Litchfield enquirer., 1869-02-18
THE PARSONS DONATION.

sT-7 E Last Wednesday evening, thA.weather being mild, We visited the parson, man, woman and child. From hillside and valley, from mountain and glen, We're gathered the ladies, young folks and old men The tables were spread with the richest of cake, And all were invited to freely partake xsx4i of nice coffee and tea, and this splendid collation.. Which freely was furnished for the Parsons donation Tne Parson seemed pleased to his friends there, With abundance for al and something to spare The scene was enliyensd by music and song To greet the glad ears of the numerous throng. enjoyed 1t exceedingly to meet such party M And shake hands with many, right pleasant and hea It seemed so delightful thus happy to meet, And lay by all difference, the Parson to greet,
 To bring of our substance to cheer on his labors, Something from all his kind friends and his some brought him flour, and some brought him meat, Some brought him butter, and some sugar sweet, Some brought him cheese, others brought woods Almost every one brought something twas good sa some brought him green-backs made up in purse, The hat was passed freely to make out my verse, It's contents were counted, which made fine show x Of thrty-two dollars, which was not very slow, Considering the times which are pretty hard, But from giving in good cause we debarred. The purse then counted to see how they'd agree, And found to contain dollars just forty and three. Seventy-fy dollars is no very mean present, And to the of the parson could not be unpleasant When the purse presented before wondering eyes, The parson expressed his most thankful surprise, That his friends from outside should ever intend
 To make up such purse for their clerical friend.
 In words most befttng, he expressed his kind thanks representatives of the the bar and of banks l To every ones calling whate'er it might be,
 When they'd responded 50 liberal, cheerful and free When the crowd that were present he'd finished d dressing, ,s-t He spread forth his hands and invoked Heavens rtcl ! blessing To rest upon all, whether in health or afdiction, l Thus ended the Parsons most kind bensdiction.
 He then stepped aside, and to friend gave beck, l And then introduced OUR old friend Mr. Peck. text from the Scripture he then did repeat, r. That he that won't labor neither shall eat = If he that won't work can ne'er obtain bread, I How can your Pastor labor, unless he is fed
 To meet such happy faces he expressed great delight And with hearty he bade them good night The party broke up and all took their leave,
 In the best of good feeling, as I firmly believe. ~ AS was going, and my leave was to take, found some one had taken my hat by mistake - ,s The lining was blue, and, think something torn, n The hat was not new, but considerably worn. -,,e The one that was left me was greasy wool hat
 No lining in it. and no band ont at that. IT ,.-5.J his keen, searching eye should rest on this letter.
 hope he'll bring my hat back-I think hen do better, the one that has got it, will just let it be known,
 I'll gladly exchange this one for that of my own l. Very respectfully, ~ra, H. BENTON.