Norwich bulletin., 1916-05-20

come widely known to many of the leading writers, particularly of anti quarian tastes. in different parts of the country.
 Edward Everett, Robert c. Win throp. George Bancroft and others fre- quent1y corresponded with t1er, and acknowledged her ability and accuracy. Sylvester Judds of Northampton, and were among the eminent men who ap- preciated her historical knowledge and who often availed themselves of her aid and her stores of information re- specting the early colonists of New England
 Roger s. Baldwin and Henry White, of New Haven were among those who valued her Works highly, and the lat ter,e in letter dated June 3, 1884, re- ferTing to her history, said, T have. met with no town history which, in my judgment, is quite equal to it.''
 Rev. Dr. Sprague, of Albany com plimented the gifted woman by writ ing to her: T imagine there are few in our country, of either sex, whose opinion for accuracy in respect to the past is as good as yours.''
 She was elected to honorary and corresponding membership to several eminent soe1eties. which appreciated her historical researches and accun- ulated antiquarian lore. She had the distinction of being the only woman upon whom the Massachusetts Histor- ical Society conferred that honor.
 During the summer of 1866, she was brought by a long and slow fever very near the gates of death. Her second edition of the History of Norwich, had just gone into the printers hands and the last proofs had been corrected, Htten her frame, long frail yielded to 17n e4r felt that her life-work was ending She regained her health in measure however, and was able to do light lit er'ary work up to the closing week of her busy life.
 The end came on Feb. 3rd, 1869, and she was buried in Cedar Grove Gem etery, New London, mourned by friends and admirers throughout the country. She died at the nome of her stepz zbrother. Henry P. Haven, who wrote in love and tenderness the bi- graphical sketch which precedes the last edition Of her History of Norwich, and who collected with diligent af- lection, the many tributes to her work and memory.
 Among others who wrote of the eni- nent historian with sympathy and l loving tribute are listed Mrs. Charles ] Colt, Henry Bill, Rev. Hiram P. Arms, D.D., Miss Mary E. Hampstead, Mrs. ] H. P. Williams George L. Perkins, and others of Norwich. The local, state and religious papers published long tributes to her work and personality. All over the land, her poems and notices of her histories were reprint l ed. One of the most popular of her poems was the AtIantic's Bell, dealing with the shipwreck of fine new ] steamer belonging to the Norwich G2 l Worcester Railroad, which was lost on Fishers Island, Thursday, Nov. 1 26th, 1S46, fortytwo persons perish l ing. When the steamer struck the shore, the dashing of the waves l against her frame caused her bell to toll. The bell was uncommonly clear and shrill and was heard for a long 1 time, until the wreck was broken to
 pieces by the storms and carried be- heath the waves, solemnly sounding,
 as though tolling the requiem of the
 steamer and her dead.
 In preparing her original and sec ond histories, Miss Caulkins did a l prodigious amount of work, and work of the quality which endures In re- publishing the book, in 1874, Henry P Haven added much that is of value
 in these later days. Miss Caulkins
 but rather for the pleasure it gave Flowers grew, and fragrance filled the
 air, all along the path of research. She expresses the hope that readers i tagged and lonely people, or those among the stirring and ardent, who
 turn reverently toward the past, tho youth perchance whose curiosity is excited to know what has been done on this spot in other times, and the far-of wanderer who cherishes Nor,
 wich as his own early home, or tho | seat of his ancestors-will experience
 in the perusal of the bokk some DOT.
 ton of that satisfying interest whicl was felt in it's preparation
 MT. Haven carried the work dowr
 to the close of the year 1878; anc so the valuable and precious legacy
 of Miss Caulkins' labors has como
 down to this generation