Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1859-10-07
A SURPRISE.

Any body, who knows the Superintendent
of tho State House, will also know that he is
not easily to be surprised, by any body or
any thing. But it has been done--charm-
inely done. The night was darn, 80 that no
promonitory symptoms could be seen outside
and, as further prccaution, neighbor was
sent to entertain, or detain. the Supcrintcn-
dent by cali a, his room. Then band of
sturdy fellows pressed boldly in, without ask
ing even leave for the intrusion, and when
they had surrounded their victim and barri-
cadcd the door, THEY PUT CHAIN oN TO
HIM! Yes--and without a warrant, without
an officer or person legally authorized, and
without the slightest regard to the habca'
corpus act or, we had almost written. Of the
liquor law itself 1t is fact
The perpetrators Of this extraordinary act
knew that an explanation or apology would
be required and therefore they put forward
the tallest Of them to give il. twas SAMUEL
CAMPBELL, formerly a member Of the Legs
lature, but for two years past employed in la
ccsssors in that office. To make it short,
Campbell told Powers that he had been chain
ed for his good-and for good, into the bar
gain. and in a double sense at that the chain
was his, and to be kept as such-aud it bad
been bestowed for his good services as Super
intendent, for his good qualities in all his re-
lations to the donors as employees and for his
good services in the cause of Temperance.
Powers ,cas surprised: we could see it in
wrinkles of the eyes, ttcmors Of the lips and
swift RAINING smiles chasing each other over
the face and be said he was SURPASSED, and
gratifed. and gratifed the most because those
who now gave him their approval we're the
very persons who best know his conduct.
And this was better than speech it was
natural, unaffected. true.
The chain is watch-chain of gold,-heavy
Of excellent workmanship, aud as beautiful
as it is valuable, The slide has on ono side
an engraving of the new state-housc, and on
the reverse suitable inscripton--both ex-
quisi,ely done. 1t is from the jewelry estab-
lishment of A. a. MEAD of this village, and
is in the highest degree croditable to it.
The following letter will show that Doct
Powers is perfectly rcconciled to this chas-
tisement though not to one of another kind :
VERMONT CAPITOL,
SUPPLEMENTARY Orr1cE
Montpelier, Oct 3, 1850
To Mcssrs. CLArLE. sAywAuD, CAMPBELL, RmtrY
and others
Gonticucn For the very generous gn which, in
your Kindness you have been pleased to bc,iow upon
evidence you say Of your respect and your APP
probation Of my services Superintendent uf Consuc-
ton Of the Capitol YOU will please accept the thanks o
grateful heart. And | cannot permit the occasion
wholly to pass without more suitable acknowledgment
Of my gratitude than that which given on the eve
ming Of It's presentation can assure you. gentlemen
that this valuable token Of your esteem conferred upon
while in the discharge II difficult and arduous duty
and after an intimate association with many Of you frou
the commencement Of the work, that is now rapdl,
approaching its close, till the present momcut--a pcro,
Of nearly three ycrs,and with most vivid recollection
Of the fiery ordeal instituted scarcely tive, cmonh snc
by the friends of bad rum aud of worse reputation. throu
which hadhardy dared hope for safe delivery come
at time when such evidence Of the kind regards
those, who by their skill and by their fhflucss to ia
interests Of the State have contributed much
the erection Of the beautiful structure which all refine
and cultivated tastes must so much admire, andin whic
every citizen Of the State might feel just pride
the property Of the Commonwealth will be duly apprc
ciated and hope properly Acknowledged.
To me it will be treasure Of great prico--conyeyiu
J
Of the manner in which have performed the laboriou
task committed To my charge and though its intrins
worth is hy means nconsdcrable, vet to me it has
far higher value than be measured by gold IN
very gratifying fact, Of which you il is
donco is in striking contrast with the long pent maic
against me- which was recently uncorked by cleric,
hands for no higher purpose than the qualification Of
revcngfu spirit, becoming only 20 those who acy
parcpators in stirring up the unpleasant and unprof
| able strife,
To merit your appreciation, Gentlemen, while in the d
charge Of duty which is by means free from difcu
tics and weghty responsibilities, aud 10 receive
evidence Of it the precious memorial with which You
recently suTpriled me, Is satisfaction which language
too feeble 10 describe can assure yon that such pkc
at such time, fills with gratitude and will furnish
with Il defence against the future assaults which wi
doubtless IN due time again be hurled at me by the
blind and heartlcss faction that so recently met with suc
a signal rohukc, when, in their thirst FOR yrngcnnc
they had counted upon certain victory the coming g
~ OF their mischicNous schemes.
As work of art you may well be proud Of the gin .
as token Of your respect and confidence II will long
in the proud asiactou of having won the cscc
Of those who know how properly 10 appreciate the unit
ing efforts that have been made under multitude Of cu
barrassmonts produce odiice that should at lea
be croditablo to those by whose generous 1t b;
been reared.
] am yours with great respect