inscription MAY 23. 1859
Province Massachusetts, Bay, Domin-
ions of Great Britain; Possession con-
frmcd by L. Pownal. Governor. This
in private life would be novel anl
amusing way of obtaining and confirming
the possession of property.
While ashore at this place, Gen. Sam
uel Waldo, who had accompanied the
expedition, dropped down of an apoplexy,
and expired in few moments. He was
man of much distinction the son of
wealthy merchant of Boston-aud the
proprietor of the Waldo Patent. HE
was an accomplished gentleman, active
and enterprising; had enjoyed the advan-
tage of foreign travel, having crossed the
ocean fifteen tines and was an elegant
military officer, tall and portly.'
Gen. Waldo having large landed in.
terest in Maine, was ever watchful to
promote ncr best welfare. He proposed
to give 100000 acres of land, provided
the Government would erect Province
House on the Penobscot. He attended
Gov. Pownal in lis expo di,ion, not, as it
would appear, in an official capacity, but
as matter Of personal interest. The
sudden death of one cmineEtly qualified
to counsel him, must have been deeply
affective to the Governor.
a story regarding the last words of
Gen. Waldo, which, however impressive
and striking, am constrained to regard
as apocryphal, has gained so much GRE
dencc as TO find place in the history of
Maine and sundrY otLer writing. III.
E story is, that having landed with Gov.
!, Pownal a few miles above Blngor,
withdrawing few PAGES he l9oked
. round AMI exclaimed here is my bound
meaning the limit of the Wallo
Patcnt-and instantly fell dead of an
apoplexy." Two circumstances make it
evident that this story is without tounda-
ton first, Gov. Pownal makes no men,
. ton of 1t in his Journal; secondly, and
principally lly-the Waldo Patent did not
extend to the East side of the river; its
limit, therefore, could not be reached on
that side. His death occurred May 23d
ii few weeks before that of his dis
tinsuishcd friend Sir VIM. Pcpperill one
, Of the most useful and hoaoreI men OF
the last century.
The expedition returned to Fort
Point the next day, bringing the remains
of the deceased General. The Governor
} caused a vault to be prepared, and on
the following day at evening May 25,
: 1859, the hero was buried with military
honors and religious services. Upon
! the landing Of the corpse it was received
. by Il guard minute guns we've fired till
it arrived at tie place Of intcrmcnt.-
Upon coming to the ground the
troops under arms formed a circle. -
: Divine service was performed, and a
1 sermon suitable TO the awful occasion
l preached by the Rev. NJ Phillip. -
Three vollics were fired over the grave -
Shall We pause a moment to reflect
upon the imprcssivencss of the scene
On these very grounds stood 400 men
gathered about the remains of man OF
renown, who, far from home and friends
, had been smit.cn down without a mo.
ment's warning. The sun is already de.
chnns and casting its Strengthening
, shadows over the will scenery. Tnt
i birds are warbliug th.ir evening songs
Il Thus In the presence CT august nature
y in her pristine glory, aud under the eye
> OF nature g God, the solemn service pro-
Ieccds. The voice pf prayer echoes from
Il the forest and rolls over the watcrs.-
Words OF instruction and warning ar.
Il uttered by the minister of God, and ar,
. enforced by the providence of God. Tn,
c service being ended, slowly and sadly
II they commit dust to dust, ashes to ash
u es. Perhaps 1t was the first funeral o
White man on the western banks o
this river. Then, aud here was prclch
IS ed the first sermon in what is now " al
d do County. OF its author, Rev Mr.
8 Philips, no further certain knowledge ha
- been gained. We may trust that he wa
a good man, and faithful, and that lii
1t labors were useful to his fellow citizens
It The ashes Of Gen. Waldo, it is sup
IS posed, still sleep here. l do not lear,
II that there is any record Of their removal
n Gov. ownaI. after returning from hi!
r, exploration Of the river, finding no pl c.
= equal to this Point of Passaumkea.
ii for defence" determined here to buill
IT the Fort. He erected the flag staff, ant
h hoisteG the Kings colors with all th
ceremonies usual on such occasions, ad
he. i 1