Norwich bulletin., 1915-06-19
GEN. BURNSIDE VISITED NORWICH
Was Guest of A. H. Amy Here Fifty Years AgoMerchans Bank Voted Natonalize-Extra Dividend of One Per Cent. Declared By Norwich Savings Society-Death of Mrs. Lydia Huntley Sigourney, Most Distinguished Daughter of Norwich

Included in the military promotions announced fifty years ago was that of Brevet Major Gen. H. w. Birge of this city from command at the post of Savannah to. command of that mill 1tary district. During the same week the stock holders of the Merchants Bank voted to natdonalize and the Norwich Savings Society declared an annual dividend of 8 per cent. and an extra dividend of ] per cent. pay able on and after July 15, 1865. EX- tracts from the '65 files of the Bulle- 1 tin follow:
 Monday. June 12, 1s65.-Brevet Ma tor Gen. H. w. Birge of this city has been promoted from command of the post at Savannah to the command of that military district. vice Grover, re- lieved.
 Captain Joseph P. Rockwell. 18th regiment A. l. G. to Brig. Gen. Stew enson, at Harper's Ferry. Va, is in town on lave of absence. He re- ports that there is no immediate pros pect of the return of the 18th though they will doubtless be mustered out before their term expires.
 Since the first invention of Daguerre the improvements in the art of talk ing pictures have been almost innum- erable so that at the present time pictures are taken by the sun on paper, leather, wood, tin, ivory and in fact almost everything. Among the latest of these inventions are porce- lain miniatures. These are deserved ly becoming fashionable as they are really works Of art. Some finely eX- ecuted Speciments of them can be found at L. Thompson's gallery in this city, MT. Thompson just having com menced their manufacture.
 Becomes National Bank.
 Tuesday, June 13, 1865-The stock holders of the Merchants bank on Monday voted to NationaIize. This is the last of the city banks to come into the national system, which has now been adopted by every bank in Norwich
 The first meeting of the new board of common council was held in the council chamber on Monday evening. Present, His Honor Mayor Greene, presiding: Aldermen Croweu and Smith; Councilmen Chapman, Gould, Upham, Congdon and Whittemore.
 Ordered Back to Regiment.
 Lieut.. Col. David Torrance and Ad- jutant Spalding, 18th c. V. arrived here Tuesday having come on under orders. They had not been here but a few hours when a telegram was re- ceived ordering them to join their regiment which is on transports at Fortress Monroe, ready to start for Texas. The officers design to take Lu6lr WINeS out With them.
 Wednesday. June If, 1865.-The ladies of the Universalist society, true to their former reputation, have not fallen behind hand in their arrange ments for their strawberry festival, which opened last evening in Breed Hall and will be continued tonight. The tables were beautifully decorated with flowers and bountifully furnish ed with delicious strawberries, ice cream and cakes. The music fur nished for the occasion is worthy of special mention.
 Methodists in Session.
 The New London district Minis teriaI association, (Methodist) in ses- sion at the Sachem street M E. church occupied Tuesday morning in literary exercises. In the afternoon Rev. B. F. Walker, Holland, delivered an able discourse. This was followed by a review by Rev. J. E. Hawkins of Greeneville, and in the evening by Rev. James Maher preached from the 142nd Psalm. The attendance has been good throughout, Holland Wind ham, and New London counties being represented.
 The Norwich Savings Society has declared a regular semi annual divi- dend of 8 per cent and an extra 1 per cent payable on and after July 15. A