The Portland daily press., 1882-12-25
seemed SO Indifferent to the efforts on the part
of the tutors in their behalf.

seemed so Indifferent to the efforts on the part
of the tutors in their behalf.
HON. wM. GooLD.
Hon. VIM. Goold said: doubted the expe-
diency of mingling my congratulations with
those of the gentlemen who have had the priv
ilege of study under the instruction of our dis
tinguished guest; but when / considered that
the idea of his celebration, and the movement
to carry it out, originated with myself !
thought that perhaps some remarks might be
expected from me.
have Iotted down some "reminiscences of an
excursion of our society which may call up
pleasant memories in the mind of our guest,
and perhaps of some others present.
My lrst acquaintance with our honored
guest was made under very favorable circum-
stances. AT the annual meeting in 1870 the
society decided to make an excursion to York
county, commencing at old York, the ancient
shire town and metropolis, when York county
included the whole territory of Maine. Sever
al OF the prominent historical men of Massa-
chusetts were invited to join in the field work.
Those who accepted and attended, as far as 1
now recollect, were Mr.. Charles Deane, the
secretary of the Massachusetts Historical Soci
ETY., and Mr. Chas. W. Tuttle, whom we all re-
member with pleasure. They were both ma
uves OF York county. Mr.. John FL. Sheppard
OF Boston, also native of Maine, and Mr..
Frederick Kidder of Melrose. OF the Maine
society, were several who have now passed
away Hon. Judge Bourne, then president,
who was joy in himself in any company,
President Woods, DR.. Ballard and Col. BEN
son, all Of Brunswick Mr.. Bernard G. Baily
of Bath, and Mr.. John A. Poor of Portland.
These of our society are now no more; what
an array of genial gentlemen of historical
taste and talent OF the living members, and
senior of them all in membership and in years,
but Judge Bourne, was our guest Of this even
ing. 1t was there that met him for the first
time.
The first gathering of the party was at York,
and nobly did her citizens acquit them
selves. The first day was devoted to
the usual August celebration of the landing of
the Popham colony in 1907. The second day
was spent in looking over the old town, and
the objects and places of historical interest,
which are numerous. The third day we were
taken in carriages to Kittery. first heard
our present guest speak in an admirable brief
address, returning the thanks of the party to-
Mr.. Brown, who owned and occupied the
Sparhawk house, built in 1742, by the son-in-
law of Sir VIM. Pepperell, for his polite atten-
ton during visit to that elegant relic of the
old-time mansions of the state.
AT the meeting in the evening Professor
Packard represented the Historical Society in
an address to the people thanking them for
their generous hospitality. At the collation. at
the residence of Rev. Daniel Austin, 1 think
President Woods spoke for the guests present
Since then Mr.. Austin has passed away. Mrs.
Austin, think, was an English lady, and had
inherited the splendid furnishings of an Eng
lish mansion, including a large quantity of
silver table ware. The table for our entertain
ment was set out entirely with silver and an
tique porcelain. Mr.. Austin occupied an an
cient house on the shore of Piscataqua. He
and his wife had tried to make it as attractive
as possible, and had succeeded. No wonder
that they took pleasure in showing it. Yonder
two PANELS with landscapes were then a part
OF the furnishings of that house. They origin
ally ornamented the residence Of Governor
Hutchinson in Boston, which was sacked by
mob during the stamp act troubles in 1765 On
learning their history from Mr.. Austin Pro-
lessor Packard took great interestin examin-
ing them. 1t was probably this interview that
prompted their owner to present them to our
society. The party We're in the evening taken
across the river to Portsmouth in navy yard
steamer, rendered by the commandant, when
we became the guests of the New Hampshire
Historical Society, and were entertained at a
breakfast next morning. Those who slept at
the Rockingham House / am sure will not for
get it. The three days occupied in that excur-
sion will ever remain a bright spot in my
memory. The browning work of Professor
Packard's life is his History of Bowdoin Col
lege. His "reminiscences of its founders and
the first board of its government, include
nearly every prominent man of the then dis
trict OF Maine. Those notes could not be fur
nished by any other living person. He lis VEN
cradle not only for his age, but also for his
works, for his genial manners, and his uniform
kindness of heart.
at the request of her father, Mrs. Abba
Goold Woolson sent from her home the follow
ing sonnet: