Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1886-01-11
AN EX.LEGIsLATOB
Writes an Interesting Letter 81 Bsainis-
cemco.

The following interesting communication
from Hon Mark H. Dunnell Of Minnesota,
well known in this State. vas received toe
late to publish during the reunion, and vs
give it space in our columns nov.
OwAroSNA, MINI. Jan. l. 1886.
Hon. j. MANCHESTER HAYNES:
Dear Sir:-I profoundly regret that find
myself unable 10 be At the reunion of the
members aud ex-menbers of the legislature
and the executive department Of the State OF
Maine, to take place At Augusta the present
week.
Ny first visit to the hall Of the House o:
Representatives was - . delegate from Bux-
ton, York county, to the whig State conven.
ton, held in 1913. The convention was emf
nently stormy. The struggle was between
the friends of Webster and Taylor. Pitt
Fessenden led the former and Edward Kent
the latter. Most Of the speeche. we're made
on the tops of desks. Kent won, and Fessen-
den became intensely mad. George Ge,ch-
ell. Samuel P. Benson. Henry w. Pavne,
VIM. II. McCrillis. Abraham Ssnborn. Isaac
Reid and many others whom could mention,
were active members Of the convention.
In January, 1884, entered the hall a. the
representative Of Paris, Hebron, Milton and
franklin Plantations. Noah Smith, Jr.. va.
elected Speaker and John ]. Perry, clerk.
There then began the memorable struggle
OF four weeks to organize the legislature
whig side and Lot NJ. Morrill, on the demo-
cratic side of the House. The wings were il
the minority as were the democrats. This
was the breaking up period. There we're va
rious party names in use There were wings,
democrats, temperance wings, Morrill, demo-
Gratis, ramrods, rnmmies, wildcats, woody
heads. free-soilers, sbolitionists and silver
grey wings. The democrats had the Senate
at the start and the fusionists the House.
When the legislature was organized it elected
Fessenden to the United States Senate, and
VIM. G. Crosby as Gov. John NJ. Wood,
Charles j. Gilman, John S. Abbot, Henry X
Baker, John b. Hill and Geo. w. Ingersol
we're among the leading members of the
House.
In Jan. 1855, l was senator from Oxford
county, with James Walker for colleague.
recall Mr.. Willis from Cumberland, George
Downs from Washington, Henry P. Torsoy
from Kennebec. Henry H. Body of Cumber-
land, John f. Scammon and John N. Good
win of York. James G. Blaine for the Ken
nebec Journal reported my maiden speech in
the Senate. Franklin Muzzy was the Presi-
ucut. lie tHlEly-oHe NehEs are gone anu
taken with them large majority Of the men
who then legislated for the State. In April
1885, | was appointed State superintendent
Of common schools by Gov. A. P. Morrill,.
In Jan. 1856 was removed by Gov. Wells.
In Jan. 1857 l was again appointed by Gov.
Hamln, and held the office till Jan. 1860
The reunion would give me special pleas
ure. The twenty-tSo years now spent in the
West would greatly add to the enjoyments Of
the occasion in my old native State.
should expect to meet Hannibal Hamin
whose eminently useful and upright public
life has given honor to the State; James G..
Blaine, now resting from his distinguished
public career; Arson P. Morrill,, whom all
delight to honor and VIM. w. Thomas, the
honorable citizen OF Portland. should hope
to meet once more, William Lowell. Henry
X. Baker, Ghas. J. Gilman. Josiah H. Drum
mond, Sidney Perham, John L. Stevens,
David Dunn, Judge Virgin, Judge Walton,
Judge Bonney, Gov. Robe, Col. Adams,
Col. Wentworth. Col. Stone, F. A. Pike,
Washington Gilbert. Ephraim Flynt, Chas
A. Spotford whom I knew as fellow
student at Blue Hill, as far back
q, 1889, and many others of the
earlier and later days. / should certainly
expect to see Hamlin take part in the first
dance at the ball. May many years vet be
given him. With thanks for the invitation
to be with you and assurance of regrets,
am yours respectfully,
MARX II. DUNNELL.