The Portland daily press., 1862-07-31
Letter from Brunswick.

BRUNSWICK, July 49, 1862.
To the Editors of the Daily Press The
patriotic rally in McLellan's Hall, on Friday
evening last, was one of the most spirited and
string meetings ever held in Brunswick
Young and old, citizens and students, all join
ed as one man, in the hearty and determined
support of the government and the admins
tration. Mr.. w. w. Merrill, a graduate of the
college of the class of 81, and who is now re-
cruiting here for the Seventeenth Regiment.
was called to the chair.
Hon. Charles j. Gilman, announced as the
first speaker for the evening, addressed the
meeting at some length in a very able and elo-
quent manner. Among other points was his
interesting and encouraging presentation of
the financial aspect of our affairs, showing that
the country had nothing to fear in that direc-
ton.
Prof. Chamberlain was then called upon, and
responded in a characteristic address, which
left not much doubt as to what he thought and
felt in the present crisis.
Prof Whittlesey followed in a beautiful and
patriotic speech, as was to be expected OF one
who enters heartily as he does into the
cause of the country, and who is ready to do
his whole duty on the platform or on the field.
most interesting feature of the occasion
was the string speech of the venerable John
O'Brien, the only surviving member Of the
first graduating class of Bowdoin College,
His well known character, his vigorous APP
pearance, and the fervent, enthusiastic and al
a. 4.
country's future, combined to produce the
most thrilling effect upon the audience. He
concluded by saying, "The way for man to
do his duty, is to do it, No matter if he gets
bullet through his heart, that wont hurt him
any. God grant that might thus die--in the
act of duty
Rev. Mr.. Ballou was called upon, and made
an appropriate an earnest speech.
Mr.. Magrath, of the senior class of the col
lege, addressed the meeting in few hearty
and fervent words.
The Durham Band very kindly attended, Of
fering their services for the OCCASION and lent
the inspiration of several patriotic airs to the
influences of the hour.
The meeting was adjourned to this evening,
when no doubt it will be followed up in a sim
liar spirit. Men are enlisting fast, and we are
in no fear of draft here. Our quota will
doubtless be filed by Saturday.
There was a Prize Defamation by the
Sophomore Glass of Bowdoin College last
evening, in DIR. Adams church, before bril-
liant assembly, and under the most favorable
influences. The speakers gave evidence of the
careful training they have received from Prof.
Briggs, who has charge of the instruction in
eloeution. Considering that this was the first
public college exhibition in which the young
men had taken part, they certainly showed a
self-possession and gracefuiness of movement
quite remarkable. You will learn the name of
the speakers by copy of the order of exer
cises which | send enclosed Portland was
well represented, both in numbers and the
quality of the speaking. The prize was equal
ly divided between Charles L. Libby of Port
land, and William II. Pearson of Newbury-
port.
The music on the occasion was by the Port
land Band, and was of much finer quality than
we usually hear at exhibitions.
Inc annual college, EXAMINATIONS are now
going on. The Junior Glass all receive their
''Senior Tickets" to-day. The class is one of
unusual talent and scholarship. Commence
ment is near at hand. / enclose programme
of the exercises of the week, to which howev-
err should add that the Baccalaureate Adj
dress will be given by Prot. Packard next
Sabbath afternoon, and will doubtless be a
very interesting discourse, not alone to the
graduating class, but to every graduate; as
DR.. Packard has been so long connected with
the college, being now the senior Professor,
and commands in so high degree the respect
and esteem of every son of Bowdoin.
19@It is said that the Governors of New
York and Ohio viii commence drafting i'm