Litchfield enquirer., 1859-09-22
For the Litchfield Enuuirtr,

E. hglanu GHlceh. Inc dItna at Hartford loses the hea yiest.
 For the Litchield Enquirer. LIE NokWlCH CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
 The celebration at Norwich. on the 7th & stb in tant was in all respects highly credtable affair Providence favored the occasion with delightful weather, and 'ioy and gladness'' beamed in the admiring multitude, which for two days drank in the instructive and interesting words that fell from
 tho eloquent lips of the numerous orators, who gra ced the occasion. Tie town and city wore gala day suit. Like it's predecessor in old Woodbury which it rescmbled in many particulars the cele bration was a perfect success. Two such cclebra tions never before occurred in New England, in a single year. We shall not "see their like again." Eight o. the speakers who were heard at the Woodbury Gel elebraton, were present at this Cele- bration, including the orator. poet, preacher, and the Hon. c. Chapman of Hartford, who so much delighted the assemblage at Woodbury and were in some sort, lookerso on in Venice" enjoying to the full the varied pleasures of the interesting occa sion.
 During the "afcr-dinner'' speeches at the re- freshment tent, Governor Buckingham the Presi- dent of the Day, called out William Cothren, Esq of Woodbury. Ills response, which was nearly as follows, is here given, together with that of Rev. William T. Bacon of Woodbury, sort of advan- ccd sheet from the forthcoming book, which will contain all the sayings aad doings of the Celebla- ton:
 Mr. Presidem:-
 am filled with utter surprise by your summons to address this audience. Not the slightest hint that should be called to speak, has been given me And now, were it not that have high respect for the common law, and long since learned from its authority, that the q King can do no wrong,' aud for still stronger reason, that the Chief Magis | trate of free and independent State caLnot err would instantly engage the services of my friend Colonel Wait, States Attorney for this County, to bring an information against your Excellenry for unprecedented cruelty and oppression both t" aid the wcaried audience before 1 feel, if must speak here, that have right to complain roundy. that reasonable notice was not given me. that might have had time to ftrnsh myself ruth an unpremedtated speech As it is, 1 shall not weary you with speech If any one should desire to | know what would have said, under other circum- stances, will write it out and give it to the report CTS. But whether one has been notified in advance net if he has had the privilege for two days of bcholding your beautiful hills and mountain gorges and of wandering in your shady groves and sweet valleys, and yet does not feel the fire of eoquence burning within him, then he does not possess the qualities which go to make up that gift and he should hold his peace forever.
 As am not native, but merely descendant of your honored town, it might seem that silence l would better become me, than an attempt to speak to the cherished and daughters of the old homestead But, Mr President, you have seen fit to alule to in terms kindly and flattering, and witha so greatly beyond any merit can claim, that should be wanting in gratitude, if neg gect ed to express my appreciation Of the compliment, and my thanks for the honor conferred. While it
 
 fair heritage of hills and wales and waters celebrate the glores of their cherished mother it is scarcely
 less matter of interest to Us, who have from afar to join you in worshippng at the hallowed al tars of your ancient town. We have common in tercst in the proud history, the good name of eve ry part of our common country, and especially of old Connecticut.
 Though was not born in these beautiful, histof-
 c wales of old Norwich, yet they contain the sacred dust of some of my ancestors, who rest among these smiling hills till the resurrection morn, and feel
 lively interest in all that the reputation of your honored town. Another noble New England State contains my birth place, the hallowed associ ations of home, and all the endearing incidents and recollections of early life And yet, love for my adopted State has taken possession of me, not surpassed by that of the native born. Often has my eye kindled, and my heart been warmed with emotion and admiration, as I have traced, at the weary midnight hour, when the world around was locked in the embrace of sleep. the many interest ing and romantic items in the history and character of the Christian fathers in the early days of be- loved State With ther, have I communed in the i" silent night-watches," when there no human eye to see no ear to hear, sound to interrupt the placid fow of tender and ennobling heart-syn- pathies It has nerved the weared arm anew for the battle of life and been balm for many de- spending hour The descendants of Norwich have a proud, historical heritage. We'll may they con template with feelings of satisfaction the wealth of the past
 But am not wanting in ties to bind me to your beautifully sylvan city, peacefully resting among your ancient hills and costly nestling by the fer tile banks of your lovely rivers This is not the first time have claimed your Inequalities Il More than fifteen years ago, while weary invalid in search of health. passed some days within your borders, with esteemed friend and those the first ever spent in the State. May I not then fairly | claim tho good town of Norwich my foster-moth- | CT, and honor and revere her as such
 There is another link in the chain of friendship, | that binds me to the people of these fair vales- Two hundred years ago, the reyercd fathers of Con necticut were forming at one and the same time two colonies to be sent out into the wilderness for the purpose of extending the Church of God-onc from Stratford, and the other from Sayhrook They went forth, bearing the ark of God into the nter- or forests The one took possession of the beauti- ful hills and valleys of my adopted home, and the | l,k