The Republican journal., 1871-07-27
New Books.

| A TYPOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL De
sCRIPrIoN OF BosToN. BY Nathaniel B.
Shurtletf. Boston: Printed by Request OF the
City Council, ISL.
We are indebted to the distinguished
author of this book for q copy. 1t is a
handsome work Of 720 large octavopages,
accompanied by several maps. To say
that we have read it with pleasure, will in
adequately describe the absorbing inter-
est with which its pages abound. Boston
and all that pertains to her history Or her
welfare, must interest every son of New
England. The early history of the local
ity, its progress, the changes in the topog-
raphy, its distinguished men, &c, must
always stir the heart of every genuine
New Highlander. And it is fortunate that
Il gentleman with the means, leisure and
opportunity which the author of this
work possesses, has been found to under
take the task of gathering up and embody-
ing in 4 permanent form the historical
facts, as we'll as those fleeing traditions
which are so interesting and yet 50 soGn
otherwise lost. The author, born in
Boston, and whose half century of life has
been passed in his native city has made
the compilation of this book Il labor of
love. Habits of observing and recording
facts, joined to antiquarian and historical
tastes, with the pen OF a ready writer,
have enabled DR.. Shurtletf TO complete 4
book Of rare interest and value.
With the general account of the settle
ment of the region every reader of history
is familiar, but the author is thorough,
and dates the historical portion from the
earliest landing of actual settlers in 1850,
and carries it forward, touching such
events as are Of local Importance. With
the never failing affection of one to 1.-The
manner born,' the Doctor marks the
changes which successive generations
have made in the streets, buildings, &C.,
giving often absorbing accounts of mat
ters connected with them. The churches
and cemeteries he fingers lovingly about,
as hallowed spots containing all that is
mortal of those who once moved in the
streets and took part in public affairs of
their day. No less than nine chapters are
devoted to the burying grounds of the city.
To show the interest which the pen Of the
author has thrown around these last rest
inc places, we copy the stories which are
suggested by two epitaphs in the old
Granary Burial Ground on fremont
street
one of the most remarkable inscriptions can
be read on the tablet standing over the grave of
Mr.. Elisha Brown, who died in August l 80, ut
the age of sixty-tive years. This person was
an inhabitant of the southerly part of Boston,
and became quite noted in consequence OF COM
inc into collision with the British troops IN lG9
when they held possession OF the town. 1t ap-
pears that his house, very comm0dl0us man
SION was selected as being well adapted for the
purpose OF barracks, and accordingly he was
ordered to vacate the premises for the use OF
soldiers. Whereupon he refused to comply,
and the house was surrounded by he troops,
and kept Ill state Of selge. For seventeen
DAYS Mr.. Brown kept possession Of his house
having barred the windows and doors, beng
sustained by the family stores anu what he
Ey this method he completely thwarted the &C.
signs of the enemy. The inscription Is as fol-
| lows:
| ELISHA BROWN
| VI BOSTON.
who i'll Octr 16y, during : lay
inspired with
Il generous Zeal for the LAWS
braNcV and successfully
opposed Il whole British Rrgt
in their violent attempt
to FORCE him from hi-
1egol HtbHation
| Happy Citizen Wien calcd Singley
| to be a Barrier to the Liberties
! III N CoAtlne1d.
Another stone, which may be seen from the
| sidewalk outside of the yard. recalls Il sad story
| This stone was the last humble memorial which
| Il disappointed and hcart-stricken family mac
| placed over the remains of one Who in an I'M
! lucky and unguarded moment had been un-
timely hurried from this life by the rash and
! melancholy act Of A companion; and which, hS
| all such acts are sure to do. caused lmlneaSurt'
| bic grief and pain to worthy relatives, and re-
| morse and bitter repining to the repentant and
| Short-liyed author of the calamity. 1t stands
rs when first erected, over the grave of poor
| Woodbridge whose ragical end has found III
| able remembrancer in the person of the sexton
| of the Old School.
There are but few who pass by this uno>ten
| fatiouS slab of unprptending slate VINO know
/ tile brief history of Benjamin Woodbridge
/ Ali however, may read the following inScrip
| ton:
THE HoDY or MIR.
BENJAMIN WOODBRIDGE,
son oE THE HONORABLE
DUDLEY WOODBRIDGE ESQ'H
WHO DECD JULY " sd,
1.2S. IN iE 2olIt