The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1860-10-26

inc SOAo survivor OF the Battle OF
Bunker Hill.
HALF AN HOUR WITH MR.. FARNHAM, WHO
FOUGHT IN THE BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL
how He LOOKS, WHAT HE SAYS, AND HOW
HE SAYS 1T. .En
From the Boston Bee, Oct Q. -
We chronicled in our evening editions the
arrival in Boston, yesterday afternoon, at
two o'clock, Of Mr.. Ralph W. Farnham,
who fought in the famous battle of Bunker
Hill. He comes now, at the extraordinary
and concecrated 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 interest,
and what will move his noble heart, to visit
the sacred and patriotic scenes of other days.
Blessing on the venerable head of this noble
old man. Benedictions on his white hairs
and furrowed cheeks. May his pilgrimage
to the battle ground, where he once fought
the good fight for bis country's rights and
liberties, be one that shall brighten, lengthen
and make joyous his remaining days.
1t is goodly and inspiring sight to look
upon one who has lived in another century,
has seen three entire generation come and
60 off the stage of life, and within the span
of whose career the world has seen some of
its most significant events. A whole GEN.
fury! To have lived so long is wonderful
in itself but now, at the extraordinary age
of one hundred and five, to be so compare
lively hale and hearty, this is wonderful
indeed Few members of the human family
in modern times, reach such an altitude of
years.
At short and informal seance given yes.
terday afternoon at the Revere House, in
bis 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 rocking chair with
arms, and maintained an erect posture all
the time, conversing with freedom and intel
ligence.
lie shook hands cordially with those who
were presented to him, and were 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
almost forgotten after conversation of
few moments duration. His eyes is bright
and his step elastic. We know many young
men in Boston of twenty five who ought to
envy his light and agile tread.
Mr.. Farnhamh as Websterian look. His
forhead is broad and full, his mouth is
somewhat extended, and his cheeks, though
feshy, are furrowed, as may be naturally
supposed. His general appearance is that
of man in health, though be is not without
the unmistakable infrmties of age. His
countenance is expressive, and the the whole
man full OF interest. In looking upon or
conversing with him, one feels as if in the
presence of an extraordinary being, so grave
and ancient is his personnel, and the associ-
ations which are sure to fill the mind.
We have alluded to bis conversational
powers. He talks freely and intelligently.
His memory is tenacious, but more so in
relation to matters fifty years ago than of
recent date. OF the stirring events and
leading personages that preceded, attended
and followed the engagement on Bunker
Hill he is entirely if not wonderfully fa-
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 patriotic heroes of the Revolution.
"Old Put" he describes as "a rough old fel-
low, but brave as lion, and afraid of
nothing nor nobody" but of Washington,
he says: "There are no such men in these
days." The following extract from letter
describing the veterans " manner of life,"
as it now is, and has been from his youth
upward may be read with advantage by fast
young Americans of this generation
ellis habits are very regular. Summer
and winter be retires at 7 P. NJ. and rises at
5. He eats heartily, steps firmly and sleeps
soundly, and to all appearances may yet live
several years. He joined the church eighty
years ago, and is very religious man. He
spends much of his time in reading the
Bible, which he can read with ease with the
aid of pair of spectacles which belonged to
his mother and are l60 years old In fact
be is in possession of all his faculties, save
that he is afflicted with slight deafness,
but not such as to render conversation with
him an arduous task"
In bis letter accepting the invitation to
visit Boston, he states that he was eighteen
years of age when be enlisted in the Ameri.
can army, and adds {:
at seems strange that out of all who
were at Bunker Hill alone should be liv-
ing. 1t appears to me, though so long ago
as if it was but yesterday. can remember
the particulars of the march after enlisted
how the people cheered, and when near
Andover Col. Abbot came out and said,
well done, my lads and sent out cider and
grog in pals. We got to Cambridge the
day before the battle. Oh, it was terrible
affair to me. for it was the first time l ever
engaged in battle. served with the army
through three campaigns, and was present
on guard when Burgoyue surrendered. l
don't think deserve any special praise for
the part l took in the Revolution. felt
and acted like Others"
He was accompanied by his son and wife,
and also by q nephew, Mr.. Walls. Theson
who is sixty-four years old, bears striking
family resemblance; is. in fact, "chip Of
the old block" beside being a pleasant,
genial, courteous, intelligent man. His wife
is quiet, reserved, neatly dressed lady, and
is evidently worthy and sensible woman.
The old hero is attended by afectionate rel
atives and we are quite sure, is surrounded
by city of 1000 friends, for who can
be elses His age, his service, his good life,
all claim honor, esteem, affection. O ~
Last evening Mr.. Farnham retired at an
early hour and received no visitors. He
will receive his friends at the Revere House
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