The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1860-10-24
From the Boston Bee, Oct ..
THE SOLE SURVIVOR OF THE Bat
TIE OF BUNKER HILL.

fought IN the famous battle Cl bunker Till.
He comes now, at the extraordinary and
consecrated age of one hundred and five
years. to receive the honors and kindness,
the congratulations and contributions Of
our people and also, what is Of more in-
terest, and what will move his noble heart,
to visit the sacred and patriotic scenes of
other days. Blessings on the venerable
head of this old man, Bcnedictions on
his white hairs and furrowed cheeks, May
his pilgrimage to the battle. ground where
he once fought the good fight for his coun-
try's rights and liberties be one that shall
brighten, lengthen. and make joyous his re-
naming days,
1t is goodly and inspiring sight to look
upon one who has lived in another century,
has seen three entire generations come and
60 off the stage Of life and within the span
Of whose career the world has seen some of
its grandest and most significant events,
A whole century. To have lived SO long
is wonderful in itself; but now, at the ex-
traordinary age of los, to be so compara-
lively hale and hearty, this is wonderful in
deed Few members of the human family,
in modern times, reach such an attitude of
years.
At short and informal seance given
yesterday afternoon, at the Revere House,
in his room, which is ON the story with the
ladies' parlor, Mr.. Farnham appeared like
an ordinary man of seventy-not year
older He sat in a rocking chair with
arms. and maintained an erect posture all
the time. conversing with freedom and in
telligence.
He shook hands cordially with those who
were presented to him, ard was evidently
glad to see all who came. The only draw
back in talking with him is little deaf
ness; but this difficulty is slight. and is al
most forgotten after the conversation is Of
a few moments duration His eye is bright
and his step elastic. We know many young
men in Boston 0! twenty-five who ought to
envy his light and agile tread.
Mr. Farnham has Websteriau look
His forehead is broad and full, his mouth
is somewhat extended, and his cheeks,
though ileshy. are furrowcd, as may be ma
turally supposed. His general appearance
is that of man in health, though he is
not without the unmistakable in6rmities Of
age. His countenance is expressive. and
the whole man full of interest. In looking
upon or conversing with him. one feels as
if in the presence of an extraordinary be.
ing, so grave and ancient and venerable is
his personnel, and the associations which
are sure to fill the mind
We have alluded to his conversational
power. He talks freely and intelligently
His memory is tenacious, but more so in
relation to matters fifty years ago than o.
recent date. Of the stirring events and
leading personages that preceded. attended
and followed the engagement on Bunke,
Hill he is entirely if not wonderfully ia
miliar In this respect he yesterday sur
prised several who were we'll read in the
event referred to. He is full of anecdotes
of Washington, Putnam, Prescott, Warren
and other patriot, heroes of the Revolu
tion. "Old Put" he describes as &c,
rough old fellow, but brave as lion. an,
fraid of nothing nor nobody but of Wash
ington he says: There are no such mel
living in these days" The following ex
tract from letter describing the veteran
manner of life, as it now is and has bee
from his youth upward, may be read wit
advantage by fast young Americans Of thi
generation:
His habits are very regular. Summe
and winter he retifes at I p. NJ and riss
at five. He eats heartily, steps firmly an
sleeps soundly, and, to all appearance, ma
yet live several years. He joined til
church eighty years ago, and is very n
ligous man. He spends much Of his tim
in reading his Bible, which be can rea
with ease, with the aid of q pair Of spect;
cles which belonged to his mother and a,
16O years old. In fact he is in possessic
of all his faculties, save that he is Athlete
with slight deafness. but not such as
render conversation with him an arduo1
task"
In his letter accepting the invitation
visit Boston he states that he was lS yea
of age when he enlisted in the Americ:
army. and adds:
"It seems strange that, out of all vi
were at Bunker Hill, l alone should
living 1t appears to me, though so lo1
o ago. as if it was but yesterday. can 1
: membe. the particulars of the march aft
l enlisted-hOw the people cheered, ar
!, when near Andover, Col. Abbot came Q
: and said, Well done, my la s. and Sc
out cider and grog in pals. We got
Cambridge the day before the battle.
it was terrible affair to me, for it was t
first time ever engaged in fighting.
served with the army through three ca
paigns. and was present on guard wh
!. Burgoyne surrendered. l don't think
If deserve any special praise for the par
took in the Revolution. l felt and ac'
n like others"
4 He is accompanied by his son and VI
IL y and also a nephew, Mr.. Walls. The $
who is sixty.four years old, bears strik
" family resemblance !; is. in fact, "a chiT
u the old block" besides being please
IS, genial. courteous, intelligent man.
ID wife is a quiet, reserved, neatly dressed