The Portland daily press., 1894-11-19
ROBERT C. WINTHROP.
A Renaissance of His Last Visit to
Portland.
FuneraI-Famous Men Who Were With
Him-An Impressive Scene

1t Was On the Occasion of the Peabody
FuneraI-Famous Men Who Were With
Him-An Impressive Scene.
The announcement of the death of the
late Hon. Robert q. Winthrop, recalls the
last time that the distinguished citizen of
Massachusetts, visited Portland. 1t was in
January. 1870. when, as one of the trustees
OF the Peabody institute, he came to this
City to do honor to that distinguished
banker and philanthropist, whose remains
the Queen of Great Britain had returned to
our shores in her proudest ship, the
Monarch, commanded by Captain. now
Admiral of the fleet. Sir J. E. Commerell.
K. G. B.. anG escorted by the y. S. S.
Plymouth. Captain Maconlber. To show it's
appreciation of the action of Her Majesty
Vic toria, the United States through its
President, Gen Grant, had ordered that
great naval hero, Admiral Farragut and
staff. and the ships Miantonomah, Terror
and neyden to proceed to Portland and re-
ceive the honored dead. Here also came
Ex-Governor John H. Clifford of Massachu-
setts. chairman of the Peabody Educational
Fund. and the other trustees, including
Hon. Robert q. Winthrop.
1t was on the morning of January Goth,
1870. that by the Kindness of Collector Wash
burn, the United States revenue steamer
Mahonlng-nOw the Woodbury-Captain
John A. Webster sailed down the harbor
to receive the fleet. and visit the remains
OF Mr.. Peabody as they lay in state in the
mortuary chapel on board the Monarch.
Probably more distinguished body of men
has never trod the deck of a government
vessel on any occasion. There were
Admiral Faragut and staff, the trustees of
the Fund, Gen. John Marshall Brown of
the governors staff, representing Governor
Chamberlain of Maine; Alderman Curtis,
representing the city government; Hon. A.
A. Abbott. president Of the Peabody insti-
tute. E. W. Upton, of the board of trustees,
General Sutton repI esenting the town of
Peabody, Mass; Hon. Isreal Washburn.
collector of the port; Hon. John B. Brown,
United States Marshal Clark, Gen. Webster,
Hon. NJ. NJ. Butler. and Harry B. Brown,
the celebrated marine artist. Besides these
gentlemen there was no journal of conse-
quence in Ems land or America, but had its
representatives.
The day was magnificent. The rain storm
of the previous day had laden the branches
of the trees with ice, and the scene from
the deck of the Mahoning was one never to
be forgotten. In the background lay the
city with every twig of her magnifc elms
THAT gained her the appel1ation of the
Forest City sparkling in the sunlight and
displaying a thousand prismatic colors.
while above them the gilded dome of the
City hall, and the vanes of the churches
cleaned like molten gold. In bold relief
upon the snow white background of Mum
joy stood out the black masses Of people
who had gathered to witness the approach
ing spectacle. while overhead hung the vast
canopy of the heavens of unclouded blue.
without even the smallest white cloud to
feck it's broad expanse. All along the
wharves lay the shipping with sails set and
flags at half mast. presenting the appear
ance of fairy crafts, the work of the frost
king. 1t seemed. said Mr.. Winthrop, as if
nature had determined to array herself in
her purest robes in honor TO the great
philanthropist, whose spotless name and
rare deeds in the cause of humanity had
called forth this great demonstration on
the part OF Monarchical England and Re-
publican America.
During the progress of the Mahoning
down the harbor, the fleet fred minute
guns. and hoisted their flags at half mast
taking up position in the rear of the
Monarch. All the vessels then weighed
anchor and steamed up abreast of Fort
Gorges, past the Mahoning. Then they
anchored and the gentlemen on the revenue
steamer went aboard the Monarch, where
they were received with due honors, by |
Captain Uommerell and Mr.. George Peabody
Russell, the nephew Of Mr.. Peabody, who |
accompanied the remains. In the mortuary |
chapel on the second deck. the walls we've |
hung with rich LACK broadcloth. and in the |
alternate panellings were elegant silver |
candelabra and the monogram G. p. worked |
IN white silk cord. In the centre, upon a |
raised dais. rested the casket, surrounded
by tall wax candles in elegant silver candle |
sticks. while overhead the canopy of black |
broadcloth, box planted with white silk
cords. radiated from he centre to the sides |
OF the cabin and were fastened at the |
centre by a knot. from which two elegant
French silk tassels fell directly over the
lid of the coffin.
When this party returned to the city. MI.
Winthrop, and Ex-Governor Clifford, botb
remarked, that il all their varied expert |
ence they could never recall an occasion
was more In accord with the fitness Of
things, than this magnificent tribute to 81