The freeman's journal., 1889-08-17
COLLECTION OF RELICS.
A LITTLE. MINE CONCEALED IN THE
WADSWORTH ATHENEUM.

IHkeFeSLfnS FAPcrS fenne0 IN the 11me Of
tire Observation-Disclosures Arnold's Bulls
Eye Watch--A Collection of Swords and
y waixtcoat That Was Pierced by One.
The revolutionary relics preserved in
the historical rooms of the Wadsworth
Athenaum in this city are rich and va
ried in interest. In the first place, the
building is on the site of the old Wads-
worth residence. IN the parlors of which
Gen. Washington, Marquis de Lafayette,
JoHatFHn Trumbull, Count Rochambeau
and Admiral de Ternay held the notable
conference with regard to the war which
Resulted III the discontinue of the British
forces at Yorktown aud the surrender of
cornwafiis. The plan of campaign was
decided on at this conference. In out
Of-the- Nay places in the building is an
Invaluable mass Of historical documents
including unpublished Washington let
ters, the Silas Deane papers, letters from
Lafayette and Rochambeau, with the
original contract with the great mar
quis. which insured his services to the
struggling patriots. 1t is doubtful if a
dozen men in this city have seen these
papers. which are slowed away in old
boxes and chests. Trumbull's accounts
of the continental army are also deposit
eel in large quantities in this bonanza of
revolutionary memorials.
A hushel basketful of old checks bear
ing the signature of Aaron Burr coul,
be unearthed if Professor Trumbull could
be persuaded to consent to the proceed
ing. The Burr autographs, apart from
This business lot, are very rare at present.
The gold and onyx snuff box which Gen.
Washington owned is not allowed to be
seen for fear it might prove resistless
temptation to thieves and burglars. 1t
is inclosed in n paper box and securely
locked in one of the side cases of the
athenaum. The footstool of Martha
Washington is allowed, however. a place
ON the floor of the historical rooms, and
now and then a wearied visitor might
drop down upon it for moments rest.
believing it to be an old fashioned settee.
The Bible and diary of Jonathan Trum-
bull, the original Brother Jonathan.
are not far from Nathan Hale's powder
horn. which he carried and fitted for use
when student in Yale college.
The antique basket which the noted
spy used in camp. containing even now
couple of bottles, is in the case with
the powder horn, suggesting that the
owner used to get dry ike other morta!s
The Hale letters are worth their weight
in gold. Thebulrs eye watch. owned by
Benedict Arnold, and the wallet which
was i'll the possession of Major Andre
when he was captured, are the principal
attractions in still another case in the
rooms
The collection of swords which were
worn by distinguished revolutionists is
anequaled In this section of the country.
phe list comprises Jonathan Trirnbull's
Senior and iunior) the latter Of whom
was Washington's private secretary, and
Israel Putnam's twenty inch blade.
which sew some of the blobdiest carnage
of the war. The cartridge box worn at
Bunker Hill by Abraham Tuttle. of New
Haven. is unique in its way. The queer
mail bag in which the first news of the
hattie of Lexington was carried through
tlle Connecticut valley is snugly con-
cealed in spot where no one would
think Of looking for it, and endures old
age surprisingly WELL
The array Of dismal memorials is more
Interesting than such collections gener- |
ally turn out to bein public resort.
The waistcoat worm by Col. Ledyard
when he was run through with his own
sword By a British officer at Fort Girls !,
void after the surrender of the garrison,