Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1873-02-18
Connecticut in 1914.
BY EDWARD EVERETT.

| was 10 leave Boston early on Monday
morning, Oct. 81, for New York, via
Hartford, journey, at that season OF the
year. OF two very hard days. Early Mon
day morning, really late Sunday night,
messenger was sent round to wake up the
passengers who had engaged seats, and
prepare them to be called for by the stage
coach. which in this case took place lit
tie after midnight. We reached Hartford
without accident, but not till about eleven
o'clock at night. after u most weary days
work of nearly twenty three hours. The
programme OF The route assumed an ar
rival at Hartford at 8 =. NJ, and start
at three o'clock next morning. But we
were allowed but short hour for supper
aud rest. and again started just alter mid
night. On the way TO New Haven, though
with my knees bent to an acute angle by
the baggage on the floor OF the coach, |
was obliged to carry follow traveller OF
about ten years old in my lap. We reach
ed New Haven abou, sunrise. was
ready to drop from fatigue, but intended
to proceed directly to New York. The
friendly remonstrnnceS Of Gen. David
Humphreys, whom met on the steps OF
the inn, induced me to stop at New Ha-
ven, where passed a most agreeable day
under his friendly guidance. The Cen
eral is well known in connection with our
Revolutionary and early literary history.
lie was one ol peotical school formed
in Connecticut at the close of the Rcyo-
luton, consisting, beside himself, OF Bar
low, Trumbull aud Dwight, who possess
cd great contemporary popularity which
postelity has not ratified. Gen. llumph.
reIs attained some political distinction.
He was the minister OF the United States
at Madrid, l704--lS04, and was interest
ell, believe, in the earliest importation
of merno sheep into the United States
His winter residence was in Boston; uut
his farm, think, WAS in Connecticut
His accomplished wife was the daughter
OF the English Consul ut Lisbon.
On the occasion oil this hasty visit TO
New Haven, had the good fortune to
make the acquaintance of Prof. Silliman,
already greatly distinguished among men
of science in this country, and still, nj Il
venerable age, (1Sjj) enjoys the respect
OF thousands OF his pupils in every part
of the country Few men have done as
much for the promotion ol natural science
in this country. inspected with him the
splendid collection of minerals belonging
to Col. Gibbs, and deposited by him in
the cabinet OF Yale College, OF which ii
has since becoae the property. | had
understood Il know not how truly that
Col. Gibbs had offered to deposit it in the
cabinet at Cambridge on certain moder-
ate conditions Tor its preservation. which,
however, were not accepted
With feeling of vexation at this cir.
cumslance, observed half pettishly to
Prof Sillmau that was glad we had lost
it: it would teach us . lesson for the fu-
tulc. He cleyerly aud pleasantly replied.
Then we are both suited. You have the
moral lesson, and we tho instruction in
science, which Is what we value it for"
| also had the happiness OF making the
acquaintance OF very eminent person
who will ill q bright page in the academ-
ic and professional history Of New Eng
land. mean Pres Dwight. man Of
brilliant talent, untiring industry, and
great force of character He united in
his own person, in connection with the
college, several offices president, college
preacher, and, think, professor oil rhet-
oric) each of which was task for IN
able man-and discharged the duties of
all OF them with distinguished success and
credit. This was the more extraordinary
as his eyesight had for q long time been
so impaired that he was obliged to en-
ploy an amanuensis. His personal ap'
pearance was imposing, his manners
somewhat lofty but gracious, his smile
peculiarly pleasing. lie was especially
distinguished as conversationalist. At
dinner. at Gen. Humphreys lodgings, he
took the lead, dlating with much colo
quial eloquence upon a remark in DR..
Douglass history, that the "people Of
Connecticut manage their affairs wisely"
II were to except TO the justice of this
remark, il would be in reference to Yale
College, the great ornament of the State,
to which neither the government nor the
people of Connecticut have manifested
the liberality which it so richly deserves,
l cannot call people wise which neglects
to foster such an institution. Upon the
whole, however, it must be allowed that
DR.. Douglass encomium is well deserved.
As took leave of the president, after a
call at his house, he courteously accom-
panied me to the gate before his door,
and stood for some time uncovered in the
open air, OH the first Of November, /
cautioned him against exposure; he said
that his health was so good he ran no
risk; that he could stand in the open air