Norwich bulletin. [volume] (Norwich, Conn.) 1895-2011, 1909-06-05


newspaper. was sent over g. write up
The Lawrences' old schooneft coffin and
give 'em rats, only that was not the
word used.
The reporter went on the mission
and found Mr.. Francis Lawrence at
the shipyard experimenting the work.
After a pleasing salutation the report
er told Mr.. Lawrence the object OF the
visit.
The boss carpenter was called and
instructed to get an augur and bore
g hole in the schooner timbers wher-
ever directed by the reporter, for II
the Colgate was a rotten old hulk
marine coffin, he was even more anx-
ious to know ii than was the editorial
writer for local newspaper.
A thorough examination was made
and not a rotten spot could be found
in the vessel. This fact was stated
on the return, and the editor said to
the reporter:
You write the Colgate up as you
found her and I'll give the Lawrences
rats in the editorial column and
he certainly did, telling Of the inhu-
maiity of man to man, and the studied
delay on the part of the Lawrences to
assist the Trinity's crew.
When the repairs on the Colgate
were completed and size was in ship
shape alongside the Lawrence wharf
these attacks were renewed. II being
stated editorially that no effort was
being made to send the Colgate after
the shipwrecked crew. Just at that
time the Messrs; Lawrence showed the
present writer copies OF letters sent
and letters received. wherein the own
er-s of the vessels had made liberal Of
fers to experienced masters 10 sail in
the Colgate, but which were rejected.
No acceptable captain could be en-
ployed to make the trip. All this time
the Lawrences were being raped edi-
torially in the newspapers. but he
pledged the reporter to secrecy, stating
that the correspondence was shoNn
only as a personal satisfaction and
that no referencel to IL could be made
in print. The Lawrences did all that
could be done. -.
Finally. through the instrumentality
of the Messrs. Lawrence and their then
attorney. the late Hon. Augustus Bran
degee, the government sent out the
United States ship Marion and the
Trinity's crew was rescued from
Hurd's Island. Even in that connec-
ton attack. newspaper attack. was
made against the Lawrences, and II
was said the Marion went on the err
rand of mercy Independent OF any ac-
ton on the part OF the owners OF thS
vessel.
Obituaries of Mr.. Lawrence have
been published in the local newspapers
| but here are a few. matters OF Interest
that have been omitted.
o, M. Shepard, general assistant o.
the traffic department Of the New York
New Haven and Hartford railroad, VINE
| died at his home in New Haven Tues
day. aged Sc, was superintendent of TN
Shore Line division about thirty year
1 ago and was we'll known to many New
Londoners He was an operator y
telegraph in the Civil war and be
came an experienced railroad man:
His first trip over the Shore Line
from New Haven to New London. wa
made on the locomotive of a train tina
reached New London in the early ar
ternoon. The locomotive struck a mai
at the Waterford crossing and his LEI
leg was nearly several from the body
The injured man was brought here o.
the train and physicians summoned
but he died a few hours after bein
\ injured.
Mr.. Shepard was very active In car
ing for the man, and local reporter
noticing the activity, was satisfied tina
Mr.. Shepard, then not known her'
knew something of the fatality. !
clear and connected account of the &C
cident was cheerfully given and tn
reporter desiring to use II as tn
statement of an eyewitness asked tn
name of the accommodating informan
and received this reply:
my name is Shepard. recently ap
! pointed superintendent, and you ca
saw in addition that the engineer {
that train was not at fault. The con-
panv lis in no way responsible, but
will see to 1t that the man has
decent burial, out Of my own privat
but limited purse. but this part OF IN
story is not for publication"
He added, jokingly: III you're shot
of material when I am called away, a
has been this unfortunate man, 20
may use IT in an obituary way!
En-Mayor, ex-Postmaster, ex-leai'
: Iator, Prosecuting Attorney Brya
F. Mahan. the largest individual tar
payer of New London, the kingpin
! politics and one Of the shrewdest an
most progressive OF business men,
real self-made man, as the term goe
: has blossomed out into full-nedge
: government contractor. He has bee
awarded contract for the constructio
of 695 feet of sidewalk, five feet
, width. at Fort Wright.
. While Mr.. Mahan has not advertise
; himself as a general contractor. he hs
: probably supervised the constructio
| ! of more buildings. all for himself, tina
HA1OVER.