Litchfield enquirer., 1881-06-30
Watertown.

The schools of this town have all closed for the season, three of them on Friday last, each celebrating the event by district picnic. If Nova Scotia district they were all very pleas ant. The teacher of that school had several souvenirs presented by her pupils, one of which caused much merriment. It was a table napkin mounted on wheels. and drawn by " me looking goat, which looked as If he csuld propel at any rates It was quite sug- gestive of the time when teachers had to 'board round, custom more honored in the breach than in the observance. Just before the schools closed the teachers were notified of the intended centennial celebration at Gro- ton, and requested to instruct the pupils orally regarding the event to be commemorated, and it's connection with the revolutionary war. The school histories give so little information on that point, that we resorted to Hollister's History of Connecticut, and from it condensed the following:
 For more than five years Washington and his brave adherents had been fighting to se- cure the Inpependence they avowed, July 4th 1776. The four years succeeding the victory over Burgoyne had been monotonous in one sense, neither army achieving any signal suc- cess Arnold's treachery in 1780, though ter ribly disheartening, was more than counter balanced by Hollands openly espousng our cause soon after. In 1781 series of victories for the Americans in the South culminated in the surrender by Lord Cornwallis of his whole army in October But while these events were occurring, Arnold, familiar with our shore, and knowing our weakness as we'll as strength, was guiding the British into New l London, where was weak fort, which, as well as one on the opposite shore of the Thames at Groton Heights, were under the command of Col. Ledyard. As he had but about 150 men, and Fort Trumbell had no de- l fences on the West side, he spiked his guus and with his men joined the little garrison on the other Shore. But the British were so near, l they captured one boat load and killed seven l men. The invaders numbered 2000. under Gen. Eyre, who. with his second in command fell before the little band were forced to sur- render. The name of the enc who entered the Fort would be thoroughly execrated, only it is sunk in oblivion, but Col. Ledyard's manly reply is familiar to all. Who commands here? ? T did, but you do now ;" as he presented his sword in token of submission. The bntchery of the brave Colonel and his men, after that surrender, was as disgraceful as it was cruel l It appears a monument is in process of con- struction, as we are informed that Congress has appropriated $5, 900 for the improvement and completion of the monument, and $5, 900 toward the expenses for the centennial ccle- bration, September 9th. 1881. Our legislature appropriated $s, 600 also for expenses J.
 The beautiful residence of Buel Heming- way has received a new coat of paint from the brush of Alonzo Seymour.
 -Chas. Bidwell, selectman, and one of our hrst citizens was buried Tuesday afternoon. Rev. Mir. Freeland, of Thomaston, conducted the funeral services. And the long concourse of sorrowing friends that followed the remains to the cemetery, showed the esteem in which | he was held Tn the community.
 l -Wm. Jones raised the frame of a large barn on Nova Scotia, Friday afternoon. The main part is about 70 feet in length, and when completed will be one of the largest in that vicinity.
 Tine hay crep does not bid fair to be very large. old meadows are very light.
 |
 Nova Scotia school, taught by Mrs. Sarah Titus for three successive terms in a manner highly satisfactory to the committee and dis. trict, closed Friday afternoon with picnic. The tables were beautifully supplied with q tempting array of everything desirable in the eating line to which ample justice was done by the adult portion as well as the juvenile element gathered to witness the occasion. Mrs. Titus will remain with her daughter a short time and then will make visit to the West. P