The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-09-22
BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION AT
NORWICH, CONNECTICUT.
:, September 9, 1859,

-, September =, 1859.
TO the Editor Of the National Era:
have Just returned from Norwich, Connect
cut, where have been attending the commem-
oratiGn of the bi-centennial anniversary Of the
settlement of the town. 1t was a most success
ful affair throughout. A volume could hardly
suffice to describe it in detail if, together with
what was said and done, anything like Justice
were done TO the beauty of the town. the blend.
ing of splendid mansions, beautiful grounds.
indications Of industry and wealth, with the
charming scenery, and the brightest and love
hest of sunny skies and moonlight evenings.
1t occupied two days. The invitation was
general to all the sons and daughters of the
ancient town of Norwich, 10 come home and
Join in the commemoration. And the manner
IN which it was responded to, if it could be
equalled, could never be surpassed. The city
was literally filed. Hospitality was unbounded
and nobOdys latch string was drawn in. Presi
dent Fillmore was greeted as a grandson
Chancellor Nalworth was surrounded by beyy
of cousins, whose name was Legion Mrs
Sigourney came back to her native home, and
Ike Marvel brought to the old homestead wit
and poetry and boR-hOmmie enough TO suppl,
even a larger congregation.
Here was the grave of old Uucas. the white
mans friend. Down the river a few miles wa.
the old town of the Pequots and the deeds O
Captain John Mason, whose grave is here. wer,
duly remembered. A few of the Mohegans We
remain here, and multitude, at the dinner
table, were permitted to taste of some genu
inc 70 Cake" prepared by daughter Of the
tribe, and served out of an immense carved
wooden bowl, once the property and gift az tn,
Michigan Sachem.
While good cheer and welcome supplied tn,
cravings OF the appetite, the better feelings o
the heart We're in constant play, and the last,
and intelleets OF the most f;lstidious we're ampl,
provided with a least of reason and a flow o.
soul. On the hrst day there was an exeellen
historical address by Daniel c. Gilman. ESQ
and in the evening an appropriate discourse B,
Bishop Lee, of Iowa, both of which were ~
ceedingly well received.
The remaining programme Of the dav con
sisted of procession of trades and other assn
Citations, two miles in length, through street
decorated with numerous arches aud nage
almost every house and place of business ha,
ing some appropriate device or ornament, an
presenting spectacle of most striking an
beautiful character. This was followed by
general illumination at night, wherein ther
was a competition OF taste and splendor wher
il would be difficult to decide who excelled.
But the second was the principal day, so "a
as public, social, and intellectual entertainer
was concerned. In the morning, an adore,
commemorative of the gallant Captain Masoi
10 whom monument is to be raised, was d
livered by Hon. j. A. Rockwell, formerly
Representative in Congress, and now very favo
abiy known at Washington. 1t was just VIII;
II should have been, and well delivered 1t wa
followed by an address by Donald G.. Mitchell
ESQ, in the hsppiest strain, sparkling with W
and humor, and sustained BY train of beal
fiful and opposite thought.
Then followed dinner and speeches, will
out which q celebration would be as ineomplet